Chair

Abstract

A reclining apparatus is disclosed for a chair that includes a backrest and a seat. The reclining apparatus includes a frame and a linkage installed on the frame in order to support the backrest pivotally and the seat movably so that the seat is kept substantially horizontal when the backrest is reclined.

1 . A reclining apparatus for a chair with a backrest and a seat, the reclining apparatus comprising a frame and a linkage installed on the frame in order to support the backrest pivotally and the seat movably so that the seat is kept substantially horizontal when the backrest is reclined.  
   
   
       2 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the linkage comprises two beams pivotally connected with the frame and connected with the backrest, two columns connected with the beams and two rockers each comprising an end pivotally connected with one of the beams and an opposite end connected with the seat.  
   
   
       3 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the linkage comprises a backrest support provided between the beams and the backrest.  
   
   
       4 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the linkage comprises a seat support connected with the rockers in order to support the seat.  
   
   
       5 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the linkage comprises two casters attached to the seat support in order to roll on the frame.  
   
   
       6 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the frame comprises two tracks on which the casters roll.  
   
   
       7 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein the tracks descends towards the backrest.  
   
   
       8 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the linkage comprises a plate formed between the beams and connected with the backrest support.  
   
   
       9 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 8  comprising a positioning device for positioning the linkage relative to the frame.  
   
   
       10 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein the positioning device comprises a rack installed on the plate and a tongue movably installed on the frame for engagement with rack in various positions.  
   
   
       11 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the rack comprises a plurality of grooves for receiving the tongue.  
   
   
       12 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the positioning device comprises a controlling element for controlling the extension and retreat of the tongue.  
   
   
       13 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 2  comprising an adjusting device for adjusting the resistance against the reclining of the beams relative to the frame.  
   
   
       14 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the adjusting device comprises two leaf springs each with a first end connected with the frame and a second end connected with one of the beams and a fulcrum movably installed on the frame for bearing the leaf springs in various positions.  
   
   
       15 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the frame comprises a panel formed thereon and connected with the first ends of the leaf springs.  
   
   
       16 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the panel comprises two slots for receiving the first ends of the leaf springs.  
   
   
       17 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the adjusting device comprises a screw installed on the frame and connected with the fulcrum so that the screw can be rotated in order to move the fulcrum.  
   
   
       18 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the adjusting device comprises a rotating element installed on the frame and connected with the screw so that the rotation of the rotating element causes the rotation of the screw.  
   
   
       19 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein the screw comprises a bevel gear provided thereon, wherein the rotating element comprises a bevel gear provided thereon and engaged with the bevel gear of the screw.  
   
   
       20 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein the rotating element comprises a crank provided thereon for facilitating the rotation thereof.  
   
   
       21 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the linkage comprises a connector for connecting the beams with the second ends of the leaf springs.  
   
   
       22 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 21  wherein the connector comprises a first edge connected with the beams and a second edge connected with the second ends of the leaf springs.  
   
   
       23 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 22  wherein the linkage comprises a bar provided between the beams and connected with the first edge of the connector.  
   
   
       24 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein the connector comprises a loop formed on the first edge in order to receive the bar.  
   
   
       25 . The reclining apparatus according to  claim 22  wherein the connector comprises a hook formed on the second edge in order to hook the second ends of the leaf springs.