Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories and generic devices with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to wirelessly control a generic device wirelessly coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. The remote device may control features of the generic device based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the remote device receives a user environment selection, which is communicated to the control component of the automated furniture item. The automated furniture item then communicates at least a portion of the received command to a corresponding generic device, according to the settings of the selected user environment. In further embodiments, an occupancy detection indication for the automated furniture item may result in a change in one or more settings corresponding to the user environment, as communicated to the generic device(s) by the control component.

Abstract: A method of detecting impairment of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes sensing, using a sensor, a position of the driver's head at a plurality of time points; determining, using a microprocessor, changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points; evaluating, using a microprocessor, whether the changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points exhibit at least one of a periodic and a quasi-periodic pattern; determining whether the driver is impaired based on the pattern of the changes in the position of the driver's head; and if the driver is impaired, alerting the driver using an alarm.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a weight-responsive seating furniture comprises a backrest support, a first lever and a second lever. The backrest support is configured for coupling to a backrest and is pivotably mounted. The first lever has a mount structure for coupling the first lever to a seat. The first lever is pivotably mounted at a first pivot axis. The second lever is pivotably attached to the backrest support at a second pivot axis and is coupled to the first lever by a coupling mechanism to pivot the first lever about the first pivot axis when the backrest support pivots relative to the carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for automatic master control detection are provided. In embodiments, automatic master control detection may be utilized to determine a primary control device in a multi-control furniture environment, such as an automated furniture environment. In some aspects, a control device is initially programmed with a particular primary ID. Additionally, such control devices include an alternate ID that may replace the primary ID if it is determined that a conflict exists between the control device and another control device in the same network environment. In one embodiment of the invention, a control device/box/component communicates a startup query upon activation, which automatically signals to other devices in the network that it is the first control started and will retain master control status having the primary ID. Recipient control devices may process a received startup query as an indication to change their primary ID to an alternate ID.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link coupled to a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled to a lift-base assembly via a lift assembly, a motor tube, and two linear actuators for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. A first phase involves a second linear actuator rotating the motor tube angularly within a first range of degrees, causing the seat-adjustment assembly to bias the seat-mounting plate. A second phase involves the second linear actuator rotating the motor tube angularly within a second range of degrees, causing the footrest assembly to extend or retract without affecting the back-mounting link bias. A third phase involves a first linear actuator causing the lift assembly to raise and tilt the base plate directly over the lift-base assembly.

Abstract: A tension adjust device (20) for a chair comprises a carrier member (21), an actuation member (22), a ratchet mechanism and a disengagement mechanism. The actuation member (22) is rotatable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is coupled to the carrier member (21) to rotate the carrier member (21). The ratchet mechanism (31-33) is coupled between the actuation member (22) and the carrier member (21) and comprises a locking pawl (31) and a profile (32) having a plurality of recesses for engagement with the locking pawl (31). The disengagement mechanism is configured to maintain the ratchet mechanism (31-33) in a disengaged state when the actuation member (22) rotates the carrier member (21) in the second direction. The locking pawl (31) remains disengaged from the recesses of the profile (32) while the ratchet mechanism (31-33) is in the disengaged state.

Abstract: An anchor system for an erosion control mat is provided. The system includes a bullet anchor comprising a bullet anchor body and a bullet anchor strap integrally molded with and extending from a first side of the bullet anchor body. In embodiments, a lock washer is coupled to the bullet anchor strap. In embodiments, serrations on at least one side of the bullet anchor strap are adapted to prevent the lock washer from traversing the bullet anchor strap in a direction away from the bullet anchor. In embodiments, the lock washer is adapted to couple with an erosion control mat. In embodiments, an anchor tab on a second side of the bullet anchor body secures the bullet anchor body in a ground surface. The anchor system is utilized to secure the erosion control mat to the ground surface and prevent undesired movement of the erosion control mat.

Abstract: An adjustable easel for configuring into multiple positions is described. The adjustable easel includes a work surface, an accessory tray, and a frame having a first and second pair of frame members that are selectively adjustable into a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions includes a first position, where the accessory tray and the plurality of frame members are configured to provide a portable storage case. In a second position, a first work surface is secured relative to the frame members, with the first pair of frame members positioned at a distance from the second pair of frame members. In a third position, a second work surface is secured relative to the frame members. A work surface support, coupled to the first and second work surfaces, is pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the frame when adjusting the position of the adjustable easel.

Abstract: A seating-unit mechanism includes various components that control a position of the seat and backrest and that control an extension and retraction of an ottoman and footrest. For example, the mechanism includes a linear actuator that controls a seat pitch (e.g., height and level of recline). In addition, the mechanism includes an ottoman-linkage drive mechanism, which might include a drive link or another linear actuator.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs. The product may have individual inserts between adjacent strings of springs. Adjacent individually pocketed springs are separated from each other by at least one separating seam. Each of the separating seams comprises a pair of Y-shaped or U-shaped seams which may be joined together or spaced apart.

Abstract: A piece of furniture includes a rectangular frame for supporting a plurality of sinuous springs. A plurality of clip assemblies are secured to opposed side walls of frame. Each clip assembly comprises a metallic piece having a generally planar portion and tacks for insertion into the frame. The generally planar portion of the metallic piece is encased by plastic of a non-metallic piece having a hook to secure one end of a sinuous wire. Flexible connectors may be located in grooves of the clip assembly to collate multiple clip assemblies.

Abstract: A piece of furniture includes a rectangular frame for supporting a plurality of sinuous springs. A plurality of clip assemblies are secured to opposed side walls of frame. Each clip assembly comprises a non-metallic piece having openings and a metallic piece having tacks extending through the openings for insertion into the frame. Flexible connectors may be located in grooves of the clip assembly to collate multiple clip assemblies.

Abstract: A replaceable basecover mechanism for securing a basecover on an automated furniture item is provided. In embodiments, the replaceable basecover mechanism includes a basecover border having a plurality of border panels, a center panel coupled to the plurality of border panels, and at least one stretch panel coupled to at least one of the plurality of border panels. The stretch panels include at least one j-shaped upholstery channel coupled to the stretch panel, and the j-shaped upholstery channels are configured to removably couple the basecover border to a deckboard of an adjustable furniture item. Additionally, the deckboard may include a locking channel configured to couple to the j-shaped upholstery channels.

Abstract: A replaceable basecover mechanism for securing a basecover on an automated furniture item is provided. In embodiments, the replaceable basecover mechanism includes a basecover border having a plurality of border panels, a center panel coupled to the plurality of border panels, and at least one stretch panel coupled to at least one of the plurality of border panels. The stretch panels include at least one j-shaped upholstery channel coupled to the stretch panel, and the j-shaped upholstery channels are configured to removably couple the basecover border to a deckboard of an adjustable furniture item. Additionally, the deckboard may include a locking channel configured to couple to the j-shaped upholstery channels.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus for accurately generating a hand-drawn reproduction of an image or object is provided. The drawing apparatus includes a mirror and reflective filter arrangement that allows a user to view, through a single eyepiece, both the object being reproduced and the drawing surface where the user generates a hand-drawn reproduction of the viewed drawing object. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable, angled stand for supporting the drawing object, and a drawing surface for generating hand-drawn reproductions. As viewed through the single eyepiece, an image of the drawing surface appears superimposed on the drawing object being reproduced. In further embodiments, the single eyepiece is used with a selectable filter arrangement for adjusting the amount of focus on the drawing surface and/or drawing object.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs. The product may have individual inserts between adjacent strings of springs. Adjacent individually pocketed springs are separated from each other by at least one separating seam. Each of the separating seams comprises a pair of Y-shaped or U-shaped seams which may be joined together or spaced apart.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to control an automated furniture accessory coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. Items of identifying information are provided to a control component based on coupling the automated furniture accessory to the CAN bus of the control component. According to the communication protocol, one or more packets of information are provided to the remote device using a wireless communication device of the control component. The remote device may then be used to control features of the automated furniture accessory, based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the firmware of the remote device may be updated to enable the control component to be coupled to updated automated furniture accessories, and enable the remote device to control such accessories.

Abstract: A seating-unit mechanism includes various components that control a position of the seat and backrest and that control an extension and retraction of an ottoman and footrest. For example, the mechanism includes a linear actuator that controls a seat pitch (e.g., height and level of recline). In addition, the mechanism includes an ottoman-linkage drive mechanism, which might include a drive link or another linear actuator.