Patent Publication Number: US-9844269-B2

Title: Motorized linkage mechanism for hi-leg seating unit

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Non-Provisional patent application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/771,404, filed on Aug. 28, 2015, and titled “LINKAGE MECHANISM FOR HI-LEG SEATING UNIT,” which claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/037686, filed on May 12, 2014, and titled “LINKAGE MECHANISM FOR HI-LEG SEATING UNIT,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/991,171, filed on May 9, 2014 and titled “LINKAGE MECHANISM FOR HI-LEG SEATING UNIT,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/822,075, filed on May 10, 2013, and titled “LINKAGE MECHANISM FOR HI-LEG SEATING UNIT.” The contents of these referenced applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates broadly to motion upholstery furniture designed to support a user&#39;s body in an essentially seated disposition. Motion upholstery furniture includes recliners, incliners, sofas, love seats, sectionals, theater seating, traditional chairs, and chairs with a moveable seat portion, such furniture pieces being referred to herein generally as “seating units.” More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved linkage mechanism developed to accommodate a wide variety of styling for a seating unit, which is otherwise limited by the configurations of linkage mechanisms in the field. Additionally, the improved linkage mechanism of the present invention provides for reclining a seating unit that includes a high-leg design and that includes a relatively low seat height, and additionally, provides for a motorized linkage mechanism for automated movement of a seating unit with an ottoman drive tube assembly located between the forward and rearward ends of the seating unit. 
     Reclining seating units exist that allow a user to forwardly extend a footrest and to recline a backrest rearward relative to a seat. These existing seating units typically provide three basic positions (e.g., a standard, non-reclined closed position; an extended position; and a reclined position). In the closed position, the seat resides in a generally horizontal orientation and the backrest is disposed substantially upright. Additionally, if the seating unit includes one or more ottomans attached with a mechanical arrangement, the mechanical arrangement is collapsed such that the ottoman(s) are not extended. In the extended position, often referred to as a television (“TV”) position, the ottoman(s) are extended forward of the seat, and the backrest remains sufficiently upright to permit comfortable television viewing by an occupant of the seating unit. In the reclined position, the backrest is pivoted rearward from the extended position into an obtuse relationship with the seat for lounging or sleeping. 
     Several modern seating units in the industry are adapted to provide the adjustment capability described above. However, often the adjustment mechanisms used in these seating units are not ideal to be used with a high-leg chair design having a relatively low seat height. The present invention addresses these issues, among others. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, not this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention are provided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure, and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed-description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. 
     Generally, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a simplified, compact linkage mechanism that can be adapted to essentially any type of seating unit, such as a high-leg style formal chair. In operation, the linkage mechanism is adapted to move between a closed position, an extended position, and a reclined position, and may be configured for motorized operation, with multiple crossbars for added stability and functionality, and an ottoman drive tube assembly positioned towards the center of the linkage mechanism that allows for vertically compact, stable extension of an ottoman footrest when a motor is activated. 
     Further embodiments of the present invention provide a motorized linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit. The motorized linkage mechanism includes a pair of seat mounting plates joined together by a back crossbar and by an ottoman crossbar. An ottoman drive tube assembly is coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates between the back crossbar and the ottoman crossbar. The drive tube assembly is rotatably coupled to a motorized drive mechanism which is attached to the back crossbar. Additionally, the drive tube is coupled to one or more linkages that are coupled to the ottoman crossbar and to a footrest assembly. Accordingly, when the drive tube is rotated through movement of the motorized drive mechanism, the linkages translate rotationally to extend the footrest assembly outward. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a side view of a linkage mechanism in a closed position and installed in a seating unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a side view of a linkage mechanism in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side view of a linkage mechanism in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of a linkage mechanism in a reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts various views of different combinations of linkages, which are labeled, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a side view of a motorized, adjustable linkage mechanism for a seating unit in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  depicts an angled perspective view of the motorized, adjustable linkage mechanism in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a side view of the motorized, adjustable linkage mechanism in  FIG. 6  in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  depicts an angled perspective view of the motorized, adjustable linkage mechanism in  FIG. 8 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a side view of the motorized, adjustable linkage mechanism in  FIG. 6  in a reclined position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  depicts an angled perspective view of the motorized, adjustable linkage mechanism in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  depicts a block diagram of an exemplary method for assembling a motorized linkage mechanism for an adjustable seating unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this document, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a seating unit  10  has a seat  12 , a backrest  14 , legs  16  and  18 , and a linkage mechanism  20 , which is positioned below the seat  12  and is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 2-4 . In addition, the seating unit  10  might include one or more arms (not shown) and might be incorporated into a larger seating unit, such as a sofa or a modular seating unit. 
     In the context of a pivot-over-arm (POA) style chair, an arm would be interconnected with the seat and linkage mechanism  20 , such that the legs  16  and  18  would not directly support the arm. The legs  16  and  18  support an underlying frame of the seating unit  10 , such that the seat  12  is movable together with the arm. In a POA configuration, the backrest  14  might include a wing portion that extends above the armrest and that pivots around the rear portion of the armrest when the backrest reclines. In an alternative configuration, known as a frame-within-a-frame style, the arm is stationary with respect to the seat  12 , which is adjustable via the linkage mechanism. In this embodiment, the seat  12  is moveable during adjustment of the seating unit  10 , but the arm remains relatively stationary. 
     In one embodiment, the backrest  14  extends from a rearward section of the seating unit  10  and is rotatably coupled to the linkage mechanism  20 . In addition, as will be described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 2-4 , the linkage mechanism  20  includes a footrest assembly, which extends and retracts one or more ottomans. In embodiments, the linkage mechanism  20  is arranged to articulably actuate and control movement of the seat  12 , the backrest  14 , and the ottomans between closed (collapsed), extended, and reclined positions. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the seating unit  10  includes a high-leg design having certain dimensional features. For example,  FIG. 1  depicts a first dimension  22  including a distance between a portion of a seat mounting plate of the linkage mechanism  20  and a bottom end of a front leg  16  when the linkage mechanism  20  is in a closed or collapsed position. In one embodiment, the first dimension is in a range of about 11 inches to about 12.5 inches.  FIG. 1  depicts a second dimension  24  including a height of the leg  16 . In an embodiment of the invention, the second dimension  24  is in a range of about 5 inches to about 6 inches. Other dimensions of the present invention are described in other portions of this application, such as a distance between the seat mounting plate and a flipper ottoman bracket when the linkage mechanism is collapsed. 
     Absent the present invention, a high-leg chair that includes adjustment functionality of the present invention (e.g., footrest extension/collapse and backrest recline/incline) does not typically satisfy the first dimension  22  and the second dimension  24 . For example, absent the present invention, it is challenging to have sufficient clearance above a ground surface to extend and collapse a footrest when the height of the seat mounting plate includes the first dimension. However, the present invention includes a linkage mechanism having a compact design, which allows for the seat mounting plate to be positioned low enough to satisfy the first dimension and for movement of the seating unit between the closed, extended, and reclined positions. 
       FIGS. 2-4  illustrate a configuration of the linkage mechanism  20  for a manually or automatically adjustable, three-position recliner seating unit (hereinafter the “seating unit”) that, in embodiments, is designed to be configured as a high-leg style seating unit. As discussed above, the linkage mechanism  20  is arranged to articulably actuate and control movement of a seat, a backrest, and ottoman(s) of the seating unit. That is, the linkage mechanism  20  is adjustable to a closed position ( FIG. 2 ), an extended (TV) position ( FIG. 3 ), and a reclined position ( FIG. 4 ). In the reclined position, as mentioned above, the backrest is rotated rearward and biased in a rearward inclination angle, which is an obtuse angle in relation to the seat. 
     During adjustment between the closed, extended, and reclined positions, the linkage mechanism  20  employs various links and pivots. The geometry of the links, as well as the locations of their interconnections, enable the advantages of a three-position, hi-leg seating unit having a relatively low seat height. Again, a relatively low seat height is defined, at least in part, by a first dimension  22  in which a distance between an end  16   a  of the leg  16  and the seat mounting plate is in a range of about 11 inches to about 12.5 inches. When this first dimension is satisfied, a finished seat height (i.e., including a seat cushion) of about 17 inches to about 18.5 inches is achievable with the linkage mechanism  20 . 
     Generally, the linkage mechanism  20  comprises a plurality of linkages that are arranged to actuate and control movement of the seating unit during movement between the closed, the extended, and the reclined positions. Typically, in order to accomplish articulated actuation of the linkage mechanism  20 , the linkages may be pivotably coupled to one or more other linkages or plates comprising the linkage mechanism  20 . It is understood and appreciated that the pivotable couplings (illustrated as pivot points in the figures) between these linkages can take a variety of configurations, such as pivot pins, bearings, traditional mounting hardware, rivets, bolt and nut combinations, or any other suitable fasteners which are well-known in the furniture-manufacturing industry. Further, the shapes of the linkages and the brackets may vary, as may the locations of certain pivot points. It will be understood that when a linkage or other component is referred to as being pivotably, rotatably, or fixedly “coupled” to, “interconnected” with, “attached”, etc., to another element (e.g., linkage, bracket, frame, and the like), it is contemplated that the linkage and/or elements may be in direct contact with each other, or in contact through other elements, such as intervening elements, which may also be present. 
     In operation, the linkage mechanism  20  guides the rotational movement of the backrest, the seat, and the ottoman(s). In an exemplary configuration, these movements are controlled by a pair of essentially mirror-image linkage mechanisms (one of which is shown herein and indicated by reference numeral  20 , and later, by reference numeral  100 ), which comprise an arrangement of pivotably or rotatably interconnected linkages. The linkage mechanisms are disposed in opposing-facing relation about a longitudinally-extending plane that bisects the seating unit between the pair of opposed arms. As such, the ensuing discussion will focus on only one of the linkage mechanisms  20 , and in later sections, the motorized linkage mechanism  100 , with the content being equally applied to the other respective and complimentary linkage assembly of each respective mechanism  20  and  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , diagrammatic lateral views of the linkage mechanism  20 , from a vantage point internal to the seating unit, are shown, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the linkage mechanism  20  includes the footrest assembly  26 , the seat-mounting plate  28 , the base plate  30 , and the seat-adjustment assembly  32 . Footrest assembly  26  is comprised of a plurality of links arranged to extend and collapse the ottoman(s) during adjustment of the seating unit between the extended position and the closed position, respectively. Seat-mounting plate  28  is configured to fixedly mount to the seat and, in conjunction with an opposed seat-mounting plate, define a seat support surface (not shown). Seat-adjustment assembly  32  includes the back-mounting bracket  34  and a plurality of other links. Generally, the seat-adjustment assembly  32  is adapted to recline and incline the backrest, which is coupled to the back-mounting bracket  34 . In addition, the seat-adjustment assembly  32  is adapted to laterally translate and angularly adjust the seat, which is coupled to the seat-mounting plate  28 . Further, the seat-adjustment assembly  32  may be coupled to a motorized drive mechanism having a linear actuator, thereby facilitating movement of the linkage mechanism  20  in response to user-initiated actuation. 
     In embodiments, one or more legs  16  and  18  are adapted to vertically raise and support the seating unit above an underlying surface. In embodiments, the leg(s) are mounted to arms in the frame-within-a-frame style chair, while the leg(s) are mounted to an underlying arm base in the pivot-over-arm style chair. Sometimes, a chassis is mounted to either the arm or to the underlying arm base. The base plate  30  is mounted to tube(s) (e.g., both front and rear) spanning the chassis. The seat-mounting plate  28  is interconnected to the base plate  30  via links comprising the seat-adjustment assembly  32 , which translate the seat over the base plate  30  during adjustment between the closed, extended, and reclined positions while incrementally adjusting the angle of inclination therebetween. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the footrest assembly  26  will be described in greater detail. The footrest assembly  26  includes a rear ottoman link  35 , and a front ottoman link  36 , both of which attach to the seat mounting plate at pivots  38  and  40 , respectively. The footrest assembly  26  further comprises a main ottoman link  42 , which attaches to the rear ottoman link  35  at pivot  44  and a second ottoman link  46 , which attaches to the front ottoman link  36  at pivot  48 . The second ottoman link  46  and the main ottoman link  42  are both attached to the footrest bracket  50 , and the main ottoman link  42  is also attached to the mid-ottoman bracket  52 . The footrest bracket functions to support a footrest  51  ( FIG. 1 ), and the mid-ottoman bracket  52  functions to support another ottoman  53  ( FIG. 1 ) in addition to the footrest  51 . A mid-ottoman control link  57  is attached from the second ottoman link  46  to the mid-ottoman bracket  52 . The footrest assembly  26  further comprises a flipper control link  54  that is attached to the second ottoman link  46  and to a flipper ottoman bracket  56 , which is usable to support another footrest  59  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     As indicated above, the footrest assembly  26  functions to actuate and move the plurality of footrests/ottomans  51 ,  53 , and  59  from a closed or collapsed position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to an extended position ( FIG. 3 ). As such, the linkage mechanism  20  further comprises a lock link  60 , which is attached to the front ottoman link  36 , and a footrest drive link  62 , which is attached to the rear ottoman link  35 . The lock link  60  is further attached to a lock bracket  64 , which attaches to a drive tube  66  and a lock mounting plate  68 . When the drive tube  66  is activated (either manually or using a motor), the lock bracket  64  is rotated clockwise (in the view provided by  FIG. 2 ) around the pivot  70  attaching the lock bracket  64  to the lock mounting plate  68 . This motion of the lock bracket  64  drives the lock link  60  forward, which in turn causes the front ottoman link  36  to rotate clockwise on pivot  40 , which attaches the front ottoman link  36  to the seat mounting plate  28 . At the same time, footrest drive link  62  and rear ottoman link  35  are activated, in which case rear ottoman link  35  rotates clockwise on pivot  38 , which attaches the rear ottoman link  35  to the seat mounting plate  28 . 
     The clockwise rotation of the rear ottoman link  35  and the front ottoman link  36  from the closed position of  FIG. 2  in turn causes the main ottoman link  42  and the second ottoman link  46  to rotate counterclockwise as they extend to the extended configuration of  FIG. 3 . In addition, the mid-ottoman control link  57  and the mid-ottoman bracket  52  rotate clockwise on pivots  72  and  74 , respectively to move from the closed position ( FIG. 2 ) to the extended position ( FIG. 3 ). Further, the flipper control link  54  and the flipper ottoman bracket  56  rotate clockwise on pivots  76  and  78 , respectively, to move from the closed position ( FIG. 2 ) to the open position ( FIG. 3 ). 
     As indicated previously, the compact design of the linkage mechanism  20  allows for the footrest assembly  26  to move from the closed position to the extended position when the seating unit includes the first dimension  22  and the second dimension  24  ( FIG. 1 ). The compact design is a function of the various geometries of the links included in the footrest assembly, such as the shape and spacing of linkages, lengths of linkages, distances between pivots, and the like. In one embodiment, those features are as depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     The compact design of the linkage mechanism  20  provides other benefits as well. For example, in one embodiment, the design allows a flipper-ottoman board (not shown) mounted to the flipper-ottoman bracket  56  to extend to the near width of the main-footrest board (not shown). Absent this technology, the flipper-ottoman board is reduced and is not able to extend as wide (from left to right). In another embodiment, the design satisfies a third dimension  75  defined by a distance between a seat mounting flange  31  and a mounting surface of the flipper-ottoman bracket  56  when the assembly is in a closed position. In one embodiment, the third dimension is about 3.625 inches. 
     Movement of the footrests/ottomans  51 ,  53 , and  59  and the footrest assembly  26  from a closed arrangement to an extended position has been described. Collapsing or closing these elements is facilitated by moving the drive tube  66  in an opposite direction (i.e., counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 3 ), which in turn causes a reverse of the above described movements. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the seat-adjustment assembly  32  will now be described in more detail. As indicated previously, the seat-adjustment assembly  32  attaches the seat mounting plate  28  to the base plate  30 . Also, the seat-adjustment assembly  32  traverses the seat mounting plate  28  forward when the backrest  14  is moved into a more reclined position and traverses the seat mounting plate  28  rearward as the backrest  14  is moved into a more inclined position. 
     The seat-adjustment assembly  32  includes a back drive link  80 , rear bellcrank  82 , and back toggle link  84 . The back drive link  80  attaches to the back-mounting bracket  34  and to the rear bellcrank  82 . The mounting bracket  34  attaches to a rear seat bracket  81  extending from the seat mounting plate  28 . The rear bellcrank  82  is attached at pivot  83  to a rear portion  86  of the seat mounting plate  28  and to the back toggle link  84 , which attaches to the base plate  30 . 
     The seat-adjustment assembly  32  further comprises a rear pivot link  88  and a front pivot link  90 , both of which attach to a roller link  92 . The roller link  92  includes two rollers  94  and  96 , which are rotatably coupled to the roller link  92 . The rollers  94  and  96  are positioned between the roller link  92  and the base plate  30  and the rollers  94  and  96  are positioned on one or more tracks of the base plate  30 . 
     As previously indicated, the seat-adjustment assembly  32  facilitates recline and incline of the backrest  14  and traverses the seat mounting plate  28  with respect to the base plate  30 . The operation of the seat-adjustment assembly  32  will now be described in more detail. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the seat-mounting plate  28  has been adjusted downward as a result of moving from a closed position to an extended position. At least part of the downward shift results from the footrest drive link  62  acting on the rear pivot link. That is, when the linkage mechanism moves from a closed position to an extended position, the rear pivot link rotates counterclockwise, thereby shifting the seat mounting plate downward. Moving to the reclined position, the back-mounting bracket  34  is rotated clockwise on pivot  98 , which attaches the back-mounting bracket  34  to the rear seat bracket  81 . For example, back-mounting bracket  34  might be rotated clockwise when a user seated in the seating unit  10  leans backward or otherwise applies weight to the backrest  14 . Rotation of the back mounting bracket  34  clockwise pushes the back drive link  80  downward, thereby causing the rear bellcrank  82  to rotate counterclockwise on pivot  83  and to shift downward. The back toggle link  84  adjusts counterclockwise on the pivot attaching the back toggle link  84  to the base plate  30 . When the base plate  30  is fixed relative to the seat-mounting plate (such as when the base plate  30  is directly or indirectly attached to legs of a chair resting on the floor), the movement of the back mounting bracket  34 , back drive link  80 , rear bellcrank  82 , and back toggle link  84  initiates a forward motion of the seat mounting plate  28 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , as the seat mounting plate  28  is biased forward, the rear pivot link  88  and front pivot link  90  transfer the forward motion of the seat mounting plate  28  to the roller link  92 . In turn, the roller link  92  shifts forward relative to the base plate  30  using the rollers  94  and  96 , which traverse the track of the base plate  30 . 
     Movement of the seat-adjustment assembly  32  from a relatively inclined position in  FIG. 3  to a relatively reclined position in  FIG. 4  has been described. Movement from the position depicted in  FIG. 4  to the position depicted in  FIG. 3  is facilitated by rotating the back-mounting bracket  34  in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in  FIG. 3 ), which in turn causes a reverse of the above described movements. For example, the back-mounting bracket  34  might be actively moved and/or a force that moved the back-mounting bracket  34  clockwise (e.g., user&#39;s weight) might be removed. Likewise, a user leaning forward might also apply a force that allows the back mounting bracket  34  to rotate counterclockwise. 
       FIG. 5  depicts various views of different combinations of linkages, which are labeled, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-11 , a variety of depictions of a motorized linkage mechanism  100  for a motorized adjustable seating unit  102 , with the seating unit  102  moving between a closed position  104 , extended position  106 , and reclined position  108 , is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed in relation to seating unit  10 , the motorized linkage mechanism  100  may be one of a pair of mirror-image linkage mechanisms that are coupled together within the seating unit  102 . As such, each of the components may be referenced individually, but each of the components coupled to the seating plate, other than the crossbars or drive tubes extending between the mirror-image linkage mechanisms, may be one of a pair, or rather, have a complementary component on the other linkage mechanism. 
       FIGS. 6-7  depict the seating unit  102  in the closed position  104 .  FIGS. 8-9  depict the seating unit in the extended position  106 .  FIGS. 10-11  depict the seating unit in the reclined position  108 . The movement between the positions  104 ,  106 , and  108  may be actuated by a motorized drive mechanism  110  coupled to the seating unit  102 . The seating unit includes a forward end  101  and a rearward end  103 , and a first side  120  and a second side  122 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the seating unit  102  includes a seat mounting plate  28 , the motorized drive mechanism  110 , and an ottoman drive tube assembly  116 . The ottoman drive tube assembly  116  includes a drive tube  66  that is rotatably coupled to the motorized drive mechanism  110  and to the seat mounting plate  28  of the motorized linkage mechanism  100  (and also, in operation, to a mirrored seat mounting plate and motorized linkage mechanism mounted opposite the seat mounting plate  28  depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 ). The motorized drive mechanism  110  includes a linear actuator  124  that is retracted in  FIG. 6-7 , and at least partially extended in  FIGS. 8-11 . The drive tube  66  is rotatably coupled to an ottoman crossbar  126  with linkages that allow extension of a footrest assembly  26  when the drive tube  66  is rotated by extension of the linear actuator  124  which is rotatably coupled to the drive tube  66 . 
     The ottoman crossbar  126  is positioned at the forward end  101  of the seating unit  102  and extends from the seat mounting plate  28  of the motorized linkage mechanism  100 . The ottoman drive tube assembly  116  is coupled to the motorized linkage mechanism  100  between the forward end  101  and the rearward end  103  of the seating unit  102 . The drive tube assembly  116  may be coupled between the seat mounting plate  28  and an opposite seat mounting plate (not shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ) and extend at least partially between the first side  120  and the second side  122  of the seating unit  102 . The motorized drive mechanism  110  is coupled to a back crossbar  130  at a first motor connection location  132  and extends to the drive tube assembly  116 , to which it is coupled at a second motor connection location  134 , which is pivotable relative to the drive tube  66 . 
     The ottoman drive tube assembly  116  comprises a number of interlinked components. The seat mounting plate  28  includes a lock mounting plate  68  coupled to an inside of the motorized linkage mechanism  100  at a first location  136  between the forward end  101  and the rearward end  103  of the seating unit  102  and between the first and second sides  120 ,  122  of the seating unit  102 . An ottoman control link  157  is rotatably coupled to the lock mounting plate  68 . The ottoman control link  157  is rotatably coupled to a footrest drive link  62  having first and second ends  140 ,  142 , where the first end  140  of the footrest drive link  62  is coupled to the ottoman control link  157 . Once again, the seat mounting plates  28  shown in  FIGS. 6-11  may be mirrored on an opposite side of the seating unit  102  to provide a pair of parallel, coupled, seat mounting plates  28  that provide motorized linkage mechanisms  100  that allow dynamic movement of the seating unit  102 . 
     The first end  140  of the footrest drive link  62  is coupled to the ottoman control link  157  on an inside of the ottoman control link  157  (i.e., closer to a center of the seating unit  102 ; between the first and second sides  120 ,  122 ), and the lock mounting plate  68  is coupled to the ottoman control link  157  on an outside of the ottoman control link  157  (i.e., further from a center of the seating unit  102 , towards the first side  120  of the seating unit). In other words, the first end  140  of the footrest drive link  62  (on both sides of the seating unit  102 ) is coupled such that movement of the first end  140  of the footrest drive link  62  does not interfere with other components of the ottoman drive tube assembly  116 . In the mirrored configuration discussed above, the ottoman control links  157  are fixedly coupled to opposite ends of the drive tube  66 . The drive tube  66  is therefore rotatably coupled to the motorized drive mechanism  110  relative to the pair of seat mounting plates  28 . 
     Each of the footrest drive links  62  is rotatably coupled to a rear pivot link  88  at a second end  142  of the footrest drive link  62 . The rear pivot link  88  is coupled to the second end  142  of the footrest drive link  62  between a first rear pivot link end  144  and a second rear pivot link end  146 . The first rear pivot link end  144  is rotatably coupled to an outside of the seat mounting plate  28  at a second location  148 . The second end  146  of the rear pivot link  88  is rotatably coupled to a roller link  92  at a third location  153 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , which depicts an outside view of the first side  120  of the motorized linkage mechanism  100 , the roller link  92  includes a roller link first end  152  and a roller link second end  154 . The roller link  92  is slidably coupled to a base plate  30  at rollers  94  and  96  which are received in roller track locations in the base plate  30 . 
     Furthermore, a front pivot link  90  is rotatably coupled to an outside of the seat mounting plate  28  at a fourth location  156 . Additionally, the front pivot link  90  is rotatably coupled to the roller link  92  at the roller link first end  152 . The roller link  92  is therefore coupled to the front pivot link  90  at the roller link first end  152  and to the rear pivot link  88  at the roller link second end  154 . The base plate  30  is rotatably coupled to a back toggle link  84  at a fifth location  158 . The back toggle link  84  is rotatably coupled to a rear bellcrank  82  at a sixth location  162 . The rear bellcrank  82  is coupled to the seat mounting plate  28  towards a rearward end  103  of the seating unit  102  at a seventh location  164 , and is also rotatably coupled to a back drive link  80  at an eighth location  166 . The back drive link  80  is rotatably coupled to a back mounting bracket  34  at a ninth location  168 . The back mounting bracket  34  is rotatably coupled to a rear seat bracket  81  at a tenth location  170 , and the rear seat bracket  81  is fixedly coupled to the seat mounting plate  28  at an eleventh location  172 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , the back crossbar  130  may be coupled to the base plate  30  of the seating unit  102  at the rearward end  103  with a back crossbar bracket  173 , and the ottoman crossbar  126  may be coupled to the seat mounting plate  28  at the forward end  101  of the seating unit  102  with an ottoman crossbar bracket  174 . The ottoman crossbar  126  and the drive tube  66  of the ottoman drive tube assembly  116  are rotatably coupled to each other with a combination of linkages. In this respect, as shown in  FIGS. 7, 9, and 11 , the drive tube  66  includes a first lock bracket  176  fixedly coupled to the drive tube  66  at a first drive tube location  178  and a second lock bracket  180  fixedly coupled to the drive tube  66  at a second drive tube location  182 . Each of the first and second lock brackets  176 ,  180  is rotatably coupled to a respective lock link  60 . Each of the lock links  60  are rotatably coupled to a respective front ottoman link  36 . Each of the front ottoman links  36  is rotatably coupled to a respective ottoman mounting bracket  184  fixedly coupled to the ottoman crossbar  126  between the first side  120  and the second side  122  of the seating unit  102 . 
     The footrest assembly  26  is rotatably coupled to the ottoman crossbar  126 . Each of the ottoman mounting brackets  184  is further rotatably coupled to a rear ottoman link  35 . Each of the rear ottoman links  35  is rotatably coupled to a respective main ottoman link  42 . Each of the main ottoman links  42  is rotatably coupled to a respective footrest bracket  50 . In addition to these linkages, rotatably coupled to each of the ottoman mounting brackets  184  is the respective front ottoman link  36 , which is also rotatably coupled to the respective lock link  60 , as discussed above, and also, is rotatably coupled to a respective second ottoman link  46 . Each second ottoman link  46  is rotatably coupled to a respective flipper control link  54 . Each flipper control link  54  is rotatably coupled to a respective flipper ottoman bracket  56 . Each flipper ottoman bracket  56  is rotatably coupled to the respective footrest bracket  50  on each side of the footrest assembly  26 . 
     Different configurations of the motorized linkage mechanism  100 , the corresponding footrest assembly  26 , and the overall seating unit  102  are possible and contemplated. The ottoman drive tube assembly  116  may be positioned at various locations between the forward and rearward ends  101 ,  103  of the seating unit  102 . Further, the motorized drive mechanism  110  may have another coupling configuration with the ottoman drive tube assembly  116  such as, for example, being rotatably coupled to the drive tube assembly  116  through a side of the drive tube assembly  116 , in order to provide rotational force from an axial position. Additionally, the distance between the drive tube  66  and the ottoman crossbar  126  may be varied, depending on the desired position of linkages, their length, and the linkage arrangement. 
     Additionally, more or fewer footrest components may be used. For example, more or fewer than two linkage assemblies extending out to respective footrest brackets  50  may be used. The ottoman crossbar  126  may have a first cross-sectional area, and the drive tube  66  may have a second cross-sectional area, and in this respect, the first cross-sectional area may be larger than the second cross-sectional area, as the ottoman crossbar  126  may require greater support in certain configurations. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a block diagram of an exemplary method  1200  for assembling a motorized linkage mechanism, such as the motorized linkage mechanism  100  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , for an adjustable seating unit, such as the adjustable seating unit  102  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     At a block  1210 , a pair of seat mounting plates, such as the seat mounting plate  28  shown in  FIGS. 6-11  and an opposite, mirrored seat mounting plate coupled to the seating unit  102 , is provided. At a block  1212 , a back crossbar, such as the back crossbar  130  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , is coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates at the rearward end, such as the rearward end  103  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , of the seating unit. At a block  1214 , an ottoman crossbar, such as the ottoman crossbar  126  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , is coupled between the pair of seat mounting plates at the forward end, such as the forward end  101  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , of the seating unit. At a block  1216 , an ottoman drive tube assembly, such as the ottoman drive tube assembly  116  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , is coupled to the pair of seat mounting plates between the forward and rearward ends of the seating unit. 
     In the exemplary method  1200 , the drive tube assembly may comprise a pair of lock mounting plates, such as the lock mounting plate  68  shown in  FIGS. 6-11  and an opposite, mirror image lock mounting plate on the seating unit  102 , coupled respectively to the pair of seat mounting plates, a pair of ottoman control links, such as the ottoman control link  157  shown in  FIGS. 6-11  and an opposite, mirror image ottoman control link on the seating unit  102 , rotatably coupled respectively to the pair of lock mounting plates. 
     The drive tube assembly may further comprise a drive tube, such as the drive tube  66  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , fixedly coupled to the pair of ottoman control links and extending at least partially between the first side and the second side of the seating unit, such as the first and second sides  120 ,  122  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , a pair of footrest drive links, such as the footrest drive link  62  shown in  FIGS. 6-11  and an opposite, mirror image footrest drive link on the seating unit  102 , having first and second ends, such as the first and second ends  140 ,  142  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 . 
     Further, the drive tube assembly may further comprise the pair of footrest drive links rotatably coupled respectively to the pair of ottoman control links at the first ends, a pair of rear pivot links, such as the rear pivot link  88  shown in  FIGS. 6-11  and an opposite, mirror image rear pivot link, the pair of rear pivot links rotatably coupled respectively to the second ends of the pair of footrest drive links, the pair of rear pivot links being rotatably coupled respectively to the pair of seat mounting plates. The drive tube assembly may further comprise a pair of base plates, such as the base plate  30  shown in  FIGS. 6-11  and an opposite, mirror image base plate, slidably coupled respectively to the pair of rear pivot links. The drive tube assembly may further comprise a pair of lock brackets, such as the first and second lock brackets  176 ,  180  shown in  FIG. 9 , fixedly coupled to the drive tube between the first side and the second side, and inwardly spaced from the pair of seat mounting plates, and a pair of lock links, such as the lock links  60  shown in  FIG. 9 , rotatably coupled respectively to the pair of lock brackets and to the ottoman crossbar. 
     At a block  1218 , the method  1200  further comprises coupling a motorized drive mechanism, such as the motorized drive mechanism  110  shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , to the back crossbar and to the drive tube. Additionally, the motorized drive mechanism may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric, and may be linearly or rotational actuated, and/or may be another configuration or design that provides rotational force to the drive tube assembly. 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations and are contemplated as within the scope of the claims.