Patent Publication Number: US-2018042380-A1

Title: Ready to assemble furniture including a recliner portion

Description:
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/054,804, filed Oct. 15, 2013 by Billy Joe Griggs Jr., which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/713,289, filed Oct. 12, 2012; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/758,242, filed Jan. 29, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/758,263, filed Jan. 29, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/802,963, filed Mar. 18, 2013; and is entitled to the benefit of those filing dates for priority. The specifications, figures, and complete disclosures of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/054,804 and U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/713,289; 61/758,242; 61/758,263; and 61/802,963 are incorporated herein in their entireties by specific reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Ready to assemble furniture is very popular because it can be relatively inexpensive as compared to fully assembled furniture, and can be relatively easy to assemble. However, there are pieces of furniture that have proven to be exceedingly difficult to provide as ready to assemble furniture. One such type of furniture relates to any type of furniture in which a recliner mechanism is included. 
     Recliner mechanisms create particular problems when provided with ready to assemble furniture; in fact, the precision of preparing the interlocking parts is typically beyond the ability of the average person working with ready to assemble furniture. The present invention addresses this deficiency and provides a novel RTA assembly whereby recliner components are provided. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an RTA recliner that assembles in a manner significantly less complex then current recliners. 
     The RTA recliner mechanism of the present invention is also easy for assembly in a manufacturing environment due to the fact that the novel configuration as an RTA article speeds up the assembly process. In an environment where a manufacturer of distributor desires to assemble the RTA recliner prior to shipment, it provides a more rapid assembly time then currently assembled recliners. 
     Persons familiar with the furniture industry in the U.S. recognize it is difficult to manufacture reclining furniture outside states like MS and NC, because it is hard to find skilled labor to do this. With the recliner of the present invention, including the inventive slide and lock concept mechanism mounting configuration, assembly is easier for manufacturers and gives manufacturers greater latitude to recruit and hire persons capable of assembly. 
     Although the general description herein is illustrated as a recliner, the present invention is suitable for may types of furniture, including, but not limited to gliding recliners, rockers, swivel recliners, swivel chairs, sofas, loveseats, chairs, sectionals, modular pieces, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a ready to assemble (RTA) recliner comprising: 
     a first configuration, being a disassembled configuration, said first configuration having an assembled functioning recliner mechanism, wherein said mechanism is constructed and arranged to be packaged with component parts; and
 
a second configuration, whereby said second configuration is an assembled configuration, said assembled configuration completed in an assembly process in which hand tools, including, but not limited to, wrenches, pliers, vices, hammers, screwdrivers and the like are not required, said second configuration utilizing said reclining mechanism, wherein said reclining mechanism is constructed with a male-female sliding track for providing movement, said female track fixed to said RTA recliner, and complementary male portion sliding within said female track to provide motion and actuate said recliner mechanism into reclined and retracted positions.
 
     In one embodiment the invention includes 
     A connection apparatus for furniture, comprising:
         a pair of scissor mechanisms, one left facing and one right facing, each with a top, bottom, front and back; and   a first connector attached to the bottom of each of said scissor mechanisms, said first connector adapted to receive and snap-lock a corresponding second connector mounted on a furniture base.       

     The furniture base comprises one of: a rocker base, a swivel base, a glider base, a glider-swivel base, a stationary base, or combinations thereof. 
     In one embodiment the invention is a connection apparatus for furniture, comprising:
         a pair of scissor mechanisms, one left facing and one right facing, each with a top, bottom, front and back; and   one or more seat connectors attached to the top of each of said scissor mechanisms, said one or more seat connectors adapted to receive and snap-lock one or more corresponding seat box connectors mounted on a furniture seat box.       

     The connection apparatus further comprises one or more arms connected to said furniture seat box by a plurality of male-female connectors. 
     In one embodiment, the invention is a connection apparatus for furniture, comprising:
         a pair of scissor mechanisms, one left facing and one right facing, each with a top, bottom, front and back; and   a footrest connection bracket attached to the front of each scissor mechanism, said footrest connection bracket adapted to attach to a corresponding bracket on a footrest.       

     The connection apparatus has each scissor mechanism further comprises a seat back connection bracket attached to the back of each scissors mechanism, said seat back connection bracket adapted to attach to a corresponding bracket on a furniture seat back. 
     In one embodiment, the invention is a connection apparatus for furniture, comprising:
         a pair of scissor mechanisms, one left facing and one right facing; and   a drive bar or tube with a right end and a left end extending between the pair of scissor mechanisms and snap-lock connected thereto.       

     The ends of the drive bar or tube are connected to the corresponding scissor mechanism with a spring-socket ball structure. Also, the ends of the drive bar or tube are connected to the corresponding scissor mechanism with male/female clips. 
     The connection further comprises a foot rest release handle snap-lock mechanically linked to one end of said drive bar or tube. 
     In one embodiment, the invention is a connection apparatus for furniture, comprising:
         a pair of scissor mechanisms, one left facing and one right facing, each with a top, bottom, front and back; and   a stabilizer or support bar or tube with a right end and a left end extending between the pair of scissor mechanisms and connected by clips thereto.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one embodiment of components of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a separate view of one embodiment of the present invention showing arrangement of the components of the present invention in a packing container. 
         FIG. 2B  is a separate view of another embodiment of the present invention showing arrangement of the components of the present invention and a packing container. 
         FIG. 3  is a view demonstrating assembly of a recliner footrest to a recliner scissor assembly. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side partial cross-section view demonstrating attachment of a seat back to a furniture base. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side partial cross-sectional view demonstrating the completion of attachment of a seat back to a furniture base from  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view demonstrating attachment of arms to a furniture base. 
         FIG. 6  is a separate view demonstrating arrangement of a pair of recliner scissor assemblies and a foot rest connected onto a furniture base. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a disassembled foot rest and scissors assembly with directional arrows indicating the direction of attachment. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of an assembled foot rest and scissors according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view showing attachment of an arm to a furniture frame. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-section view showing a keyhole attachment system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a section view along the section lines from  FIG. 10  showing the keyhole attachment system. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the attachment system of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a frame fastening system demonstrating a keyhole slot attachment for the assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view demonstrating a keyhole slot frame assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of a spring clip attachment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a frame fastener spring clip of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a frame fastening system utilizing an “L” clip. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-section view demonstrating assembly utilizing a “C” clip. 
         FIG. 19A  is a partial front view demonstrating base support positioned between two scissor assemblies. 
         FIG. 19B  is a partial top view demonstrating a support between two scissor assemblies. 
         FIG. 20  is close up perspective view of the base frame assembly. 
         FIG. 21  is a separated perspective view of the base frame, scissor recliner mechanisms, and seat frame. 
         FIG. 22  is a separated perspective view of the base frame, scissor recliner mechanisms, and seat frame. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a pair of base frames prior to interconnection one to another to form the base of a larger article of furniture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Ready to assemble furniture is popular with consumers. Reclining furniture is often bulky and cannot be provided as a ready to assemble (RTA) product. 
     The present invention has developed an article of furniture incorporating at least one recliner, whereby the configuration has a first configuration being a disassembled configuration and a second configuration being an assembled configuration. 
     Although the term “recliner” is used herein, the recliner is intended to be used as a stand alone recliner, or a recliner incorporated into a sofa, love seat, sectional, and any other larger piece of furniture (larger relative to a stand alone recliner). 
     The disassembled configuration, in a preferred embodiment, provides for a RTA recliner having a functional and assembled recliner mechanism secured to a seat base, but the recliner mechanism and other components are constructed and arranged to fit in a rectangular shaped container utilizing 80-99% of the interior volume of said container. The volume utilization in a rectangular container is important in maximizing volume and reducing shipping costs. 
     Conventional recliners are provided in one of two ways: 
     completely disassembled and requiring significant amount of skill and tools to assemble the recliner mechanism; or
 
completely assembled and having back portions with angular offsets relative to the seat to provide a seat back that is an obtuse angle in the sitting area. This offset results in inefficient utilization of shipping volume.
 
     The present invention has utilized several unique recliner mechanism configurations and incorporated these into the present invention. 
     One mechanism provides the recliner on a track with a male-female interaction. The male portion being movable within the track and having locking points constructed to restrict movement at predetermined intervals. 
     Other embodiments contemplate similar configurations as the track mechanism. It is contemplated that configurations in which the recliner mechanism imparts a linear or substantially linear configuration when the mechanism is activated. The novel linear relationship of the movable portion in relation to the fixed portion provides the geometric configuration that allows the recliner to be packaged in an unassembled configuration in a rectangular box with the other furniture components. In one embodiment, the mechanism is moved with a slide and lock arrangement. In yet another embodiment, the mechanism interaction is through a snap and lock system. 
     The present invention provides an assembly whereby the elimination of many bolts and connectors is achieved by using a slide and lock or snap assembly system. 
     The present invention represents a significant cost savings in manufacture and production because this system is eliminating 20+ bolts depending on style of mechanism. A manufacturer will be able to assemble approximately 4 times as many mechanisms with half of the labor. 
     This also saves on repairs because the consumer can replace a part by just snapping it on and off. 
     The invention is contemplated to be used with all motion/reclining mechanisms, including, but not limited to recliner, sofa, loveseat, sectional, loungers, modular pieces. 
     A non-limiting list of some of the connections includes: 
     1. male bracket on scissors connects to female bracket on seat box frame,
 
2. male bracket on scissors connects to female bracket on footrest,
 
3. drive tube connects to left facing scissor and right facing scissor with the spring button or push button,
 
4. reclining sofa mechanism has the stabilizer/support tube that connect to the left facing scissors and right facing scissors with the male and female clips,
 
5. arms fasten on with male female connector (hand knob bolts),
 
6. release handle assembly connects with the push button or spring button,
 
7. the base assembly which could be a rocker base, swivel base, glider base, glider swivel base combination or a stationary base will connect male female-slide lock, snap connection,
 
8. position a base rail on the piece to make it a one piece sofa; alternatively, it can be done as a modular piece, allowing the customer to build their own sofa or sectional because in is individual pieces
 
9. the back will snap on with male female connectors.
 
     In one embodiment, the RTA recliner additionally minimizes the use of tools by connecting pieces with complimentary peg and slot connectors. 
     A fixed peg inserts into a complimentary slot and moves along the slot into a position that locks and/or restricts movement of the peg. 
     The RTA recliner of the present invention assembles without use of any tools, especially hand tools. There is no need for screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, vice grips, wrenches or any type of tools. The RTA recliner of the present invention is strong and sturdy, even when assembled without tools. 
     In one embodiment, as demonstrated in  FIG. 1 , assembly  10  is formed with a base frame  20 . Said base frame  20  constructed and arranged with a cam receiver  42  that receives a rocker cam  40  whereby said rocker cam  40  is attached to the bottom portion of rocker scissor mechanism  16 . A pair of rocker scissor mechanisms  16  are provided, each positioned into a cam receiver  42  in frame  20 . Once each cam is positioned, a cross rod  26  is connected to each of scissor mechanisms  16 . In one embodiment, cross rod  26  connects into scissor mechanism  16  by virtue of a spring-socket ball connect mechanism  44 . As is known in the art, the spring socket ball connect mechanism  44  has a ball like structure protruding outward from cross rod  26  whereby the structure is urged outward by a spring. When cross rod  26  is inserted into a receiver formed on scissor mechanism  16 , the ball structure is pushed inward until mating with a locking orifice. These locking mechanisms are sometimes referred to as ball detent clevis pins or ball lock pins. 
     As demonstrated in  FIG. 3 , each scissor mechanism  16  has incorporated thereon a connector  32  constructed and arranged to meet with a complementary connector  34  that is positioned on foot rest  18 . This connector system as demonstrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  whereby complementary connectors are used to attach seat back  12  two furniture seat base  22 . 
     Additionally contemplated in the present invention are connectors for at least one arm portion  14  utilizing hand bolt  36  that attaches to seat base  22  by connector nuts  38  incorporated onto seat base  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the directional arrows indicate placement of each of the scissor mechanisms  16  onto base frame  20  whereby scissor mechanisms  16  are stabilized with at least one cross rod  26  as described. In one embodiment, a foot rest handle  24  is connected to at least one of scissor mechanisms  16 . 
     In one embodiment, as demonstrated in  FIGS. 10 through 12 , a fastener which serves a dual purpose as a foot for the article of furniture is positioned into frame member  48  and frame member  48  has incorporated there in a keyhole slot  52  that interconnects for assembly of the frame. Keyhole slot  52  will interact with the screw fastener  50  to form the furniture frame as demonstrated in  FIGS. 10 through 13 . 
     In one embodiment, spring clip  58  is constructed and arranged to assemble brace  54  with frame angle member  56 . As demonstrated in  FIG. 15 , spring clip  58  is an “L” mount clip that interacts with spring clip locking recess  62  incorporated onto brace  54  and configured to attach brace  54  two angle members  56  in a furniture frame of the present invention. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 16 , flat mount spring clip  60  is utilized in connecting components of the furniture frame. 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 17 , a “c” spring clip  66  is used for connecting two portions of seat base  22  whereby mounting bolt  70  and locking rivet  64  are used to effectuate the connection.  FIG. 18  demonstrates a cross-section utilizing “c” spring clip  66  to connect each of seat base portions  22 . 
     As demonstrated in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , a scissor support tube  72  connects each of scissor portions  16  utilizing a connecting and mounting system as described herein. As shown in these figures, mounting bolt used with “c” spring clip  66  is demonstrated. 
       FIG. 20  shows a close up of one embodiment whereby the furniture frame is assembled by an interconnect of frame components with locking pin  76  of scissor mechanism  16  configured to insert into channel lock  74  of base frame  20 . 
       FIG. 21  demonstrates arrangement of parts whereby frame  20  receives the pair of scissor mechanisms  16  and scissor mechanisms  16  connect to seat frame base  22 . 
     As demonstrated in  FIG. 23 , base rails  100  connect to base frame members  46 . In one embodiment, base rails  100  are formed to connect as shown using suitable male-female connectors to attach and connect two or more frames in order to form a larger article of furniture. 
     While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.