Abstract: A chair including a power-assisted linear actuation drive mechanism having a cam guide which is linearly movable upon retraction of a shaft for selectively actuating a lift and tilt linkage mechanism, and for causing forward lifting and tilting movement of the chair when a motor of the mechanism is operated in a first direction. Extension of a shaft in a second opposite direction acts to lower the chair to a normal seating position. Continued extension in the second direction causes a first cam block pivotably mounted to the cam guide to engage a first follower assembly for causing extension of a leg rest assembly. Further extension in the second direction causes a second cam block pivotably mounted to the cam guide to engage a second follower assembly for causing reclining movement of the chair. This sequential operation of the leg rest assembly and the reclining linkage are independent and may be easily disabled to selectively eliminate either of the features.

Abstract: A sofa assembly including a low-profile center console section having a pair of rocking reclining chair sections releasably secured on either side thereof. As presently preferred, center console section provides an inboard armrest which may be positionable between an upright, raised position and a horizontal, use position, or alternatively, fixed in a horizontal, use position. The present invention further includes a mounting apparatus for securing independent sections of a modular sofa assembly together. An attachment plate and a keyhole fastener bracket are secured to the base assembly of each chair section. Complementary fastener bolts are secured to the center console section. When the chair section and center console section are aligned in side-by-side proximity, the fastener bolt extends through the keyhole and engages the fastener bracket.

Abstract: An improved dual leg rest assembly is disclosed which is adapted for use in single and multi-person articles of furniture (i.e., chairs, sectionals, sofas, loveseats, etc.). More particularly, an improved linkage mechanism is provided for causing coordinated articulating movement of a primary leg rest panel and a secondary leg rest panel (i.e., mid-ottoman).

Abstract: A modular reclining chair and method for assembling it are disclosed. The reclining chair seat assembly includes an improved seat frame which can be readily adapted for use with a variety of recliner chair configurations. The recliner chair seat assembly further includes a unique seat cushion that can be releaseably attached to a seat frame to facilitate assembly and service of the reclining chair.

Abstract: A modular wall proximity reclining/tilt chair is disclosed. The modular wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes a simplified actuation mechanism which significantly reduces system complexity and weight while providing improved comfort to the seat occupant. The construction is such that the pre-assembled actuation mechanism is integrally suspended from and interdependent with box-like modular frame components. In this manner, the frame components can be upholstered prior to final assembly with the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A rocking chair having a chair frame operable for providing rocking motion relative to a stationary base is provided. The rocking chair generally comprises a chair frame and a stationary base coupled together by a rocker spring assembly. The rocker spring assembly includes an upper and lower bracket having a pair of springs and means for suppressing the noise generated by the springs. The rocker spring assembly further includes means for limiting the rocking movement of the chair frame disposed between the upper and lower bracket of the rocker spring assembly. The present invention further includes means for suppressing the noise generated by other spring elements associated with a reclining or rocking/reclining chair.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method for releasably securing together adjacent seating sections wherein the mounting apparatus includes a bracket having a key-hole like opening formed therein and a fastener having an enlarged head and a shaft. The mounting apparatus is disposed between a first and second seating section such that the enlarged head and a portion of the shaft extend through the key-hole like opening and engaged the bracket to releasably secure together the adjacent seating sections to form the modular sofa assembly.

Abstract: An improved latching mechanism for a rocking-type chair selectively permits or inhibits rocking motion of the chair frame relative to the base upon actuation. The improved latching mechanism includes a pawl and ratchet assembly having a spring-biased pawl member coupled to the chair base which is operable to lockingly engage a tooth ratchet sector disposed on the chair frame for positioning the chair frame in rearwardly tilted positions and a release assembly including a rigid release link that pulls the spring-biased pawl member towards a released position by an actuation member. The actuation member includes a swing link and a trip link operably coupled to a drive rod assembly for positioning the rigid release link while preventing the release member from exerting any axial loading on the pawl member when the pawl member is in locked engagement with the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for securing a plurality of independent seating sections together to form a modular sofa assembly. The independent seating sections have lower front and rear end portions with either front and rear cross bars substantially parallel to the front and rear end portions or side frame members substantially perpendicular to the front and rear end portions. A first elongated frame rail is secured to the front and rear of each seating unit having side frame members, and connecting feet are secured to seating units having front and rear cross bars. The seating units are aligned in close side-by-side proximity and connecting links are used to secure the frame members or connecting feet of adjacent seating units to form a sofa or loveseat. The sofa or loveseat is easily disassembled by removing the connecting links from the frame members and connecting feet.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a modular sofa assembly. The apparatus comprises a first bracket member and a second bracket member which are secured to sidewalls and a rear frame bar, respectively, of a fixed seating section of a modular sofa assembly. The first and second bracket members each allow a frame of a seat member of the seating section to be secured to the side walls of the seating section after the side walls have been secured to a pair of frame rails or other like members. In an alternative preferred embodiment a pair of seatback brackets are incorporated for allowing a frame of the seatback member to be secured to the sidewalls of the fixed seating section after the sidewalls have been secured to the frame rails or other like frame members of the sofa assembly. In this manner the seatback member and seat member of the fixed seating section can be upholstered at a location remote from that at which assembly of the sidewalls and other frame members of the sofa assembly takes place.

Abstract: A composite mattress assembly adapted to be extended flat to provide a sleeping surface and to be folded for storage within a sofa is provided. The composite mattress assembly includes a composite pad assembly surrounded by an upper panel and a lower panel. A plurality of linear flange members are fixedly secured to the top edges of the upper panel and are also secured, preferably by staples, at preselected intervals along the lower edges of the composite pad assembly, or along the bottom surface of the composite pad assembly. A plurality of score lines are located upon one or both of an upper pad member and a lower pad member of the spring assembly, to assist in the folding of the composite mattress assembly, while maintaining fixed relative positions of all components, thereby reducing bunching and relative shifting of mattress materials and components during folding.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for detachably interconnecting a seat base and a seat back of a chair such that the application of pressure to the seat back causes deflection therebetween and which returns to its normal orientation upon releasing the applied pressure. The mechanism includes a plate member secured to the chair frame adjacent the seat base. A upstanding link member is pivotably secured to the plate member and the two are interconnected with a spring member for providing resistance to the pivoting motion. The upstanding link member is further formed with a lost-motion slot through which extends a pin which is secured into the plate member for thereby limiting the amount of deflection. The upper portion of the upstanding link member is formed to receive a detachable seat back assembly. The detachable seat back mechanism of the present invention is also uniquely adapted to provide at least two means for adjusting the amount of pressure required on the seat back to cause deflection.

Abstract: An improved actuation mechanism is disclosed which is particularly well-suited for incorporation into "high-leg" reclining chairs. The actuation includes a swing linkage for coordinating the extensible movement of a leg rest assembly in response to reclining movement of a seat assembly with respect to the chair frame. An over-center biasing mechanism is provided for assisting in extending and retracting the leg rest assembly. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism also includes a tilt linkage for permitting the seat assembly to be independently tilted following extension of the leg rest assembly. The actuation mechanism also includes a mechanical stop arrangement is provided for positively defining the limits of retracted and extended movement of the leg rest assembly which, in conjunction with the over-center biasing mechanism, effectively inhibits undesirable droop of the leg rest assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-wooden base assembly for use in articles of furniture and, more particularly, in platform-type motion chairs. In a preferred form, each of the distinct rail components, which when assembled define the base assembly, is fabricated from a rigid and durable non-wooden material. An additional object of the present invention involves the ability to quickly and simply assembly front and rear cross rail components between the laterally-spaced side rail components for modular assembly of the non-wooden base assembly. Finally, means are provided for permitting precise fixation of the front and rear cross rail components to the side rail components.

Abstract: The chair disclosed includes a power-assisted linear actuation drive mechanism having a lead screw nut which is linearly movable upon rotation of a power screw for selectively actuating the lift and tilt linkage mechanism for causing forward lifting and tilting movement of the chair when the motor is operated in a first direction. Rotation of the screw shaft in a second opposite direction acts to lower the chair to the normal seating position. Continued rotation in the second direction causes a first cam block pivotably mounted to the lead screw nut to engage a first follower assembly for causing extension of the leg rest assembly. Further rotation in the second direction causes a second cam block pivotably mounted to the lead screw nut to engage a second follower assembly for causing reclining movement of the chair. This sequential operation of the leg rest assembly and the reclining linkage are independent and may be easily disabled to selectively eliminate either of the features.

Abstract: A swivel recliner/rocker chair which even more effectively resists unwanted rocking of the swivel base member thereof when the chair is rocked forwardly of the swivel base member, and which further is limited in its rearward reclining or rocking motion to a predetermined degree so as to thereby limit rocking of the swivel base member that might occur if the chair is reclined or rocked rearwardly of the swivel base member to an excessive degree. The chair includes a pair of rocker blocks having a flat section formed thereon and a pair of spring assemblies having upper and lower bracket members. The upper bracket members are secured to the rocker blocks and the lower bracket members are secured to side members of a base assembly such that the rocker blocks rock on the side members during reclining or rocking movement of the chair.