Patent Publication Number: US-6702382-B1

Title: Rocker recliner lift system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to chairs and more specifically to a rocker recliner lift system comprising a rocker recliner rocker limiter and a plurality of chair height adjusters attachments for rocker recliners that can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners. 
     The rocker limiter is a device having a triangle-like structure having divergent curvilinear adjacent sides whereby said device can be fixedly positioned to the rocker cam or rocker base limiting the movement in one direction of the rocker mechanism. 
     Typically a rocker mechanism is comprised of rocker cams having a curved lower surface that engages the chair base having a spring assembly connected therebetween. When pressure is placed on the anterior or posterior portion of the seat the basically horizontal planar positioning of the seat is angularly displaced according to the force applied and the limits of the spring assembly. For the elderly and infirm this can present a problem because the angular displacement can position the patient in biomedical disadvantage such as their knee joints above their hip joints requiring a greater degree of effort to achieve a standing position. The reverse is also true in moving to a seated position in that a greater degree of control is required because the seat moves from a horizontal position to an angularly displaced position. It is a primary object of the present invention to fix the maximum degree of anterior angular displacement of the rocker recliner according to a user selectable position by situating the rocker limiter by means of suitable fastener to the rocker cam or rocker base. 
     It should also be noted that by using a fastening element such as hook and loop material the rocker limiter is easily relocatable. Therefore, the rocker recliner could be used as an exercise device by user&#39;s selectively repositioning the rocker limiter to increase the angular displacement of the seat. 
     The chair height adjusters are a plurality of interlocking blocks that are engagingly positioned beneath the chair base to raise the rocker recliner by a distance determined by the number and thickness of chair height adjusters positioned thereunder. 
     When used in combination with the rocker limiter the actual chair height can be raised between 2 inch to 3 inches while the effective chair height is raised 5 to 8 inches depending on the degree of rotation of the rocker cam. 
     The importance of this distinction between actual and effective chair height lies in the fact of not raising a chairs actual height by 5-8 inches which would be detrimental to the chair owner&#39;s comfort and safety. It also provides the benefit of keeping the chairs center of gravity lower than if the chair was actually raised 5-8 inches. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other devices designed for rocker recliners that limit the rocker movement. Most of these devices are manufactured as original equipment with the rocker recliner. 
     Therefore, it is felt that a need exist for a rocker recliner lift system that can be retrofitted to an existing rocker recliner whereby a user can selectively limit the rocker mechanism in one direction by use of a rocker limiter. The rocker limiter provides users with the means to modify their existing chairs on a selective basis whether it&#39;s for visiting friends or for a recuperation period due to illness or surgery. 
     Furthermore, it is felt that a need exist for a plurality of height adjusters, also being a component of the rocker recliner lift system, of varying thicknesses that can be placed in an engaging position beneath the base of the chair which provides the user with the ability to raise the chair by a user selectable height which can further increase the effectiveness of raising the seat to a position whereby an individual gains a biomedical advantage while sitting on or standing from said chair. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses a rocker recliner lift system comprising a rocker limiter and a plurality of chair base lifts which can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners. The rocker limiter is a device having an arcuate face whereby the device can be fixedly positioned to the rocker cam or rocker base limiting the movement of the rocker mechanism in one direction. The chair base lifts are a plurality of interlocking blocks or a single block that are engagingly positioned beneath the chair support base to raise the rocker recliner by a distance determined by the number and thickness of chair height lifts positioned thereunder. 
     The present invention is a rocker recliner lift system comprising a rocker recliner rocker limiter and a plurality of chair height adjusters attachments for rocker recliners that can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners. 
     The rocker limiter is a device having a triangle-like structure having divergent curvilinear adjacent sides whereby said device can be fixedly positioned to the rocker cam or rocker base limiting the movement in one direction of the rocker mechanism. 
     The chair height adjusters are a plurality of interlocking blocks or a single block that are engagingly positioned beneath the chair base to raise the rocker recliner by a distance determined by the number and thickness of chair height adjusters positioned thereunder. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner system for modifying the height of the chair and angular movement of the seating area. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner system having a rocker limiter whereby the angular movement of the chair can be selectively adjusted. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner system having height adjusters whereby the height of the chair can be selective raised and/or lowered. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner system having a rocker limiter and chair height adjusters that work in conjunction whereby the angular movement of the chair and height of the chair can be independently and selective set by a user. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner lift system that will increase the effective seat and arm height while increasing the actual seat height to a substantially lesser degree. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner lift system that can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner lift system that can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners obviating the need for expensive lift chairs. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner lift system that can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners in various user selectable positions whereby said chair can be used in an exercise program. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rocker recliner lift system that can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners in a permanent fashion to aid the elderly and infirm to continue to use their present rocker recliner. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is that the chair base lifts increase a chairs base of support. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the prior art. 
     FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the prior art. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the rocker limiter installed on a rocker recliner. 
     FIG. 5 is a comparison of effective chair heights. 
     FIG. 6 is a detail view of the rocker limiter of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a detail view of the rocker limiter of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the rocker limiter of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a cut away view of the rocker limiter installed. 
     FIG. 10 is a partial view of a chair having chair base lifts. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the present invention in operation. 
     FIG. 12 is an orthographic view of the base lifts. 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the chair base lifts. 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of the present invention in use. 
     FIG. 15 is an end view of the plurality of chair lifts. 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings. 
       10  present invention 
       12  rocker recliner 
       14  user 
       16  forward portion 
       18  spring assembly 
       20  rocker cam 
       22  rocker base member 
       24  seating area 
       26  support base 
       28  rocker limiter 
       29  rocker limiter face 
       30  rocker cam 
       31  side 
       32  force 
       34  effective chair height 
       36  hook and loop material 
       28  screws 
       40  base lift 
       42  tab 
       44  bore 
       46  screw holes 
       48  inset 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments since practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention the reader is directed to the appended claims. 
     Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is an illustrative view of a rocker recliner  12  which does not have the present invention installed thereon. This is representative of the prior art. Shown is a conventional rocker recliner  12  whereby when the user  14  of a the rocker recliner chair  12  proceeds to stand up the forward most portion of the chair  16  lowers in height in relation to the floor or support surface causing the user&#39;s knees to be in a higher position than the hips. This position causes the effective chair height to be decreased posing strain to a user having hip or knee problems, typically surgery patients and the elderly and the debilitated. 
     Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an illustrative view of a rocker recliner  12  having the present invention  10  in use thereon. When the present invention&#39;s rocker limiter is installed on a rocker recliner  12 , a reduction in the height of the forward most portion  16  of the rocker recliner is prevented, causing the user&#39;s knees to be in a lower elevation than the hip thereby increasing the effective chair height providing for a less stressful exit from the rocker recliner for the individual. 
     Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a side view of the prior art rocker recliner  12 . Depicted is the prior art rocker recliner  12  having a support base  26 , a spring assembly  18 , rocker cam  20  and rocker base  22  providing a mechanism that allows for angular displacement of the seating area  24  as previously explained. This presents a problem for the elderly or infirm because the angular displacement which this assembly produces can cause the user&#39;s hips to be in a lower position than the knees causing stress in the user&#39;s joints when exiting the chair because of a reduced effective chair height. 
     Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a side view of the rocker limiter  28  of the present invention installed on a rocker recliner  12 . Shown is a standard rocker recliner&#39;s internal components with the present invention&#39;s rocker limiter  28  installed on the rocker cam  30  to prevent forward angular displacement of the chair by preventing forward angular displacement caused by a force applied to the front most portion  16  of the rocker recliner&#39;s seating area  24 , thereby providing a more preferable effective chair height where the user&#39;s hip is above the knees. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a comparison of effective chair heights of a rocker recliner  12  with the rocker limiter  28  installed and the prior art without the rocker limiter installed. Shown are the effective chair heights of two rocker recliners  12  when a force  32  shown by a direction arrow is applied to the forward edge  16  of the seating area  24 . The chair without the rocker limit has an angular displacement that reduces the effective chair height  34  of the rocker recliner. By installation of the rocker limiter  28 , angular displacement of the rocker recliner  12  is prevented or reduced allowing for an increased effective chair height  34 . 
     Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is a detail view of the rocker limiter  28  of the present invention. The rocker limiter  28  of the present invention is relocatably fixedly disposed between the rocker cam  30  and rocker base member  22  and may attach to the upper or lower rocker cam  30  and rocker base member  22  of a chair  12  by means of hook and loop fasteners  36  and/or fasteners, e.g., screws  38 . The present invention serves to limit the forward rocking motion of a rocker chair  12 . The rocker limiter  28  has an arcuate face  29  which is complementarily shaped as a rocker cam or rocker base member and a downwardly extending side  31  which provides a member with which to mount the rocker limiter  28 . 
     Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a detail view of the rocker limiter  28  of the present invention. The rocker limiter  28  of the present invention can be fixedly positioned to the rocker cam or rocker base to limit the angular movement of the rocker mechanism in one direction by using hook and loop material  36  or other fasteners which extend through mounting holes  40  in the rocker limiter  28 . The rocker limiter  28  has an arcuate face  29  which is complementarily shaped as a rocker cam  28  or rocker base member  22  and a downwardly extending side  31  which provides a member with which to mount the rocker limiter  28 . 
     Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a sectional view of the rocker limiter  28  of the present invention. Shown is the rocker limiter  28  of the present invention having a plurality of applicable attachment means such as hook and loop material  36  or fasteners, e.g., screws  38  to provide a relocatable attachment should a progressive or selectable effective chair height be desired. An adhesive can also be used to provide a semi permanent attachment. The rocker cam  30  or rocker base member  22  are also shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 9, shown therein is a cut away view of the rocker limiter  28  installed. Shown is the rocker limiter  28  installed in a plurality of locations illustrating the rocker limiter&#39;s effectiveness in increasing the effective standing height. The effective chair height is dependent on the point of attachment of the rocker limiter  28  to the rocker cam  30  or rocker base member  22 . This provides a user selectable effective chair height. The spring assembly  18  is also shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 10, shown therein is a partial view of a chair having chair base lifts  40  installed thereon. Shown are the chair base lifts  40  on the bottom of the support base  26  used to raise the rocker recliner&#39;s height. The chair base lifts  40  can also be used in conjunction with the rocker limiter  28  to raise the effective chair height by a greater degree than the actual chair height. Also shown are the spring assembly  18 , rocker base member  22  and rocker cam  20 . 
     Turning to FIG. 11, shown therein is a side view of the base lifts  40  installed as part of the present invention in operation. Shown are the chair base lifts  40  used in conjunction with the rocker limiter  28  to raise the effective chair height  34  an even greater degree, and to provide a system where both the rocker recliner&#39;s  12  total height and angular displacement can be adjusted according to the users needs. The system increases the effective chair height greater than the distance of the increase in actual chair height. Force  32  is also shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 12, shown therein is an orthographic view of the base lifts  40 . Shown is a front, inside, side and top view of the present invention showing the base lifts  40  having a tab  42  disposed on one side thereof with throughbores  44  and hook and loop fasteners  36  attached thereto for the attachment of the base lifts  40  to a rocking chair&#39;s base. 
     Turning to FIG. 13, shown therein is a side view of the chair base lifts  40 . Shown is a plurality of interlocking chair base lifts  40  that are engagingly positioned on top of one another having varying thicknesses to provide a system to raise a rocker recliner by a distance determined by the number and thickness of chair base lifts positioned thereunder. Also shown are the tab  42 , screw holes  46  and a runner inset  48 . 
     Turning to FIG. 14, shown therein is a side view of the present invention  10  in use. Shown is the present invention with both the rocker limiter  28  and a plurality of chair base lifts  40  installed on the rocker recliner  12  to significantly raise the rocker recliner&#39;s effective chair height to a comfortable level. Additionally this configuration can be used as a rehabilitation or exercise device by progressively adjusting the rocker limiter and/or by removing chair base lifts, to lower the effective chair height. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 15, shown therein is an end view of the chair base lifts  40 . The chair base lifts have throughbores whereby fasteners can be inserted therethrough. Also shown are the screw holes  46 , tab  42  and inset  48  for receiving an end of a support base for attachment thereto.