Abstract: A bed frame which can be assembled without the use of additional tools and may be collapsed for shipping. The bed frame comprises a pair of side rails, three cross rail assemblies and mounting brackets. Each of the cross rail assemblies is adjustable in length and comprises multiple movable members. Each cross rail member has a projection which fits inside a cavity of a leg assembly secured to one of the side rails. To disassemble the bed frame, the cross rail assemblies may be removed from the side rails without any tools.

Abstract: A headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. The mechanism includes a back insert that frames an area of the chair to be independently pivoted. A pair of spaced headrest tilts are coupled to the back insert, and pivotally coupled to the back frame of the chair. A lower connector tube is coupled to the back frame of the chair below the back insert. A linkage coupler is pivotally coupled to an upper member at an upper pivot point and is pivotally coupled an actuator at a lower pivot point. The upper member has a secured leg secured to the pair of spaced headrest tilts and a pivotal leg pivotally coupled to the linkage coupler. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the linkage coupler and the lower connector tube that can be actuated to pivot the headrest tilts from a closed to an open position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing consistent spray patterns and for diminishing clogging experienced when applying spray adhesive from a spray gun are provided. One system includes an automatic non-atomizing spray valve operably coupled to a first and second flow valve. The spray and flow valves are electronically controlled using logic running on a processing unit. The logic is programmed to carry out a spray cycle that involves dispensing a first liquid from the spray valve (first phase) and then dispensing a second liquid through the same spray valve (second phase). Because the first liquid (e.g., water-based adhesive) has the potential to clog a nozzle of the spray valve, a short burst of the second liquid (e.g., cleaning fluid) is introduced to prevent the nozzle from clogging. The spray valve is configured as a pulse width modulated spray gun to further reduce clogging and to generate an evenly distributed spray pattern.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism having a motor and a track that is coupled to the motor and that extends from a front portion of the seating unit to a rear portion of the seating unit. The linkage mechanism also includes a motor activator block slidably coupled to the track and movable along the track using the motor, as well as a single drive link that is attached to the motor activator block. The motor activator block includes a carriage body that slidably attaches the motor activator block to the track and one or more mounting tabs that extend from the carriage body toward the rear portion of the seating unit and that are coupled to the single drive link.

Abstract: A sinuous spring for a furniture item includes various elements. For instance, a sinuous spring might include bars that are both parallel and non-parallel. The parallel bars might be positioned in a middle segment, and the non-parallel bars might be positioned in opposing end spring segments. A sinuous spring might be fabricated using various devices and methods, such as a wire-fabricating apparatus including a wire-forming mechanism and a length-adjusting mechanism. The wire-forming mechanism includes one or more sets of wire-forming dies that receive a continuously fed wire and that form the wire into a wire-shape configuration (e.g., sinuous-shape configuration). The length-adjusting mechanism includes a set of grooved wheels that receive the formed wire in the grooves and rotate to stretch or compress the formed wire.

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 reclining mechanism for use on a chair is disclosed that allows the chair to be placed in close proximity to a wall, and allows the chair back to recline, in part, by moving the seat forwardly, but not upwardly. A chaize option is also disclosed that allows the seating portion of the chaize to move forwardly as the back reclines. In an alternative arrangement, an extendable ottoman is disclosed that is independently operable from the back recline.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a chair comprises a base, a first support configured to support a chair seat and a second support configured to support a chair back, the second support is pivotably coupled to the base. A coupling mechanism couples the second support to both the base and the first support. The coupling mechanism comprises a pin attached to the first support, a first linear guide slot provided on the base, and a second linear guide slot provided on the second support. The pin is slideably received in both the first linear guide slot and the second linear guide slot. The second linear guide slot slopes upwardly in a forward direction of the tilt mechanism when the tilt mechanism is in a zero-tilt position.

Abstract: A tool for securing items together closes C-rings to create hog rings. A drive mechanism allows the tool be used continuously for a greater length of time than heretofore possible without inserting a new string of C-rings. The drive mechanism utilizes one-way clutch bearings to provide a ratchet-like mechanism. Each time a trigger on the tool is pulled, a C-ring is closed and another C-ring is advanced to a position in which it may be closed by the same jaws. A pneumatic system moves a piston inside a cylinder to move the C-rings along a magazine towards the jaws.

Abstract: A method of dynamically changing stitch density of a quilting pattern during sewing is provided. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically changing stitch density along an axis of a sewing pattern based on identifying sewing pattern elements, which may include line segments and arc segments. Each of the line segments and/or arc segments is assigned a dynamically adjusted stitch density based on analysis of each pattern element and/or adjacent element. An adjusted stitch density is assigned to portions of pattern elements that satisfy a threshold measurement for sewing with an adjusted stitch density. In embodiments, a standard stitch density, intermediate stitch density, or an altered stitch density is automatically assigned to each portion of a sewing pattern based on an analysis of threshold length of an element, a threshold angle of a portion of the element with respect to the axis, and/or the stitch density assigned to an adjacent element.

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 U-shaped portions extending outside the metal frame. Each of the U-shaped portions secures the wire hook in place without the use of holes in the metal frame, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The metal frame may be made of two pieces joined together, one of the pieces being straight and the other being generally U-shaped.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine is provided with a tape or ribbon guide that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip is fed against a facing layer of a wide multi-layered material as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine, series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape and layers of the multi-layered material together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating presence-sensing technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting presence using a metal, adjustable bed frame. The bed frame is pulsed with a voltage to provide a charge, against which capacitance is measured. A controller determines the corresponding response based on presence detection by the frame. Conductive bushings may also be used to measure capacitance using the bed frame. In further embodiments, capacitance is measured by a foil tape surrounding a perimeter of the adjustable bed. The foil tape has a voltage based on proximity of an object to the tape, and may be embedded with a capacitive wire. A processor receives information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of presence, or lack of presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable bed may be activated.

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 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.