Abstract: A seating unit and a mechanism for a seating unit are provided. Each seating unit has a pair of mechanisms operable to move the seating unit between a closed position and a reclined position. Each mechanism includes an extended seat plate that extends from, and connects to, the chair back to the front of a seat frame. Each mechanism also has a rear pivot link, the upper end of which is pivotally connected to the seat plate. This pivotal connection is above the seat frame, allowing the mechanism to move the seating unit to the reclined position with minimal front-to-back movement. The mechanism moves the seating unit to a zero gravity reclined position, without the use of roller tracks.

Abstract: Methods and combinations of a curing catalyst with a mold release mixture, which is then subsequently applied to the surface of a mold prior to the application of polyurethane reactants to said mold, where the curing catalyst component has the effect of catalyzing the reaction at the surface of the molded part. This catalysis results in greater reactivity at the surface between reacting portions and lower delamination of the surface of the foam, thereby leading to more attractive skins with a more consistent cell structure, and lower de-mold times due to skins whose nature makes them less likely to adhere to the surface of the mold. These foams will be less likely to tear upon opening of the mold, and production quality and output will be improved.

Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises a plurality of parallel strings of springs, each string joined to at least one adjacent string, each string comprising first and second opposed plies of fabric and a plurality of pockets formed along a length of the string by transverse seams joining the first and second plies. At least one spring is positioned in each pocket. Exterior strings have identical springs in their pockets. Interior strings have two different springs along their length, the outermost springs being firmer than the interior core springs. The pocketed spring assembly has increased firmness or edge support along all four sides due to the different coil springs of the assembly.

Abstract: A comfort layer for a bedding or seating product has slow-acting pockets characterized by the individual springs of the comfort layer being pocketed with either semi-impermeable or impermeable fabric. Each seam joining opposed plies of fabric around each of the coil springs of the comfort layer may be segmented, allowing air to flow between the segments, thereby increasing the luxury “feel” of the comfort layer. The method of making the comfort layer includes compressing the springs and creating pockets with a welding horn and an anvil.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing a mattress on a bed foundation is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to a folding mattress-retention mechanism that may compactly fold or be easily removed during shipping or storage. The folding mattress-retention mechanism includes a mattress-support structure, a first hinged attachment, and a second hinged attachment. The mattress-support structure includes a first and second end and may abut a side of a mattress atop a bed foundation. The first and second hinged attachments are coupled to the mattress-support structure at the respective first and second ends and may either affix or removably attach the folding mattress-retention mechanism to the foot, head, or sides of a bed foundation. Further, the hinged attachments may allow for movement, and the folding mattress-retention mechanism may move into and between an operable first position and a stowed second position.

Abstract: A split ottoman linkage is provided that has a slotted upper ottoman bracket. The slot of the upper ottoman bracket is shaped to maintain the pivotal coupling between the upper ottoman bracket and a front ottoman link in normal operation. If an entrapment is encountered as the split ottoman linkage closes, the slotted connection allows the upper ottoman bracket to pivot away from the entrapment to provide some relief.

Abstract: A motorized furniture assembly having seat and back support sections moves between sofa and bed positions relative to a stationary frame by activation of two motorized drive assemblies. The motorized drive assemblies move seat support brackets of a seat section forward and backward relative to the stationary frame. Movement of the seat section moves a back support section between horizontal and raised positions. Two linkage assemblies control movement of the motorized furniture assembly between the sofa and bed positions upon actuation of said at least one actuator for activating the motorized drive assemblies.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs. The strings of springs may extend from head-to-foot or side-to-side of the product. Adjacent individually pocketed springs are separated from each other by at least one separating seam. Each of the separating seams comprises a branched end portion.

Abstract: A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric. Foam at least partially surrounds the matrix and is secured to a cushion frame. The foam is bowed upwardly over the matrix of pocketed springs to create a crown. A webbing sheet underneath an opening in the cushion frame creates a cavity inside which the matrix of pocketed springs resides. The flexibility of the webbing sheet and crown of the foam create an active suspension system which provides support and comfort.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for a reclining seating unit that provides increased back support, reduces shirt pull and decreases minimum wall clearance. The linkage mechanism may include a seat mounting plate indirectly coupled to a back bracket where the back bracket pivots around a projected pivot point located forwardly and upwardly from the back bracket when the seating unit is closed. The linkage mechanism may include an intermediate link pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate and the back bracket, a back pivot link pivotally connected to the back bracket and a rear lift link, the rear lift link pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate, and a control link pivotally connected to the back pivot link and the seat mounting plate. Forward movement of the back bracket relative to the seat mounting plate as the seating unit reclines reduces the wall clearance needed behind the seating unit below 4.5 inches.

Abstract: An adjustable leg assembly for use in a bedding product, such as an adjustable bed, may be stabilized by rotating the leg of the leg assembly. To change the length of the leg assembly, a leg must be rotated in the opposite direction to loosen a slotted collar located inside a receiver welded to a frame of the adjustable bed. A wedge is fixed inside the receiver with a push pin assembly above the slotted collar. A threaded member of the leg extends through the wedge. Rotation of the leg moves the leg slightly upwardly relative to the stationary wedge, causing an upper portion of the slotted collar to expand over a portion of the stationary wedge until the slotted collar contacts an inside surface of the receiver and stabilizes the leg assembly.

Abstract: Methods and combinations of mattress support surfaces comprising one or more flexible polyurethane foam layers containing highly thermally-conductive solids, such as diamond or silicon carbide, and said layer combination is capable of transferring heat from a warm surface, such as a person sleeping on a bed, to a cooler region at a faster rate throughout the mattress than the thermal dissipation rate obtained from flexible polyurethane foam without highly thermally-conductive solids.

Abstract: A comfort layer for a bedding or seating product has slow-acting pockets characterized by the individual springs of the comfort layer being pocketed with either semi-impermeable or impermeable fabric. Each seam joining opposed plies of fabric around each of the coil springs of the comfort layer may be segmented, allowing air to flow between the segments, thereby increasing the luxury “feel” of the comfort layer. The method of making the comfort layer includes compressing the springs and creating pockets with a welding horn and an anvil.

Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating a web of material used in the manufacture of pocketed springs may be removably attached to a pocket coiler. The apparatus has an upper movable portion which pivots relative to a stationary portion. The stationary portion may be removably attached to the pocket coiler. Each portion has at least one roller, a web of material passing between the rollers during use. One of the rollers may have protrusions to create openings in the material before the material enters the pocket coiler.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating presence-sensing technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to incorporating a conductive medium into the periphery of a furniture item, such as an adjustable bed, for detecting the presence of a user or other body. The bed includes a mattress with a covering material and a tape edge surrounding the perimeter of the mattress. A capacitive wire is coupled the tape edge, and is adapted to have a voltage based on proximity of an object to the capacitive wire. The bed also includes a processor coupled to the capacitive wire. The processor receives information provided by the capacitive wire, determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold, and indicates whether presence is detected. Based on a determination of presence, or lack of presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable bed may be activated.

Abstract: A modular base system is provided that allows easy installation and maintenance in a row of motion seating units. Arms are easily removable from a base assembly. The base assembly also provides structure allowing easy installation and removal of the motion mechanism. The base assembly also allows easy installation and removal of a back panel. The motion mechanism includes a pivotal seat frame attachment allowing the seat to be pivoted upwardly, from the front of the mechanism.

Abstract: A modular base system is provided that allows easy installation and maintenance in a row of motion seating units. Arms are easily removable from a base assembly. The base assembly also provides structure allowing easy installation and removal of the motion mechanism. The base assembly also allows easy installation and removal of a back panel. The motion mechanism includes a pivotal seat frame attachment allowing the seat to be pivoted upwardly, from the front of the mechanism.

Abstract: A reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame that has an extendable and retractable shaft. In a first orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push bar is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push bar.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for active-mirroring, capacitive monitoring of furniture are provided. More particularly, the invention relates to an active mirroring system for a furniture item that monitors a first sensor type over a first frequency, while applying an inverse first frequency to at least one other sensor type coupled to the same furniture item. As such, the additional sensor types receiving the inverse sampling frequency may be dampened and/or cancelled, thereby preventing interference during monitoring of the first sensor type. In further aspects, a monitoring and mirroring cycle is provided, for sequentially monitoring and mirroring capacitive sensing mechanisms on different portions of a common furniture item.