Patent Publication Number: US-7708347-B2

Title: Footrest mounting arrangement for an article of furniture

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/355,359 filed Feb. 16, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,475,944, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/654,124, filed Feb. 18, 2005. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to seating furniture, and more particularly to seating furniture such as a chair, which incorporates certain movable components that can be moved to different positions according to user requirements. 
     A conventional reclining chair typically includes a base in combination with a seat and a back, which are interconnected with the base. The back is mounted to the base for reclining movement. The seat is typically mounted in a fixed position relative to the base. The article of furniture may include an extendible and retractable footrest, which may be movable to varying positions by operation of an actuating handle that controls operation of a ratchet-type actuator for positioning the footrest in varying angular positions. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of furniture, such as a chair, in which the seat and the back can be positioned in a coplanar, upwardly facing configuration, in which the seat and the back are positioned generally horizontally so that the seating furniture can be converted to a sleeping configuration. It is a further object of the invention to provide an article of seating furniture which includes a back reclining arrangement that enables the back to be moved to varying angular positions, and which provides synchronous raising of the seat when the back is lowered, and synchronous lowering of the seat with the back is raised. It is another object of the invention to provide an article of seating furniture which incorporates a unique frame configuration for providing reclining movement of the back and for synchronously moving the seat with the back. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an article of seating furniture which includes a footrest that can be moved between extended and retracted positions, and which can be selectively maintained in one or more intermediate positions between the extended and retracted positions. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an article of seating furniture in which a footrest positioning mechanism provides positive positioning of the footrest in predetermined angular orientations relative to the seat, and which is relatively simple in its components, construction and operation. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an article of seating furniture which can be converted to a bed configuration in which the seat and the back are generally coplanar, and which can be moved to a Trendelenburg position in which the head area of the back is below the foot area of the seat. A still further object of the invention is to provide an article of seating furniture incorporating a uniquely configured actuator for providing selective operation of certain movable components of the article of seating furniture, such as the reclining back mounting mechanism and the Trendelenburg feature. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an article of seating furniture in which the actuator provides a flush mount construction, so as not to have protruding components and not to detract from the overall aesthetic appearance of the article of seating furniture. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention contemplates an article of furniture, such as a chair, which includes a base in combination with a seat and a back mounted to the base. The back is mounted to the base via a reclining arrangement, which enables the back to be moved between an upright position and a reclined position. The seat is movably mounted to the base, and is interconnected with the back reclining arrangement such that rearward reclining movement of the back causes forward and upward movement of the seat. The back is movable to an upwardly facing, generally horizontal fully reclined position. When the back is in the fully reclined position, the seat is moved to a generally horizontal, raised position in which the seat and the back define substantially coplanar upwardly facing horizontal surfaces. In this manner, the article of furniture can be converted between an upright position for seating and a fully reclined position in which the article of furniture can be used as a bed. 
     The article of furniture further includes a footrest arrangement interconnected with the base for movement between a retracted or lowered position and an extended or raised position. When the footrest is in the extended or raised position, the footrest defines an upwardly facing surface that is generally horizontal and coplanar with the upwardly facing surfaces of the seat and back when the back is in the fully reclined position. 
     In a representative embodiment, the article of furniture includes a frame having a spine to which the back is mounted, and which defines a lower end that is pivotably mounted to the base for moving the back between the upright position and the reclined position. The seat is interconnected with the base via one or more front mounting links, which provide upward and forward movement of the seat when the back is reclined. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention contemplates a Trendelenburg feature for an article of seating furniture, such as a chair, which includes a base to which a seat and back are mounted. Representatively, the seat and back may be mounted to the base as described above, for movement between a seating configuration and a reclined configuration in which the seat and the back can function as a bed. This aspect of the invention contemplates a frame adapted for engagement with a support surface such as a floor. The base is pivotably mounted to the frame for movement between a first position in which the seat and back are in a generally horizontal configuration, and a second position in which the seat and back are pivoted to a Trendelenburg position in which the head area of the back is lowered relative to the seat. A latch arrangement is interposed between the frame and the base, for selectively maintaining the base in either the first position or the second position. The latch arrangement may be in the form of one or more latch members defining an upper detent area and a lower detent area. A retainer member, which may be in the form of a retainer pin, is selectively engaged within the lower detent area for maintaining the base in the first position, and within the upper detent area for maintaining the base in the second position. The retainer pin is movable to a release position, in which the retainer pin can be disengaged from the upper and lower detent areas, by operation of one or more cable-type actuators which are configured to move the retainer pin from the latching position to the release position. The retainer pin is biased toward the latching position, and is movable away from the latching position toward the release position by operation of the one or more cable-type actuators. In a preferred form, a pair of cable-type actuators are mounted to the article of furniture in spaced locations, and either actuator can be employed to move the retainer pin between the latching and release positions for moving the base between the first and second positions relative to the frame. The latch arrangement includes a biased actuating mechanism interposed between the cables of the cable-type actuators and the retainer pin, for providing movement of the retainer pin between the latching position and the release position in response to operation of either of the cable-type actuators. The one or more latch members may be in the form of a pair of spaced apart latch members, which define aligned upper retainer notches and aligned lower retainer notches, within which the retainer pin is selectively engaged. The latch members define guide surfaces between the upper and lower notches, which guide movement of the retainer pin as the retainer pin is moved between the upper and lower retainer notches. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention contemplates an extendible and retractable footrest operating or positioning mechanism for use with an article of seating furniture which includes a base. The footrest positioning mechanism is operable to selectively fix the position of a footrest assembly that includes a footrest member and an extension and retraction mechanism interconnected between the footrest member and the base. The extension and retraction mechanism is configured to provide selective outward and inward movement of the footrest relative to the base. The footrest positioning mechanism includes a footrest actuator interconnected with the extension and retraction mechanism, for selectively operating the extension and retraction mechanism for moving the footrest. Representatively, the extension and retraction mechanism may be in the form of a pair of extendible and retractable linkages that are mounted to the base, and the footrest member may be connected between the outer ends of the linkages. The footrest actuator may be in the form of a rotatable actuator bar interconnected with the base and with the linkages. The actuator bar is interconnected with the linkages such that rotation of the actuator bar, such as by operation of a user-operated handle, functions to move the linkages between the extended and retracted positions. The footrest positioning mechanism further includes a retainer arrangement for selectively maintaining the footrest in a selected extended position relative to the base. The retainer arrangement includes a retainer member interconnected with the base and defining one or more engagement areas. The footrest positioning mechanism further includes a movable latch member that is interconnected with the footrest actuator for movement along with the footrest actuator. The latch member is selectively engaged with one of the engagement areas of the retainer member upon extension of the extension and retraction mechanism, to selectively provide a desired angular orientation relative to the base. The retainer member preferably includes two or more engagement areas, such as an intermediate engagement area for positioning the footrest member in an intermediate extended position, and an upper engagement area for positioning the footrest member in a fully raised position. The latch member may be in the form of a latch pin, which is interconnected with the footrest actuator by a slotted operating member. The latch pin is received within a slot in the operating member, to enable movement of the latch pin into engagement with the engagement areas of the retainer member and movement of the latch pin along the surfaces of the retainer member between the engagement areas, as the extension and retraction mechanism is extended so as to extend the footrest member. The latch pin is movable into a disengagement area of the slot when the actuator is rotated and when the extension and retraction mechanism is fully extended. In the disengagement area of the slot, the latch pin is movable so as to be maintained out of engagement with the engagement areas of the retainer member, which enables the actuator to be rotated in the opposite direction so as to retract the extension and retraction mechanism, and to thereby lower the footrest, upon rotation of the footrest actuator in the opposite direction. Representatively, the retainer member may include a cam surface that is operable to move the latch pin into the disengagement area of the slot upon rotation of the footrest actuator. As the extension and retraction mechanism approaches the fully retracted position, in which the footrest member is fully lowered and retracted, the latch pin is moved out of the disengagement area of the slot and is returned to the engagement area of the slot, which enables the latch pin to be biased against the surface and engagement areas of the retainer member. Representatively, the latch pin may be returned to the engagement area of the slot by operation of a cam surface associated with the retainer member, which is operable to move the latch pin out of the disengagement area of the slot and into the engagement area of the slot. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention contemplates a cable-type actuator, such as for use in an article of furniture to control operation of certain components of the article of furniture. The actuator includes a housing defining a recess, in combination with a pull member that partially overlies the recess. An actuator cable is connected to the housing, and includes a movable end that is secured to the pull member. The pull member is pivotably mounted to the housing, and is movable in response to the application of an outward force to an inner surface of the pull member from within the housing recess, such that outward movement of the pull member applies tension to the cable. The housing defines a peripheral rim, and the pull member extends between spaced apart areas of the rim. Representatively, the pull member may be pivotably mounted to the housing by means of a pivot pin. The pull member defines an external surface that is generally flush with the peripheral rim of the housing, to provide a flush configuration for the actuator when the actuator housing is received within a recess in the article of furniture. 
     The features and aspects of the present invention can be separately incorporated into an article of furniture, and each has distinct advantages that enhance the construction and/or operation of the article of furniture. The features of the present invention can also be employed in various combinations and subcombinations, or all together, to further enhance the construction and/or operation of the article of furniture. 
     Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a convertible and reclining article of furniture, in the form of a chair, incorporating the features of the present invention, in which the chair is illustrated in an upright position; 
         FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1 , showing the chair in a fully reclined position, in which the chair can be used as a bed; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom isometric view of the chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 1 , with portions removed or broken away to illustrate certain of the internal components of the chair; 
         FIG. 6  is a front isometric view of the frame and internal components of the chair of  FIG. 1  in a position corresponding to the upright position of the chair as in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear isometric view of the frame and internal components of the chair as in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear elevation view of the frame and internal components of the chair as illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the frame and internal components of the chair of  FIGS. 6-8 , in a position corresponding to the upright position of the chair as in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , showing the frame and internal components of the chair in a partially reclined position; 
         FIG. 11  is a section view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of the chair of the present invention, showing the chair in a fully reclined position as in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the frame and internal components of the chair similar to  FIG. 6 , corresponding to the fully reclined position of the chair as in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the frame and internal components of the chair shown in the fully reclined position of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view similar to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , showing the frame and internal components of the chair corresponding to the fully reclined position of  FIGS. 13 and 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged partial isometric view with reference to line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged partial isometric view with reference to line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 7 , showing a footrest positioning mechanism incorporated into the chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded isometric view of the footrest positioning mechanism of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of a cam surface member incorporated in the footrest positioning mechanism of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged partial side elevation view, with reference to line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 9 , showing the footrest positioning mechanism in a position corresponding to the fully lowered position of the footrest incorporated into the chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a view similar to  FIG. 20 , showing the footrest positioning mechanism in a position corresponding to a partially raised position of the footrest; 
         FIG. 22  is a view similar to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , showing the configuration of the footrest positioning mechanism for providing movement of the footrest from the fully raised position to the lowered position, with reference to line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear isometric view of the chair of  FIG. 1 , with portions removed to expose the frame and internal components of the chair; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial isometric view of a Trendelenburg positioning mechanism incorporated into the chair of  FIG. 1 , with reference to line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a section view taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 8  showing the frame and internal components of the chair in the upright position; 
         FIG. 26  is a section view similar to  FIG. 25 , showing the frame and internal components of the chair in a partially reclined position; 
         FIG. 27  is a section view similar to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , showing the frame and internal components of the chair in a fully reclined position; 
         FIG. 28  is a section view similar to  FIGS. 25-27 , showing the frame and internal components of the chair in a Trendelenburg position; 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the frame and internal components of the chair in the Trendelenburg position of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is an enlarged top plan view, with portions in section, with reference to line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a partial isometric view of an actuator incorporated into the chair of  FIG. 1 , with reference to line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 32  is an elevation view of the actuator of  FIG. 31 ; and 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded isometric view of the components incorporated in the actuator of  FIGS. 31 and 32 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an article of seating furniture, shown in the form of a chair  10 , incorporates the features of the present invention. Chair  10  generally includes a base  12  having a pair of upright, spaced apart arms  14 , in combination with a seat  16  and a back  18  which are mounted to base  12  for movement between arms  14 , in a manner to be explained. A footrest  20  is movably mounted to base  12  below seat  16 , also in a manner to be explained. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the article of seating furniture is illustrated as a chair. It is understood, however, that the article of furniture may have a width greater than that associated with a typical chair, for providing multiple seating as in a loveseat or sofa. 
     In one embodiment, base  12  includes a series of casters  22  ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ) that enable chair  10  to be moved to various locations within a room. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the upper portion of back  18  includes a pair of handles  24  that can be grasped by a user to assist in moving chair  10 . 
     Back  18  of chair  10  is movable throughout a range of positions, between an upright position as shown in  FIG. 1 , in which back  18  extends upwardly in an orientation nearly perpendicular to seat  16 , throughout an infinite range of angular, reclined positions to a flat position as shown in  FIG. 2 , in which the front surface of back  18  faces upwardly and is coplanar with the upwardly facing surface of seat  16 . In this manner, chair  10  can function both as seating furniture in the upright or angularly reclined positions of back  18 , and as a bed when back  18  is in the fully reclined or flat position. When back  18  is in the fully reclined or flat position, both seat  16  and back  18  are in a generally horizontal orientation, to provide a sleeper function for chair  10 . 
     Footrest  20  can be placed in a number of different positions, between a lowered and retracted position as shown in  FIG. 1 , in which the support surface of footrest  20  is positioned inwardly and vertically, to a number of angled positions to provide different angles of the support surface of footrest  20 . Footrest  20  can also be placed in a fully extended and raised position as shown in  FIG. 2 , in which the support surface of footrest  20  is coplanar with the upwardly facing surface of seat  16 . When back  18  is placed in the fully reclined or flat position so as to be coplanar with seat  16 , footrest  20  is typically in the fully raised position as in  FIG. 2  so as to provide support for a user&#39;s feet when chair  10  is used as a sleeper or bed. 
     In addition, in a manner to be explained, seat  16 , back  18  and footrest  20  can be moved relative to base  12  to a Trendelenburg position, in which the coplanar surfaces of seat  16 , back  18  and footrest  20  are at a predetermined reverse angle relative to horizontal, e.g. at an angle of approximately 10°, so that back  18  is at a lower elevation than seat  16  and footrest  20 . 
     In a manner to be explained, seat  16  shifts forwardly relative to base  12  during rearward reclining motion of back  18 , which functions to stabilize chair  10  against tipping when chair  10  is used as a sleeper or bed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , seat  16  of chair  10  is mounted to an internal frame  28 , which includes a pair of side frame members  30 , a front frame member  32  and a rear frame member  34 . Back  18  is mounted to an axially extending support spine  38  via an upper back mounting member  40  and a lower back mounting member  42 . Spine  38  cooperates with upper and lower back mounting members  40 ,  42 , respectively, to form an I-shaped support for back  18 . 
     Base  12  of chair  10  includes a base frame  46  having a pair of side frame members  48 , a front frame member  50  and a rear frame member  52 . Base frame  46  further includes an intermediate cross member  54 , to which a main support  56  is mounted. Main support  56  is in the form of a pair of upwardly extending, spaced apart support plates  58  that are secured to intermediate cross member  54  in any satisfactory manner, such as by welding. It is understood that this construction of main support  56 , as well as base frame  46 , is representative of any number of satisfactory configurations that are possible for supporting seat frame  26  and spine  38 . 
     Spine  38  has a channel-shaped cross section, defined by a front wall  62  and a pair of rearwardly extending sidewalls  64 . Sidewalls  64  are formed so as to have an increasing depth toward the lower end of spine  38 , defining a maximum depth adjacent main support  56 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , spine sidewalls  64  are formed with recesses  65  below the area of maximum depth, which define seat mounting arms  66 , each of which is located adjacent one of support plates  58 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , spine  38  includes a transverse mounting bushing or sleeve  68  above seat mounting arms  66 , which extends between and is interconnected at its ends with spine sidewalls  64 . A back pivot member  70 , which may be in the form of a pin, bolt or the like, extends through aligned openings in support plates  58  and through mounting sleeve  68 , for pivotably mounting spine  38  to main support  56  for movement about a horizontal pivot axis defined by pivot member  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a mounting bushing or sleeve  72  extends between and is secured to the ends of seat mounting arms  66  formed by spine sidewalls  64 . A seat mounting bracket  74  is mounted to rear frame member  34  of seat frame  28 , and includes a pair of spaced apart seat mounting ears  76 . A seat pivot member  78 , which may be in the form of a bolt, pin or the like, extends through aligned openings in seat mounting ears  76  and through mounting sleeve  72 , to pivotably mount the rear end of seat frame  28  to the lower end of spine  38  for movement about a horizontal pivot axis defined by seat pivot member  78 . The pivot axes defined by pivot members  70 ,  78  are parallel and are oriented such that, when spine  38  is in its upright position, the seat pivot axis defined by seat pivot member  78  is in alignment with the back pivot axis defined by back pivot member  70 , in a direction along the longitudinal axis of spine  38 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-10 , base  12  further includes a pair of upwardly extending front seat supports  80 , which extend vertically upwardly from the front end of base frame  46 . Seat frame  28  is mounted to seat supports  80  via a pair of seat support links  82 . Each seat support link  82  is pivotably mounted at its lower end to one of seat supports  80  via a mounting member  84  defining a lower pivot axis, and is pivotably mounted at its upper end to one of seat side frame members  30  via an upper mounting member  86  defining an upper pivot axis. 
     With the above-described configuration, seat  16  is synchronously moved forwardly and upwardly as back  18  is reclined. Such movement of seat  16  is caused by the upward and forward movement of the rear of seat frame  22  through the pivot connection between seat mounting arms  66  and seat mounting bracket  74  as back  18  is reclined. The upward and forward movement of the rear of seat frame  28  results in forward pivoting movement of seat support links  82 , which causes the front of seat frame  28  to move forwardly and slightly upwardly as the rear of seat frame  28  is moved forwardly and upwardly by seat support arms  66 . 
     Back  18  can be secured in any desired angular reclined position relative to base  12 , to fix seat  16  and back  18  in a position as selected by a user. In order to selectively maintain back  18  and seat  16  in position, an extendible and retractable gas cylinder assembly, shown generally at  90  ( FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  16 ), is interconnected between base  12  and spine  38 . Gas cylinder assembly  90  includes a cylinder  92  that is fixed at its upper end to a cross pin  94 , which extends between and is connected to sidewalls  64  of spine  38 , in combination with an extendible and retractable rod  96 . A cross member  98  extends between lower extensions  99  associated with support plates  58 , and the end of cylinder rod  96  is pivotably secured to cross member  98 . A recline actuator  100  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) is mounted to each arm  14 , and is interconnected with cylinder assembly  90  via an actuator cable  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-9  and  16 . Details of the construction and operation of recline actuator  100  will later be explained. Operation of recline actuator  100  functions to control actuation of an actuator button at the end of cylinder rod  96  through actuator cable  102 , in a manner as is known, so as to selectively allow extension and retraction of gas cylinder assembly  90 . When a pull member of recline actuator  100  is actuated, actuator cable  102  functions to depress the actuator button of gas cylinder assembly  90  so as to enable cylinder rod  96  to extend and retract. When the pull member of recline actuator  100  is released, actuator cable  102  releases depression of the actuator button so as to prevent extension or retraction of cylinder rod  96 , to maintain the effective length of gas cylinder assembly  90  so as to fix back  18 , and thereby seat  16 , in position relative to base  12 . In a manner as is known, gas cylinder assembly  90  includes an internal spring that applies an outward bias on cylinder rod  96 , so as to urge gas cylinder assembly  90  to an extended condition that tends to urge back  18  toward its upright position. When recline actuator  100  is actuated, the user applies a rearward force to back  18 , which overcomes the bias of gas cylinder assembly  90  and thereby shortens the overall length of gas cylinder assembly  90  when back  18  is reclined. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cushion of seat  16  includes a recess, shown at  104 , within which spine  38  is received when back  18  is in any of the selected non-horizontal positions. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when back  18  is reclined, the forward shifting of seat  16  relative to base  12  functions to shift the overall center of gravity of the combination of seat  16  and back  18  forwardly relative to base  12 . In this manner, when back  18  is fully reclined to the flat position, the forward shift in the center of gravity of seat  16  and back  18  relative to base  12  functions to enhance the overall stability of the sleeper or bed that is formed when back  18  is fully reclined. A user can be supported on the reclined back  18  without tipping chair  10 , even when sitting at the end of the upwardly facing back  18 . 
     In addition, when back  18  is fully reclined and seat  16  is moved forwardly and upwardly, the plane defined by the upper surfaces of seat  16  and back  18  is located only slightly below the tops of arms  14 . With this configuration, when chair  10  is employed as a sleeper or bed, it is not difficult for a user to exit the sleeper or bed to the side, over the top of one or the other of the arms  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  15 , in order to provide a positive stop for positioning back  18  in the flat or horizontal position, support plates  58  are provided with upwardly facing stop surfaces  106 , which are engaged by lower back mounting member  42  when spine  38  is positioned horizontally. It can be appreciated that, when spine  38  is positioned horizontally, the geometry of seat frame  28  and the mounting components for seat frame  28  is such that seat frame  28  is also positioned horizontally so that the upper surfaces of seat  16  and back  18  are coplanar. It should be understood that the illustrated stop arrangement is representative of numerous different stop constructions that may be employed for positioning back  18  in a horizontal position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 11 , footrest  20  is connected to base  12  via a pair of conventional linkage-type footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106 . The inner ends of footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106  are mounted to a pair of footrest mounting plates  108 , each of which is secured to one of base side frame members  48 . The outer ends of footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106  include outer mounting brackets  110 , to which footrest  20  is secured. 
     Footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106  are responsive to rotational movement of a transversely extending actuator bar  112  which, in the illustrated embodiment, has a square cross-section. One end of actuator bar  112  is secured to an operating handle  114 , which is positioned outwardly of one of arms  14  in a position that is readily accessible by a user. Counterclockwise rotation of actuator bar  112  by application of an upward and rearward force on handle  114  by a user causes footrest extension and retraction mechanism  106  to extend so as to move footrest  20  upwardly and outwardly. Conversely, clockwise rotation of actuator bar  112  by application of a downward and forward force on handle  114  causes footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106  to retract, to move footrest  20  downwardly and inwardly. 
     As shown in FIGS.  11  and  17 - 22 , a footrest positioning mechanism, shown generally at  116 , is interconnected with base  12  and footrest actuator bar  112 , for maintaining footrest  20  in one of a series of predetermined angular positions. Footrest positioning mechanism  116  includes a cam-type retainer plate  118  that is mounted at its lower end to front frame member  50  of base  12 , in combination with a follower-type engagement assembly  120  secured to actuator bar  112 . 
     Retainer plate  118  is formed with a series of notches including a lower notch  122 , an intermediate notch  124 , and an upper notch  126 . Retainer plate  118  also includes an upper angled engagement surface  128  and an upper vertical release surface  130 . Retainer plate  118  is formed with a rearwardly facing recess  132 , through which actuator bar  112  extends. 
     Engagement assembly  120  is in the form of a pair of plates  134  located on opposite sides of retainer plate  118 . Plates  134  are formed with square openings  135  through which actuator bar  112  extends, so that rotation of actuator bar  112  causes rotation of plates  134 . Aligned L-shaped slots  136  are formed in plates  134 , and a retainer pin  138  extends through slots  136 . Each end of pin  138  is engaged with one end of a spring  140 , the opposite end of which is fixed to a spring stay  141  that extends between and outwardly of plates  134 . Slots  136  in plates  134  are configured so as to enable pin  138  to move along the forward surface of retainer plate  118  during rotation of actuator bar  112 . Pin  138  is selectively engageable with notch  124  to maintain footrest  20  in an angled position, and is engageable with notch  126  to maintain footrest  20  in a fully raised position. 
     In operation, footrest positioning mechanism  16  functions as shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , for selectively maintaining footrest  20  in a desired position. When footrest  20  is in its fully retracted, lowered position as shown in  FIG. 20 , pin  138  is received within lower notch  122 . When it is desired to raise footrest  20 , the user applies an upward and rearward force on handle  114 , to rotate actuator bar  112  in a counterclockwise direction. Footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106  function to lift footrest  20  and move footrest  20  outwardly, in a known manner, upon such rotation of actuator bar  112 . During such rotational movement of actuator bar  112 , pin  138  of engagement assembly  120  rides along the forward surface of retainer plate  118  above lower notch  122 , shown at  142 . When footrest  20  reaches a predetermined angle in its extension, as shown in  FIG. 21 , engagement assembly  120  is positioned so that the biasing force on pin  138 , applied by springs  140 , causes pin  138  to engage within intermediate notch  124 . Such engagement of pin  138  within notch  124  maintains footrest  20  in a predetermined angular position, to support the user&#39;s feet at an outward angle relative to the seat  16 . In the event the user wishes to further elevate and extend footrest  20 , the user again applies an upward and rearward force on handle  114  to further rotate actuator bar  112 . This rotation of actuator bar  112  and plates  134  lifts pin  138  out of intermediate notch  124  and causes pin  138  to ride along the surface of retainer plate  118  above intermediate notch  124 , shown at  144 . When it is desired to raise footrest  20  to its uppermost position, in which the surface of footrest  20  is coplanar with the upper surface of seat  16 , the user further rotates handle  114  upwardly and rearwardly, to cause additional counterclockwise movement of actuator bar  112  so as to fully extend footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106 . In the fully raised position of footrest  20 , engagement assembly  120  is positioned so that the biasing force on pin  138 , applied by springs  140 , causes pin  138  to engage within upper notch  126  of retainer plate  118 . When footrest  20  is in the fully raised position, the upper surface of footrest  20  is coplanar with the upper surface of seat  16 . During such rotation of actuator bar  112  and movement of footrest  20 , springs  140  maintain pin  138  in engagement with the forwardly facing surface of retainer plate  118 . As footrest  20  is raised, pin  138  moves within the axial portions of slots  136  formed in plates  134 , which are configured to allow pin  138  to remain in engagement with the forwardly facing surface of retainer plate  118 . 
     When it is desired to lower footrest  20 , the user applies an additional force on handle  114  so as to cause additional counterclockwise rotation of actuator bar  112 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . Footrest extension and retraction mechanisms  106  are fully extended, so that such movement does not cause any further movement of footrest  20  beyond its fully extended and raised position. This additional rotation of actuator bar  112  causes rotation of engagement assembly  120  relative to retainer plate  118 , which causes pin  138  to move along surface  128  and results in pin  138  coming into contact with release surface  130  defined at the upper end of retainer plate  118 . Release surface  130  is oriented so that such rotation of engagement assembly  120  causes pin  138  to move into the outer transverse portions of slots  136  in plates  134 . Springs  140  apply a biasing force on pin  138  that maintains pin  138  within the transverse portions of slots  136 . When pin  138  is positioned in the transverse portions of slots  136 , pin  138  is positioned outwardly of the forwardly facing surface of retainer plate  118  against the biasing force applied to pin  138  by springs  140 . The user then applies a forward and downward force on handle  114  to rotate actuator bar  112  in a clockwise direction, which causes footrest  20  to lower and move inwardly toward base  12 . Engagement of pin  138  within the outer transverse portions of slots  136  ensures that pin  138  does not engage any of the forwardly facing surfaces of retainer plate  118  during such lowering and retraction of footrest  20 . When footrest  20  approaches its fully retracted, lowered position, engagement assembly  120  approaches lower notch  122 , which causes pin  138  to come into contact with an upwardly facing actuator surface, shown at  146 , defined by retainer plate  118 . Actuator surface  146  engages pin  138  as actuator bar  112  and engagement assembly  120  are rotated clockwise, to move pin  138  within the outer transverse portions of slots  136  into alignment with the axial portions of slots  136 . As the user continues to lower and retract footrest  20  in this manner, pin  138  reaches a position in which the biasing force of springs  140  moves pin  138  into the axial portions of slots  136 , which allows pin  138  to be moved into lower notch  122  so that footrest  20  can be fully lowered and retracted. The above sequence of steps is repeated if it is desired to subsequently raise and lower footrest  20 . 
     While footrest positioning mechanism  116  is shown as having two discrete positions for supporting footrest  20  at certain predetermined angles, it is also contemplated that any additional number of predetermined footrest angles may be accomplished by altering the number and/or positions of the notches in retainer plate  118 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23-30 , chair  10  can be placed in a Trendelenburg position when seat  16  is fully reclined to the flat position in alignment with back  18 . To accomplish this, base  12  of chair  10  is pivotably mounted to an H-shaped frame  150 , which includes a central axial frame member  152 , a front transverse frame member  154  and a rear transverse frame member  156 . Chair  10  is movable on a support surface, such as a floor, via casters  22  that are mounted to the ends of front and rear frame members  154 ,  156 , respectively. 
     Base  12  of chair  10  is pivotably mounted to a pivot bracket  160  of frame  150 , so that base  12 , including arms  14  as well as seat  16  and back  18 , can be pivoted relative to frame  150  from a horizontal position to a reclined Trendelenburg position. Representatively, a pivot bolt  162  may be used to pivotably mount base  12  to pivot bracket  160 , for movement about a transverse pivot axis defined by pivot bolt  162 . 
     A latch mechanism  164  is interconnected between frame  150  and base  12 , for selectively maintaining base  12  in either a normal, horizontal position or in a reclined, Trendelenburg position. Latch mechanism  164  generally includes a pair of upstanding catch members  166  that are secured to and extend upwardly from front frame member  154 . Each catch member  166  includes an upper recess  168  and a lower recess  170 . An arcuate edge  172  is located between each upper recess  168  and its associated lower recess  170 . Latch mechanism  164  further includes a latch assembly  174  secured to front frame member  50  of base frame  46 . Latch assembly  174  includes a mounting bracket  176  having a pair of sidewalls  178  and a mounting wall  180  extending therebetween. Latch assembly  174  is mounted to front frame member  50  via fasteners such as bolts that extend through aligned openings in mounting wall  180  and in the walls of front frame member  50 , although it is understood that any other satisfactory mounting arrangement may be employed. A spring stay  182  extends through aligned openings formed in the outer ends of mounting bracket sidewalls  178 . A latch pin  184  extends through aligned slots  185  formed in mounting bracket sidewalls  178 . A pair of springs  186  extend between the ends of spring stay  182  and latch pin  184 , and function to urge latch pin  184  outwardly within slots  185  toward spring stay  182 . 
     Latch pin  184  is movable within slots  185  by operation of one of a pair of Trendelenburg actuators  188 , each of which is preferably mounted to the rear of one of arms  14  so as to be readily accessible by a user when it is desired to place chair  10  in the Trendelenburg position. It is understood, however, that a single Trendelenburg actuator may be employed, and that the Trendelenburg actuators may be placed in any satisfactory location on chair  10 . In a manner to be explained, each Trendelenburg actuator  188  includes a housing and a movable pull-type actuator member, which is operable to selectively apply tension to a sheathed actuator cable  190 , in a manner as is known. Trendelenburg actuators  188  have the same construction and operation as recline actuator  100 , the details of which will later be explained. 
     Each actuator cable  190  is connected at its end opposite actuator  188  with a pull member  192 , which has a generally V-shaped configuration. Each actuator cable  190  has a bead  194  or the like at its end, which is received within the trough defined by pull member  192 . One leg of pull member  192  includes an opening  196 . A spring  198  is engaged at one end within pull member opening  196 , and at its opposite end with latch pin  184 . Under normal conditions, spring  198  is in a relaxed state and the tension applied by springs  186  forces latch pin  184  outwardly within slots  185 , toward spring stay  182 . 
     In assembly, catch members  166  are located between spring stay  182  and latch pin  184 . Springs  186  function to bias latch pin  184  against the inner edges of catch members  166 . When chair  10  is in the normal, horizontal position, latch pin  84  is engaged within lower recesses  170  of catch members  166 . This, in combination with the pivoting mount of base  12  to frame  150 , functions to prevent movement of base  12  relative to frame  150 , to maintain base  12  in the horizontal orientation. 
     When it is desired to move chair  10  to a Trendelenburg position, in which seat  16  and back  18  are rearwardly inclined, the user operates one of Trendelenburg actuators  188  so as to apply tension to one of actuator cables  190 . Such actuation of either actuator cable  190  functions to draw pull member  192  inwardly, toward mounting wall  180 , to apply tension to spring  198 . The tension applied to spring  198  overcomes the force of springs  186 , so as to move latch pin  184  out of lower recesses  170  in catch members  166 , which enables the user to apply a downward force to back  18  so as to pivot base  12  relative to frame  150  about pivot bolt  162 . When the Trendelenburg position is attained, latch pin  184  engages a stop surface, shown at  200 , defined by each catch member  166 . Such engagement of latch pin  184  with stop surfaces  200  limits the rearward pivoting movement of base  12  relative to frame  150 . The user then releases Trendelenburg actuator  188  (or actuator  188  may be release as soon as pin  184  clears lower recesses  170 ) to relieve the tension on actuator cable  190 , and springs  186  then move latch pin  184  outwardly into the upper recesses  168  of catch members  166 , which functions to positively retain chair  10  in the Trendelenburg position. When it is desired to return chair  10  to the normal position in which base  12  is in a horizontal orientation, the user again operates one of Trendelenburg actuators  188  so as to pull latch pin  184  out of upper recesses  170 . This allows the user to pivot base  12  downwardly to the horizontal position. Latch pin  184  then engages lower stop surfaces, shown at  202 , defined by catch members  166 , for positioning base  12  horizontally relative to frame  50 . 
     Chair  10  can be configured to eliminate the Trendelenburg option by eliminating frame  150  and latch mechanism  164 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In this configuration, latch assembly  174  is not mounted to front frame member  50  of base  12 . Casters  22 , which would otherwise be carried by frame  150 , are secured to base  12  by caster mounting brackets  204 , which are configured for engagement with side frame members  48  of base  12  and with casters  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 31-33 , each actuator, such as recline actuator  100  and Trendelenburg actuator  188 , includes a housing  208  having a peripheral outer rim  210  that surrounds a recess  212  defined by a series of sidewalls including a pair of sidewalls  214  and a pair of end walls  216 , in combination with an inner wall  218 . An actuator pull  222  is pivotably mounted to housing  208 , and overlies a portion of recess  212 . The outer edge of actuator pull  222  is spaced above inner housing wall  218 , so that a space is defined therebetween. Actuator pull  222  is generally in the form of a wall that overlies a portion of recess  212 , so that the area behind actuator pull  222  is empty. 
     Actuator pull  222  includes a pair of mounting ears  224 , each of which is positioned between a pair of mounting lands  226  located on the back of housing  208 . A pin or axle  228  extends through aligned openings in mounting ears  224 , and engages arcuate recesses in lands  226  for pivotably mounting actuator pull  222  to housing  208 . 
     A strain relief or cable stay  230  is secured to a mounting boss  232 , and engages the end of actuator cable  190 . The bead at the end of cable  190  extends through an opening in inner wall  218  of housing  208 , and is engaged with a bead retainer  232  on the inside surface of cable pull  222 . 
     With the construction of actuator  100 ,  188  as shown and described, housing  208  can be fitted within a recess formed in a surface of chair  10 , and cable pull  222  provides a generally flush mount construction by virtue of the configuration of the outer surface of cable pull  222  being generally flush with the adjacent surfaces of rim  210 . The space between the lower edge of cable pull  222  provides easy access for a user&#39;s fingers in reaching behind cable pull  222  to apply an outward force to cable pull  222 , in order to apply tension to the actuator cable  190 . 
     As can be appreciated, the actuators such as  100 ,  188  can be positioned in any desired orientation in the structure of chair  10 , i.e. either in a horizontal orientation or in a vertical orientation. 
     In addition, it should be understood that actuators  100 ,  188  may be used in any other type of application for operating various retainer or latch mechanisms in an article of furniture, providing the virtues of a recessed actuator and an ergonomically satisfactory mechanism for selectively applying tension to an actuator cable. 
     While the features of the invention have been shown and described in connection with a certain embodiment, it is understood that various alternatives and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the features of the present invention may be used separately or in various subcombinations. 
     Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as the invention.