Patents by Inventor Larry I. Bullard

Larry I. Bullard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10130185
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism and motion upholstery furniture having the same are provided. The adjustable lumbar support mechanism includes a lumbar support member that is coupled to a lumbar support link. The lumbar support link is coupled to a lumbar support mounting plate. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the lumbar support link such that when an extendable shaft of the actuating mechanism shifts from a retracted to an extended configuration, the lumbar support member rotates away from a back portion of a seat back and towards the seat to provide lumbar support to an occupant sitting in the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Allen R. Sigmon, Brent J. Ackermann, Larry I. Bullard, Jason H. Carr
  • Patent number: 10085564
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism and motion upholstery furniture having the same are provided. The adjustable lumbar support mechanism includes a lumbar support member that is coupled to a lumbar support link. The lumbar support link is coupled to a lumbar support mounting plate. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the lumbar support link such that when an extendable shaft of the actuating mechanism shifts from a retracted to an extended configuration, the lumbar support member rotates away from a back portion of a seat back and towards the seat to provide lumbar support to an occupant sitting in the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Publication number: 20170215590
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism and motion upholstery furniture having the same are provided. The adjustable lumbar support mechanism includes a lumbar support member that is coupled to a lumbar support link. The lumbar support link is coupled to a lumbar support mounting plate. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the lumbar support link such that when an extendable shaft of the actuating mechanism shifts from a retracted to an extended configuration, the lumbar support member rotates away from a back portion of a seat back and towards the seat to provide lumbar support to an occupant sitting in the furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Allen R. Sigmon, Brent J. Ackermann, Larry I. Bullard, Jason H. Carr
  • Publication number: 20170215589
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism and motion upholstery furniture having the same are provided. The adjustable lumbar support mechanism includes a lumbar support member that is coupled to a lumbar support link. The lumbar support link is coupled to a lumbar support mounting plate. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the lumbar support link such that when an extendable shaft of the actuating mechanism shifts from a retracted to an extended configuration, the lumbar support member rotates away from a back portion of a seat back and towards the seat to provide lumbar support to an occupant sitting in the furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventor: LARRY I. BULLARD
  • Publication number: 20170119162
    Abstract: A seat assembly for insertion into a piece of furniture has a frame having opposed sides. Each side may have openings therein for supporting clips. Upper and lower sinuous wires extend generally across the frame. Upper stabilizer wires are secured to the upper sinuous wires and maintain the spacing thereof. The clips secure each of the sinuous wires to the frame. Coil springs are secured to the upper stabilizer wires and the lower sinuous wires. The clips securing the upper and lower sinuous wires alternate along the sides of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 9560916
    Abstract: A seating product is provided which comprises a metal frame, straps of webbing joined to the metal frame with wire hooks. Each of the wire hooks has a main portion inside a loop created in the strap of webbing and two U-shaped portions extending outside the metal frame. Each of the U-shaped portions secures the wire hook in place without the use of holes in the metal frame, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The metal frame may be made of two pieces joined together, one of the pieces being straight and the other being generally U-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 9247820
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying tension to a fabric decking on an article of furniture are described. The apparatus includes a cylindrical base having a central axis and that is adapted to be placed in proximity to a frame of the article of furniture. A plurality of spaced needles are coupled to, and extend away from, said base. The needles are aligned in a row parallel to the axis of the cylindrical base. The needles extend away from the base a distance greater than a thickness of the fabric decking material. The apparatus also includes a rotation mechanism coupled to the base and operable to impart a rotational movement to the base about the axis, between a first, ready position for engagement with the fabric decking material, and a second stretched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 9078524
    Abstract: A seating product is provided which comprises a metal frame, straps of webbing joined to the metal frame with wire hooks. Each of the wire hooks has a main portion inside a loop created in the strap of webbing and two L-shaped portions extending through openings in the metal frame. Each of the L-shaped portions reduces movement of the wire hooks inside the metal frame reducing noise and wear. The metal frame is made of two pieces joined together, one of the pieces being straight and the other being generally U-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Publication number: 20150137576
    Abstract: A seating product is provided which comprises a metal frame, straps of webbing joined to the metal frame with wire hooks. Each of the wire hooks has a main portion inside a loop created in the strap of webbing and two L-shaped portions extending through openings in the metal frame. Each of the L-shaped portions reduces movement of the wire hooks inside the metal frame reducing noise and wear. The metal frame is made of two pieces joined together, one of the pieces being straight and the other being generally U-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 9022474
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes an adjustable foundation, a torque-inducing mechanism, and a base structure for interconnecting a backrest and a seat is provided. The adjustable foundation provides adjustable support for, and is controlled by, an occupant of the seating unit. The adjustable foundation includes extensible supports that each have a first and second end, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a stationary member that is fixedly attached to the first ends and a drive bar that is configured to secure the second ends of the extensible supports such that longitudinal tension is generated upon rotating the drive bar with respect to the stationary member. The torque-inducing mechanism adjusts an angular position of the drive bar. In this capacity, the drive bar is configured to convert torque applied by the torque-inducing mechanism into a directional force that controls the longitudinal tension of the extensible supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 9004604
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and seating product that include a seat deck assembly with a tensioned fabric decking are described. The seat deck assembly includes one or a pair of frame rails attached along opposite edges of the decking. The decking includes an elastomeric textile. The decking or a first of the frame rails is attached to a first side of the frame. The second of the frame rails is placed in a rigid fixture. A force is applied by an actuator to the frame to move the second side of the frame toward the second frame rail and to stretch the elastomeric fabric. The second frame rail is couple to the second side of the frame and the assembled frame is removed from the fixture. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Bogard, Mark Mazza, Bernard R. Simon, Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 8671483
    Abstract: A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of interconnected pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric, and a fiber pad overlying an upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs, the fiber pad having a first layer in contact with the upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the first layer having a first density and said second layer having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density. At least one edge guard may be secured to the matrix of pocketed springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Larry I. Bullard, Allen R. Sigmon, Ronald D. Stiles, Roger Tornero
  • Patent number: 8667630
    Abstract: A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of interconnected pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric. Foam at least partially surrounds the matrix. A fiber pad is wrapped bull-nose around the matrix so the pad overlies an upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs, the fiber pad having a first layer in contact with the upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the first layer having a first density and said second layer having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 8511654
    Abstract: A drop-in grid base for coil units is provided. A plurality of extruded plastic tubes, plastic-covered wire profiles, and cross wires are arranged in substantially the same plane to form a grid foundation. The cross wires intersect the extruded plastic tubes and wire profiles. Base wires having a series of shallow, v-shaped notches are interwoven in substantially the same plane as the grid foundation. The ends of the base wires are looped for attachment inside the seating cavity of a framed furniture product. A coil unit may be attached directly to the drop-in grid base. Alternatively, the drop-in grid base may be separately installed into a seating cavity frame, for later installation of a coil unit on top of the drop-in grid base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Publication number: 20130008010
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying tension to a fabric decking on an article of furniture are described. The apparatus includes a cylindrical base having a central axis and that is adapted to be placed in proximity to a frame of the article of furniture. A plurality of spaced needles are coupled to, and extend away from, said base. The needles are aligned in a row parallel to the axis of the cylindrical base. The needles extend away from the base a distance greater than a thickness of the fabric decking material. The apparatus also includes a rotation mechanism coupled to the base and operable to impart a rotational movement to the base about the axis, between a first, ready position for engagement with the fabric decking material, and a second stretched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: L& P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: LARRY I. BULLARD
  • Publication number: 20130000043
    Abstract: A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of interconnected pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric, and a fiber pad overlying an upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs, the fiber pad having a first layer in contact with the upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the first layer having a first density and said second layer having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density. At least one edge guard may be secured to the matrix of pocketed springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Larry I. Bullard, Allen R. Sigmon, Ronald D. Stiles, Roger Tornero
  • Publication number: 20130000044
    Abstract: A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of interconnected pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric. Foam at least partially surrounds the matrix. A fiber pad is wrapped bull-nose around the matrix so the pad overlies an upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs, the fiber pad having a first layer in contact with the upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the first layer having a first density and said second layer having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 8302229
    Abstract: A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of interconnected pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric, and a fiber pad overlying an upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs, the fiber pad having a first layer in contact with the upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the first layer having a first density and said second layer having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Larry I. Bullard, Allen R. Sigmon, Ronald D. Stiles, Roger Tornero
  • Publication number: 20120175829
    Abstract: A drop-in grid base for coil units is provided. A plurality of extruded plastic tubes, plastic-covered wire profiles, and cross wires are arranged in substantially the same plane to form a grid foundation. The cross wires intersect the extruded plastic tubes and wire profiles. Base wires having a series of shallow, v-shaped notches are interwoven in substantially the same plane as the grid foundation. The ends of the base wires are looped for attachment inside the seating cavity of a framed furniture product. A coil unit may be attached directly to the drop-in grid base. Alternatively, the drop-in grid base may be separately installed into a seating cavity frame, for later installation of a coil unit on top of the drop-in grid base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: LARRY I. BULLARD
  • Publication number: 20120153703
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and seating product that include a seat deck assembly with a tensioned fabric decking are described. The seat deck assembly includes one or a pair of frame rails attached along opposite edges of the decking. The decking includes an elastomeric textile. The decking or a first of the frame rails is attached to a first side of the frame. The second of the frame rails is placed in a rigid fixture. A force is applied by an actuator to the frame to move the second side of the frame toward the second frame rail and to stretch the elastomeric fabric. The second frame rail is couple to the second side of the frame and the assembled frame is removed from the fixture. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy Bogard, Mark Mazza, Bernard R. Simon, Larry I. Bullard