Reclining Mechanism for Portable Reclining Chair

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/645,715, filed May 10, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

This disclosure generally relates to a mechanism for controlling the recline position of a portable reclining chair.

Portable chairs are useful for many activities, such as outdoor camping, sporting events, picnics, concerts, watersports, boating, etc. Many foldable chairs have a fixed backrest position, which can be uncomfortable for some users. Some chairs have a grooved/notched track system that allows users to adjust the backrest, but such designs are often cumbersome, unstable, and hard to use.

In some aspects, a portable reclining chair includes a foldable base, a seat, a backrest, an arm, an arm plate, and an actuation mechanism. The foldable base includes a first leg element and a second leg element. The arm plate is moveable relative to the arm. The actuation mechanism comprises a button housing attached to the arm and arranged adjacent the arm plate. The portable reclining chair further includes a button at least partially disposed within the button housing. The actuation mechanism is configured to allow the backrest to be reclined relative to the seat when the button is pressed.

In some aspects, an actuation mechanism for a portable reclining chair includes a button housing disposed within an arm arranged adjacent an arm plate that is moveable relative to the arm. The actuation mechanism further includes a locking pin, a button at least partially disposed within the button housing, and at least one spring that is (i) disposed between the button and a surface of the button housing and (ii) configured to bias the button away from the surface of the button housing. The actuation mechanism is configured such that movement of the button towards the surface of the button housing causes the locking pin to be retracted from an aperture defined by the arm plate, thereby allowing the portable reclining chair to be reclined.

Embodiments can include one or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is configured such that the button moves toward a surface of the button housing when the button is pressed.

In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism further comprises (i) at least one spring disposed between the button and the surface of the button housing and (ii) a locking pin disposed within an aperture defined by the arm plate.

In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes a dowel pin disposed within a slot defined by the button, where the locking pin is coupled to the dowel pin.

In some embodiments, the at least one spring comprises a plurality of compression springs configured to bias the button away from the surface of the button housing.

In some embodiments, an upward force is exerted on the locking pin when the button is moved towards the surface of the button housing, and a downward force is exerted on the locking pin when the button is moved away from the surface of the button housing.

In some embodiments, the locking pin is positioned within a recess formed by the button such that lateral movement of the button does not impede vertical movement of the locking pin.

In some embodiments, movement of the button towards the surface of the button housing causes the locking pin to be retracted from the aperture defined by the arm plate.

In some embodiments, retraction of the locking pin from the aperture allows (i) movement of the arm relative to the arm plate and (ii) movement of the backrest relative to the seat.

In some embodiments, movement of the button towards the surface of the button housing causes a dowel pin to move along a slot defined by the button, which in turn causes the locking pin to be retracted from the aperture defined by the arm plate.

In some embodiments, movement of the arm relative to the arm plate is restricted when the locking pin is disposed within the aperture defined by the arm plate.

In some embodiments, the arm plate comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive a locking pin of the actuation mechanism, the plurality of apertures corresponding to reclining positions of the portable reclining chair.

In some embodiments, the reclining positions of the portable reclining chair include a first position, a second position, and a third position, where the first position is an upright position, the second position is a relaxed position, and the third position is a reclined position.

In some embodiments, the portable reclining chair includes an elastic cord connected to the arm plate and to a bottom surface of the arm.

In some embodiments, a spring force of the elastic cord biases the portable reclining chair towards an upright position when a locking pin of the actuation mechanism is retracted from an aperture defined by the arm plate.

In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is configured such that pressing the button retracts the locking pin of the actuation mechanism from the aperture defined by the arm plate.

In some embodiments, both ends of the elastic cord are secured within notches on a bottom surface of the arm, and a middle section of the elastic cord is held by a member extending from the arm plate.

In some embodiments, the member extending from the arm plate is a hook or fastener, such as a screw or a bolt coupled to the arm plate.

In some embodiments, the arm comprises a boss element configured to engage with a slot defined by the arm plate, thereby maintaining alignment of the portable reclining chair as the arm moves relative to the arm plate.

In some embodiments, the portable reclining chair includes one or more support elements affixed to a bottom surface of the button housing and configured to restrict lateral movement of a locking pin of the actuation mechanism.

In some embodiments, the portable reclining chair includes a second arm and a second actuation mechanism comprising (i) a second button housing attached to the second arm and (ii) a second button at least partially disposed within the second button housing.

In some embodiments, the button comprises a first button, and actuation of the first button and the second button allows the backrest to be reclined relative to the seat.

In some embodiments, the surface of the button housing is an inner surface of the button housing.

Embodiments can provide one or more of the following advantages.

The actuation mechanism described herein may improve user experience by allowing users to easily adjust the backrest position of the portable reclining chair with the push of a button. Moreover, because the same actuation mechanism can be used for both arms of the portable reclining chair, the embodiments described herein may result in greater manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, using a spring-loaded locking pin to control the backrest position of the portable reclining chair may be safer and more reliable than conventional track-based reclining mechanisms. Additionally, using an elastic cord to bias the portable reclining chair to an upright position may reduce the force/effort required to adjust the chair's position.

The design of the portable reclining chair allows for a user-centric feedback loop. The push button is a visual indicator that captures the user's attention due to its prominent location on the armrest. When the button is pushed and subsequently released in the reclining process, the internal mechanism (e.g., the spring-loaded locking pin) of the chair generates a sound. With the locking pin retracted, the portable reclining chair can seamlessly glide from one position to another. As the locking pin is forced into one of the designated apertures on the arm plate, the user hears a snap or click. This sound provides feedback and assurance that the seat is securely locked in place so the user can confidently rest their weight against the chair.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Like reference numerals in the drawings indicate like elements.

is a perspective view of a portable reclining chairthat includes an actuation mechanism(also referred to as an arm adjustment assembly or a push button mechanism) to allow a backrestof the portable reclining chairto recline relative to a seatof the portable reclining chair. The seatand the backrestare made of a woven polyester webbing that supports the user's weight. As depicted in, the portable reclining chairhas a foldable frame that includes a front leg element-and a rear leg element-made of aircraft-grade aluminum. The front leg element-and the rear leg element-each include thermoplastic rubber (TPR) elements that provide a non-slip, sticky grip surface to keep the reclining chairsecurely positioned while in use. These TPR elements also elevate the reclining chairoff the ground to protect the bottom surface of the front leg element-and the rear leg element-. To fold the portable reclining chairfor storage/transport, the seatand the backrestare brought together, which causes the leg elementsto collapse towards each other.

The portable reclining chairincludes a right arm-and a left arm-. The armsare injection molded elements that hinge the chair frame and the leg elementstogether. The armsare rigidly coupled to the backrest. The armseach include an actuation mechanismthat, when engaged, allows a user of the portable reclining chairto adjust the position of the backrestrelative to the seat. As described in greater detail below, the actuation mechanism includes a button(shown in) that, when pressed, allows an armrest(shown in) to move relative to an arm plate(shown in), which in turn allows the backrestto move relative to the seat.

Referring to, the actuation mechanismincludes a button housingdisposed within the armof the portable reclining chair. A button(also referred to as an actuator) is at least partially disposed within the button housing. A bottom ledge of the button housingprevents the buttonfrom leaving the button housing. Two springsare disposed between the buttonand an inner surface of the button housing. The springsare configured to bias the buttonaway from the inner surface of the button housing. A lateral surface of the buttonincludes cylindrical protrusions(shown in) that engage with the springs. A dowel pinis disposed within a slotdefined by the button. The dowel pinis coupled to a locking pinthat moves up or down as the dowel pinmoves along the slot. Specifically, the dowel pinis positioned within a bore that passes through a radial surface of the locking pin. The actuation mechanismis functionally symmetric, meaning the same actuation mechanismcan be used for both the right arm-and the left arm-

The recline feature of the portable reclining chairis activated by the actuation mechanism, which actuates the locking pininto a fixed arm platethat is fastened to the chair frame. The arm plateis designed with apertures(also referred to as through holes) that capture the spring-loaded locking pin. The actuation mechanismis a sub-assembly containing the button housing, the button, the locking pin, springs, and hardware to fasten these components together. This sub-assembly is then fastened to an armrestthat mates and slides freely on the arm plate.

Referring to, the spring-loaded locking pinis positioned within a recessformed by the lateral surface of the button, such that lateral movement of the button(towards the inner surface of the button housing) does not impede vertical movement of the locking pin. When the buttonis pressed, the springsare compressed by the lateral surface of the buttonand the inner surface of the button housing. As the springs are compressed and the distance between the lateral surface of the buttonand the inner surface of the button housingdecreases, the dowel pintravels up the slot. When the buttonis released, the springsbias the lateral surface of the buttonaway from the inner surface of the button housing, causing the dowel pinto travel down the slot.

illustrate the relationship between the movement of the dowel pinand the movement of the locking pin. In, the dowel pinis at the bottom of the slot. In, the dowel pinis at the top of the slot. When the button is pressed or released, the dowel pinmoves along the slotdefined by the button(as depicted in), causing the locking pinto move upwards. Activating the button causes the dowel pinto travel up the slot, which exerts an upward force on the locking pin. Releasing the buttoncauses the dowel pinto travel down the slot, which exerts a downward force on the locking pin. The force provided by the user (when the buttonis pressed) pulls the locking pinup, and the force provided by the springs(when the buttonis released) pushes the locking pindown.

Referring to, support elementsare positioned on opposite sides of the locking pin. The support elements, which are affixed to (or part of) the button housing, restrict horizontal/lateral movement of the locking pinas it moves up and down. For purposes of illustration, some elements of the actuation mechanism(e.g., the button housingand the button) are hidden in.

shows a perspective view of an armof the portable reclining chair. Each armof the portable reclining chairincludes an armrest(which includes the actuation mechanism) and an arm plate(also referred to as an arm plate or a lower assembly). For purposes of illustration, the armrestis hidden in. The arm plate, which is moveable relative to the armrestand the actuation mechanism, connects the front leg element-to the rear leg element-

Referring to, there are three aperturesin the surface of the arm plate, each corresponding to a different reclining positionof the portable reclining chair(as described with reference to). When the spring-loaded locking pinis disposed within one of the apertures, movement of the armis restricted. When the buttonis pressed and the locking pinis retracted, the armrestof the armcan freely slide back and forth along the arm plate. In this way, the actuation mechanismcan lock the portable reclining chairinto multiple different reclined positions (as shown in).

In the example of, the arm plateincludes an aperturethrough which a member(e.g., a fastener, screw, or bolt) is threaded. As described with reference tobelow, an elastic cordis wrapped around the member, which secures the elastic cordto the arm plate.

Referring to, a molded boss elementis present on both inside walls of the armsof the portable reclining chair. The boss elementengages with a sloton the arm plate, which keeps the frame of the portable reclining chair(e.g., the backrest, the seat, the arms, and the leg elements) aligned as the portable reclining chairis folded or adjusted. The boss elementslides within the slotas the portable reclining chairis moved between different inclined positions.

is a perspective view of the elastic cord (e.g., bungee cord)that connects the arm platedepicted into the armrestof the arm-depicted in.is a bottom view of the elastic cord, showing the position of the elastic cordrelative to the armrestand the locking pin. The elastic cordhas two ends that are knotted and secured within notches(e.g., grooves) in the armrest. As depicted in, the notchesin the armrestare covered by a panel, which is fastened to the back surface of the armrest. The middle section of the elastic cordis held by a memberextending from a surface of the arm plate. In the example of, the memberis a screw positioned within a threaded/tapped hole in the arm plate.

The elastic cordexerts a spring force that pulls the back of the armresttowards the back of the arm plate(and thus biases the backresttoward an upright position). When the locking pinis disposed within one of the apertures defined by the arm plate, this spring force is counteracted by a contact force between the locking pinand the arm plate. When the locking pinis retracted from the arm plate, the spring force biases the portable reclining chairtowards an upright position-(as depicted in). The spring-loaded retraction provided by the elastic cordis a utility improvement that naturally returns the chairupright, which is helpful because the chairis easier to fold while it is in the upright position-

The spring force exerted by the elastic cordvaries with the distance between the arm plateand the armrest. This distance is smallest when the backrestis in the upright position-and greatest when the backrestis in a reclined position-(as depicted in). Hence, the spring force applied by the elastic cordis smallest (e.g., the tension in the elastic cordis at a minimum) when the portable reclining chairis in the upright position-. Conversely, the spring force applied by the elastic cordis the greatest (e.g., the tension in the elastic cordis at a maximum) when the portable reclining chairis in a reclined position-

are perspective views of the portable reclining chairdepicted in, showing the relative positions of the arm plateand the armrestfor different reclining positionsof the portable reclining chair. When the locking pinis disposed within aperture-(as depicted in), the backrestremains in an upright position-. In this position, the tension in the elastic cordis at a minimum. When the locking pinis disposed within aperture-(as depicted in), the backrestremains in a relaxed position-. When the locking pinis disposed within aperture-(as depicted in), the backrestremains in a reclined position-. In this position, the tension in the elastic cordis at a maximum.

To recline the chair, the user presses the buttonof the actuation mechanismto retract the locking pinfrom one of the aperturesin the arm plate, and then applies pressure to the backrest(e.g., by leaning back), which in turn causes the backrestto recline relative to the seatand causes the armrest(including the actuation mechanism) to slide rearwardly relative to the arm plate.

are exploded cross-sectional views of the portable reclining chairdepicted in, showing the relative position of the locking pinas the armrestmoves relative to the arm plateof the arm-. In, the portable reclining chairis in an upright position-, and the locking pinis disposed within the aperture-. To move the portable reclining chairto a reclined position, the user presses the buttonof the actuation mechanismand applies a rearward force to the seat back. As a result, the locking pinis retracted from the aperture-in the arm plate(as shown in) and slides rearwardly along a top surface of the arm plate, allowing the portable reclining chairto move from the upright position-toward a relaxed position-. Assuming the user has released the button, when the portable reclining chairreaches the relaxed position-shown in, the locking pinautomatically extends into the aperture-(due to the downward spring force applied to the locking pin), thereby locking the portable reclining chairin the relaxed position-. To move the chair to a further reclined position, the user once again presses the buttonof the actuation mechanismand applies a rearward force to the seat back. As shown in, the locking pinthen retracts from the aperture-in the arm plateand slides along the upper surface of the arm plateas the user moves the portable reclining chairfrom the relaxed position-toward a reclined position-. Assuming the user has released the button, when the portable reclining chairreaches the reclined position-shown in, the locking pinautomatically extends into the aperture-to lock the portable reclining chairin the reclined position-