Patent ID: 12232618

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Further, it should be appreciated that the figures do not necessarily represent an all-inclusive representation of the embodiments herein and may have various components hidden to aid in the written description thereof.

Aspects hereof may be described using directional terminology. For example, the Cartesian coordinate system may be used to describe positions and movement or rotation of the features described herein. Accordingly, some aspects may be described with reference to three mutually perpendicular axes. The axes may be referred to herein as lateral, longitudinal, and vertical, and may be indicated by reference characters X, Y, and Z, respectively, in the accompanying figures. For example, the terms “vertical” and “vertically” as used herein refer to a direction perpendicular to each of the lateral and longitudinal axes. As a further example, the longitudinal axis may extend in a front-to-back direction of a recliner and the lateral axis may extend in a side-to-side direction of the recliner. Additionally, relative location terminology will be utilized herein. For example, the term “proximate” is intended to mean on, about, near, by, next to, at, and the like. Therefore, when a feature is proximate another feature, it is close in proximity but not necessarily exactly at the described location, in some aspects. Additionally, the term “distal” refers to a portion of a feature herein that is positioned away from a midpoint of the feature.

FIGS.1-8illustrate a powered, recliner mechanism10, shown with a long-back design. With initial reference toFIGS.1and2, the recliner mechanism10is made to be placed on a powered recliner that includes a pair of arms supported by legs on a seating supporting surface. The recliner mechanism10is made to support a seat and a back as known to those of skill in the art. One or more ottomans (e.g., a foot support ottoman, a leg support ottoman, a footrest etc.) may also be coupled to the recliner mechanism10by a footrest linkage assembly12(as best seen inFIG.2). As seen inFIG.2, the recliner mechanism10offers a slim profile design, fitting between reference lines14and16. This slim profile design offers the capability to utilize the recliner mechanism10on a high-leg, wood-to-the-floor chair design. The recliner mechanism10is supported on the chair arms by a stationary base plate18that is fixedly coupled to the adjacent chair arm. The base plate18supports the remainder of the recliner mechanism10between the chair arms.

Near the rear of the base plate18, as seen by comparingFIG.2toFIG.3, a pivot control link20is pivotally coupled to the base plate18at pivot point22. The pivot control link20is one of the links in a rear sub-linkage24that helps control movement of the seat and back as they move from a TV position to a fully reclined position. In some aspects, the rear sub-linkage24replaces a track-and-roller system. The rear sub-linkage24also has a rear travel link26and a rear toggle link28. The pivot control link20is pivotally coupled near the center of the rear travel link26at pivot point30. One end of the rear travel link26is pivotally coupled to the rear toggle link28at pivot point32. The opposite end of the rear toggle link28is pivotally coupled to the base plate18at pivot point34. The rear travel link26extends away from pivot point32, and is pivotally coupled on the other end to a trolley link36at pivot point38. Below pivot point38, the rear travel link26may have an inwardly extending flange40that is used to fixedly couple a cross tube42from one rear travel link26to the other. As best seen inFIG.3, the base plate18may have a stop44extending therefrom that abuts a portion of the pivot control link20when in the closed and TV positions. In some aspects, the distance from pivot point22to pivot point30on pivot control link20is the same as the distance from pivot point30to pivot point38on the rear travel link26.

As seen inFIGS.1and3, the rear end of the trolley link36is pivotally coupled to a rear pivot link46at pivot point48. The rear pivot link46extends away from pivot point48, and is pivotally coupled on the other end to a seat rail50at pivot point52. As best seen inFIG.1, pivot point52is rearward of pivot point48when in the closed position, such that a line54drawn between pivot point52and pivot point48angles rearwardly. This geometry, along with other geometry described below, allows the compact, shorter links (allowing a slim design usable on a high-leg, wood-to-the-floor mechanism) to achieve the desired seat movement as the recliner mechanism moves from the closed position to the TV position.

As seen inFIG.3, a rear seat bracket56is fixedly coupled to the seat rail50. The rear seat bracket56is pivotally coupled to a back bracket58at pivot point60. In some aspects, the rear seat bracket56has a stop62that abuts a portion of the back bracket58in the closed and TV positions. The back bracket58may be configured as a “KD bracket” allowing the back bracket58to be easily coupled to a back of the recliner. A back support link64is pivotally coupled to the back bracket58at pivot point66. The other end of the back support link64is pivotally coupled to a back toggle70at pivot point68. Near pivot point68, the back toggle70is also pivotally coupled to the rear seat bracket56at pivot point72. In some aspects, the back toggle70may have a stop73extending inwardly therefrom that abuts a portion of the rear seat bracket56when in the fully reclined position ofFIGS.6-8. The lower end of the back toggle70is pivotally coupled to a lower toggle74at pivot point76. In some aspects, the back toggle70has a stop78that abuts a portion of the lower toggle74when in the closed position. The end of the lower toggle74opposite pivot point76is pivotally coupled to the base plate18at pivot point80.

At the rear of the base plate18, as seen inFIGS.1and2, a rear motor tube82is coupled between opposing base plates18via a motor bracket84fixedly coupled to the base plate18. Generally mid-way along the rear motor tube82, a clevis86is used to pivotally couple a motor or actuator88to the rear motor tube82. The extending shaft of the motor88is coupled to a link on the footrest assembly12, as is further described below.

As best seen inFIG.3, a front pivot link90is pivotally coupled to the trolley link36at pivot point92. The front pivot link90extends away from pivot point92, and is pivotally coupled on its opposite end to the seat rail50at pivot point94. As seen inFIG.2, a reference line96drawn between pivot point92and pivot point94is oriented rearwardly from vertical when in the closed position, similar to reference line54discussed above with reference to rear pivot link46. This orientation allows the sear rail50to achieve the desired forward movement when going from the closed position to the TV position while still providing a shorter front pivot link90(allowing for the various styling options discussed above).

With continued reference toFIG.3, a front sub-linkage98is used that is similar in many ways to the rear sub-linkage24described above. The front sub-linkage98includes a toggle link100that is pivotally coupled on one end to the base plate18at pivot point102. The other end of the toggle link100is pivotally coupled to a front travel link104at pivot point106. The end of the front travel link104opposite pivot point106is pivotally coupled to the trolley link36at pivot point108. Generally mid-way between pivot point106and pivot point108, the front travel link104is pivotally coupled to a pivot control link110at pivot point112. The end of the pivot control link110opposite pivot point112is pivotally coupled to the base plate18at pivot point114. In some aspects, a stop116is fixedly coupled to the base plate18, extending inwardly therefrom, and abutting a portion of the pivot control link110when the recliner mechanism10is in the closed position or the TV position. In some aspects, the distance from pivot point114to pivot point112on pivot control link110is the same as the distance from pivot point112to pivot point108on the front travel link104. This geometry on the front sub-linkage98, along with the geometry on the rear sub-linkage24controls the movement of the seat rail50in a straight line as the mechanism moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position. Moreover, as indicated by reference front line of travel117inFIG.3, the pivot point108moves on a line extending through pivot point114as the mechanism moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position. Similarly, as indicated by reference rear line of travel119inFIG.3, the pivot point38moves on a line extending through pivot point22as the mechanism moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position. In some aspects, the front line of travel117is not parallel to the rear line of travel119, which may additionally change the pitch of the seat rail50.

The footrest linkage assembly12is best seen inFIGS.5and6, when the recliner mechanism10is in the TV position and the fully reclined position, respectively. The footrest linkage assembly12includes a rear ottoman link120that is pivotally coupled to the seat rail50at pivot point122. Near pivot point122, a footrest drive link124is pivotally coupled to the rear ottoman link120at pivot point126. The opposite end of the footrest drive link124is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot link46at pivot point128. The rear ottoman link120extends away from pivot point122and is pivotally coupled on the opposite end to a main ottoman link130at pivot point132. The main ottoman link130extends away from pivot point132and is pivotally coupled on the opposite end to mounting link134at pivot point136. The mounting link134supports a spring loaded ottoman. The end of the mounting link134opposite pivot point136is coupled to a bracket138at an arcuate slot140, as best seen inFIG.5. On the other end of the bracket138, an ottoman mounting bracket142is pivotally coupled to the bracket138at pivot point144. The mounting link134is also pivotally coupled to an inside ottoman link146at pivot point148. The opposite end of the inside ottoman link146is pivotally coupled to a front ottoman link150at pivot point152. Generally mid-way between pivot point148and pivot point152, a control link154is pivotally coupled to the inside ottoman link146at pivot point156. The other end of the control link154is pivotally coupled to a mid-ottoman bracket158at pivot point160. Near pivot point160, the mid-ottoman bracket158is also pivotally coupled to the main ottoman link130at pivot point162. As best seen inFIG.5, the main ottoman link130is also pivotally coupled to the front ottoman link150at pivot point164. The front ottoman link150is pivotally coupled to the seat rail50at pivot point166. As seen inFIG.5, the rear ottoman link120may have a stop167extending therefrom that abuts the front ottoman link150when the footrest linkage assembly12is moved to the TV position or to the fully reclined position.

As seen inFIG.5, a front motor tube168is fixedly coupled to and between opposing front ottoman links150via mounting brackets170. Generally mid-way along the front motor tube168, a clevis172is used to pivotally couple the extending shaft of the motor88.

As best seen inFIG.1, a support tube174may be fixedly mounted to and between opposing trolley links36to provide stability to the recliner mechanism10.

When moving from the closed position ofFIGS.1-3to the TV position ofFIGS.4-5, the motor88is activated to extend the shaft, thus moving the recliner mechanism10from the closed position to the TV position. The front pivot link90and the rear pivot link46move from a rearward inclination angle (as shown by reference line54ofFIG.1and reference line96ofFIG.2) to a forward inclination angle (as shown by reference line54inFIG.5and reference line96ofFIG.4). This provides forward movement in the seat rail50and allows the recliner in which the recliner mechanism10is used to be designed as a “wall proximity” chair, where the back of the recliner can be placed relatively close to a wall. In addition, by orienting the front pivot link90and the rear pivot link46in a rearward inclination in the closed position, a desired amount of forward travel of the seat rail50is achievable while still having a slim profile, allowing for the recliner to be styled as a “high-leg” chair, with a wood-to-the-floor design. To move the recliner mechanism10from the TV position ofFIGS.4-5to the fully reclined position ofFIGS.6-8, the motor88is again activated to further extend the motor shaft. This results in further movement of the seat rail50due to the front sub-linkage98and the rear sub-linkage24, and the trolley link36as can be seen by comparing the links inFIG.4with the links inFIG.8. In the fully reclined position, the back bracket58(and thus the back of the recliner) is reclined as well, and is moved forwardly. Again this motion is achieved with a slim-profile design.

Another aspect of the recliner mechanism10is shown inFIGS.9-13. One difference from the aspect shown inFIGS.1-8is the placement of the front pivot link90on seat rail50. As best seen inFIG.11, the front pivot link90is pivotally coupled to a new location on seat rail50, shown inFIG.11as pivot point94A. For reference, the pivot point94used in the aspect ofFIGS.1-8is also shown inFIG.11, although not used in this aspect. By providing seat rail50with both possible pivot points94and94A, the movement of the seat rail50as it moves from the closed position to the TV and fully reclined positions can be altered as desired. With the alternate pivot point94A being used, the pitch of the seat is increased (as compared to the aspect shown inFIGS.1-8). This has been found to be desirable by some users, offering more of a “zero-gravity” feel to the TV position and the fully reclined position.

Additionally, the aspect shown inFIGS.9-13utilizes an optional “short back” design. Note that the same back configuration shown inFIGS.1-8could be used with the pivot point94A, without changing to the short back configuration shown inFIGS.9-13. As shown, inFIG.9, the short back option utilizes a modified back bracket58A. The back bracket58A is pivotally coupled to a modified rear seat bracket56A at pivot point60A and to a modified back support link64A at pivot point66A. The modified rear seat bracket56A is fixedly coupled to the seat rail50. The modified back support link64A is pivotally coupled on the other end to a modified back toggle70A at pivot point68A. The modified back toggle70A is also pivotally coupled to the modified rear seat bracket56A at pivot point72A. The lower end of the modified back toggle70A is pivotally coupled to a modified lower toggle74A at pivot point76A. In some aspects, the modified back toggle70A has a stop78A near pivot point76A that may abut a portion of the modified lower toggle74A when in the closed position. The lower end of the modified lower toggle74A is pivotally coupled to the base plate18at pivot point80A. The use of the short back design ofFIGS.9-13allows a design utilizing a “frame-within-a frame” recliner, where the top of the back of the recliner stays more within a vertical frame at the back of the recliner, which has been found desirable by some manufacturers and consumers. The remainder of the recliner mechanism has the same links and configuration as that described above with respect toFIGS.1-8, and so will not be repeated here.

Yet another aspect of the recliner mechanism10is shown inFIGS.14-19. In this aspect, a “deep seat” option is utilized, as desired by some manufacturers and consumers. The deep seat option allows for a seat with added depth from the back to the front. In some aspects, this option might be used on recliners having an upholstered back that extends down to, and sits on top of, the upholstered seat. In this aspect, a modified rear seat bracket56B is used and is fixedly coupled to the seat rail50. As seen inFIG.14, the modified rear seat bracket56B extends rearwardly beyond that of rear seat bracket56ofFIGS.1-8or modified rear seat bracket56A ofFIGS.9-13. The majority of the back linkage is similar to that described above with respect toFIGS.9-13. For completeness, as shown, inFIG.14, the modified back bracket58A is pivotally coupled to the modified rear seat bracket56B at pivot point60B and to the modified back support link64A at pivot point66A. The modified back support link64A is pivotally coupled on the other end to the modified back toggle70A at pivot point68A. The modified back toggle70A is also pivotally coupled to the modified rear seat bracket56B at pivot point72B. The lower end of the modified back toggle70A is pivotally coupled to the modified lower toggle74A at pivot point76A. In some aspects, the modified back toggle70A has the stop78A near pivot point76A that abuts a portion of the modified lower toggle74A when in the closed position. The lower end of the modified lower toggle74A is pivotally coupled to a base plate extension180(which is fixedly coupled to the base plate18) at pivot point80B. A modified motor bracket84B is fixedly coupled to the base plate extension180, and the rear motor tube82is coupled to the modified motor bracket84B. The remainder of the recliner mechanism has the same links and configuration as that described above with respect toFIGS.1-8, and so will not be repeated here.

A modified spring loaded ottoman186is shown in an enlarged view inFIG.19A. As shown, a mounting link134A is pivotally coupled to the main ottoman link130at pivot point136A. The mounting link134A is also pivotally coupled to the inside ottoman link146at pivot point148A. The mounting link134A is pivotally coupled to a bracket138A at pivot point188. The bracket138A is constrained by a connection to the mounting link134A through an arcuate slotted connection140A. An ottoman bracket142A is pivotally coupled to the bracket138A at a pivot point144A. As shown inFIG.19A, a spring190may be coupled to a portion of the ottoman bracket142A and to an end of the mounting link134A. (Note that this spring would be present in the aspect shown and described above with respect toFIGS.1-8even though the spring is not shown inFIGS.1-8). The main difference in the modified spring loaded ottoman186is that the bracket138A is outside of the mounting link134A, as compared to the footrest linkage assembly12described above with respect toFIGS.1-8. This configuration allows additional space for a spring-loaded ottoman with a mid-ottoman design, as can be seen by comparing the spacing (W1) inFIG.1with the spacing (W2) inFIG.19A.

Yet another aspect of the recliner mechanism10is shown inFIGS.20-30. In this aspect, a two motor system is used that allows a variable pitch seat in any of the closed position, the TV position and the fully reclined position. In the aspect shown, the back linkage assembly is similar to that shown inFIGS.1-8, as are many of the links. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise below, the links and couplings are the same as those described with respect toFIGS.1-8.

In this aspect, the footrest drive link124of the aspect shown inFIGS.1-8is eliminated. As shown inFIG.20, an extended rear motor bracket200is fixedly coupled to the base plate18that extends rearwardly more than the motor bracket84ofFIGS.1-6. A rear motor tube202is fixedly coupled to and between opposed motor brackets200, as best seen inFIG.30. A clevis204is coupled to the rear motor tube202and is used to pivotally couple one end of a motor206to the rear motor tube202. The end of the extending shaft of the motor206is pivotally coupled to a mid-motor bracket208at pivot point210. The mid-motor bracket208is fixedly coupled to a mid-motor tube212that is coupled between brackets214fixedly mounted on seat rail50. In other words, the mid-motor tube212is coupled to, and extends between, opposing seat rails50.

With continued reference toFIG.30, a second motor216has an extending shaft that is pivotally coupled to the mid-motor bracket208at pivot point218. The other end of the motor216is pivotally coupled to a clevis220that is, in turn coupled to a front motor tube222. The front motor tube222is coupled to a motor link224such that the front motor tube222extends from one motor link224to another. The motor link224extends away from the front motor tube222and is pivotally coupled to a rear ottoman link226at pivot point228. The rear ottoman link226is also pivotally coupled to the seat rail50at pivot point230. A control link232is pivotally coupled on one end to the motor link224at pivot point234and on the other end to a front ottoman link238at pivot point236. The front ottoman link238is pivotally coupled to the seat rail50at pivot point239.

The end of the rear ottoman link226opposite pivot point230is pivotally coupled to a main ottoman link240at pivot point242, and the main ottoman link240is also pivotally coupled to the front ottoman link238at pivot point244. The end of the front ottoman link238opposite pivot point240is pivotally coupled to an inside ottoman link246at pivot point248. The end of the inside ottoman link246opposite pivot point248is pivotally coupled to a flipper ottoman link250at pivot point252. Near pivot point252, an ottoman bracket254is pivotally coupled to inside ottoman link246at pivot point256. The ottoman bracket254is pivotally coupled to a control link258at pivot point260, and the other end of the control link258is pivotally coupled to the flipper ottoman250at pivot point262. The ottoman bracket254is also pivotally coupled to the main ottoman link240at pivot point264. A mid-ottoman bracket266is pivotally coupled to the main ottoman link240at pivot point268. The mid-ottoman bracket266is also pivotally coupled to a control link270at pivot point272. The other end of the control link270is pivotally coupled to the inside ottoman link246at pivot point274.

As best seen inFIG.20, in the aspect ofFIGS.20-30, the front pivot link90is located in pivot point94A, allowing for increased pitch of seat rail50. As seen inFIGS.22and23, the motor206can be activated to extend the shaft of the motor206to change the pitch of the seat rail50, guided by the front pivot link90and the rear pivot link46. This can be done without extending the footrest linkage. In the aspect ofFIGS.20-30, the recliner mechanism10can also be moved from the closed position ofFIG.20to the TV position shown inFIGS.24and25without increasing the pitch of the seat rail50, by extending the shaft of the motor216. Further, the recliner mechanism10can also be moved from the closed position ofFIG.20to the TV position and additionally increasing the pitch of the seat rail50, by extending the shaft of the motor216and extending the shaft of the motor206, to the position shown inFIGS.26and27. Additionally, as shown inFIG.28, the recliner mechanism10can be moved with an increased pitch on the seat rail50and the back fully reclined, but the footrest in the closed position, by extending the shaft of the motor206fully, to achieve the position shown inFIG.28. Finally, the recliner mechanism10can be positioned in a fully reclined position, with an increased pitch on the seat rail50, by extending the shafts of the motor206and the motor216fully, to the position shown inFIGS.29and30.

As shown inFIGS.31A-31C, a modified front sub-linkage98A may be used to provide additional seat pitch as the seating unit moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position. The front sub-linkage98A includes a toggle link100A that is pivotally coupled on one end to the base plate18at pivot point102A. The other end of the toggle link100A is pivotally coupled to a front travel link104A at pivot point106A. The end of the front travel link104A opposite pivot point106A is pivotally coupled to the trolley link36(not shown) at pivot point108A. Generally mid-way between pivot point106A and pivot point108A, the front travel link104A is pivotally coupled to a pivot control link110A at pivot point112A. As compared to the front sub-linkage98, in the front linkage98A, the pivot point112A is nearer to pivot point106A than pivot point112to pivot point106. The pivot control link110A is longer than pivot control link112to accommodate this connection. The end of the pivot control link110A opposite pivot point112A is pivotally coupled to the base plate18at pivot point114A. This modified geometry on the front sub-linkage98A controls the movement of the front of the seat rail50in a curved line as the mechanism moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position. Moreover, the front of the seat rail50is raised more with the front sub-linkage98A as compared to the front sub-linkage98. This can be seen by comparing reference line R1inFIG.31C(which is the path achieved using front sub-linkage98) with the curved reference line R2(which is the path achieved using modified front sub-linkage98A). The shallower initial part of the curved path of pivot point108A (e.g. going from the point shown inFIG.31Ato the point shown inFIG.31B) allows a lower load on the motor in the initial stages of moving from the TV to the fully-reclined position, with the steeper path of the curve occurring in the later stages of moving from the TV to the fully-reclined position.

Each of the aspects of the recliner mechanism described with respect toFIGS.1-31provides a simplified, compact, recliner mechanism which can be adapted to many types of recliner design. The front linkage assembly and the rear linkage assembly provide the desired movement of the seat and back when moving from the TV position to the fully reclined position, obviating the need for a track and roller design, and all the deficiencies associated therewith. Moreover, the front pivot link and the rear pivot link are provided and oriented in a manner that allows the desired forward seat movement as the recliner moves from the closed position to the TV position. The geometries of the front linkage assembly, the rear linkage assembly, the front pivot link and the rear pivot link allow a slim profile design allowing great flexibility in the design of the recliner.

With only minimal changes the recliner mechanism described above allows for an increase in seat pitch (to allow positioning in a “zero-gravity” position with the front of the seat moving upwardly more than the rear of the seat in the TV and fully reclined positions). Similarly minimal changes allow a “high-ottoman” design (as shown inFIGS.20-30), a spring-loaded ottoman design, a “deep seat” design (shown inFIGS.14-19), and a design with either a short back or a long back. In other aspects, a two-motor design is possible that allows a variable seat pitch, with independent movement of the footrest linkage from the seat and the back (shown inFIGS.20-30). Some aspects of this disclosure have been described with respect to the examples provided in the figures.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will now be described that may be related subject matter included in one or more claims or clauses of this application at the time of filing, or one or more related applications, but the claims or clauses are not limited to only the subject matter described in the below portions of this description. These additional aspects may include features illustrated by the figures, features not illustrated by the figures, and any combination thereof. When describing these additional aspects, reference may be made to elements depicted by the figures for illustrative purposes.

As used herein and in connection with the claims listed hereinafter, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to be interpreted such that features of claims/clauses may be combined in any combination. For example, an exemplary clause 4 may indicate the method/apparatus of any of clauses 1 through 3, which is intended to be interpreted such that features of clause 1 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 2 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 3 and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, and/or other variations.

The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein.Clause 1. An all-linkage mechanism for a seating unit, the all-linkage mechanism controlling movement of the seating unit between closed, TV and fully-reclined positions, the mechanism comprising: a base plate fixedly coupled to the seating unit; a seat rail movably coupled to the base plate; a front sub-linkage pivotally coupled to the base plate at least at two locations; a rear sub-linkage pivotally coupled to the base plate at least at two locations; a trolley link pivotally coupled to, and extending between, the front sub-linkage and the rear sub-linkage; a front pivot link pivotally coupled on a first end to the seat rail, and pivotally coupled on a second end to the trolley link; a rear pivot link pivotally coupled on a first end to the seat rail, and pivotally coupled on a second end to the trolley link; a motor pivotally coupled on one end to a rear motor tube fixedly coupled to one of the base plate or the seating unit, and pivotally coupled on the other end to a front motor tube coupled to a link on the mechanism; wherein the motor, when activated moves the seating unit between closed, TV and fully-reclined positions, and the front pivot link and the rear pivot link move the seat rail forwardly as the motor moves the seating unit from the closed position to the TV position.Clause 2. The mechanism of clause 1, wherein the front sub-linkage and the rear sub-linkage control the movement of the seat rail and move the seat rail farther forward as the seating unit moves from the TV to the fully-reclined position.Clause 3. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the front sub-linkage and the rear sub-linkage are independently coupled to the base plate with respect to one another.Clause 4. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the front sub-linkage comprises: a front pivot control link having a first end pivotally coupled to the base plate and a second end spaced from the first end of the front pivot control link; a front travel link having a first end pivotally coupled to the trolley link and a second end spaced from the first end of the front travel link, the second end of the front pivot control link pivotally coupled to the front travel link between the first end of the front travel link and the second end of the front travel link; and a front toggle link having a first end pivotally coupled to the base plate and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the front travel link.Clause 5. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the distance from the pivotal connection between the front pivot control link and the base plate to the pivotal connection between the front pivot control link and the front travel link is equal to the distance from the pivotal connection between the front pivot control link and the front travel link to the pivotal connection between the front travel link and the trolley link.Clause 6. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-5, wherein a line, extending from the pivotal connection between the front travel link and the trolley link to the pivotal connection between the front toggle link and the base plate when the seating unit is in a closed position, defines a front line of travel of the pivotal connection between the front travel link and the trolley link as the seating unit moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position.Clause 7. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the front line of travel is a straight line.Clause 8. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the front sub-linkage moves the pivotal connection between the front travel link and the trolley link in an arcuate line of travel as the seating unit moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined positionClause 9. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the rear sub-linkage comprises: a rear pivot control link having a first end pivotally coupled to the base plate and a second end spaced from the first end of the rear pivot control link; a rear travel link having a first end pivotally coupled to the trolley link and a second end spaced from the first end of the rear travel link, the second end of the rear pivot control link pivotally coupled to the rear travel link between the first end of the rear travel link and the second end of the rear travel link; and a rear toggle link having a first end pivotally coupled to the base plate and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the rear travel link.Clause 10. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the distance from the pivotal connection between the rear pivot control link and the base plate to the pivotal connection between the rear pivot control link and the rear travel link is equal to the distance from the pivotal connection between the rear pivot control link and the rear travel link to the pivotal connection between the rear travel link and the trolley link.Clause 11. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-10, wherein a line, extending from the pivotal connection between the rear travel link and the trolley link to the pivotal connection between the rear toggle link and the base plate when the seating unit is in a closed position, defines a rear line of travel of the pivotal connection between the rear travel link and the trolley link as the seating unit moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position.Clause 12. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the rear line of travel is a straight line.Clause 13. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the front line of travel is not parallel to the rear line of travel to allow the pitch of the seat rail to change as the seating unit moves from the TV position to the fully-reclined position.Clause 14. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the seat rail has a first connection hole for the front pivot link and a second connection hole for the front pivot link that is located on the seat rail rearwardly and below the first connection hole; and wherein the front pivot link may be pivotally coupled to the seat rail in either of the first connection hole or the second connection hole; and wherein when the front pivot link is pivotally coupled to the seat rail at the first connection hole the pitch of the seat rail from front to back increases by a first amount as the seating unit moves from the closed position to the TV position; and wherein when the front pivot link is pivotally coupled to the seat rail at the second connection hole the pitch of the seat rail from front to back increases by a second amount as the seating unit moves from the closed position to the TV position; and wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount.Clause 15. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the rear motor tube is fixedly coupled directly to the base plate on one end, and pivotally coupled on the other end to a link on the mechanism.Clause 16. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-15, further comprising a base plate extension fixedly coupled to a rear end of the base plate and extending rearwardly from the base plate, and wherein the rear motor tube is fixedly coupled to the base plate extension to allow a deep seat for the seating unit.Clause 17. The recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-16, further comprising: a first back linkage, the first back linkage comprising: a first rear seat bracket fixedly coupled to the seat rail; a first back bracket configured to support a long back on the seating unit, the back bracket pivotally coupled to the rear seat bracket; and a first back recline linkage pivotally coupled to the first back bracket, the first rear seat bracket and the base plate, the first back recline linkage controlling the recline of the long back on the seating unit.Clause 18. The recliner mechanism of any of clauses 1-17, further comprising: a second back linkage, the second back linkage replacing the first back linkage and comprising a second rear seat bracket fixedly coupled to the seat rail; a second back bracket configured to support a short back on the seating unit, the second back bracket pivotally coupled to the second rear seat bracket; and a second back recline linkage pivotally coupled to the second back bracket, the second rear seat bracket and the base plate, the second back recline linkage controlling the recline of the short back on the seating unit.Clause 19. The mechanism of any of clauses 1-18, wherein the first motor is coupled on the end opposite the rear motor tube to a mid-motor tube instead of the front motor tube, the mid-motor tube fixedly coupled to the seat rail, the mechanism further comprising a second motor, the second motor having one end coupled to the mid-motor tube and an opposite end coupled to a front motor tube coupled to a link on the mechanism, wherein the first motor may be activated to independently adjust the pitch of the seat rail and wherein the second motor may be activated to independently move the seating unit between the closed, TV and fully-reclined positions.Clause 20. A recliner mechanism, comprising: a pair of base plates; a pair of seat rails, one seat rail disposed above a corresponding base plate; a pair of trolley links, one trolley link indirectly coupled between a corresponding base plate and seat rail; a footrest linkage coupled to the seat rail; a back bracket pivotally coupled to the seat rail; a pair of front pivot links, one front pivot link pivotally coupled to a corresponding seat rail on one end and to a corresponding trolley link on the other end; a pair of rear pivot links, one rear pivot link pivotally coupled to a corresponding seat rail on one end and to a corresponding trolley link on the other end; a pair of footrest drive links, one footrest drive link pivotally coupled to a corresponding rear pivot link on one end and to a link on the footrest linkage on the other end wherein the recliner mechanism is moveable between a closed position, a TV position and a fully reclined position.

It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features or sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. The described technology may be made without departing from the scope, it is to be understood that all matter described herein or illustrated in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Some aspects of this disclosure have been described with respect to the examples provided in the figures. Additional aspects of the disclosure will now be described that may be related subject matter included in one or more claims or clauses of this application at the time of filing, or one or more related applications, but the claims or clauses are not limited to only the subject matter described in the below portions of this description. These additional aspects may include features illustrated by the figures, features not illustrated by the figures, and any combination thereof. When describing these additional aspects, reference may be made to elements depicted by the figures for illustrative purposes.