Orthopedic chairs - How a lift (and tilt) chair works

This page shows the motion of a lift chair (or riser and recliner chair) and how it transports the seated person from a reclined position to one of almost standing up vertically. The entire motion is powered mechanically and controlled by a remote unit attached to the chair.

As can be seen below, from the three standard postions of a "lift and tilt" chair, theses lift chairs have an extensive range of movement from the near horizontal to the near vertical. They are also called "riser and recliner" chairs for obvious reasons

Fully reclined - This position sees a lift chair in a fully reclined position, ideal for relaxation. All actions of the chairs movements are controlled by a remote unit attached to the chair.

Normal inclination - This position sees a lift chair in an up-right position, typical of most easy chairs and sitting room chairs. In both this and the reclined position, there is no indication of the chairs lift and tilt function.

Lift and tilt position - This position sees a lift chair in its full "lift and tilt" position from which a seated person can eaily arise. It is only when in this position that the lift and tilt chair's full functions are visible.

In this example, the chair has a full rise and recline facility and an extending leg rest.

Lift chair - Stage 1.

The seated person is in the most reclined position, close to the horizontal, with the leg rest extended.

Lift chair - Stage 2.

The chair returns to a more natural incline, but with the person’s legs still extended forward.

Lift chair - Stage 3.

The leg rest retracts and the back rest straightens up to the profile of a traditional easy (lounge) chair.

Lift chair - Stage 4.

The main body of the chair is both elevated and tilted forward, placing the seated person in a posture that requires minimal effort to reach a standing position.

To return to a seated position from a standing one, the sequence is reversed. In both cases the transition usually takes less than one minute and is powered directly from the nearest mains plug (socket).