Bench with Self-Adjusting Gap

Abstract

Improvements in a bench is disclosed. The bench is configured so the gap between the seat and the backrest is adjusted as angle of the back rest is changed. The gap is maintained my sliding or translating the backrest or the seat on the frame as the angle of the back rest is changed. This can be with a rack and pinion, a tension strap, or a mechanical linkage. The mechanism converts the angular change of the backrest to a linear translation or an arc translation to alter the position of the backrest, seat, or a combination thereof to prevent contact between the seat and the back rest and prevents creation of a large gap between the seat and the backrest that can cause discomfort. In some embodiments, the gap is adjusted based upon an angle of a constrained brace that locks the backrest at fixed angles.

1 : A bench with a self-adjusting gap comprising:
 a frame having a pivoting backrest;   a seat connected to said frame;   a mechanical linkage between said frame and said backrest or said seat whereby;   when an angle between said backrest and said frame is changed, said mechanical linkage alters a gap between said backrest and said seat.   
     
     
         2 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 1 , wherein said backrest is secured to translate in said frame with at least two slide bolts each within at least a slot in said frame. 
     
     
         3 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 2 , wherein there are at least four slide bolts each within their own separate slot in said frame. 
     
     
         4 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 2 , wherein backrest is supported on at least one glide between an underside of said backrest and said frame. 
     
     
         5 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 1 , wherein said backrest has a brace between said backrest and said frame. 
     
     
         6 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 5 , wherein said brace is constrained in a distance between said brace and said frame. 
     
     
         7 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 2 , wherein said brace is linked to said back rest with a rack and pinion wherein said rack and pinion provides said translation to said backrest as said angle of said backrest is altered. 
     
     
         8 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 7 , wherein said pinion rotates through an axis in said frame. 
     
     
         9 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 8 , wherein said rack is located on said back rest and said pinion is located on said brace. 
     
     
         10 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 2 , wherein said brace is linked to said back rest with at least one strap wherein said strap provides a translation to said backrest as said angle of said backrest is altered. 
     
     
         11 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 10 , wherein strap is secured at a first end to said brace. 
     
     
         12 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 11 , wherein said strap pulls and said backrest along said frame. 
     
     
         13 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 12 , wherein strap is secured at a second end to said brace. 
     
     
         14 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 11 , wherein strap is secured to an underside of said backrest at a location between said first end of said strap and a second end of said strap. 
     
     
         15 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 14 , wherein said strap wraps around at least one tube between said first end of said strap and said underside of said backrest. 
     
     
         16 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 13 , wherein strap is secured at a second end to at least one cord or strap. 
     
     
         17 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 5 , wherein said frame further includes a rear leg having a plurality of stops that hold said brace in position on said backrest to create a flat or an angle of said backrest to said seat. 
     
     
         18 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 2 , further includes a multiple bar linkage between said backrest and said frame. 
     
     
         19 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 18 , wherein said multiple bar linkage includes at least one straight or one curved slot. 
     
     
         20 : The bench with a self-adjusting gap according to  claim 2 , wherein said mechanical linkage moves said seat towards and/or, away and/or over said backrest.