Patents by Inventor Michael J. Dotta

Michael J. Dotta 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: 7150087
    Abstract: In preferred embodiments of the invention, rocker cams are positioned intermediate an upper plate assembly and a lower base with a plurality of biasing springs under tension extending between the upper plate assembly and the lower base. Spring retention means are incorporated into the lower base and upper plate assembly providing for direct attachment of the biasing springs thereto obviating the need for spring mechanisms and threaded fasteners for connecting the spring mechanism to the upper plate and lower base. The base comprising a lower support plate configured as a gusseted tray connects to a pair of floor contacting side rails. The upper plate assembly, also preferably configured as a gusseted tray, is fixed to the pair of rocker cams rockingly engaged on the side rails. Vertical flanges are provided on the sides of the upper plate assembly for attaching the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Maki, Michael J. Dotta
  • Patent number: 6918632
    Abstract: In preferred embodiments of the invention, rocker cams are positioned intermediate an upper plate assembly and a lower base with a plurality of biasing springs under tension extending between the upper plate assembly and the lower base. Spring retention means are incorporated into the lower base and upper plate assembly providing for direct attachment of the biasing springs thereto obviating the need for spring mechanisms and threaded fasteners for connecting the spring mechanism to the upper plate and lower base. The base comprising a lower support plate configured as a gusseted tray connects to a pair of floor contacting side rails. The upper plate assembly, also preferably configured as a gusseted tray, is fixed to the pair of rocker cams rockingly engaged on the side rails. Vertical flanges are provided on the sides of the upper plate assembly for attaching the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Maki, Michael J. Dotta