Flexible Pull Strap Recliner Mechanism Release System

Abstract

The present invention provides a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion. The engaging end portion of the bracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture. A self tapping bolt can be used to connect the bracket to the reclining mechanism. A pivot point can be included on the bracket and can be mounted to the reclining mechanism by a rivet and a bushing. A flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion wherein the bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can be rotatably connected to the strap end portion of the bracket. The bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can have a plurality of holes for adjusting the connection height of the flexible pull strap. A release handle is connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap. The release handle can be rotatably connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap and the release handle can be flexible.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an assembly for attaching an inside the arm mechanism release system. More specifically, the invention relates to an incorporated mechanism release system which is used in connection with motion furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the recliner industry, more broadly in the motion seating furniture industry, it is conventional to provide a chair or equivalent article of seating furniture with a base and a seating construction mounted on the base by means of a mechanism which permits the user to move the seating construction, or part of it, in relation to the base, in order to selectively achieve each of two, three or more different positions. For instance, the seating construction may include a seat an arm frame unit, an ottoman, and a backrest. Such a recliner may have a fully upright condition, in which the backrest is erect and the ottoman is stowed, a TV position, in which the ottoman is fully projected but the backrest remains erect, or nearly so, and a fully reclined position, in which the ottoman remains fully projected and the backrest is reclined. The movement between positions is accomplished by operation of a system of mechanical linkages (a recliner chair mechanism) which also mounts the ottoman and backrest to the seat and arm frame unit, and the seat and arm frame unit to the base. In some constructions, the seat and arm frame unit translates forwardly and/or tilts front up/back down and/or raises or lowers relative to the base as the mechanism is operated. In some recliners, the seat and arm frame unit is rigidly mounted to the backrest, so that reclining is achieved by tilting that combined structure bodily.

The present invention is concerned with such seating furniture regardless of whether it is in the form of a free-standing one-seat chair, or a one-armed one-seat modular unit for use with other modules as part of a modular sofa grouping, or a connected end unit of a multiple-seat article of seating furniture, such as a love seat or sofa. The term “recliner” or reclining chair is used herein as being generic to all such articles.

Although there are some recliner chairs in which one “pushes off the arms”, (i.e., sits in the chair and pushes back on the backrest with ones back while grasping the chair arms and pushing forwards on them), such chairs have known limitations (after a certain amount of use, they may, when unoccupied, tend to assume a partly reclined condition instead of a fully erect condition, because their joints have gotten loose and nothing is available to latch the parts in a fully erect position). Accordingly, most recliner chairs make use of an actuator to initiate and/or control operation of the mechanism for reclining and/or erecting the chair, and the actuator provides a latch for defining the fully erect condition of the chair.

The most common actuators for recliners are: a large crank handle on the outside of the left or right arm of the chair (usually near the floor, but within grasp of a typical person seated in the chair), a similar but smaller release handle, a push button (located somewhere on one of the chair arms, e.g., on the inner side, outer side, front or top of an arm), and a ring pull release protruding up between a side edge of the seat cushion and an arm.

In regard to the ring pull release, most of these systems include a sheathed cable, some means provided at one end of the sheathed cable such that a user of the furniture can manipulate the cable release system to move the furniture from one position to another, a mounting bracket provided proximate to the other end of the sheathed cable, and means for moving the furniture from one position to another attached to the other end of the sheathed cable. The mounting bracket is typically provided in the interior of the furniture. One example of such a cable release system is a D-ring cable release system which has proved to be easily fatigued over extended usage causing additional costs associated with customer service to replace broken cables.

One problem that has occurred is that the frequent resultant twisting and kinking of the cable either caused the manufacturer of the motion furniture to remove and remount the entire cable release system, or caused the release system to malfunction in the field, resulting in inordinately expensive repair or recall.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Based on the limitations of the prior art, there is a need for an improved release system for recliner furniture which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art securing structures. The present invention provides such a structure of a release system. Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the attached specification, in combination with a study of the drawings.

Nothing in the prior art provides the benefits attendant with the present invention.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an assembly for securing a release system which overcomes the disadvantages of known structures for securing a release system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture; a flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion, said bracket end portion connected to said strap end portion of said bracket; and a release handle connected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture; an adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion, said bracket end portion connected to said strap end portion of said bracket; and a release handle connected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture; a return spring, said spring having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said bracket and said second end connected to said reclining mechanism; an activator pin, said activator pin positioned on said engaging end portion of said bracket, said activator pin operatively engaging said reclining mechanism; an adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion, said bracket end portion rotatably connected to said strap end portion of said bracket; and a release handle connected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap.

The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The release system of the present invention is a pre-assembled component, typically designed to utilize existing attachment orifices incorporated in standard industry standard recliner mechanisms. Mounting is by two self-tapping bolts or hook & self-tapping bolt, dependent on what is designed into the recliner mechanism body. The release bracket of the present invention is then attached to the side of the mechanism of the furniture by known means. Problems associated with installation and need for frequent replacement of cable release systems has spurred the development of the release mechanism of the present invention.

Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention provides an assembly for a mechanical release system. The assembly includes a mounting bracket, preferably of one-piece construction, which is secured to a mounting plate by a nylon washered, shoulder rivet. Securing the bracket to the recliner mechanism by self tapping bolts. The self tapping bolts or self tapping bolt and hook secures the bracket in place, and also aligns up and down for consistent operating placement.

A feature of the present invention is to provide a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion. The engaging end portion of the bracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture. A self tapping bolt can be used to connect the bracket to the reclining mechanism. A pivot point can be included on the bracket and can be mounted to the reclining mechanism by a rivet and a bushing. A flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion wherein the bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can be rotatably connected to the strap end portion of the bracket. The bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can have a plurality of holes for adjusting the connection height of the flexible pull strap. A release handle is connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap. The release handle can be rotatably connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap and the release handle can be flexible.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion. A self tapping bolt can be used to connect the bracket to the reclining mechanism. A pivot point can be included on the bracket and can be mounted to the reclining mechanism by a rivet and a bushing. The engaging end portion of the bracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture. An adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion wherein the bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap is connected to the strap end portion of the bracket. The bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can have a plurality of holes for adjusting the connection height of the flexible pull strap. A release handle is connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap. The release handle can be rotatably connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap and the release handle can be flexible.

Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion. A self tapping bolt can be used to connect the bracket to the reclining mechanism. A pivot point can be included on the bracket and can be mounted to the reclining mechanism by a rivet and a bushing. The engaging end portion of the bracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture. A return spring having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the return spring is connected to the bracket and the second end of the return spring is connected to the reclining mechanism. An activator pin is positioned on the engaging end portion of the bracket wherein the activator pin operatively engages the reclining mechanism. An adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion wherein the bracket end portion of the adjustable flexible pull strap is rotatably connected to the strap end portion of the bracket. The bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can have a plurality of holes for adjusting the connection height of the flexible pull strap. A release handle is connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap. The release handle can be rotatably connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap and the release handle can be flexible.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the reclining release actuator mounted to a reclining mechanism for reclining furniture according to the present invention. Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a perspective view of the reclining release actuator attached to a reclining mechanism for reclining furniture according to the present invention. In general, the reclining mechanism provides two functions. First, it unites the other chair components into a chair. Second, the mechanism repositions the chair components relative to one another so that the chair, in use, can be selectively placed in each of three positions, namely the fully erect position, the TV position and the fully reclined position.

The mounting bracket 20 is secured 130 to the reclining mechanism 50. A self tapping bolt 130 can be used to connect the bracket 20 to the reclining mechanism 50. A pivot point 140 can be included on the bracket 20 and can be mounted to the reclining mechanism 50 by a rivet and a bushing. The bracket 20 has an engaging end portion 30 and a strap end portion 40. The engaging end portion 30 is connected to the reclining mechanism 50 that is housed within the reclining furniture (not shown). A return spring 110 having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the return spring 110 is connected to the bracket 20 and the second end of the return spring 110 is connected to the reclining mechanism 50. An activator pin 120 is positioned on the engaging end portion 30 of the bracket 20 wherein the activator pin 120 operatively engages the reclining mechanism 50. A flexible pull strap 60 has a bracket end portion 70 and a handle end portion 80. The bracket end portion 70 is connected to the strap end portion 40 of the bracket 20. A release handle 90 is connected to the handle end portion 80 of the flexible pull strap 60. The release handle 90 can be rotatably connected 95 to the handle end portion 80 of the flexible pull strap 60 and the release handle 90 can be flexible.

The flexible pull strap 60 can be adjustable and the flexible pull strap 60 can be rotatably connected 160 to the strap end portion 40 of the bracket 20. The bracket end portion 70 of the flexible pull strap 60 can have a plurality of holes 150 for adjusting the connection height of the flexible pull strap 60.

The mounting bracket 20 has a through hole which extends through the mounting bracket 20 from the top surface to the bottom surface. The through hole is large enough such that an M7 self tapping bolt 130 can be positioned there through, but must not be large enough to allow free movement in a lateral position within the through hole. The attachment holes are preferably in excess of 25 mm to provide positive attachment in the prescribed optimal location. The mounting bracket 20 is preferably formed of a one-piece construction and is configured to have a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface which connects the first side surface to the second side surface, and a bottom surface which connects the first side surface to the second side surface.

The first side surface is planar and is preferably configured such that it is positioned against an interior, mounting surface (not shown) of a product (not shown), such as motion furniture. The second side surface can be configured such that it is either planar or non-planar, but it is preferably configured such that it does not interfere with any part of the product in which the reclining release actuator is provided.

In operation, the reclining release actuator of the present invention is installed as the recliner mechanism is being fabricated. The up and down adjustable flexible strap handle extension allows for various cushion heights permitting exposure or stealth position. The handle will move forward and backwards. Due to the resilient construction, the handle will flex when pressured but return to its intended shape. The adjustment of the handle allows for variations in user assembly requirements of the product.

The flexible strap handle is adjustable and removable. The flexible strap extension handle is secured to the fulcrum arm by means of a bolt/locknut combination, permitting desirable movement of the handle to prevent kinking or twisting of the handle. The securing of the mounting bracket to the recliner mechanism body with self-tapping bolts eliminates the frequently occurring and costly problems caused by movement of the bracket resulting from broken or inadequate weld/glue applications. The easy installation of the reclining release actuator enables the customer to retrofit cable release equipped models with the reclining release actuator with little difficulty. For the manufacturer, the reclining release actuator, allows for variations in a manufacturer's final assembly requirements, providing greater versatility than was heretofore available, permitting greater flexibility for the furniture retailer with minimal stock-keeping units needed.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising:

a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture;

a flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion, said bracket end portion connected to said strap end portion of said bracket; and

a release handle connected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap.

2. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, further comprising a return spring, said spring having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said bracket and said second end connected to said reclining mechanism.

3. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, further comprising an activator pin, said activator pin positioned on said engaging end portion of said bracket, said activator pin operatively engaging said reclining mechanism.

4. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, further comprising a self tapping bolt, said self tapping bolt connecting said bracket to said reclining mechanism.

5. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, wherein said bracket further comprising a pivot point, said pivot point connected to said reclining mechanism.

6. The reclining release actuator according claim 5, wherein said pivot point further comprising a rivet and a bushing.

7. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, wherein said bracket end portion of said flexible pull strap is rotatably connected to said strap end portion of said bracket.

8. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, wherein said bracket end portion of said flexible pull strap further comprising a plurality of holes, each of said holes connectable to said strap end portion of said bracket.

9. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, wherein said release handle is rotatably connected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap.

10. The reclining release actuator according claim 9, wherein said release handle is flexible.

11. A reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising:

a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture;

an adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion, said bracket end portion connected to said strap end portion of said bracket; and

a release handle connected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap.

12. The reclining release actuator according claim 11, further comprising a return spring, said spring having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said bracket and said second end connected to said reclining mechanism.

13. The reclining release actuator according claim 11, further comprising an activator pin, said activator pin positioned on said engaging end portion of said bracket, said activator pin operatively engaging said reclining mechanism.

14. The reclining release actuator according claim 11, further comprising a self tapping bolt, said self tapping bolt connecting said bracket to said reclining mechanism.

15. The reclining release actuator according claim 11, wherein said bracket further comprising a pivot point, said pivot point connected to said reclining mechanism.

16. The reclining release actuator according claim 15, wherein said pivot point further comprising a rivet and a bushing.

17. The reclining release actuator according claim 11, wherein said bracket end portion of said adjustable flexible pull strap is rotatably connected to said strap end portion of said bracket.

18. The reclining release actuator according claim 11, wherein said release handle is rotatably connected to said handle end portion of said adjustable flexible pull strap.

19. The reclining release actuator according claim 19, wherein said release handle is flexible.

20. A reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising:

a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture;

a return spring, said spring having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said bracket and said second end connected to said reclining mechanism;

an activator pin, said activator pin positioned on said engaging end portion of said bracket, said activator pin operatively engaging said reclining mechanism;

an adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion, said bracket end portion rotatably connected to said strap end portion of said bracket; and

a release handle connected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap.