Linkage mechanism for a motion chair

Abstract

A recliner in one embodiment has a support assembly capable of oscillatory motion, and the support assembly includes a chair support, a seat portion, coupled to the chair support, a back rest portion, and a foot rest portion. The oscillatory mechanism includes an arrangement providing to the subject a sensation similar to that of being swung from an overhead pivot.

1 . An apparatus for imparting substantially oscillatory motion to a subject, the apparatus comprising: 
 a. a support assembly for supporting the subject;    b. an oscillatory mechanism that defines a path of motion of the support assembly; and    c. a lock mechanism having a first position to preclude motion of the oscillatory mechanism and a second position to permit motion of the oscillatory mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the oscillatory mechanism includes an arrangement that provides to the subject in the support assembly a sensation similar to that of being swung from an overhead pivot.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the lock mechanism is biased to assume the first position in the absence of a substantial weight present on the support assembly.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the arrangement is disposed in a region having a height, relative to a surface on which the recliner is situated, that is lower than a maximum height of the support assembly.