Abstract: A mattress-retention system is provided that maintains a mattress in place on an adjustable bed base. The base has a decking with sections that articulate to move the mattress into any of a variety of support positions. The decking is typically covered with a fabric. A pattern of micro-hook strips is coupled to the fabric, facing outwardly towards the mattress. The pattern of micro-hook strips may be contained within only one section, but may also be contained in other sections, or may cross-over multiple sections. This pattern of micro-hook strips interacts with the mattress to retain it in place.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy using a detection pad coupled a portion of a bed. The detection pad may include an aluminized polymer material, a metalized and/or conductive fabric, an aluminum sheet, a metal screen, an aluminum tape, a wire grid, or other metalized material or fabric. A controller determines the corresponding response based on single-occupancy or dual-occupancy detection by one or more detection pads. A processor receives information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy, or lack thereof, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable bed may be activated.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a knotter assembly for use in a wire-tieing system, and method for removing a twist-module sub-assembly in a knotter assembly on a material baling apparatus. Embodiments of the knotter assembly include a slidably removable twist module assembly, a ratcheted cover arm assembly, and a torque tube assembly having two operating arms that carry all of the operating components for actuating various elements of the knotter assembly.

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 bedding foundation having a nestably stackable spring assembly, including a border wire. The foundation's spring assembly may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. Each spring assembly includes support wires having alternating peaks and valleys along with stabilizer wires having alternating peaks and valleys. The valleys of the stabilizer wires are secured to the valleys of the support wires. The peaks of the stabilizer wires are secured to longitudinal wires extending parallel the sides of the border wire.

Abstract: A seating product is provided which comprises a metal frame, straps of webbing joined to the metal frame with wire hooks. Each of the wire hooks has a main portion inside a loop created in the strap of webbing and two L-shaped portions extending through openings in the metal frame. Each of the L-shaped portions reduces movement of the wire hooks inside the metal frame reducing noise and wear. The metal frame is made of two pieces joined together, one of the pieces being straight and the other being generally U-shaped.

Abstract: A modular chair mechanism for limiting travel and adjusting tension in a chair is provided. The chair mechanism generally includes a shuttle that travels inside a housing, with a biasing member that applies tension during travel of the shuttle. An interface is coupled to the shuttle that alters the amount of force required to cause the shuttle to travel. In embodiments, the chair mechanism limits travel of a chair back support assembly to a number of positions based on travel of a shuttle inside the mechanism housing. For example, a feature on an end of the shuttle may selectively abut one of a plurality of retention means on the housing, which determines how far the shuttle may travel in that position. The amount of tension in the biasing member may also be affected by a self-weighing mechanism that applies an initial amount of force against a biasing member.

Abstract: A bedding foundation having a nestably stackable spring assembly, including a border wire. The foundation's spring assembly may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. Each spring assembly includes support wires having alternating peaks and valleys along with stabilizer wires having alternating peaks and valleys. The valleys of the stabilizer wires are secured to the valleys of the support wires. The peaks of the stabilizer wires are secured to longitudinal wires extending parallel the sides of the border wire.

Abstract: A bedding foundation used to support a mattress has a mechanism therein for moving the mattress between inclined and flat positions. The foundation combines desirable features of conventional non-adjustable bed bases and adjustable bed bases. A wire assembly and a motorized lift assembly comprising a motorized drive mechanism may be secured to a base of the foundation. The motorized lift assembly pivots a lifter which has two curved portions which function to raise and lower a deck board to incline and lower the mattress. If desired, a second motorized lift assembly may be incorporated into a bedding foundation for use with another deck board.

Abstract: A docking station that securely holds a portable electronic device in a desired location with respect to a primary power coil for inductive charging of a battery of the portable electronic device is provided. In one embodiment the docking station includes a pair of opposed end stops spaced apart longitudinally along a base and a primary coil of an inductive charging system positioned below the base. The end stops are longitudinally adjustable to properly align a secondary coil of the portable electronic device with a primary coil. A flexible retention wall may be deflected to provide a biasing force on the portable electronic device. Walls of the end stops are generally curved toward each other and provide downward pressure to prevent vertical and horizontal movement. In another embodiment, a retainer clip is movably coupled with and selectively slides along the base to securely hold the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a seat-lift assembly adapted to move the seating unit between a closed and a seat-lift position is provided. The seat-lift assembly includes a drive linkage mechanism, and a lift linkage mechanism. The seat-lift assembly is attached to a seat linkage mechanism that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, the drive linkage mechanism is moveably interconnected to the base plate and adapted to independently raise at least a first portion of the seat frame with respect to the base plate, the first portion being raised at a first rate, and the lift linkage mechanism is moveably interconnected to the seat-mounting plate, and adapted to independently raise at least a second portion of the seat frame with respect to the seat-mounting plate.

Abstract: A knotter assembly for use in a wire-tieing system includes various elements. The knotter assembly includes a slidably removable twist module assembly, a removable segment gear assembly, and a removable torque tube assembly having two operating arms that carry operating components for actuating various elements of the knotter assembly.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a spring core including upper and lower border wires. Each of the border wires is generally rectangular in cross-section to reduce wire costs without compromising beam strength of the border wire. Each row of springs of the spring core may be made of a single piece of wire. The rows of springs may be arranged in side-by-side rows and columns and be connected with each other by helical lacing wires.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.

Abstract: A seating product is provided which comprises a metal frame, straps of webbing joined to the metal frame with wire hooks. Each of the wire hooks has a main portion inside a loop created in the strap of webbing and two L-shaped portions extending through openings in the metal frame. Each of the L-shaped portions reduces movement of the wire hooks inside the metal frame reducing noise and wear. The metal frame is made of two pieces joined together, one of the pieces being straight and the other being generally U-shaped.

Abstract: A rocker-type seating unit that includes a base for providing vertical support, a seat support, and a backrest support. The seating unit adjusts between an upright position and a reclined position. The seating unit includes a support frame, a seat assembly, and a rocker mechanism. The support frame includes lower crossbeams coupled to the base, and a traverse plate fixedly attached to and extends upward from the lower crossbeams. The seat assembly includes a seat frame for carrying the seat support over the support frame, seat-mounting plates fixedly attached to and extend downward from the seat frame, and an upper crossbeam that spans and couples the seat-mounting plates. The rocker mechanism is connected to the upper crossbeam on one end and connected to the traverse plate on another end. The interconnection of rocker mechanism enables a controlled, fore-and-aft sway of the seat assembly with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes an adjustable foundation, a torque-inducing mechanism, and a base structure for interconnecting a backrest and a seat is provided. The adjustable foundation provides adjustable support for, and is controlled by, an occupant of the seating unit. The adjustable foundation includes extensible supports that each have a first and second end, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a stationary member that is fixedly attached to the first ends and a drive bar that is configured to secure the second ends of the extensible supports such that longitudinal tension is generated upon rotating the drive bar with respect to the stationary member. The torque-inducing mechanism adjusts an angular position of the drive bar. In this capacity, the drive bar is configured to convert torque applied by the torque-inducing mechanism into a directional force that controls the longitudinal tension of the extensible supports.

Abstract: A cover for providing the appearance of multiple segments in an underlying core structure having a slit extending around the periphery of the core structure is provided. The cover comprises a top panel configured to cover an upper surface of the core structure, a bottom panel configured to cover a lower surface of the core structure, a border connecting the top panel with the bottom panel and configured to cover the sidewalls of the core structure, and a tucking element coupled with the border and configured to be received in the slit of the core structure. The portion of the border between the tucking element and the top panel appears to be a first segment of the core structure and the portion of the border between the tucking element and the bottom panel appears to be a second segment of the core structure.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and seating product that include a seat deck assembly with a tensioned fabric decking are described. The seat deck assembly includes one or a pair of frame rails attached along opposite edges of the decking. The decking includes an elastomeric textile. The decking or a first of the frame rails is attached to a first side of the frame. The second of the frame rails is placed in a rigid fixture. A force is applied by an actuator to the frame to move the second side of the frame toward the second frame rail and to stretch the elastomeric fabric. The second frame rail is couple to the second side of the frame and the assembled frame is removed from the fixture. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.

Abstract: A mattress-retention mechanism is provided that prevents a mattress from moving on an adjustable bed during articulation. The mechanism includes a rod held between two retainer ends. The rod is held on the mattress bottom within a tube. The retainer ends have a downwardly extending leg that passes through a corresponding hole in the bed base. Each leg has a toothed rack that can be engaged by a latch. Each retainer end is held in place by a latch assembly coupled to the bottom of the adjustable bed base. The latch assembly has a retainer block that holds a latch, and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism operates to move the latch into engagement with the leg of the retainer end. The mechanism maintains the mattress in place relative to the adjustable bed base, while being hidden from view.