Patent Abstract:
A combination lift chair and reclining chair having additional seating and reclining positions is provided with two separate motors and linkages enabling the chair back to be independently placed in various positions and the seat separately movable with the footrest and elevated once the footrest has reached full deployment using the same motor.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PREVIOUS RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/609,415, filed on Sep. 13, 2004, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to chairs in general, and more particularly to recliner chairs and lift chairs, and more particularly still to a recliner or lift chair wherein the back frame is movable independent of the seat frame and footrest, and can be positioned in both a zero gravity and Trendelenburg position.  
         [0004]     2. Preliminary Discussion  
         [0005]     Recliner chairs and lift chairs have been on the market for years, with the utility of recliners being primarily for use in living rooms and family rooms, while lift chairs are used by the handicapped, elderly, or disabled to assist them in moving from a reclined or sitting position to a standing position. While a substantial number of today&#39;s recliners are still manually operated, a growing number of recliners, and almost all lift chairs, utilize one or more actuators to move the footrest, back frame, and seat frame into various positions with respect to each other including reclining positions within a specified range, as well as to physically lift the chair while tipping it forward to aid the occupant to stand up. In one known chair type, independent movement of the footrest and backrest is accomplished through the use of separate actuators, while other chairs utilize a single interconnected actuator to cause the footrest and backrest to move together or simultaneously. In the past, in those recliner chairs in which the back frame is movable independent of the position of the seat frame or footrest, the back frame actuator has been connected between the back frame and either the chair frame or lift frame. Unfortunately, the range in which the back frame can be pivoted or moved without being impeded or obstructed by other parts or components of the chair, such as the chair frame, lift frame actuator, or seat frame, is rather limited, depending upon the particular lift or recline position the chair is in. In other words, despite the use of a separate chair back actuator, the position of the back frame is still limited.  
         [0006]     In addition to the usual television watching and other relaxing positions, a few known chairs can also be moved or pivoted into certain special positions. One of these is the so-called Trendelenburg position, wherein the occupant&#39;s legs are situated so that they are higher in relation to the ground than the heart. This position is useful particularly for those having certain circulatory, kidney, or other ailments, since in such position gravity assists the flow of blood from the legs back to the heart. Another special position is the so-called “zero gravity” or 90/90 position. To achieve such position, the chair is moved so that the head and torso are at a slight upward angle, the legs up to the knee are bent at a similar opposite upward angle, and the knees are bent so that the lower area of the legs is angled similarly to the torso. The zero-gravity position approximates the position or posture that astronauts assume when sleeping in a weightless environment. The primary benefit of such position is reduced pressure on the spine, which often relieves back pain at least to some extent. Other benefits include reduced heart stress, relief of tension in the body, and improved circulation. So far as the inventors are aware, no prior art motor actuated lifts chairs or recliners can achieve both the Trendelenburg and zero-gravity positions as well as independent movement of the back frame relative to the seat frame and footrest.  
         [0007]     It has now been discovered that by securing the actuator for moving the back frame independently of the lift frame and footrest between the back frame and the seat frame in such a manner that such actuator can move along with or relative to the seat, and by providing a unique linkage mechanism, when the actuator for moving the footrest is utilized, the seat frame can also be simultaneously moved to any position the recliner mechanism is capable of providing without interfering or coming into contact with the actuator for moving the back frame or any other parts of the chair. Thus, in one embodiment, as the footrest is moved upwardly, the back frame will move rearwardly at the same time until the footrest is in a substantially horizontal position. Then, if one tries to move the footrest beyond such substantially horizontal position, the footrest as well as the back frame will both move together in a generally upward direction. At the same time, the back frame can be moved independently of the footrest and seat frame using its own actuator. If such an arrangement is provided on a combination recliner and lift chair, the actuator for the footrest and seat frame will be moved to a closed position and then continue beyond such position until the frame of the chair is lifted upwardly and tilted forwardly by the lift assembly. By arranging the actuators in such a manner, the chair can provide multiple positioning of the occupants or user ranging from the Trendelenburg position to various recline and lift positions. Such arrangement also enables the footrest, back frame, and seat to move together if desired, while moving the footrest and seat together, with the seat moving rearwardly, allows the seat be articulated up at an angle which is comfortable and puts the occupant in a so-called “zero gravity” or back relief position, which provides complete support for the occupant and takes pressure off the spine. A size-adjustable stop is also used to alter slightly the final angle of the footrest in relation to the seat frame.  
         [0008]     3. Description of Related Art  
         [0009]     The prior art evidences multiple chairs consisting of known and expected structural configurations designed to move between a reclined position, a sitting position, and a lift position wherein the occupant is enabled more easily to assume a standing or upright position, as well as a wide range of alternative designs that have been developed to fulfill countless specific objectives and requirements. The following patent documents are illustrative of the present state of this field.  
         [0010]     U.S. pat. No. 3,016,264 issued to A. L. Hughes on Jan. 9, 1962, entitled “Motor-Operated Reclining Chair”, discloses a recliner wherein the backrest ( 22 ) is pivotally mounted to the side arms of the chair, and is movable by a drive mechanism ( 72 ). However, the drive mechanism is connected between the chair frame and a pair of arm members that comprise part of the main support structure of the chair, rather than between the chair and seat frames, and therefore suffers from the disadvantage of having a limited range of motion.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,743,348 issued to C. J. Sloan on Jul. 3, 1973, entitled “Reclining Chair and Mechanism Therefore”, discloses a recliner assembly wherein in one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 8 , dual motors are provided, with motor  120  being used to pivot the back frame, while motor  126  is used to deploy the footrest. Back frame motor  120 , however, appears to be connected between the chair plate and back plate, so that while the position of the back is movable independently of the position of the legrest, it is not movable independently of the position of the seat frame in the same manner as the present invention, which as a result can achieve a wider range of reclining positions.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,960 issued to E. J. Gaffney et al. on Feb. 15, 1977, entitled “Reclining Elevator Chair”, discloses a lift-recliner chair in which while movable to a substantially fully reclined position, the back frame appears to be movable with respect to the seat only when the entire chair is being moved to a reclined position, rather than moved independently of the position of the seat frame and footrest.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,836 issued to W. R. Jackson et al. on Dec. 28, 1982, entitled “Motorized Reclining Chair”, discloses a recliner chair having a single motor or actuator. While the linkage system for such chair enables it to be moved to a conventional television viewing position and a resting position, there is no means for changing the position of the backrest independently of the position of the seat frame or footrest.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,803 issued to C. W. Gilderbloom on Jun. 7, 1983, entitled “Motorized Reclining Chair”, discloses a recliner wherein the chair back, seat, and leg rest are claimed to be independently adjustable, and in addition an adjustable head supporting means is provided. As shown in  FIG. 1 , while such chair appears to be capable of attaining a wider than usual range of reclining positions the arrangement of the motors and linkage mechanism are unlike the simplified arrangement of the present invention.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,939 issued to B. J. Krauska on Aug. 1, 1989, entitled “Device for Converting a Recliner Chair to a Recliner-Lift Chair”, discloses a base that when connected to a conventional recliner turns it into a power actuated recliner and lift chair. The back frame, however, is not independently movable, and therefore the number of reclining positions that can be achieved with such chair are substantially limited.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,084 issued to T. J. May on May 7, 1991, entitled “Mechanism for High-Leg Reclining Apparatus”, discloses a dual legrest type recliner chair capable of attaining an upright, TV, and fully reclined position. The linkage of the chair back frame to the seat frame does not allow for independent movement of the chair back, however.  
         [0017]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,753 issued to E. D. Henderson on Nov. 24, 1992, entitled “Elevator Chair Apparatus” discloses a lift chair wherein the sub-frame pivots on a base portion having a rearwardly inclined upper surface. In a lift position, the sub-frame pivots on the front edge of the inclined surface via an actuator. U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,439 issued to E. D. Blount on May 28, 1996 entitled “Fully Reclinable Elevator Lift Chair”, discloses a lift-recliner chair that is an improvement on the Henderson &#39;753 chair in that it can also be moved to a fully reclined position, while the Henderson chair cannot. The actuator in Blount is connected between the base and a pivotable transverse bar on which the back is supported by brackets, so that when the motor ram is moved away from the motor, eventually the bar pivots to cause the back to recline. See also commonly owned continuation-in-part U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,920 entitled “Fully Reclinable Elevator Lift Chair with Ottoman” wherein an elevatable footrest is also provided. None of such arrangements appears to allow for completely independent adjustment of the back frame, however.  
         [0018]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,935 issued to G. Geisler et al. on Nov. 30, 1993, entitled “Stand-Assist Recliner Chair”, discloses a lift-recliner wherein the actuator is secured between two separate crank arms under the chair seat. The linkage mechanism used, however, does not appear to provide the same maneuverability of the back section recliner as is possible with the present inventors&#39; arrangement.  
         [0019]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,153 issued to J. Lin on May 17, 1994, entitled “Recline Lift Wall Hugger Chair”, discloses an arrangement for enabling a chair to pivot forwardly, or away, from a wall when it is to be moved into a reclining position. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , the backrest is tiltable relative to the seat using a crank arm connection arrangement between the backrest and seat. However, the seat still must move forwardly for the back to move to a fully reclined position, and there is no means for independently pivoting the backrest with respect to the seat portion.  
         [0020]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,116 issued to T. J. May et al. on Oct. 11, 1994, entitled “Reclining Chair with Articulating Linkage for Padded Intermediate Ottoman”, discloses a recliner having a linkage mechanism connecting the legrest, seat, and backrest. The linkage system does not provided for independent movement of the backrest, however.  
         [0021]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,055 issued to P. R. Goldman on Mar. 12, 1996, entitled “Recliner: Apparatus and Method”, discloses a recliner wherein the user&#39;s feet are elevated above his or her heart in a fully reclined position. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the entire chair can pivot about an axis ( 21 ) in relation to the chair frame ( 13 ), while the seat and back as well as the seat and footrest are also independently pivotable with respect to one another, so that numerous reclined positions are possible, one of which is to have the footrest raised upwardly so that the user&#39;s feet are above his or her heart. A means for automatically moving the footrest when the backrest is rotated is also provided. While the Goldman recliner therefore can be moved into a Trendelenburg position, this is accomplished in a completely unique manner unlike the present invention, and it is unclear whether a bed-like position can be reached.  
         [0022]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,457 issued to K. J. Komorowski et al. on Dec. 10, 1996, entitled “Dual Leg Rest Assembly”, discloses a linkage assembly for a legrest wherein coordinated movement of first and second leg rest panels, i.e., a dual legrest, is provided. A separate linkage means for tilting the backrest is also shown, but the back frame is not movable via a power actuator means.  
         [0023]     U.S. Pat. No 5,651,580 issued to L. P. LaPointe et al. on Jul. 29, 1997, entitled “Linear Actuation Drive Mechanism for Power-Assisted Chairs and Base Therefor”, discloses a lift-recliner chair that utilizes a single linear action drive mechanism to selectively actuate the reclining linkage assembly, footrest linkage assembly, and the lift and tilt assembly. Such chair, which is the subject of several related patents, does not appear to disclose a motor actuated system for independently adjusting the position of the backrest.  
         [0024]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,758 issued to W. E. Schaffner et al. on Dec. 14, 1999, entitled “Reclining Lift Chair”, discloses a chair having a novel linkage mechanism system for lifting and reclining in which when a bell crank is pivoted in a clockwise direction by an actuator, the chair back is caused to recline, and in addition having an environmental control system. There does not appear to be a means for independently adjusting the position of the chair back with respect to the chair seat frame in any of the disclosed embodiments, however, so that the range of positions in which the chair can be reclined is limited in comparison to the present invention.  
         [0025]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,076 issued to I. Samson on Feb. 8, 2000, entitled “Reclinable Seating”, discloses a recliner chair in which the center of gravity of the reclining unit remains in a horizontal plane as it moves between an upright and reclined position, thereby increasing the stability of such chair in these positions. While the Samson recliner appears to possibly be movable to a zero-gravity position, such chair does not disclose any of the unique features of the present invention.  
         [0026]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,559 issued to J. R. Kowalski on Oct. 24, 2000, entitled “Seat Back Reclining Mechanism Adaptable to Chairs with Stationary or Movable Seats”, discloses a recliner that includes a linkage mechanism for pivoting the seat back independent of and without regard to the position of the seat. However, movement of the back is initiated by manual force against the chair back and against the force of a coil spring, rather than utilizing a power actuator to move the seat, and the number of reclined positions is limited in comparison to the present invention.  
         [0027]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,558 issued to T. J. May on Nov. 7, 2000, entitled “Recliner with Primary and Secondary Ottomans”, discloses a “low leg” recliner chair having a unitary linkage arrangement for the chair legrest, seat, and back. The May chair is not motor actuated, however, and the backrest appears to pivot in unison with the seat, rather than completely independent of the seat movements as in the present invention.  
         [0028]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,554 issued to Y. Marcoux et al. on Apr. 10, 2001, entitled “Lift Chair”, discloses a lift chair mechanism for a lift chair having a chair frame that can be reclined independently of the lift mechanism and base frame, as well as providing for a rocking motion. The chair back cannot be reclined independent of the seat frame, however.  
         [0029]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,575 issued D. Hesse on Jan. 11, 2005, entitled “Seat-Recliner Fitting That Can be Adjusted by a Motor”, discloses a fitting for adjusting the inclination of a seat back and a footrest of a recliner using separate actuators. While such arrangement appears to enable the backrest to be moved independently of the position of the seat portion, the specification nevertheless indicates that the seat is moved forward at the same time the back is moved. In addition, the linkage mechanism on which the seat is pivoted is unlike that of the present lift-recliner chair, and the use of an adjustable size spacer for microadjustment of the angle of the footrest in a fully reclined position is also not disclosed.  
         [0030]     German Gebrauchmuster Patent Application DE 9420149.8 filed by W. Hoormann et al. on Dec. 16, 1994, discloses according to in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a recliner having a pair of actuators or motors, one of which is connected to the backrest. However, such motor appears to  5  be connected on its other end to the chair frame rather than the seat, and therefore would not provide the same advantages available in the present disclosure.  
         [0031]     U.K. Patent Application 2,030,854 published on Apr. 16, 1980, entitled “Reclining Chair”, discloses a recliner wherein the seat and back are pivotally connected to the base as well  20  as to each other. When the back pivots, the seat also must pivot, so that there does not appear to be a means for pivoting the seat independently of the back.  
         [0032]     U.K. Patent Application No. 2,407,493 published on Apr. 5, 2005 entitled “Powered Lift Reclining Chair”, discloses a lift-recliner chair having an actuator for pivoting the back portion with respect to the seat portion, as well as the seat portion with respect to the base portion. The actuators are substantially enclosed within the base portion of the chair at all positions of the chair, which arrangement reduces the risk of entrapment and injury during movement of the chair (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). It is indicated that the actuator for moving the back portion is “fixed” relative to the seat portion. As shown in  FIG. 2 , however, actuator ( 66 ) is mounted to base frame cross member ( 26 ) on one end and the actuator arm ( 67 ) is mounted to cross member ( 60 ), not the seat frame.  
         [0033]     While the aforementioned prior art devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, they do not disclose a lift or recliner chair having the particular capabilities and advantages of the present invention. The chair according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides a lift and recliner chair having an independently operating back and a movement rearwardly and upwardly of the seat to a substantially reclining position as the footrest is activated, that is capable of easily achieving a wider range of reclining positions, including both a Trendelenburg and zero-gravity position.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]     It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a combination lift chair and reclining chair in which the chair progresses from a sitting position to either a lift position on the one hand or a Trendelenburg position on the other hand.  
         [0035]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a combination lift chair and Trendelenburg chair.  
         [0036]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a combination reclining and lift chair in which the seat lifts in combination with the footrest to provide a raised position that can be varied with various positions of the back to provide multiple resting positions.  
         [0037]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a reclining chair with a larger variety of positions than have been previously available.  
         [0038]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a lift chair with a novel mechanical arrangement for providing a variety of positions for the occupant.  
         [0039]     Is a still further object of the invention to provide a lift chair with a superior linkage system and arrangement providing a plurality of resting positions for the occupant as well as a position aiding the occupant to arise from the chair.  
         [0040]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a lift chair which is enabled to have an independently operating back in which the operating motor for the back is anchored to the seat rather than to the frame of the chair or to the lift assembly.  
         [0041]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a lift and reclining chair that can achieve both a Trendelenburg reclined position and a zero-gravity reclined position.  
         [0042]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a spacer means for adjusting slightly the angle of the footrest in a fully reclined position.  
         [0043]     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a lift and reclining chair having a independently positionable back frame having a linkage mechanism that is strong and durable and stable enough to withstand repeated use over time.  
         [0044]     Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0045]     A novel mechanical arrangement for use with recliner chair or lift chair is provided involving two independently operating actuators or motors secured to the parts of the chair in a novel manner such as to allow a substantial reclining or sitting position in a central position, a Trendelenburg or legs elevated with respect to the heart elevation position on one side of a reclining or sitting position, and a lift position for allowing or aiding the occupant to stand up and leave the chair on the other side or position. By pivotably connecting the operating actuator for the back between the seat frame and back frame, such operating actuator will move as the seat frame is moved and stay in the same general relative position with respect to the seat frame at all times. In addition, a linkage arrangement for accomplishing such independent pivotable movement is also provided, as well as a means for slightly adjusting the angle of the footrest in a fully reclined position, whereby the chair occupant may also adjust the chair to a zero-gravity reclining position. Such mechanical arrangement can be used with any recliner and/or lift mechanism or arrangement and results in an overall more comfortable and versatile recliner.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0046]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the chair of the invention in a fully reclined position with most of the frame including one of the arm frames and the upholstery removed.  
         [0047]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the lift frame or assembly of the chair in a retracted position.  
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the lift frame or assembly of the chair in an extended position.  
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the C-shaped bar for pivotably connecting the seat frame and the recliner motor or actuator assembly.  
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the recliner mechanism of the chair in a retracted position.  
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the recliner mechanism of the chair in an extended position.  
         [0052]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view from the left front showing the seat frame and back frame portions of the chair of the invention with the seat back motor or actuator connected and with the back frame in an upright position.  
         [0053]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view from the right rear showing the seat frame and back frame portions of the chair of the invention with the seat back motor or actuator connected and with the back frame in an upright position as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view from the left front showing the seat frame and back frame portions of the chair of the invention with the seat back motor or actuator connected and with the back frame in an reclined position.  
         [0055]      FIG. 10  is a side view showing the seat frame and back frame portions of the chair of the invention with the seat back motor or actuator connected and with the back frame in an reclined position.  
         [0056]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the bar for pivotably connecting the chair back motor or actuator assembly to the seat frame.  
         [0057]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the back frame attaching bar for pivotably connecting the seat back motor or actuator to the seat back.  
         [0058]      FIG. 13  is a side view showing the chair frame portion of the invention with the seat frame having an alternative preferred attachment assembly, footrest, and back frame portions of the chair of the invention in a reclined position, the seat back motor or actuator and recliner motor or actuator connected, and the recliner mechanism connected.  
         [0059]      FIG. 14  is a right side perspective view of the chair frame portion of the invention similar to  FIG. 13  with the seat frame, footrest, and back frame portions of the chair of the invention in a reclined position, the seat back motor or actuator and recliner motor or actuator connected, and the recliner mechanism connected.  
         [0060]      FIG. 15  is a left front perspective view of the chair of the invention in an upright or normal starting position showing the lift frame and recliner mechanism, with the chair arm frames and upholstery removed.  
         [0061]      FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of the chair of the invention in an upright or normal starting position showing the lift frame and recliner mechanism, with the chair arm frames and upholstery removed.  
         [0062]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the chair of the invention in an upright or normal rest position showing the lift frame and recliner mechanism, with the arm frames and upholstery removed.  
         [0063]      FIG. 18  is a right rear perspective view of the chair of the invention in a fully reclined position with the arm frames and the upholstery removed.  
         [0064]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the chair of the invention in a fully reclined position with the arm frames and the upholstery removed.  
         [0065]      FIG. 20  is a right rear perspective view of the chair of the invention with the seat and footrest in a reclined position, but with the back frame in an upright position, with the arm frames and upholstery removed.  
         [0066]      FIG. 21  is a side view or elevation of the chair of the invention with the seat and footrest in a reclined position, but with the back frame in an upright position, with the arm frames and upholstery removed.  
         [0067]      FIG. 22 . is a rear view of the chair of the invention having the arm frames and upholstery thereon with the lift mechanism in a raised position.  
         [0068]      FIG. 23  is a left rear perspective view of the chair of the invention with the lift mechanism in a raised position.  
         [0069]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a hand operated button type electrical controller for operation of the chair of the invention.  
         [0070]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of anther alternative embodiment of the chair of the invention.  
         [0071]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the chair shown in  FIG. 25  in a zero-gravity position.  
         [0072]      FIG. 27  is a partial front view of the back frame linkage mechanism of the chair shown in  FIG. 25 .  
         [0073]      FIG. 28  is a partial rear view of the back frame linkage mechanism of the chair shown in  FIGS. 25-27 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 29  is a partial rear view similar to  FIG. 28  with the chair back frame removed and showing the stop means for adjusting the angle of the footrest slightly.  
         [0075]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the improved alternative back frame linkage mechanism of the invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0076]     The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention.  
         [0077]      FIGS. 1-12  and  15 - 24  illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention,  FIGS. 13-14  illustrate a second embodiment wherein a preferred chair backframe pivot mechanism is disclosed, and  FIGS. 25-28  illustrate another preferred embodiment of such chair backframe pivot mechanism. Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of chair  20  of the invention in a reclined position, with the right arm frame, from the point of view of a chair occupant, and all of the upholstery removed to illustrate the components of the invention underneath. Chair  20  is comprised of a lift frame or assembly  22 , shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 2-3 , and chair assembly  23  which is attached to lift frame or assembly  22 . Chair assembly  23  generally includes seat frame  24 , back frame  26 , leg or footrest  27 , pair of arm frames  28 , only one which is shown in  FIG. 1 , and linkage mechanisms  104 . It will be understood that arm frames  28  of chair assembly  23 , which arm frames are usually of a wooden construction and are overall conventional, and one possible embodiment of the wooden chair frame attached to lift frame  22  is shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , lift frame  22  includes base frame  32 , which is comprised of a rear crossbar  34 , spaced apart parallel bars  35  and  36  connected to and extending forwardly from rear crossbar  34 , and brace  37  spaced apart from rear crossbar  34  and connecting between bars  35  and  36 . Forward ends  38  and  39  of parallel bars  35  and  36  curve outwardly towards the perimeter of the chair, essentially matching the ends of crossbar  34  so that base frame  32  forms a stable base or floor support for chair assembly  23  when it is in a raised or lift position, a normal seated position, or when it is in any number of reclined positions. Foot members (not shown) adjustable or unadjustable and usually padded in some manner may also be attached to the underside of rear crossbar  34  and on the forward ends  38  and  39  of parallel bars  35  and  36 , or at any other desired location. Also connected to parallel bars  35  and  36  near rear crossbar  34  are large brackets  42  and  43 , respectively, each having apertures  44 ,  45 , and  46  therein to facilitate pivotable attachment to the ends of U-shaped bar member  48  and straight bars  50 - 51 . The ends of U-shaped bar  48  are pivotably connected by pins or pintles  47  extending though apertures  44  in brackets  42  and  43  and corresponding aligned apertures in U-shaped bar  48 . Further, straight bar  50  is connected to bracket  42  by a pin or pintle extending through aperture  46  and matching apertures in bar  50 , while identical straight bar  51  is connected by a pin or pintle extending through aperture  46  in bracket  43  and matching apertures in bar  51 . If it is desired to change the angle of the lift position of the chair slightly, bars  50  and  51  could be secured in apertures  45  rather than apertures  46 . Identical short links  54  and  56  (not shown) pivotably connect the upper ends of bars  50  and  51  to U-shaped bar  48  via pins or pintles  57  and  58  extending through apertures in such bars  48  and  50 - 51 , respectively. Such double bar structure gives lift assembly  22  added strength and integrity so that it is sufficiently strong to support the maximum weight of the chair frame plus an occupant of the chair over an extended period of use.  
         [0078]     Also pivotably connected to bars  48  and  50 - 51  on the side opposite links  54  and  56  via pins  57  and  58 , respectively, is chair frame support structure  60 . Chair frame support structure  60  is comprised of similar outwardly facing C-shaped bar sections  62  and  63  which are connected together by welding to third downwardly facing C-shaped section  64  situated at a right angle to sections  62  and  63 . In addition, square bar sections or braces  65  are secured by welding adjacent the connection points of bar sections  62  and  63  and C-shaped section  64  through which the apertures for receiving pins  57  are provided, and serve as strengthening members for support structure  60 . The ends of C-shaped bar sections  62  and  63  are secured to the underside of bottom pieces  110  of the arm frames  28  (shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 ) of the chair frame via screws or the like extending through apertures  66  and  67  in such bars sections. Rear crossbar  34 , bars  35  and  36 , brace  37 , C-shaped bar  48 , straight bars  50  and  51 , C-shaped sections  62 ,  63 , and  64  of chair frame support structure  60 , and brace  65  are all preferably made of hollow rectangular steel bars that are welded together where appropriate. The pins or pintles, as well as brackets  42  and  43 , and brackets  72  and  80  (discussed below) are also preferably made of steel and welded to the steel bar structures as appropriate.  
         [0079]     Connected spaced from the edges of rear crossbar  34 , and preferably between parallel bars  35  and  36 , is small bracket  72 , to which motor or actuator  74  is pivotably attached by a pin or pintle. Actuator  74  may be any type of actuator including but not limited to electric, gas, and hydraulic actuators. A preferred actuator is an electric motor that relatively rotates an internally threaded sleeve  76  and an externally threaded spindle  75  received therein to increase and decrease their combined overall length, and to thereby adjust the position of objects connected to the end of such threaded sleeve and spindle arrangement. Neither such internal nor exterior threads are visible, but will be understood to be conventional in the art. Suitable actuators are the Omegadrive™ linear actuators commercially available from OkinGmbH &amp; Co. KG located in Gummersbach, Germany, model numbers OS2-SW-394-212 and OZ-SW-330-181. The outer end of externally threaded sleeve  75  is adapted to be pivotably secured to L-shaped bracket or bell crank  78  at a central position by pin or pintle  79  which is passed through matching apertures in the bracket and in the end of sleeve  75 . L-bracket  78  is in turn pivotably connected on its downwardly extending flange to small bracket  80 , which bracket is secured extending downwardly from C-bar section  64  of chair frame support structure  60  by pin or pintle  82  extending through aligned apertures in L-bracket  78  and small bracket  80 . Brackets  72  on crossbar  34  and  80  on chair frame support structure  60  are aligned so that the actuator mechanism extends between such brackets more or less in parallel with bars  50  and  51 .  
         [0080]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , as well as  FIG. 7-10  and  13 - 21 , seat frame  24 , back frame  26 , and footrest  27 , all preferably made of wood, are connected to lift frame assembly  22  as follows. Seat frame  24  is comprised of front member  90 , rear member  91 , and side members  92  and  93 , which members are stapled, nailed, or otherwise secured together such as by threaded fasteners or the like to form a rectangular frame or separate frames connected together. The underside of side members  92  and  93  is tapered toward front member  90  at  94  in the present embodiment to allow room for recliner linkage mechanisms  104 , shown detached from chair  20  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Recliner mechanisms  104  pivotably connects the seat frame  24 , back frame  26 , and footrest  27  together, as described below, as well as to chair frame  28 , resulting in an interconnected whole mechanism. In addition, C-shaped bar  98 , shown attached to seat frame  24  in  FIG. 1  and detailed in  FIG. 4 , is pivotably connected extending between side members  92  and  93  of seat frame  24  approximately one-third of the way from front member  90 . Bracket  99  is connected by welding to C-shaped bar  98  (see  FIG. 4 ) at a position aligned with L-shaped bracket  78 , with apertures  100  therein being aligned with apertures  101  in L-bracket  78  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), and pivotably connected thereto by a pin or pintle (not shown) such that expansion lengthening or shortening of actuator  74  is transmitted through bell crank to C shaped bar  98  and hence to the seat structure  24 .  
         [0081]     The details of the recliner linkage mechanisms  104  will now be described with particular reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , which illustrate the right side mechanism in a retracted and expanded position, respectively. It will be understood that the recliner mechanism shown in  FIGS. 5-6  is designed to be placed on the left side of the chair, or the right side of chair  20  when viewed from the front, and further that the right side or the left side recliner mechanism when viewed from the front is comprised of identical operative parts arranged in mirror image. It will also be understood that the present invention may be used except where specifically indicated with other recliner mechanisms known in the prior art, and the invention is not meant to be limited to use with the described recliner mechanism.  
         [0082]      FIG. 5  illustrates recliner mechanism  104  in a retracted position, while  FIG. 6  illustrates recliner mechanism  104  in an expanded position. Before recliner mechanism  104  is attached to chair  20 , however, as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , arm frames  28  are operatively secured to lift assembly  22 . More particularly, each arm frame  28  has a bottom side  110 , a front post  112  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), a rear post  114 , an arm rest  116  extending between said front and rear posts, and side section  118  which connects between bottom section  110 , front post  112 , and rear post  114 . Each arm frame  28  is secured to one of the C-shaped bar sections  62  and  63  which are part of the lift assembly  22 , so that when the lift assembly is activated, the arm frames along with the rest of chair assembly  23  are lifted upwardly and pivoted or tilted forwardly. More particularly, in the present embodiment, apertures  65  and  66  are provided in C-shaped bar sections  62  and  63  (see  FIGS. 2-3 ) through which apertures  65  and  66  screws or other connectors are passed directly into the underside of each arm frame bottom section  110 . Recliner mechanisms  104  are then secured to the side sections  118  of arm frames  28  as described below.  
         [0083]     Referring still to  FIGS. 1, 22  and  23 , recliner mechanism  104  includes an elongated arm frame connector plate  120  that is secured preferably by bolts or screws to the inner surface  122  of side section  118  of arm frame  28  through several apertures  105  on the ends and middle section of plate  120 . A spacer block, not shown, may be provided between connector plate  120  and inner surface  122  of arm frame side section  118  to allow for use of slightly different sized frames. In addition, depending on the desired angle of the recliner mechanisms  104  with respect to seat frames  28 , recliner mechanism  104  may be attached to the seat frame  28  at a slight angle. Referring also now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , L-shaped link  130  is pivotably connected at  132  to arm frame connector plate  120  near the rearward end of such plate, and is pivotably connected to angled link  134  at  136 . The end of L-shaped link  130  remote from pivot  136  is facing downwardly in  FIG. 5  and is pivotably connected to link  138  at  140 . Meanwhile, link  142 , a portion of which is visible in  FIG. 6  behind link  140 , is pivotably and slidably connected to the lower end angled link  134  at  144  in slide  146  in link  134 , while link  142  is further pivotably connected on its other end to arm frame connector plate  120  at  148  (partially visible in  FIG. 5  behind link  134 ). Link  138  is pivotably connected to another L-shaped link  150  at  152 , which L-shaped link  150  is also pivotably connected to arm frame connector plate  120  at  154  and pivotably connected to angled link  156  at  158  (visible in  FIG. 6 ). Angled link  156  is further pivotably connected to one end of straight link  160  at  162 , and to one end of angled link  164  at  166 . The other end of straight link  160  is pivotably connected to link  182  at  188 , while the other end of angled link  164  is attached to the near end of footrest link  172  at  174 . The far end of footrest link  172 , as well as the far end of footrest link  176 , are both connected to leg  178  of footrest bracket  180 . The near end of footrest link  176  is connected to one end of link  182  at  184 , while link  182  is further pivotably connected to footrest link  172  at  186 , and, as indicated above, to straight link  160  at  188 . Finally, link  182  is also pivotably connected at its rear end to seat frame connector plate  190  at  192 , which plate  190 , as shown  FIG. 1  as well as in several of the other Figures, is bolted to the side sections  92  and  93  of seat frame  28  through apertures  194  and  196 . Angled links  134  and  156  are also pivotably connected to seat frame connector plate  190  at  198  and  200 , respectively, while plate  190  is also linked at its upwardly angled rear section  211  directly to L-shaped back frame connector link or bracket  212 .  
         [0084]     In an alternative and preferred link arrangement, shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the upwardly bent or angled section  211  of seat frame connector plate  190  is pivotably joined to short link  202  and L-shaped link  212  at  204 , while the opposite end of short link  202  is pivotably joined to  25  straight link  206  at  208 . Straight link  206  is then pivotably joined at its other end to the rearward end of L-shaped link  130  and therefore also to seat frame connector plate  120  at  132  (see FIG.  29 ) Such link arrangement has proven to result in a stronger and more stable connection between back frame  26 , and L-shaped plate  212  and link mechanism  104 . In a further preferred alternative link arrangement, illustrated in  FIGS. 25-30 , short link  202  is again, as in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , pivotably joined to the end of upwardly angled section  211  of seat frame connector plate  190  at  204 , while short link  202  is also again joined at its opposite end to link  206  at  208 . However, in such embodiment, link  204  does not also connect to L-shaped link  212 , but instead, as is best illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , as well as in  FIG. 30 , another short link  214  is positioned behind link  202 , which link  214  is pivotably connected to L-shaped link  212  at  215 , and in addition is secured to link  202  at  216  and  217 . In addition, as is visible in  FIGS. 25, 27 ,  29 , and  30 , a bar  220  is provided connecting between the lower ends of links  214 . The purpose of adding links  214  and bar  220  as described and shown is to add substantially to the overall strength of such linkage arrangement. As can be seen in the  FIG. 29 , links  214  are each nonpivotably joined at two points  216  and  217  to links  202 , as well as to each other by bar  220 , and pivotably to links  212  which connect chair back  26  to such linkage system. As a result of such linkage arrangement, a rigid box-like structure or framework is essentially formed around chair back  26 , which structure substantially prevents any bending of any of the links that make up such mechanism from occurring, and therefore substantially increases the overall strength of the chair assembly  23 . In another alternative embodiment, the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  may be augmented with the addition of links  214  as shown in  FIGS. 25-30  without, however, being connected together by crossbar  220 . Such an intermediate strength mechanism may be suitable in chairs utilizing the linkage independently movable backrest arrangement of the invention wherein the additional strength provided by bar  220  is not required, such as in chairs having a lesser maximum weight limit or carrying capacity. Normally, however, it is believed that the additional strength provided by bar  220  will be most the most preferred structure. In addition, back frame  26 , as shown below, will also be connected to seat frame  24  by the actuator mechanism including second motor or actuator  238 .  
         [0085]     The hollow rectangular bar  244  may have one forward side omitted such that it can fit over the lower section of the backrest directly strengthening such lower section and when connected through fastenings between the plates  246  and  248  with L brackets or fittings  212  forming together with cross bar  220  and essentially rigid rectangular boxed in structure very securely reinforcing the lower end of the backrest plus the rear of the seat frame without massive structural sections on these parts, thus attaining superior strength and operation at only a minor increase in cost or weight while still retaining complete rotational movement of the seat back about a common axis and at the same time keeping the bar  220  completely out of the way with respect to pivoting of the back.  
         [0086]     As indicated above, arm frame connector plate  120  of recliner mechanism  104  is bolted to the inner side surface  122  of side section  118  of arm frame  28 , seat frame connector plate  190  is secured to seat frame  24 , and back frame connector link or bracket  212  is secured to back frame  26  via one of the alternative linkage arrangement just described, thereby joining the seat frame  24 , back frame  26 , and footrest  27  together and forming chair assembly  23 . The arrangement of the links of recliner mechanism  104  further allow the back frame  26  to pivot independent of the footrest  27  and seat frame  26 . In addition, as will now be described with particular reference to in  FIGS. 7-12 , which are various perspective views of just the back and seat frame portions of chair  20 , which frame portions may be joined together by the basic linkage arrangement shown in  FIGS. 7-10 , the alternative arrangement shown in  FIGS. 13-14 , or the second alternative arrangement shown in  FIGS. 25-30 , or the intermediate further alternative arrangement described above. In any case, attached generally in the vicinity of C-shaped bar  98  (see  FIG. 4 ) extending between first and second side frame members  92  and  93  of seat frame  24  is seat frame motor or actuator attaching bar  230 , which bar is preferably comprised of a hollow rectangular steel bar. Bar  230  is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 11 . Welded to the ends of bar  230  are plates  231  and  232  having apertures  234  for securing by bolts, screws, or the like bar  230  to seat frame side members  92  and  93 . In addition, attached extending downwardly from bar  230 , also preferably by welding, is connector  236  having ring-shaped aperture  237  to which seat back motor or actuator  238  is pivotably connected by a pin or the like (see  FIGS. 7-10 ). Connector  236  is preferably situated slightly to one side of bar  230  so that motor or actuator  238  can lie or rest side-by-side with motor or actuator  74  described above, which motor is also slightly offset. Seat frame motor or actuator  238  is similar to footrest and lift motor or actuator  74  in that it also typically may be an electric motor that relatively rotates an internally threaded sleeve  240  and an externally threaded spindle  241  received therein to increase and decrease their combined overall length. The opposite end of internally threaded sleeve  240  is pivotably secured to back frame  26  via seat back motor attaching bar  242 . Bar  242  is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 12  and is preferably comprised of hollow rectangular steel bar  244  having plates  246  and  248  welded to its ends, the plates further having cutout sections  250  so that they can be secured along the inner sides of side sections  252  and  254  of back frame  26  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Preferably, plate  246  is bolted or otherwise secured to side section  252  in combination with L-shaped back frame connector link  212  also on side section  252 , while plate  248  is similarly bolted to side section  254  in combination with L-shaped back frame connector link  212  also on side section  254 . Preferably attached by welding extending downwardly from bar  242  is short extension bar member  258 , having ring  260  secured to its lower end of bar  258 , so that the end of externally threaded spindle  241  may be pivotably secured to ring  260  via pin  262 . A controller  280 , shown in  FIG. 24  and described in greater detail below, is then also operably connected both to lift frame and footrest motor or actuator  74  as well as seat frame motor or actuator  238  to control the overall movements of the chair frame.  
         [0087]      FIGS. 15-21  illustrate chair  20  of the invention in a various different retracted or reclined positions. Such Figures do not include arm frames  28 ; however, the lift chair features of the invention are shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , where chair assembly  23  is shown supported on C-shaped pieces  62  and  63  in a lifted and forwardly tilted position.  FIGS. 15-17  are front, back and side views of chair  20  in a fully upright position. When back frame  26  is in such an upright position, internally threaded sleeve  240  of back actuator or motor  238  is extended from threaded spindle  241 . This is also evident in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , which show just the seat and back frame portions of the chair assembly, while in  FIG. 9  as well as in  FIGS. 1, 18  and  19 , where back frame  26  is in a fully reclined position, internally threaded sleeve  240  in now rotated so externally threaded spindle  241  is screwed or threaded into it, so that it is effectively by retracting causing the back frame to recline. In addition, bar  258  is extending substantially directly downwardly from seat frame  26  when sleeve  240  rotates and spindle  241  is expanded out of it and pivots forwardly when the seat frame  26  is reclined (see  FIG. 19 ). Actuator  238  may also pivot slightly on bracket  236  attached to bar  230  to which actuator  238  is pivotably connected as the spindle  241  is moved in and out of sleeve  240  to move back frame  26 . In addition, C-shaped bar sections  62  and  63  are supporting chair  20  or act to support the chair on the ground surface in addition to rear crossbar  34  and bars  38  and  39 . Recliner mechanism  104  is also in retracted position, with footrest  27  inclined substantially vertical in relation to the ground surface and footrest links  164 ,  172 ,  176 , and  182 , which are connected in a scissors-like or so-called pantograph arrangement, being pivoted so that they are substantially more vertical than horizontal. Link  134  is also pivoted downwardly from seat frame connector plate  190 , away from stop  135 . Finally, as best shown in  FIG. 2 , threaded sleeve  75  is partially but not completely extended from spindle  76  when footrest  27  is completely retracted.  
         [0088]     When controller  280 , shown in  FIG. 24 , is used to activate motor  74  to move the chair from an upright position shown in  FIGS. 15-17  to a reclined position such as shown in  FIGS. 1, 18 , and  19 , spindle  75  is retracted in sleeve  76 , while L-shaped bracket  78  is pulled rearwardly along with spindle  75  by pivoting on pin  82  securing bracket  78  to bracket  80  on C-shaped section  64  of lift assembly  64 . L-shaped bracket  78  also pulls C-shaped bracket  98 , which in turn is connected to seat frame  24  and also puts tension on the seat frame to be pulled rearwardly. Seat frame  24 , which is pivotably mounted to arm frames  28  by recliner mechanism  104 , in turn is also pulled rearwardly, with links  134 ,  156 , and  182  (as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) pivotably connected to seat connector plates  190  pivoting in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from arm frames  26  on pivot points  198 ,  200 , and  192 , respectively. Pivoting of link  156  also causes  160  and  164  to pivot forwardly, which movement further causes scissors style pivoting links  172 ,  176 , and  182  to pivot with respect to one another, forcing footrest  27  to be pushed upwardly and outwardly away from the front of chair  20  until the footrest is in a substantially horizontal position. Thus, when motor  74  is activated, seat frame  24  is pulled rearwardly and footrest  27  is pushed upwardly and outwardly. At the same time, back frame  26  and electrical motor  238 , which is pivotably attached to both seat frame  24  and back frame  26 , moves rearwardly along with seat frame  24 . Such feature is important to the operation of the invention as a whole, since if motor  238  was mounted stationary with respect to the lift frame or in some other manner, seat frame  24  could not move rearwardly without coming into contact with and damaging motor  238  or vice versa.  
         [0089]     At approximately the same point at which footrest  27  reaches a substantially horizontal position, link  134  will have pivoted so that it is now prevented from further pivoting by stop  135 , see  FIG. 16 . Thus, rather than seat frame  24  being pulled further rearwardly, the force continued to be applied by motor  238  now causes links  130 ,  142 , and  150 , as well as  160  to pivot upwardly, and for pivot  144  connecting link  142  to slide  146  in link  134  to move rearwardly in such slide  146 . In particular, L-shaped links  130  and  150  are pivotably linked to opposite ends of link  138 , so that such links will pivot or rotate in unison. See in particular  FIG. 19 . Such links will pivot upwardly until bar  130  has pivoted so that it is abutting stop  131 , shown in  FIG. 16 , at which point further upward movement is prevented and spindle  75  is arranged so that it will be substantially completely retracted into sleeve  76 , and the chair will have reached a fully reclined position. At the same time, the front end of seat frame will be moving on C-bracket  98 , which pivots somewhat downwardly in response to further pulling on bracket  99  by such actuator  74 . Again, motor  74  will simply move upwardly along with seat frame  24 , so that motor  74  remains in substantially the same position relative to seat frame  24  at all times. Furthermore, back frame  26  can be moved to any pivoted position completely independently of the position of footrest  27  and seat frame  24 . This feature is illustrated by comparing  FIGS. 18-19 , where back frame  26  is in a completely reclined position, with  FIGS. 20 and 21 , where back frame  26  is in an upright position. In all of such FIGS., footrest  27  and seat frame  24  are in a fully reclined position, while back frame  26  has been pivoted into either an upright or reclined position by actuator  238  which is controlled by controller  280 . If desired, chair frame  23  could be moved to a lift position, wherein lift assembly  22  is extended as shown in  FIG. 3  and chair frame  23  is lifted upwardly and tilted forwardly, while back frame  26  remains in a completely reclined position. In  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a fully reclined or bed-like position is also shown, with the difference being in the arrangement back frame  26  with respect to the linkage mechanism  104  which is stronger than the linkage shown with respect to the first embodiment of the invention. Similarly, in  FIGS. 25 and 27 - 28 , the chair with the back frame having a second alternative linkage system including stabilizing bar  220  is also in a fully reclined position. Such fully reclined position is essentially the Trendelenburg position, wherein the operator&#39;s legs are higher than his or her heart, which position is often desirable. However, the chair can also be moved to a reclining position, wherein the legs are not higher than the heart, either by not reclining the footrest mechanism all the way, or alternatively by pivoting the back frame upwardly, which will lift the occupant&#39;s torso upwardly. To return chair  20  to a non-reclined position, links  130  and  150  will pivot downwardly in a clockwise direction until they are prevented from further pivoting by stops  133  and  151 , respectively. During this period, seat frame  24  and footrest  27  will be moving generally in a downward direction. Bar  98  will also pivot upwardly or forwardly as the seat frame is lowered. Once links  130  and  150  hit stops  133  and  151 , respectively, the seat frame will move forwardly as the footrest  27  continues to be pulled inwardly towards chair  20  until it is again substantially vertical and seat frame  24  has returned to its original position.  
         [0090]     The ability of the seat frame to pivot rearwardly with the footrest results in a significantly more maneuverable and comfortable recliner and/or lift chair design than is available in the prior art. In chairs where the seat frame does not move in relation to the footrest, the resulting orientation is often uncomfortable for most users and furthermore it cannot be augmented to meet the comfort or medical needs of individual users. For example, as shown in  FIG. 19 , a person lying in chair  20  will be in the so-called Trendelenburg position, which is a position where such persons legs are higher than his or her heart. For persons who do not require or desire such a position, the back frame can be moved to a position such as shown in  FIG. 20 . In addition, as is shown in  FIG. 26 , the user may pivot the chair into a so-called “zero gravity” or back relief position, which provides complete support for the user and relieves pressure from the spine. Note in particular that in  FIG. 26 , the footrest is not completely horizontal but is at a slight forward incline or angle. In another novel feature of the invention, the present inventors have conceived of a simple yet extremely effective means for adjusting the angle of the footrest based on the desires and needs of individual purchaser of chair  20 . Normally, when the chair is being moved to a reclining position, as explained above, the footrest  27  will move upwardly and the chair seat frame  24  will move rearwardly on linkage mechanism  104  until the footrest has reached approximately a horizontal position. However, as is best shown in  FIG. 29 , stop  250  is positioned extending inwardly from the rear edge of seat frame connector plate  120 . As a result, just before footrest  27  reaches a horizontal position, link  206  will move rearwardly into contact with stop  250 , which will prevent the linkage mechanism from further rearward movement, and footrest  27  will be deployed at an angle that is slightly less than horizontal. It should be evident, therefore, that by replacing stop  250  with a similar stop having either a slightly greater or slightly reduced diameter, the angle at which footrest  27  ultimately comes to rest can be adjusted slightly. The use of stop  250  provides a simple and effective means for enabling the footrest to be slightly inclined, and so as a result chair  20  can also be adjusted so that it is in substantially a zero-gravity position, such as that shown in  FIG. 26 , wherein all of the weight of the chair occupant has been relieved from the spine, and the body is essentially in a stress-free position. Depending upon the physical characteristics of an individual user of chair  20 , the zero-gravity position may be slightly different, and thus the ability to adjust the angle of the back frame  26  independent of the position of both the seat frame and footrest, plus the ability to slightly adjust the angle of the footrest accordingly by changing the diameter of stop  250 , a more user-friendly and easily adjustable lift and recliner comprising a substantial advance in the art has resulted.  
         [0091]     The controller  280  provided to control or activate motors  74  and  238 , shown in  FIG. 24 , may be of a conventional type, and preferably will have separate buttons for reclining the seat back  281 , moving the seat back to an upright position  282 , moving the chair to a reclining position with the footrest extended  283 , moving the footrest to a retracted position  284 , activating the lift assembly so that the chair frame is raised and tilted forwardly  285 , and for returning the lift assembly to a retracted position  286 . Wire  287  connects controller  280  to the actuators, although a wireless connection may also be used if preferred. A light means  288  may also be provided to indicate activation or multiple light means could be provided to indicate modes of operation.  
         [0092]     While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0