Abstract: A chair includes a seat mounted on a seat base, a backrest disposed rearwardly of the seat base, a footrest disposed frontwardly of the seat base, and a linkage unit interconnecting the footrest and the seat. The linkage unit includes a plurality pair of crank arms provided with at least one arm spacer therebetween as such the crank arms thereof do not clamp a user's finger when the crank arms are folded.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing the operation of a seat equipped with an actuator system including an arrangement for tracking a variable characteristic of the force generated by an actuator and a unit for controlling the actuator in two opposite directions. The method provides for measurement of the characteristic variable, evaluation of the characteristic variable on the basis of at least one predetermined evaluation criterion, and implementation of a suitable adjustment of the seat as a function of the result of the evaluation. The evaluation step includes applying a first evaluation criterion of the characteristic variable measured when the actuator is controlled in the first direction and applying a second evaluation criterion of the characteristic variable measured when the actuator is controlled in the second direction, the first and second evaluation criteria being different.

Abstract: A seating unit (1) comprises a fixed housing (10) containing a primary seat with a reclinable back arranged to recline in such a manner that it remains within the housing. The seating unit is suitable for a aircraft cabin and may further comprise a leg-rest arranged to cooperate with the seating portion to form part of a substantially flat surface when the back is reclined in a substantially horizontal position. The seating unit may further comprise a secondary seat (3) positioned to face the primary seat, the secondary seat having a seating portion positioned to cooperate with the leg-rest of the primary seat to form a portion of the substantially flat surface when the back of the primary seat is reclined in the substantially horizontal position. Privacy between seats and use of available space within an aircraft cabin may be optimised by arranging at least some of the seats in an echelon.

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 portable foldable relaxing chair orthopedically designed to reduce stress in either the supine or prone position capable of allowing one to assume an orthopedic posture of weightlessness at about 127.degree. in the supine position and significantly reducing stress to the lower back at approximately 185.degree. in the prone position while supporting the sides of the face and neck with a head piece made of two foam supports. A head and foot rest is provided which are attached through pivots capable of lengthening and shortening to suit the user's height and of angular positioning for proper support and comfort. The chair comprises a back and seat panel of any suitable fabric which is replaceable inserted into side frames attached by hinges. Arm rests are attached by fixed pivots to the back frames which pivots support front legs hinged to rear legs which are in turn attached by seat adjusting guide assembly angles along the outer seat frames.

Abstract: A hardware assembly for mounting a retractable ottoman on a seating unit frame below the front edge of an occupant support cushion. The assembly includes a frame bracket having a plate and an underlip, the frame and underlip each carrying a flange, the flanges are generally perpendicular to the plate and together carry a first pivot and a second pivot positioned below and rearward of the first pivot. The assembly also includes an ottoman bracket having a pair of pivots. A lazy tong linkage connects the brackets and locks in a horizontal extended position. The assembly may be optionally spring driven to facilitate deployment of an ottoman on the ottoman bracket.

Abstract: A dentist's or other chair has a reclining mechanism interlinking the back rest (36), the chair seat (34) and a leg or foot rest (38) for raising and reclining the back rest (36), for tilting the chair seat (34), and for lowering and raising the leg or foot rest (38) together. In order to be able to recline the chair so that its seat (34), back rest (36) and leg or foot rest (38) are both flat and horizontal, the mechanism includes means for disengaging the chair seat so that with the chair seat disengaged and horizontal, the back rest (36) can be reclined and the leg or foot rest (38) can be raised both also to horizontal.

Abstract: A cable actuator control assembly for motion furniture such as lounge chairs having shiftable footrests and the like, includes a cable assembly (16), a cable actuator module (12) having a pivot assembly (46) connecting rearward base (18) and front handle (20) for shifting a cable (92) between first and second positions, a channel including an apertured bight (78) connecting opposed legs (80 and 82), and bolts (88) for biasing channel (14) into engagement with boss (28). Self-tensioning pivot assembly (52) includes coaxially aligned pins (62 and 64) connected by coiled spring (72).

Abstract: A sofa or love seat that is convertible to a bed and includes at least one inclining seat section, and optional footrests.

Abstract: The chair of the present invention includes a power-assisted linear actuation drive mechanism having a modified nut or "cam guide" which is linearly moveable upon rotation of the power screw for selectively actuating the lift and tilt linkage mechanism for causing forward lifting and tilting movement of the chair when the motor is operated in a first direction. Rotation of the screw shaft in a second opposite direction acts to lower the chair to the normal seating position. Continued rotation in the second direction causes sequential operative extension of the leg rest assembly followed by angular 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.

Abstract: A folding wheelchair has a rigid seat, leg support members stored in a compartment within the seat, a rigid backrest that can be collapsed when the wheelchair is folded, armrests that can be swung toward the seat or the backrest, and wheels that can be adjusted to raise or lower the seat and/or to shorten or lengthen the wheelbase. The rigid seat can be raised to a position in which the front or the front and rear portions are elevated.

Abstract: An adjustable chair includes a back, seat, footrest, and support structure, the relative positions of which are adjustable by means of a single retractable jack. The chair includes a seat control mechanism comprising a central pivot and connecting rods extending therefrom to points on the back, seat, and support structure. A footrest control mechanism includes a linkage between the support structure and the footrest, and a spring causing compression between the footrest control mechanism and the seat.

Abstract: A seat discomfort preventive device includes: a seat back capable of inclining in the fore-and-aft direction; a seat cushion capable of inclining in the fore-and-aft direction; a rocking control unit; and a drive mechanism for rocking at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion. The rocking control unit delivers a control signal in response to a start signal. In accordance with this control signal, the drive mechanism repeatedly rocks at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion with respect to a standard position depending on a sense of discomfort. The rocking control unit may include an inclining control unit. Additionally, a foot plate on which the feet of a passenger are rested is attached to the seat cushion.

Abstract: A retro-fittable, controllably extendable leg rest apparatus for positioning an attached recliner chair leg rest member in retracted or forwardly extended positions. The apparatus includes an elongated frame bracket which may be retro-fittably secured to most conventional scissor linkage assemblies of various recliners. A mounting bracket is included having a first bracket portion secured to the leg rest member, and a second bracket portion having an elongated channel. A plurality of rivets extend through the elongated channel to secure the mounting bracket to the elongated frame bracket. The shanks of the rivets provide guide members upon which the elongated channel of the mounting bracket may slide. A spring is coupled in between a shoulder portion of the mounting bracket and the elongated frame bracket to bias the mounting bracket in a normally retracted position.

Abstract: A recliner has a layer of upholstery fixed to the seat and extending continuously and fixed to a footrest frame which is moveable to a retracted position below the front end of the seat with the upholstery extending about and vertically below the front end of the seat. The footrest frame may include one or two ottoman boards mounted to a footrest linkage which will cause an ottoman board to pull the upholstery layer taut. In one embodiment, a pair of locking links are mounted to the footrest linkage and connected to each other for releaseably holding the footrest linkage in retracted position. In another embodiment where two ottoman boards are used, two pairs of conventional four bar linkages may be incorporated in the footrest linkage without sacrificing the desired contour of the upholstery.

Abstract: A three-way recliner chair in which a linkage system mounts a seat and backrest assembly to a stationary armrest frame for reclining movement between a generally upright or closed position, a TV position and advanced reclining positions beyond TV position. The chair is actuated to TV and reclining positions by pushing rearwardly off the armrests and against the backrest. The seat and backrest assemblies are mounted to front and rear carrier links which, in turn, are mounted by front and rear mounting links to the armrest frame. A sequencer link is pivotally connected between the front carrier link and the armrest frame to prevent relative movement between the seat and backrest when the chair is in the upright position. However, when the chair is moved towards TV position, the sequencer link will allow relative movement between the backrest and the seat.

Abstract: A sofa ottoman assembly includes a lazy tong linkage having a bracket at one end which is connected to the front rail of the sofa on which the assembly is installed and a second bracket which supports the ottoman. An actuating assembly includes a handle to be mounted on the side rail of the sofa and a number of links and levers connected between the handle and the lazy tong linkage which enables the party seated on the sofa to extend and retract the ottoman. The lazy tong linkage has a narrow side profile so as not to significantly increase the front to back dimension of the sofa on which it is mounted, and the actuating assembly is disposed closely adjacent the side rail of the sofa frame so as not to subtract from the space for a folding bed frame and mattress within the sofa frame.

Abstract: A motor driven recliner chair in which a power transfer or drive tube is rigidly connected to the linkage actuating arms and operationally connected to the power screw of the motor by a nut threaded on the screw and slidably but non-rotatably positioned in the drive tube. A spring-biased latching member is pivotally mounted on the drive tube and captively retains the nut in the power screw-engaged position. The latching member may be withdrawn by the chair occupant whereupon the power drive is effectively disengaged and the chair may be manually operated to quickly return to the upright position.

Abstract: An actuating shaft assembly for use with recliner-type chairs including a footrest and a carriage assembly for moving the footrest between extended and retracted positions. The actuating shaft assembly includes a first shaft member coupled to the carriage assembly, a second shaft member telescopically coupled to the first shaft member for adjustment relative thereto to accomodate chairs having different side wall thicknesses, bolts or the like to fixedly attach the first and second shaft members to one another, and a handle attached to the outer end of the second shaft member for allowing the shaft members to be manually rotated to move the carriage assembly and footrest between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An improved footrest extension and retraction mechanism for reclining chairs is disclosed having a footrest which follows the natural movement of an occupant's leg when moving between various chair positions. The footrest mechanism utilizes a pair of spaced substantially parallel glide bars carrying a footrest bracket which are each suspended for arcuate movement by a pair of pivoted suspension links. The glide bars and suspension links are driven in tandem through the use of a handle rotated drive bar extending across the chair frame. Rotation of the drive bar drives pairs of drive and connector links which in turn cause swinging movement of the suspension links and glide bars. A footrest bracket control rod is also disclosed which operates in conjunction with movement of a suspension link to change the orientation of the footrest bracket relative to the glide bars. The linkage arrangement disclosed serves to hold the footrest mechanism in either an extended or retracted position.

Abstract: The legrest projecting/retracting linkages of a recliner chair mechanism are designed to progressively provide pivotability for the legrest as the legrest nears its fully projected condition, i.e. is about three-quarters or more of the way out, and to progressively inhibit that pivotability in the initial stage of retraction of the legrest from its fully projected condition, i.e. in the first-quarter of its retraction. This may be accomplished without reworking the remainder of most existing recliner chair mechanisms. A number of ways that the legrest projecting/retracting linkages can be configured to achieve this objective are disclosed.

Abstract: An articulated frame hanging chair, the frame of which includes an articulated parallelogram in which the exposed scissoring intersections are shielded and the articulation of the frame is adjustably limited to prevent the center of gravity of the hanging chair from shifting so as to dislodge the user in an unsafe manner.

Abstract: A leg rest operating mechanism for a recliner chair is disclosed in which the leg rest and the leg rest actuating means are mounted on the movable chair seat. A manually operable drive means is mounted on the chair frame and a linkage type lost motion means connects the drive means and the actuating means. The lost motion means permits the seat and leg rest to move relative to the chair frame and drive means without affecting the ability of the drive means and actuating means to extend or retract the leg rest.

Abstract: A rocker reclining chair has a base, a rocking frame mounted on the base for rocking movement, a seat frame suspended by linkage from the rocking frame for movement between a lower position and a forwardly raised position, a backrest connected by linkage to the seat frame to pivot relative thereto between normal upright and reclined position, the backrest linkage serving to actuate the seat frame to swing the seat frame upwardly and forwardly when the backrest is moved into reclining positions, and a footrest with the linkage mounting it to the seat frame to be operable by a handle between a retracted position and an extended position. A locking mechanism is provided between the base and the rocking frame and is operative to lock the rocking frame in one of a variety of positions within the limits of the rocking travel when the footrest is not fully retracted.

Abstract: A handle actuated leg rest assembly for a recliner chair's movable leg rest. A novel control linkage of the leg rest functions to lock up the leg rest when the leg rest is fully extended or when the leg rest is fully retracted, so that the leg rest does not `drift` out of either the extended or retracted attitudes after being placed therein. The control and leg rest linkages are locked up in the leg rest extended attitude by positioning certain of the control linkage's links in an over center position relative to the pivot points of those links, and are locked up in the retracted attitude by positioning certain other of the control linkage's links in an over center position relative to the pivot points of those other links.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a main frame supported on front and rear pairs of wheels, the main frame pivotally mounting pivotally interconnected back rest, seat and leg rest frame segments in such manner as to allow said segments to be adjusted between positions supporting a patient in upright sitting position and in fully reclining position, without the necessity of first removing or otherwise requiring physical participation of the patient.

Abstract: A powered tilting lounger comprising a pedestal upstanding from a base that rests on a supporting surface and a lounger pivotally mounted on the upper end of the pedestal at the upper forward region of the lounger. The lounger consists of a chair including a seat and a back which are immovable relative to each other and which blend in together with a curved portion whereby it may be occupied by a person in a lounging position. An electric motor is mounted on the pedestal and operates a screw stem to pull the lounging chair structure into an upright position in which an occupant may readily remove himself from the lounger, or pushes it into reclining position.A leg rest is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis at the forward edge of the seat portion and is moved into and out of a horizontal leg supporting position by an electric motor.