FOLDOUT ROCKING CHAIR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/719,197, filed on Nov. 12, 2024, titled “FOLDOUT ROCKING CHAIR,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present application relates to furniture, and more particularly to a space-saving rocking chair configured to collapse into a compact storage position against a surface while not in use and to extend outwardly from the surface while in use.

BACKGROUND

[0003]This section introduces aspects that may help facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, these statements are to be read in this light and are not to be understood as admissions about what is or is not prior art.

[0004]With the increasing trend towards urban and smaller footprint living, many individuals and families are choosing to reside in smaller homes and apartments, leading to a greater need for efficient use of space. In these environments, maximizing the functionality of each room is essential. Space-saving furniture offers practical solutions to this challenge, enabling homeowners to make the most of their living areas. One popular example of such furniture is the Murphy bed, which can be folded against a wall or into a cabinet when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space for other activities.

[0005]While Murphy beds and other multifunctional furniture pieces help optimize space, not all types of furniture have space-saving alternatives. For instance, rocking chairs and gliders inherently occupy a fixed amount of space and do not offer compact or foldable versions. Therefore, there is a continuous need for innovative and space-saving rocking chair designs. The inventors of the present disclosure have endeavored to meet those needs.

SUMMARY

[0006]In one aspect of this disclosure, a rocking chair is provided operable to fold outward away from a mounting surface while in use and to retract against the mounting surface while not in use. The rocking chair can include one or more mounting brackets and a chair assembly. The mounting brackets can be configured to affix to a mounting surface, and the chair assembly can be configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. The chair assembly can include additional sub-components such as a back cushion, a seat cushion, an adjustable support assembly, and at least one swing link. The adjustable support assembly can be coupled with at least one of the back cushion and the seat cushion and with the one or more mounting brackets. The at least one swing link can be coupled with at least one of the back cushion and the seat cushion and with the adjustable support assembly. In the first configuration, the back cushion and the seat cushion can each be retracted toward the one or more mounting brackets such that chair assembly forms a generally planar shape parallel to the mounting surface. In the second configuration, the back cushion and the seat cushion can extend outward away from the one or more mounting brackets to form a chair to support an occupant. Thus, the chair assembly can be operable to rock, via the at least one swing link, along a path generally perpendicular to the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the rocking chair can comprise an outer frame configured to affix to the mounting surface such that the outer frame and the mounting surface collectively define a pocket, and the chair assembly can be configured to fit into the pocket while in the first configuration. In some embodiments, at least one mounting bracket of the one or more mounting brackets can define a slot, and the adjustable support assembly can be operable to slide through the slot during the transition between the first configuration and the second configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more mounting brackets can extend from an upper portion of the outer frame to a lower portion of the outer frame. In some embodiments, the adjustable support assembly can comprise a seat support arm pivotably coupled to the at least one swing link, and an adjustment bracket configured to selectively couple the seat support arm to the one or more mounting brackets. In some embodiments, the seat support arm can define a plurality of adjustment notches, and the adjustment bracket can be configured to be selectively engaged with one of the plurality of adjustment notches to adjust a tilt angle of the chair assembly in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more mounting brackets can define a plurality of vertical notches, and the adjustment bracket can be configured to be selectively engaged with one of the plurality of vertical notches to adjust a height of the chair assembly. In some embodiments, the at least one swing link can comprise a pair of swing links, each swing link having a first end pivotably coupled to the seat cushion and a second end pivotably coupled to the adjustable support assembly. In some embodiments, the seat cushion can comprise an inner seat support frame, and the first end of each swing link can be pivotably coupled to the inner seat support frame. In some embodiments, the chair assembly can further comprise a pair of arm rests positioned at opposing sides of the back cushion. In some embodiments, each arm rest can be pivotably coupled to the back cushion to selectively extend outwardly from the mounting surface in the second configuration or retract toward the mounting surface in the first configuration. In some embodiments, each arm rest can be telescopically adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the back cushion can comprise an inner seatback frame pivotably coupled to the seat cushion. In some embodiments, the rocking chair can comprise a cover configured to couple with at least one of the outer frame and the chair assembly to conceal the chair assembly when in the first configuration.

[0007]In one more aspect of this disclosure, a method of using a space-saving rocking chair is provided. The method can comprise providing a rocking chair affixed to a mounting surface via at least one support beam, where the rocking chair can comprise a chair assembly having a back cushion and a seat cushion, an adjustable support assembly coupled with at least one of the back cushion and the seat cushion and with the at least one support beam, and at least one swing link coupled with at least one of the back cushion and the seat cushion and with the adjustable support assembly. The method can further comprise transitioning the chair assembly from a retracted configuration, wherein the back cushion and the seat cushion are stowed substantially parallel to the mounting surface, to an extended configuration, wherein the back cushion and the seat cushion extend outwardly from the mounting surface to form a seat. The method can further comprise rocking the chair assembly, via the at least one swing link, along a path generally perpendicular to the mounting surface while the chair assembly is in the extended configuration. In some embodiments of the method, transitioning the chair assembly comprises sliding one end of the seat support arm comprised by the adjustable support assembly through a slot defined in the at least one support beam. In this embodiment, the seat support arm can be pivotably coupled by its other end to the at least one swing link. Also, in this embodiment, the adjustable support assembly can further comprise an adjustment bracket configured to selectively pivotably couple by its first end to the at least one support beam and to selectively pivotably couple by its second end to the seat support arm. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise adjusting a tilt angle of the chair assembly in the extended configuration by selectively engaging the second end of the adjustment bracket with one of a plurality of adjustment notches provided on the seat support arm. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise adjusting a height of the chair assembly by selectively engaging the first end of the adjustment bracket with one of a plurality of adjustment notches provided on the at least one support beam. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise transitioning the chair assembly from the extended configuration back to the retracted configuration.

[0008]In one more aspect of this disclosure, a foldout rocking seating apparatus mountable to a vertical surface is provided. The foldout rocking seating apparatus can comprise at least one mounting bracket configured to affix to the vertical surface, and a seat assembly. The seat assembly can comprise a seat cushion, an adjustable support assembly coupled with the seat cushion and with the at least one mounting bracket, and at least one swing link coupled with the seat cushion and with the adjustable support assembly. The seat assembly can be configurable in a stowed position, wherein the seat assembly is retracted against the vertical wall, and a deployed position, wherein the seat assembly extends outwardly from the vertical wall to form a seat and is operable to rock in a fore-aft direction via the at least one swing link.

[0009]This summary is provided to introduce a selection of the concepts that are described in further detail in the detailed description and drawings contained herein. This summary is not intended to identify any primary or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Some or all of the described features may be present in the corresponding independent or dependent claims, but should not be construed to be a limitation unless expressly recited in a particular claim. Each embodiment described herein does not necessarily address every object described herein, and each embodiment does not necessarily include each feature described. Other forms, embodiments, objects, advantages, benefits, features, and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to one of skill in the art from the detailed description and drawings contained herein. Moreover, the various apparatuses and methods described in this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, can be expressed as a large number of different combinations and subcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations and subcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that the explicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technology will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

[0011]FIG. 1A depicts a schematic perspective view of one exemplary foldout rocking chair, showing the chair assembly in the extended configuration;

[0012]FIG. 1B depicts a schematic perspective view of the foldout rocking chair of FIG. 1A, showing the chair assembly in the retracted configuration;

[0013]FIG. 2A depicts a schematic perspective view of the foldout rocking chair of FIG. 1A, showing the chair assembly in the extended configuration with the back cushion, seat cushion, and arm rest cushions removed to show their respective inner support frames;

[0014]FIG. 2B depicts a schematic perspective view of the foldout rocking chair of FIG. 1A, showing the chair assembly in the retracted configuration with the back cushion, seat cushion, and arm rest cushions removed to show their respective inner support frames;

[0015]FIG. 3 depicts a schematic side view of the foldout rocking chair of FIG. 1A, showing the outer frame coupled with a mounting surface, and showing the seat cushion removed and the inner seat support frame as transparent for clarity; and

[0016]FIGS. 4A-4D depict a series of schematic side-view illustrations of the foldout rocking chair of FIG. 1A, with the back cushion and arm rest cushions removed for clarity, transitioning from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. FIG. 4A shows the rocking chair in the retracted configuration. FIG. 4B shows the rocking chair in a position on a way from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. FIG. 4C shows the rocking chair in a position closer to the extended configuration, compared to the position shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4D shows the rocking chair in the extended configuration.

[0017]The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present technology, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the technology; it being understood, however, that this technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown, or the precise experimental arrangements used to arrive at the various graphical results shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0018]The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0019]It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0020]Illustrated and described herein is an improved foldout rocking chair uniquely designed with small spaces in mind. For example, many children's nurseries may lack the necessary space to fit traditional, bulky rocking chairs as permanent fixtures in the room. Shown in FIGS. 1A-3 is one exemplary foldout rocking chair (100) configured to affix to a mounting, preferably vertical, surface (102), such as a wall (see, FIG. 3), and selectively fold outward (i.e., extend) away from the mounting surface (102) while in use (see, FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3) and to fold toward (i.e., retract toward) the mounting surface (102) into a compact storage position (see, FIGS. 1B and 2B) while not in use. The rocking chair (100) can include several components such as generally, one or more mounting brackets (106), which may be configured to affix to the mounting surface (102), and a chair assembly (108). In some embodiments, the rocking chair (100) can also include an outer frame (104), which may be configured to affix to the mounting surface (102), with the one or more mounting brackets (106), such as vertical support beams, extending from an upper portion of the outer frame (104) to a lower portion of the outer frame (104). The chair assembly (108) can be selectively confined within a pocket (110) collectively formed by the outer frame (104) and the mounting surface (102), or otherwise the chair assembly (108) may extend outwardly away from the outer frame (104) while in use.

[0021]The chair assembly (108) is configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration and can include several components such as a back cushion (112), a seat cushion (114), a pair of arm rests (116) positioned at opposing sides of the back cushion (112), at least one swing link (136) (see, FIG. 3), and supportive mechanisms for each component of the chair assembly (108) including at least one adjustable support assembly (120), as will be described in greater detail below. The back cushion (112) and the pair of arm rests (116) can be optional components, provided only in some embodiments. The adjustable support assembly (120) is coupled with at least one of the back cushion (112) and the seat cushion (114) and with the one or more mounting brackets (106). The at least one swing link (136) is coupled with at least one of the back cushion (112) and the seat cushion (114) and with the adjustable support assembly (120). In the first configuration, the back cushion (112) and the seat cushion (114) are each retracted toward the one or more mounting brackets (106) such that the chair assembly (108) forms a generally planar shape substantially parallel to the mounting surface (102). In the second configuration, the back cushion (112) and the seat cushion (114) extend outward away from the one or more mounting brackets (106) to form a chair to support an occupant. The chair assembly (108) is operable to rock, via the at least one swing link (136), along a path substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface (102).

[0022]In FIG. 1A, the chair assembly (108) is shown deployed outwardly from the outer frame (104), i.e. in the second configuration. The chair assembly (108) presents a complete seating structure, comprising in this exemplary embodiment the back cushion (112), the seat cushion (114), and the pair of arm rests (116) positioned at opposing lateral sides. In this configuration, the entire chair assembly (108) is cantilevered from the wall-mounted structure, creating an open space beneath and behind the seat for an occupant.

[0023]In the storage position (i.e., in the first configuration) shown in FIG. 1B, the back cushion (112), seat cushion (114), and arm rests (116) are folded and retracted such that they present the generally planar shape substantially parallel to the mounting surface (102). In one embodiment, as is illustrated in FIG. 1B, the general shape of the outer frame (104) mimics the shape and size (i.e., height, width, and depth) of the chair assembly (108) as the chair assembly (108) is in the retracted position such that the chair assembly (108) fits into the pocket (110) while in the retracted position, which avoids wasting valuable wall or room space. This compact arrangement minimizes the chair's protrusion into the room, freeing up the floor space that would otherwise be occupied by a traditional rocking chair. The overall assembly is thus suitable for small spaces such as nurseries, apartments, or multipurpose rooms where maximizing open area is crucial. The outer frame (104) may be formed using any suitable materials (e.g., wood, metal, composites, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the outer frame (104) may be removed entirely to leave only the remainder of the rocking chair (100) components affixed to the wall (102). Further, a chair cover (not shown) may be included to cover the rocking chair (100) (e.g., by coupling with the outer frame (104) or the chair assembly (108)) while the rocking chair (100) is not in use.

[0024]FIGS. 2A and 2B depict schematic perspective views of the foldout rocking chair (100) in the extended and retracted configurations, respectively, but with the back cushion (112), seat cushion (114), and arm rest cushions (116) removed, revealing the underlying structural skeleton and mechanical components that may enable the chair's functionality, and which will be described in greater detail below. As best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mounting brackets (106) may span between the top and bottom portions of the outer frame (104), or otherwise from the area adjacent to the upper portion of the back cushion (112) and the lower portion of the seat cushion (114). The mounting brackets (106) may be spaced from one another horizontally as needed to adequately support the weight all of the rocking chair (100) components along with a chair occupant. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets (106) may be positioned substantially in parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets (106) attach to the wall (102) and provide one or more support connection points, which may be a series of notches (118), for the chair assembly (108) to couple with to therefore use the wall (102) to support the weight of an occupant sitting on the chair assembly (108). In some embodiments, each mounting bracket (106) of the one or more mounting brackets (106) defines an extended slot (142), and the adjustable support assembly (120) may be operable to slide through the slot (142) during the transition between the first configuration and the second configuration. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets (106) may affix to the wall (102) in addition to, or alternatively to, the outer frame (104) affixing to the wall (102). In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the rocking chair (100) may comprise two mounting brackets (106), preferably spaced substantially parallel to each other. It should be understood that in some embodiments, additional mounting brackets (not shown) may be included, and/or the mounting brackets (106) may instead be arranged in horizontal or diagonal directions relative to the wall (102). The mounting brackets (106) may be formed using any suitable materials (e.g., wood, metal, composites, etc.).

[0025]The seat adjustment support assembly (120) is clearly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat adjustment support assembly (120) includes a seat support arm (122) and an adjustment bracket (124). The seat support arm (122) is pivotably coupled to the at least one swing link (136). The adjustment bracket (124) is configured to selectively couple the seat support arm (122) to the one or more mounting brackets (106). The seat support arm (122) defines a series of adjustment notches (126), and the adjustment bracket (124) is configured to be selectively pivotably engaged, preferably by its upper end, with one of the adjustment notches (126). To adjust a tilt angle of the chair assembly (108) in the extended configuration, a user may selectively connect the adjustment bracket (124) to one of the adjustment notches (126) of the seat support arm (122), which supports the chair assembly (108) in the extended configuration during use. The adjustment bracket (124) is configured to be selectively pivotably engaged, preferably by its lower end, with one of the series of adjustment notches (118) of the mounting bracket (106). To adjust a height of the chair assembly (108), the user may selectively connect the adjustment bracket (124) to one of the vertical notches (118) of the mounting bracket (106). The tilt angle and/or the height of the chair assembly (108) can thus be adjusted through the selection of which notch (126) of the seat support arm (122) and/or which vertical notch (118) of the mounting bracket (106), respectively, to set the adjustment bracket (124) into using a pin (not shown). In a preferable embodiment, which is particularly exemplified in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the rocking chair (100) comprises two spaced seat adjustment support assemblies (120) each connected to a respective one of two mounting brackets (106). In this embodiment, two substantially parallel spaced seat support arms (122) and two substantially parallel spaced adjustment brackets (124) are provided for enhanced structural stability, load distribution, and safety. It should be understood that in some embodiments, additional seat adjustment support assemblies (120) may be provided along with respective additional mounting brackets (106). The components of the seat adjustment support assembly (120) may be formed using any suitable materials (e.g., wood, metal, composites, etc.).

[0026]FIG. 3 depicts a schematic side view of the foldout rocking chair (100), providing a lateral perspective of the mechanics and mounting, with the outer frame (104) shown affixed to the vertical mounting surface or wall (102). As best shown in FIG. 3, the back cushion (112) can include an inner seatback frame (128) having a first set of connection points (130) which pivotably couple the back cushion (112) with the arm rests (116) (i.e., with respective arm rest frames for supporting the outer arm rest cushions) and a second set of connection points (132) which pivotably couple with the seat cushion (114). The seat cushion (114) can also include an inner seat support frame (134) which can optionally directly pivotably couple with the inner seatback frame (128). The inner seat support frame (134) is configured to support an occupant sitting onto the seat cushion (114). The inner seatback frame (128) and the inner seat support frame (134) may be formed using any suitable materials (e.g., wood, metal, composites, etc.).

[0027]In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the chair assembly (136) comprises a pair of swing links (136), each swing link (136) having a first end (140), preferably being a lower connection point, pivotably coupled to the seat cushion (114) and a second end (138), preferably being an upper connection point, pivotably coupled to the adjustable support assembly (120), preferably to the seat support arm (122). In some embodiments, the first end (14) of each swing link (136) is pivotably coupled to the inner seat support frame (134) of the seat cushion (114). In some preferable embodiments, the chair assembly (136) comprises two opposing pairs of swing links (136), so that one swing link (136) of each opposing pair has the upper pivotal connection point (138) pivotably coupled with the seat support arm (122) of a respective one of two adjustable support assemblies (120), and the lower pivotal connection point (140) pivotably coupled with a respective one lateral side of the inner seat support frame (134) (see, FIG. 3). The configuration with two opposing pairs of swing links (136) may be advantageous due to enhanced structural stability and load distribution. As the seat support arm (122) is held in a fixed position in the extended configuration, the seat cushion (114) is operable to rock forward and backward (i.e., in a direction generally perpendicular to the wall (102)) by way of the swing links (136) pivoting at both connection points (138, 140).

[0028]By coupling the seat cushion (114) with the arm rests (116) and back cushion (112), the entire chair assembly (108) functions as a rocking chair while the weight is supported by the wall (102). Specifically, each arm rest (116) pivotably couples with the inner seatback frame (128), therefore allowing the arm rests (116) to selectively extend outwardly from the wall (102) (see, FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3) or retract toward the wall (102) into the storage position (see, FIGS. 1B and 2B). In some embodiments, the arm rests (116) may be adjustable lengthwise, such as via telescoping extensions, or height-wise, such as via a vertically adjustable coupling with the inner seatback frame (128).

[0029]FIGS. 4A-4D show the foldout rocking chair (100) transitioning sequentially from the fully retracted configuration (see, FIG. 4A) to the fully extended and operational configuration (see, FIG. 4D). This sequence illustrates the kinematic motion of the rocking chair (100) that allows the chair assembly (108) to deploy from a compact, space-saving storage position (the fully retracted configuration) into a position suitable for sitting and rocking (the fully extended and operational configuration). As described above, the mounting brackets (106) include a series of notches (118) configured to function as an attachment railing for both the seat support arm (122) and the adjustment bracket (124) to move from their retracted positions to their extended positions. In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, only the seat support arm (122) is configured to slide through an extended slot (142) (see, FIG. 2A and FIG. 4C) during the seat transition while the adjustment bracket (124) is pre-set into one notch (118) (see, FIG. 4C). Accordingly, the seat cushion (114) can be selectively moved up to form an approximately ninety-degree (90°) angle (i.e., extend perpendicularly from the wall (102)), forming a gap between the chair assembly (108) and the wall (102), as shown in FIG. 4D. Thereafter, via the swing links (136), the rocking chair (100) may rock back and forth during use.

[0030]FIG. 4A shows the rocking chair (100) in the fully retracted configuration. In this stowed state, the chair assembly (108) is nested within the pocket (110) defined by the outer frame (104), presenting a generally planar, flush profile against the vertical mounting surface or wall (102). The seat cushion (114) is positioned substantially parallel and in close proximity to the mounting surface or wall (102). The seat support arm (122) is in a substantially vertical stored position, with its upper end resting within an upper part of the extended slot (142) of the mounting bracket (106). The adjustment bracket (124) also is in a substantially vertical stored position, such that it is also stored within the pocket (110). The adjustment bracket (124) may be substantially vertically aligned with the seat support arm (122) in this position so as to form a continuous length together.

[0031]FIG. 4B shows an initial stage of the deployment process. A user begins to pull the seat cushion (114) outwardly and upwardly away from the wall (102) (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4B). This action causes the entire chair assembly (108) to begin its articulation. The seat support arm (122) pivots at its connection point with the mounting bracket (106) and begins to slide down through the extended slot (142) within the mounting bracket (106). As the seat support arm (122) moves, an upper end of the adjustment bracket (124), which is pivotally connected (136) with the lower end of the seat support arm (122), also moves out from the mounting bracket (106) with the lower end being pivotably attached in the notch (118). In this intermediate position, the seat cushion (114) is angled obliquely relative to the wall (102).

[0032]FIG. 4C shows a subsequent, more advanced stage of deployment, where the chair assembly (108) is closer to the extended configuration. The seat support arm (122) continues its upward and outward arc, sliding further down through the slot (142) in the mounting bracket (106). At this stage, an angle between the lower end of the seat support arm (122) and the upper end of the adjustment bracket (124) gets smaller than in the earlier position shown in FIG. 4B, and the gap between the chair assembly (108) and the wall (102) increases. The user continues to pull the seat cushion (114) (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4C) until the upper end of the seat support arm (122) reaches the lower end of the extended slot (142), forming a substantial gap between the chair assembly (108) and the wall (102) to accommodate an occupant's legs.

[0033]FIG. 4D shows the rocking chair (100) in the fully extended, operational configuration. The upper end of the seat support arm (122) has reached the lower end of the extended slot (142). In this position, the back cushion (112) and arm rests (116), if provided, but which are not shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, would also be unfolded and locked into position relative to the seat cushion (114) to complete the chair form. In this state, the entire chair assembly (108) is supported by the mounting brackets (106) via the fixed seat support arm (122) and the adjustment bracket (124). The swing links (136) are now in their operational orientation, pivotably connecting the inner seat support frame (134) to the fixed seat support arm (122). This configuration allows the chair assembly (108) to rock back and forth along a path that is generally perpendicular to the mounting surface (102), as the swing links (136) pivot freely at both their upper (138) and lower (140) connection points. The weight of the occupant is transferred through the seat support arm (122) and adjustment bracket (124) to the wall (102).

[0034]To retract the chair back into the storage position shown in FIG. 4A, the process shown in FIGS. 4A-4D is reversed. The seat support arm (122) is guided back upward through the slot (142), pulling the adjustment bracket (124) and the seat cushion (114) back towards the wall (102), until the chair assembly (108) is once again neatly contained within the pocket (110) as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0035]To adjust the sitting height and angle, the user can select points of engagement of the adjustment bracket (124) with the mounting bracket (106) and the seat support arm (122), respectively. To adjust the sitting height of the chair assembly (108), the lower end of the adjustment bracket (124) can be engaged with a selected one of the plurality of vertical adjustment notches (118) on the mounting bracket (106), which will determine the final sitting height. To adjust a tilt angle of the chair, in the extended configuration as shown in FIG. 4D, the upper end of the adjustment bracket (124) can be engaged with a selected one of the plurality of adjustment notches (126) provided on the seat support arm (122). With this action, the tilt angle can be adjusted to find a position where the seat cushion (114) is approximately perpendicular (i.e., at a 90-degree angle) to the wall (102) when fully extended.

[0036]In the embodiments of the rocking chair (100) comprising a pair of the parallel seat support arms (122) with a corresponding pair of the parallel adjustment brackets (124), and a corresponding pair of the parallel mounting brackets (106) (as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B), the pair of the parallel seat support arms (122) and the pair of the parallel adjustment brackets (124) move synchronously when the foldout rocking chair (100) transitions from the fully retracted configuration to the fully extended configuration (as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D), and back from the fully extended configuration to the fully retracted configuration.

[0037]Reference systems that may be used herein can refer generally to various directions (for example, upper, lower, forward and rearward), which are merely offered to assist the reader in understanding the various embodiments of the disclosure and are not to be interpreted as limiting. Other reference systems may be used to describe various embodiments, such as those where directions are referenced to the portions of the device, for example, toward or away from a particular element, or in relations to the structure generally (for example, inwardly or outwardly).

[0038]While examples, one or more representative embodiments and specific forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive or limiting. The description of particular features in one embodiment does not imply that those particular features are necessarily limited to that one embodiment. Some or all of the features of one embodiment can be used in combination with some or all of the features of other embodiments as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, whether or not explicitly described as such. One or more exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.