Patents by Inventor Larry P. LaPointe

Larry P. LaPointe has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20170071352
    Abstract: A furniture member may include a base frame, a seat bottom and an ottoman assembly. The seat bottom is attached to the base frame and defines a seating surface. The ottoman assembly may include a drive assembly that moves an ottoman platform relative to the seat bottom and the base frame among a retracted position, an extended position and a raised position. The ottoman platform includes a support surface that faces upward and away from a ground surface in the retracted, extended and raised positions. The ottoman platform is disposed beneath the seating surface in the retracted position and moves linearly in a horizontal direction from the retracted position to the extended position. The ottoman platform moves linearly in a vertically upward direction from the extended position to the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad E. Adams, Larry P. Lapointe, Jason Raines, Jason Bryson, Erika Norling, Tahir Ahmad
  • Publication number: 20170013961
    Abstract: A furniture member may include a stationary base frame, a seatback frame, a seat bottom frame and a linkage. The seatback frame is supported by the base frame and is pivotable relative to the base frame. The seat bottom frame maybe supported by the base frame and may be movable relative to the seatback frame and the base frame. The linkage is attached to the base frame, the seatback frame, the seat bottom frame and a legrest platform. The linkage is movable between first and second positions. Movement of the linkage toward the first position causes the seatback frame to move toward a fully upright position and simultaneously causes the legrest platform to move toward a stowed position. Movement of the linkage toward the second position causes the seatback frame to move toward a fully reclined position and simultaneously causes the legrest platform to move toward a fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad E. Adams, Jason Raines, Jason Bryson
  • Publication number: 20160344196
    Abstract: An article of furniture having an internal frame and an upholstery covering is provided with at least one transmitting resonator carried by said frame and disposed at least partially beneath said upholstery covering. The resonator is tuned for resonance at a predetermined frequency and driven by a high frequency power source also carried by said frame. The high frequency power source is adapted for coupling to a source of electric power external to the article of furniture, such as to an AC outlet. The high frequency power source and transmitting resonator producing in the near field adjacent the at least one transmitting resonator a magnetic field that couples and transfers power at the predetermined frequency. A complementary receiving resonator or a compound passive resonator having two or more coils is coupled to the load to be powered and power is transferred by magnetic induction when the receiving resonator is positioned within the near field of the transmitting resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tahir Ahmad, Chad E. Adams, Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9462887
    Abstract: A seatback member cam adjustment system includes a seat link having a first bore and a seatback link rotatably connected to the seat link. The seatback link includes an arm portion and a leg portion connected to the arm portion. The leg portion is angularly oriented to the arm portion, and includes a second bore smaller than the first bore. A cam member cam body is positioned in the first bore. A cam body obround cam surface has oppositely facing first and second cam contact points both in direct contact with a first bore inner wall. A cam mount shaft is rotatably supported in the cam member including and extends through the second bore rotatably supporting the cam mount shaft in the second bore. Cam member rotation displaces the cam contact points along the first bore inner wall changing an arm portion orientation angle and a seatback member orientation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric B. Harwood, Larry P. Lapointe, Richard D. Hartford
  • Patent number: 9414679
    Abstract: An article of furniture may include a seat link and a seatback link. The seat link may include first, second and third apertures. The seatback link may be rotatably coupled to the seat link and may include fourth, fifth and sixth apertures. The seatback link and a seatback frame may be rotatable relative to the seat link and a seat-bottom frame among a first position in which only the first and fourth apertures are coaxially aligned, a second position in which only the second and fifth apertures are coaxially aligned, and a third position in which only the third and sixth apertures are coaxially aligned. The seatback link may be rotationally locked relative to the seat link by inserting a fastener in the first and fourth apertures in the first position, the second and fifth apertures in the second position, and the third and sixth apertures in the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. Lapointe, Eric B. Harwood, Richard D. Hartford
  • Patent number: 9408764
    Abstract: A lift chair includes a frame assembly including a chair portion rotatable with respect to a base portion. A lift mechanism portion is positioned in a base portion cavity. The lift mechanism portion includes a lift motor and a drive assembly connected to the lift motor having a slide. A lift tube connects the slide to the chair portion. The lift tube upon actuation of the lift motor displaces the chair portion between a nominal and a full lift position by slide displacement in a slide lifting direction. First and second guide members are positioned on opposite sides of the drive assembly and connected to a base portion base platform. The lift tube is connected to both the first and second guide members to distribute a weight load from the chair portion via the lift tube to the slide, and by the guide members to the base platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20160192779
    Abstract: A furniture member rocker spring assembly includes first and second bracket members arranged in mirror image configuration. First and second springs are positioned between and in direct contact with each of the first and second bracket members. A restrictor bolt assembly is positioned intermediately between the first and second springs. The restrictor bolt assembly includes at least one sleeve member received in an aperture of the first and second bracket members and a fastener that extends through a sleeve bore in the sleeve member. The sleeve member is arranged in sliding contact with at least one of the first and second bracket members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric B. Harwood, Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9358167
    Abstract: A furniture member has a base frame including first and second frame members each having a first or second frame support tube. A mechanism includes a motor connected to the base frame and a torque tube connected to first and second support brackets and the motor. A stiffening tube assembly has first and second side stiffening tubes, the first frame support tube connected to the first side stiffening tube and the second frame support tube connected to the second side stiffening tube. Multiple rotation links include a first set connected to the first frame support tube and the first side stiffening tube, and a second set connected to the second frame support tube and the second side stiffening tube. The rotation links allow mechanism rotation to a forward lift position by motor operation displacing the torque tube and thereby forwardly rotating and lifting the side stiffening tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Alexander M. Hegedus, Eric B. Harwood
  • Patent number: 9326606
    Abstract: A furniture member having a tilt position mechanism includes a base frame positioned on a floor surface. A first operating mechanism is connected to the base frame defining a tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism includes a tilt motor connected to a rear member of the base frame. A torque tube positioned forward of the tilt motor is displaced by operation of the tilt motor. First and second rotation links are rotatably connected to the base frame and fixed to the torque tube. A pivot tube is positioned rearward of the torque tube and connected by first and second journal links to the support frame. The journal links are shorter than the rotation links such that torque tube forward and upward displacement forwardly rotates the journal links and displaces the pivot tube, creating a furniture member rear tilt position having the torque tube elevated above the pivot tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9326615
    Abstract: A legrest mechanism for a furniture member may include a pantograph linkage movable between a retracted position and an extended position and a secondary linkage connected the pantograph linkage and supporting a legrest platform. The secondary linkage is rotatable relative to the pantograph linkage in response to movement of the pantograph linkage between the extended and retracted positions. The pantograph linkage may include support links, a swing link and a cross link. The swing link may be rotatably coupled to the support links. In the extended position, the secondary linkage provides additional extension for the legrest mechanism to increase a height of the legrest platform relative to a ground surface and to increase a distance between the legrest platform and a frame of the furniture member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9314101
    Abstract: A furniture member rocker spring assembly includes first and second bracket members arranged in mirror image configuration. First and second springs are positioned between and in direct contact with each of the first and second bracket members. A restrictor bolt assembly is positioned between the first and second springs. The restrictor bolt assembly includes at least one sleeve member received in an aperture of the first and second bracket members. The sleeve member is in sliding contact with the first and second bracket members. A fastener extends through a sleeve bore of each of the first and second sleeve members. The fastener retains the first sleeve member in contact with the second sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric B. Harwood, Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9241855
    Abstract: A furniture member includes a frame, a slide member, first and second bars, an axle, and first and second leg members. The frame includes a chair portion movable relative to a base among nominal, reclined and lift positions. The slide member is connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base. The first bar is connected to the slide member and the chair portion. The first bar moves the chair portion among the nominal, reclined and lift positions. The axle is mounted to the base portion. The leg members are attached to the axle and include fore and aft feet. The second bar is connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the axle. The second bar rotates the axle in a first direction in response to movement into the reclined position and rotates the axle in a second direction in response to movement into the lift position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. Lapointe
  • Publication number: 20150351545
    Abstract: A seatback member cam adjustment system includes a seat link having a first bore and a seatback link rotatably connected to the seat link. The seatback link includes an arm portion and a leg portion connected to the arm portion. The leg portion is angularly oriented to the arm portion, and includes a second bore smaller than the first bore. A cam member cam body is positioned in the first bore. A cam body obround cam surface has oppositely facing first and second cam contact points both in direct contact with a first bore inner wall. A cam mount shaft is rotatably supported in the cam member including and extends through the second bore rotatably supporting the cam mount shaft in the second bore. Cam member rotation displaces the cam contact points along the first bore inner wall changing an arm portion orientation angle and a seatback member orientation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Eric B. Harwood, Larry P. Lapointe, Richard D. Hartford
  • Publication number: 20150351546
    Abstract: An article of furniture may include a seat link and a seatback link. The seat link may include first, second and third apertures. The seatback link may be rotatably coupled to the seat link and may include fourth, fifth and sixth apertures. The seatback link and a seatback frame may be rotatable relative to the seat link and a seat-bottom frame among a first position in which only the first and fourth apertures are coaxially aligned, a second position in which only the second and fifth apertures are coaxially aligned, and a third position in which only the third and sixth apertures are coaxially aligned. The seatback link may be rotationally locked relative to the seat link by inserting a fastener in the first and fourth apertures in the first position, the second and fifth apertures in the second position, and the third and sixth apertures in the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Larry P. Lapointe, Eric B. Harwood, Richard D. Hartford
  • Patent number: 9101221
    Abstract: A furniture member leg rest assembly includes a leg rest mechanism connected to a furniture member base frame. A leg rest mount board is connected to the leg rest mechanism and is extensible by actuation of the leg rest mechanism away from a stowed position by movement in a direction coincident with a lateral centerline of the furniture member to a fully extended and a center position of the leg rest mount board. A pin rotatably connects the leg rest mechanism to the base frame such that the leg rest mount board when positioned in the fully extended and the center position is further manually rotatable with respect to a leg rest axis of rotation defined by the pin in at least one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction of rotation creating a furniture member occupant egress space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20150145291
    Abstract: A lift chair includes a frame assembly including a chair portion rotatable with respect to a base portion. A lift mechanism portion is positioned in a base portion cavity. The lift mechanism portion includes a lift motor and a drive assembly connected to the lift motor having a slide. A lift tube connects the slide to the chair portion. The lift tube upon actuation of the lift motor displaces the chair portion between a nominal and a full lift position by slide displacement in a slide lifting direction. First and second guide members are positioned on opposite sides of the drive assembly and connected to a base portion base platform. The lift tube is connected to both the first and second guide members to distribute a weight load from the chair portion via the lift tube to the slide, and by the guide members to the base platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9010851
    Abstract: A furniture member mechanism includes a base frame. A first mechanism connected to the base frame includes a first motor connected to the base frame. A torque tube is connected to the first motor and is displaced by operation of the first motor. First and second rotation links are individually rotatably connected to the base frame and are connected to the torque tube. The first and second rotation links provide for rotation of the second mechanism to one of a rear tilt position or a forward lift position by operating the first motor displacing the torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 8991925
    Abstract: A lift chair includes a frame assembly including a chair portion rotatable with respect to a base portion. A lift mechanism portion is positioned in a base portion cavity. The lift mechanism portion includes a lift motor and a drive assembly connected to the lift motor having a slide. A lift tube connects the slide to the chair portion. The lift tube upon actuation of the lift motor displaces the chair portion between a nominal and a full lift position by slide displacement in a slide lifting direction. First and second guide members are positioned on opposite sides of the drive assembly and connected to a base portion base platform. The lift tube is connected to both the first and second guide members to distribute a weight load from the chair portion via the lift tube to the slide, and by the guide members to the base platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20150076883
    Abstract: A furniture member having a tilt position mechanism includes a base frame positioned on a floor surface. A first operating mechanism is connected to the base frame defining a tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism includes a tilt motor connected to a rear member of the base frame. A torque tube positioned forward of the tilt motor is displaced by operation of the tilt motor. First and second rotation links are rotatably connected to the base frame and fixed to the torque tube. A pivot tube is positioned rearward of the torque tube and connected by first and second journal links to the support frame. The journal links are shorter than the rotation links such that torque tube forward and upward displacement forwardly rotates the journal links and displaces the pivot tube, creating a furniture member rear tilt position having the torque tube elevated above the pivot tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20150076881
    Abstract: A furniture member mechanism includes a base frame. A first mechanism connected to the base frame includes a first motor connected to the base frame. A torque tube is connected to the first motor and is displaced by operation of the first motor. First and second rotation links are individually rotatably connected to the base frame and are connected to the torque tube. The first and second rotation links provide for rotation of the second mechanism to one of a rear tilt position or a forward lift position by operating the first motor displacing the torque tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe