Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a seating unit including a base, a linkage mechanism operatively coupled to the base, the linkage mechanism configured to move between a closed position and one or more open positions, and a stop member configured to contact the linkage mechanism and the base when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position. The linkage mechanism may include a forward pivot link pivotally connected to the base. The stop member may include a pin coupled to one of the base and the forward pivot link and may contact the other of the base and the forward pivot link when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position.

Abstract: An integrated assembly is provided with both an adjustable lumbar support and a head tilt. The assembly is easily installed on any of a number of different seating units, and can be adjusted to accommodate seating units with a variety of back widths, and heights.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for adjusting a position of a lumbar support in a seating unit is provided. The mechanism includes a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support. An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support to someone sitting in the seating unit.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized A-B-A triblock copolymer resin and/or an A-B diblock copolymer resin into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form the gelatinous elastomer in-situ while simultaneously polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate to form polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to melt the styrene-portion of the A-B-A triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the A-B-A triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The combination has a marbled appearance. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink. Another advantage of in situ gel-foam is that the gel component provides higher support factors compared to the base foam alone.

Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises first and second sheets of fabric and a plurality of parallel rows of springs held in place with the sheets. Longitudinal seams joining the first and second sheets extend generally the same direction as the rows of springs. Pockets are formed along a strand of springs by aligned separating seams. At least one spring is positioned in each pocket. Each separating seam joins one of the sheets to itself and keeps the spring in its pocket. Ends of aligned separating seams are spaced from each other, thereby improving airflow between pockets. Openings between adjacent longitudinal seams further improve airflow.

Abstract: A modular mattress foundation comprises multiple sections which may be secured together quickly and easily so that the mattress foundation may be easily broken down into pieces for storage or transportation. Each section has a ladder-like shape. In one embodiment, each side section is generally L-shaped having curved members. A middle ladder extends parallel the sides and may be secured to the outer frame in any known manner. Deck members extend transversely and pass through the middle ladder.

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 mechanism is provided for a seating unit that moves the seating unit between closed, TV, and fully reclined positions. The mechanism allows positively holds a footrest in a closed position, preventing the footrest from sagging over time. The mechanism includes a linkage that forces a link connected to the footrest to move initially upwards as the footrest moves from a closed position to an extended position. The weight of the mechanism holds the footrest positively closed, until a force is exerted that is great enough to move past the point where the link on connected to the footrest can descend.

Abstract: A quick-exit assembly for reclining furniture, including motorized versions, is provided. An exemplary quick-exit assembly may include a linkage assembly configured to move between a first position and a second position. A drive mechanism may be coupled to the linkage assembly, and may be configured to move the linkage assembly between the first position and the second position using an actuator, and also, allow movement of the linkage assembly between the first position and the second position using manual force with reduced restriction from the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism provides motion capabilities for various chair types. For example, a linkage mechanism includes a combination of links that facilitate ottoman extension/closing and backrest recline/incline. In addition a linkage mechanism includes a compact design that is usable with hi-leg style chairs having a relatively low seat height.

Abstract: A multi-frequency sensing system for capacitive, presence-sensing technology incorporated into furniture is provided. Embodiments of the sensing system include at least one capacitive sensor coupled to a furniture item for monitoring an amount of change in capacitance with respect to at least one sensing element coupled to the furniture item. The system further includes a landscape analysis component having a plurality of frequency samplers, which generates an average capacitance change associated with the furniture item. Further, the average capacitance change may be used to determine whether the indication of average capacitance change satisfies a capacitance threshold of the furniture item.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for quilting webs. A quilting machine includes a cutting edge, a looper from which thread is provided to form stitches, and an adjuster assembly that includes a plurality of selectable positions. The adjuster assembly extends an adjuster toward the thread between the looper and the retainer. When the adjuster is moved, a predetermined amount of thread is pulled away from the looper by the adjuster to provide a controlled length of thread between the looper and the cutting edge. The adjuster is configured to be moved to an intermediate selectable position prior to starting a quilting pattern, and from the intermediate position to another selectable position subsequent to starting the quilting pattern.

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: Feedback-based systems and methods for bending wire are provided. The systems and methods may allow for modification of wire bending based on feedback received from one or more feedback-generating elements (e.g., image-capturing device(s), computer processing device(s), vision systems, etc.) used for monitoring one or more characteristics of a wire (e.g., shape, size, dimension, angular configuration, etc.) to determine, and provide to various wire-bending components of the system, appropriate modifications to the wire-bending process. Modifications to the wire-bending process may occur in real time without stopping the wire-bending process. Furthermore, a wire may be bent into a sinusoidal wire structure for forming springs for use in various applications.

Abstract: A cable tension adjuster for adjusting tension between two cable sections includes a junction box. A slider is disposable within the junction box and includes a first slider wall, a cable coupling port opposite the first slider wall configured for coupling a first inner cable of a first cable section, and a second slider wall adjacent the cable coupling port. The first and second slider walls together partially define an internal cavity therebetween. A spool is disposable within the internal cavity and is couplable to a second inner cable of a second cable section. The spool includes a plurality of spool teeth. A biasing member is disposable within the internal cavity between the first slider wall and the spool. A locking clip is disposable within an aperture formed in the slider and includes a plurality of clip teeth configured for engagement with the plurality of spool teeth.

Abstract: A modular assembly for a row of seating units is provided. Each seating unit has a pair of mechanisms operable to move between a closed position and a reclined position. Each mechanism includes first and second roller track that are oriented at opposite angles to one another. A seat mounting plate is moveably coupled to, and constrained by, a linkage coupling the seat mounting plate to the first and second roller tracks so that the seat mounting plate is moveable from a generally horizontal orientation in the closed position, to an inclined orientation in the reclined position, with the incline from back end of the seating unit to the front end of the seating unit.

Abstract: Pultruded frames for an adjustable bed are described herein. The pultruded frames may include various components such as connection/joining and reinforcing structures. The various components and frame parts may be combined in multiple configurations to form light weight and strong adjustable bed frames.

Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises parallel strings, each string joined to at least one adjacent string. At least some of the strings have pockets of different sizes before springs are inserted therein to accommodate for the fabric stretching due to some of the springs exerting greater force on the fabric than other springs. The ability to create pockets of different sizes enables springs of different strengths to be inserted into the pockets along a string, the string having a generally uniform height after assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy by a standalone capacitance detection device. The standalone capacitance detection device is configured for integration with any number of furniture items. Further, the detected capacitance may be used to determine commands for controlling a variety of devices associated with the standalone capacitance detection device. Additionally, methods for determining occupancy of a furniture item and a system for monitoring occupancy are described herein.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to direct-connect device, system, and method for determining presence with respect to an automated furniture item, such as 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.