Abstract: A biased cable mechanism is provided for enabling a secondary connection between a trailer and a vehicle. The biased cable mechanism includes a housing supporting a cable for resilient extensions from the housing. A first end of the cable is fixedly attached to the housing and a second end extends therefrom. A biasing member is operably interconnected to a mid-length of the cable enabling resilient extension of the cable from the housing for attachment to the vehicle, thereby providing the secondary connection.

Abstract: A biased cable mechanism is provided for enabling a secondary connection between a trailer and a vehicle. The biased cable mechanism includes a housing supporting a cable for resilient extensions from the housing. A first end of the cable is fixedly attached to the housing and a second end extends therefrom. A biasing member is operably interconnected to a mid-length of the cable enabling resilient extension of the cable from the housing for attachment to the vehicle, thereby providing the secondary connection.

Abstract: A biased cable mechanism is provided for enabling a secondary connection between a trailer and a vehicle. The biased cable mechanism includes a housing supporting a cable for resilient extensions from the housing. A first end of the cable is fixedly attached to the housing and a second end extends therefrom. A biasing member is operably interconnected to a mid-length of the cable enabling resilient extension of the cable from the housing for attachment to the vehicle, thereby providing the secondary connection.

Abstract: A reclining chair is provided which includes a base, and a support linkage assembly pivotally supported from the base. A longitudinal link is operably interconnected to the support linkage assembly. A recline linkage assembly is operably coupled to the longitudinal link and to the base for controlling movement of the longitudinal link from an upright position to at least one reclined position. A rotatable drive shaft is journally supported by the longitudinal link. The reclining chair further includes a leg rest assembly supported from the longitudinal link and operably coupled to the drive shaft for movement from a retracted position to an extended position in response to rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A tray table assembly for a chair is disclosed which is adapted for use in a health care environment. The tray table assembly enables a seated occupant or care giver to quickly and conveniently pivot the tray table in various incremental positions throughout a generally horizontal 360.degree. circular path. The tray table assembly includes a main tray assembly pivotally coupled to a mounting arm assembly to facilitate the lateral adjustments of the tray table. Furthermore, the tray table assembly includes a locking mechanism for quickly and conveniently mounting and demounting the tray table assembly from the health care chair. Still further, the tray table assembly includes positioning means for retaining the tray table in the desired position.

Abstract: A health care reclining chair is disclosed which includes a rigid chair frame assembly. An improved deep recline swing linkage assembly is disclosed which permits the seat back of the chair to be fully reclined into a substantially flat position relative to the seat and operably suspends the seat assembly for reclining motion within the chair frame assembly. A mobile base assembly is interdisposed between the chair frame assembly and the floor to permit the reclining chair to be used for transportation of a seated occupant. Furthermore, a tilting mechanism is operably coupled between the mobile base assembly and the chair frame assembly for permitting tilting movement of the chair frame relative to the base assembly. The health care reclining chair of the present invention may further be adapted to include a leg rest assembly positionable between a retracted position and an extended position for providing further comfort.

Abstract: A swivel base lockout assembly for disabling the rotational degree of freedom provided by a swivel plate operably disposed between a stationary base and a chair frame is disclosed. The swivel base lockout assembly includes a threaded fastener extending between the stationary base and a support frame of the chair frame. A spacer bushing is concentrically disposed about the threaded fastener to maintain the substantially parallel orientation of the stationary base and the support frame.

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) which as disclosed, also includes a selectable height ottoman.

Abstract: A modular "bridge" section is disclosed having a seat frame assembly and a detachable seat back assembly supported therefrom. The seat frame assembly and the detachable seat back assembly are upholstered to define an aesthetically pleasing seat section which can be installed between two seat sections or, alternatively, which can be used as an armless end unit of a modular sectional arrangement. The detachable seat back assembly is further defined by an improved linkage mechanism for use with a retractable or "flip-down" sofa table comprising a pair of pivotable links, a centerboard mounted on one set of the links, and an upholstered cover which covers and aesthetically conceals the linkage mechanism and centerboard from view. Counter-balance means are provided to assist movement of the table between open and closed position.

Abstract: A glider chair including an improved glider linkage mechanism having a pair of front and rear glide links which are laterally preloaded such that non-precision bearing may be utilized. The glider chair further includes a rigid "box-like" chair frame surrounding the glider mechanism and having ample clearance therein so that extended glide links may be utilized to further provide a smooth and relatively flat glide motion while maintaining an appropriate height between the seat and floor.

Abstract: A battery pack for providing a standby power source for use with powered motion furniture having an electric motor. The battery pack includes a housing defining a cavity within which a first battery and a second battery are disposed and electrically connected in series, a circuit board for regulating the charging and discharging of the first and second batteries, and a support member for securing the circuit board within the cavity. An umbilical cord is electrically connected to the circuit board and is electrically connectable to the electric motor in order to provide power to charge the first and second batteries when the electric motor is connected to a power source. Alternatively, when the electric motor is not connected to an operative power source, the batteries power the electric motor through the umbilical cord connection.

Abstract: A chair including a power-assisted linear actuation drive mechanism having a cam guide which is linearly movable upon rotation 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. Rotation of a shaft in a second opposite direction acts to lower the chair to a normal seating position. Continued rotation 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 and for causing a rearward tilt of the chair frame. Further rotation 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 and for causing an additional rearward tilt of the chair frame.

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 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 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 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 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.