Oil-less rivet system for a reclining chair mechanism

• US 20040208695A1
• Filed: 05/10/2004
• Published: 10/21/2004
• 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 7,101,110 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 403/410
• 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 for use in motion furniture linkage and the like. The improved rivet system incorporates an electrically conductive plastic washer which eliminates the need for oil lubrication while maintaining the ability to electrostatically paint the linkage assembly. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced.

Claims

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

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

a thrust washer received on said tenon portion interposed between said first connecting link and said second connecting link, said thrust washer being fabricated of a composition having a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity between said first and second connecting links;

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

2. The rivet system of claim 1 wherein said composition comprises nylon and carbon.

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

a 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, second and third connecting links;

a first thrust washer received on said tenon portion interposed between said first connecting link and said second connecting link, said first thrust washer being fabricated of a composition having a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity between said first and second connecting links;

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, said second thrust washer being fabricated of said composition having a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity between said first and third connecting links;

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

4. The rivet system of claim 3 wherein said composition comprises nylon and carbon.

5. A pivoting linkage having a path of electrical continuity therethrough to facilitate electrostatic painting thereof, the pivoting linkage comprising:

a first link having a first aperture formed therethrough;

a second link having a second aperture formed therethrough;

a rivet having an enlarged head portion and a shank portion including a shoulder extending from said enlarged head portion and received within said first aperture and a tenon extending from said shoulder and received within said second aperture, said rivet in electrical contact with said second link;

a bushing received on said shank portion to provide an axial biasing force between said metal rivet and said first link; and

a thrust washer being fabricated of a composition including a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity and is received on said shank portion interposed between said first link and said second link, said thrust washer in contact with said first link when said bushing biases said thrust washer into contact therewith.

6. The rivet system of claim 5 wherein said composite material includes nylon and carbon fiber.

7. The rivet system of claim 6 wherein said composite material includes 70% nylon and 30% carbon fiber.

8. The rivet system of claim 5 wherein said bushing comprises a washer interposed between said enlarged head portion and said first link and a bush portion extending from said washer into said first aperture.

9. The rivet system of claim 8 wherein said washer comprises a dished washer having a concaved inner surface adjacent said first link.

10. The rivet system of claim 5 wherein said bushing comprises a plastic bushing.

11. The rivet system of claim 5 wherein said bushing is fabricated of a composition including a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity.

12. A pivoting linkage having a path of electrical continuity therethrough to facilitate electrostatic painting thereof, the pivoting linkage comprising:

a first link having a first aperture formed therethrough;

a second link having a second aperture formed therethrough;

a third link having a third aperture formed therethrough;

a metal rivet having an enlarged head portion and a shank portion including a shoulder extending from said enlarged head portion and received within said first and second apertures and a tenon extending from said shoulder and received within said third aperture, said metal rivet in electrical contact with said third link;

a bushing received on said shank portion to provide an axial biasing force between said metal rivet and said first link;

a first thrust washer received on said bushing and interposed between said first link and said second link, said first thrust washer being fabricated of a composition having a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity and is in contact with said first and second links when said bushing biases said thrust washer into contact therewith; and

a second thrust washer received on said shank portion and interposed between said second link and said third link, said second thrust washer being fabricated of said composition having a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity and is in contact with said second and third links when said bushing biases said second thrust washer into contact therewith.

13. The rivet system of claim 12 wherein said composite includes nylon and carbon fiber.

14. The rivet system of claim 13 wherein said first and second thrust washers are 70% nylon and 30% carbon fiber.

15. The rivet system of claim 12 wherein said bushing comprises a washer interposed between said enlarged head portion and said first link and a bush extending from said washer into said first and second apertures.

16. The rivet system of claim 15 wherein said washer comprises a dished washer having a concaved inner surface adjacent said first link.

17. The rivet system of claim 12 wherein said bushing comprises a plastic bushing.

18. The rivet system of claim 12 wherein said bushing is fabricated of a composition having a plastic material and an electrically conductive material, which substantially uniformly conducts electricity.