Abstract: A hinged glider mechanism includes a hinge device for pivoted mounting in a chair between a stationary base frame and a seat frame, for supporting the seat frame for oscillatory gliding motion generally longitudinally relative to the base frame. The hinge device is configured for repeated substantially silent pivotal oscillating cycles over an extended life. The hinge device includes a hinge panel consisting essentially of a polymeric material, such as acetal copolymer, that is characterized by a sufficient strength and durability to support the seat frame and a seat occupant during repeated and extended pivotal oscillating cycles without failure and a sufficient lubricity not to generate noise during the repeated and extended pivotal oscillating cycles.

Abstract: A monolithic rail clip, formed from a single piece of material, comprising a plurality of integrated hooks spaced along an angled rail body for use in constructing a seat base. A pair of the rail clips are attached to a pair of opposing members of a frame of the seat base so that the integrated hooks form opposing pairs. A plurality of springs are attached to the hook pairs and stretch between the opposing members to define a resilient structure for supporting a furniture seat. Each rail clip is constructed by forming a plurality of tabs extending from one longitudinal edge the rail body and bending the tabs to form the plurality of hooks. The integral construction of the hooks reduces the assembly time of each rail and seat base. The monolithic construction of the rail clip provides additional structural rigidity to the seat base.

Abstract: A hand rail assembly for assisting the ingress and egress of a recreational vehicle. The hand rail assembly has a banister and a support structure, one end of each pivotally attached to the exterior of a recreational vehicle adjacent to a door, and the other end of each pivotally connected to each other. The hand rail assembly may be retracted to a storage position and extended in an operating position. A release mechanism coupled to the support structure provides for movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions. The release mechanism is controlled by a trigger member to allow for one-handed movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions while keeping the operator's hand away from pinch points, thus eliminating chances of injury. A LED lighting system integral to the banister provides illumination of the banister and surrounding area for additional safety.

Abstract: An assembly for construction into a casket bed frame for supporting a body. The casket bed frame includes a rectangular frame formed of a pair of first rails and second rails wherein a plurality of corrugated metal strips extend between the second rails. The rails of the metal frame advantageously interlock at their ends to form the rectangular frame without the use of tools. A plurality of lances are spaced along each of the second rails and are configured to extend through holes in the ends of the corrugated strips for easy attachment of the strips to the second rails. The rectangular frame may be further reinforced, and the stretcher springs supported, by a pair of stretcher supports that each have crimped ends configured to extend over and embrace the first rails.

Abstract: A glider chair in a recreational vehicle including a frame suspended from a base by a gliding mechanism for movement of the frame in a horizontal back-and-forth gliding motion relative to the base and a locking mechanism selectively operable to disable the gliding motion of the chair relative to the base. The locking mechanism has a locking plate mounted on a rotatable arm secured in a base from the chair to move pivotally between an inactive position wherein the plate is spaced from the suspended portion of the glider mechanism and a locking position where the plate engages a frame member of the suspended portion of the glider mechanism to prevent horizontal back-and-forth motion of the frame member relative to the base.

Abstract: A frame assembly for securing a plurality of modular sofa parts together into a sofa frame. The frame assembly includes a pair of tapered members attached to opposing sides of a backrest sofa part and a pair of receptacles attached to a respective one of a pair of rails, which are in turn attached to a pair of armrests. The backrest is connected to the armrests by inserting each of the tapered members into a tapered slot defined by each respective receptacle and is further strengthened using a pair of overlapping securing members. The tapered shape of the tapered members and slots produces a positive fit that has two directional components to prevent rocking of the backrest in two directions. The rails are configured to also accept a sleeper unit, and a futon unit allowing the sofa frame to be easily upgraded or adapted as desired by the user.

Abstract: A self-locking rocker recliner is provided. The rocker recliner includes a base frame and a rocking frame that is rockably connected to said base frame. The rocking frame supports seating surfaces of the rocker recliner, such as a seat back, a seat bottom, a footrest, and armrests. The rocking frame includes an upper rocking frame and a lower rocking frame that are movably connected so that the rocker recliner can be adjusted between an upright position and at least one reclined position, such as a TV or fully reclined position. The rocker recliner can be reclined by rotating a recline lever on the side of the rocker recliner, and reclining the rocker recliner can also cause the extension of a footrest. A lockout lever, which is attached to the rocker recliner, is configured to be moved by a user between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A position controller for controlling a motorized, reclining chair comprising a track attached to a frame of the chair and a controller switch slidable in the track. The reclining chair includes a motor that controls movement of a backrest of the chair into a reclining position and extension of a footrest of the chair into an extended position. The controller switch is slidable in the track so that it remains within reach of the user throughout the range of motion of the reclining chair. The position controller also includes a pressure switch that activates the control switch in response to loading of the seating area of the recliner, so that the motorized chair can be operated only by a seated user. The control switch includes a toggle switch that the user can easily manipulate by hand to control movement of the chair.

Abstract: A frame assembly for securing a plurality of modular sofa parts together into a sofa frame. The frame assembly includes a pair of tapered members attached to opposing sides of a backrest sofa part and a pair of receptacles attached to a respective one of a pair of rails, which are in turn attached to a pair of armrests. The backrest is connected to the armrests by inserting each of the tapered members into a tapered slot defined by each respective receptacle and is further strengthened using a pair of overlapping securing members. The tapered shape of the tapered members and slots produces a positive fit that has two directional components to prevent rocking of the backrest in two directions. The rails are configured to also accept a sleeper unit, and a futon unit allowing the sofa frame to be easily upgraded or adapted as desired by the user.

Abstract: A pressure switch strip assembly for use with a motorized chair having user-supporting elements that support a user and are movable by a motor connected by a circuit to a controller. The pressure switch strip assembly includes a pair of elongate contact strips that extend over a spring in one of the user-supporting elements. The contact strips are separated by spacers in a “normally open” position that prohibits operation of the motor by the controller. Between the contact strips and the spring is a contact wire that acts as a pressure point to deflect the contact strips together. Deflection of the contact strips closes the circuit between the controller and motor, allowing control of the chair by the user resting thereon. A pair of the pressure switch strips may be spaced apart across the user-supporting element so as to detect the user in several positions on the user-supporting element.

Abstract: A monolithic rail clip, formed from a single piece of material, comprising a plurality of integrated hooks spaced along an angled rail body for use in constructing a seat base. A pair of the rail clips are attached to a pair of opposing members of a frame of the seat base so that the integrated hooks form opposing pairs. A plurality of springs are attached to the hook pairs and stretch between the opposing members to define a resilient structure for supporting a furniture seat. Each rail clip is constructed by forming a plurality of tabs extending from one longitudinal edge the rail body and bending the tabs to form the plurality of hooks. The integral construction of the hooks reduces the assembly time of each rail and seat base. The monolithic construction of the rail clip provides additional structural rigidity to the seat base.

Abstract: A self-locking rocker recliner is provided. The rocker recliner includes a base frame and a rocking frame that is rockably connected to said base frame. The rocking frame supports seating surfaces of the rocker recliner, such as a seat back, a seat bottom, a footrest, and armrests. The rocking frame includes an upper rocking frame and a lower rocking frame that are movably connected so that the rocker recliner can be adjusted between an upright position and at least one reclined position, such as a TV or fully reclined position. The rocker recliner can be reclined by rotating a recline lever on the side of the rocker recliner, and reclining the rocker recliner can also cause the extension of a footrest. A lockout lever, which is attached to the rocker recliner, is configured to be moved by a user between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A frame assembly for securing a plurality of modular sofa parts together into a sofa frame. The frame assembly includes a pair of tapered members attached to opposing sides of a backrest sofa part and a pair of receptacles attached to a respective one of a pair of rails, which are in turn attached to a pair of armrests. The backrest is connected to the armrests by inserting each of the tapered members into a tapered slot defined by each respective receptacle and is further strengthened using a pair of overlapping securing members. The tapered shape of the tapered members and slots produces a positive fit that has two directional components to prevent rocking of the backrest in two directions. The rails are configured to also accept a sleeper unit, and a futon unit allowing the sofa frame to be easily upgraded or adapted as desired by the user.

Abstract: A monolithic rail clip, formed from a single piece of material, comprises a plurality of integrated hooks spaced along an angled rail body for use in constructing a seat base. A pair of the rail clips are attached to a pair of opposing members of a frame of the seat base so that the integrated hooks form opposing pairs. A plurality of springs are attached to the hook pairs and stretch between the opposing members to define a resilient structure for supporting a furniture seat. Each rail clip is constructed by forming a plurality of tabs extending from one longitudinal edge of the rail body and bending the tabs to form the plurality of hooks. The integral construction of the hooks reduces the assembly time of each rail and seat base. The monolithic construction of the rail clip provides additional structural rigidity to the seat base.

Abstract: Concealed hardware for controlling the raising and lowering of the crib side, permits the construction of a crib which includes no projecting or exposed parts. The hardware comprises a channel member embedded within the end stiles of the crib side and an engaged coupling element fastened to the adjacent crib end. The channel member restricts movement of the crib side to vertical translation, and includes a latching chamber at the bottom which selectively traps or releases the coupling element when it is desired to secure the crib side in an elevated position.

Abstract: A pressure switch strip assembly for use with a motorized chair having user-supporting elements that support a user and are movable by a motor connected by a circuit to a controller. The pressure switch strip assembly includes a pair of elongate contact strips that extend over a spring in one of the user-supporting elements. The contact strips are separated by spacers in a “normally open” position that prohibits operation of the motor by the controller. Between the contact strips and the spring is a contact wire that acts as a pressure point to deflect the contact strips together. Deflection of the contact strips closes the circuit between the controller and motor, allowing control of the chair by the user resting thereon. A pair of the pressure switch strips may be spaced apart across the user-supporting element so as to detect the user in several positions on the user-supporting element.

Abstract: A position controller for controlling a motorized, reclining chair comprising a track attached to a frame of the chair and a controller switch slidable in the track. The reclining chair includes a motor that controls movement of a backrest of the chair into a reclining position and extension of a footrest of the chair into an extended position. The controller switch is slidable in the track so that it remains within reach of the user throughout the range of motion of the reclining chair. The position controller also includes a pressure switch that activates the control switch in response to loading of the seating area of the recliner, so that the motorized chair can be operated only by a seated user. The control switch includes a toggle switch that the user can easily manipulate by hand to control movement of the chair.

Abstract: An assembly for construction into a casket bed frame for supporting a body. The casket bed frame includes a rectangular frame formed of a pair of first rails and second rails wherein a plurality of corrugated metal strips extend between the second rails. The rails of the metal frame advantageously interlock at their ends to form the rectangular frame without the use of tools. A plurality of lances are spaced along each of the second rails and are configured to extend through holes in the ends of the corrugated strips for easy attachment of the strips to the second rails. The rectangular frame may be further reinforced, and the stretcher springs supported, by a pair of stretcher supports that each have crimped ends configured to extend over and embrace the first rails.

Abstract: Concealed hardware for controlling the raising and lowering of the crib side, permits the construction of a crib which includes no projecting or exposed parts. The hardware comprises a channel member embedded within the end stiles of the crib side and an engaged coupling element fastened to the adjacent crib end. The channel member restricts movement of the crib side to vertical translation, and includes a latching chamber at the bottom which selectively traps or releases the coupling element when it is desired to secure the crib side in an elevated position.

Abstract: A frame assembly for securing a plurality of modular sofa parts together into a sofa frame. The frame assembly includes a pair of tapered members attached to opposing sides of a backrest sofa part and a pair of receptacles attached to a respective one of a pair of rails, which are in turn attached to a pair of armrests. The backrest is connected to the armrests by inserting each of the tapered members into a tapered slot defined by each respective receptacle and is further strengthened using a pair of overlapping securing members. The tapered shape of the tapered members and slots produces a positive fit that has two directional components to prevent rocking of the backrest in two directions. The rails are configured to also accept a sleeper unit, and a futon unit allowing the sofa frame to be easily upgraded or adapted as desired by the user.