BACKGROUND

[0001] A conventional outdoor chaise lounge chair includes a rectangular frame with a leg at each corner. A main seat is attached to the frame and supports the user’s lower body. A backrest is pivotally attached to the frame and is used to support the user's upper body. The backrest is typically held at one of several predetermined angles with a brace assembly that connects between the backrest and the frame.

[0002] In use of the conventional outdoor chaise lounge chair, a person walks to the back of the frame and adjusts the backrest to a desired angle and then lies down on the main seat and leans back against the backrest. When the user wishes to adjust the backrest to a different angle, they must get up from the chaise chair, walk towards the back of the frame again, and readjust the brace assembly of the backrest to a different angle. With this arrangement, the user must disrupt their relaxing lounging position to adjust the angle of the backrest.

[0003] There are also outdoor chaise lounge chairs that include pneumatic or hydraulic power systems that introduce a continuous upward spring bias on the backrest so that the backrest is always forced upwards. These power systems include a locking mechanism that allows a user to hold the backrest in a desired position, against the upward spring bias. A handle actuator to unlock the locking mechanism for the power system is typically located on the side of the chaise chair, within reach of a user’s hands when the user is reclined on the chaise chair. This system allows a user to push back against the spring bias to lower the backrest and also lean forward to allow the spring bias to move the backrest upward while still reclined on the chaise lounge chair. With these powered systems, the user may then lock the backrest at any desired angle of movement.

[0004] Outdoor chaise lounge chairs are found in residential settings, but are also popular in hospitality settings, such as hotels, spas and resorts. In hospitality settings, each evening, for exampie, hotel staff typically walks around to realign the rows of chaise lounge chairs. As they do this, they usually lower any raised backrest to a lowered, typically flat, position. For chaise lounge chairs that use pneumatic or hydraulic power systems, the staff member must either lay down on each chaise lounge chair, release the locking mechanism and then push the backrest, against the spring-bias, until the backrest reaches the lowered position. Alternatively, the staff member may remain standing while awkwardly reaching over to the side of the chaise lounge chair and actuate the locking mechanism handle while again pushing the backrest back to the lowered position. In either case, the actions can be exhausting for the staff, considering the number of chaise lounge chairs in many hospitality settings.

SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the foregoing, a chaise chair includes a frame, a main seat attached to the frame, a backrest pivotally attached to the frame, and a mount connected with and selectively movable with respect to the frame. The backrest is pivotal between a lowered position and a raised position. A locking mechanism is associated with the mount and is operable between a locked state in which the mount is precluded from movement with respect to the frame and an unlocked state in which the mount is movable with respect to the frame. A linkage connects with the mount and the backrest and is configured such that movement of the mount with respect to the frame results in pivotal movement of the backrest with respect to the frame. A release mechanism is operatively associated with the locking mechanism so as to change the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a chaise chair.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0008] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the chaise chair of FIG. 1 with support elements removed.

[0009] FIG. 4 a bottom plan view of the chaise chair of FIG. 1 with the support elements removed. [0010] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the chaise chair of FIG. 1 with the support elements removed and a backrest frame shown in a lowered position.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the chaise chair of FIG. 1 with the support elements removed and the backrest frame shown in a raised position.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0013] FIG. 8 is a side perspective partial view of a mount and a linkage for the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective top partial view of the mount and an associated locking mechanism in a locked state for the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0015] FIG. 10 is a plan partial view of the mount and associated locking mechanism in an unlocked state for the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective top partial view of an alternative mount and associated locking mechanism in a locked state for the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective top partial view of a portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 11 in an unlocked state.

[0018] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of another alternative mount and associated locking mechanism for the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective top partial view of a portion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 13 in a locked state.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective top partial view of the locking mechanism of FIG.

13 in an unlocked state.

[0021] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of another alternative mount and associated locking mechanism for the chaise chair of FIG. 1 .

[0022] FIG. 17 is a perspective top view of the alternative mount and associated locking mechanism with a cover.

[0023] FIG. 18 is a perspective top partial view of the locking mechanism of FIG.

16 in a locked state.

[0024] FIG. 19 is a perspective top partial view of the locking mechanism of FIG.

16 in an unlocked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1 , a chaise chair 10 includes a frame 12, a main seat 14 attached to the frame 12 and a backrest 16 pivotally attached to the frame 12. The backrest 16 is pivotal between a lowered position, which is shown in FIG. 1 , and a raised position, in which FIG. 2 depicts one of possible multiple raised positions. The frame 12 can be similar in construction to a conventional outdoor chaise lounge chair. The main seat 14 includes a main seat support element 18 on which a user rests when sitting or reclining on the chaise chair 10. When in typical use, the main seat 14 supports the user's lower body, e.g., legs. The backrest 16 includes a backrest support element 22 against which a user rests when sitting or reclining on the chaise chair 10. When in typical use, the backrest 16 supports the user's back.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the chaise chair 10 and FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the chaise chair 10, and in both figures the main seat support element 18 and the backrest support element 22 are removed. The chaise chair 10 further includes a mount 24 connected with and selectively movable with respect to the frame 12. A locking mechanism, which will be described in more detail below, is associated with the mount 24 and is operable between a locked state in which the mount 24 is precluded from movement with respect to the frame 12 and an unlocked state in which the mount 24 is movable with respect to the frame 12.

[0027] As more clearly visible in FIG. 4, a linkage 26 connects with the mount 24 and the backrest 16 (FIG. 1) in a manner described in more detail below such that movement of the mount 24 with respect to the frame 12 can result in pivotal movement of the backrest 16 with respect to the frame 12. A release mechanism 28 is operatively associated with the locking mechanism so as to change the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state. The release mechanism 28 allows for quickly lowering the backrest 16, which will be described in more detail below.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 3, the frame 12 includes a left side rail 42 and a right side rail 44. In the depicted embodiment, the left side rail 42 is parallel with the right side rail 44. The frame 12 further includes a head end cross member 46 connecting the left side rail 42 to the right side rail 44 and a foot end cross member 48 that also connects the left side rail 42 to the right side rail 44. When in the chaise chair 10 is in typical use with a person reclining on it, the head end cross member 46 is located nearer to where a user’s head would reside, and the foot end cross member 48 is located nearer to where the user's feet would reside, With reference back to FIG. 1 , the frame 12 further includes a plurality of legs 52 which extend downwardly from both the left side rail 42 and the right side rail 44, respectively.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 12 further includes a left main seat side member 54 connected with the left side rail 42 and a right main seat side member 56 connected with the right side rail 44. Main seat cross members 58 connect with and extend between the left main seat side member 54 and the right main seat side member 56. As more clearly seen in FIG. 5, the main seat cross members 58 may be curved downwardly and extend perpendicular to a longest dimension of the left main seat side member 54 and the right main seat side member 56 to which they connect. The main seat support element 18, shown in FIGS 1 and 2, connects with and extends between the left main seat side member 54 and the right main seat side member 56. The main seat support element 18 may be made from wood panels, vinyl straps, or a cut portion of a textile, which can be referred to as a sling.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a backrest frame 60 pivotally attaches to the frame 12 at a hinge 62. The backrest frame 60 includes a left backrest side member 64 and a right backrest side member 66. Backrest cross members 68 connect with and extend between the left backrest side member 64 and the right backrest side member 66. Similar to the main seat cross members 58, each backrest cross member 68 can be curved downwardly and extend perpendicular to the respective left backrest side member 64 and the right backrest side member 66 to which they connect.

[0031] The backrest frame 60 further includes a left brace 74 extending between the left backrest side member 64 and the linkage 26. A similar right brace 76 extends between the right backrest side member 66 and the linkage 26. More particularly, the left brace 74 includes an upper end 78 that is fixed to the left backrest side member 64 and a lower end 82 that is pivotally connected with the linkage 26 via a fastener 84 more clearly seen in FIG. 6. Similarly, the right brace 76 includes an upper end 86 that is fixed to the right backrest side member 66 and a lower end 88 that is pivotally connected with the linkage 26 via the fastener 84. The backrest support element 22 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 connects with and extends between the left backrest side member 64 and the right backrest side member 66. The backrest support element 22 may be made from wood panels, vinyl straps, or a cut portion of a textile, which can be referred to as a sling.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 3 - 8, the mount 24 connects with and is selectively movable with respect to the frame 12 in each direction of the double-headed arrow 102 in FIG. 6, which is parallel with a longest dimension of the left side rail 42 and the right side rail 44. The linkage 26 connects with the mount 24 and the backrest 16, and more particularly to the backrest frame 60 via the pivotal connection to the left brace 74 and the right brace 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 26 can be a lockable gas spring assembly configured to be selectively activated to bias the backrest 16 toward the raised position when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. With reference to FIG. 8, the linkage 26 when in the form of the lockable gas spring assembly can include a piston rod 110 having a first pivot mount 112 (most clearly viewed in FIGS. 4 and 8) and a cylinder 114 having a second pivot mount 116 (most clearly viewed in FIG. 4). When the locking mechanism associated with the mount 24 is in the locked state in which the mount 24 is precluded from movement with respect to the frame 12, a linear force on the piston rod 110 within the cylinder 114 toward the foot end cross member 48 results in the cylinder 114 moving toward the head end cross member 46. Movement of the cylinder 114 towards the head end cross member 46 applies a force to the backrest frame 60 via the pivotal connection to the left brace 74 and the right brace 76 at the second pivot mount 116. This linear displacement of the cylinder 114 towards the head end cross member 46 causes the backrest 16 to pivot upwardly toward the raised position, which is shown in FIG. 2. The lockable gas spring assembly functions like a battery in that it stores energy. The energy is released, when needed, linearly through the piston rod 110, and in this application, a linear force is used to raise the backrest 16. Once the energy is released, the energy can be restored within the cylinder 114 by applying a linear force to the piston rod 110, through rotation of the backrest 16, by a user leaning against the backrest 16 with their weight, for example. [0033] The lockable gas spring assembly is of a lockable type, which allows for a controlled displacement of piston rod 110 at any point along its length of travel, without applying any resistance. There are well known lockable gas spring assemblies that are commercially available in a variety of stroke lengths, overall lengths, and forces that can be employed as the linkage 26. The particular specifications of such a lockable gas spring assembly will vary depending on the particular dimensions and weights of the various components used in the specific chaise construction. The stroke length of the lockable gas spring assembly is to be sufficient in length to be able to angularly displace the backrest 16 between the lowered position shown in FIG. 1 and a fully raised position. The amount of force applied by the lockable gas spring assembly is to be sufficient to raise the weight of the backrest 16, including the added weight of any overlaying cushion and towels and pillows, along the full range of motion of the backrest 16. A typical force of a lockable gas spring assembly for this application will likely be between 30 and 50 pounds.

[0034] When the aforementioned lockable gas spring assembly is employed as the linkage 26, a trigger button 128 is located at a distal end of the piston rod 110. With these types of lockable gas spring assemblies, the piston rod 110 is normally locked with respect to cylinder 114, and will only displace in response to pushing trigger button 128. If a user wants assistance in raising the backrest 16, the trigger button 128 is depressed. When the trigger button 128 is depressed, an internal valve 130, which is schematically depicted in FIG. 8 and located inside the cylinder 114, is activated allowing the piston rod 110 to push out from cylinder 114, unless it is already fully extended therefrom.

[0035] Conventional outdoor chaise lounge chairs with a so-called “gas-assist” feature typically provide a button or lever at an accessible location. This button or lever would be mechanically connected to the trigger button 128 using a Bowden cable. The arrangement allows the user to activate (unlock) the lockable gas spring assembly from a remote location. In the illustrated embodiment and with particular reference to FIG. 8, the distal end of the piston rod 110 can include threads to connect with the first pivot mount 112. The first pivot mount 112 can include a threaded bore 132 (shown in phantom in FIG. 8) that receives the distal end of the piston rod 110, and a pass- through bore 134. The pass-through bore 134 is sized and shaped to snugly receive an actuator rod 136 while allowing for rotation about a rotational axis 138. A projection 150 is provided on the actuator rod 136 and extends perpendicular to the rotational axis 138 and resides within the pass-through bore 134 of the first pivot mount 112. The projection 150 aligns with and depresses the trigger button 128 when the actuator rod 136 rotates in the direction of arrow 152, and serves as a stop by contacting a portion of the first pivot mount 112 when the actuator rod 136 rotates in the opposite direction. The valve 130 is movable between a closed position in which movement of the piston rod 110 with respect to the cylinder 114 is precluded and an open position in which the piston rod 110 is movable with respect to the cylinder 114. To raise the backrest 16, with the locking mechanism associated with the mount 24 in a locked position, which will be described in more detail below, a user pulls up on a valve actuator 154, which is connected with, and in the illustrated embodiment integrally formed with, the actuator rod 136. To make the backrest 16 go back down, the user pushes the backrest 16 down while still pulling up on the valve actuator 154. The valve actuator 154, which is manually actuated, is accessible on at least one side of the frame 12, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. If desired, two valve actuators 154 can be provided; one on each side of the frame 12.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuator 154 is connected to and movable with the mount 24 as the mount 24 moves with respect to the frame 12, and the selective movement of the mount 24 will be described in further detail below. With reference to FIG. 8, the mount 24 includes an actuator rod receiving section 156 including a hole (not visible in FIG. 8) aligned with the pass-through bore 134. The actuator rod receiving section 156 can be provided on a lower housing section 158 of the mount 24 that also facilitates connection to slide rails 160. The actuator rod 136 extends through this hole connecting the actuator rod with the mount 24. The hole in the actuator rod receiving section 156 allows for rotation of the actuator rod 136 about the rotational axis 138.

[0037] The mount 24 is selectively slidable along the slide rails 160, which are secured to adjacent main seat cross members 58, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The slide rails 160 may be secured to the main seat cross members 58 using any appropriate method, depending on the material used to make the frame 12, such as welding or using an appropriate mechanical fastener. The slide rails 160 in the illustrated embodiment are made from an extruded aluminum and are longitudinally mounted within frame 12, parallel to the left side rail 42 and the right side rail 44 and centered between them. The slide rails 160 are mounted below the main seat support element 18 sufficiently far (preferably at least 5 cm) so that the main seat support element 18 will not accidentally touch the slide rails 160 during use of the chaise chair 10, for example due to sagging that tends to occur after continued use, when a textile sling is used as a support element.

[0038] As mentioned above, a locking mechanism is associated with the mount 24 and is operable between a locked state in which the mount 24 is precluded from movement with respect to the frame 12, and more particularly the slide rails 160, and an unlocked state in which the mount 24 is movable with respect to the frame 12 along the slide rails 160. With the lockable gas spring assembly locked, whereby movement of the piston rod 110 with respect to the cylinder 114 is precluded, and the locking mechanism associated with the mount 24 in an unlocked state, the mount 24 can slide between a first position and a second position in response to pivotal movement of the backrest 16. In this manner, the lockable gas spring assembly, when locked, operates as the linkage 26 whereby movement of the mount 24 with respect to the frame 12 results in pivotal movement of the backrest 16 with respect to the frame 12, and vice versa. The use of the lockable gas spring assembly as the linkage 26 provides spring- assisted angular control of the backrest 16, when the locking mechanism associated with the mount 24 is in the locked state. The inclusion of the lockable gas spring assembly, or a spring component of any type, as part of the linkage 26 connecting the mount 24 and the backrest 16, however, is not required. In place of the lockable gas spring assembly, a rod or bar could be employed as the linkage 26. Where the linkage 26 is a rod, the rod can be similar but longer than the piston rod 110 and pivotally attach to the mount 24, for example in a similar manner to the first pivot mount 112 (see FIG. 8). The rod as the linkage 26 would also be pivotally attached to the backrest frame 60, for example in a similar manner to the second pivot mount 116 (see FIG. 4) via the fastener 84 (see FIG. 6). In either case, e.g., where the linkage 26 includes spring assist or where the linkage 26 does not include spring assist to aid in raising the backrest, the first position of the mount 24 (see FIG. 6) can correspond to the backrest 16 being in the raised position and the second position (see FIG. 7) can correspond to the backrest 16 being in the lowered position. Also, in either case, with or without spring assist in raising the backrest 22, the mount 24 is lockable at the first position, when the backrest 16 is in the raised position. As can be appreciated, other types of linkages, which can include extendable or telescoping assemblies that operate similarly to the cylinder 114 and piston rod 110 but without a spring bias, could be employed where the linkage 26 connects with the mount 24 and the backrest 16 such that movement of the mount 24 with respect to the frame 12 results in pivotal movement of the backrest 16 with respect to the frame 12.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the mount 24 includes a longitudinal channel 162 through which a rod 164 is positioned. The longitudinal channel 162 defines side walls 166. The rod 164 includes a series of teeth 168 cut into a cylindrical outer surface 170 at a location overlapping the location of slide rails 160 in a longitudinal direction, which runs parallel to a longest dimension of the rod 164, Each tooth 168 is shaped to define a flat radial surface 172 that is located adjacent a leading edge of each tooth 168. The flat radial surface 172 resides in a plane normal to the longitudinal direction of the rod 164. Each tooth 168 also defines a ramped surface 174 located on an opposing trailing edge of each tooth 168. Also positioned within the longitudinal channel 162, mounted to each respective side wall 166 thereof, is an elongate curved engagement plate 176. Each elongate curved engagement plate 176 is made from a strong spring steel and is biased to maintain its present curved position, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Each elongate curved engagement plate 176 includes a fixed end 182, which is more clearly depicted in FIG. 10, and an engagement end 184. Each elongate curved engagement plate 176 and/or the engagement end 184 thereof operates as a spring-biased member that is received in a respective tooth 168 when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. The fixed end 182 of each elongate curved engagement plate 176 is secured to each respective side wall 166 within the longitudinal channel 162 using an appropriate fastening means, such as a mechanical fastener (not shown). The two elongate curved engagement plates 176 are secured within the longitudinal channel 162 so that each respective engagement end 184 is directed forward (towards the foot end cross member 48), and curved inwardly towards the rod 164, which resides within the longitudinal channel 162 between the elongate curved engagement plate 176. Each engagement end 184 of each elongate curved engagement plate 176 is spring biased into contact with the rod 164 and are sized and shaped to firmly engage with any opposing pair of teeth 168 that align, depending on the relative location of mount 24 on the slide rails 160. Each engagement end 184 of each elongate curved engagement plate 176 engage a respective flat radial surface 172 of a respective tooth 168. The spring bias of each elongate curved engagement plate 176 maintains firm engagement with the rod 164 and prevents the mount 24 from sliding in one direction along slide rails 160, towards the front of the frame 12. However, owing to the ramped surface 174 of each tooth 168, the mount 24 may slide towards the rear end of frame 12 (towards the head end cross member 46), allowing each of the elongate curved engagement plate 176 to bend towards their respective side wall 166, against their spring bias, and transitioning along rod 164, advancing from tooth pair to adjacent tooth pair. While reclining on the chaise chair 10, when a person applies a force against backrest 16, the force tries to slide the mount 24 forward towards the foot end cross member 48, but this force forces the engagement ends 184 of each respective elongate curved engagement plate 176 to tightly engage with the adjacent teeth 168 of rod 164, thereby preventing forward movement of mount 24. This engagement between the elongate curved engagement plates 176 and the rod 164 effectively holds the backrest 16 in position at a desired angle. Such engagement allows for normal operation of chaise chair 10, allowing the user to push against the backrest 16 during use, including forcing the backrest down while unlocking the lockable gas spring assembly when employed as the linkage 26, to a lower angled position, and also allowing the lockable gas spring assembly to lift the backrest 16 up to a new higher position, as desired.

[0040] When the rod 164 is rotated 90 degrees, in a manner described in more detail below, from the position shown in FIG. 9 to the position shown in FIG. 10, the teeth 168 will rotate out of engagement with the engagement ends 184 of the elongate curved engagement plates 176, forcing each elongate curved engagement plate 176 to bend outwardly against its spring bias. The engagement ends 184 of the elongate curved engagement plates 176 will now contact the cylindrical outer surface 170, which is relatively smooth, located between the teeth 168, as shown in FIG. 10. Because the engagement ends 184 of the elongate curved engagement plates 176 now do not engage within the teeth 168, the mount 24 is permitted to slide along slide rails 160, which in turn, allows the backrest 16 to be quickly lowered to the fully down position, effectively bypassing the biasing function of the lockable gas spring assembly when employed as the linkage 26. With this assembly, it does not matter the current angular displacement of backrest 16. After the rod 164 rotates 90 degrees, each elongate curved engagement plate 176 loses engagement with the teeth 168 on the rod 164 and the mount 24 may slide longitudinally with respect to frame 12.

[0041] In the morning, for example, when a hospitality setting is being prepared for opening, the staff may raise each backrest 16 of each of many chaise chairs 10 from the lowered position to a fully raised position, or an intermediate raised position therebetween. To do so, the staff, or a user of the chaise chair 10, simply manually pivots the backrest 16 up, which causes the mount 24 to slide rearwardly along slide rails 160 and also along the rod 164 toward the head end cross member 46. Mechanisms, which will be described in further detail below, can encourage or bias the rod 164 toward the position shown in FIG. 9. As the mount 24 slides along the slide rails 160 and the rod 164, the engagement ends 184 of each elongate curved engagement plate 176 smoothly slide along the cylindrical outer surface 170 of the rod 164 until the engagement ends 184 align with a first set of teeth 168 and engage. A “click” sound can be heard. The user may continue lifting up the backrest 16 until it stops and the mount 24 will continue to slide along the rod 164 and the engagement ends 184 will advance along the teeth 168 until the more rear pair of teeth 168 is reached. A mechanical stop (not shown), such as a bolt or other obstruction can prevent the mount 24 from sliding past a point along slide rails 160, which can correspond to a fully raised position of backrest 16.

[0042] The engagement ends 184 can be smooth and perhaps even rounded over, to prevent, or at least discourage, scratching, or otherwise damaging smooth surfaces of the rod 164. The smooth or rounded over ends are such that the engagement between the engagement ends 184 of each elongate curved engagement plate 176 and the teeth 168 is not affected.

[0043] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict an alternative lock mechanism associated with a mount 24a that can mount to the slide rails 160 and connect with the linkage 26 in a similar manner to the mount 24 described above. The mount 24a can include a lower housing section (not shown) that is similar to the lower housing section 158 described above with reference to FIG. 8 to facilitate connection to the slide rails 160, the linkage 26 and the actuator rod 136 in a similar manner to that described above. In view of the similarities, further description of mounting the mount 24a to the slide rails 160 and connecting the mount 24a with the linkage 26 and the actuator rod 136 will be omitted for the sake of brevity. A rod 164a, which is similar to the rod 164 with the exception that the rod 164a includes channels 206 instead of teeth 168, is received in a longitudinal channel 204 provided in the mount 24a. Two channels 206 are longitudinally aligned and located diametrically opposed from each other on the rod 164a. The rod 164a can be selectively rotated about an axis 208 between a first orientation shown in FIG. 11 and a second orientation shown in FIG. 12.

[0044] In FIGS. 11 and 12, a spring 210 is secured within the mount 24a, which is not shown in FIG. 12. The spring 210 can be made from a suitable spring steel and designed so that locking arms 212 are spring biased towards each other. Each locking arm 212 can operate as a spring-biased member that is received in a respective channel 206 when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. As such, each locking arm 212 is forced into contact against an outer cylindrical surface 214 of the rod 164a, as shown in FIG. 12, or firmly engaged within the channels 206, as shown in FIG. 11 , depending on the relative location and orientation of the channels 206 and locking arms 212. The locking arms 212 are designed to separate from a first position, wherein each locking arm 212 is seated within each respective channel 206, toward a second position, wherein each locking arm 212 resides against the outer cylindrical surface 214 of the rod 164a. The specific shape of spring 210 can vary depending on the size and shape of the mount 24a and other components, as long as locking arms 212 meet the functional and structural requirements, described above. [0045] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, each locking arm 212 of the spring 210 transitions to a respective transverse arm 216, which then form a coil 218, joining to each other, as those skilled in the making of springs will appreciate and understand. It should be noted that the coil 218 of the spring 210 helps to reduce stress on the spring material during repeated displacement of the locking arms between the first position and the second position. The locking arms 212 are preferably are made with a square sectional shape so that a flat surface 222 can engage with flat side walls 224 of the channels 206. The locking arms 212 can be made from round stock (with a circular sectional shape), but if so, each channel 206 should be made sufficiently deep so that when each locking arm 212 is engaged within each respective channel 206, each locking arm 212 remains engaged, even when a linear force of prescribed magnitude is applied relative to the spring 210 and the rod 164a. To prevent a force-induced disengagement of the locking arms 212 from the respective channels 206, each channel depth should be at least greater than the radius of the locking arms 212, and preferably equal to or greater than the diameter of locking arms 212.

[0046] In operation, the rod 164a is oriented in its first position in which the channels 206 are vertically disposed (per the orientation shown in FIG. 11). The locking arms 212 are shown engaged within each respective channel 206 so that spring 210 is longitudinally affixed with respect to rod 164a. In other words, the mount 24a is locked to rod 164a and cannot slide with respect to the rod 164a, and thus with respect to the slide rails 160 and the frame 12. In this arrangement, with mount 24a fixed to the rod 164a, the above-described chaise chair 10 may operate normally, with a user moving the backrest 16 up and down, as desired. When the user or other person wishes to quickly lower the backrest 16, the rod 164a is rotated 90 degrees, about the axis 208, from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12. In doing so, the channels 206 also rotate 90 degrees, forcing the locking arms 212 out of the channels 206, as shown in FIG. 12. The locking arms 212 then become disengaged from the channels 206, and when this occurs, the spring 210, and therefore mount 24a, are free to slide along rod 164a and thus with respect to the slide rails 160 and the frame 12. When mount 24a becomes linearly displaceable along rod 164a, the connected backrest 16 through the linkage 26 can quickly reposition to its flat position, as described above.

[0047] After the rod 164a is rotated back to the position shown in FIG. 11 , the rod 164a and the channels 206 return to their vertical orientation per the orientation shown in FIG. 11. With the channels 206 vertically oriented, the channels 206 are ready to automatically capture the locking arms 212 of spring 210 when the mount 24a moves along the rod 164a sufficiently so that locking arms 212 align with respective opposing channels 206. When they do align, the inward spring bias of spring 210 automatically forces each locking arm 212 into locking engagement with each respective channel 206. This arrangement allows for a user to simply raise backrest 16, so that the mount 24a, which is connected with the backrest 16 via the linkage 26, slides along rod 164a until the locking arms 212 of the spring 210 align with the channels 206. At which point, the locking arms 212 snap into locking engagement with the channels 206, thereby locking the mount 24a to the rod 164a, allowing the backrest 16 to operate normally by the user.

[0048] FIGS. 13 - 15 depict an alternative lock mechanism associated with a mount 24b that can mount to the slide rails 160 and connect with the linkage 26 in a similar manner to the mount 24 described above. The mount 24b can include a lower housing section (not shown) that is similar to the lower housing section 158 described above with reference to FIG. 8 to facilitate connection to the slide rails 160, the linkage 26 and the actuator rod 136 in a similar manner to that described above. In view of the similarities, further description of mounting the mount 24a to the slide rails 160 and connecting the mount 24a with the linkage 26 and the actuator rod 136 will be omitted for the sake of brevity. A rod 164b, which is similar to the rod 164 with the exception that the rod 164b includes channels 256 instead of teeth 168, is received in a longitudinal channel 258 provided in the mount 24b. Two channels 256 are longitudinally aligned and located diametrically opposed from each other on the rod 164b. The rod 164b can be selectively rotated about an axis 260 between a first orientation shown in FIG. 14 and a second orientation shown in FIG. 15.

[0049] The assembly depicted in FIG. 13 is symmetrical about a plane intersecting the axis 260 about which the rod 164b rotates and a line 268 in FIG. 13 when assembled. As such, components on one side of the plane will be described in detail with the understanding that the components on the other side of the line are mirror images. The mount 24b includes a mounting plate 270. The mounting plate 270 includes a pivot axle passage 272 and a spring pin connector passage 274. The pivot axle passage 272 extends in a direction parallel to the spring pin connector passage 274. A locking plate 280 pivotally connects with the mounting plate 270. Each locking plate 280 can operate as a spring-biased member that is received in a respective channel 256 when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. The locking plate 280 includes a pivot axle bore 282 that aligns with the pivot axle passage 272 to receive a locking plate pivot axle 284 that is received in the pivot axle passage 272 and the pivot axle bore 282. When assembled, the locking plate 280 pivots about the locking plate pivot axle 284.

[0050] The locking plate 280 further includes a spring pin bore 286. The spring pin bore 286 receives a spring connector pin 288. The locking plate 280 further includes a spring hook receiving bore 292 that intersects the spring pin bore 286. A spring 300, which includes a coiled section 302, a first hook 304, and a second hook 306, biases a lower portion (per the orientation shown in FIG. 13) of the locking plate 280 toward the rod 164b. The spring 300 in the illustrated embodiment is a coiled tension spring. The first hook 304 attaches with a spring mounting pin 308 that is received in the spring pin connector passage 274. To facilitate attaching the first hook 304 to the spring mounting pin 308 the mounting plate 270 can further include a spring receiving bore 310 the extends perpendicular to and intersects the spring pin connector passage 274. The second hook 306 connects with the spring connector pin 288 received in the spring pin bore 286. Tension on the spring 300 results in the lower portion (per the orientation shown in FIG. 13) of the locking plate 280 being urged toward the rod 164b.

[0051] In operation, the rod 164b is oriented in its first position in which the channels 256 are vertically disposed (per the orientation shown in FIG. 14) in which the locking plates 280 are shown engaged within each respective channel 256 so that mount 24b (not shown in FIG. 14) is longitudinally affixed with respect to the rod 164b. In other words, the mount 24a is locked to rod 164b and cannot slide with respect to the rod 164b, and thus with respect to the slide rails 160 and the frame 12. In this arrangement, with mount 24b fixed to rod 164b, the above-described chaise chair 10 may operate normally, with a user moving the backrest 16 up and down, as desired. When the user or other person wishes to quickly lower the backrest 16, the rod 164b is rotated 90 degrees, about the axis 260, from the position shown in FIG. 14 to the position shown in FIG. 15. In doing so, the channels 256 also rotate 90 degrees, forcing the locking plates 280 out of the channels 256, as shown in FIG. 15. The locking plates 280 then become disengaged from the channels 256, and when this occurs, the mount 24b is free to slide along the rod 164a and thus with respect to the slide rails 160 and the frame 12. When mount 24b becomes linearly displaceable along rod 164b, the connected backrest 16 through the linkage 26 can quickly reposition to its fiat position, as described above.

[0052] After the rod 164b is rotated back to the position shown in FIG. 14, the rod 164b and the channels 256 return to their vertical orientation per the orientation shown in FIG. 14. With the channels 256 vertically oriented, the channels 256 are ready to automatically capture the locking plates 280 when the mount 24b moves along the rod 164b sufficiently so that locking plates 280 align with respective opposing channels 256. When they do align, due to the spring 300 being in tension the inward spring bias of locking plates 280 as they rotate about the locking plate pivot axle 284 automatically forces each locking plate 280 into locking engagement with each respective channel 256. This arrangement allows for a user to simply raise backrest 16, so that the mount 24b, which is connected with the backrest 16 via the linkage 26, slides along rod 164b until the locking plates 280 align with the channels 256. At which point, the locking plates 280 snap into locking engagement with the channels 256, thereby locking the mount 24b to the rod 164b, allowing the backrest 16 to operate normally by the user.

[0053] With reference back to FIG. 13, a cover plate 320 including fastener openings 322 can connect with the mount 24b to cover the mounting plate 270 and other internal components. The fastener openings 322 can align with fastener holes 324 in the mount 24b to connect the cover plate 320 with the mount 24b [0054] As discussed above, any of the rods 164, 164a and 164b can be rotated to change the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state. With reference back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rod 164 is shown as part of the release mechanism 28 that is operatively associated with the locking mechanism so as to change the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state. However, the rods 164a and 164b could be used in place of the rod 164 depending on which mount 24, 24a or 24b is used. The release mechanism 28 includes an actuator 340, which is manually actuated, located adjacent a periphery of the frame 12 so as to be easily accessible to a person wanting to quickly lower the backrest 16. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the actuator 340 is located adjacent the rear end of the frame 12 mounted adjacent to the head end cross member 46; however, the actuator 340 could be mounted adjacent to the foot end cross member 48 if the rod 164 was rearranged accordingly. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the rod 164 is connected with the actuator 340; however, the actuator 340 could be connected with rods 164a and 164b when they are used in place of the rod 164 depending on which mount 24, 24a or 24b is used.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 340 is secured to a free end of the rod 164 (or the rod 164a, 164b) at an end of the frame 12 having the head end cross member 46. The actuator 340 is elongate so that orientation of the rod 164 (or the rod 164a, 164b) with respect to the actuator 340 position may be easily communicated to a staff member of a hospitality location, or a user of the chaise chair 10. The default position of the actuator 340 can be elongate at the 6 o’clock position, and the actuator 340 may be rotated either clockwise to the 3 o’clock position, or counter-clockwise to the 9 o’clock position. Should a user or hospitality setting staff member wish to lower the backrest 16 to its fully down position, they may do so quickly and easily by approaching chaise chair 10 from the behind the backrest 16, and rotating the actuator 340 from its down (6 o’clock) position, as shown in FIG. 1, to a horizontal (either 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock) position. Owing to the weight of the actuator 340, the rod 164 (or the rod 164a, 164b) can be urges to return to the default locking position. Also, a suitable spring (not shown) may be introduced to encourage or bias the rod 164 (or the rod 164a, 164b) to default toward the locked position [0056] FIGS. 16 - 19 depict an alternative lock mechanism associated with a mount 24c that can mount to slide rails 160a, which are similar to the slide rails 160 described above except for the addition of an opening 350 in each slide rail 160a, and connect with the linkage 26 in a similar manner to the mount 24 described above. With reference to FIG. 17, the slide rails 160a mount to the main seat cross members 58 (only one visible in FIG. 17) in a similar manner the slide rails 160 described above. The mount 24c can include a lower housing section (not visible) that is similar to the lower housing section 158 described above with reference to FIG. 8 to facilitate connection to the linkage 26. The mount 24c can include the actuator rod receiving section 156 described above that allows for rotation of the actuator rod 136, which has also been described above. A mount cover 352, which is shown in FIG. 17 and connects to the mount 24c via fasteners 354, facilitates connection to the slide rails 160a.

[0057] With reference back to FIG. 16, engagement plates 356 connect to the mount 24c through a cam plate 358. Each engagement plate 356 and/or a respective engagement end 362 of each engagement plate 356 operates as a spring-biased member that is received in a respective opening 350 (only one visible in FIGS. 16 - 19 due to the perspective of the views) when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. Each engagement plate 356 is generally L-shaped in plan view and includes a protuberance 364, which is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, that extends downwardly from a planar lower surface 366.

[0058] Each protuberance 364 is received in a respective cam slot 368 provided in the cam plate 358. Each cam slot 368 has a width that is only slightly larger than the diameter of the respective protuberance 364 received in it. Each cam slot 368 is elongate in a direction that is at an acute angle to an axis of symmetry of the cam plate 358, which is parallel with a direction of travel for the mount 24c as indicated by a double headed arrow 372 in FIG. 16. With each protuberance 364 received in a respective cam slot 368, the cam plate 358 operates as a cam in that linear movement of the cam plate 358 in the direction of arrow 374 in FIG. 18 results in the linear movement of each engagement plate 356 in a direction perpendicular to the arrow 374, which can be seen when comparing FIG. 18 to FIG. 19. [0059] The cam plate 358 further includes a central slot 382 that extends through the cam plate 358 and is elongate along the axis of symmetry of the cam plate 358. The central slot 382 receives a post 384 that extends upwardly from the mount 24c. The central slot 382 has a width that is only slightly larger than the diameter of the post 384 received in it, which is more clearly seen in FIG. 18. The central slot 382 has a length along the elongate direction between a first end 386 and a second end 388. The distance between the first end 386 and the second end 388 is sufficient such that movement of the cam plate 358 in the direction of the arrow 374 from where the post 384 contacts the first end 386 (FIG. 18) to where the post 384 contacts the second end 388 (shown FIG. 19, but the second end 388 is hidden from view in FIG. 19) results in the engagement ends 362 of each engagement plate 356 moving from being received in the respective openings 350 in the slide rails 160a to no longer being received in the respective openings 350 in the slide rails 160a.

[0060] With reference back to FIG. 16, the cam plate 358 further includes a recess 392 complementary in shape and configured to receive a cable terminal 394. The cable terminal 394 is provided at tine end of a cable 396, which can be received in a sheath 398. With reference back to FIG. 17, when assembled the cable 396 and the sheath 398 can be received through an opening 402 provided in the mount cover 352. [0061] A flat spring 404 is positioned between respective opposing spring contact surfaces 406 provided on each engagement plate 356. The flat spring 404 is configured to bias each engagement plate 356 toward a respective slide rail 160a in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the mount 24c. With reference to FIG. 18, the flat spring 404 is shown biasing each engagement plate 356 so that respective engagement ends 362 are received in respective openings 350 so that the locking mechanism in in the locked state in which the mount 24c is precluded from movement with respect to the slide rails 160a, and thus the frame 12 described above. Pulling the cable 396 in the direction of the arrow 374 in FIG. 18 results in the cam plate 358 moving in the direction of the arrow 374 until the cam plate 358 reaches the position shown in FIG. 19. Moving the cam plate 358 in the direction of the arrow 374 with respect to the engagement plates 356 moves the engagement plates 356 inwardly toward the flat spring 404 compressing the flat spring 404 and the engagement ends 362 of each engagement plate 356 move from being received in the respective openings 350 to no longer being received in the respective openings 350. With the engagement plates 356 shown in the position depicted in FIG. 19, the engagement plates 356 are disengaged from the openings 350, and when this occurs, the mount 24c is free to slide with respect to the slide rails 160 and the frame 12. When mount 24c becomes linearly displaceable along the slide rails 160, the connected backrest 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2) through the linkage 26 can quickly reposition to its flat position by pushing down on the backrest 16, which will result in the mount 24c traveling in a direction opposite to the arrow 374.

[0062] With the engagement plates 356 disengaged from the openings 350 and the backrest 16 in the lowered position, one pivots the backrest 16 up, which causes the mount 24c to slide along slide rails 160a in the direction of the arrow 374 in FIG. 18. As the mount 24c slides along the slide rails 160a, the engagement ends 362 of each engagement plate 356 smoothly slide along the slide rails 160a until the engagement ends 362 align with the openings 350 at which time each engagement end 362 is received in a respective opening 350 and the locking mechanism returns to the locked state as described above.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 16, a handle 410, which is a manual actuator similar in function to the actuator 340 described above, connects with an end of the cable 396 that is opposite the cable terminal 394. Because the cable 396 is flexible, it can be routed throughout the frame 12 to different locations. The handle 410, therefore, can be located adjacent a periphery of the frame 12 for easy access, e.g., mounted to the left side rail 42, the right side rail 44, the head end cross member 46 or the foot end cross member 48.

[0064] A chaise chair has been described above with particularity. Modifications and alterations will occur to those upon reading the above detailed description. The invention, however, is not limited to only the embodiments described above. It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and

I functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.