Abstract: A furniture member actuation mechanism includes first and second side plates with polymeric inserts each having an elongated slot each receiving a first or second pin. First and second seat back support elements are provided, the first element rotatably coupled to the first side plate and rotatably linked to the first pin and the second element rotatably coupled to the second side plate and rotatably linked to the second pin. First and second leg rest support arms are each connected by a pantograph linkage set to a drive rod disposed through the side plates. A rearward force applied by an occupant to the support elements rotates them rearward with the first and second pins sliding within the elongated slots. An occupant's weight when the rearward force is removed returns the support elements to a pre-rotation position. A cam adjusts a weight a leg rest can hold.

Abstract: A furniture mechanism includes first and second side plates. First and second support members are rotatably pinned to the side plates. First and second pantograph linkage sets are each linked to one of the side plates and each extend from a stowed position to a fully extended position and support a user leg rest. A base frame includes first and second side channels. A U-shaped leaf spring interconnected to the first and second side channels and connected to the support members permits co-rotation of at least the connection plates, the pantograph linkage sets, and the support members with respect to the base frame. First and second tilt cams are rotatably fastened to the support members. The tilt cams each include multiple cam faces which define a plurality of temporary detent positions of the mechanism by contact of individual cam faces with the side channels.

Abstract: A furniture item includes a support member and a rotatably pinned mechanism operable in rocking and reclining motions. The mechanism includes first and second side plates; a first pair of forward link members each rotatably connected to one of the side plates; a pantograph linkage set connected to the first pair of forward link members to extend and retract a footrest assembly in the reclining motion; and a drive rod rotatable between the side plates. Rotating the drive rod extends or retracts the pantograph linkage set. An escutcheon connected to the drive rod has a snap-engaged handle to manually rotate the drive rod. At least one U-shaped spring connected between the support member and the mechanism allows rocking motion. A seat pan has flat body springs extending over a seat pan aperture to support an occupant. A detent at one end of each flat spring engages the seat pan.

Abstract: A furniture member swivel base includes a hollow first ring having L-shaped walls, including an outer wall vertically oriented and a ball contact wall horizontally oriented in an operating position. A hollow second ring includes ball bearing cavities proximate a second ring outer perimeter. The second ring is positioned below the first ring in the operating position. A ball bearing is rotatably received in each of the ball bearing support cavities and extends partially above the second ring to rotatably support the ball contact wall and permit the first ring to rotate with respect to the second ring. The first ring is fixed to the furniture member so the furniture member is supported on the first ring. The furniture member and the first ring are rotatable about an axis oriented transverse to the second ring with the second ring non-rotatably in contact with a floor surface.

Abstract: A detachable operator assembly for a recliner chair including a handle, a drive rod and a threaded fastener. The handle is configured to operably connect with the drive rod without requiring a metal insert or reinforcement. The threaded fastener is inserted into a counterbore formed in the handle such that the shank freely passes through the handle and threadingly engages the drive rod. The shank extends through the drive rod to threadingly engage the handle. The operator assembly is configured so that the fastener fails before the plastic handle fails, and more specifically, so the fastener breaks between the fastener head and the drive rod, thereby allowing easy removal of the broken fastener without disassembly of the drive rod from the reclining chair.

Abstract: A furniture member strap system includes a first strap having loop members at a first end and hook members at a second end and a first sewn area positioned between the loop members and the hook members. A second strap has opposed ends overlapping each other creating a looped end. A buckle member has an elongated aperture to receive the looped end. A strap assembly has the second end of the first strap slid through the aperture of the buckle member and the hook members releasably engaged with the loop members. The assembly joins first and second members of a furniture assembly having the first and second straps sewn to the first and second furniture members.

Abstract: A biasing element assembly for an article of furniture includes an actuation mechanism to enable a leg rest assembly to move between a stowed position and an extended position and be retained in intermediate positions. The mechanism includes a support shaft, a drive rod spaced apart from the support shaft, and a toggle link coupled to the drive shaft. Multiple apertures are aligned on the toggle link. The biasing element assembly includes a single biasing element having first and second ends. The first end is connected to one of the toggle link apertures. The biasing element second end is a hook that slides along the support shaft. A biasing element spring tension is varied by engaging the first end to different ones of the toggle link apertures. The biasing element slides to align itself on the support shaft where a biasing element length is minimized.

Abstract: An entertainment system component enclosure includes a frame, including first and second frame members and first and second side frame members. The first and second frame members together with the first and second side frame members define a rectangular shape having an internally positioned aperture. First and second walls each extend transversely from one of the first and second side frame members. A third wall extends transversely from the first frame member and is oriented parallel to the first frame member and transverse to the first and second side walls. A two-way mirror is fixedly positioned in the aperture. The walls and frame enclose an entertainment component while the two-way mirror allows viewing the component.

Abstract: A three-position leg rest mechanism includes a link and sector members rotatably supported to the link. The sector members are coupled to a drive rod for rotation therewith. A biased pin engages the sector members and releasably locks with the sector members in each of three positions. A locking link end opposite the sector members is coupled to a support shaft of the actuation mechanism. An elastically compressible member is positioned between the sector members which is partially compressed by the pin as the pin moves relative to the sector members, reducing contact noise between the pin and the sector members.

Abstract: A furniture mounted cup holder includes a cup holder base having a perimeter wall defining an interior cavity. A lid is slidably received within the cavity. The lid includes: a flat end surface to support a beverage container; an outer perimeter wall which slides against the cup holder base perimeter wall; and at least one indentation created at a junction between the outer perimeter wall and the end surface. The indentation assists in manual removal of the lid from the cup holder base. A biasing device is in contact with both the end surface of the lid and the cup holder base. The biasing device displaces the lid between a latched, lid depressed position and a lid extended position. Radial extensions of the lid help center the lid in the cavity and prevent lid rotation.

Abstract: A furniture member such as a rocking chair includes a chair frame operable for rocking motion relative to a stationary base. The chair frame and stationary base are coupled together by a rocker spring assembly positioned on each side of the frame/base. The rocker spring assembly includes upper and lower brackets and a single coiled spring connected to both brackets. A displacement limiting device is positioned within an inner cavity of the coiled spring to limit the rocking movement of the chair frame.

Abstract: A furniture member actuation mechanism includes first and second side plates with polymeric inserts each having an elongated slot each receiving a first or second pin. First and second seat back support elements are provided, the first element rotatably coupled to the first side plate and rotatably linked to the first pin and the second element rotatably coupled to the second side plate and rotatably linked to the second pin. First and second leg rest support arms are each connected by a pantograph linkage set to a drive rod disposed through the side plates. A rearward force applied by an occupant to the support elements rotates them rearward with the first and second pins sliding within the elongated slots. An occupant's weight when the rearward force is removed returns the support elements to a pre-rotation position. A cam adjusts a weight a leg rest can hold.

Abstract: A rivet system for use in motion furniture linkage and the like. The rivet system incorporates an electrically conductive plastic washer which eliminates the need for oil lubrication while maintaining the ability to electrostatically paint the linkage assembly.

Abstract: A power-assisted heavy lift chair comprises a base assembly. A chair frame is supported on the base assembly. A lift mechanism communicates with the base assembly and the chair frame, and is operable to actuate the chair frame between first and second positions. A transformer provides electrical power to an electric motor. The electric motor provides rotational power to the lift mechanism at a first rate to lift and/or lower the chair frame. The electric motor draws current from the transformer according to a load upon the chair frame. The rate that the electric motor lifts and/or lowers the chair frame depends upon the voltage provided by the transformer. The transformer is operable to provide a generally constant voltage regardless of the current draw of the electric motor. Therefore, the electric motor lifts and/or lowers the chair at a constant rate independent of the load on the chair.

Abstract: A spring assembly for an article of furniture having a seat assembly supported from a chair frame and an actuation mechanism for enabling a leg rest assembly to move between a stowed position and an extended position. The mechanism includes a support shaft, a drive rod spaced apart from the support shaft, and a toggle link coupled to the drive shaft. The spring assembly includes a spring with a first and a second end and adapted to attach to the toggle link at the first end. The spring also includes a member at the second end adapted to slidably engage the support shaft, whereby the spring aligns itself at a position on the support shaft where the length of the spring is at a minimum.

Abstract: An electric-motor drive system having a drive motor and a drive train comprising a worm gear, designed such that the overall dimensions are comparatively small and the pivot angle of rotation of the component cooperating with the output member of the drive system is comparatively large. The worm gear is the output member of the drive train. The worm gear has a central shaped hole for positive-fit connection to a rotatable input member of an adjustable device. The worm gear has a further gear step, preferably a worm drive, on the output side.