Abstract
The present invention relates to armchairs with reclining mechanisms and reclining mechanism assemblies to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher via a pair of L-shaped side bases, which are defined by a horizontal part as an armrest and a vertical part that projects below one end of the horizontal part of armrest.
Claims
1. A recliner chair to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher, the recliner chair comprising: a first side base and a second side base, both L-shaped, with each L-shaped base attaching to the surface of the tread and extending along the surface of the riser towards a lower surface or tread, wherein the second side base may be located on the right and the first side base on the left, or vice versa; a seat comprising tilting means that attach to the L-shaped side bases, establishing an axis of rotation; a backrest that attaches in a fixed manner to the rear end of the seat; and a footrest that attaches under the seat; wherein the seat, backrest, and footrest form a tilting unit that pivots with respect to the L-shaped side bases via the axis of rotation.
2. The recliner chair, in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an actuating device located behind the footrest, wherein the actuating device pivotally connects to the seat to move the tilting unit, with respect to the L-shaped side bases, from an initial position to a maximum reclining position; wherein the footrest extends/retracts as a result of the pivoting movement of the tilting unit.
3. The recliner chair, in accordance with claim 1, wherein each L-shaped side base mounts with anchoring elements to the surface of the tread, wherein each L-shaped side base comprises leveling elements that are supported on the surface of the riser to level its mounting.
4. The recliner chair, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tilting means of the seat comprises a pair of rotating elements located on each side of the seat, which attach to the L-shaped side bases.
5. A reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair to be mounted on a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher, the assembly comprising: a first side base frame and a second side base frame, both L-shaped, where each L-shaped side base frame attaches to the surface of a tread and extends along the surface of a riser towards a lower surface or tread, wherein the second side base comprises the same structural characteristics of the first side base, or vice versa; a seat frame that comprises tilting means, which attach to the L-shaped side bases, establishing a rotating axis; a backrest frame that attaches to the rear end of the seat frame; and a hinged footrest assembly that attaches underneath the seat frame; wherein the seat frame, the backrest frame, and the footrest assembly form a tilting unit that pivots, with respect to the L-shaped side bases, on the axis of rotation.
6. The reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair, in accordance with claim 5, further comprising an actuating device located behind the footrest assembly, wherein the actuating device mechanically attaches to the seat frame to provoke the movement of the tilting unit, with respect to the bases, from an initial position to a maximum reclining position; wherein the hinged footrest assembly extends/retracts as a result of the pivoting movement of the tilting unit.
7. The reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair, in accordance with claim 5, wherein each L-shaped side base frame is mounted with anchoring elements to the surface of the tread, wherein each L-shaped side base frame comprises leveling elements that project along and are supported by the surface of the riser to level the assembly.
8. The reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair, in accordance with claim 5, wherein the tilting means of the seat frame comprises a pair of rotating elements located at each side of the seat frame and attach to the side bases.
9. An assembly system of at least two reclining chair mechanisms to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher; the assembly system comprises: a series connection using three side base frames for at least two reclining mechanism assemblies, as in claim 2, wherein one of the side base frames is used as a central base to join both assemblies.
10. A recliner chair to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher, the recliner chair comprising: a seat base that attaches to the surface of the tread, a first L-shaped side base and a second L-shaped side base, with each side base attaching to each side of the seat base, which projects along the surface of the riser towards a lower surface or tread, wherein the second and first side bases comprise the same structural characteristics; a backrest that attaches via pivoting elements at the rear end of the seat base, establishing a first axis of rotation; and a first actuating device secured inside the backrest, wherein the first actuating device attaches to the seat base to provoke the hinged movement of the backrest at the first axis of rotation, with respect to the seat base, from an initial position to the backrest's reclined position.
11. The recliner chair, in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a footrest that attaches via pivoting means to the front end of the seat base, establishing a second axis of rotation; wherein the footrest projects along the surface of the riser without entirely covering it; and a second actuating device that attaches to the seat base, wherein the second actuating device pivotally attaches to the footrest to provoke the folding/unfolding movement of the footrest, from a retracted position to a fully expanded position.
12. The recliner chair, in accordance with claim 10, wherein the first actuator is located inside the backrest, and wherein the second actuating device is located behind the footrest.
13. A reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher, the assembly comprising: a seat base frame that attaches to surface of the tread, a first L-shaped side base frame and a second L-shaped side base frame; where each side base frame attaches to the sides of the seat base frame, and projects along the surface of the riser towards the lower surface or tread, wherein the second side base frame mirrors the structure of the first side base frame, or vice versa; a backrest frame, wherein the backrest frame attaches to the rear end of the seat base frame via pivoting means, establishing a first axis of rotation; and a first actuating device secured inside the backrest frame, wherein the first actuating device attaches to the seat base frame to provoke the movement of the backrest frame at the first axis of rotation, with respect to the seat base frame, from an initial position to a reclined position.
14. The reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair, in accordance with claim 13, further comprising a hinged footrest assembly that attaches beneath the front end of the seat base frame and projects along a portion of the riser; and a second actuator that is located behind the hinged footrest assembly and mechanically attaches via pivoting elements for the deployment/retraction of the hinged footrest assembly, independent of the reclining movement of the backrest frame of the assembly.
15. The reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair, in accordance with claim 13, wherein the seat base frame comprises a metal structure including a horizontal frame for the first part, and a vertical frame for the second part, which projects below the horizontal frame of the first part, and wherein the horizontal frame of the first part attaches onto a portion of the tread; and wherein the vertical frame of the second part projects along a portion of the riser; and wherein the horizontal frame of the first part and the vertical frame of the second part are defined by the shape of part of the bleacher on which the seat base frame mounts.
16. The reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair, in accordance with claim 14, wherein the seat base frame comprises upper mounting elements for the side base, which protrude from the sides of the horizontal frame of the first part; and lower mounting elements for the side base, which protrude from the sides of the vertical frame of the second part; wherein the first L-shaped side base and the second L-shaped side base attach to the sides of the seat base frame, coupling with the upper mounting elements for the side base and the lower mounting elements for the side base.
17. The reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair, in accordance with claim 13, wherein the backrest frame comprises a metal structure formed by a backrest part and an angled headboard part, achieving an ergonomic shape for a users back and head; wherein a pair of female-coupling elements are located at the sides of the lower end of the backrest; and wherein each female-coupling element receives one of the male-coupling elements in its interior, which pivotally attaches to the seat base frame, forming the first axis of rotation.
18. An assembly system of at least two recliner chair mechanisms to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher; the assembly system comprising: a series connection using three side base frames for at least two reclining mechanism assemblies, as in claim 13, wherein one of the side base frames is used as a central base to join both assemblies.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0028] FIG. 1. An embodiment of the recliner chair of the invention to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher.
[0029] FIG. 2. A perspective view is shown of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3. A perspective view is shown of a seat frame coupled with a hinged footrest assembly of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 4. A perspective view is shown of the backrest frame of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 5A. A perspective view is shown of an L-shaped side base frame of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 5B. A perspective view is shown of the assembly of the first L-shaped side base and the second L-shaped side base of the recliner chair from FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 6. A perspective view is shown of the L-shaped side base frame coupled with an L-shaped side base frame of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 2, mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher.
[0035] FIG. 7. A perspective view is shown of the seat frame assembly coupled with the hinged footrest assembly, with the seat frame pivotally coupled to the L-shaped side bases that mount at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher.
[0036] FIG. 8A. A perspective view is shown of a height-lifting element for the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 2.
[0037] FIG. 8B. A perspective view is shown of the L-shaped side base frame from FIG. 5A that attaches to the lifting element from FIG. 8A.
[0038] FIG. 9. A perspective view is shown of another embodiment of the reclining mechanism assembly.
[0039] FIG. 10. An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown of the recliner chair to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher.
[0040] FIG. 11. An exploded view is shown of the recliner chair to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread and a portion of a riser of a bleacher.
[0041] FIG. 12. A perspective view is illustrated of the seat base frame from FIG. 11.
[0042] FIG. 13. A perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention is shown of the backrest frame of the reclining mechanism assembly of the chair.
[0043] FIG. 14. A perspective view is shown of an L-shaped side base frame of a second embodiment of the invention of the reclining mechanism assembly of the chair.
[0044] FIG. 15. A perspective view is shown of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 10.
[0045] FIG. 16. An exploded view is shown of the hinged footrest assembly of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 10.
[0046] FIG. 17. The coupling of the first actuating device with the seat base frame of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 10 is shown in detail.
[0047] FIG. 18A. A perspective view is shown of a height-lifting base element for the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 10.
[0048] FIG. 188. A perspective view is shown of the L-shaped side base frame from FIG. 13, coupled with the seat base frame from FIG. 11, secured to the height-lifting element from FIG. 17A.
[0049] FIG. 19. An example of a remodeled movie theater with a plurality of bleachers with recliner chairs from FIG. 1 or 10 is shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] The following description addresses several exemplary embodiments. Nonetheless, a subject matter expert will understand that the examples presented in this document have broad applications, and that the description of any embodiment is only exemplary of that embodiment and should not suggest that the description's scope, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.
[0051] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to specific characteristics or components. As a subject matter expert would know, the same features or components may be known by different names. This document is intended to distinguish between components or features that differ in name, but not in function.
[0052] In the interest of brevity, certain subcomponents of the individual components, as well as other aspects of the recliner chair or reclining mechanism assembly, may not be described in detail in this document. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functionalities, as well as electrical devices and couplings, may be present in the recliner chairs of the invention, e.g., using devices or control cards, user interfaces, and other electrical elements involved for each of the functionalities, and can therefore be implemented with any number of appropriately configured components to perform specific functions.
[0053] In accordance with FIG. 1, which shows an embodiment of the recliner chair (10) to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread (S1) and a portion of a riser (S2) of a bleacher; the recliner chair (10) comprises: a first L-shaped side base (100A) and a second L-shaped side base (100B); each L-shaped side base is mounted with anchoring elements (501) that fasten onto a portion of the tread (S1) and project along a portion of the riser (S2) towards a lower surface or tread (S3) without resting upon it. In an alternative embodiment, the L-shaped side bases can project to the lower tread or surface. The levelling elements (105) are also secured onto the surface of the riser (S2) to level the mounting of the L-shaped side base. Thus, the first and second L-shaped side bases (100A, 100B) define the shape of the L-shaped side base frame.
[0054] Continuing with FIG. 1, the recliner chair also comprises a seat (200) comprising a rotating element on each of its lateral sides, which are secured to and supported by the first L-shaped side base (100A) and the second L-shaped side base (100B), correspondingly; a backrest (300) consisting of a backrest portion and a headboard portion, which couples with and is attached to the rear end of the seat (200); and a footrest (400) that attaches to the front end beneath the seat (200) along a portion of the riser (S2) so it does not entirely cover it. The seat (200), backrest (300), and footrest (400), assembled together, form a tilting unit that tilts or pivots with respect to the L-shaped side bases.
[0055] An actuating device (not shown) is located behind the footrest (400) and mechanically connects to an actuator support element (not shown) of the seat (200) to provoke the movement of the tilting unit, with respect to the L-shaped side bases (100A, 100B), from an initial position to a maximum reclining position, known as zero gravity, in which the footrest also deploys/retracts with respect to the pivoting movement of the tilting unit.
[0056] Likewise, the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair (10) from FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2 without one of its side bases. The reclining mechanism assembly comprises: a tilting unit consisting of a seat frame (201) with two rotating elements (202) that protrude from its sides, specifically to the front face of the corresponding L-shaped side base, which consist of but are not limited to a pair of hollow cylinders, and an anchoring element for the actuator (210) placed on the underside of one side of the seat frame (201); a backrest frame (301) attaches to the upper part of the seat frame (201) via coupling elements and securing elements, such as screws, but not limited to these; and a footrest assembly (not illustrated) attaches via pivoting elements (203) to the front end of the seat frame (see FIG. 3), which covers part of the riser (S2). In addition, the seat frame (201) extends over a part of the tread (S1) and over the top part of a lower surface or tread (S3) as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0057] Continuing with FIG. 2, the reclining mechanism assembly comprises a first L-shaped side base frame (101A) and a second L-shaped side base frame (not illustrated), with the first L-shaped side base frame (101A) and the second L-shaped side base frame mirroring each other with the same structures and elements on their side faces, which allows them to be used on either the left or right side of the described assembly.
[0058] Each L-shaped side base frame comprises a support element (104) on the front face of the seat frame, which consists of an element such as a bushing, bearing, or other with the same functional purpose; in the preferred embodiment of the invention, this element consists of a square-shaped body formed by two parts with a hole in its center, which acts as a bushing. This configuration is practical for the assembly process, as described below. In this manner, the support element (104) houses one of the rotating elements (202) that protrude from the sides of the seat frame (201). The first and second rotating elements (202), coupled within the respective support elements of the first and second side base frames, establish an axis of rotation of the reclining mechanism. In this manner, the tilting unit is supported by and pivots with respect to the L-shaped side base frames.
[0059] In addition, each L-shaped side base frame (101A) is secured with mounting means (106), which extend towards the surface of the tread (S1) to secure the side base frame onto a portion of the tread, while leveling elements (not illustrated) adjust the position of the L-shaped side base frame (101A) by means of its support along the surface of the riser (S2). Moreover, the L-shaped side base frame (101A) does not project to the lower surface or tread (S3), so the side base frames do not rest or support on the lower surface or tread. Nonetheless, in an alternative embodiment, these can project to the lower surface or tread.
[0060] In reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, an actuator crossbar (208) is illustrated with a pair of support bases (209) at its ends. The actuator crossbar (208) mounts between the faces of the L-shaped side base frames at the front of the seat frame (201) of the tilting unit. The support bases (209) attach to the inner faces of the L-shaped side base frames with fasteners such as screws, rivets, etc. Furthermore, an actuator support element (211) is located near one of the support bases (209) of the actuator crossbar (208), specifically, on the same side where the actuator anchoring element (210) of the seat frame (201) is positioned. The actuating device (212) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 is attached to the actuator support element (211) of the actuator crossbar (208) and to the actuator anchoring element (210) of the seat frame (201) via pivoting elements, such as a clip with a pin, but not limited to this. Thus, the actuating device (212), utilizing a control mechanism (not shown), can move the tilting unit with respect to the side base frames from an initial position to a maximum reclining position, with a zero-gravity effect.
[0061] FIG. 3 shows a detailed structure of the seat frame (201) from FIG. 2;
[0062] the seat frame consists of a rectangular metal structure that includes a seat-footrest part (215), and a seat part (213) at an angle with respect to the seat-footrest part (215). The seat part (213) comprises a pair of male-coupling elements (214) at its rear end, which couple and attach the backrest frame (illustrated in FIG. 6) to the seat frame (201). The male-coupling elements (214) are positioned near the sides or lateral ends of the seat part (213) and project vertically with respect to the seat-footrest part (215).
[0063] The seat-footrest part (215) of the seat frame structure (201) comprises two rotating elements (202) on its sides. Each rotating element (202) extends from the sides of the seat-footrest part (215) towards the corresponding side base frame (FIG. 2). The rotating elements (202) are attached to the seat-footrest part (215) via a welding process, but not limited to this. As illustrated in the reference figure, the rotating elements (202) are positioned close to the seat portion (213) of the seat frame structure (201) and are used to pivot, as well as a means of support, which attach to the L-shaped side base frames.
[0064] In accordance with FIGS. 2 and 3, the actuator anchoring element (210) is secured to the underside of the seat-footrest part (215) close to its front end, while the hinged footrest assembly (401) is secured in front of the actuator anchoring element (210) at the front end of the seat-footrest part (215) with pivoting elements (203). The hinged footrest assembly (401) in FIG. 3 comprises a bearing (402) that drives the deployment/retraction of the hinged footrest assembly via the pivoting elements (203).
[0065] The actuating device (212) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 attaches to the actuator support element (211) on the actuator crossbar (208), while the moving part of the actuating device attaches to the actuator anchoring element (210) on the seat base frame (201). In this manner, the actuating device (212) is positioned behind the hinged footrest assembly, and not between the surface of the tread and the seat frame (201); as such, the actuating device (212) provokes the pivoting motion or rotation of the tilting unit, which consists of the seat frame (201), the backrest frame (301) and the hinged footrest assembly. When the actuating device (212) extends, it provokes the movement the tilting unit backwards, raising the hinged footrest assembly; at the same time, the hinged footrest assembly extends proportionally via an actuating element described further in the document. When the actuating device (212) retracts, the seat frame together with the backrest frame (301) return to a starting position, while the hinged footrest assembly also retracts.
[0066] The backrest frame from FIG. 2 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 4. The backrest frame (301) comprises a backrest part (302) and an angled headboard part (303), which provide an ergonomic shape for a user's head and back. A pair of female-coupling elements (304) are located on the sides of the lower end of the backrest part (302). Each female-coupling element (304) receives one of the male-coupling elements (214) of the backrest frame (301) in FIG. 3. The pair of female-coupling elements (304) of the backrest frame (301) and the male-coupling elements (214) of the backrest frame (301) form a clip-on attachment mechanism for easy mounting/dismounting.
[0067] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the structural characteristics of the first and second L-shaped side base frames (101A, 101B) of the assembly from FIG. 2, with both being structurally equivalent. The side base frame (101) in FIG. 5A is mounted at the intersection between a portion of the tread (S1) and a portion of the riser (S2) of the bleacher. The metal structure of the side base frame (101) consists of a a vertical armrest part (103) and a vertical support part (103), thus achieving the L-shape. A portion of the vertical armrest part (103) is mounted onto a portion of the tread with mounting elements (106), which project below the vertical armrest part (103) to couple with the respective anchoring elements (501) that fasten to the upper surface of the tread, while a second portion of the armrest part (103) extends above part of the lower surface or tread (S3). The vertical support part (103) of the side base frame (101) extends below the second portion of the vertical armrest part (103) towards the lower surface or tread without touching or resting upon it. Nonetheless, in an alternative embodiment, these can extend to the lower surface or tread. The upper surface of the vertical part of the armrest (103) can be curved, straight, or any anatomical shape, which also includes support elements (108) to attach apparatuses such as cup holders, tables, user interfaces, or lighting elements.
[0068] Continuing with FIGS. 5A and 5B, the leveling elements (105) extend out from the rear face of the vertical support part (103) of the side base frame (101) and rest on the surface of the riser (S2) in order to level the assembly on the bleacher. The leveling of the assembly is an important factor in this embodiment, as the L-shaped side base frames (101A, 101B) support the weight and movement of the tilting unit, so an incorrect leveling can cause unnecessary wear or incorrect functioning of the assembly's components due to the uneven distribution of weight on the L-shaped side base frames.
[0069] The side base frame (101) in FIG. 5A comprises a coupling guide (111) on both side faces to secure an actuating element; a pair of through holes (112) to secure a support element, and a coupling mechanism for the actuator support (110) to secure one end of the actuator crossbar. This structural configuration allows for the easy assembly and disassembly of the support bases (209) for the actuator crossbar and the footrest actuating element (109), given that these elements suffer wear and tear with use. These are illustrated in detail in FIG. 5B.
[0070] Regarding FIG. 5B, the first side base (100A) and second side base (100B) of the reclining chair embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted at the intersection between a portion of the tread (S1) and a portion of the riser (S2) of the bleacher; Nonetheless, as previously mentioned, the first side base (100A) and the second side base (100B) internally have the structure of the side base frame (101) from FIG. 5A. In accordance with FIG. 5B, the outer faces of the first side base (100A) and the second side base (100B) are lined with panels and/or upholstery.
[0071] According to FIG. 5B, the support element (104) of the first side base (100A) and the support element of the second side base (100B) comprise a hole or bushing; nonetheless, this may also have a bearing that houses one of the rotating elements of the seat frame, allowing its free rotation in its interior. As such, the separation between the first side base (100A) and the second side base (100B) must be sufficient to allow the assembly of the tilting unit and its pivoting movement with respect to the L-shaped side bases.
[0072] A cylindrical actuating element (109) is secured to the inner side face of the first side base (100A). The actuating element (109) is a guide element along which a sliding element moves, thus triggering the deployment/retraction of the hinged footrest assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 6, the actuator crossbar (208) is secured between the first side base (100A) and the second side base (100B) behind the hinged footrest assembly by the support elements (209), as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The actuator crossbar (208) has an actuator support element (211) close to one of its coupling elements (209), specifically, on the same side where the actuator anchoring element (210) of the seat frame (201) is located. As such, in accordance with FIG. 6, the actuating device (212) is secured to the actuator support element (211) of the crossbar (208) and couples with the actuator anchoring element (210) of the seat frame (201).
[0073] FIG. 7 illustrates the seat frame (201) attached between the first side base (100A) and the second side base (100B), where each support element (104) of the bases houses one of the rotating elements (202) that protrude from the side ends of the seat frame (201). In addition, the footrest assembly (401) is attached to the front end of the seat frame (201), which comprises a bearing (402) with a linear groove in which the upper part of the actuating element (109) fits, so that when the seat frame (201) moves, the bearing (402) slides over the actuating element (109), which is held in place by its groove, provoking the deployment/retraction of the hinged footrest assembly. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each support element (104) is composed of an upper portion and a lower portion that connect together with fasteners so that the seat frame (201) or the entire tilting unit can be disassembled without moving or removing the L-shaped side support bases.
[0074] In another embodiment of the invention, a lifting element (500) is used to adjust the height of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 2 when the riser has a length of height less than what is required to mount the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair.
[0075] The lifting element (500) consists of a metal structure made up of a lower base element (502), an upper base element (503), both substantially equal, rectangular in shape; four support elements (504) join the lower base element (502) and the upper base element (503). A pair of mounting elements (505) are positioned in the interior of the lower base element (502) to secure the lifting element (500) to the surface of the tread. In this manner, it's possible to modify the length of the support elements (504), which depends on the height needed to mount the chair on the desired bleacher.
[0076] Anchoring elements (501) are attached to the upper base element (503) to mount an L-shaped side base frame. In this manner, the lifting element (500) is secured to the upper surface of the tread to adjust the height and mount the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 2.
[0077] Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, each L-shaped side base frame (101) of the assembly can be mounted to the lifting element (500) in order to adjust the height of the recliner chair assembly from FIG. 1 for the user's comfort.
[0078] In accordance with FIG. 9, the hinged footrest assembly (401) further comprises a pair of lifting mechanisms for an ottoman (403), which is mechanically attached to the hinged assembly. Each ottoman lifting mechanism (403) comprises a plurality of elements connected in an articulated manner that expand the support area of the footrest for the user's comfort.
[0079] On the other hand, FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the recliner chair (20) to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread (S1) and a portion of a riser (S2) of a bleacher; the recliner chair (20) comprises: a seat base (800) that attaches to a portion of the tread (S1) via securing mechanisms; a first L-shaped side base (700A) is attached to one side of the seat base (800) with coupling means; a second L-shaped side base (700B) is attached to the other side of the seat opposite the first side base (700A) with coupling means.
[0080] Likewise, the recliner chair (20) also includes a backrest (900) that is secured via pivoting mechanisms at the rear end of the seat base (800), establishing a first axis of rotation; a first actuating device attaches to the backrest (900) and is secured to the seat base (800) with a pivoting element to provoke the movement of the backrest (900) with respect to the seat base (800) at the first axis of rotation, from an initial position to an inclined position. The first actuating device is located inside the backrest (900).
[0081] A footrest (1000) is attached via pivoting mechanisms at the front end of the seat base (800), establishing a second axis of rotation. The footrest (1000) projects along a portion of the riser (S2) without entirely covering it; a second actuating device attaches to the seat base (800) and couples with the footrest (1000) via a pivoting element to provoke the folding/unfolding movement of the footrest from a retracted position to a fully expanded position. The second actuating device is located behind the footrest (1000). The second actuating device is located behind the footrest (1000).
[0082] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the recliner chair (20) from FIG. 10 without the footrest. Specifically, the breakdown of the seat base (800) is illustrated in detail, which comprises the seat base frame (801) that attaches to a portion of the tread (S1) of the bleacher, and a cushion with lining or upholstery (802) that covers the seat base frame (801).
[0083] In accordance with FIGS. 11 and 12, the seat base frame (801) consists of a metal structure that is composed of a horizontal frame (803) for the first part, and a vertical frame (804) for the second part, which projects beneath the horizontal frame (803). In this manner, in accordance with FIG. 11, the horizontal frame part (803) of the seat base frame (801) attaches to a portion of the tread (S1) of the bleacher via a first set of anchoring elements (805) that extend toward the interior of the frame, and a second set of anchoring elements (806) that extend out from the sides of the horizontal frame at the rear end (803). The vertical frame part (804) projects along a portion of the riser (S2) of the bleacher. The horizontal frame (803) for the first part and the vertical frame (804) for the second are defined by the bleacher where the seat base frame mounts (801).
[0084] Continuing with FIG. 12, upper mounting elements for the side base (808) project at a 90 angle with respect to the sides of the second anchoring elements (807) of the horizontal frame part (803), while other lower mounting elements for the side base (809) project at a 90 angle with respect to the vertical frame part (804). As such, the first L-shaped side base (700A) and the second L-shaped side base (700B) attach to each side of the seat base frame (801), coupling with the upper mounting elements for the side base (808) and the lower mounting elements for the side base (809) via fastening elements, such as screws, bolts, etc.
[0085] Anchoring elements for the backrest (810) protrude from the horizontal frame (803) parallel to and between the upper mounting elements of the side base (808). A male-coupling element, not illustrated, couples to each backrest anchoring element (810) via a pivoting element to provoke the pivoting movement of the backrest (900) with respect to the seat base frame (801), which defines the first axis of rotation.
[0086] An anchoring element for the first actuator (811) is located on the top surface of the rear end of the horizontal frame part (803) so that the moving part of the first actuating device, located inside the backrest (900), attaches to the anchoring element for the first actuator (811), using a pivoting element as illustrated in FIG. 17. A support element for the second actuator (812) is located near the lower end of the vertical frame part (804), attaching to the second actuating device, which is covered by the footrest (1000), as shown in FIG. 10.
[0087] FIG. 13 illustrates the backrest frame (901) of the backrest (900) from FIG. 10; the backrest frame (901) consists of a metal structure formed by a backrest part (902) and an angled headboard part (903), achieving an ergonomic shape for the user's back and head. A pair of female-coupling elements (904) are located at the sides of the lower end of the backrest part (902); each female-coupling element (904) receives one of the male-coupling elements (not illustrated) that pivotally attach to the seat base frame (801) from FIG. 11. The pair of female-coupling elements (904) of the backrest frame (901) and the male-coupling elements (902) form a clip-on attachment mechanism for easy mounting/dismounting.
[0088] A support element for the first actuator (905) protrudes from the lower face of a supporting crossbar (906) that is located horizontally on the backrest part (902) above the female-coupling elements (904).
[0089] FIG. 14 shows a side base frame (701) that corresponds to the first L-shaped side base (700A) and the second L-shaped side base (700B) from FIGS. 11 and 12. The side base frame (701) consists of a metal structure that is composed of a horizontal part for the armrest (702) and a vertical part (703) which extends downward at one end of the horizontal part for the armrest (702), achieving an L-shape. The upper surface of the horizontal part of the armrest (702) and the front surface of the side base frame (701) can be curved, straight, or any anatomical shape, which also includes support elements (704) suitable for attaching other apparatuses, such as cup holders, tables, user interfaces, or lighting elements.
[0090] The side base frame (701) comprises an upper coupling element (705) on both of its side faces, located on the horizontal part of the armrest (702), to attach the lateral frame (701) to the upper mounting elements for the side base (808) of the seat base frame (801); and a lower coupling element (706), located on the vertical part (703), to attach the lateral frame (701) to the lower mounting elements for the side base (809) of the seat base frame (801); in the preferred embodiment of the invention, fastening elements such as screws can be used to attach the side bases to the seat base frame.
[0091] Thus, FIG. 15 illustrates a reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair (20) from FIG. 10, without one of its side bases. The reclining mechanism assembly to be mounted at the intersection between a portion of a tread (S1) and a portion of a riser (S2) of a bleacher comprises: an L-shaped side base frame (701) which attaches to upper (808) and lower (809) mounting elements of the seat base frame (801); a backrest frame (901) that pivotally couples to the seat base frame (801) via the pair of female-coupling elements (904) of the backrest frame (901), and the male-coupling elements (902) that pivotally couple to the respective backrest anchoring elements (810) of the seat base frame (801), establishing a first axis of rotation; a first actuating device (907) is housed within the backrest frame (901) and attaches to the support element for the first actuator (905), while the moving part of the first actuating device attaches to the seat base frame (801). Thus, the first actuating device (907) provokes the pivoting movement of the backrest frame (901), with respect to the seat base frame (801), via the first axis of rotation, from an initial position to an inclined backrest position.
[0092] Continuing with FIG. 15, a hinged footrest assembly (1001) that is part of the footrest (1000) from FIG. 10 attaches to the underside of the front end of the seat base frame (801). The hinged footrest assembly (1001) comprises a footrest mechanism that consists of a pair of hinged arms (1003). Each hinged arm (1003) consists of a mounting base (1002) that attaches to the underside of the seat base frame (801), a mounting base for the footrest cushion (1004), and folding/unfolding elements (1005) that join together via first pivot points (1006) while second pivot points (1007) connect the folding/unfolding elements (1005) to the mounting base (1002) and the mounting base for the footrest cushion (1004); a footrest crossbar (1008) attaches between the pair of hinged arms (1003) to extend/retract the two hinged arms at the same time by means of the second actuating device.
[0093] In specific, FIG. 16 illustrates the exploded view of the hinged footrest assembly (1001); the hinged arms (1003) structurally mirror each other, while the crossbar of the footrest mechanism (1008) comprises one of its sides. An anchoring element for the first actuator (1009) attaches to the moving part of the second actuating device (813). In this manner and in accordance with the assembly in FIG. 16, the second actuating device (813) provokes the folding/unfolding of the hinged footrest assembly (1001), independent of the movement or inclined position of the backrest frame (901) with respect to the seat base frame.
[0094] In another embodiment of the invention, a lifting element (1100) is used to adjust the height of the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair from FIG. 11 when the surface of the riser has a length of height less than what is required to mount the reclining mechanism assembly of the recliner chair onto the desired bleacher.
[0095] In accordance with FIG. 18A, the lifting base element (1100) consists of a metal structure composed of a lower element (1101) and an upper element (1102), with both being equal and having a substantially rectangular shape. The lower elements (1101) and upper elements (1102) are attached together with four support elements (1103) of equal length, depending on the height required to mount the chair assembly onto the bleacher. Mounting elements (1104) are attached to the lower base element (1102), which secure the lifting base element (1102) to the surface of the tread of the bleacher.
[0096] Thus, the lifting base element (1100) can be secured to a portion of the tread in order to adjust the height of the reclining mechanism assembly for a recliner chair from FIG. 11.
[0097] In this regard, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, the seat base frame (801) secures to the lifting base element (1100) in order to adjust the height of the assembly as well as the elevation of the L-shaped side base frames, which attach to the sides of the seat base frame (801).
[0098] FIG. 19 illustrates a remodeled movie theater with recliner chairs corresponding to one of the embodiments of the invention. Each row (F) consists of a recliner chair system comprising a series connection of at least two recliner chairs, as illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 10, connected in series using three L-shaped side bases, in which one of the L-shaped side base frames is used as an L-shaped central base to join both armchairs, and in which the L-shaped central base can have an optional folding armrest.
[0099] The multiple embodiments of the invention that have been described above should be understood as examples, but not limited to these. Experts in the relevant field will recognize that various modifications to the form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
[0100] Other optional accessories that improve the comfort and user experience can be installed in the recliner chairs or assemblies of the embodiments described, such as: illuminated signage, backrest heater, seat heater, control interface, connection interfaces for mobile devices, etc., without departing from the essence of the invention.
[0101] Additionally, although implementations of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, it should not be limited to the specific forms or provisions of the parts described and illustrated. The scope of disclosure is defined by the claims annexed to the present document, any claims presented therein, and in different applications and their equivalents.
