Abstract: The frame of an article of reclining furniture supports an under-mattress which comprises a back member, a thigh member and a foot member. The back member is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis in such a manner that upon pivotal displacement the inner end portion thereof is moved under the pivot axis and forms a sitting depression. An intermediate member is freely inserted between the back member and the thigh member. This intermediate member is suspended at the adjacent ends of the back member and the thigh member by joints. Therefore, together with the back member and the thigh member, which is movable with the foot member longitudinally of the article, the intermediate member forms a system of joints which responds to magnitude and point of attack of the load and compensates for anatomical differences and permits the occupant any desired change of his sitting position.

Abstract: A piece of furniture adapted to support a person in a reclining position includes a base and a mattress support that may be tilted on the base about an axis near the head end of the support. The position of the foot end and the resulting inclination of the supporting surface may be varied by means of a spacer arrangement which includes two hangers pivotally suspended from the mattress support near the foot end. One or two spacer members are secured to the free, lower end portions of the hangers for angular movement about a horizontally extending axis. Stops keep the center of gravity of the spacer or spacers above the last-mentioned axis and limit its angular movement. A friction brake prevents gravity from affecting the angular position of the spacer on the hanger or hangers.