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 reclining chair is provided which includes a base frame, a support linkage assembly pivotally supported from the base frame, a seat back operably coupled to the support linkage and a chair frame, including a seat frame, secured to the support linkage. 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. The support linkage further operates to recline the seat assembly between an upright position and a fully reclined position.

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 modular reclining chair having an improved chair frame assembly and improved pantograph linkage is disclosed. The chair frame assembly includes a hybrid front frame member assembly having a plywood front frame board and a pair of metal front frame brackets for interconnecting a pair of side frame assemblies to define a rigid box-like chair frame. The front frame member assembly is further interconnected with the actuation mechanism to provide an integrated chair frame assembly. The improved pantograph linkage is adapted to be readily removable from a fully assembled chair for facilitating field serviceability and repair without requiring partial or complete disassembly of the reclining chair.

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 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: 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: 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: The chair of the present disclosure 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 modular reclining chair and method for assembling it are disclosed. The modular reclining 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 modular frame components, and included among the modular frame components is a front cross rail assembly.

Abstract: A modular wall proximity reclining/tilt chair and method for assembling it are 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 modular reclining 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 modular frame components.

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).