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).
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Patent number: 8136884Abstract: A seating product comprising a seat deck assembly secured at opposite ends to a frame. The seat deck assembly comprises a seat deck. A textile border is disposed between at least one end of the seat deck assembly and the frame. The textile border is attached to the frame, thereby flexibly coupling the seat deck assembly thereto. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Larry I. Bullard, William J. Distler
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Publication number: 20110004371Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANYInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Publication number: 20100194172Abstract: A seating product comprising a seat deck assembly secured at opposite ends to a frame. The seat deck assembly comprises a seat deck. A textile border is disposed between at least one end of the seat deck assembly and the frame. The textile border is attached to the frame, thereby flexibly coupling the seat deck assembly thereto. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANYInventors: LARRY I. BULLARD, WILLIAM J. DISTLER
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Patent number: 7125465Abstract: A resilient structure having a fiber batt with coil springs disposed therein and respective coil spring paths. Each of the coil spring paths extending from a respective coil spring and having a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring. A method is also provided for heating the coil springs and inserting the coil springs into a side wall of the fiber batt to produce the coil spring paths that have a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Publication number: 20040140046Abstract: A resilient structure having a fiber batt with coil springs disposed therein and respective coil spring paths. Each of the coil spring paths extending from a respective coil spring and having a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring. A method is also provided for heating the coil springs and inserting the coil springs into a side wall of the fiber batt to produce the coil spring paths that have a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2004Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6702378Abstract: A method and apparatus for concealing a lift mechanism associated with a lift chair is provided. The lift chair includes a seating unit and a support frame. The apparatus is a piece of elastic material that includes a front panel, rear panel and a pair of side panels that are shaped to extend between the support frame and the seating unit. In particular, the side panels are tapered as they extend from the rear panel to the front panel. In concealing the lift mechanism, the front and rear panels extend around a front and rear bar respectively to conceal a top portion of the lift mechanism. In addition, front and rear panels may be coupled to one another by a coupling mechanism, such as a zipper. Further, a pull cord selectively secures the skirt to the bottom portion of the support frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6694554Abstract: A resilient structure having a fiber batt with coil springs disposed therein and respective coil spring paths. Each of the coil spring paths extending from a respective coil spring and having a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring. A method is also provided for heating the coil springs and inserting the coil springs into a side wall of the fiber batt to produce the coil spring paths that have a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I Bullard
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Publication number: 20020166174Abstract: A resilient structure having a fiber batt with coil springs disposed therein and respective coil spring paths. Each of the coil spring paths extending from a respective coil spring and having a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring. A method is also provided for heating the coil springs and inserting the coil springs into a side wall of the fiber batt to produce the coil spring paths that have a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Publication number: 20020125751Abstract: A method and apparatus for concealing a lift mechanism associated with a lift chair is provided. The lift chair includes a seating unit and a support frame. The apparatus is a piece of elastic material that includes a front panel, rear panel and a pair of side panels that are shaped to extend between the support frame and the seating unit. In particular, the side panels are tapered as they extend from the rear panel to the front panel. In concealing the lift mechanism, the front and rear panels extend around a front and rear bar respectively to conceal a top portion of the lift mechanism. In addition, front and rear panels may be coupled to one another by a coupling mechanism, such as a zipper. Further, a pull cord selectively secures the skirt to the bottom portion of the support frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6367881Abstract: A coil seating assembly is provided for use in a piece of furniture. The assembly includes a plurality of spring coils and a casing within which the coils are received. The coils each define a central longitudinal axis and are deformable in the direction of the axis between an extended, unloaded condition and a compressed, loaded condition. The casing includes a plurality of pockets, each of which encases one of the spring coils and includes side, top and bottom walls that collectively define an interior space sized for receipt of the coil when the coil is deformed from the unloaded condition. The pockets are sized to restrict extension of the coils from the compressed, loaded condition such that the coils are maintained in the loaded condition within the pocket. The pocketed coils are arranged in rows, and a plurality of the rows of pocketed coils are secured together by one or more cover sheets to form the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Larry I. Bullard, Vernon L. Bigsby, Richard A. Bozynski, Allen R. Sigmon
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Patent number: 6263573Abstract: A seating product comprising a plurality of sinuous spring assemblies secured at opposite ends to a frame. Each of the sinuous spring assemblies comprises length of webbing having a pair of opposed end portions which are secured to the frame and a sinuous spring. The length of webbing is intertwined with the sinuous spring. The sinuous spring is secured at opposite ends to the length of webbing. Padding and an upholstered covering complete the seating product.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6264179Abstract: The seat assembly of the present invention comprises a generally rectangular frame, a center rail, a plurality of modular springs secured to the frame and a wire grid secured to the modular springs. Each of the modular springs has a front section secured to the front rail of the rectangular frame, a resilient center section secured to the center rail and a rear section spaced above the frame and unattached to any of the rails. The front section of each modular spring is preloaded to increase the resilient support of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6186483Abstract: A bedding or furniture spring product comprising a plurality of coil springs arranged in linear rows and columns. Each of the coil springs is preloaded by an endless strip of fabric, the strip of fabric encircling the exterior of one of the coil springs. The interior surface of the strip of fabric may be coated with a non-slip material so as to prevent the strip from falling or moving off the coil spring. Alternatively, the coil spring itself may be coated with a non-slip material. The strip of fabric leaves a portion of the end turns of the coil springs uncovered enabling the coil springs to be secured to a wire grid as for example by being wrapped around or clipped or laced to wires of the grid assembly. Alternatively, traditional hand 8-way tie may be used to connect the precompressed coil springs together and to a frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6116694Abstract: A seating product comprising a plurality of sinuous spring assemblies secured at opposite ends to a frame. Each of the sinuous spring assemblies comprises length of webbing having a pair of opposed end portions which are secured to the frame and a sinuous spring. The length of webbing is intertwined with the sinuous spring. The sinuous spring is secured at opposite ends to the length of webbing. Padding and an upholstered covering complete the seating product.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6077378Abstract: A resilient structure such as a seat cushion, mattress, furniture back or the like has enhanced resiliency and support at strategic locations due to the use of coil springs interlocked and held within a densified heat bonded low melt fiber batt used as the core or cover of the resilient structure. The densified fiber batt core includes low melt fibers which, when heated to the melting point and then cooled, intersect and interlock with the coil springs. The coil springs function as an integral part of the fiber batt, eliminating the need for lattice wires and the like to interlock the springs in the structure. The invention also increases the capability of manufacturing resilient structures in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Larry I. Bullard, James P. Whitaker, Sidney A. Hiatt
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Patent number: 6056278Abstract: A seating suspension assembly provides efficiency in the manufacture of upholstered furniture such as chairs, sofas or the like. The preferred form of the invention comprises a pair of flexible, durable fabric straps having coil springs fixedly positioned therebetween. The fabric can be attached to a rigid wooden chair seat frame and the suspension assembly stapled or tacked thereto. The coil springs are thus suspended between the front and back of the frame. Upon upholstering, the suspension assembly provides a comfortable, crowned seat for the user. A method of forming the seating suspension assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Leggett and Platt, Inc.Inventors: Larry I. Bullard, Allen Sigmon, Roger Tornero
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Patent number: 5924682Abstract: A drop-in spring unit seat assembly includes a top grid spaced from a bottom grid having conical springs positioned therebetween. The conical springs are snap-fit for attachment to the top grid and/or bottom grid and require no mechanical fasteners nor complicated tools for such attachment. A pair of opposed detents are formed in the top and/or bottom turns of the spring and/or the detents formed in grid wires extending on the top and/or bottom grid. The opposed detent in the springs snap-fit engage with the depressions in the grid wires and a plurality of springs are interposed between the top grid and bottom grid to form the spring unit assembly. In selected embodiments, the spring unit includes multiple bottom grids attached via springs to a single top grid. The assembled spring unit can be dropped into a chair, seat or other article of furniture for attachment to and support by a pair of spaced frame members of the chair or other article of furniture.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 5924681Abstract: A bedding or furniture spring product comprising a plurality of coil springs arranged in linear rows and columns. Each of the coil springs is preloaded by an endless strip of fabric, the strip of fabric encircling the exterior of one of the coil springs. The interior surface of the strip of fabric may be coated with a non-slip material so as to prevent the strip from falling or moving off the coil spring. Alternatively, the coil spring itself may be coated with a non-slip material. The strip of fabric leaves a portion of the end turns of the coil springs uncovered enabling the coil springs to be secured to a wire grid as for example by being wrapped around or clipped or laced to wires of the grid assembly. Alternatively, traditional hand 8-way tie may be used to connect the precompressed coil springs together and to a frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 5894664Abstract: A seating suspension assembly provides efficiency in the manufacture of upholstered furniture such as chairs, sofas or the like. The preferred form of the invention comprises a pair of flexible, durable fabric straps having coil springs fixedly positioned therebetween. The fabric can be attached to a rigid wooden chair seat frame and the suspension assembly stapled or tacked thereto. The coil springs are thus suspended between the front and back of the frame. Upon upholstering, the suspension assembly provides a comfortable, crowned seat for the user. A method of forming the seating suspension assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Leggett and Platt, Inc.Inventors: Larry I. Bullard, Allen Sigmon, Roger Tornero
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Patent number: 5700060Abstract: A seating suspension assembly provides efficiency in the manufacture of upholstered furniture such as chairs, sofas or the like. The preferred form of the invention comprises a pair of flexible, durable fabric straps having coil springs fixedly positioned therebetween. The fabric can be attached to a rigid wooden chair seat frame and the suspension assembly stapled or tacked thereto. The coil springs are thus suspended between the front and back of the frame. Upon upholstering, the suspension assembly provides a comfortable, crowned seat for the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Leggett and Platt, Inc.Inventors: Larry I. Bullard, Allen Sigmon, Roger Tornero