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. An adjustable tensioning mechanism is operably coupled between the base and the support linkage to bias the chair towards a reclined position. 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: The present invention provides an adjustable frame member for a chair seat frame and a lockable alignment tool which is implemented between the chair seat frame and an attachable seat back. Initially, the chair seat frame is pre-assembled such that the adjustable frame member is in a non-rigid state, therefore allowing for side to side skewing motion of the chair seat frame. The lockable alignment tool is mounted onto the seat back, in its unlocked position. Once the lockable alignment tool is mounted to the seat back, it is locked such that its length is fixed. The lockable alignment tool is then removed from the seat back and mounted onto the seat frame. As the lockable alignment tool is mounted onto the seat frame, skewing motion of the seat frame is caused as the seat frame aligns with the lockable alignment tool. Once the lockable alignment tool has been fully mounted to the chair frame, screws are used to lock the adjustable frame member. As such, the adjustable frame member becomes a rigid structure.

Abstract: An all-linkage reclining chair having a reinforced chair frame is disclosed. The chair frame includes a side frame assembly integrally connected to a seat assembly along two orthogonal planes. More specifically, a longitudinal seat rail is secured to an inboard side panel which defines a longitudinal coupling plane. In addition, the front seat rail extends laterally outboard of the inboard side panel and is integrally connected to a front post panel associated with the side frame assembly which defines a transverse coupling plane. A support bracket is secured to the front seat rail and the front post assembly to further enhance the rigidity of the chair frame. An all-linkage reclining mechanism is secured to and operably supports the chair frame for reclining movement.

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 modular power reclining chair is disclosed which includes a unibody chair frame supported on a power base assembly. A power-assisted linear drive mechanism is operably coupled to an actuation mechanism of the reclining chair to provide power assistance in positioning of a leg rest assembly, a tilt control mechanism and a swing linkage mechanism for moving the reclining chair through its various ranges of motion.

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: A bracket assembly for securing at least a first seating section and a second seating section to form a modular seating assembly is provided. The bracket assembly includes a pair of laterally extending studs mounted to the first seating section, and a pair of brackets mounted to the second seating section including a vertical member for engaging the pair of laterally extending studs. The pair of brackets include a first bracket having a receiving portion and a retaining mechanism for releasably securing one of the laterally extending studs, and a second bracket having a receiving portion for engaging the other one of the laterally extending studs.

Abstract: A tray table assembly for a chair is disclosed which is adapted for use in a health care environment. The tray table assembly enables a seated occupant or care giver to quickly and conveniently pivot the tray table in various incremental positions throughout a generally horizontal 360.degree. circular path. The tray table assembly includes a main tray assembly pivotally coupled to a mounting arm assembly to facilitate the lateral adjustments of the tray table. Furthermore, the tray table assembly includes a locking mechanism for quickly and conveniently mounting and demounting the tray table assembly from the health care chair. Still further, the tray table assembly includes positioning means for retaining the tray table in the desired position.

Abstract: A health care reclining chair is disclosed which includes a rigid chair frame assembly. An improved deep recline swing linkage assembly is disclosed which permits the seat back of the chair to be fully reclined into a substantially flat position relative to the seat and operably suspends the seat assembly for reclining motion within the chair frame assembly. A mobile base assembly is interdisposed between the chair frame assembly and the floor to permit the reclining chair to be used for transportation of a seated occupant. Furthermore, a tilting mechanism is operably coupled between the mobile base assembly and the chair frame assembly for permitting tilting movement of the chair frame relative to the base assembly. The health care reclining chair of the present invention may further be adapted to include a leg rest assembly positionable between a retracted position and an extended position for providing further comfort.

Abstract: A wheeled reclining chair is provided which includes an improved swing link assembly for permitting the seat back assembly to recline approximately 180.degree. relative to the seat assembly to provide a substantially flat occupant-supporting surface such that the seat back provides a rearwardly extending cantilevered surface and the leg rest assembly provides a forwardly extending cantilevered surface from the chair frame assembly. The swing linkage assembly includes a pair of front slide assemblies and a pair of rear swing linkage mechanisms which suspend and operably couple the seat assembly to the chair frame for providing the desired reclining motion. A mobile base assembly having front and rear wheels which can be removed from the base assembly is also provided. The wheeled reclining chair includes a tilt linkage mechanism for tilting the chair frame relative to the mobile base assembly.

Abstract: A swivel base lockout assembly for disabling the rotational degree of freedom provided by a swivel plate operably disposed between a stationary base and a chair frame is disclosed. The swivel base lockout assembly includes a threaded fastener extending between the stationary base and a support frame of the chair frame. A spacer bushing is concentrically disposed about the threaded fastener to maintain the substantially parallel orientation of the stationary base and the support frame.

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 glider chair including an improved glider linkage mechanism having a pair of front and rear glide links which are laterally preloaded such that non-precision bearing may be utilized. The glider chair further includes a rigid "box-like" chair frame surrounding the glider mechanism and having ample clearance therein so that extended glide links may be utilized to further provide a smooth and relatively flat glide motion while maintaining an appropriate height between the seat and floor.

Abstract: A battery pack for providing a standby power source for use with powered motion furniture having an electric motor. The battery pack includes a housing defining a cavity within which a first battery and a second battery are disposed and electrically connected in series, a circuit board for regulating the charging and discharging of the first and second batteries, and a support member for securing the circuit board within the cavity. An umbilical cord is electrically connected to the circuit board and is electrically connectable to the electric motor in order to provide power to charge the first and second batteries when the electric motor is connected to a power source. Alternatively, when the electric motor is not connected to an operative power source, the batteries power the electric motor through the umbilical cord connection.

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 chair including a power-assisted linear actuation drive mechanism having a cam guide which is linearly movable upon retraction 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. Extension of a shaft in a second opposite direction acts to lower the chair to a normal seating position. Continued extension 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. Further extension 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. 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.