Patents by Inventor Robert Dean Donovan

Robert Dean Donovan 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: 10610022
    Abstract: A headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. The mechanism includes a back insert that frames an area of the chair to be independently pivoted. A pair of spaced headrest tilts are coupled to the back insert, and pivotally coupled to the back frame of the chair. A lower connector tube is coupled to the back frame of the chair below the back insert. A linkage coupler is pivotally coupled to an upper member at an upper pivot point and is pivotally coupled an actuator at a lower pivot point. The upper member has a secured leg secured to the pair of spaced headrest tilts and a pivotal leg pivotally coupled to the linkage coupler. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the linkage coupler and the lower connector tube that can be actuated to pivot the headrest tilts from a closed to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Robert Dean Donovan
  • Patent number: 10376063
    Abstract: An integrated assembly is provided with both an adjustable lumbar support and a head tilt. The assembly is easily installed on any of a number of different seating units, and can be adjusted to accommodate seating units with a variety of back widths, and heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean Donovan, Nikki White, Nick Yang, Derek Sun, Eric Shen
  • Patent number: 10368646
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for adjusting a position of a lumbar support in a seating unit is provided. The mechanism includes a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support. An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support to someone sitting in the seating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean Donovan, Nikki Olen White
  • Patent number: 10123625
    Abstract: A reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame that has an extendable and retractable shaft. In a first orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push bar is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Allen R. Sigmon, Robert Dean Donovan
  • Publication number: 20180235370
    Abstract: An integrated assembly is provided with both an adjustable lumbar support and a head tilt. The assembly is easily installed on any of a number of different seating units, and can be adjusted to accommodate seating units with a variety of back widths, and heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: ROBERT DEAN DONOVAN, NIKKI WHITE, NICK YANG, DEREK SUN, ERIC SHEN
  • Publication number: 20180199722
    Abstract: A reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame that has an extendable and retractable shaft. In a first orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push bar is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: ALLEN R. SIGMON, ROBERT DEAN DONOVAN
  • Patent number: 9949567
    Abstract: A reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame that has an extendable and retractable shaft. In a first orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push bar is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Allen R. Sigmon, Robert Dean Donovan
  • Publication number: 20180064254
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for adjusting a position of a lumbar support in a seating unit is provided. The mechanism includes a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support. An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support to someone sitting in the seating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Dean Donovan, Nikki Olen White
  • Patent number: 9826841
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for adjusting a position of a lumbar support in a seating unit is provided. The mechanism includes a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support. An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support to someone sitting in the seating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean Donovan, Nikki Olen White
  • Publication number: 20170295937
    Abstract: A headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. The mechanism includes a back insert that frames an area of the chair to be independently pivoted. A pair of spaced headrest tilts are coupled to the back insert, and pivotally coupled to the back frame of the chair. A lower connector tube is coupled to the back frame of the chair below the back insert. A linkage coupler is pivotally coupled to an upper member at an upper pivot point and is pivotally coupled an actuator at a lower pivot point. The upper member has a secured leg secured to the pair of spaced headrest tilts and a pivotal leg pivotally coupled to the linkage coupler. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the linkage coupler and the lower connector tube that can be actuated to pivot the headrest tilts from a closed to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: ROBERT DEAN DONOVAN
  • Patent number: 9730522
    Abstract: A headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. The mechanism includes a back insert that frames an area of the chair to be independently pivoted. A pair of spaced headrest tilts are coupled to the back insert, and pivotally coupled to the back frame of the chair. A lower connector tube is coupled to the back frame of the chair below the back insert. A linkage coupler is pivotally coupled to an upper member at an upper pivot point and is pivotally coupled an actuator at a lower pivot point. The upper member has a secured leg secured to the pair of spaced headrest tilts and a pivotal leg pivotally coupled to the linkage coupler. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the linkage coupler and the lower connector tube that can be actuated to pivot the headrest tilts from a closed to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Robert Dean Donovan
  • Publication number: 20170181549
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for adjusting a position of a lumbar support in a seating unit is provided. The mechanism includes a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support. An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support to someone sitting in the seating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Dean Donovan, Nikki Olen White
  • Publication number: 20160367033
    Abstract: A reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame that has an extendable and retractable shaft. In a first orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push bar is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: ALLEN R. SIGMON, ROBERT DEAN DONOVAN
  • Publication number: 20160227933
    Abstract: A headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. The mechanism includes a back insert that frames an area of the chair to be independently pivoted. A pair of spaced headrest tilts are coupled to the back insert, and pivotally coupled to the back frame of the chair. A lower connector tube is coupled to the back frame of the chair below the back insert. A linkage coupler is pivotally coupled to an upper member at an upper pivot point and is pivotally coupled an actuator at a lower pivot point. The upper member has a secured leg secured to the pair of spaced headrest tilts and a pivotal leg pivotally coupled to the linkage coupler. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the linkage coupler and the lower connector tube that can be actuated to pivot the headrest tilts from a closed to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: ROBERT DEAN DONOVAN
  • Patent number: 8419122
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate that is vertically supported by one or more legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a front lift assembly. The front lift assembly includes a front bellcrank that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a front pivot link that is rotatably coupled to the base plate, a carrier link that is pivotably coupled to the front pivot link and to the front bellcrank, and a front lift link that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate and is pivotably coupled to the front lift link. Additionally, the linkage mechanism includes a seat-adjustment assembly that cooperates with the front lift assembly to translate the seat-mounting plate over the base plate during adjustment between extended and reclined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Lawson, Robert Dean Donovan
  • Publication number: 20110181094
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate that is vertically supported by one or more legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a front lift assembly. The front lift assembly includes a front bellcrank that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a front pivot link that is rotatably coupled to the base plate, a carrier link that is pivotably coupled to the front pivot link and to the front bellcrank, and a front lift link that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate and is pivotably coupled to the front lift link. Additionally, the linkage mechanism includes a seat-adjustment assembly that cooperates with the front lift assembly to translate the seat-mounting plate over the base plate during adjustment between extended and reclined positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory M. Lawson, Robert Dean Donovan
  • Patent number: 7896437
    Abstract: A rocker chair base assembly employs a set of unitary composite cam members to enable a user to engage in a rocking motion with a chair mounted over the assembly. Each cam member presents a rigid body with a set of laterally projecting sleeves. A first set of angle cross members serve to interconnect longitudinal rails on which the cam members reside, and a second set of angle cross members serve to interconnect adjacent cam members. Specifically, the laterally projecting sleeves of each cam member present a mating angle profile for slidably receiving therein and securely attaching with longitudinal end regions of the second set of angle cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Robert Dean Donovan
  • Patent number: 7708346
    Abstract: A seating unit has a base pivotably coupled to a back by a reclining mechanism, which has a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the base side members. The arms are coupled to a rearward transverse member that swings forward and compresses a cylinder actuator as the user reclines the back. The opposed end of the actuator is coupled to a forward transverse member, which is in turn coupled between the base side members. The actuator has a release valve that is operated by pulling a manual lever of a release mechanism. The release mechanism frees the cylinder actuator from a rigid position thereby allowing the user to force the back rearward or allowing the predisposed extension force of the cylinder to return the reclining back to the fully upright position. Discontinuing the release mechanism will cause the actuator to arrest the back in a reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Nikki White, Robert Dean Donovan
  • Patent number: 7641277
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between extended and reclined positions, and a chassis is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting link, a base plate fixedly mounted to the chassis, a back-mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link, a back drive link in generally laterally-spaced relation to the seat-mounting link, and a front-lift assembly that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link. In operation, a rearward occupant force on the back-mounting bracket generates a rearward bias that is converted to a laterally-directed force through the back drive link to the front-lift assembly. Upon receiving this force, the front-lift assembly translates the seat-mounting link forward and upward in relation to the base plate, such that, the seat-mounting link is consistently biased in a particular inclination angle with respect to the base plate throughout adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Co.
    Inventors: Gregory Mark Lawson, Robert Dean Donovan
  • Publication number: 20090174251
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between extended and reclined positions, and a chassis is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting link, a base plate fixedly mounted to the chassis, a back-mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link, a back drive link in generally laterally-spaced relation to the seat-mounting link, and a front-lift assembly that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting link. In operation, a rearward occupant force on the back-mounting bracket generates a rearward bias that is converted to a laterally-directed force through the back drive link to the front-lift assembly. Upon receiving this force, the front-lift assembly translates the seat-mounting link forward and upward in relation to the base plate, such that, the seat-mounting link is consistently biased in a particular inclination angle with respect to the base plate throughout adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Mark Lawson, Robert Dean Donovan