Reclining theater seating

Abstract

A reclining chair suitable for use in theaters or the like is provided wherein the backrest and seat are mounted upon spaced-apart wings having a substantially inverted, truncated, right triangular shape. The wings are respectively pivotally mounted to the inner sides of a pair of spaced-apart stanchions such that in the upright position of the chair the axis upon which the seat is mounted to the wings is located close to and substantially directly vertically above the axis upon which the wings are pivotally mounted to the respective stanchions. Stops are provided on the stanchions which interact with stop engaging surfaces on the wings to limit the forward and the downward and rearward travel of the backrest and seat. The attachment of the wings to the stanchions also is spring loaded in a manner which assures the return of the backrest and seat to their upright position when the chair is unoccupied and provides maximum spring resistance to the rotation of the wing about its pivotal attachment to the wing upon an individual occupying the chair and leaning back against the backrest. The chair thereby avoids the tendency of prior chairs to move backwardly and downwardly immediately upon being occupied by the provision of a simple, safe and easily repaired structure.