Patent ID: 8449027

Claim:
A linkage for use in reclining furniture comprising: a seat support linkage that includes a seat support link, a connecting link having a cam pin disposed proximate a forward end, and a full-flat lift link rotatably coupled to the seat support link at a pivot point located between a first end and a second end of the full-flat lift link, the first end including a laterally extending flange that provides a cam surface for engaging the cam pin and the second end including an elongated aperture for coupling to a backrest support link; an ottoman linkage pivotally coupled to the seat support linkage; and a backrest linkage including the backrest support link coupled to the second end of the full-flat lift link, wherein the linkage is disposed within an article of furniture having a seat portion at least partially supported by the seat support link and a backrest portion at least partially supported by the backrest support link, and wherein the pivot point of the full-flat lift link is positioned such that downward rotation of the first end of the full-flat lift link causes the backrest support link of the backrest linkage to rotate rearwardly a sufficient amount to produce a nearly flat seating surface formed by the seat portion and the backrest portion of the article of furniture.