Abstract: A seating furniture chassis comprises a seat surface frame, a leg rest chassis, first and second struts, and a retractable and extendable leg rest extension. The leg rest chassis is pivotably arranged on the seat surface frame and pivotable from a folded-out position into a folded-in position. The first strut includes a first elongated hole and a first guide element. The second strut includes a second elongated hole and a second guide element, wherein the second guide element is arranged displaceably in the first elongated hole, and the first guide element is arranged displaceably in the second elongated hole. The leg rest extension is arranged on the leg rest chassis and connected thereto by the first and second struts.

Abstract: A seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface comprising a pair of opposed arms, a seat fixed relative to the arms, and a backrest fixed relative to the arms; a footrest; and a footrest mechanism attached to the footrest and the arms. The footrest mechanism comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected links configured to move the footrest between a retracted position, in which the footrest is positioned beneath the seat and defines an angle of between about 20 and 40 degrees with the underlying surface, and an extended position, in which the footrest is positioned in front of the seat and is generally horizontally disposed and generally inverted from its disposition in the retracted position.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for assembling a base to a piece of furniture is provided with at least two cams having complimentary interlock mechanisms constructed and arranged to interlock one to another.

Abstract: A rocking chair including a base portion having at least one retaining member, a rockable seat portion mounted upon the base portion, an axle mounted on the seat portion, the axle being arranged for pivotal movement about an axis, at least one toothed rack mounted upon the axle and arranged for pivotal movement about the axis between a locked closed position and a locked open position, the toothed rack having a multiplicity of forward facing grooves arranged for selectable retaining engagement with the at least one retaining member, the selectable retaining engagement being operative to selectably limit forward and rearward extents of the rocking movement, and at least one adjustable forward limiting member operative, to limit the extent of forward pivotal movement of the at least one toothed rack in the first plane to be rearward of a second plane which intersects the at least one retaining member.

Abstract: Fitting system including base seat surface and leg support segments. The seat surface segment is displaceable in relation to the base segment, and the leg support segment is pivotable between a storage position and a use position, and wherein the relative positions of the seat surface and leg support segments with respect to the base segment are forcibly coupled to each other. The seat surface segment is connected to the base segment by a first bracket. The leg support segment is pivotable about a pivot axis fixed in position with respect to the base and leg support segments. The leg support segment is connected to the seat surface segment by a second bracket pivotable about a pivot axis on the leg support and seat surface segment sides.

Abstract: A furniture member mechanism includes a first actuator device electrically operated to displace first and second seat back actuation links connected to and operating to rotate a seat back member between upright and fully reclined positions. A pantograph linkage set connected to a leg rest member is at least partially supported in an extended position by rotational contact with a support rod. A second actuator device identical to the first actuator device is electrically operated to axially rotate a drive rod connected to a drive link. The drive link is connected to and displaces the pantograph linkage set between the stowed and extended positions. A swing lever rotatably connected to the support rod is rotated during operation of the second actuator device to extend the pantograph linkage set. The swing lever in a fully rotated position displaces the support rod creating a furniture member tilt position.

Abstract: An adjustable chair (1) includes a control unit (2) having an on/off switch (24), an extending operation button (22), and a retracting operation button (23); a reciprocating unit (3) having a limit member (34), a screw-type slide (33) threadedly put on a lead screw (32) and adapted to move between the limit member (34) and a DC motor (31), and a linkage; and two foot, seat, and back adjustment units (4) disposed in the arms (12) respectively, each foot, seat, and back adjustment units (4) having a linkage so that pressing the extending operation button (22) will tilt a seat (14) and a back (13), and extend a foot rest (11).

Abstract: A four-bar linkage system for a chair having a leg rest extension, the linkage system having a first set of linkage members of irregular geometric shapes connected at one end to an outboard portion of a leg extension platform and at a second end to a seat member. A second set of linkage members of irregular geometric shapes is connected to the first set of linkage members and at one end to an inboard portion of the leg rest platform and at a second end to the seat member.

Abstract: A chair includes a base structure and a seat which is movably secured to the base structure. Connected to the seat is a backrest for swinging in a virtually wall-avoiding manner. A footrest is movable between a stowed position when not being used and an extended position when in use, wherein the footrest is disposed in the stowed position below the seat in approximate parallel relationship thereto and has a seat-distal surface provided with a padding. The footrest is connected to the seat by a swivel fitting which is constructed such that a movement of the backrest causes a movement of the footrest.

Abstract: This invention is related to a mechanism for use in a rocker recliner chair that reduces the complexity and links of typical linkage mechanisms. The rocker recliner chair includes a base, a rocker cam assembly mounted on the base, a seat, a footrest, a backrest and a pair of linkage mechanisms mounted on opposite sides of the chair. Each of the linkage mechanisms includes a recliner mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a footrest mechanism. The recliner mechanism is coupled to the base. The drive mechanism includes an ottoman drive bell crank and an ottoman drive link. The ottoman drive bell crank is coupled to a rear portion of the recliner mechanism. The ottoman drive link couples the ottoman drive bell crank to the footrest mechanism. The footrest mechanism is connected to the recliner mechanism by a footrest extension linkage.

Abstract: A reclining chair includes a securing mechanism used for releaseably securing an angularly displaceable back; the back has a support rod pivoted thereto; the mechanism includes first and second rotary shafts, first and second pedals and first and second reels respectively secured on the shafts, a string wound onto the first reel at one end, and onto the second reel at other end for effecting simultaneous rotation of the shafts, and a securing element near to the support rod and connected to the second shaft; the securing element is formed in such a way as to be capable of securing the support rod in position immediately after it is turned to a first position by depressing the first pedal, and capable of releasing the support rod for the back to be steplessly adjusted immediately after it is turned away from the first position by depressing the second pedal.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat mounted on a seat base, a backrest disposed rearwardly of the seat base, a footrest disposed frontwardly of the seat base, and a linkage unit interconnecting the footrest and the seat. The linkage unit includes a plurality pair of crank arms provided with at least one arm spacer therebetween as such the crank arms thereof do not clamp a user's finger when the crank arms are folded.

Abstract: The gliding seating unit comprises: a base configured to rest upon an underlying surface; a seat assembly positioned above the base that includes a generally horizontal seat and a pair of side panels connected with and extending downwardly from opposite side edges of the seat; an extendable ottoman including an ottoman panel; gliding means attached between the base and the seat for enabling and controlling gliding movement of the seat relative to the base; and an ottoman-extending mechanism attached to the seat and the ottoman that includes a seat bracket attached to the seat, an ottoman linkage attached to the ottoman, and an actuation linkage pivotally interconnected with the seat bracket and the ottoman linkage. The ottoman linkage is configured to move the ottoman between a retracted position, in which the ottoman panel is generally upright and located below the seat, and an extended position, in which the ottoman panel is generally horizontally disposed and located forward of the seat.

Abstract: A glider-recliner chair that can glide both the upright and reclined positions includes a seat, a base, a footrest, and side panels. The side panels are interconnected with the base via front and rear glide links. The side panels, seat, and footrest are interconnected with a reclining mechanism. The reclining mechanism is configured so that the footrest cushions comprising the footrest are in a stacked vertical relationship when the chair is in the upright position and are positioned so that the upper footrest cushion is positioned between the lower footrest cushion and the seat when the chair is in the reclined position. The mechanism includes front and rear swing links for controlling the movement of the seat relative to the side panels and base and a footrest drive link for driving the footrest to its extended position.

Abstract: A hardware assembly for mounting a retractable ottoman on a seating unit frame below the front edge of an occupant support cushion. The assembly includes a frame bracket having a plate and an underlip, the frame and underlip each carrying a flange, the flanges are generally perpendicular to the plate and together carry a first pivot and a second pivot positioned below and rearward of the first pivot. The assembly also includes an ottoman bracket having a pair of pivots. A lazy tong linkage connects the brackets and locks in a horizontal extended position. The assembly may be optionally spring driven to facilitate deployment of an ottoman on the ottoman bracket.

Abstract: An improved dual leg rest assembly is disclosed which is adapted for use in single and multi-person articles of furniture (i.e., chairs, sectionals, sofas, loveseats, etc.). More particularly, an improved linkage mechanism is provided for causing coordinated articulating movement of a primary leg rest panel and a secondary leg rest panel (i.e., mid-ottoman).

Abstract: An improved actuation mechanism is disclosed which is particularly well-suited for incorporation into "high-leg" reclining chairs. The actuation includes a swing linkage for coordinating the extensible movement of a leg rest assembly in response to reclining movement of a seat assembly with respect to the chair frame. An over-center biasing mechanism is provided for assisting in extending and retracting the leg rest assembly. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism also includes a tilt linkage for permitting the seat assembly to be independently tilted following extension of the leg rest assembly. The actuation mechanism also includes a mechanical stop arrangement is provided for positively defining the limits of retracted and extended movement of the leg rest assembly which, in conjunction with the over-center biasing mechanism, effectively inhibits undesirable droop of the leg rest assembly.

Abstract: A recline lift chair operates between an upright position and a reclined position under power such that the backrest moves away from an adjacent wall. The chair comprises a base to which is pivotally connected a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is moved between an upright position and a lift position by a power actuator pivotally secured between the base and the lift mechanism. Pivotally supported on the lift mechanism is a recliner mechanism that includes a pair of four-bar linkages to which the seat and backrest are fastened. The power actuator acts through a control linkage of the recliner mechanism to move the four-bar linkages between an upright position and a reclined position. Movement of the four-bar linkages from the upright position to the reclined position locates the seat and backrest upwardly and forwardly relative to their respective locations when in the upright position to move the backrest away from the wall.

Abstract: A double-shift carriage mechanism for supporting the seat, backrest, footrest and legrest of a full recline incliner chair includes mirror image right and left support assemblies connected by a torque tube, each support assembly including an incline frame subassembly, an extendable footrest-legrest subassembly, a toggle drive subassembly, and a recline frame subassembly, the incline frame subassembly shifting from a retracted to an extended condition to convert the chair from an upright to an inclined state and the recline frame subassembly then shifting from a retracted to an extended condition, thus moving the incline frame subassembly along a substantially straight line and converting the chair from an inclined to fully reclined state.

Abstract: Each of the left and right support assemblies for a shiftable carriage mechanism for an incliner chair includes a toggle drive subassembly that includes an upper toggle link which is pivotally connected to a mounting rail of a frame subassembly, a lower toggle link which is pivotally connected to a base member of the frame subassembly and a drive spring which is connected to the upper toggle link. The drive spring operates to position the toggle links in a locked condition when the support assembly is retracted and to drive the support assembly into an extended condition when the toggle links are manually rotated to an unlocked condition.

Abstract: An incliner chair has a back and seat unit mounted on a base by way of slanted tracks and wheels at the rear and swing links at the front so that the unit can move by gravity from a rear upright position to a front recline position. Positioning linkage means for holding the unit in the upright and recline positions is provided and this may be activated by a short stroke handle concealed between the side of the unit and the base. A leg rest assembly is connected to the unit to move with it and provide a means to return the unit from the recline position to the upright position.

Abstract: A shiftable carriage mechanism for an incliner chair includes a right support assembly, a left support assembly, a torque tube connected between the right and left support assemblies and an operating lever, each of the right and left support assemblies including a frame subassembly having a base member mountable on the chair frame, and a mounting rail movably positioned above the base member; a toggle drive subassembly for locking the mounting rail above the base member or, when unlocked, for moving the mounting rail towards the base member; and a footrest-legrest subassembly which will become extended when the mounting rail is moved towards the base member. No main extension spring connected between the mounting rails and the base members is utilized.

Abstract: A three-position reclining chair with a stationary frame, and a movable seat and backrest fixed with respect to one another. A handle actuated mechanism supports the seat and backrest within the frame and includes a mounting plate attached to the frame arms, a carrier link pivoted at its rear end on the mounting plate, and a seat mounting link carrying the seat and backrest and pivoted at its rear end on a rear pivot link and at its front end on a front pivot link, in turn respectively supported on the mounting plate and carrier link. A lazy tong linkage mounts on a footrest on the seat mounting link and front pivot link. The handle assembly with the assist of a spring pivots the rear pivot link to move the chair from an upright to an intermediate reclining position, and pressure against the backrest pivots the carrier link on the mounting plate to move the chair from the intermediate to the fully reclined position.

Abstract: A novel unlocking mechanism is provided in a recliner which has a stationary frame, left and right mechanisms for supporting a seat frame for movement on the stationary frame and for supporting and operating a legrest for movement between retracted and extended positions. The locking mechanism is spaced from and located between the recliner mechanisms, and it is formed of pivoted links, one of which is a toggle link which occupies an immovable over center position when the seatframe is in its rear position. A release wire operating the unlocking lever is used to move the toggle member from its own center position so that the locking mechanism can collapse and the seat frame may move to its forward position. The release wire has an exposed unlevered pull handle which is readily accessable to a user of the recliner.

Abstract: The front end of each side linkage of an ottoman thrusting/retracting pantograph linkage system for a motion chair is provided by a link, pivotally mounted to respective front end links at two vertically spaced sites. For each side, an ottoman mounting bracket is provided, having a generally vertical-plane flange and a transverse flange. The ottoman is secured to the two transverse flanges, and the vertical-plane flange, which extends below the transverse flange, is pivotally secured near its lower end to a corresponding lower end site on the pantograph front end links. The vertical-plane flanges of the ottoman-mounting brackets lie outboard of and in planes parallel to those of the respective front end links. A tension coil spring is provided at each side for tending to keep the ottoman positioned across the front edges of the front end links.

Abstract: A sofa bed includes a plurality of individual cushions supported by a rigid metal frame. The frame includes a plurality of multiply articulated frame members which cooperate to configure the cushions in either of two selected positions. The first defines a sofa configuration and the second defines a bed configuration in which the cushions are coplanar arranged in a horizontal plane. A latching mechanism is provided which produces a positive locking of support position in either of two configuration without the use of retaining springs or overcenter articulated arm combinations.

Abstract: A chassis in a wheelchair assembly interconnects forward large wheels having hand rims and a reclining chair via a recliner mechanism and supports side panels for the assembly. Rear caster wheels are connected to the rear of the side panels. The occupant of the wheelchair normally has his center of gravity centered between the forward and rear wheels. The chassis has an H-configuration as seen in plan. An underlying transverse tube of rectangular cross-section is welded to the undersides of two square cross-section tubes extending in the usual direction of travel of the wheelchair. One-half inch thick bars are welded to the transverse bar and inclined upwardly therefrom for mounting the axles for the large wheels. A horizontal brace is welded between the inclined bars and the upper aspects of the tubes of rectangular cross-section to provide an extremely strong and rigid all welded, all steel chassis.

Abstract: An incliner chair has a combined seat and backrest member moveable from a normal occupant sitting position to an occupant inclining position by means of a mechanism attached to a stationary chair frame, by an occupant-operable handle. The handle causes a rotary element connecting identical mechanisms on either side of the chair to actuate linkages that simultaneously thrust out a footrest member and pull down and forward the rear of the seat part with its attached back while thrusting up and forward the front of the seat. A two link control assembly is provided to control and guide the back from moving backward from its normal position to the inclined position and comprise a control link attached intermediate its length to a toggle plate which is itself pivotably connected to the chair frame upwardly and rearwardly of the axis of the rotary element.

Abstract: The legrest projecting/retracting linkages of a recliner chair mechanism are designed to progressively provide pivotability for the legrest as the legrest nears its fully projected condition, i.e. is about three-quarters or more of the way out, and to progressively inhibit that pivotability in the initial stage of retraction of the legrest from its fully projected condition, i.e. in the first-quarter of its retraction. This may be accomplished without reworking the remainder of most existing recliner chair mechanisms. A number of ways that the legrest projecting/retracting linkages can be configured to achieve this objective are disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a recliner chair having a chair frame, a seat unit, and a linkage mounting the seat unit on the chair frame for back and forth movement between a seating position and a reclining position located forwardly of the seating position. The actuator assembly includes a handle pivotally mounted on the side of the chair frame and connected through a link to an activator member which is pivotally mounted on the chair frame and provided with an abutting portion that is located in the path of movement of the seat unit. When the seat unit is in the seating position, a pivoting movement of the activator member in response to manipulation of the handle causes the abutting portion to engage the seat unit to move the seat unit forwardly toward its reclining position. The actuator assembly operates to move the seat unit only from the seating position toward its reclining position.

Abstract: A trigger handle assembly for a reclining chair which is movable between an end-limiting upright position to an end-limiting fully-reclined position. The handle assembly is operative for affirmatively forwardly driving the linkage system for the chair only as the latter is moved from its initial upright position to an intermediate chair position which is between the two end-limiting chair positions. The body weight of a seated user is then utilized to move the chair from the intermediate chair position to the fully-reclined position without the aid of the handle assembly. The handle assembly disengages from the linkage system when the chair reaches the intermediate position. A handle for the handle assembly is freely returnable by gravity to its initial position.

Abstract: This chair comprises a chair base having chair side arms on which a body supporting means is tiltably mounted. The chair is constructed to allow the body supporting means to tilt on said base from upright position to said T.V. and fully reclined positions, while the upper end of the backrest portion of said body supporting means, retains its spacing relative to a wall of the room in which the chair is located, while the chair side arms move bodily forwardly away from said wall. The chair arms are swingably mounted on floor engaging base plates, in such manner that the body supporting means can tilt from upright position to fully reclined position, while the chair side arms move forwardly substantially horizontally, being guided by the base plates without side to side movement, first from a rear position of the chair side arms to a forward position projecting forwardly of the base plates, as the body supporting means tilts from upright position to T.V.

Abstract: A wall-proximity reclining chair has body support members pivotally mounted by means of front and rear carrier links directly to a fixed base. The movable armrest assembly does not supply any load from the body support members. Each rear carrier link is pivotally suspended from an elevated rear point of the fixed base above a lower rear arm crossrail, thereby providing clearance for the lower rear arm crossrail to pass under it and also allowing the front and rear carrier links to be widely spread apart in a fore-aft direction, thus providing exceptional stability and smoothness of operation.

Abstract: A close-to-the-wall recliner chair has a body support, i.e., seat and backrest, which is pivotally mounted on a body support frame, and the body support frame is in turn carried on a stationary chair base by roller and track means, thereby permitting forward/rearward motion of the body support frame on the chair base as the body support moves between upright and reclining positions. This forward and rearward motion is effected by a unitized recliner chair mechanism which comprises (a) a conventional recliner mechanism interconnecting the body support frame and the body support, (b) a conventional track and roller assembly, (c) a novel bracket fixedly interconnecting the rollers of the track assembly to the recliner mechanism, and (d) a novel control linkage connected at one end to the track of the roller track assembly and at the opposite end of the footrest linkage of the recliner mechanism.