Rest Advances Forwardly Of Bottom Patents (Class 297/84)
  • Publication number: 20100127555
    Abstract: A gliding 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 gliding mechanism attached to the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the gliding mechanism being configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to glide 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100127556
    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 (a) an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed, the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and the ottoman are generally verti
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100072805
    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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: I-Trust Better Life Corp
    Inventors: Jian-Ming Qiu, Yan-Jun Zhang, Zhi-Liang Gao, Xiao-Xiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 7669921
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest that includes a body and a headrest that is positioned above the body; a reclining mechanism that interconnects the base, seat and backrest that controls the movement thereof between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to the underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle; and a headrest mechanism coupled to the reclining mechanism and attached to the body and headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7475944
    Abstract: An article of seating furniture includes a base, a seat and a back. The back includes a reclining mechanism. The seat is interconnected with the reclining mechanism such that reclining movement of the back moves the seat forwardly and upwardly. When the back is fully reclined and the seat is fully raised, an upper surface of the seat is coplanar with an upper surface of the back. A footrest is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When extended, the footrest is generally coplanar with the seat. The back includes a spine having a lower end pivotably interconnected with the base. The spine includes a seat mounting extension to which the seat is pivotably mounted. Mounting links between the seat and the base provide movement of the seat when the back is reclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis G. Griepentrog, Scott J. Williams, James E. Barefoot
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20080150329
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Greg Lawson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7273257
    Abstract: Mechanism for simultaneously turning up and stretching out an extension part (12,112) relative to a reference part (1,101),with a telescopic sliding profile element (10,110) connected to the reference part and to the extension part, The essentially fixed sliding profile element may be connected to said reference part via a pantograph framework The invention also relates to recliner chair constructions involving such mechanism for turning up and simultaneously stretching out a footrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: TOMOH GmbH
    Inventor: Koen De Vroe
  • 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: 7025421
    Abstract: A recliner is suited for airplane mechanics and the like who need seating and backrest support at various heights. A rectangular base has removable caster-type wheels. A rectangular table frame is supported above the base by a pair of scissor-type leg assemblies with adjustable height bracket, slot and pin subassemblies and/or lift assist assemblies. The table frame has a fixed seat cushion. A tiltable backrest can be supported by a slotted cam assembly or other mechanical and/or hydraulic assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Richard L. Fowler, Sean J. Fowler
  • 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: 6846042
    Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a patient support, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the patient support for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. The patient support includes articulated leg and seat sections. A handle is coupled to the patient support and is movable between a position in which movement of the handle moves the leg section relative to the seat section and a position in which movement of the handle does not move the leg section relative to the seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
  • Patent number: 6793279
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a generally horizontally disposed seat; a pair of upright arms, each of the arms being positioned adjacent opposite sides of the seat and configured to rest on an underlying surface; a generally upright backrest positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the seat; at least one ottoman; and a pair of reclining mechanisms attached to the seat, arms, backrest and at least one ottoman, and a heart-rest mechanism pivotally interconnected with the reclining mechanisms. The heart-rest mechanism is configured so that the seating unit is movable between fully reclined and heart-rest positions in which the ottoman is disposed forwardly of the seat, the backrest forms a fully reclined angle with the seat that is substantially the same as that formed in the fully reclined position, and the seat forms a heart-rest angle with the underlying surface that is greater than in the fully reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6767066
    Abstract: A chair having reclining capabilities is provided for use with infirm or geriatric patients. The chair includes a fabric seat and back which is formed from woven elastomeric yarns which allow by directional strips. The woven fabric provides air circulation to the patient to help prevent skin ulcerations and other ailments produced by prolonged contact. The woven fabric also allows for quick draining and drying due to liquid contact. The seat and back in the preferred embodiment are formed from extruded aluminum members which engage the fabric in a taut condition i.e. by resilient lateral supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Patrician Furniture Co.
    Inventor: Marta V. Tornero
  • Patent number: 6739650
    Abstract: A chair movable between an upright, stowed position and a reclined, extended position, comprising a seat, a back, an ottoman, a recliner linkage, and an electric solenoid driven release mechanism. The recliner linkage couples the ottoman to the chair. The recliner linkage is adapted to move the ottoman between the upright stowed position and the reclined, extended position. The electric solenoid driven release mechanism has a member in contact with the recliner linkage and when activated moves the ottoman linkage beyond the release point. Once the recliner linkage moves beyond the release point the chair moves from the upright position to the recliner position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: William E. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 6729686
    Abstract: A mechanism for a reclining chair is caused to be more stable and to have enhanced ease of use. The mechanism includes strut supports extending obliquely forwardly and upwardly from pivotal connections to the base to a set of links connected to the operating handle torque tube at the left and right sides. By preference, the strut supports are connected to the base intermediate forward support links and rearward support links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Lane Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Teddy J May
  • Patent number: 6726279
    Abstract: A chair for supporting a patient includes a base frame including a staging frame and a lower frame. The staging frame is mounted for vertical movement relative to the lower frame. An intermediate frame is coupled to the base frame for pivoting movement relative to the base frame about a generally horizontal transverse axis. An articulated patient support is mounted to the intermediate frame. The patient support includes longitudinally spaced back, seat, and leg sections mounted to the intermediate frame for movement relative to one another and relative to the intermediate fame. The back, seat and leg sections are movable relative to the base tame about the horizontal transverse axis. A hydraulic system includes a first hydraulic cylinder actuating vertical movement of the staging frame relative to the lower frame, a second hydraulic cylinder actuating movement of the leg section relative to the seat section, and a pump actuating both the first and second hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Figel, Steven V. McCaig, Gary S. Siegle
  • Patent number: 6688691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat (1) for an aircraft comprising a squab (2), a backrest (3), a leg rest (4), a support structure (5) for the squab (2) and the backrest (3), and a fixed rear separation shell (13). The support structure (5) or the squab (2) moveable in translation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the backrest (3) in the vertical position. The seat (1) is situated in a space lying between a fixed front separation shell (12) and a fixed rear separation shell (13). The movements of each of the components (2, 3, 4) of the seat are independent of each other and the fixed separation shells (12, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle et Commerciale de Materiael Aeronautique
    Inventors: Robert Marechal, Guy Mercier
  • Patent number: 6659556
    Abstract: A tilt adjustment assembly for a motorized reclining chair having a base frame adapted for rest on a floor surface. A seat and a back articulated support linkage are interconnected together for displacement of a seat and back of a reclining chair. An intermediate frame is mounted on the base frame through spring attachments, whereby to impart a rocking motion to the chair. A pair of foot rest linkages interconnect each of two of the said seat articulated support linkages to a foot rest plate. The tilt adjustment assembly comprises a motor-operated actuating rod secured at a free end to a sliding member to guidingly displace that member along a straight axis in a fixed plane and to any desired position along the axis. A pivotal link arm is pivotally secured at one end of the sliding member. A transverse linkage securing rod is secured to a second end of the pivotal link arm and extends transversely thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: René Pellerin
  • Patent number: 6644733
    Abstract: A chair includes a seat base, a seat slidably mounted on the seat base, a backrest disposed rearwardly of the seat base, a footrest disposed frontwardly of the seat base, a front linkage unit interconnecting the footrest to the seat base, and a rear linkage unit interconnecting the backrest to the seat base. An operating lever is mounted on the seat base, is associated with the front and rear linkage units, and is operable to move between a locking position, in which, the seat is prevented from movement relative to the seat base by virtue of the body weight of a user, and an unlocking position, in which, the seat is movable relative to the seat base by virtue of the body weight of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6637813
    Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a furniture item includes support structure adapted for attachment to the furniture item, a footrest support bar connected for longitudinal movement with respect to the support structure between extended and retracted positions and actuating structure connected with the footrest support bar. The footrest support bar includes an S-shaped section and is connected to a footrest member for supporting the legs of the seat occupant. The actuating structure moves the footrest support bar along the S-shaped section between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Publication number: 20030193219
    Abstract: A recliner in one embodiment has a support assembly capable of oscillatory motion, and the support assembly includes a chair support, a seat portion, coupled to the chair support, a back rest portion, and a foot rest portion. The oscillatory mechanism includes an arrangement providing to the subject a sensation similar to that of being swung from an overhead pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Patent number: 6557934
    Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a furniture item includes support structure adapted for attachment to the furniture item, a footrest support bar connected for longitudinal movement with respect to the support structure between extended and retracted positions and actuating structure connected with the footrest support bar. The footrest support bar includes an S-shaped section and is connected to a footrest member for supporting the legs of the seat occupant. The actuating structure moves the footrest support bar along the S-shaped section between the extended and retracted positions to closely approximate a conventional footrest portion of a reclining mechanism, while presenting a simplified construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 6557942
    Abstract: A combination lounger is constructed to include a rotary base with an reclining mechanism, a hassock detachably fastened to angle plates at front links of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base by tie screws, two armrest and side panel units detachably fastened to supporting lugs at two sides of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base, a seat detachably connected between the armrest and side panel units by tie screws, and a padded backrest detachably secured to inclining bars of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base by a hooked joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: First & Best Furniture Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lube Shieh
  • Publication number: 20030080597
    Abstract: A reclining passenger seat, including a seat frame for being attached to a supporting deck, a seat bottom carried by the seat frame, and a seat back carried by the seat frame and moveable with the seat bottom from and between the upright and sleep positions. A legrest assembly is mounted adjacent a forward end of the seat bottom for being selectively extended generally downwardly and outwardly from the seat bottom for supporting the legs of the passenger. An armrest assembly is carried by the seat frame and includes an armrest moveable between a horizontal position with an upper support surface supporting a forearm of the seat occupant in the upright seat position and a forwardly-inclined, lowered position wherein the upper support surface is aligned with an upper surface of the seat bottom for providing a wider sleeping surface for the seat occupant when the seat is in the fully-reclined sleep position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Michael T. Beroth, Gregory Hall, Ross Laming, Bobby Lawson, Stacy McAnulty, Tracy Pence, Al Wenzler, Tommy G. Plant
  • Patent number: 6540291
    Abstract: A reclining chair includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a swivel unit attached to the base; a chassis assembly mounted to the base; an arm member mounted above the base and to the chassis assembly; a seat having a seat frame, a lowermost portion of the seat frame being located at least 6 inches from the underlying surface; a backrest; an intermediate ottoman; a front ottoman; and a pair of reclining mechanisms mounted to the chassis assembly, the seat and the backrest. The reclining mechanisms are configured to move the seat and backrest relative to the base between an upright position, a “TV” position, and a fully reclined position. The chassis assembly has a first longitudinal dimension. The arm member has a horizontal run and two upright runs. The horizontal run is positioned above and in non-contacting relationship with the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20030057743
    Abstract: A mechanism for a rocking reclining chair is caused to have enhanced ease of use, to be more stable, and to provide enhance comfort. The mechanism includes a locking linkage arranged to engage the base of the chair for locking of the claim against rocking when the ottoman of the chair is extended. The locking linkage preferably includes two locking members arranged to make locking engagement with the base of the claims at locations rearward of the locations where the chair's rocker cams are supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Teddy J. May
  • Patent number: 6494536
    Abstract: A reclinable passenger seat having a seat frame mounting a seat bottom, a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom, and a seat bottom/seat back articulation assembly for simultaneously varying the adjustment of the seat bottom and seat back relative to each other. A translation linkage is provided for mounting the seat bottom and seat back for translating movement of the seat bottom relative to the seat back as the seat back is reclined from an upright position and raised to an upright position. The translation linkage extends the effective length of the seat bottom relative to the seat back to provide additional support to the buttocks and legs of the seated passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy G. Plant
  • Patent number: 6491342
    Abstract: A reclining chair has a frame and body support including a seat, back rest and leg rest. The body support is carried on a pair of cams mounted on a track to rock between an upright and fully reclined position. In the fully reclined position the chair occupant is placed in a zero gravity position. The leg rest which is pivotally connected to the seat continuously and smoothly moves with respect to the seat as the body support moves from one position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Nathaniel Smith
  • Patent number: 6454353
    Abstract: A chair has a seat shell, a cushion having a front edge which extends outwardly beyond a front edge of the seat shell, a shaft arranged under a seat surface, an actuating element connected with the shaft and also connected with the front edge of the cushion, at least one first toothed disc arranged on the shaft, an endless element guided on the toothed disc and connected with the seat shell, a second toothed disc which together with the first toothed disc is displaceable parallel to the seat shell, so that by raising or lowering of the actuating element the front edge of the cushion is displaceable forwardly or rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Interstuhl Bueromoebel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oskar Knaus
  • Patent number: 6412870
    Abstract: A seating unit for a passenger vehicle, especially an aircraft, has a reclinable seat back connected to a seating portion by a hinge. A slider is mounted in a guide track and supports the hinge. A pivotally connected front strut supports the seating portion at a location in front of the hinge. A pivotally connected rear strut supports the seat back at a location spaced apart from the hinge. As the slider along the guide track, the seat back moves to an orientation substantially coplanar with the seating portion so as to provide a flat surface for a sleeping passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Britax Rumbold Limited
    Inventors: John Robert Higgins, Simon Lunn, Benedict Nicholas Samuels
  • Publication number: 20020043823
    Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a furniture item includes support structure adapted for attachment to the furniture item, a footrest support bar connected for longitudinal movement with respect to the support structure between extended and retracted positions and actuating structure connected with the footrest support bar. The footrest support bar includes an S-shaped section and is connected to a footrest member for supporting the legs of the seat occupant. The actuating structure moves the footrest support bar along the S-shaped section between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Publication number: 20010028183
    Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a furniture item includes support structure adapted for attachment to the furniture item, a footrest support bar connected for longitudinal movement with respect to the support structure between extended and retracted positions and actuating structure connected with the footrest support bar. The footrest support bar includes an S-shaped section and is connected to a footrest member for supporting the legs of the seat occupant. The actuating structure moves the footrest support bar along the S-shaped section between the extended and retracted positions to closely approximate a conventional footrest portion of a reclining mechanism, while presenting a simplified construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 6231120
    Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a furniture item includes support structure adapted for attachment to the furniture item, a footrest support bar connected for longitudinal movement with respect to the support structure between extended and retracted positions and actuating structure connected with the footrest support bar. The footrest support bar includes an S-shaped section and is connected to a footrest member for supporting the legs of the seat occupant. The actuating structure moves the footrest support bar along the S-shaped section between the extended and retracted positions to closely approximate a conventional footrest portion of a reclining mechanism, while presenting a simplified construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 6168232
    Abstract: A motion furniture article is disclosed that includes arm frames and false showy feet connected to a stationary base of the article, as opposed to a movable seat unit of the article. As a consequence, during movement of the movable seat of the article between fully erect and reclining positions, the false showy feet remain stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Action Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Teddy J. May
  • Patent number: 6030033
    Abstract: A chair of the type having a chassis and a seat portion connected with a reclinable backrest and a footrest which is pivotable between a passive parking position and a forwardly projecting carrier position. The backrest is swung rearwardly and the footrest forwardly in response to the seat portion behind displaced rearwardly relative to the chassis, and the backrest is separately adjustable in any position of the seat portion. The footrest is made as a telescopic plate structure which is extensible in response to being swung forwardly, based on the use of totally concealed actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: A/S P. Schultz & Co.
    Inventor: J.o slashed.rgen Schultz
  • Patent number: 6000758
    Abstract: The lift chair has a base frame, an extendable/retractable chair occupant positioning apparatus attached to the base frame, a reversible D.C. motor for extension and retraction of the chair occupant positioning apparatus relative to the base frame. A control means is connected to the D.C. motor for actuation of the chair occupant positioning device. A power supply is connected to the control means for motor control. A chair occupant carriage is supported by the base frame. The carriage has a seat and a back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Pride Health Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter E. Schaffner, Carl A. Kollar, James P. Mulhern, Ronald J. Levi, Stephen J. Antonishak
  • Patent number: 5992930
    Abstract: A reclining chair is provided which includes a base, and a support linkage assembly pivotally supported from the base. A longitudinal link is operably interconnected to the support linkage assembly. A recline linkage assembly is operably coupled to the longitudinal link and to the base for controlling movement of the longitudinal link from an upright position to at least one reclined position. A rotatable drive shaft is journally supported by the longitudinal link. The reclining chair further includes a leg rest assembly supported from the longitudinal link and operably coupled to the drive shaft for movement from a retracted position to an extended position in response to rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Richard E. Marshall, Jonathan R. Saul, Karl J. Komorowski, Dennis W. Wright, Ken K. Finzel
  • Patent number: 5868461
    Abstract: A reclining chair having a back rest member which may be reclined. In one embodiment the reclining chair has means to allow it to be tilted. A pivotable joint is provided along the upper support members of the chair which allow such members to be pivotably bent proximate their midsection thereby allowing a greater degree of tilt of the seat member situate thereon than would otherwise be the case if there was no pivotable joint and the upper support members and the seat member thereon were tilted by simply lowering one end thereof. In another aspect, a lower leg support member is provided which rotatably extends upon the back rest of the chair being reclined, so as to support the calves of a user of the chair in a substantially horizontal position when the chair back is likewise reclined to a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Broda Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Brotherston
  • Patent number: 5823614
    Abstract: A reclining furniture item including a reclining mechanism employing a roller and track system which significantly reduce the number of linkages and provide a zero or near zero wall proximity feature. Various embodiments are contemplated which include a moveable seat link mounted on rollers which move along angled track sections. These rollers form the major connection made between the moveable seat link and the stationary base member. At least one of the tracks is formed with two angled sections. The first angled section is sloped downwardly from rear to front and the second section is sloped upwardly from rear to front. Backrest linkage is also provided for allowing angling of the backrest with respect to the seat during reclining movement. Footrest linkage is connected to the front of the mechanism for extension and retraction in moving between a fully upright and a reclined T.V. position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Terry Johnson, Mike Hartline, Nikki White
  • Patent number: 5800010
    Abstract: A mechanism for a reclining chair is caused to be more appropriate for use by a person who is significantly taller and heavier than average, not only by being made larger and of thicker or stronger parts, but also by having supports extending obliquely forwardly and downwardly from pivotal connections to the operating handle torque tube, at the left and right sides, to pivotal connections at the left and right front corners of the fixed base. By preference, the mechanism has a rectangular support for the seat portion of the seat and arm frame unit, and links particularly subject to buckling are embossed with ribs for reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Lane Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Teddy J. May
  • Patent number: 5645313
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Edward Best, Gordon Allen Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5547245
    Abstract: An improved recliner chair is provided of the type having a recliner linkage for controlled movement of a seat and seatback through a sequence of substantially upright and reclined positions, wherein the recliner linkage is further adapted for movement of the seat and seatback to a substantially coplanar horizontal position. The chair includes the recliner linkage for movably supporting the seat and seatback with respect to a chair frame in a manner permitting normal movement from an upright position to one or more reclined positions. A releasable latch assembly permits further reclination movement of the seat and seatback to the substantially horizontal position. The chair is particularly suited for use in a patient care facility, with the horizontal position permitting facilitated patient transfer between a bed and the recliner chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Bobby W. Knouse
  • Patent number: 5527095
    Abstract: An improved latching mechanism for a rocking-type chair selectively permits or inhibits rocking motion of the chair frame relative to the base upon actuation. The improved latching mechanism includes a pawl and ratchet assembly having a spring-biased pawl member coupled to the chair base which is operable to lockingly engage a tooth ratchet sector disposed on the chair frame for positioning the chair frame in rearwardly tilted positions and a release assembly including a rigid release link that pulls the spring-biased pawl member towards a released position by an actuation member. The actuation member includes a swing link and a trip link operably coupled to a drive rod assembly for positioning the rigid release link while preventing the release member from exerting any axial loading on the pawl member when the pawl member is in locked engagement with the ratchet teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Chair Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Marshall, Larry P. LaPointe, Jonathan R. Saul, Karl J. Komorowski
  • Patent number: 5435621
    Abstract: A modular reclining chair and method for assembling it are disclosed. The modular reclining chair includes a simplified actuation mechanism which significantly reduces system complexity and weight while providing improved comfort to the seat occupant. The construction is such that the pre-assembled actuation mechanism is integrally suspended from and interdependent with modular frame components, and included among the modular frame components is a front cross rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Chair Company
    Inventors: Karl J. Komorowski, Larry P. LaPointe, Jonathan R. Saul
  • Patent number: 5423591
    Abstract: A modular reclining chair and method for assembling it are disclosed. The modular reclining chair includes a simplified actuation mechanism which significantly reduces system complexity and weight while providing improved comfort to the seat occupant. The construction is such that the pre-assembled actuation mechanism is integrally suspended from and interdependent with modular frame components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Chair Co.
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Jonathan R. Saul, Karl J. Komorowski
  • Patent number: 5348367
    Abstract: A simple and economical six-bar linkage system keeps a reclining chair stable in its closed position, and permits it to assume any degree of recline between slight recline and full recline without need for friction devices or springs. This is accomplished by the stable balance of the linkage. Sequencing devices are likewise not needed; interaction of the components constrain the movement of the linkage, such that there is only one possible path of travel. The six links are: base frame, back frame, seat frame, drive link, carrier link, and legrest. A heart-rest position may be attained with assistance from an attendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Lumex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle