Legrest Or Footrest Interconnected To Move Relative To Bottom And Concurrent With Bottom Or Back Patents (Class 297/68)
  • Publication number: 20120193946
    Abstract: An adjustable furniture such as a recliner chair or adjustable bed comprising a base, an intermediate support and a back support. Both the intermediate support and the back support are guided for movement relative to the base by a second guide means while the base moves along a first guide means. The first guide means include at least one guide associated with one of the base and intermediate support and at least one follower associated with the other of the base and intermediate support. The second guide means includes at least one guide associated with one of the base support and the back support and at least one follower associated with the other of the base support and the back support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Dale Robertson
  • Patent number: 8201877
    Abstract: An adjustable chair (1) includes a control unit (2) having an on/off switch (24), an extending operation button (22), and a retracting operation button (23); a reciprocating unit (3) having a limit member (34), a screw-type slide (33) threadedly put on a lead screw (32) and adapted to move between the limit member (34) and a DC motor (31), and a linkage; and two foot, seat, and back adjustment units (4) disposed in the arms (12) respectively, each foot, seat, and back adjustment units (4) having a linkage so that pressing the extending operation button (22) will tilt a seat (14) and a back (13), and extend a foot rest (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Ping Hsieh, Huey-Shiang Julie Lee
  • Publication number: 20120139300
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide adjustable or convertible seats for use in aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. The seats are designed to use non-parallel slides and a single actuator for certain movements of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: JEAN CHARLES MARAIS, Joel Marais
  • Patent number: 8123289
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates a reclining lift chair frame used in a reclining lift chair. The reclining lift chair frame utilizes a position holding mechanism to eliminate the free (idle) fall of the footrest of the reclining lift chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: I-Trust Better Life Corp
    Inventors: Jian-Ming Qiu, Yan-Jun Zhang, Zhi-Liang Gao, Xiao-Xiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8113573
    Abstract: A seat articulation mechanism including a seat pan member that travels along a pathway defined in a seat articulation linkage as the entire mechanism translates between an upright and sleeping configuration through a lounge configuration. The mechanism further includes main and secondary translation linkages, one of which is driven by a single actuator to drive the mechanism between the upright and sleeping configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby Wayne Lawson
  • Publication number: 20120025019
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle seat comprising, a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest supported by a support frame, the leg rest of each seat moveably mounted relative to the support frame in a manner to allow it to move between (a) a stored position and (b) a fully deployed position where the seat pan and the leg rest are substantially coplanar, and wherein the seat pan is configurable between a substantially horizontal position, and one or more selected from an inclined and reclined position, and wherein the leg rest and the seat pan are coupled via an articulated coupling, so that movement of at least one selected from the leg rest and seat pan can cause movement of the other of the leg rest and seat pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: James Dominic France, Amitai Halfon
  • Publication number: 20120013151
    Abstract: An ergonomic task chair having a front and a rear, including a laterally extending seat having a front and a rear, a back brace disposed above the rear of the seat, and a knee support disposed in the front of the chair, wherein the back brace and the knee support have a first position where there is a first minimum distance between the back brace and the knee support and a second position where there is a second minimum distance between the back brace and the knee support, the second minimum distance being less than the first minimum distance, wherein movement from the first minimum distance to the second minimum distance is triggered by a downward movement of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: NADA CONCEPTS, INC.
    Inventors: Victor Toso, Benjamin G. Pratt, David J. Prince
  • Publication number: 20110309658
    Abstract: A stroller seat pod includes a seat bottom having front, left side, right side, back, top, and underside; seat back having first piece and second piece, first piece and second piece slidably connected to one another; first piece of seat back being hingedly connected to seat bottom such that seat back and seat bottom have first seat position and second seat position, wherein, in first seat position, seat back and seat bottom have open configuration for sitting, and wherein, in second seat position, seat back and seat bottom have a closed configuration for storage; second piece of seat back being connected to first piece of seat back such that first piece of seat back and second piece of seat back have first backrest position and second backrest position, wherein, in first backrest position, first piece of seat back and second piece of seat back are extended relative to one another to increase seat back area for sitting, wherein, in second backrest position, first piece of seat back and the second piece of seat
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Ascanio Carimati Di Carimate, Andrew Serbinski, Richard Wyant
  • Publication number: 20110248529
    Abstract: A rocking furniture member includes an occupant support member supporting an occupant of the furniture member. A frame is connected to the occupant support member and supports the seat portion for rocking motion with respect to a furniture member support surface. An elastically resilient member connecting the occupant support member to the frame permits occupant induced rocking motion of the occupant support member with respect to the support surface. The resilient member is a monolithic bar having a uniform cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad E. Adams
  • Publication number: 20110198894
    Abstract: An adjustable chair (1) includes a control unit (2) having an on/off switch (24), an extending operation button (22), and a retracting operation button (23); a reciprocating unit (3) having a limit member (34), a screw-type slide (33) threadedly put on a lead screw (32) and adapted to move between the limit member (34) and a DC motor (31), and a linkage; and two foot, seat, and back adjustment units (4) disposed in the arms (12) respectively, each foot, seat, and back adjustment units (4) having a linkage so that pressing the extending operation button (22) will tilt a seat (14) and a back (13), and extend a foot rest (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Ping Hsieh, Huey-Shiang Julie Lee
  • Publication number: 20110043006
    Abstract: An entertainment seat (10) including a seat back (18) and seat base (24) having a seat architecture for providing structural support relative to a base (floor) and also having two seat motion actuators (92, 94) located toward the front of the seat (10) for providing seat movement in response to a seat motion control system (16) for operating the seat motion actuators (92, 94), the seat (10) also includes armrests (26, 28) which form a portion of the seat back (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy R. Butt, Robert E. Allen, Dinu V. Moraru, Dustin J. Shedlarski
  • Publication number: 20110043005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of seating furniture (10), more particularly to an upholstered piece of furniture, comprising a substantially horizontal main segment (20), on the top surface of which a sitting surface (22) is provided, and a leg segment (40), on the top surface of which a supporting surface (42) is provided. The leg segment (40) can be moved relatively to the main segment (20) between a stowed position and a functional position in which the leg segment (40) is disposed in front of a front edge of the main segment (20) and is oriented such that the supporting surface (42) extends substantially in a horizontal direction. In the stowed position, the leg segment (40) is located at least in part underneath the main segment (20) and is at an angle in relation to the functional position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Matthias Fischer
  • Patent number: 7891695
    Abstract: An upright wheelchair with a chassis (29, 22), a seat (2) arranged pivotably on the chassis (29, 22), which can be pivoted from a substantially horizontal seating position to a substantially vertical standing position during upright motion, and at least one footrest (16) arranged on the chassis (29, 22), which is lowered to the ground in the standing position, is characterised in that when the seat (2) is in the seating position the footrest (16) is inclined at an angle (?) relative to the horizontal (H) and the angle (?) returns to zero during upright motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Perk
  • Publication number: 20110010837
    Abstract: A footrest mounting system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the footrest mounting system comprises: a mounting platform that is coupled to a footrest; a mounting arm that is coupled to the mounting platform at a proximal end; and a lower body having at least one mounting depression in which the mounting arm is disposed within such that the footrest is positioned at an incline relative to the lower body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Quy That Ton
  • Patent number: 7866755
    Abstract: An ottoman apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a driving shaft with an end which is tiltably connected to a front end of the seat, and includes a supporting frame connected to the driving shaft so as to be linearly movable over the driving shaft. The supporting frame is movable between a stowage position below the front end of the seat and a foot resting position in front of the seat. The supporting frame and the driving shaft are approximately vertically arranged when the supporting frame is stopped at the stowage position below the front end of the seat. The driving shaft is tilted to a substantially horizontal position by linearly moving the supporting frame over the driving shaft according to the movement of the supporting frame to the foot resting position in front of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ritsuro Okano
  • Patent number: 7850232
    Abstract: A reclining chair includes a seat, a backrest, and a pair of spaced apart recliner mechanisms cooperatively supporting the seat and backrest. Each of the mechanisms includes a ground engaging base link, a seat link operably coupled with and supporting the seat, a backrest linkage operably coupling the backrest to the seat link, a rear swing link operably coupled to the base link at a first pivot, and a front swing link operably coupled to the base link with a shiftable pivot mechanism defining a second pivot. The rear swing link and the front swing link are selectively pivotable about the first and second pivots respectively to enable the mechanism to be selectively shifted between an upright position and a reclined position. The shiftable pivot mechanism shifts a position of the second pivot relative to the base link as the mechanism shifts between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Casteel
  • Patent number: 7828756
    Abstract: A chair-type massage machine is provided which comprises a seat, backrest and leg portion having a plurality of preset reclining angles for giving an effective massage to the user in various postures. The massage machine comprises a seat pivotally movably supported by a base, a backrest pivotally movably supported by the seat at the rear end thereof, a leg portion pivotally movably supported by the seat at the front end thereof, control means for controlling seat moving means, backrest moving means and the leg portion moving means and a manual controller. The control means has stored therein a plurality of preset reclining angles with respect to the angle of the seat, backrest and the leg portion. The manual controller has reclining selection buttons for selecting one of the reclining angles and an initial position button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Kamba, Toshihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7823966
    Abstract: A chair includes a base structure and a seat which is movably secured to the base structure. Connected to the seat is a backrest for swinging in a virtually wall-avoiding manner. A footrest is movable between a stowed position when not being used and an extended position when in use, wherein the footrest is disposed in the stowed position below the seat in approximate parallel relationship thereto and has a seat-distal surface provided with a padding. The footrest is connected to the seat by a swivel fitting which is constructed such that a movement of the backrest causes a movement of the footrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ferdinand Lusch GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Buchholz
  • Publication number: 20100132118
    Abstract: Described is adjustable furniture comprising a first furniture component (28), a second furniture component (10,12,14) movable, in use relative to the first furniture component (28) and supported by a guide arrangement comprising a guide (24) associated with one of the first and second components and at least one follower (22) associated with the other of the first and second components and movable along the guide (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Dale Robertson
  • Publication number: 20100127538
    Abstract: A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a rocker mechanism attached with the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the rocker mechanism configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed rocking motion relative to the base unit; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7722114
    Abstract: A zero gravity wall hugger recliner having a motor drive, seat and backrest assembly that move back and forth on a trolley mounted on the chair base when the seat and backrest assembly move forward with the trolley on the chair base. A bracket attached between the base and seat moves the assembly from an upright to a reclined position. The recliner has a leg rest driven by a control bar attached between the leg rest and bracket for elevation the leg rest when the trolley moves forward and retracts the leg rest when the trolley moves to the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Jobri LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel Smith
  • Patent number: 7712831
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, an adjusting system and a method for moving at least one vehicle seat arranged in a vehicle cabin, particularly an aircraft seat, comprising seat components that are coupled or guided together, such as a seat part, a backrest and a leg rest, the location and/or inclination of which can be adjusted by means of at least one or more adjusting units. The adjusting system allows a separation of the basic functions from driving devices, with an electronic device for collision-free movement and for adjusting custom-designed functions and facilitating the adaptation of the custom-designed functions. The movement sequences and movements of the respective individual seat components and the seat components in relation to one another and the movements of the components or seats within an environment or group of seats are accomplished by means of a movement model in a coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Bühler Motor GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Abt, Arno Schieweck, Wolfgang Troelenberg
  • Publication number: 20100060043
    Abstract: A release handle is adapted to activate a portion of a chair or sofa, such as a foot rest or a recline mechanism. The handle allows a user to selectively control the movement of functions of the chair. The handle is coupled to a cable, which is used to release a mechanism on the chair, such as the footrest. The handle includes a grip ring that is coupled to an annular tube at one end. The annular tube is adapted to be positioned over sheath of the pull cable. The annular tube protects the cable within the sheath to prevent wear to the cable to prevent breakage. The handle also includes a retention slot positioned at the top of the annular tube, at the junction of the tube and the grip ring. The retention slot is adapted to allow an end fitting of the cable to be snapped into the handle to secure its position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: P.I. INC.
    Inventor: Robert Colboch
  • Publication number: 20100007180
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed as having, for example, a frame, a backrest assembly including a pivot bracket, a seat assembly pivotably connected to the pivot bracket and the frame, a leg rest assembly pivotably connected to the frame, a link connected to the leg rest assembly at a first pivot joint and the pivot bracket at a second pivot joint, and a lock connected to the leg rest assembly and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Wesley L. Ovre, Mathew A. Haugen, Jeffrey V. Schmidt, Leo J. Schweiss, Michael W. Lokken
  • Patent number: 7641217
    Abstract: A detachable mobile seat includes a first part connected to a motor; a second part attached to the seat; and two links, each connected to the first part, the second part, and a wheel. The links transfer movement of the first part to the wheels. The first part includes a shaft connected to the motor, and two nuts disposed around the shaft that have screw threads in opposite directions and move along the shaft in response to operation of the motor. Each link includes a first link connected to the second part and to the nut, and a second link connected to the nut and to the wheel. The end of each second link that is nearest the wheel is rotatably connected to a connecting arm that has a rotating bar that rotates the wheel in response to operation of the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yeon Sang Yoo, Ju Young Lee
  • Patent number: 7607732
    Abstract: A one-piece upholstery cover that covers all the visible surfaces of a typical seat such as seatback cushion, seat pan cushion, seat pan extension cushion, leg rest cushion, and leg rest extension cushion. A seat covering system is also disclosed. The seat covering system includes a single elongated piece of upholstery having a first end and a second end and a loop portion intermediate the first and second ends. A first attachment portion is adjacent to the first end of the upholstery, and at least one spring mechanism attached to the second end. A first and second pivot member are attached to opposite sides of a seat back of a reclining chair. These first and second pivot members are also fixed to a seat pedestal while a connecting member having a first end attached to the first pivot member and a second end attached to the second pivot member extends through the loop portion of the elongated piece of upholstery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Beroth, Sean Hames, Catalin Bunea, Daniel I. Udriste
  • Publication number: 20090243348
    Abstract: An ergonomic task chair having a front and a rear, including a laterally extending seat having a front and a rear, a back brace disposed above the rear of the seat, and a knee support disposed in the front of the chair, wherein the back brace and the knee support have a first position where there is a first minimum distance between the back brace and the knee support and a second position where there is a second minimum distance between the back brace and the knee support, the second minimum distance being less than the first minimum distance, wherein movement from the first minimum distance to the second minimum distance is triggered by a downward movement of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Victor Toso, Benjamin G. Pratt, David J. Prince
  • Patent number: 7552970
    Abstract: A furniture mechanism includes first and second side plates. First and second support members are rotatably pinned to the side plates. First and second pantograph linkage sets are each linked to one of the side plates and each extend from a stowed position to a fully extended position and support a user leg rest. A base frame includes first and second side channels. A U-shaped leaf spring interconnected to the first and second side channels and connected to the support members permits co-rotation of at least the connection plates, the pantograph linkage sets, and the support members with respect to the base frame. First and second tilt cams are rotatably fastened to the support members. The tilt cams each include multiple cam faces which define a plurality of temporary detent positions of the mechanism by contact of individual cam faces with the side channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7540565
    Abstract: The present invention is a chair having a first seat portion operably associated with a second seat portion, with the first seat portion disposed in the same plane as the second seat portion, and an actuator for moving the first seat portion relative to the second seat portion. When the actuator is actuated, the first seat portion will pivot relative to the second seat portion such that the first seat portion is located in a different plane compared to the second seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: William D. Lipford
  • Patent number: 7503624
    Abstract: A press-back style reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat fixed to the frame, the seat being generally horizontally disposed; a generally upright backrest positioned above the rear portion of the seat; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects the frame and the backrest and controls the movement of the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position, in which the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is more reclined relative to the underlying surface than in the upright position. The reclining mechanism includes an actuating unit that enables the backrest to move to and remain in any partially reclined position between the upright and fully reclined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7445279
    Abstract: A seating unit has a pair of arms that reach to the floor or may be supported by high legs. The arms are attached to a reclining mechanism that is moveably attached to an ottoman, a back, and a seat. The reclining mechanism has an ottoman linkage and a sequence linkage, wherein the ottoman linkage extends the ottoman forward from a closed to a TV position. The ottoman linkage has drive location slightly above an over-center axis when in closed position and directs occupant weight to retract the linkage, but directs weight to extend the linkage when drive location passes through the axis. The sequence linkage has a back arm with an arcuate slot that slidably engages a pin on the ottoman linkage. The pin restricts the back arm from rotating in closed position and the ottoman linkage from retracting when the back is reclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Crum
  • Patent number: 7431387
    Abstract: A biasing element assembly for an article of furniture includes an actuation mechanism to enable a leg rest assembly to move between a stowed position and an extended position and be retained in intermediate positions. The mechanism includes a support shaft, a drive rod spaced apart from the support shaft, and a toggle link coupled to the drive shaft. Multiple apertures are aligned on the toggle link. The biasing element assembly includes a single biasing element having first and second ends. The first end is connected to one of the toggle link apertures. The biasing element second end is a hook that slides along the support shaft. A biasing element spring tension is varied by engaging the first end to different ones of the toggle link apertures. The biasing element slides to align itself on the support shaft where a biasing element length is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P LaPointe, Richard D Hartford
  • Publication number: 20080197677
    Abstract: The seat which is provided with at least two elements which can be moved relative to each other and an actuator for manoeuvring a movable element, a unit for controlling the actuator for the movement of the movable element comprises: means for measuring a force (Cu) applied manually to the movable element by a user, the control unit comprises: means for calculating the theoretical force (Cth) which must be applied by the actuator to the movable element in the direction of the force (Cu) applied manually to the movable element by the user; and means for controlling the actuator for the movement of the movable element in accordance with the theoretical force (Cth).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: PRECILEC
    Inventor: Laurent NIVET
  • Patent number: 7396074
    Abstract: This invention is related to a recliner chair having a footrest mechanism and a recliner mechanism. The recliner chair includes a footrest, a seat, back, and a pair of spaced apart armrests. The recliner mechanism, in one aspect, broadly includes a base plate, a seat mount plate, a recline link, a seat lift link, a control linkage, and a back linkage. The carrier link couples the base plate to the back linkage while the full recline link couples the carrier link to the base plate. The control linkage is coupled to the base plate, the back linkage, and the footrest extension linkage and cooperates therewith to move the footrest mechanism between the open and closed positions. Further, the control linkage cooperates with the back linkage to move the backrest between the upright position and the fully reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 7357450
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a generally horizontally disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above a rear portion of the seat; an ottoman; and a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat, backrest and ottoman. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the chair between an upright position, in which the ottoman is positioned below the seat and the backrest and seat form a first angle, a TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, the seat and backrest move forwardly relative to the base, and the backrest and seat substantially maintain the first angle, and a fully reclined position, in which the seat and backrest form a second angle that is greater than the first angle, and the seat moves further forwardly relative to the base. In the closed position, the links of the mechanism extend downwardly from the seat less than about 7 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: M & M Frame Co., Inc.
    Inventor: W. Clark Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080054687
    Abstract: A reclining office chair is provided. The reclining office chair includes a swivel base and an extendable foot panel. The extendable foot panel may be extended by a user sitting in the chair my mechanically engaging at least one of the arm rests of the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Cabot Longnecker
  • Publication number: 20080054688
    Abstract: A reclining office chair is provided. The reclining office chair includes a swivel base and an extendable foot panel. The extendable foot panel may be extended by a user sitting in the chair my mechanically engaging at least one of the arm rests of the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Cabot Longnecker
  • Patent number: 7311359
    Abstract: A zero gravity chair generally holds an occupant in a position where the angle between the legs and the torso may be greater than 90 degrees. Typically, the legs may also be elevated such that the legs are even with or above a user's heart. The disclosed zero gravity chair, in some embodiments, enables the backrest portion to pivot relative to the seat portion allowing the user to adjust an angle between the seat portion and the backrest portion. The disclosed zero gravity chair further enables both the backrest and the seat portions to pivot as a unit independent of the angle adjustment. In certain embodiments, the chair also rotates 360 degrees about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Nepsco, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel Smith
  • Patent number: 7293834
    Abstract: An articulating table including a back rest section, a seat section, and an articulation mechanism that adjusts the position of at least the back rest section and the seat section to configure the table between the substantially flat table configuration and the chair configuration. The articulating table preferably includes a foot rest section, and at least one hinge that pivotally connects the foot rest section to the seat section so that the foot rest section is pivotable about the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Oakworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Riach, James E. Hollingshead, Dave J. Wilston, Bryan K. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7261367
    Abstract: A three position reclining chair having a front panel, arms, a seat cushion and a seat back, has a positioning linkage with interconnected seat support, leg support and seat back linkage groups. The seat support linkage group supports the chair seat for forward movement from the first, closed and erect position, so that initial forward movement of the seat actuates the leg support linkage for extending and rotating leg support members, to provide a second, TV position, and continued forward movement actuates the seat back positioning linkage, to rotate and incline the seat back without rearward movement of any portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Barron Duncan, Javier Enriquez, Enrico Panceri, Douglas L. Gasal, W. Clark Rogers
  • Patent number: 7195583
    Abstract: Seating that provides comfort, facilitates healthful upright posture, has capability for exercise, and facilitates a healthful upright position, comprises a seat having left and right portions for supporting a user's left and right thighs, respectively. A seat support supports the seat. The seat support includes a pivot axis about which the seat left and right portions can pivot downwardly and upwardly relative to the seat support. A foot plate assembly comprises right and left foot support members positioned forwardly and below the seat to allow a user to exercise while seated. A connection structure links the foot plates to the seat so that the seat sections and the foot members have corresponding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Roger K. Leib
  • Patent number: 7159935
    Abstract: A chair includes two lateral supports, a seat connected to the lateral supports, a back, a footrest, and two pivotal bars; the seat has a loop-shape; the back is passed through the seat, and pivoted to rear upper portions of the lateral supports at a middle portion thereof; the back has several back supporting bands connected to the seat so as to be under a space within the seat; the footrest is pivotally connected to a lower end of the back at a rear end thereof; the pivotal bars are pivoted to respective ones of front portions of the lateral supports at upper ends thereof, and they are pivotally connected to a middle portion of the footrest at lower ends thereof; thus, a sitter can change the position of the back and the footrest by means of changing his/her body position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Chang-Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 7134713
    Abstract: A chair includes a mounting frame, a chair seat frame movable relative to the mounting frame longitudinally between a forward position and a rearward position, a footrest mounted pivotally to a front seat portion of the chair seat frame and an anchored portion of the mounting frame at two pivot regions so as to be turnable from a low-lying position to a raised position when the chair seat frame is moved from the forward position to the rearward position, a guiding mechanism disposed to guide movement of the chair seat frame relative to the mounting frame, and a backrest unit disposed to be turned relative to the chair seat frame between an upright position and an inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Shin Yen Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 7134712
    Abstract: The disclosure generally describes a chaise longue having a base structure that supports a backrest section, a footrest section and an intermediate section. The intermediate section is connected between the backrest section and the footrest section. The base structure can include a first movable support that supports the backrest section and can articulate about a first stationary transverse axis. The base structure can also include a second movable support that supports the footrest section and can articulate about a second stationary transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Pro-Cord Spa
    Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti
  • 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: 7093900
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat with a stable base wherein the angle of inclination of the seating surface can be moved around a pivot provided between the base and the seating surface, the latter being forced to move continuously and cyclically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Gisela Schon
  • Patent number: 7025415
    Abstract: A multifunctional chair comprises a base adapted to rest on the ground; a support frame including a seat part and a backrest part pivotally attached to the seat part; a leg frame supporting the support frame and including a rear leg having a first end pivotally connected to the backrest part and a second end pivotally connected to the base; and a power-operated telescopic device including a telescopic member pivotally connected to the seat part and being operable to maintain the seat part at a level lower than said backrest in a normal position providing a chair function, or to move the seat part to a first raised position in which the seat part together with the backrest part are placed in a substantially horizontal position, or to a second raised position in which the seat part together with the backrest part are inclined at substantially the same inclining angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Chieh-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 7011362
    Abstract: A reclining chair includes a securing mechanism used for releaseably securing an angularly displaceable back; the back has a support rod pivoted thereto; the mechanism includes first and second rotary shafts, first and second pedals and first and second reels respectively secured on the shafts, a string wound onto the first reel at one end, and onto the second reel at other end for effecting simultaneous rotation of the shafts, and a securing element near to the support rod and connected to the second shaft; the securing element is formed in such a way as to be capable of securing the support rod in position immediately after it is turned to a first position by depressing the first pedal, and capable of releasing the support rod for the back to be steplessly adjusted immediately after it is turned away from the first position by depressing the second pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Chi-Tzung Huang
  • 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: 6974186
    Abstract: A chair includes a seat rotatably attached to a base with a pivot axle and coupled to the base with an actuator, to adjust the seat relative to the base. A seat back is rotatably attached to the seat and coupled to the seat with another actuator, to adjust the seat back relative to the seat. A foot support is rotatably attached to the seat and coupled to the seat with a further actuator, to adjust the foot support relative to the seat. The seat is adjustable relative to the base, the seat back is adjustable relative to the seat, and the foot support is adjustable relative to the seat with different actuators. The foot support may include a foot pedal slidably coupled to a plate with another actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Horng Jiun Chang