LINK-CONTROLLED LENGTHENED FOOTREST

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to furniture pieces, and more particularly to powered chairs, love seats, and sofas that have extendable and retractable footrests.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Powered chairs, sofas, love seats, and the like have become very popular within recent years. Consumers are now enjoying the luxury and convenience of such powered chairs, sofas, love seats, and the like, within their offices, home offices, family rooms, and other locations where they choose to relax by viewing TV, reading a book, or enjoying other similar passive and pastime activities. As is well known, such powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, a seated position, a lift position, a TV position, a reclined position, and a zero-gravity position. As can also be appreciated, these furniture pieces are adapted to be used by various different consumers, that is, men, women, and children, and that these consumers may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like. Accordingly, it has been noted, for example, that tall or large people may not really be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough for them. Powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like, therefore need to be structured so as to accommodate this segment of the consumer populace. Lastly it is noted that extendable or extensible footrests are known in the art, however, such extendable or extensible footrests usually comprise two components connected together by means of a slot and limit stop or limit pin mechanism, that is, there is a forward or primary footrest and a rearward or secondary footrest. It has been noted, however, that over time, such slot and limit stop or limit pin mechanism can become worn. In addition, such mechanism generates undesirable noise.

A first need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece. Another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like. Still another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, and wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position. Yet another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, and wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers. Still yet another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, and wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like. Yet still another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, and who may not be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them. A further need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, and who may not really be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them, whereby such powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like, therefore need to be structured so as to accommodate this segment of the consumer populace.

A still further need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, who may not be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them, whereby such powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like, therefore need to be structured so as to accommodate this segment of the consumer populace, and wherein the footrests are extendable or extensible as a result of the footrests usually comprising two components, a forward or primary footrest and a rearward or secondary footrest, which are connected together by means of a mechanism which permits movement between the two components. A yet further need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, who may not be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them, whereby such powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like, therefore need to be structured so as to accommodate this segment of the consumer populace, wherein the footrests are extendable or extensible as a result of the footrests usually comprising two components, a forward or primary footrest and a rearward or secondary footrest, which are connected together by means of a mechanism which permits movement between the two components, and where, however, the connection mechanism between the two footrest sections will not deteriorate over time and will not generate undesirable noise.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

A first overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece. Another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like. Still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, and wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position. Yet another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, and wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers. Still yet another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, and wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like.

Yet still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, and who may not be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them. A further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, and who may not really be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them, whereby such powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like, therefore need to be structured so as to accommodate this segment of the consumer populace.

A still further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, who may not be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them, whereby such powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like, therefore need to be structured so as to accommodate this segment of the consumer populace, and wherein the footrests are extendable or extensible as a result of the footrests usually comprising two components, a forward or primary footrest and a rearward or secondary footrest, which are connected together by means of a mechanism which permits movement between the two components. A yet further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece, wherein the furniture piece comprises a powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like can attain various positions, such as, for example, at least a seated position, a TV position, and a reclined position, wherein the powered chair, love seat, sofa, or the like can be readily and comfortably used by various different consumers who may in fact constitute or comprise different body types, proportions, sizes, heights, weights, and the like, such as, for example, tall or large people, who may not be readily capable of experiencing true comfort within a typical powered chair, sofa, love seat, and the like, since the footrest of such powered chair, love seat, sofa, and the like, may not be big enough or large enough for them, whereby such powered chairs, love seats, sofas, and the like, therefore need to be structured so as to accommodate this segment of the consumer populace, wherein the footrests are extendable or extensible as a result of the footrests usually comprising two components, a forward or primary footrest and a rearward or secondary footrest, which are connected together by means of a mechanism which permits movement between the two components, and where, however, the connection mechanism between the two footrest sections will not deteriorate over time and will not generate undesirable noise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention through the provision of a new and improved chair, love seat, sofa, or the like, wherein the same comprises a base, a pair of oppositely disposed backrest assemblies, a pair of oppositely disposed seat assemblies, a pair of oppositely disposed footrest assemblies, a pair of oppositely disposed linkage systems operatively connecting the pair of oppositely disposed backrest assemblies, the pair of oppositely disposed seat assemblies, and the pair of oppositely disposed footrest assemblies together, and a linear actuator operatively connected to the pair of oppositely disposed linkage systems so as to move the pair of oppositely disposed backrest assemblies, the pair of oppositely disposed seat assemblies, and the pair of oppositely disposed footrest assemblies between extended and retracted positions, between retracted and reclined positions so as to achieve the aforenoted at least seated, TV, and reclined positions. More particularly, it is also noted that the pair of oppositely disposed footrest assemblies are extensible or extendable and comprise two components connected together, a forward or primary pair of oppositely disposed footrest mounting brackets, and a rearward or secondary pair of oppositely disposed footrest mounting brackets. In addition, in lieu of the conventional means of connecting the forward or primary pair of oppositely disposed footrest mounting brackets and the rearward or secondary pair of oppositely disposed footrest mounting brackets together by slot and limit stop or pin mechanisms which can generate undesirable noise and which can structurally deteriorate over extended periods of use, in accordance with a unique structural feature of the new and improved chair, love seat, sofa, or the like, each one of the pair of oppositely disposed footrest assemblies have their forward or primary pair of oppositely disposed footrest mounting brackets and the rearward or secondary pair of oppositely disposed footrest mounting brackets connected together by means of additional linkage members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of a first embodiment of a new and improved structural system comprising a reclining chair as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, showing the new and improved footrest assembly in its extended state or position;

FIG. 2 is right side elevational view of the first embodiment of the new and improved structural system, as illustrated within FIG. 1, comprising the reclining chair as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention and showing the new and improved footrest assembly in its extended state or position;

FIG. 3 is a right side, top perspective view of the first embodiment of the new and improved structural system, as illustrated within FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the footrest assembly is shown in its retracted state or position, as well as the disposition of the linear actuator;

FIG. 3a is an enlarged detailed view of one of the pair of oppositely disposed primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies;

FIG. 3b is an enlarged detailed view of one of the pair of oppositely disposed primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies, as well as one of the pair of oppositely disposed secondary rearward mounting bracket assemblies and the link connecting the one of the pair of oppositely disposed primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies and the one of the pair of oppositely disposed secondary rearward mounting bracket assemblies together;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of a second embodiment of a new and improved structural system comprising a reclining chair as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, showing the new and improved footrest assembly in its extended state or position;

FIG. 5 is a right side, front perspective view of the second embodiment of the new and improved structural system, as illustrated within FIG. 4, showing the new and improved footrest assembly in its extended state or position;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the second embodiment of the new and improved structural system, as illustrated within FIGS. 4 and 5, showing the new and improved footrest assembly in its retracted state or position;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of the second embodiment of the new and improved structural system showing the base structure of the new and improved chair, love seat, or sofa; and

FIG. 8 is a left side, top perspective view of the second embodiment of the new and improved structural system, as illustrated within FIGS. 4-7, wherein the footrest assembly is shown in its extended state or position, as well as the disposition of the linear actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-3 thereof, a first embodiment of a new and improved powered chair, as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 100. More particularly, it is seen that the new and improved powered chair 100 comprises a backrest assembly 102, a seat assembly 104, a footrest assembly 106, a powered chair framework assembly 108, and a linear actuator 110. The backrest assembly 102 comprises a pair of oppositely disposed, substantially T-shaped backrest mounting brackets 112 upon which a backrest of the powered chair is adapted to be fixedly mounted, while the seat assembly 104 is seen to comprise a pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 upon which a powered chair seat is adapted to be fixedly secured. An upper rear end portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 is pivotally connected to a lower end corner portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed backrest mounting brackets 112 as at 116, while upper end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed, substantially V-shaped connecting links 118 are also pivotally connected to a lower end central portion of each one of the pair of opposed backrest mounting brackets 112 as at 120. In turn, a lower end portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed V-shaped connecting links 118 is pivotally connected to a lower end portion of each one of a first pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivoting links 122 as can best be seen at 124 within FIG. 2, while an upper end portion of each one of the first pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivoting links 122 is pivotally connected to a respective one of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 as can likewise best be seen at 126 in FIG. 2.

As can best be appreciated from FIG. 3, the powered chair framework assembly 108 is seen to comprise a pair of oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending side frame members 128, a forward, transversely extending cross-frame member 130, and a rearward, transversely extending cross-frame member 132. Still further, as can best be appreciated from FIG. 2, a first pair of oppositely disposed rearward lifting links 134 have their lower end portions pivotally connected to rearward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending side frame members 128 as at 136, while their upper end portions are pivotally connected to the first pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped first pivoting links 122 as at 138. In a similar manner, a second pair of oppositely disposed forward lifting links 140 have their lower end portions pivotally connected to forward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending side frame members 128 as at 142. In addition, it is seen that a second pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivoting links 144 are pivotally connected to the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 as at 146, while upper end portions of the second pair of oppositely disposed forward lifting links 140 are pivotally connected to upper end portions of the second pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivoting links 144 as at 148. Still further, each one of a pair of oppositely disposed interconnecting links 150 has a forward end portion thereof pivotally connected to a central portion of one of the second pair of oppositely disposed forward lifting links 140 as at 152, while a rearward end portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed interconnecting links 150 is pivotally connected to an upper end portion of a third pair of oppositely disposed arcuately configured pivoting links 154 as at 156. The central portion of each one of the third pair of oppositely disposed arcuately configured pivoting links 154 is pivotally connected to one of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 as at 158, while lower end portions of the third pair of oppositely disposed arcuately configured pivoting links 154 is pivotally connected to a lower end portion of one of a fourth pair of oppositely disposed links 160 as at 162. Still yet further, a fifth pair of oppositely disposed links 164 are pivotally connected at their rear end portions to the first pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivoting links 122 as at 158, while forward end portions of the fifth pair of oppositely disposed links 164 are pivotally connected to the second pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivoting links 144 as at 166.

With reference continuing to be made to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is further seen that the linkage assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 168 which are pivotally connected at their rear end portions to the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 as at 170, while forward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 168 are pivotally connected to first, lower end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest extension links 172 as at 174. In turn, second, upper, front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest extension links 172 are pivotally connected to a pair of oppositely disposed secondary, rearward, footrest mounting brackets 176 as at 178, while a pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest swing links 180 have their rear end portions pivotally connected to the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 as at 182, and their front end portions pivotally connected to central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest extension links 172 as at 184, all as can best be seen and appreciated from FIG. 2. In addition, it is also seen that forward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest swing links 180 are pivotally connected to lower end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 186 as at 188, while upper end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 186 are pivotally connected to the pair of oppositely disposed secondary, rearward footrest mounting brackets 176 as at 190.

Continuing further, a pair of oppositely disposed first main bracket support links 194 are pivotally connected at first ends thereof to the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest extension links 172 as at 196, while second opposite ends of the pair of oppositely disposed first main bracket support links 194 are pivotally connected to first ends of a pair of oppositely disposed second main bracket support links 198, as at 200, with second opposite ends of the pair of oppositely disposed second main bracket support links 198 being pivotally connected to central portions of a pair of oppositely disposed primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies 192 as at 202. Still further, in accordance with the unique teachings and principles of the present invention, a pair of oppositely disposed link members 204 are pivotally connected at first end portions thereof, and at fixed locations, to front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed secondary, rearward, footrest mounting brackets 176 as at 206, while second, opposite end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed link members 204 are likewise pivotally connected at second end portions thereof, and at fixed locations, to an ear or lug 191 as at 208. More particularly, as can best be appreciated from FIGS. 3a and 3b, each one of the pair of oppositely disposed primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies 192 comprises a straight link 193, upon which the ear or lug 191 is integrally fixed, wherein the front end portion of the straight link 193 is fixedly connected to front end portion of a Z-shaped link 195 as at 197, while the rear end portion of the Z-shaped link 195 is pivotally connected to a rear end portion of an L-shaped mounting bracket 199, the upper plate portion of which is planar and serves as a footrest mounting plate for the primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assembly 192, as at 201. Lastly, the upper end portion of a coiled spring 203 is operatively connected to the L-shaped mounting bracket 199, while the lower end portion of the coiled spring 203 is operatively connected to a lower forward end portion of the Z-shaped link 195. In this manner, as the linear actuator 110 is actuated so as to move the footrest assembly 106 from the retracted state of FIG. 3 to the extended state of FIG. 1, each one of the primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies 192 will rotate clockwise as considered from FIG. 1. Accordingly, the pair of oppositely disposed link members 204, which operatively connect the L-shaped mounting brackets 199 of the primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies 192 and the pair of oppositely disposed secondary, rearward footrest mounting brackets 176, which include a planar mounting plate 205, will also rotate in the clockwise direction such that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary, rearward footrest mounting brackets 176 are extended in a stable manner and that the mounting plates 205 of the pair of oppositely disposed secondary, rearward footrest mounting brackets 176 will be disposed in a coplanar manner with the mounting plate of the pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped mounting brackets 199. It is lastly noted that the disposition of the pair of oppositely disposed coiled springs 203 serves to control the elevation of the primary or main, forward footrest mounting bracket assemblies 192.

Still further, it is seen that a pair of oppositely disposed straight links 210 have first end portions thereof pivotally connected to central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed first main bracket support links 194 as at 212, whereas second opposite end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed straight links 210 are pivotally connected to first, lower end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed secondary footrest support links 214 as at 216, it being additionally noted that central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed secondary footrest support links 214 are pivotally connected to central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 186 as at 218. Likewise, it is noted that central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed first main bracket support links 194 are pivotally connected to central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 186 as at 220. It is lastly noted that the pair of oppositely disposed secondary footrest support links 214 are provided for supporting the rear portions of the footrest, not shown, when the footrest is in fact fixedly mounted upon the rearward and forward footrest mounting brackets 176,190.

With reference continuing to be made to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate links 222 are pivotally connected at first, forward end portions thereof to central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 168 as at 224, while second opposite rearward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed arcuate links 222 are pivotally connected to first end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed straight links 226 as at 228. In turn, second opposite end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed straight links 226 are fixedly connected to the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 as a result of opposite end portions of a transversely extending cross-member 230 passing through the second opposite end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed straight links 226 as can best be appreciated from FIG. 1, the transversely extending cross-member 230 also being shown in FIG. 3. Continuing further, the linear actuator 110 is seen to comprise a motor end 232 which is fixedly secured to the forward, transversely extending cross-frame member 130, and a lead screw housing 234 which is fixedly secured to the rearward, transversely extending cross-frame member 132. The lead screw housing 234 contains a lead screw, not visible, which is operatively connected to a slide member 236 which is adapted to slide along the lead screw housing 234 as the lead screw rotates in a particular direction. In turn, a pair of oppositely disposed links 238 have first end portions thereof pivotally connected to the slide member 236 by means of a pair of oppositely disposed mounting brackets 240, while second opposite end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed links 238 are pivotally connected to the transversely extending cross-member 230. Accordingly, when the slide member 236 moves toward the front of the chair mechanism 100, that is, toward the right as viewed in FIG. 3, the pair of oppositely disposed links 238 will move forwardly, as well as rotate in the counterclockwise direction, thereby causing the transversely extending cross-member 230 and the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 114 to move forward as well as to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Still further, the pair of oppositely disposed straight links 226 also rotate in the clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 1, whereby the pair of oppositely disposed arcuate links 222 will be moved forwardly leading to the extension of the footrest assembly 106. Reverse rotation of the lead screw, and corresponding movement of the slide member 236, will of course lead to the retraction of the footrest assembly 106.

With reference now being made to FIGS. 4-6, a second embodiment of a new and improved powered chair, as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 300. As was the case with the first embodiment of the new and improved powered chair 100, the second embodiment of the new and improved powered chair 300 similarly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed backrest assemblies 302, a pair of oppositely disposed seat assemblies 304, a pair of oppositely disposed footrest assemblies 306, and a frame assembly, not shown but similar to that of the first embodiment of the new and improved powered chair 100, as well as a linear actuator, also not shown but similar to that of the first embodiment of the new and improved powered chair 100. More particularly, it is seen that each one of the pair of oppositely disposed backrest assemblies 302 comprises a backrest mounting bracket 308 upon which a backrest for the chair may be fixedly mounted, wherein each one of the backrest mounting brackets 308 has a substantially T-shaped configuration. It is also seen that each one of the pair of oppositely disposed seat assemblies 304 comprises a seat plate 310, and that a first lower corner region of each one of the backrest mounting brackets 308 is pivotally connected to a rear, upstanding portion of each one of the seat plates 310 as at 312, while a second opposite corner region of each one of the backrest mounting brackets 308 is pivotally connected to an upper end portion of each one of a pair of oppositely disposed straight links 314 as at 316. As can probably be best appreciated from FIG. 5, It is further seen that a lower end portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed straight links 314 is pivotally connected to a rear end portion of each one of a pair of oppositely disposed first links 318 as at 320, while a front end portion of each one of a pair of oppositely disposed second links 322 is pivotally connected to a central portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed first links 318 as at 324. In turn, the rear end portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed second links 322 is pivotally connected to a central portion of each one of a pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivot links 326 as at 328, while an upper end portion of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped pivot links 326 is pivotally connected to one of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 310 as at 330. Lastly, it is also seen that a limit stop 332 is provided upon each one of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 310 for a purpose which will be described more fully hereinafter.

Continuing further, a pair of oppositely disposed drive links 334 are respectively pivotally connected at their rear end portions to the pair of oppositely disposed first links 318 as at 336, while front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed drive links 334 are pivotally connected to central portions of a pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 338 as at 340. Rear end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 338 are respectively pivotally connected to lower front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 310 as at 342, while front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 338 are respectively pivotally connected to lower rear end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 344 as at 346, while, in turn, upper front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 344 are pivotally connected to rear end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed rearward, secondary footrest mounting brackets 348 as at 350. Still further, rear end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed third links 352 are pivotally connected to forward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed first links 318 as at 354, while front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed third links 352 are provided with slots 356 within which limit pins 358, fixedly mounted upon rear end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 338, can slidably move. It is also seen that a pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest swing links 360 have their rear end portions pivotally connected to forward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 310 as at 362, while central, forward portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest swing links 360 are pivotally connected to central, rear portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 344 as at 364. Still further, it is seen that forward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest swing links 360 are pivotally connected to lower, rear end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest extension links 366 as at 368, while forward, upper end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest extension links 366 are pivotally connected to rear end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed main or primary, forward footrest mounting brackets 370 as at 372.

Still yet further, it is seen that a pair of oppositely disposed first main bracket support links 374 are pivotally connected at their rear end portions to the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest extension links 344 as at 376, while forward end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed first main bracket support links 374 are pivotally connected to lower, rear end portions of a pair of oppositely disposed second main bracket support links 378 as at 380, wherein it is seen that the upper end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed second main bracket support links 378 are pivotally connected to central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed main or primary, forward footrest mounting brackets 370. Lastly, it is seen that in accordance with the unique teachings and principles of the present invention, a pair of oppositely disposed link members 382 are pivotally connected at first end portions thereof, and at fixed locations, to front end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed secondary, rearward, footrest mounting brackets 348 as at 384, while second, opposite end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed link members 382 are likewise pivotally connected at second end portions thereof, and at fixed locations, to central portions of the pair of oppositely disposed second main bracket support links 378 as at 386.

With reference now being made to FIG. 7, it is seen that the support structure for the new and improved powered chair comprises a pair of oppositely disposed triangular stanchions 388 which are fixedly secured to each one of the pair of oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending side frame members 128 of, for example, the powered chair framework assembly 108. Each one of a pair of oppositely disposed upper lift links 390 has its rear end pivotally connected to a respective one of the oppositely disposed triangular stanchions 388 as at 392, while each one of a pair of oppositely disposed lower lift links 394 likewise has its rear end pivotally connected to a respective one of the oppositely disposed pair of triangular stanchions 388 as at 396. Furthermore, each one of the pair of oppositely disposed upper lift links 390 has its forward end pivotally connected to the front end of a respective one of a pair of oppositely disposed fixation plates 397 as at 398, while each one of the pair of oppositely disposed lower lift links 394 likewise has its forward end pivotally connected to the front end of a respective one of the pair of oppositely disposed fixation plates 397 as at 400. In turn, the rear end of each one of the pair of oppositely disposed fixation plates 397 is connected to a respective one of the pair of oppositely disposed first links 318. Still further, each one of a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate or L-shaped plates 402 has its lower end portion pivotally connected to a respective one of the pair of oppositely disposed fixation plates 397 as at 404, while upper end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed arcuate or L-shaped plates 402 are pivotally connected to front end portions of a respective one of a pair of oppositely disposed straight links 406 as at 408, rear end portions of the pair of oppositely disposed straight links 406 being pivotally connected to respective ones of the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 310 as at 410.

With reference lastly being made to FIG. 8, and continuing the discussion/disclosure of the structure illustrated within FIG. 7, it is seen that a linear actuator 412 comprises a motor 414 and a telescopic rod 416. The motor 414 is pivotally connected to a rear cross tube 418 of the powered chair frame 420 by means of a suitable clevis-type connector 422, while the free end of the telescopic rod 416 is similarly pivotally connected to a front cross-beam 424 by means of a similar clevis-type connector 426, opposite ends of the front cross-beam 424 being fixedly connected to the pair of oppositely disposed arcuate or L-shaped plates 402. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that when the linear actuator 412 is actuated, the telescopic rod 416 retracts such that the cross-beam 424 is drawn rearwardly. Therefore, the pair of arcuate or L-shaped plates 402 rotate clockwise about their pivotal connection 404 upon the fixation plates 397, thereby causing or forcing the pair of oppositely disposed straight link 406 to move rearwardly which, in turn, causes the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 310 to move rearwardly with respect to the pair of oppositely disposed first links 318. During these operational movements, the pair of oppositely disposed drive links 334, which are connected to the pair of oppositely disposed first links 318, will effectively exert downward forces upon the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 338, while the pair of oppositely disposed seat plates 310 will effectively exert downward forces upon the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest swing links 360, whereby the pair of oppositely disposed lower footrest swing links 338 and the pair of oppositely disposed upper footrest swing links 360 will rotate in the clockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 4, or in the counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 5, such that the entire footrest linkage system will be extended from the retracted position or state shown in FIG. 6 to the fully extended position or state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. It is additionally noted, as can be appreciated from FIG. 4, that as the pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped links 326 rotate clockwise, from the perspective of FIG. 4, the pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped links 326 will engage the pair of oppositely disposed limit stops 332.

Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.