Patent Publication Number: US-9839297-B2

Title: Split ottoman linkage accomodating a chaise pad

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/971,853, filed Mar. 28, 2014, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of this disclosure relate to chair reclining mechanisms. More particularly, this disclosure includes embodiments relating to an extendable ottoman linkage having a split pad configuration usable with a chair having a chaise pad. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Chairs now sometimes have what is known as a “chaise pad.” In this construction, a pad extends from the seat and along the front of the chair, forming part of the footrest, when the chair is in the closed position. When the footrest is extended, the chaise pad forms a continuous pad from the seat and extends outwardly from the seat. It is also desirable to have an additional foot support that extends beyond the chaise pad. The challenge is that, because the chaise pad is a continuous piece, the support portion of the footrest linkage supporting the chaise pad must extend the same distance from the seat in both the closed and extended positions. What is needed is a split ottoman that allows the chaise pad support, but that also provides a more-forward footrest section that abuts the chaise pad in the closed position, but that extends farther away from the chaise pad in the extended position. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a split ottoman linkage having a plurality of interconnected links that move a middle ottoman and a front ottoman from a closed position to an extended position. The middle ottoman moves in a relatively constant radial arc, such that a chaise pad can be used on the chair. The middle ottoman and the front ottoman are positioned adjacent one another in the closed position, and are spaced from one another in the extended position. 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment, a split ottoman linkage for a reclining chair mechanism on a chair having a frame, a seat, and a backrest is provided. The split ottoman linkage includes a front ottoman link having first and second ends, the first end is coupled to an upper ottoman link of a reclining chair mechanism. The split ottoman linkage also includes a middle ottoman link having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to a lower ottoman link of the reclining chair mechanism and the middle ottoman link is coupled to the upper ottoman link near the first end. The split ottoman linkage further includes a bridge link coupled to the second end of the middle ottoman link and near the second end of the front ottoman link, the middle ottoman link and bridge link are adapted to extend the bridge link in a relatively constant radial arc. Additionally, the split ottoman linkage includes a front ottoman bracket coupled to the second end of the front ottoman link; and a coupling link coupled between the bridge link and the front ottoman bracket. The split ottoman linkage is adapted to move between a closed position with the bridge link and the front ottoman bracket positioned close to one another, and an extended position where the bridge link and the front ottoman bracket are spaced from one another. 
     In another embodiment, a split ottoman linkage for a reclining chair mechanism on a chair having a frame, a seat, and a backrest is provided. The split ottoman linkage includes a front ottoman link having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to an upper ottoman link of a reclining chair mechanism. The split ottoman linkage also includes a middle ottoman link having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to a lower ottoman link of the reclining chair mechanism. The middle ottoman link is coupled to the upper ottoman link at an upper ottoman link connection point that is closer to the first end than the second end of the middle ottoman link. Additionally, the split ottoman linkage includes a bridge link coupled to the second end of the middle ottoman link, the bridge link being coupled to the front ottoman link at a bridge link connection point that is closer to the second end than the first end of the front ottoman link. The middle ottoman link and the bridge link are adapted to extend the bridge link in a relatively constant radial arc when the split ottoman linkage is shifted between a closed position and an extended position. The split ottoman linkage further includes a front ottoman bracket having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to the second end of the front ottoman link at a front ottoman bracket connection point. When the split ottoman linkage is shifted between the closed position and the extended position, the bridge link connection point maintains a fixed position along the bridge link and the front ottoman bracket connection point maintains a fixed position along the front ottoman bracket. 
     In yet another embodiment, a chair having a reclining mechanism is provided. The chair includes a frame, a seat pad, a seat back, and a split ottoman linkage adapted for use with a reclining mechanism. The split ottoman linkage includes a front ottoman link having first and second ends, the first end is coupled to an upper ottoman link of a reclining chair mechanism. The split ottoman linkage also includes a middle ottoman link having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to a lower ottoman link of the reclining chair mechanism and the middle ottoman link is coupled to the upper ottoman link near the first end. The split ottoman linkage further includes a bridge link coupled to the second end of the middle ottoman link and near the second end of the front ottoman link, the middle ottoman link and bridge link are adapted to extend the bridge link in a relatively constant radial arc. Additionally, the split ottoman linkage includes a front ottoman bracket coupled to the second end of the front ottoman link; and a coupling link coupled between the bridge link and the front ottoman bracket. The split ottoman linkage is adapted to move between a closed position with the bridge link and the front ottoman bracket positioned close to one another, and an extended position where the bridge link and the front ottoman bracket are spaced from one another. 
     Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is an exemplary prior art ottoman linkage showing a slotted link with the ottoman linkage in the open position; 
         FIG. 1B  is an exemplary prior art ottoman linkage showing a slotted link with the ottoman linkage in the closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary chair with a split ottoman linkage in the closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view similar to  FIG. 2 , but showing the use and positioning of a chaise pad; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view similar to  FIG. 3  but showing the open, TV position; 
         FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4 , showing the fully reclined position, without the seat and chaise pad; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an alternative split ottoman linkage in use on a low-profile style chair mechanism, in the closed position; 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6 , with the seat and chaise pad removed; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view similar to  FIG. 6 , shown in the open, TV position; 
         FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  with the seat and chaise pad removed; and 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , showing the fully reclined position without the seat and chaise pad. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of certain aspects is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict the prior art front section of a chair with a split ottoman in an open and a closed position, respectively. The chair is illustrated with a chaise pad  10  that extends over the front edge of the chair seat, and extends downwardly in the closed position ( FIG. 1B ). In the open position, the chaise pad extends outwardly from the chair seat, forming a continuous surface ( FIG. 1A ). The forward area of the chaise pad is coupled to an ottoman support section  12 . This support section must extend from the closed position to the open position such that the chaise pad will not be pulled off of the ottoman support section. Additionally, it is desirable to have an additional ottoman support section, such as the front section  14 . This front section extends directly below the ottoman support section  12 , and abuts this ottoman support section  12 , when in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1B . In the open position, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the front section  14  extends outwardly and is separated from the section  12 . In the prior art, this functionality was accomplished with a slotted link, as can be seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The drawback to using a slotted link is that the mechanism is relatively complicated, and is prone to malfunction if not positioned exactly as required. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  depict a chair with a split ottoman linkage  20  positioned on a reclining mechanism  22 . The split ottoman linkage  20  is depicted in the closed position.  FIG. 2  depicts the split ottoman linkage  20  and the reclining mechanism  22  in the absence of a chair frame and a seat pad, while  FIG. 3  is a schematic view that reveals the position of at least a portion of the frame  64 , chaise pad  60 , front pad  68 , and seat back  66  relative to the split ottoman linkage  20  and the reclining mechanism  22 . It should be understood that the schematic view of  FIG. 3  has various chair parts removed and/or has other parts superimposed on other elements in order to highlight relevant features of split ottoman linkage  20  and reclining mechanism  22 . While shown in use on a particular reclining mechanism  22 , it should be understood that the ottoman linkage  20  is adapted to be usable on virtually any reclining mechanism configuration with only minimal alteration. An exemplary reclining mechanism on which the ottoman linkage  20  could be used is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/064,700, which was filed on Oct. 28, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Ottoman linkage  20  includes a series of interconnected links that control the extension and retraction of the ottoman from the closed position depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , to the open position depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . It should be understood that while only one split ottoman linkage  20  is described and depicted in the figures, a pair of split ottoman linkages can be present on a chair, with each essentially being a mirror image of the other and disposed in opposing-facing relation about a longitudinally-extending plane that bisects the chair. As such, the ensuing discussion will focus on only one of the split ottoman linkages, e.g., split ottoman linkage  20 , with the content being equally applied to the other complimentary split ottoman linkage assembly. 
     It should be understood and appreciated that the components of split ottoman linkage  20  discussed herein may be formed from any suitable material known in the furniture-manufacturing industry, such as metal stock (e.g., stamped, formed steel) for brackets, plates, and links. Further, it should be understood and appreciated that the components may be connected together using any techniques or mechanisms known in the furniture-manufacturing industry. For example, components that are rigidly connected may be connected via rivets, bolts, welding, etc. In addition, the shapes of the components described herein may vary, as well as any connection or attachment points between components. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the ottoman linkage  20  is coupled to reclining mechanism  22  via a lower ottoman link  24  and an upper ottoman link  26 . It should be understood that the schematic view of  FIG. 4  has various chair parts removed and/or has other parts superimposed on other elements in order to highlight relevant features of split ottoman linkage  20  and reclining mechanism  22 . Lower ottoman link  24  and upper ottoman link  26  exist in one form or another on various existing reclining mechanisms, such as reclining mechanism  22 . Ottoman linkage  20  is coupled to lower ottoman link  24  through the pivotable coupling of a middle ottoman link  28  at connection point  30 . Middle ottoman link  28  is also pivotably coupled to upper ottoman link  26  at connection point  32 , i.e., ottoman drive connection point  32 . At the end of middle ottoman link  28  opposite from connection point  30 , middle ottoman link  28  is pivotably coupled to a bridge link  34  at connection point  36 , i.e., middle ottoman link connection point  36 . Bridge link  34  has an upper end terminating in a horizontally extending chaise pad attachment platform  38 . Bridge link  34  has a shallow C shape, and is pivotably connected to a front ottoman link  40  at a connection point  42 , i.e., bridge link connection point  42 , below connection point  36  (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ). The lower end of front ottoman link  40  is pivotably coupled to upper ottoman link  26  at connection point  41 . The end of bridge link  34  opposite horizontally extending chaise pad attachment platform  38  is pivotably coupled to a coupling link  44  at a connection point  46 , i.e., coupling link connection point  46 . Coupling link  44  operates to couple the bridge link  34  to a front ottoman bracket  48  through a pivotal coupling  50 . The front ottoman bracket  48  has an upper end terminating in a horizontally extending front ottoman pad attachment platform  52 . Platform  52  is used as an attachment and support surface for a front ottoman pad  68 . The end of front ottoman bracket  48  opposite pad  68  is pivotably coupled to front ottoman link  40  at connection point  56 , i.e., front ottoman bracket connection point  56 . 
     It is understood and appreciated that the pivotable couplings between the linkages described above and elsewhere herein can take a variety of configurations, such as pivot pins, bearings, traditional mounting hardware, rivets, bolt and nut combinations, or any other suitable fasteners which are well-known in the furniture-manufacturing industry. Further, the shapes of the linkages and the brackets may vary, as may the locations of certain pivot and/or connection points. It will be understood that when a linkage is referred to as being pivotably “coupled” to, “connected” to, “interconnected” with, “attached” on, etc., another element (e.g., linkage, bracket, frame, and the like), it is contemplated that the linkage and elements may be in direct contact with each other, or other elements, such as intervening elements, may also be present. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the chair used with ottoman linkage  20  may have a chaise pad  60 . The front of chaise pad  60  can be connected to the horizontally extending chaise pad attachment platform  38 . The chaise pad  60  can be connected to the horizontally extending chaise pad attachment platform  38  in any manner known to one skilled in the art, such as with staples, adhesive, and the like. As the ottoman linkage  20  extends from the closed position shown in  FIG. 3  to the open position shown in  FIG. 4 , the front of the chaise pad  60  moves from a somewhat vertical position depicted in  FIG. 3  to the horizontal position depicted in  FIG. 4 . As the ottoman linkage  20  extends, the links cooperate to maintain a relatively constant radial arc for the horizontally extending chaise pad attachment platform  38 , such that the front of chaise pad  60  is supported at a relatively constant distance with respect to a seat cushion  62 . This enables the chaise pad  60  to extend, and be supported, without being pulled away from seat cushion  62 . Additionally, as ottoman linkage  20  extends, the front ottoman pad  68  moves from a position as shown in  FIG. 3  directly adjacent and abutting the front of chaise pad  60 , to an extended position away from the front of chaise pad  60  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The ottoman linkage  20  can shift from a closed to an extended position by initiating movement of upper ottoman link  26  and lower ottoman link  24  from the vertical position depicted in  FIG. 3  to the horizontal position depicted in  FIG. 4 . One can initiate this movement with the use of standard mechanisms known in the art, such as via a lever. As upper ottoman link  26  and lower ottoman link  24  move from a vertical position to a horizontal position, middle ottoman link  28  and front ottoman link  40  move away from seat cushion  62  and upward, rotating about connection points  30  and  41 , respectively. As middle ottoman link  28  and front ottoman link  40  move away from seat cushion  62  and upward, bridge link  34  rotates from the vertical position depicted in  FIG. 3  to the horizontal position depicted in  FIG. 4  at least partly by rotating about connection point  36 . As bridge link  34  rotates and moves, coupling link  44  and front ottoman bracket  48  are urged forward and upward through a force applied at least partly to connection points  50  and  46 . As bridge link  34  extends to the horizontal position depicted in  FIG. 4 , front ottoman link  40  continues to apply a force to front ottoman bracket  48  at least at connection point  56  causing front ottoman bracket  48  to rotate about connection point  50  and extend outward until coupling link  44  and front ottoman link  40  restrict any further outward movement of front ottoman bracket  48 . 
     One can retract the split ottoman linkage  20 , e.g., shift from an extended position to a closed position, by initiating movement of upper ottoman link  26  and lower ottoman link  24  from the horizontal position depicted in  FIG. 4  to the vertical position depicted in  FIG. 3 . One skilled in the art would understand and appreciate that this retracting movement of upper ottoman link  26  and lower ottoman link  24  causes the components of split ottoman linkage  20  to move in a direction opposite that of the movements for the extension of the split ottoman linkage  20  described immediately above. 
     The reclining mechanism may be configured to create varying amounts of separation between the front ottoman pad  68  and the chaise pad  60 . In one example, the illustrated mechanism, when in the extended position, creates about 2.5 inches of separation between the front ottoman pad  68  and the front of the chaise pad  60 . This extended position is accomplished with a simple linkage that can be used on a variety of reclining chair mechanisms. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the reclining mechanism  22  may be moved to a fully-reclined position as well. 
     As another example, depicted in  FIGS. 6-10 , a similar split ottoman linkage  20 A is shown on a reclining mechanism  22 A having a configuration that is more low-profile. The low-profile reclining mechanism  22 A allows for certain alternative chair styles, such as low-to-the-floor chair types. As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the links of the ottoman linkage  20 A are connected to a lower ottoman link  24 A and an upper ottoman link  26 A. The links of ottoman linkage  20 A include a middle ottoman link  28 A, a front ottoman link  40 A, a bridge link  34 A, a coupling link  44 A, and a front ottoman bracket  48 A. These links are coupled to one another in a similar fashion to the links of ottoman linkage  20  described above, and so will not be detailed further here. Importantly, the ottoman linkage  20 A is configured largely the same, with only slightly different geometry necessitated by the lower profile reclining mechanism  22 A. For example, one or more of middle ottoman link  28 A and front ottoman link  40 A can have mirror size and/or shape changes compared to middle ottoman link  28  and front ottoman link  40 , respectively, which can be necessitated by the physical constraints provided with low profile reclining mechanism  22 A. One skilled in the art would understand any required slight geometric differences necessitated by the low profile reclining mechanism  22 A. 
       FIGS. 6-10  illustrate the reclining mechanism  22 A and the ottoman linkage  20 A in each of the positions described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . Particularly,  FIG. 6  depicts a chair in an upright position having ottoman linkage  20 A coupled to low profile reclining mechanism  22 A, and showing the position of a chaise pad  60 A and a middle ottoman pad  68 A.  FIG. 7  depicts the chair as in  FIG. 6  but without chaise pad  60 A and middle ottoman pad  68 A. The ottoman linkage  20 A in  FIGS. 6 and 7  are in the closed position.  FIGS. 8 and 9  depict ottoman linkage  20 A in an extended position while reclining mechanism  22 A is in a reclined TV position.  FIG. 8  also shows the position of chaise pad  60 A and middle ottoman pad  68 A.  FIG. 10  depicts ottoman linkage  20 A in an extended position while reclining mechanism  22 A is in a fully reclined position. It should be understood that the schematic views depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 8  have various chair parts removed and/or have other parts superimposed on other elements in order to highlight relevant features of split ottoman linkage  20 A and reclining mechanism  22 A. 
     It is understood and appreciated that the above description of the ottoman linkage  20  with respect to  FIGS. 2-5  may also apply to the ottoman linkage  20 A depicted in  FIGS. 6-10 . For example, the above description of how various links of ottoman linkage  20  shift relative to one another to extend ottoman linkage  20  also can apply to ottoman linkage  20 A depicted in  FIGS. 6-10 . 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that the disclosed reclining mechanism is well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the structure. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     Since many possible alternative reclining mechanisms may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.