Patents by Inventor Larry P. LaPointe

Larry P. LaPointe 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: 7314201
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard E Marshall, Michael E Mohn, Larry P LaPointe, Christopher J Knabusch
  • Publication number: 20070241589
    Abstract: A furniture item includes a support member and a rotatably pinned mechanism operable in rocking and reclining motions. The mechanism includes first and second side plates; a first pair of forward link members each rotatably connected to one of the side plates; a pantograph linkage set connected to the first pair of forward link members to extend and retract a footrest assembly in the reclining motion; and a drive rod rotatable between the side plates. Rotating the drive rod extends or retracts the pantograph linkage set. An escutcheon connected to the drive rod has a snap-engaged handle to manually rotate the drive rod. At least one U-shaped spring connected between the support member and the mechanism allows rocking motion. A seat pan has flat body springs extending over a seat pan aperture to support an occupant. A detent at one end of each flat spring engages the seat pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7275789
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7101110
    Abstract: A rivet system for use in motion furniture linkage and the like. The rivet system incorporates an electrically conductive plastic washer which eliminates the need for oil lubrication while maintaining the ability to electrostatically paint the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7090297
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael E Mohn, Andrew C Resovsky, Larry P LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6988769
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6939076
    Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6935688
    Abstract: A mounting system for an air supply and control system used in an article of furniture is disclosed. The mounting system is especially suited for applications where the seat back has a hollow portion to contain the control system. The mounting system incorporates vinyl pouches attached to a plastic member that is attached to the seat back with elastic straps. Each vinyl pouch is suited for holding an air control assembly that can include an air pump, motor, and fluidic control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6896323
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powered actuation mechanism for a reclining chair. The powered drive mechanism rotates a drive link which engages a follower link to extend the leg rest assembly. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the leg rest assembly to retract the leg rest assembly. In this manner, the leg rest assembly cannot be fully retract when an obstruction with the leg rest assembly is encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad S. Stateler
  • Patent number: 6893085
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powered actuation mechanism for a reclining chair. The powered drive mechanism rotates a drive member which engages a follower member to extend the leg rest assembly. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the leg rest assembly to retract the leg rest assembly. In this manner, the leg rest assembly may not be fully retracted when an obstruction with the leg rest assembly is encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad S. Stateler
  • Patent number: 6862777
    Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20040256893
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powered actuation mechanism for a reclining chair. The powered drive mechanism rotates a drive member which engages a follower member to extend the leg rest assembly. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the leg rest assembly to retract the leg rest assembly. In this manner, the leg rest assembly may not be fully retracted when an obstruction with the leg rest assembly is encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad S. Stateler
  • Publication number: 20040256902
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powered actuation mechanism for a reclining chair. The powered drive mechanism rotates a drive link which engages a follower link to extend the leg rest assembly. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the leg rest assembly to retract the leg rest assembly. In this manner, the leg rest assembly cannot be fully retract when an obstruction with the leg rest assembly is encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad S. Stateler
  • Patent number: 6827401
    Abstract: A rocker mechanism is provided for implementation with a chair assembly to enable forward and rearward rocking thereof. The rocker mechanism includes upper and lower castings resiliently interconnected by a pair of leaf springs extending at an angle therebetween. The leaf springs are assembled between the upper and lower castings to define first and second effective lengths of each leaf spring for providing first and second spring rates of each leaf spring. In this manner, rocking motion in a first direction may be more difficult than rocking motion in a second direction. Further, the angular configuration of the leaf springs between the upper and lower castings enables maximization of the lengths of the leaf springs within the rocker mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard E. Marshall, Michael E. Mohn, Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20040208695
    Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed for use in motion furniture linkage and the like. The improved rivet system incorporates an electrically conductive plastic washer which eliminates the need for oil lubrication while maintaining the ability to electrostatically paint the linkage assembly. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20040189069
    Abstract: A mounting system for an air supply and control system used in an article of furniture is disclosed. The mounting system is especially suited for applications where the seat back has a hollow portion to contain the control system. The mounting system incorporates vinyl pouches attached to a plastic member that is attached to the seat back with elastic straps. Each vinyl pouch is suited for holding an air control assembly that can include an air pump, motor, and fluidic control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20040013465
    Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20040012241
    Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6655732
    Abstract: A three-position leg rest mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a locking link and sector members rotatably supported on the locking link. The sector members are operably coupled to the drive rod for rotation therewith. A locking pin engages the sector members to selectively lock the drive member, and hence the leg rest assembly in one of three positions. The end of the locking link opposite the sector members is coupled to the support shaft of the actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20030071502
    Abstract: A rocker mechanism is provided for implementation with a chair assembly to enable forward and rearward rocking thereof. The rocker mechanism includes upper and lower castings resiliently interconnected by a pair of leaf springs extending at an angle therebetween. The leaf springs are assembled between the upper and lower castings to define first and second effective lengths of each leaf spring for providing first and second spring rates of each leaf spring. In this manner, rocking motion in a first direction may be more difficult than rocking motion in a second direction. Further, the angular configuration of the leaf springs between the upper and lower castings enables maximization of the lengths of the leaf springs within the rocker mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard E. Marshall, Michael E. Mohn, Larry P. LaPointe