Oil-less rivet system for a reclining chair mechanism

• US 20040013465A1
• Filed: 12/27/2002
• Published: 01/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
• Original Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
• Inventors: LaPointe, Larry P.
• Granted Patent: US 6,939,076 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 403/408.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 1/0345 characterised by foot-rests actuated by lazy-tongs
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 19/06 Solid rivets made in one piece
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 5/04 by means of riveting rivets F16B19/04
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 11/04 Pivotal connections hinges for doors, windows or wings E05D
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 17/10 for both radial and axial load
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32081 Parallel rotary
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32155 Bearing component clamped to plate or side, e.g., bolted, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7047 Radially interposed shim or bushing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7058 Split or slotted bushing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7061 Resilient
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7135 by separable shim or bushing in connector
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/75 having a joining piece extending through aligned openings in plural members

Abstract

An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.

Claims

1. A rivet system of the type having a rivet pivotally coupling a first connecting link and a second connecting link, the improvement comprising:

a metal rivet having an enlarged head portion and a shank portion having a shoulder portion adjacent to said head portion and a tenon portion, said shank portion received within apertures formed through said first and second connecting links;

a wave washer interposed between said enlarged head portion and said first connecting link on said shank portion to exert an axial force between said head portion of said rivet and said first connecting link; and

a bushing having a washer portion interposed between said first connecting link and said second connecting link on said shank portion and a shoulder portion received within said aperture formed in said first connecting link, said bushing being fabricated of a low friction plastic material.

2. The rivet system of claim 1 wherein said bushing is a nylon bushing.

3. The rivet system of claim 1 wherein a face of said shoulder portion of said rivet shank is in contact with said second connecting link.

4. A rivet system of the type having a rivet pivotally coupling a first connecting link and a second connecting link, the improvement comprising:

a metal rivet having an enlarged head portion and a shank portion having a shoulder portion adjacent to said head portion and a tenon portion, said shank portion received within apertures formed through said first and second connecting links;

a first thrust washer received on said tenon portion interposed between said first connecting link and said second connecting link,

a spring bushing received on said shank portion having a washer portion interposed between said first connecting link and said enlarged head portion, and a shoulder portion received within said aperture formed in said first connecting link, said bushing being fabricated of a low friction plastic material, said spring bushing adapted to provide an axial thrust within said rivet system.

5. The rivet system of claim 4, wherein said first thrust washer is a metallic thrust washer.

6. The rivet system of claim 4, wherein said thrust washer is fabricated of a low friction plastic.

7. The rivet system of claim 6 wherein said thrust washer further comprises a metallic contact, said metallic contact adapted to conduct electricity between said first and second links.

8. The rivet system of claim 7 wherein said metallic contact comprises a brass rivet, said metallic contact interposed within an aperture formed axially within said thrust washer.

9. The rivet system of claim 4 wherein said spring bushing is a nylon bushing.

10. The rivet system of claim 4, further comprising:

a third connecting link with an aperture formed there through, interposed between said thrust washer and said first link on said shank portion,

a second thrust washer interposed between said first connecting link and said third connecting link.

said shoulder portion received within said second thrust washer and said third connecting link.

11. The rivet system of claim 10, wherein said second thrust washer is a metallic thrust washer.

12. The rivet system of claim 10, wherein said second thrust washer is fabricated of a low friction plastic.

13. The rivet system of claim 12 wherein said second thrust washer further comprises a metallic contact, said contact adapted to conduct electricity between said first and third connecting links.

14. The rivet system of claim 13 wherein said metallic contact comprises a brass rivet, said brass rivet interposed within an aperture formed axially within said thrust washer.

15. In a fastened joint, a low-friction thrust element capable of axially transmitting an electrical signal comprising:

a plastic washer defined by a first axial end surface, a second axial end surface, and an eccentric aperture; and

a metallic contact disposed through said eccentric aperture, wherein the metallic contact is adapted to conduct electricity from said first axial end surface to said second axial end surface.