RECLINING CHAIR MECHANISM

Abstract

A reclining chair mechanism for moving a back rest of a chair between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position includes a first support defining a first slot coupled to a first seat frame member and an element associated with the back rest to slide within the slot as the back rest moves between the first and second position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of reclining chairs. More particularly, the present invention relates to mechanism to recline the back rest of a chair. Specifically, the present invention relates to a reclining chair mechanism that includes a path for an element to travel along as the back rest is moved between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position.

2. Background Information

Reclining chairs offer both comfort and adjustability to users. They include a back rest that can pivot between a reclined position and an upright position. The manner in which the back rest moves has been subject to other prior art.

One exemplary attempt at moving the back rest on a reclining chair is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,193 issued on Apr. 7, 1992 in the name of Goss et. al. The Goss reference provides a linear actuator control system on a chaise lounge having a seat back pivotally hinged with a seat portion. The actuator controls the movement of the seat back. The back rest portion pivots about a pin connecting the back rest portion to the seat portion. The pivot connection does not permit any sliding or longitudinal movement of the pin as the back rest moves between the upright and inclined position.

SUMMARY

Issues continue to exist with reclining chairs and their mechanisms for moving the back rest between the upright and reclined position inasmuch as the mechanism may be visually exposed, which is undesirable, and may allow a person to accidentally get their fingers caught in the mechanism. The present invention addresses these and other issues.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the invention may include a reclining chair comprising: a seat portion supported by first and second seat frame members defining a gap therebetween; a back rest portion supported by first and second back rest frame members, the back rest portion operatively coupled to the seat portion moveable between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position, a reclining mechanism substantially disposed in the gap comprising a first support defining a first slot coupled to the first seat frame member; and an element associated with the back rest to slide within the slot as the back rest moves between the first and second position.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the invention may provide a reclining chair mechanism for moving a back rest of a chair between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position, the mechanism comprising: a first support defining a first slot coupled to a first seat frame member; an element associated with the back rest to slide within the slot as the back rest moves between the first and second position.

In another aspect, one embodiment of the invention may provide a reclining chair mechanism for moving a back rest of a chair between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position, the mechanism comprising: a first support defining a first slot coupled to a first seat member; a second support defining a second slot coupled to a second seat member opposite the first support; a moveable third support coupled to a first back rest member adjacent the first support, the third support including a first follower pin that slides within the first slot as the back rest moves between the first and second position; a moveable fourth support coupled to a second back rest member adjacent the second support opposite the third support, the third support including a second follower pin that slides within the second slot as the back rest moves between the first and second position; a cross member extending transversely between the third and fourth supports to move in unison therewith; a first lug on extending from the cross member; a piston and cylinder actuator including a forward end a rear end, the rear end coupled to the lug by a first pivot connection, the actuator selectively biasable between extended and collapsed positions; a toggle activator at the forward end of the actuator to selectively activate the actuator between the extended and collapsed positions; a lever linkage coupled to the toggle activator including an end of the lever linkage positioned outwardly from adjacent one of the first and second chair members; a fifth support coupled to the first seat member spaced apart from the first support; a sixth support coupled to the second seat member spaced apart from the second support opposite the fifth support; and a second lug extending from a second cross member extending transversely between the fifth and sixth support, the second lug coupled to the toggle member at a second pivot connection.

In another aspect, one embodiment of the invention may provide a method for moving a back rest on a chair between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position, the method comprising the steps of: operating an actuator mounted in a gap defined between first and second seat frame members beneath a seat portion; and moving an pin along an arcuate path defined by a slot in a support connected to a frame member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the invention. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a reclining chair in a generally upright first position with a reclining mechanism of the present invention attached thereto beneath the seat portion of the chair;

FIG. 2 is an isolated perspective view of the reclining chair mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of the reclining chair mechanism of the present invention in operation depicting a lever linkage moving to activate an actuator in an extended position and a follower pin adjacent a rear end of a slot, wherein the follower pin positioning is associated with the generally upright chair position depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the reclining chair mechanism of the present invention in operation depicting the actuator moving towards a collapsed position and the follower pin adjacent a front end of the slot, wherein the follower pin positioning is associated with the generally reclined chair position depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the chair having the reclining mechanism of the present invention attached thereto with the chair in the generally reclined position;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the reclining chair mechanism of the present invention attached to the chair in an upright position;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the reclining chair mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a chaise lounge chair having the reclining chair mechanism of the present invention attached thereto, the chaise lounge in a generally reclined position;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the chaise lounge chair in a generally upright position;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the chaise lounge chair depicting the reclining chair mechanism attached thereto; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the reclining chair mechanism of the present invention connected to the chaise lounge chair.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A new reclining chair mechanism of the present invention is depicted throughout FIGS. 1-11 and is shown generally as 10. The reclining chair mechanism moves a back rest of a chair between a generally upright first position (FIG. 1) and a generally reclined second position (FIG. 5).

First, reference is made to a chair 12 that mechanism 10 is attached. Chair 12 includes a first seat frame member 14, a second seat frame member 16, a first forward leg 18, a second forward leg 20, a seat portion 22, a back rest 24, a first back rest frame member 26, and a second back rest frame member 28.

The first seat frame member 14 is spaced apart and generally parallel to second seat frame member 16. The spaced apart relationship defines a gap between frame members 14, 16 in which components of mechanism 10 will be located. First and second seat frame members 14, 16 are aligned longitudinally such that the gap extends transversely between members 14, 16. Back rest 24 extends upwardly from frame members 14, 16 defining a generally vertical direction therebetween. First and second forward legs 18, 20 are connected to a forward end of first and second seat frame members 14, 16 respectively and extend generally downwardly and forwardly therefrom. Seat portion 22 has a plurality of slats extending transversely above the gap between frame member 14 and frame member 16. The slats on seat portion 22 should be constructed of a material suitable for outdoor patio furniture. Some exemplary materials include wood, metal, or plastic. Similarly, back rest 24 includes a plurality of slats extending between first back rest frame member 26 and second back rest frame member 28 that are constructed of a material similar to that of the slats on seat portion 22. Further, chair 12 further may include arms 30 extending generally upwardly from a connection with first seat frame member 14 and second seat frame member 16. Additional components of chair 12 may include rollers 32 positioned at the rear ends of seat frame member 14 to assist in transporting chair 12 as desired. Frame members 14, 16 have a vertical top to bottom distance that is greater than the components of mechanism 10 disposed in the gap to conceal mechanism 10, as will be described in greater detail below.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the reclining chair mechanism 10 of the present invention for moving back rest 24 of chair 12 between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position comprises a first support 40, a second support 42, a third support 44, a fourth support 46, a cross member 48, a first lug 50 (FIG. 4), an actuator 52, a toggle activator 54, a lever linkage 56, a fifth support 58, a sixth support 60, a second cross member 62, and a second lug 64.

Reclining chair mechanism 10 includes a forward end 35 spaced apart in front of a rear end 36 defining a longitudinal direction therebetween. Reclining chair mechanism 10 includes a left side 37 spaced apart from a right side 38 defining a transverse direction therebetween.

First support 40 is a generally rigid oblong plate or member including a transversely and outwardly facing first surface opposite a transversely inward facing second surface. The inwardly facing second surface of first support 40 transversely faces the gap defined between first and second seat frame members 14, 16. First support 40 defines a slot 66 extending transversely through support 40 from first surface to second surface. Slot 66 is generally U-shaped defining an oblique angle. A forward end 68 of slot 66 is spaced apart from a rear end 70. Slot 66 is generally arcuate in shape. Slot 66 is wholly within the outer oblong edge and fully defined in support 40.

First support 40 further includes a plurality of securing members 72 extending outwardly from the outer first surface configured to rigidly connect first support 40 to first seat frame member 14. A tab 74 extends upwardly from near a top portion of support 40 defining an aperture therethrough. The radius of curvature of slot 66 is measured relative to the aperture formed in tab 74. This curvature radius generally forms arcuate slot 66.

Support 42 is a generally rigid member defining an oblong plate similar to that of first support 40. Second support 42 includes similar components having similar reference numerals to those found on plate 40 in a mirrored configuration permitting second plate 42 to attach to second chair frame member 16. The tab 74 on second support member 42 defines a central point for measuring the radius of curvature of slot 66 extending it from forward end 68 to rear end 70 on plate 42.

Third support 44 is a generally circular rigid plate member having a transversely outward facing outer surface and a transversely inward facing inner surface facing oppositely from each other. Third support 44 is disposed closely adjacent the inwardly facing second surface of first support 40. An element or follower pin 76 extends outwardly from the outer surface of third support plate 44. The follower pin 76 is disposed and extends through slot 66 on plate 40. As will be described in greater detail below, follower pin 76 slides within arcuate slot 66 along the arcuate path created by the radius of curvature measured between slot 66 and the pivot connection 80 in tab 74. Follower pin 76 may include a roller configured to assist in the rolling within slot 66 or follower pin 76 may exist just as a pin without a roller, as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand to allow an element to slide within along a path. Second support 44 includes a tab 78 extending from second support 44 and defining an aperture therethrough. The aperture on tab 78 aligns with aperture in tab 74 on first support 40. The tabs are aligned and pivotably coupled to form a pivot connection 80.

Follower pin 76 is partially positioned relatively between first support 40 and third support 44. The central transverse axis of follower pin 76 moves generally along the center of the arcuate path formed in slot 66. The arcuate length of path formed in slot 66 may be determined by measuring the radius from pivot connection 80 to the center transverse axis of follower pin 76. Follower pin 76 in longitudinally and vertically translatable along the path defined in slot 66. In some instances follower pin 76 may rotate as it translates (i.e., slides) along the slot 66 path, but in the show embodiment, follower pin 76 does not rotate, although an attached wheel could rotate if desired about pin 76. A transverse axis associated with the first and second pivot connections 80, wherein the pin 76 revolves transverse axis along the arcuate path as the back rest 24 moves between first and second positions.

Third support 44 is coupled to the first back rest frame member 26. In the shown example, a plurality of securing members or pins 82 extend transversely inward into the gap space from the inner surface of support 44. The pins on support 44 extend in a direction opposite that of follower pin 76.

The fourth support plate 46 includes components and elements similar to that of third support plate 44. A sliding element or follower pin 76 extends outwardly from the outer surface of fourth support 46 into the slot 66 on second support 42 in a manner similar to that of the relationship between first support 40 and third support 44. Similarly, second support 42 and fourth support plate 46 are pivotally connected 80 by upwardly extending tabs respectively on each of the supports 42, 46.

Relative to other components on mechanism 10, pivot connection 80 is positioned vertically above slot 66; rearward of front end 68; and forward of rear end 70. These relative alignments are shown by way of non-limiting example and it is clearly contemplated that other positioning alignments of pivot connection 80 relative to slot 66 and follower pin 76 are entirely contemplated in encouraging the sliding relationship to move back rest 24 between the first generally upright position and the second generally reclined position.

The cross member 48 is a generally rigid member extending transversely between the inner surface of third support 44 to the inner surface of fourth support 46. In one example, cross member 48 is rigidly affixed to each of the inner surfaces on the respective supports 44, 46 such that the connection of transversely extending cross member 48 permits the third support plate 44, the fourth support plate 46, and the cross member 48, to all move in unison. The fixed attachment of cross member 48 to supports 44, 46 permit cross member 48 to move along an arcuate path similar to that of the path defined in slot 66, yet offset from the slot. The offset distance depends on the location of the fixed attachment of cross member 48 to support 44, 46 relative to follower pin 76. Further, the shown embodiment provides an example of the cross member 48 being located centrally relative to the transverse axis of support 44, 46, however other locations are clearly contemplated.

The first support lug 50 (FIG. 4) extends forwardly from a rigid connection with cross member 48. Lug 50 may include a first lug plate 84 (FIG. 4) and a second lug plate 86 (FIG. 4). First and second lug plates 84, 86 are aligned generally longitudinal to define a transversely extending space therebetween configured to receive a rear end of actuator 52. First lug plate 84 defines an aperture aligned with an aperture defined in second lug plate 86 configured to receive a pin therethrough creating a pivot connection 88 (FIG. 4) with the rear end of actuator 52. Rear end of the actuator 52 is operatively coupled to the back rest portion moving along a path defined by the slot 66 as the back rest 24 moves between first and second positions.

Pivot connection 88 is transversely centered within the gap between third support 44 and fourth support 46. Pivot connection 88 is longitudinally forward from follower pin 76 when in the reclined position. When viewed from an isolated side perspective view, pivot connection 88 is longitudinally forward relative to pivot connection 80 when the back rest 24 is in the generally reclined second position and pivot connection 88 is longitudinally rearward relative to pivot connection 80 when the back rest 24 is in the generally upright first position. Pivot connection 88 assists in the transfer of linear movement from actuator 52 to the rotational movement of cross member 48 fixedly connected to third and fourth supports 44, 46 along the path in slot 66 in the transition of the back rest 24 from the generally upright first position to the generally reclined second position.

The actuator 52 includes a forward end and a rear end. The actuator 52 further includes a piston 90 and a cylinder 92. The figures depict piston 90 associated with the forward end of actuator 52 and cylinder 92 associated with the rear end of actuator 52, however, clearly, this design may be flipped around as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand. The piston-cylinder actuator 52 is contemplated as being a high pressure gas strut rated in a range from 200 to 250 lbs. Actuator 52 moves between an extended and collapsed position. In the shown example, actuator 52 moves linearly and longitudinally between the extended position (FIG. 2) and the collapsed position (FIG. 4).

The toggle activator 54 is a general block-like design defining two apertures. A first aperture 94 receives an end 102 of lever linkage 56 therethrough permitting lever linkage 56 to toggle the activation of actuator 52. A second aperture 96 is defined through activator 54 to create a pivot connection 98 with the second lug 64.

The lever linkage 56 includes a plurality of connected or articulated legs. A first articulated leg 100 extends transversely and generally perpendicular to actuator 52 with an end 102 extending through aperture 94 configured to activate actuator 52, as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand, when toggling activator 54. Leg 100 articulates in a connection with second leg 104 longitudinally and generally parallel to actuator 52 and connected with leg 100 via a joint. Second leg 104 extends longitudinally rearward from the joint connection with first leg 100 to a pivot connection 106 with a third leg 108. Third leg 108 is generally vertical and revolves around a transverse lever axis 110 in unison with the movement of lever 112. Lever 112 is mounted to one of the seat frame members. In FIG. 2 it is shown that lever 112 would be mounted to the second seat member 16 via mounting flange 114, generally on the right side 38 of mechanism 10, however it is clearly to be contemplated that first leg 100 could be inserted the opposite direction such as to flip lever linkage assembly to be mounted on first seat frame member 14 of the chair 12 on left side 37. Knob 116 may exist at the upper end of lever 112.

Forward from the lever linkage 56, the second lug 64 includes a first plate 118 and a second plate 120. Plates 118, 120 are longitudinally aligned in parallel with each other defining a space therebetween. The space between plates 118, 120 receives the forward end of toggle activator 54. Each plate 118, 120 define an aperture at their rear end configured to receive a pin therethrough creating pivot connection 98 with toggle activator 54. Both plates, 118, 120 of second lug 64 extend rearwardly from a rigid connection with the transversely extending second cross member 62. Second lug 64 is a preferably rigid material similar to that of the material used in first lug 50.

A fifth support 58 is a generally circular rigid plate member having an outer surface spaced opposite from an inner surface. The inner surface of support 58 faces inwardly towards the gap and faces a direction pointing towards second lug 64 and second cross member 62. Fifth support 58 is shown by way of non-limiting example as a circular member having a radius similar to that of third support 44, however, other geometric configurations are clearly contemplated. Support 58 may define a plurality of apertures configured to receive securing members, such as screw, in order to mount or connect fifth support 58 to first seat frame member 14.

Sixth support 60 is spaced apart and opposite fifth support 58 having similar components to that of fifth support 58. Sixth support plate 60 is a generally rigid member sized similarly to fifth support plate 58.

Second cross member 62 is a rigid member rigidly affixed between fifth support plate 58 and sixth support plate 60 extending transversely from left side 37 to right side 38 of mechanism 10. Second cross member 62 connects with second lug 64 generally at the transverse midline such that lug 64 is centered beneath the seat portion 22 of chair 12.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the reclining chair mechanism 10 for moving a back rest 24 of a chair 12 between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position, described above permits the mechanism 10 to retain a low profile such that it is generally not able to be seen when viewed from the side. Stated otherwise, seat frame member 14 substantially conceals mechanism 10 when viewed from the side with only the lever 112 being exposed. Additionally, mechanism 10, that is substantially disposed within the gap between frame members 14 and 16, should reduce the likelihood a user will get their fingers caught or pinched as the back rest moves between the first and second position because only the lever 112 is outside the gap.

In operation, mechanism 10 is connected with a reclining chair 12 by attaching via securing members, first plate 40 and fifth plate 58, to the inner surface of a first seat frame member 14. Second support 42 and sixth support 60 are connected via securing members to the inner surface of a second seat frame member 16. Third support 44 is connected adjacent the bottom end of a back rest first frame member 26 and fourth support 46 is attached adjacent the bottom end of back rest second frame member 28.

Reference will now be made to the operation of mechanism 10 to move back rest 24 from the generally upright first position to the generally reclined second position. As depicted in FIG. 2, when the chair back rest is in the generally upright first position, the follower pin 76 on third support 44 and fourth support 46 is generally positioned at the rear most or top end 70 of slot 66. The upward facing slot with pin 76 at the top 70 directs back rest frame members 26, 28 to be pointed generally vertically upward. Further, when back rest 24 is in the upright position, actuator 52 is in an extended position.

As depicted in FIG. 3, to begin the reclination of back rest 24, lever 112 is grasped and pulled by a user in a generally rearward direction about axis 110 indicated by rotational Arrow A. Third leg 108 moves in unison with lever 112, pulling second leg 104 generally rearward via pivot connection 106. The rearward movement of second leg 104 pulls first leg 100 rearward in the direction of Arrow B. Second leg 100 impacts toggle activator 54, activating actuator 52. The gas strut actuator 52, with a piston 90 and cylinder 92, begins operating to retract as one having ordinary would understand. The retraction of actuator 52 occurs in the linear direction of Arrow C (FIG. 4).

As depicted in FIG. 4, as actuator 52 is operating and moving from the extended position to the collapsed position along the linear direction of Arrow C, actuator 52 pulls cross member 48 via pivot connection 88 with first lug 50. The pulling movement imparted to cross member 48 causes third support 44 and fourth support 46 to move in unison with cross member 48 via their rigid connection. Follower pin 76 extending from the outer surface of support 44, 46 through slot 66 is guided along the arcuate slot from rear end 70 to forward end 68. The rigid connection of back rest frame members 26, 28 with supports 44, 46, respectively, cause back rest to recline along an arcuate path similar to that of slot 66.

FIG. 8 through FIG. 11 depict mechanism 10 of the present invention connected to a chaise lounge 130 having a seat portion 132, a back rest portion 134, a lounge chair frame member 136, and a back rest frame member 138. The lounge frame member 136 connects to first support 40 and fifth support 58. The back rest frame member 138 connects with third support plate 44. Second support 42 and sixth support 60 connect with a second lounge chair frame member spaced apart from frame member 136. Fourth support 46 connects with a second back rest frame member spaced apart from frame member 138. Components of mechanism 10 are substantially positioned in the game between the two lounge chair frame members beneath the slats.

Operatively, lounge chair 130 moves between a first generally upright position (FIG. 9) and a generally reclined second position (FIG. 8). The components of reclining mechanism 10 are substantially concealed by the chair frame member 138 when viewed from the side.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the example embodiment of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A reclining chair comprising:

a seat portion supported by first and second seat frame members defining a gap therebetween;

a back rest portion supported by first and second back rest frame members, the back rest portion operatively coupled to the seat portion moveable between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position,

a reclining mechanism substantially disposed in the gap including a first support defining a first slot coupled to one of the first seat frame member and the first back rest frame member; and

a pin associated with the other of the first seat frame member and the first back rest frame member to slide within the slot as the back rest moves between the first and second position.

2. The chair of claim 1, further comprising:

front and rear ends of the slot, wherein the slot is arcuate between the front and rear ends; and

wherein the pin is adjacent the front end of the slot when the back rest is in the reclined second position and the pin is adjacent the rear end of the slot when the back rest in the upright first position.

3. The chair of claim 1, further comprising:

a second support defining a second slot coupled to one of the second seat frame member and the second back rest frame member opposite the first support;

wherein the second slot is shaped similarly to the first slot.

4. The chair of claim 3, further comprising:

a moveable third support adjacent the first support and coupled to the other of the first back rest frame member and the first seat frame member than the first support,

a first pivot connection between the third support and the first support;

a moveable fourth support adjacent the second support and coupled to the other of the second back rest frame member and the second seat frame member than the third support;

a second pivot connection between the fourth support and the second support; and

wherein the third and fourth support move in unison along an arcuate path defined by the slot.

5. The chair of claim 4, further comprising:

a first tab extending from the first support;

a second tab extending from the third support connected to the first back rest frame member; and

wherein the first pivot connection joins the first and second tabs.

6. The chair of claim 5, wherein the pivot connection joining the first and second tabs is above the slot.

7. The chair of claim 5, wherein the pivot connection joining the first and second tabs is longitudinally rearward from a forward end of the slot and is longitudinally forward from a rear end of the slot.

8. The chair of claim 4, further comprising:

a transverse axis associated with the first and second pivot connections, wherein the pin revolves about the transverse axis along the arcuate path as the back rest moves between first and second positions.

9. The chair of claim 4, wherein the arcuate slot is U-shaped defining an oblique angle.

10. The chair of claim 3, further comprising:

a piston and cylinder actuator operatively coupled to a cross member connected to a moveable third support connected to the first back rest member adjacent the first support;

wherein the activation of the actuator moves the back rest between the first and second position.

11. The chair of claim 10, further comprising:

an end of the actuator operatively coupled to the back rest portion moving along a path defined by the slot as the back rest moves between first and second positions.

12. The chair of claim 1, further comprising:

a lever linkage extending outwardly from the first seat frame member adapted for grasping by an operator;

an actuator coupled to an end of the lever linkage, wherein movement of the lever linkage activates the actuator.

13. The chair of claim 12, further comprising:

a toggle activator operatively coupling the lever linkage to the actuator to operatively move the pin within the slot.

14. The chair of claim 12, further comprising:

a height of the first seat frame member greater than a height of the reclining mechanism, such that the first seat frame member conceals the reclining mechanism when viewed from the side.

15. A method for moving a back rest on a chair between a generally upright first position and a generally reclined second position, the method comprising the steps of:

operating an actuator mounted in a gap defined between first and second seat frame members beneath a seat portion; and

moving an pin along an arcuate path defined by a slot in a support plate connected to either one of the first seat frame member and a back rest frame member.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

concealing the actuator behind one of the chair frame members when viewed from the side.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

rotating a lever operatively coupled to the actuator about a first transverse axis relative to the chair.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

moving the pin towards a front end of the slot to move the back rest to the generally reclined second position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:

moving the pin towards a rear end of the slot to move the back rest to generally upright first position.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

revolving the pin partially around a second transverse axis, wherein the axis is defined by a pivot connection operatively coupling a seat frame member to a backrest frame member.