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Synchronizing mechanismSynchronizing mechanism description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060163925, Synchronizing mechanism. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 (e), of copending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/646,279, filed Jan. 24, 2005; this application also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, of German patent application No. 10 2005 003 383.0, filed Jan. 24, 2005; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates to a synchronizing mechanism for the correlated movement of a seat and backrest assembly of an office chair. The synchronizing mechanism has a basic carrier capable of being positioned on a chair upright, a seat or seat carrier and a backrest carrier. [0003] The designation "synchronizing mechanism" is understood to denote assemblies in the substructure of the seat of an office chair, which assemblies ensure an interconnected kinematic effect with an associated specific relative movement of the seat and the backrest in relation to one another. Positioned for this purpose on a chair upright is a basic carrier, on which are mounted on the one hand a seat carrier, capable of pivoting about a transverse shaft and attached to the basic carrier in an articulated fashion, and on the other hand a backrest carrier, similarly capable of pivoting about a transverse shaft and attached to the basic carrier in an articulated fashion. The seat of the office chair, which is provided as a general rule with an upholstered seat surface, is mounted on the seat carrier. The backrest carrier, which usually extends rearwards from the actual synchronizing mechanism, carries the backrest of the office chair on an upward-extending bracket. [0004] The seat carrier and the backrest carrier are connected together in an articulated fashion in such a way that a pivoting movement of the backrest in a rearward direction as may be brought about, for example, by the action of the user of the chair leaning against the backrest will induce a lowering movement of the rear edge of the seat in a downward direction. This correlated movement of the seat and backrest assembly is associated with a significant comfort-related benefit and is desirable for orthopedic reasons. [0005] A synchronizing mechanism of this kind was previously disclosed in published, non-prosecuted German patent application DE 101 25 994 A1 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,774). The seat carrier in this case is connected to the basic carrier via a linkage arrangement having a complicated configuration in the form of a four-bar chain. A comparatively large pivoting angle for the backrest is achieved in this way. Furthermore, a comparatively large lowering movement of the seat surface is also achieved through this solution, including at a relatively large pivoting angle of the backrest, as the seat carrier and the backrest carrier are pivotally mounted at several points on the basic carrier. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a synchronizing mechanism that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices of this general type, which is simple to construct. [0007] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a synchronizing mechanism for correlating a movement of a seat and a backrest assembly of an office chair. The synchronizing mechanism contains a seat carrier having a rear end area, a first transverse shaft, a basic carrier capable of being positioned on the office chair upright, and a backrest carrier capable of pivoting about the transverse shaft and is connected directly in an articulated fashion to the basic carrier and to the rear end area of the seat carrier such that a pivoting movement of the backrest carrier in a rearward direction will induce a lowering movement in the rear end area of the seat carrier. The seat carrier is capable of pivoting about a second transverse shaft and is connected directly to the basic carrier in an articulated fashion such that a horizontal sliding movement towards a rear is superimposed during the lowering movement of the seat carrier. [0008] According to the invention, the backrest carrier, which is pivotally mounted about a transverse shaft, is connected directly in an articulated fashion both to the basic carrier and to the rear end area of the seat or the seat carrier, so that a pivoting movement of the backrest towards the rear induces a lowering movement of the rearward areas of the seat carrier. In addition, the seat or the seat carrier, which is similarly pivotally mounted about a transverse shaft, is also connected to the basic carrier in an articulated fashion, so that a horizontal sliding movement towards the rear is superimposed on the lowering movement of the seat carrier. Through the direct linking of the backrest carrier to the basic carrier and the seat or the seat carrier, it is possible to simplify the construction of the synchronizing mechanism significantly. A complicated linkage configuration, for example in the form of a four-bar chain, can now be dispensed with. Nevertheless, thanks to the configuration of the synchronizing mechanism in accordance with the invention, the achievable seating comfort is comparable with that of the synchronizing mechanism of a more complicated construction. A configuration in which a ratio of a horizontal component of an articulation distance to a vertical component of the articulation distance lies between 0.6 and 1.7 has been found to be advantageous. A ratio of between 1.0 and 1.2 is particularly advantageous. It has been found to be advantageous, in addition, if the ratio of the horizontal component of the articulation distance to the vertical component of the articulation distance lies between 2.8 and 5.8 in the maximum rearward-pivoted position. A ratio of between 3.5 and 3.9 is particularly advantageous. It is also of advantage, furthermore, if the ratio of a lowering angle of the seat or the seat carrier to a pivoting angle of the backrest carrier lies between 1:2.1 and 1:3.0 in the maximum rearward-pivoted position. A ratio of between 2.5 and 2.7 is particularly advantageous. These embodiments permit the particularly comfortable pivoting of the seat. [0009] It is also particularly advantageous, furthermore, if the connection of the seat or the seat carrier to the basic carrier is effected via a rotary sliding articulation. The horizontal sliding movement of the seat or the seat carrier towards the rear can thus be achieved in a particularly easy and robust fashion. [0010] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a stop mechanism disposed in the front area of the seat is provided for locking the position of the seat carrier relative to the basic carrier. The operating convenience of the synchronizing mechanism is further increased in this way. Where intermediate stages are provided for the locking function, the seat can be fixed in a simple manner in various inclined positions. [0011] Automatic variation of the "resistance to pivoting" of the backrest is possible if a spring configuration is provided for pre-tensioning the synchronizing mechanism, in conjunction with which the spring configuration contains a leg spring, one leg of which abuts against a counterpart disposed on the seat or the seat carrier in such a way that the position of the articulation point, and thus the spring characteristic of the leg spring, is varied in conjunction with the pivoting of the backrest. Particularly light setting of the pre-tensioning of the synchronizing mechanism is possible, finally, if a worm gear is provided for actuation of an adjustment mechanism for the leg spring. [0012] Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. [0013] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a synchronizing mechanism, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. [0014] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, side view of a synchronizing mechanism in a basic position according to invention; [0016] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, side view of the synchronizing mechanism in a position pivoted rearwards to its maximum extent; [0017] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, front view of the synchronizing mechanism; [0018] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic, sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3; [0019] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic, sectional view taken along the line V-V shown in FIG. 3; Continue reading about Synchronizing mechanism... Full patent description for Synchronizing mechanism Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Synchronizing mechanism patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Synchronizing mechanism or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Multiple turn mechanism for manual lumbar support adjustment Next Patent Application: Vehicle seat with floor position Industry Class: Chairs and seats ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Synchronizing mechanism patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.24766 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
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