Abstract: A linkage for use in reclining furniture may include a back bracket supported by forward and rear back pivot links. The bottom of the rear back pivot link may be pivotably coupled to a rear lift link and the bottom of the forward back pivot link may be pivotably coupled to the rear lift link in a different location. A control link may be pivotably coupled on one end to one of the forward back pivot link and the rear back pivot link. The control link may pull the pivoting linkage of the back bracket and the forward and back pivot links as the overall linkage is moved from a closed to a TV to a full-recline position. The resulting pivot point for the back is projected upwardly and forwardly, to a point where an upholstered back and seat meet on a finished chair.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism provides motion capabilities for various chair types. For example, a linkage mechanism includes a combination of links that facilitate ottoman extension/closing and backrest recline/incline. In addition a linkage mechanism includes a compact design that is usable with hi-leg style chairs having a relatively low seat height.

Abstract: A linkage for use in reclining furniture may include a back bracket supported by forward and rear back pivot links. The bottom of the rear back pivot link may be pivotally coupled to a rear lift link and the bottom of the forward back pivot link may be pivotally coupled to the rear lift link in a different location. A control link may be pivotally coupled on one end to one of the forward back pivot link and the rear back pivot link. The control link may pull the pivoting linkage of the back bracket and the forward and back pivot links as the overall linkage is moved from a closed to a TV to a full-recline position. The resulting pivot point for the back is projected upwardly and forwardly, to a point where an upholstered back and seat meet on a finished chair.

Abstract: A simplified, compact, recliner mechanism which can be adapted to essentially any type of seating unit is disclosed. The seat-drop and the over-center linkages, as well as the seat-drop movement, may be eliminated utilizing a simplified recliner linkage and a linear actuator to control movement of the recliner mechanism.

Abstract: A chair mechanism is provided for a seating unit that has a footrest, a seat, and a back. The mechanism is adapted to move the seating unit from a closed position with the footrest stowed beneath the seat, the seat in a generally horizontal orientation, and the back in an upright position, to an extended position with the footrest extended, the seat inclined from back-to-front, and the back in a reclined position.

Abstract: A seating unit and a mechanism for a seating unit are provided. Each seating unit has a pair of mechanisms operable to move the seating unit between a closed position and a reclined position. Each mechanism includes an extended seat plate that extends from, and connects to, the chair back to the front of a seat frame. Each mechanism also has a rear pivot link, the upper end of which is pivotally connected to the seat plate. This pivotal connection is above the seat frame, allowing the mechanism to move the seating unit to the reclined position with minimal front-to-back movement. The mechanism moves the seating unit to a zero gravity reclined position, without the use of roller tracks.

Abstract: A split ottoman linkage is provided that has a slotted upper ottoman bracket. The slot of the upper ottoman bracket is shaped to maintain the pivotal coupling between the upper ottoman bracket and a front ottoman link in normal operation. If an entrapment is encountered as the split ottoman linkage closes, the slotted connection allows the upper ottoman bracket to pivot away from the entrapment to provide some relief.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism provides motion capabilities for various chair types. For example, a linkage mechanism includes a combination of links that facilitate ottoman extension/closing and backrest recline/incline. In addition a linkage mechanism includes a compact design that is usable with hi-leg style chairs having a relatively low seat height.

Abstract: A chair mechanism is provided for a seating unit that has a footrest, a seat, and a back. The mechanism is adapted to move the seating unit from a closed position with the footrest stowed beneath the seat, the seat in a generally horizontal orientation, and the back in an upright position, to an extended position with the footrest extended, the seat inclined from back-to-front, and the back in a reclined position.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for a reclining seating unit that provides increased back support, reduces shirt pull and decreases minimum wall clearance. The linkage mechanism may include a seat mounting plate indirectly coupled to a back bracket where the back bracket pivots around a projected pivot point located forwardly and upwardly from the back bracket when the seating unit is closed. The linkage mechanism may include an intermediate link pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate and the back bracket, a back pivot link pivotally connected to the back bracket and a rear lift link, the rear lift link pivotally connected to the seat mounting plate, and a control link pivotally connected to the back pivot link and the seat mounting plate. Forward movement of the back bracket relative to the seat mounting plate as the seating unit reclines reduces the wall clearance needed behind the seating unit below 4.5 inches.

Abstract: A modular base system is provided that allows easy installation and maintenance in a row of motion seating units. Arms are easily removable from a base assembly. The base assembly also provides structure allowing easy installation and removal of the motion mechanism. The base assembly also allows easy installation and removal of a back panel. The motion mechanism includes a pivotal seat frame attachment allowing the seat to be pivoted upwardly, from the front of the mechanism.

Abstract: A modular base system is provided that allows easy installation and maintenance in a row of motion seating units. Arms are easily removable from a base assembly. The base assembly also provides structure allowing easy installation and removal of the motion mechanism. The base assembly also allows easy installation and removal of a back panel. The motion mechanism includes a pivotal seat frame attachment allowing the seat to be pivoted upwardly, from the front of the mechanism.

Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a seating unit including a base, a linkage mechanism operatively coupled to the base, the linkage mechanism configured to move between a closed position and one or more open positions, and a stop member configured to contact the linkage mechanism and the base when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position. The linkage mechanism may include a forward pivot link pivotally connected to the base. The stop member may include a pin coupled to one of the base and the forward pivot link and may contact the other of the base and the forward pivot link when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position.

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 linkage mechanism provides motion capabilities for various chair types. For example, a linkage mechanism includes a combination of links that facilitate ottoman extension/closing and backrest recline/incline. In addition a linkage mechanism includes a compact design that is usable with hi-leg style chairs having a relatively low seat height.

Abstract: A modular assembly for a row of seating units is provided. Each seating unit has a pair of mechanisms operable to move between a closed position and a reclined position. Each mechanism includes first and second roller track that are oriented at opposite angles to one another. A seat mounting plate is moveably coupled to, and constrained by, a linkage coupling the seat mounting plate to the first and second roller tracks so that the seat mounting plate is moveable from a generally horizontal orientation in the closed position, to an inclined orientation in the reclined position, with the incline from back end of the seating unit to the front end of the seating unit.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to direct-connect device, system, and method for determining presence with respect to an automated furniture item, such as 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 blocker linkage for use in selectively locking a glider-recliner is provided. The glider-recliner is operable to move between closed, TV and full-recline positions. The blocker linkage includes a glide bracket having front and rear glide links pivotably coupled thereto. The rear glide link has a blocker pin coupled to it that extends outwardly. A carrier link is pivotably coupled to the bottoms of the front and rear glide links. A rear blocker cam is pivotably coupled to the carrier link. Similarly, a front blocker cam is also pivotably coupled to the carrier link. The rear blocker cam and the front blocker cam are operably coupled to cooperatively engage the blocker pin on the rear glide link when the glider-recliner is moved from the closed position to the TV and full-recline positions, preventing movement of the rear glide link (and thus the gliding movement supported by the carrier link).

Abstract: A modular base system is provided that allows easy installation and maintenance in a row of motion seating units. Arms are easily removable from a base assembly. The base assembly also provides structure allowing easy installation and removal of the motion mechanism. The base assembly also allows easy installation and removal of a back panel. The motion mechanism includes a pivotal seat frame attachment allowing the seat to be pivoted upwardly, from the front of the mechanism.

Abstract: A modular base system is provided that allows easy installation and maintenance in a row of motion seating units. Arms are easily removable from a base assembly. The base assembly also provides structure allowing easy installation and removal of the motion mechanism. The base assembly also allows easy installation and removal of a back panel. The motion mechanism includes a pivotal seat frame attachment allowing the seat to be pivoted upwardly, from the front of the mechanism.