Abstract: A furniture member actuation mechanism includes first and second side plates with polymeric inserts each having an elongated slot each receiving a first or second pin. First and second seat back support elements are provided, the first element rotatably coupled to the first side plate and rotatably linked to the first pin and the second element rotatably coupled to the second side plate and rotatably linked to the second pin. First and second leg rest support arms are each connected by a pantograph linkage set to a drive rod disposed through the side plates. A rearward force applied by an occupant to the support elements rotates them rearward with the first and second pins sliding within the elongated slots. An occupant's weight when the rearward force is removed returns the support elements to a pre-rotation position. A cam adjusts a weight a leg rest can hold.

Abstract: A furniture member such as a rocking chair includes a chair frame operable for rocking motion relative to a stationary base. The chair frame and stationary base are coupled together by a rocker spring assembly positioned on each side of the frame/base. The rocker spring assembly includes upper and lower brackets and a single coiled spring connected to both brackets. A displacement limiting device is positioned within an inner cavity of the coiled spring to limit the rocking movement of the chair frame.

Abstract: A ratchet device for a rocking furniture member has a plurality of structural elements. The ratchet device temporarily retains the furniture member in multiple engaged positions and includes: a pawl assembly having a pawl link rotatably connected to a first structural element; a plastic pawl lever rotatably connected to the pawl link; a first biasing element positioned between the pawl link and the pawl lever which biases the pawl lever toward a contact position with the pawl link; and a U-shaped bracket rotatably coupled to the pawl link and fixed to the first structural element. A ratchet having engagement teeth is fixed to a second structural element and located with the engagement teeth in a rotational path of the pawl lever. A second biasing element connected between the pawl link and the U-shaped bracket biases the pawl lever to engage the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A three-position leg rest mechanism includes a link and sector members rotatably supported to the link. The sector members are coupled to a drive rod for rotation therewith. A biased pin engages the sector members and releasably locks with the sector members in each of three positions. A locking link end opposite the sector members is coupled to a support shaft of the actuation mechanism. An elastically compressible member is positioned between the sector members which is partially compressed by the pin as the pin moves relative to the sector members, reducing contact noise between the pin and the sector members.

Abstract: A biasing element assembly for an article of furniture includes an actuation mechanism to enable a leg rest assembly to move between a stowed position and an extended position and be retained in intermediate positions. The mechanism includes a support shaft, a drive rod spaced apart from the support shaft, and a toggle link coupled to the drive shaft. Multiple apertures are aligned on the toggle link. The biasing element assembly includes a single biasing element having first and second ends. The first end is connected to one of the toggle link apertures. The biasing element second end is a hook that slides along the support shaft. A biasing element spring tension is varied by engaging the first end to different ones of the toggle link apertures. The biasing element slides to align itself on the support shaft where a biasing element length is minimized.

Abstract: A detachable operator assembly for a recliner chair including a handle, a drive rod and a threaded fastener. The handle is configured to operably connect with the drive rod without requiring a metal insert or reinforcement. The threaded fastener is inserted into a counterbore formed in the handle such that the shank freely passes through the handle and threadingly engages the drive rod. The shank extends through the drive rod to threadingly engage the handle. The operator assembly is configured so that the fastener fails before the plastic handle fails, and more specifically, so the fastener breaks between the fastener head and the drive rod, thereby allowing easy removal of the broken fastener without disassembly of the drive rod from the reclining chair.

Abstract: A furniture mounted cup holder includes a cup holder base having a perimeter wall defining an interior cavity. A lid is slidably received within the cavity. The lid includes: a flat end surface to support a beverage container; an outer perimeter wall which slides against the cup holder base perimeter wall; and at least one indentation created at a junction between the outer perimeter wall and the end surface. The indentation assists in manual removal of the lid from the cup holder base. A biasing device is in contact with both the end surface of the lid and the cup holder base. The biasing device displaces the lid between a latched, lid depressed position and a lid extended position. Radial extensions of the lid help center the lid in the cavity and prevent lid rotation.

Abstract: A deflection limitation system for upholstered furniture seat members includes a rectangular-shaped support frame having opposed front and rear members and opposed sides. Sinuous-shaped springs are connected to both the front and rear members. Each spring is deflectable over a limited range defined between a non-deflected position and a maximum deflected position. A wire element crossing below the spring elements has ends each connected to different frame sides. A central portion of the wire element is downwardly curved. A predefined spacing separates the wire element central portion from each of the spring elements in the non-deflected position. The maximum deflected position of the spring elements wherein the spring elements contact the central portion of the wire element is reached when a predefined load is distributed to the spring elements. The spring elements are thereafter restrained from further deflection by the wire element.

Abstract: A power-assisted heavy lift chair comprises a base assembly. A chair frame is supported on the base assembly. A lift mechanism communicates with the base assembly and the chair frame, and is operable to actuate the chair frame between first and second positions. A transformer provides electrical power to an electric motor. The electric motor provides rotational power to the lift mechanism at a first rate to lift and/or lower the chair frame. The electric motor draws current from the transformer according to a load upon the chair frame. The rate that the electric motor lifts and/or lowers the chair frame depends upon the voltage provided by the transformer. The transformer is operable to provide a generally constant voltage regardless of the current draw of the electric motor. Therefore, the electric motor lifts and/or lowers the chair at a constant rate independent of the load on the chair.

Abstract: A piece of furniture utilizes a movable heating member or heating pad that can be positioned at various locations on the furniture and/or on a user of the furniture. The heating pad is selectively operable to generate heat. The heating pad can be selectively connected to and unconnected from the piece of furniture for use and storage in a convenient storage location on the furniture.

Abstract: A spring assembly for an article of furniture having a seat assembly supported from a chair frame and an actuation mechanism for enabling a leg rest assembly to move between a stowed position and an extended position. The mechanism includes a support shaft, a drive rod spaced apart from the support shaft, and a toggle link coupled to the drive shaft. The spring assembly includes a spring with a first and a second end and adapted to attach to the toggle link at the first end. The spring also includes a member at the second end adapted to slidably engage the support shaft, whereby the spring aligns itself at a position on the support shaft where the length of the spring is at a minimum.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay device according to the present invention provides a unidirectional immunoassay for an analyte in a whole blood sample with improved sensitivity and freedom from interference.