Rest Advances Forwardly Of Bottom Patents (Class 297/84)
  • Patent number: 11065996
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion, an ottoman, a driving unit, and a power transmission mechanism. An ottoman frame formed as a framework of the ottoman is pivotably attached to a cushion frame formed as a framework of the seat cushion. The driving unit has an output shaft capable of outputting a rotational driving force, and the ottoman frame has a pantograph mechanism that allows the ottoman to deform between an extended state and an unextended state. The power transmission mechanism has a pinion gear fixed to the output shaft, and a first sector gear meshing with the pinion gear. The first sector gear is connected to a driving link of the pantograph mechanism, to implement pivoting and deformation of the ottoman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sadao Ito
  • Patent number: 10507742
    Abstract: Described is recline mechanism for a comfort seating assembly such as a theater seat which can be mounted on a sloped surface. In a fully recline position, the seating assembly is compact with a layout that falls generally within its profile. The recline mechanism includes a pair of each of: seat rail brackets, front pivot links, rear pivot upper lift link to control the motion of the rear end of the assembly, rear pivot links each attached to one rear pivot upper lift link, carrier links, each carrier link attached to one front pivot link and to a rear pivot link and a pair of rear pivot upper lift control links, attached to a pivot upper lift link and to a carrier link. A linear actuator attached by motor drive tubes at two ends of the linkage system transitions the recline mechanism between the closed and recline positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: VIP CINEMA LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bowen, Terry Dale Johnson, Stephen Simons
  • Patent number: 10299597
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a seating unit that moves the seating unit between closed, TV, and fully reclined positions. The mechanism allows positively holds a footrest in a closed position, preventing the footrest from sagging over time. The mechanism includes a linkage that forces a link connected to the footrest to move initially upwards as the footrest moves from a closed position to an extended position. The weight of the mechanism holds the footrest positively closed, until a force is exerted that is great enough to move past the point where the link on connected to the footrest can descend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael Crum
  • Patent number: 10189385
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat part for providing a seat surface for a seat occupant, the seat part including two side parts 21 between which a cross tube 5, 6 extends along a pivot axis, and an adjustment mechanism including a plurality of rockers 31 which are pivotably coupled to the seat part. The cross tube 5, 6 is divided into a long tube element 5 and a short tube element 6. The long tube element 5 extends between the side parts 21 of the seat part and is inserted into openings 210 of the side parts 21. The short tube element 6 is connected in a torsionally locked manner both to a first rocker 31 and to the long tube element 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventor: Anthony Ferenc
  • Patent number: 9301611
    Abstract: A leg and foot support structure applied to tiltable armchairs, comprised of a quadrangular rigid structure, said quadrangular rigid structure being lifted by means of feet; a pivotable quadrangular articulated frame for supporting the feet that is assembled on the front half and within said rigid structure; moving parts of said structure being operated by driving assemblies comprised of articulated arms connected and actuated simultaneously by a driving unit. An inner sliding frame composed of two quadrangular structures that slide over each other through articulated arms pivoted to the respective structures and to a rigid articulated frame that is angularly moved in order to be underneath a seat structure; said quadrangular structures start their relative slippage only after the articulated rigid frame reaches an end of its angular displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Percival Lafer
  • Patent number: 8979186
    Abstract: A power mechanism for a recliner having a limiter controlling the relative angle between a transfer linkage and arm affixed to the drive axle as the transfer linkage applies tangential force to the arm to rotate the drive axle. The limiter prevents the relative angle between the transfer linkage from over collapsing to minimize strain on the linkage assembly and the motor driving the rotation of the drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas R. Walz, Peter J. Fynboh, Jeffrey Cooper, Joseph L. Anibas, Nicholas J. Robinson, Richard E. Gorka, John R. Breen, Timothy A. Brandtner
  • Patent number: 8960785
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion movable in a front-rear direction, an ottoman provided at a front portion of the seat cushion such that the ottoman can be stored and unfolded to function as a footrest, and a transmitting mechanism which moves the ottoman from a stored position to an unfolded position in association with change of a position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from a rear side position which is a normal use position to a front side position which is a comfortable position, and which moves the ottoman from the unfolded position to the stored position in association with return of the position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from the comfortable position to the normal use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Kuno
  • Publication number: 20150035322
    Abstract: A chair includes a base having a guiding rod. A connecting frame is mounted to a backrest and is pivotably connected to the base. A seat includes a rear end pivotably connected to the connecting frame. An operative frame includes a rear end pivotably connected to the connecting frame. A sliding sleeve is mounted on a front end of the operative frame and is mounted around the guiding rod. At least one supporting plate includes a first end pivotably connected to the front end of the operative frame and a second end pivotably connected to a front end of the seat. When the backrest is moved backward, the connecting frame is actuated to move the operative frame and the seat forward, and the at least one supporting plate is moved to an extended position to move the front end of the seat upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Chang-Chen Lin
  • Publication number: 20140375087
    Abstract: There is provided a seat back interlocking ottoman device for a vehicle seat configured such that an angle of a seat back relative to a seat cushion can be adjusted and an ottoman is provided to the seat cushion. The ottoman device includes an interlocking mechanism configured to retract the ottoman to a retracted position below the front side of the seat cushion when the seat back is located at a regular usage position and to move the ottoman from the retracted position to an extended position at the front side of the seat cushion to thus support a leg part of a passenger when the seat back is tilted rearwards from the regular usage position. A part of the interlocking mechanism is configured to be operable by an arbitrary operation such that the ottoman can be moved between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Satoru KUNO, Hidetaka NAGAYASU
  • Patent number: 8911009
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a rocker assembly fixed to the base; an arm frame fixed to the rocker assembly, wherein the rocker assembly is configured such that the arm frame experiences rocking motion relative to the base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the arm frame between an upright position and a reclined position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat. And is decoupled from the reclining mechanism. When the backrest moves between the upright and reclined positions, the footrest unit moves relative to the arm frame in concert with the seat. In the reclined position, the rocking mechanism prevents the arm frame from rocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8899674
    Abstract: A chair with a seat portion and a base portion fixed to a floor surface. A seat back is mounted to the seat portion through a hinge portion for rotation with respect to the seat portion with a guide groove formed on side surfaces thereof. The guide groove has a guide pin movably fitted so as to be movable in the front-and-rear direction together with the seat portion with respect to the base portion. A foot stand is rotatably mounted to a front end portion of the seat portion through a second hinge portion with a connecting rod with one end portion rotatably mounted to the foot stand through a third hinge portion and the other end portion rotatably mounted to a lower end portion of the seat back through a fourth hinge portion so as to connect the foot stand and the seat back to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Takagi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Yagi
  • Patent number: 8827938
    Abstract: A massage machine includes a seat portion, a backrest portion and a rocking mechanism center where the backrest portion reclines at a back portion side of the seat portion about a reclining center. The rocking mechanism portion swings the backrest portion and the seat portion about a rocking center, and the rocking center is apart or different from the reclining center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Family Inada Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 8757712
    Abstract: A linkage that provides a fully flat reclined position is described. The linkage includes a full-flat lift link pivotally coupled to a seat support link. A backrest support link couples to the lift link through an oblong aperture to provide additional range of motion. The lift link includes a laterally extending flange, the perimeter of which acts as a cam surface for a cam pin that obstructs reclining of the backrest support link when the rocker-recliner is in an upright position. When fully reclined, the linkage configures a footrest, seat portion, and backrest portion in a generally equal plane to provide a fully flat seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 8746802
    Abstract: A chair base having a retractable foot platform is preferably formed from steel and includes a movable carriage. The foot platform is affixed to linkages attached to a rotatable rod. By moving a handle attached to the rod, the retractable foot platform can be pivoted and extended or withdrawn as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio G. Delmestri
  • Patent number: 8714638
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base that rests on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest; an ottoman; and a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and attached to the base, seat, backrest and ottoman. The reclining mechanism moves the seat, backrest and ottoman relative to the base between (a) an upright position, wherein the backrest is generally upright, the seat is generally horizontal, and the ottoman is positioned beneath the seat and faces generally downwardly, (b) a TV position, wherein the backrest is generally upright and the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, and (c) a fully reclined position, wherein the ottoman remains generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest takes a shallower angle relative to the seat than in the upright and TV positions. The ottoman is between about 8 and 12 inches in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8696054
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat rail, an arm mounting 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 roller link that translates forward when the recliner is adjusted from the extended position to a reclined position. The arm mounting plate includes a forward guide slot and a rearward guide slot having respective tracks installed thereto. The roller link includes a forward roller and a rearward roller that are rotatably coupled thereto. Further, the forward and rearward rollers are moveably engaged to the tracks of the forward and rearward guide slots, respectively, facilitating the forward translation of the roller link. A pair of substantially parallel-spaced TV links act in cooperation to pivotably couple the roller link to the arm mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Michael Crum
  • Publication number: 20140049079
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: GREGORY M. LAWSON, STEPHEN LAKE
  • Patent number: 8622467
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat and backrest, the reclining mechanism configured to move the seating unit between an upright position and a fully reclined position; a headrest that is positioned in front of an upper portion of the backrest; and a headrest mechanism attached to the headrest and to the reclining mechanism. The headrest mechanism is configured to move the headrest from a retracted position when the seating unit is in its upright position to an extended position when the seating unit is in its fully reclined position. In the retracted position the headrest is generally parallel with the backrest and in the extended position the headrest defines an angle with the backrest in which the front surface of headrest is rotated to partially face the front surface of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8616627
    Abstract: A gliding-reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; an arm frame; a gliding mechanism attached to the base and to the arm frame, the gliding mechanism configured to enable the arm frame to reciprocate in a longitudinal direction relative to the base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8616626
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate vertically supported by high-legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) forward when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a seat-adjustment assembly. The seat-adjustment assembly includes an ottoman drive link that has a front end pivotably coupled to the footrest assembly and a rear end pivotably coupled to a mid section of a connecting link. The connecting link further includes a front end rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the base plate and a rear end rotatably coupled to a lower end of a rear pivot link. The rear pivot link further includes an upper end that is pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat-mounting plate. The combined operation of three links above locates the seat-adjustment assembly above the base plate's lower edge during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 8590964
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest; a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat and backrest, the reclining mechanism configured to move the seating unit between an upright position and a fully reclined position; a headrest that is positioned above the backrest; and a headrest mechanism attached to the headrest and to the reclining mechanism. The headrest mechanism is configured to move the headrest from a retracted position to an extended position. In the retracted position the headrest is generally parallel with the backrest and in the extended position the headrest defines an angle with the backrest in which the front surface of headrest is rotated to partially face the front surface of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8573687
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Lawson, Stephen Lake
  • Publication number: 20130257111
    Abstract: A linkage that provides a fully flat reclined position is described. The linkage includes a full-flat lift link pivotally coupled to a seat support link. A backrest support link couples to the lift link through an oblong aperture to provide additional range of motion. The lift link includes a laterally extending flange, the perimeter of which acts as a cam surface for a cam pin that obstructs reclining of the backrest support link when the rocker-recliner is in an upright position. When fully reclined, the linkage configures a footrest, seat portion, and backrest portion in a generally equal plane to provide a fully flat seating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: GLENN N. WIECEK
  • Patent number: 8517463
    Abstract: A gliding and reclining seating unit includes: a base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; 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; and a gliding mechanism attached to the base and the reclining mechanism. The seating unit further comprises: a manually-operated lock linkage that moves between an unlocked condition, in which the linkage permits the seating unit to glide and a locked condition, in which the seating unit is prevented from gliding; and an automatic lock linkage coupled to the reclining mechanism, the automatic lock linkage configured to move between an unlocked condition that allows the seating unit to glide when it is in the upright position and a locked condition that prevents the seating unit from gliding when it is in the fully reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20130200659
    Abstract: A gliding reclining seating unit includes: a base; a frame with opposed arms; a gliding mechanism attached to the frame and the base, the gliding mechanism configured to enable the frame to glide longitudinally relative to the base; a seat; a backrest; an ottoman; a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and attached to the frame, seat, backrest and ottoman, the reclining mechanism being configured to move the seating unit between an upright position, an intermediate TV position, and (c) a fully reclined position; and a glide stop unit that prevents the frame from gliding rearwardly relative to the base when the seating unit is in the TV and fully reclined positions. The seating unit is actuated for movement from the upright position to the TV position via an occupant of the chair pushing on the arms of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20130200658
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base that rests on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest; an ottoman; and a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and attached to the base, seat, backrest and ottoman. The reclining mechanism moves the seat, backrest and ottoman relative to the base between (a) an upright position, wherein the backrest is generally upright, the seat is generally horizontal, and the ottoman is positioned beneath the seat and faces generally downwardly, (b) a TV position, wherein the backrest is generally upright and the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, and (c) a fully reclined position, wherein the ottoman remains generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest takes a shallower angle relative to the seat than in the upright and TV positions. The ottoman is between about 8 and 12 inches in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20130175847
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a footrest assembly and a back-mounting link coupled to a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled to a lift-base assembly via a lift assembly, a drive bracket, a motor tube, and two linear actuators for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a first phase involves a second linear actuator rotating the motor tube, thereby causing the seat-adjustment assembly to bias the seat-mounting plate. A second phase involves a first linear actuator rotating the drive bracket, thereby causing the footrest assembly to extend or retract without affecting the bias of the back-mounting link. A third phase involves the first linear actuator causing the lift assembly to raise and tilt the base plate directly over the lift-base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20130175846
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a footrest assembly and a back-mounting link coupled to a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled to a lift-base assembly via a lift assembly, a seat-adjustment assembly including a drive bracket, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator rotates the drive bracket a first angular increment causing the seat-adjustment assembly to bias the seat-mounting plate. A stroke in a second phase rotates the drive bracket a second angular increment causing the footrest assembly to extend or retract without affecting the bias of the back-mounting link. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the base plate directly over the lift-base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lawson
  • Patent number: 8449027
    Abstract: A linkage that provides a fully flat reclined position is described. The linkage includes a full-flat lift link pivotally coupled to a seat support link. A backrest support link couples to the lift link through an oblong aperture to provide additional range of motion. The lift link includes a laterally extending flange, the perimeter of which acts as a cam surface for a cam pin that obstructs reclining of the backrest support link when the rocker-recliner is in an upright position. When fully reclined, the linkage configures a footrest, seat portion, and backrest portion in a generally equal plane to provide a fully flat seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Publication number: 20120299363
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat rail, an arm mounting 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 roller link that translates forward when the recliner is adjusted from the extended position to a reclined position. The arm mounting plate includes a forward guide slot and a rearward guide slot having respective tracks installed thereto. The roller link includes a forward roller and a rearward roller that are rotatably coupled thereto. Further, the forward and rearward rollers are moveably engaged to the tracks of the forward and rearward guide slots, respectively, facilitating the forward translation of the roller link. A pair of substantially parallel-spaced TV links act in cooperation to pivotably couple the roller link to the arm mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: MICHAEL CRUM
  • Publication number: 20120248831
    Abstract: A chair has a seat portion having a front, a rear and sides. The chair also has a footrest adjustable between at least two positions: a retracted position and an extended position. The footrest is cantilevered from the seat portion in the extended position. The chair also has a plurality of members connected by a plurality of linkages permitting the members to pivot with respect to each other. The plurality of members is adapted to hold the footrest in the retracted position and to support the footrest in the extended position. The chair also has a cover for hiding the plurality of linkages when viewed from a lateral position when the footrest is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN LEATHER, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Publication number: 20120235449
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate vertically supported by high-legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) forward when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a seat-adjustment assembly. The seat-adjustment assembly includes an ottoman drive link that has a front end pivotably coupled to the footrest assembly and a rear end pivotably coupled to a mid section of a connecting link. The connecting link further includes a front end rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the base plate and a rear end rotatably coupled to a lower end of a rear pivot link. The rear pivot link further includes an upper end that is pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat-mounting plate. The combined operation of three links above locates the seat-adjustment assembly above the base plate's lower edge during adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Publication number: 20120228919
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a rigid frame, a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame, a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan, a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan, and a single actuator linked to the leg rest such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline. A method of adjusting the passenger seat includes activating the actuator such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Be Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brian Dowty, Tracy N. Pence
  • Publication number: 20120146364
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a rocker assembly fixed to the base; an arm frame fixed to the rocker assembly, wherein the rocker assembly is configured such that the arm frame experiences rocking motion relative to the base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the arm frame between an upright position and a reclined position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat. And is decoupled from the reclining mechanism. When the backrest moves between the upright and reclined positions, the footrest unit moves relative to the arm frame in concert with the seat. In the reclined position, the rocking mechanism prevents the arm frame from rocking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20120119547
    Abstract: A reciprocating 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 reciprocating mechanism attached to the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the reciprocating mechanism being configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to reciprocate relative to the base unit along a longitudinal path responsive to a longitudinally-directed force; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism, the actuating unit configured to move the chair between an upright position, an intermediate TV position, and a fully reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20120112517
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a rocker assembly fixed to the base; and an arm frame fixed to the rocker assembly, wherein the rocker assembly is configured such that the arm frame experiences rocking motion relative to the base. The seating unit further comprises: a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the arm frame between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the arm frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the arm frame, and in the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the arm frame that is forward of the first rearward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20120112519
    Abstract: A gliding and reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to reside on an underlying 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; and a gliding mechanism attached to the base unit and the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120112518
    Abstract: A gliding-reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; an arm frame; a gliding mechanism attached to the base and to the arm frame, the gliding mechanism configured to enable the arm frame to reciprocate in a longitudinal direction relative to the base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120104827
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a frame; a backrest; a seat; main and auxiliary footrests; and a reclining linkage connected between the frame, backrest, seat, main footrest and auxiliary footrest. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the seating unit between an upright position, a TV position, and a fully reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8132855
    Abstract: A furniture member leg rest ratcheting member for temporarily retaining a leg rest assembly in multiple extended positions includes a one-piece homogeneous member having a first portion including at least two cavities each defining a leg rest assembly extended position. A second portion has a male engagement tongue. A third portion has opposed first and second bracket engagement members spaced from each other. The third portion is elastically deflectable with respect to the first and second portions to permit a furniture mechanism bracket to be received between the first and second bracket engagement members when the male engagement tongue of the second portion is engaged with the furniture member bracket and to allow a ratcheting motion of the first and second portions with respect to the third portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Marshall E. Richard
  • Publication number: 20120049606
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory M. Lawson, Stephen Lake
  • Publication number: 20110304193
    Abstract: A seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest; an ottoman; and a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat, backrest and the ottoman. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links configured and arranged to control the movement of the seating unit between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed and positioned above the base, the backrest defines a first backrest angle relative to horizontal and is positioned above a rear portion of the base, and the ottoman is positioned below the seat and above a forward portion of the base, a TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed and positioned forwardly of the base and the seat, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest defines a second angle relative to horizontal that is less than the first angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110260506
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, an ottoman portion that includes a shaft member that attaches to the sitting portion, a first frame member that rotates about the shaft member, and a second frame member that is fixed to a cushion. One side of the first frame member is attached to one side of the second frame member, and the other side of the first frame member is attached to the shaft member. From a position in which the other side of the second frame member that faces the cushion is close to the other side of the first frame member to a second position in which the ottoman portion is extended in front of the seat from the sitting portion so as to support a calf of the occupant, the other side of the second frame member and the other side of the first frame member spread apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoru KUNO
  • Publication number: 20110233972
    Abstract: A linkage that provides a fully flat reclined position is described. The linkage includes a full-flat lift link pivotally coupled to a seat support link. A backrest support link couples to the lift link through an oblong aperture to provide additional range of motion. The lift link includes a laterally extending flange, the perimeter of which acts as a cam surface for a cam pin that obstructs reclining of the backrest support link when the rocker-recliner is in an upright position. When fully reclined, the linkage configures a footrest, seat portion, and backrest portion in a generally equal plane to provide a fully flat seating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: GLENN N. WEICEK
  • Publication number: 20110175426
    Abstract: A glider-recliner-style seating unit (glider recliner) that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the glider recliner between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The glider recliner is powered by a linear actuator that facilitates automated adjustment of the linkage mechanism. This adjustment of the linear actuator is sequenced into a first phase and a second phase. A stroke of the linear actuator in the first phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the closed and extended positions by extending or retracting ottoman(s) attached to a footrest assembly. A stroke in the second phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the extended and reclined positions by translating a seat-mounting plate forward or rearward at a consistent inclination angle while, concurrently, tilting a back-mounting link. Accordingly, the phase sequencing ensures that the linkage mechanism commences adjustment within the second phase only once the first-phase adjustment is substantially complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20100283297
    Abstract: Extendable ottoman linkages supporting both a main and secondary ottoman, as well as high-leg, space-saving recliners for which such linkages are designed, are provided. The extendable ottoman linkages provide sufficient clearance for a secondary ottoman to extend by arranging the components of the linkage such that the extension of the secondary ottoman is delayed until the main ottoman has extended sufficiently to provide the necessary clearance. The extendable ottoman linkages further hold the secondary ottoman securely in a closed position when the furniture is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Company
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Crum
  • Publication number: 20100253129
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a rigid frame, a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame, a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan, a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan, and a single actuator linked to the leg rest such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline. A method of adjusting the passenger seat includes activating the actuator such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Brian Dowty, Tracy N. Pence
  • Patent number: 7766421
    Abstract: A lift chair includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; at least one ottoman; a lift-reclining mechanism attached to the base and to the seat; a backrest reclining mechanism coupled with the lift-reclining mechanism and attached to the seat, the backrest and the ottoman; a lift power unit attached to the base and to the lift-reclining mechanism; and a backrest reclining power unit attached to the base and to the backrest reclining mechanism. The lift-reclining mechanism is configured to move the chair between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed and positioned above the base at a first height and at a first pitch angle that is positive relative to horizontal, the backrest is generally upright, and the ottoman is positioned below the seat, and a lifted position, in which the seat is raised to a second height that is higher than the first height and at a second pitch angle that is negative relative to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Greg Lawson
  • Patent number: 7762625
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls the relative movement of the frame, the seat and the backrest between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • 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