CN214474600U - Electric reclining chair - Google Patents

Abstract

Powered recliner chairs are currently available that are individually operable such that an occupant of a respective chair can reorient the respective chair between an upright orientation and a reclined orientation via a local controller. The utility model provides an electric reclining chair, be used for subassembly in the reclining chair and be used for part in the subassembly. The utility model also provides a control system and a method for operating the electric deck chair. Any given chair may be controlled locally and/or remotely.

Description

Electric reclining chair

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to power chairs. More particularly, the present invention relates to powered reclining chairs for local and/or remote control in a related venue.

Background

Powered recliner chairs are currently available that are individually operable such that an occupant of a respective chair may reorient the respective chair between an upright orientation and a reclined orientation via local control. Similarly, known powered chairs may include a motor-operated lift mechanism for assisting a person needing assistance in entering or exiting the chair. A motor-operated lift mechanism may be interconnected between the fixed base assembly and the movable mount. Alternatively, some powered chairs include independent linkages for allowing a seat occupant to selectively extend or retract the leg rest assembly and/or to effect angular movement of the tilt between the upright first orientation and the tilted second orientation.

A conventional swing may include a seat body and a generally arcuate bracket mounted to a bottom of the seat body. Therefore, when the user applies force to the chair body by the self gravity, the bracket can play the role of a swinging fulcrum of the chair body, so that the rocking chair can swing back and forth. However, the user must apply force to the seat body to rock the rocking chair, so that the user sitting on the rocking chair cannot relax himself, and the user is liable to feel uncomfortable.

The powered chair may be adapted to provide lift and tilt functions in conjunction with leg rest and/or tilt functions. Chairs that provide such a combination of multi-position functions typically require the use of multiple motors to drive the individual links, which makes the chair unit extremely large and expensive. In addition, most powered chairs incorporate a drive mechanism that employs both the power drive function of extending the leg rest, raising and lowering the chair, and tilting the chair, and the power return function of returning the chair to a normal seating position (e.g., upright orientation).

An important feature of powered chairs is the ability to support heavy loads during lift and tilt functions. More specifically, power chairs are designed to support individuals of a particular weight. Typically, a power chair adapted to support a body weight above a certain threshold (such as 300 pounds) requires multiple motors.

In any case, known powered chairs are controlled, at best, via a local controller.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

A powered recliner chair system includes at least one first powered recliner chair assigned to a first control group. The at least one first powered recliner chair may be assigned to the first control group by at least one of: the first pin and shorting block, the first push button or the memory. The system may also include at least one second powered recliner chair assigned to a second control group. The at least one second powered recliner chair may be assigned to the second control group by at least one of: the second pin and the short circuit block, the second push button or the memory; the system may further include a first remote control input module to reorient the at least one first powered recliner chair to a first orientation. The system may also further include a second remote control input module to reorient the at least one second powered recliner chair to a second orientation. The first orientation is independent of the second orientation. Data representative of the first remote control input module and the second remote control input module may be transmitted via at least one of a hardwired communication network or a wireless network connection.

In another embodiment, a powered recliner chair may include at least one actuator having a first input and a second input. The brake may be configured to reorient at least a portion of the powered recliner chair between an upright orientation and a reclined orientation in response to a first input. The actuator may be configured to reorient at least the portion of the powered recliner chair between a reclined orientation and an upright orientation in response to a second input. The powered recliner chair may also include a control module having a local input, a remote input, a first output, and a second output. The first output may be connected to the first input. The second output may be connected to the second input. The local input may be connected to a recliner occupant user interface that may enable a recliner occupant to reorient the powered recliner chair while seated in the chair. The remote input may be connected to a remote user interface that may be physically separate from the powered recliner chair and may enable a remote operator, remote from the powered recliner chair, to reorient the powered recliner chair.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling a plurality of powered recliner chairs may include assigning at least one first powered recliner chair to a first control group and at least one second powered recliner chair to a second control group. The method may also include causing the at least one first powered recliner chair to reorient to a first orientation in response to a first remote control input module. The method may further include causing the at least one second powered recliner chair to reorient to a second position in response to a second remote control input module. The first orientation may be independent of the second orientation.

In another embodiment, the powered recliner chair system may include at least one of a channel or an arm box; and at least one of a power connection or a data connection. At least one of power wiring or data wiring may be routed from the first powered recliner chair to the second powered recliner chair through at least one of the channel or the arm box.

In another embodiment, the powered recliner chair system may include an intelligent power source. The smart power supply may automatically inhibit the second powered recliner chair from initiating reorientation at the same time that the first powered recliner chair is initiating reorientation.

Other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon a careful reading of the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

Drawings

FIG. 1 depicts a high-level block diagram of a computer system for managing powered recliner chairs and facilities including powered recliner chairs;

2-4 depict perspective views of a powered recliner chair;

FIGS. 5A-D depict the positions of various powered recliner chairs;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary powered recliner chair having a rocking feature;

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary powered lift mechanism for a powered recliner chair;

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary controller assembly for a powered recliner chair;

9A-C depict an exemplary controller assembly for a powered recliner chair;

10A-C depict an exemplary controller assembly for a powered recliner chair;

11A-C depict exemplary local controls for a powered recliner chair;

12A-B depict bottom perspective views of an exemplary powered recliner chair;

13A-B depict block diagrams of exemplary recliner control systems;

14A-H and 14J-K depict exemplary reclining chairs and related control components;

15A-D depict various views of an exemplary recliner arm structure;

16A-F depict electrical interconnections of an exemplary powered recliner chair;

17A-F depict various views of an exemplary powered recliner chair assembly;

18A-H and 18J-L depict various views of a power supply and control assembly for a powered recliner chair; and

FIG. 19 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling a plurality of powered recliner chairs.

Detailed Description

The utility model provides an electric reclining chair, be used for the subassembly of electric reclining chair and be used for the part of subassembly. Related systems and methods may enable remote operation of a powered recliner chair, thereby reducing the costs of associated routine maintenance and associated site cleaning.

For example, the remote master controller may control multiple powered chairs. The main controller may be controlled/operated by the premise management to ensure safe and efficient operation of the plurality of powered recliner chairs. The master controller may contain security features such as key locking, password protection, secure handshake access, etc.

The local master controller may be located, for example, at the end of a row of chairs, in the middle of a number of chairs, or in a secure location selected by the venue administration. The remote host controller may be accessed wirelessly, via a hard-wired connection, and/or locally. The master controller may interact with other systems (e.g., emergency systems, food/beverage vending operations, venue lighting, maintenance, etc.) to improve venue operations. The master controller may have outputs/circuits that control the chair via the respective chair circuits. Alternatively, a group of chairs may be mechanically interconnected such that a single master controller may control a group of chairs.

Controlling multiple chairs at once may save time in performing site-related tasks such as cleaning or maintenance that requires extending and/or retracting the chairs. A controller having multiple output circuits may allow for pre-selection of chairs to be extended or retracted in a defined sequence to facilitate performance of a desired task. For example, cleaning may be facilitated by extending and/or retracting each of the other chairs to provide the operator with better access to a closely-packed array of extended recliners.

Alternative modes of chair positioning may be implemented to assist in different tasks. For example, the entire location of the chair may be automatically reoriented in a prescribed time sequence with a single actuation. While the controller may have multiple outputs, any given controller may have only one output circuit, and the associated chair may include a personal ID or address, such that the communication protocol of the controller may allow for control of individual chairs and/or rows of chairs.

The controller output may be used such as

Etc. may be used to control the chair wirelessly and/or the controller may be hard-wired. The controller output may drive the chair actuators to respective internal stops, which may be set in time such that the chair may be partially extended and/or retracted. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be sequenced to extend/retract the chairs so that all chairs in a control group may be fully extended and/or retracted to a certain position before being extended and/or retracted to a desired position.

The master controller circuit may control the slave control units at each powered chair, allowing for parallel operation of local user control switches or master control circuits. Possible solutions for parallel chair control may include, but are not limited to, operator control switches and control circuitry plugged into the slave controller allowing the electric chair to be controlled by the operator or by the master control box, the operator control switches and control circuitry may be wirelessly connected to the slave controller allowing the electric chair to be controlled by the operator or by the master controller. The control circuit is connected (wired or wirelessly) to power chair switches that may allow parallel operation. The control circuit is connected (wired or wirelessly) to a powered chair actuator that may allow parallel chair operation.

The power of the power chair may extend directly from the transformer to the master controller and/or the slave controller, as desired. The slave controllers may be powered via respective input circuits or switching circuits as required.

Lights, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), may be incorporated into each chair. For example, a light may be incorporated under each chair to illuminate the floor area near the respective chair. The systems and methods of the present disclosure may inform the remote location of an activity (e.g., site cleaning, chair occupancy, chair reorientation, etc.). Such lighting may be turned on, for example, during cleaning and/or before and/or after a movie to provide entrance and/or exit lighting. Similar to remote chair reorientation, the lighting may be remotely controlled. For example, all powered recliners may automatically return to an upright position (or any other predetermined position) and/or lights of all chairs may be turned on in case of an emergency in the associated venue. Notably, emergency notification within the venue may be initiated via a central alarm (e.g., a manually operated fire alarm, carbon monoxide sensor, smoke sensor, etc.), a sound detector (e.g., a gunshot detector, a screech detector, etc.), and/or via a personal electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, portable data assistant, laptop computer, or any other portable electronic device communicatively coupled to the venue emergency notification system).

For safety purposes, sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, light sensors, touch sensors, proximity switches, limit switches, current sensors, pressure sensors, strain gauges, microphones, motion sensors, temperature sensors, sonar sensors, etc.) may be incorporated into the respective chairs. For example, the sensor may indicate that reorientation of the chair has been prohibited because an object (e.g., an individual or an individual's possessions) would be at risk of being damaged. The capacitive sensor may be configured such that if an object (e.g., an individual or an owner of an individual) contacts or is proximate to a predetermined portion of a respective chair (e.g., a metal portion of the chair), the capacitance value will change and the object may be detected. The system and method of the present invention can provide remote indication of corresponding events.

The sensors and/or actuators may be incorporated into the chair, recording chair reorientation and/or any other event associated with the respective chair. Data associated with the preventive and/or routine chair maintenance may be automatically recorded and logged to provide information for use in connection with the preventive and/or routine chair maintenance.

A user interface may be provided that includes, for example, an overhead view of the facility, with each chair having alphanumeric, color, graphic, etc. information (e.g., maintenance needs, occupancy, tilt, failure, number of reorientations since last repair, number of occupancy, duration of occupancy, etc.) relating to the status of the respective chair

The remote control system may automatically control other lighting in the venue. The system and method of the present disclosure may automatically record the cleaning time and date. For example, the position of each chair may be recorded along with a timestamp of each chair orientation and/or chair reorientation. Occupancy sensors may be incorporated into the chairs and may be used to record the date and time associated with when the respective chair was occupied. A weight sensor may be included that records the weight of the individual occupying the respective chair.

Local controls located on each powered recliner chair may allow a chair occupant to reposition the powered recliner chair while seated in the respective chair. For example, a first input may be provided to reorient the powered recliner chair from the upright position toward the reclined position. A second input may be provided to reorient the powered recliner chair from the reclined position toward the upright position. Any number of buttons may be provided to reorient various portions of the powered recliner chair (e.g., back, lower lumbar support, seat, arm rests, foot pedals, calf shelves, etc.) independently of any other portion. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the powered recliner chair may be controlled via a cellular telephone (e.g., a smartphone) that implements a powered recliner chair application.

Any given powered recliner chair may include a speaker and/or a headphone connector plug. The speaker and/or headphone connector may be hard wired to the venue sound system and/or may include a wireless connection to the venue sound system. Any given powered recliner chair may include a power and/or data connector so that an occupant may plug into their cellular telephone and/or portable computer device. Thus, occupants can use the aforementioned features to deliver point-of-arrival beverages and/or food from the venue. Occupants may pay for their beverages and/or food via their own device and/or via an interface attached to the powered recliner chair.

Referring to fig. 1, a high-level block diagram of an exemplary computer system 100 for managing a powered recliner chair is depicted. The computer system 100 may include a central facility operations center 105 and a powered recliner chair site 160 (e.g., a movie theater, a sports venue, an auditorium, an arena, a theater, or any other facility) communicatively coupled via a communication network 175. The computer system 100 may also include a powered recliner technician site 145 and a powered recliner vendor site 130. Although only a single central site operation center 105 is depicted within computer system 100 of FIG. 1 for ease of illustration, any number of central site operation centers 105 may be included within computer system 100. Although only a single powered recliner chair station 160 is depicted within the computer system 100 of fig. 1 for ease of illustration, any number of powered recliner chair stations 160 may be included within the computer system 100. In practice, the computer system 100 may accommodate thousands of powered recliner chair stations 160. Although only a single powered recliner chair technician site 145 is depicted within the computer system 100 of fig. 1 for ease of illustration, any number of powered recliner chair technicians sites 145 may be included within the computer system 100. Any given powered recliner technician site 145 may be a mobile site. Although only a single powered recliner chair provider site 130 is depicted within the computer system 100 of fig. 1 for ease of illustration, any number of powered recliner chair provider sites 130 may be included within the computer system 100.

Any of the communication network 175, the network adapters 111, 118, 125, 137, 152, 167, and any of the network connections 176, 177, 178, 179 may comprise a hard-wired portion, a fiber-optic portion, a coaxial portion, a wireless portion, any subcombination thereof, or any combination thereof, including, for example, a wireless LAN, a MAN or WAN, WiFi, WiMax, the internet, a bluetooth connection, or any combination thereof. Further, the central facility operations center 105, the powered recliner chair site 160, the powered recliner chair technician site 145, and/or the powered recliner chair provider 130 site may be communicatively connected via any suitable communication system, such as via any publicly available or privately owned communication network, including communication networks using wireless communication structures, such as wireless communication networks, including, for example, wireless LANs and WANs, satellite and cellular telephone communication systems, and the like.

Any given central site operations center 105 may include a host or central server, system 106, server terminal 112, desktop computer 119, laptop computer 126, and telephone 127. Although the central site operations center 105 of fig. 1 is shown as including only one host or central server, system 106, only one server terminal 112, only one desktop computer 119, only one laptop computer 126, and only one telephone 127, any given central site operations center 105 may include any number of hosts or central servers, systems 106, server terminals 112, desktop terminals 119, laptop computers 126, and telephones 127. Any given telephone 127 may be, for example, a landline connected telephone, a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) configured computer, or a mobile telephone (e.g., a smartphone). Any given server terminal 112 may include a processor 115; a memory 116 having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations 117; a network adapter 118; a display 113 and a keyboard 114. Any given desktop computer 119 may include a processor 122; a memory 123 having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations 124; a network adapter 125; a display 120 and a keyboard 121. Any given host or central server, system 106 may include a processor 107; a memory 108 having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations 109; a network adapter 111 and a client database 110. The customer (or client) database 110 may store, for example, chair operation data related to the operation of a chair (or a group of chairs) within an associated venue and/or associated venue data. Any given laptop computer 126 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Any given phone 127 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard.

Any given powered recliner chair provider 130 may include a desktop computer 131, a laptop computer 138, a tablet computer 139, and a telephone 140. Although only one desktop computer 131, only one laptop computer 138, only one tablet computer 139, and only one telephone 140 are depicted in fig. 1, any number of desktop computers 131, laptop computers 138, tablet computers 139, and/or telephones 140 may be included at any given powered recliner chair vendor 130. Any given phone 140 may be a landline connected phone or a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone). Any given desktop computer 131 may include a processor 134; a memory 135 having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations 136; a network adapter 137; a display 132 and a keyboard 133. Any given laptop computer 138 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Any given laptop 139 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Any given phone 140 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard.

Any given powered recliner chair technician site 145 may include a desktop computer 146, a laptop computer 153, a tablet computer 154, and a telephone 155. Although only one desktop computer 146, only one laptop computer 153, only one tablet computer 154, and only one telephone 155 are depicted in fig. 1, any number of desktop computers 146, laptop computers 153, tablet computers 154, and/or telephones 155 may be included at any given powered recliner vendor technician site 145. Any given telephone 155 may be a landline connected telephone or a mobile telephone (e.g., a smartphone). Any given desktop computer 146 may include a processor 149; a memory 150 having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with manage powered recliner and venue operations 151; a network adapter 152; a display 147 and a keyboard 148. Any given laptop computer 153 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Any given tablet computer 154 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Any given phone 155 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard.

Any given powered recliner chair technician site 160 may include a desktop computer 161, a laptop computer 168, a tablet computer 169, and a telephone 170. Although only one desktop computer 161, only one laptop computer 168, only one tablet computer 169, and only one telephone 170 are depicted in fig. 1, any number of desktop computers 161, laptop computers 168, tablet computers 169, and/or telephones 170 may be included at any given powered recliner chair vendor technician site 160. Any given phone 170 may be a landline connected phone or a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone). Any given desktop computer 161 may include a processor 164; a memory 165 having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations 166; a network adapter 167; a display 162 and a keypad 163. Any given laptop computer 168 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Any given laptop 169 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Any given phone 170 may include a processor; a memory having at least one set of computer readable instructions stored thereon and associated with managing powered recliner and venue operations; a network adapter; a display and a keyboard. Although not shown in fig. 1, any given set of powered recliner chairs 171, or individual powered recliner chairs, may include programmable controllers (e.g., controllers 860, 960A, 960B, 1060A, 1060B in fig. 8, 9A-B, 10A-B, respectively), powered recliner chair local controllers (e.g., local controllers 270, 370, 470, 870, 970C, 1070C, 1170A-C in fig. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9C, 10C, 11A-11C, respectively), and/or any number of linear and/or rotary actuators (e.g., actuators 655, 660, 760, 960B, 1060B, 1065B, respectively, in fig. 6, 7, 9B, 10B). Further, although not shown in fig. 1, any given set of powered recliner chairs 171, or individual powered recliner chairs, may include a plurality of sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, limit switches, motion sensors, strain gauges, position sensors, occupancy sensors, load sensors, etc.).

Referring to fig. 2, a venue 200 may include a plurality of powered recliner chairs 210 supported on a base (e.g., floor or structure) 205. The powered recliner chair 210 may be similar to the powered chair 171 of fig. 1. Any given powered recliner chair may include a chair back 215, a lower lumbar support 220, a chair seat 225, a foot rest 230, and an arm rest 235. The armrest 235 may include a cup holder 236 and/or a chair controller 270. The chair controller 270 may include, for example, a first input to reorient the respective chair between an upright position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 2) and a reclined position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 3). Alternatively, the chair controller 270 may include a plurality of functions, such as various buttons associated with independently controlling the chair back 215, the lower lumbar support 220, the chair seat 225, the foot pedals 230, and/or the armrests 235. Further, the chair controller 270 may include audio output connectors, power output connectors, lighting, microphones, speakers, and the like. Alternatively, chair controller 270 may be similar to a portable computing device (e.g., portable computing device 169 of fig. 1) that facilitates multiple chair controls and/or venue interactions. The chair controller 270 may include a docking station and/or connection for a smartphone.

An associated powered recliner chair system may include at least one emergency power input module selected from the group consisting of: a battery, a capacitor, a photovoltaic cell, a generator driven by an internal combustion engine, a generator driven by a wind turbine, or a hydrogen fuel cell. The at least one emergency power input module may be configured to provide power to the powered recliner chair in the event of a power outage at the associated premises.

Any given powered recliner chair may be a modular assembly having, for example, a single power connection plug. Powered recliner chairs may operate entirely with only a power connection plug connected to the modular powered recliner chair. All remote controls can be communicated to the modular components via a wireless communication network.

Any given lounge may be mounted such that the surface below the lounge is not coplanar with the adjacent walking surface. Examples of such installations may include: an area directly behind the bedding collapse that is elevated to make it more difficult for items to be reoriented (e.g., kicked or pushed) under the lounge; an area directly in front of the rear closure panel of the recliner that may be raised to make it more difficult for items to move (e.g., kick or push) under the recliner; and an area below the couch that may be tilted to facilitate movement of items below the couch out of under the couch.

Referring to fig. 3, a venue 300 may include a plurality of powered recliner chairs 310 supported on a base (e.g., floor or structure) 305. The powered recliner chair 310 may be similar to the powered recliner chair 210 of fig. 2. Any given powered recliner chair may include a chair back 315, a lower lumbar support 320, a chair seat 325, a footrest 330, and armrests 335. The armrest 335 may include a cup holder 336 and/or a chair controller 370. The chair controller 370 may include, for example, a first input to reorient a respective chair between an upright position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 2) and a reclined position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 3). Alternatively, chair controller 370 may include a plurality of functions, such as various buttons associated with independently controlling chair back 315, lower lumbar support 320, chair seat 325, foot pedals 330, and/or arm rests 335. In addition, the chair controller 370 may include audio output connectors, power output connectors, lighting, microphones, speakers, and the like. Alternatively, chair controller 370 may be similar to a portable computing device (e.g., portable computing device 169 of fig. 1) that facilitates multiple chair controls and/or venue interactions. Chair controller 370 may include a docking station and/or connection for a smartphone.

Referring to fig. 4, a venue 400 may include a plurality of powered recliner chairs 410 supported on a base (e.g., floor or structure) 405. The powered recliner chair 410 may be similar to the powered recliner chair 310 of fig. 3. Any given powered recliner chair may include a chair back 415, a lower lumbar support 420, a chair seat 425, a footrest 430, and armrests 435. The armrest 435 may include a cup holder 436 and/or a chair controller 470. The chair controller 470 may include, for example, a first input to reorient a respective chair between an upright position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 2) and a reclined position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 3). Alternatively, the chair controller 470 may include a plurality of functions, such as various buttons associated with independently controlling the chair back 415, the lower lumbar support 420, the chair seat 425, the foot pedals 430, and/or the arm rests 435. In addition, the chair controller 470 may include audio output connectors, power output connectors, lighting, microphones, speakers, and the like. Alternatively, chair controller 470 may be similar to a portable computing device (e.g., portable computing device 169 of fig. 1) that facilitates multiple chair controls and/or venue interactions. Chair controller 470 may include a docking station and/or connection for a smartphone. While remote control of the recliner extension/retraction functions may be performed, any given remote control function may similarly be used to control other functions such as massagers, heaters, cooling devices, and the like.

Any given recliner system may include a fan and/or vacuum feature, which may facilitate cleaning under the recliner. Examples of fans and/or vacuum features may include, but are not limited to: a system located in the recliner arm box; a system located in a reclining chair mechanism; a system located in an associated floor area or rear riser.

Referring to fig. 5A-5D, powered chairs 500a-D may include chair backs 515A-D, chair seats 525A-D, foot pedals 530a-D, and arm rests 535A-D. The powered chairs 500a-d may be similar to the respective powered chairs 171, 210, 310, 410 of fig. 1-4. As shown in fig. 5A and 5D, the back 515A, 515D, seat 525A, 525D, foot rest 530a, 530D, and/or arm rest 535A, 535D may be repositioned in a number of different positions, as shown in phantom.

Referring to fig. 6, a powered recliner/rocking chair 600 may include: a support frame 650; a mount 625 pivotally mounted on the support frame 650; a rotary actuator 655 mounted between the support frame 650 and the mount 625 to move the mount 625 relative to the support frame 650; a seat back 615 pivotally mounted on a seat frame 625; a linear actuator 660 mounted between the seat frame 625 and the seat back 615 to drive the seat back 615 to move relative to the seat frame 625; a head support 645 mounted on the seat back 615; two linkages mounted between the seat 625 and the back 615 to move in unison with the back 615; and a foot support 630 mounted between the two linkages to move in unison with the two linkages. The mount 625 may have an upper end provided with two opposing pivot ears and a lower end provided with a plurality of casters. The mount 625 has a rear end provided with a stop portion.

The powered recliner/rocking chair may further comprise: two suspension arms, each fixed to the seat and each pivotably mounted on the support frame; and at least two reinforcing members respectively located between the seat and the two suspension arms to reinforce the structural strength of the seat. Each of the two suspension arms extends upwardly from the seat and has an upper end provided with a pivot portion pivotally mounted on a respective one of the pivot ears of the support frame.

The seat is pivotable in a rocking manner relative to the support frame. The seat has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper part of the chair seat is provided with a front end, and the front end is provided with two through holes, namely a first through hole and a second through hole; and a rear end provided with two through holes. The lower part of the seat has one side provided with a supporting base.

The rotary actuator may comprise a drive member fixed to a lower portion of the seat; a rotating member rotatably mounted on the driving member; and a driving lever having a first end pivotably connected with the rotating member to move in unison with the rotating member and a second end pivotably connected with the stopper portion of the support frame. The drive member of the rotary actuator is a drive motor for rotating the rotary member. The rotating member of the rotary actuator has a disc shape. The first end of the drive rod is eccentrically disposed on the rotating member and is offset from a central axis of the rotating member.

The two linkage mechanisms are symmetrically positioned on two opposite sides of the seat. Each of the two linkage mechanisms has an intermediate portion provided with a first pivot hole pivotally connected to a respective one of the first through holes of the seat and a second pivot hole pivotally connected to a respective one of the second through holes of the seat. Each of the two link mechanisms has a first end provided with a driven portion movable in unison with the backrest; and a second end provided with a support portion movable in unison with the driven portion. The foot supports are mounted between the support portions of the two linkages.

The backrest has a lower end provided with two pivot holes, each of which is pivotably connected to a corresponding one of the through holes of the seat, and the two pushing portions are each pivotably connected to the driven portion of a corresponding one of the two link mechanisms. Each of the two pivot holes of the backrest is located above each of the two push portions. The backrest has an upper end provided with two mounting sleeves. The backrest has sides provided with generally V-shaped drive arms.

The linear actuator has a first portion pivotally connected to the support base of the seat and a second portion retractably mounted in the first portion and pivotally connected to the drive arm. Preferably, the drive arm has an upper end fixed to the backrest and a lower end pivotally connected to the second part of the linear actuator. Thus, when the second portion of the linear actuator moves relative to the first portion of the linear actuator, the drive arm moves in unison with the second portion of the linear actuator to drive the backrest to pivot relative to the seat.

The head support may comprise a rest pad and two adjustment rods, each adjustment rod being mounted on the bottom of the rest pad and each adjustment rod being adjustably mounted in a respective one of the mounting sleeves of the backrest.

In adjustment, as the second portion of the linear actuator moves toward the first portion of the linear actuator, the drive arm moves in unison with the second portion of the linear actuator to drive the backrest to pivot downward relative to the seat such that the pivot hole of the backrest pivots about the through hole of the seat and the backrest moves rearward and downward. Meanwhile, when the backrest is moved relative to the seat, the driven portion of each of the two link mechanisms is pushed by the corresponding pushing portion of the backrest to drive each of the two link mechanisms to pivot forward relative to the seat, so that the support portion of each of the two link mechanisms moves forward and upward, and the foot supports also move forward and upward until the foot supports are set in a horizontal state. In this way, the inclination angles of the backrest and the foot supports are adjusted by operating the linear actuators according to the user's requirements to provide a comfortable feeling to the user.

Conversely, when the second portion of the linear actuator moves outwardly relative to the first portion of the linear actuator, the drive arm moves in unison with the second portion of the linear actuator to drive the backrest to pivot upwardly relative to the seat such that the pivot hole of the backrest pivots about the through hole of the seat and the backrest moves forward and upwardly. Meanwhile, when the backrest moves relative to the seat, the driven portion of each of the two linkages is pulled by the corresponding pushing portion of the backrest to drive each of the two linkages to pivot rearward relative to the seat, so that the support portion of each of the two linkages moves rearward and downward, and the foot supports also move rearward and downward to fold the foot supports.

In operation, the drive member of the rotary actuator is fixed on the lower part of the seat, the first end of the drive rod is pivotably connected with the rotary member and arranged eccentrically on the rotary member, and the second end of the drive rod

The two ends are restrained by a stop portion of the support frame such that when the rotary member is rotated by the drive member, the rotary member is driven by the drive rod to move relative to the support frame and the drive member is moved by the rotary member to drive the seat to move relative to the support frame. At this time, each of the two suspension arms fixed to the seat is pivotably mounted on the support frame, so that the seat is pivoted relative to the support frame by the operation of the rotary actuator. In this manner, the seat pivots to the right and left, causing the seat to pivot reciprocally in a rocking manner relative to the support frame.

The powered recliner/rocking chair further comprises: an electric control device connected with the rotary actuator and the linear actuator to control the operation of the rotary actuator and the linear actuator; an overload protection device connected with the electric control device to turn off a power supply of the electric control device when an overload occurs; and a timer connected with the electric control device to automatically preset an operation time of the electric control device. In this way, the linear actuator is controlled by the electric control device to adjust the inclination angles of the backrest and the foot support, and the rotary actuator is controlled by the electric control device to drive the seat to pivot in a rocking manner relative to the support frame.

The rest pad of the head support may include a main adjustment bracket and an auxiliary adjustment bracket pivotally mounted on the main adjustment bracket. The main adjusting bracket of the shelving cushion is provided with a main tooth part. The auxiliary adjustment bracket of the rest pad is provided with an auxiliary tooth that adjustably engages the main tooth of the main adjustment bracket. Thus, the auxiliary adjustment bracket of the rest pad pivots relative to the main adjustment bracket of the rest pad to adjust the angle of inclination of the head support. Each adjustment rod of the head support is provided with a plurality of adjustment pawls that are adjustably mounted in corresponding mounting sleeves of the backrest to adjust the height of the head support.

Thus, the rotary actuator is controlled by the electrical control means to drive the seat to pivot reciprocally in a rocking manner relative to the support frame, so that the seat pivots automatically relative to the support frame and the user does not need to manually rock the seat. In addition, the linear actuators are controlled by an electronic control device to adjust the tilt angles of the backrest and foot supports as required by the user to provide a comfortable feel to the user.

Referring to fig. 7, the motorized lift chair 700 may include a lift base assembly 750 and a chair support frame 725. The lift base assembly 750 supports the chair 700 in a normal seating position. The lifting base assembly 750 lifts the chair 700 to an inclined position so that it is easier for a person to sit in or leave the chair 700. Any of a variety of chair configurations may be used in conjunction with the lifting base assembly. Chair 700 may include a frame 761, side arms 735, a seat back 730, and a seat portion 725. The seat back 730 can tilt in response to pressure from the occupant's back, and the seat portion 725 can move simultaneously with the seat back 730. Chair 700 may also include an extendable leg rest assembly. In addition, the seat back 730 and/or the seat portion 725 may include a heating pad and/or a cooling device. The heating pad and/or cooling device may be selectively energized to provide heat and/or cooling to the person using the chair.

An exemplary lift base assembly may include a fixed rectangular bottom frame member that rests on the floor and a movable rectangular upper frame member on which a chair is removably mounted, but securely attached by suitable fasteners. The bottom frame member may include left and right side members, respectively, rigidly secured to the front cross member. The side members may have suitable pads for engaging the floor surface. The upper frame member may include left and right side members rigidly secured to the rear cross member. Linear actuator 760 may be embedded inside the bottom portion from member 750, upper frame member 761, and seat 725.

Alternatively, the lift mechanism may include an electrically powered auxiliary member, such as an electric motor, a rotating screw shaft, and an internally threaded sleeve or nut. The motor may be selectively operable to rotate the screw shaft in either the first direction or the second direction. Both the motor and screw shaft can oscillate up and down arcuately about a pivot axis in a generally vertical plane. The screw shaft extends through and drives the sleeve such that the sleeve moves forward or rearward along a length of the screw shaft when the screw shaft rotates in one of the first direction and the second direction. In the sitting or lowered position of the chair, the sleeve may be located near the front or outer end of the screw shaft. The raising and lowering of the chair is accomplished by energizing the motor to rotate the screw shaft in a direction that draws the sleeve toward the motor. To lower the chair, the rotation of the screw shaft is reversed, which pulls the sleeve away from the motor. An exemplary lift base assembly and lift mechanism is described in more detail in U.S. patent No. 5,061,010, assigned to La-Z-Boy Chair co. Although the above-described lift base assembly and lift mechanism are described for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that other suitable lift base assemblies and lift mechanisms may be used in conjunction with the present invention, as described below.

An electrical control system for the motor may include a two-prong attached plug that fits in an electrical socket generally near the location where the lifting base assembly is used to provide current to operate the lifting assembly. Alternatively, the attachment plug may be a three-prong grounding plug that fits into a grounded-type socket. The plug may comprise an insulated cable or power cord of suitable length. The electrical control system may also include transformers, electrical controllers, control rods, heating pads, cooling devices, massaging devices, motor actuators, and various male and female receptacle connectors as described below for connecting the components of the electrical control system.

The transformer may include a power line having three current-carrying inductors that terminate in a male receptacle connector. The male receptacle mates with the female receptacle connector such that the transformer is electrically connected to the electrical controller via the power line. The electrical controller may also include a power cord. The power cord may include four current carrying conductors terminating in a male and female receptacle connector. The power cord may include eight current carrying conductors terminating in a female receptacle connector. The power cord may include five current carrying conductors terminating in a male receptacle connector. The receptacle connector is mateable with a mating receptacle connector to electrically connect the electrical controller to the control rods, the heating pad, the cooling device, the massaging device, and the motor actuator.

The transformer may receive AC power from a standard electrical outlet via a power cord. The transformer may step down the input power (e.g., 120 volts AC) to the output power. For example, the transformer outputs an AC voltage of 12 volts and a constant DC voltage of 27 volts. The transformer may include a battery, such as a 9 volt battery, which may provide backup power to the electrical system in the event of a power failure. The heating pad, cooling device and massage device may be powered by 12 volts AC and the motor actuator may be powered by 27 volts DC.

The electrical controller may receive 12 volts AC and 27 volts DC from the transformer. The electrical controller may distribute power from the transformer to the heating pads, cooling devices, massaging devices, motor actuators, and control rods. The electrical controller may direct 12 volts AC to the heating pad, cooling device, and/or massaging device, and may direct 27 volts DC to the motor actuator. The control rod may also receive power from a 27 volt DC power supply.

The control rod may include a control line for receiving power from the electrical controller. The control rods may be mounted to the side arms of the chair or, alternatively, held and operated by the person using the chair. In addition, the control lines communicate commands from the control rods to the electronic controller. For example, the control bar may include an indicator member, such as an array of LEDs, and one or more control switches. The user may control various operations of the chair, such as a lifting function, a tilting function, using the switch; and the "on" or "off" state of the heating pad, cooling device, massaging device, etc. When the user operates the switch to lift the chair, power is supplied to the motor actuator to rotate the screw shaft, the rotary actuator, or the linear actuator in a direction to lift the chair. When a user operates the switch to lower the chair, power is supplied to the motor actuator to rotate the screw shaft, the rotary actuator, or the linear actuator in a direction to lower the chair. The user may view status information of the chair at the indicator member, such as an "on" or "off" status of the heating pad and/or cooling device or a relative temperature indicator.

The control rods may be powered by a 27 volt DC power supply. However, the control rod does not directly switch the current load of the motor actuator. Instead, the control rods switch relays located in the electrical controller to control the power to the motor actuators. In this way, the high current draw of the motor actuator does not pass through the control rod. In an alternative embodiment, the indicator member and/or switch is located directly on the chair, rather than on the control rod. For example, the indicator member and switch may be located on a side arm of the chair.

The motor actuator may receive power from the electrical controller through the electrical connection of the power cord, the male socket connector, and the female socket connector. The motor actuator may provide rotational power to the screw shaft according to power received from the electrical controller. For example, if a user operates a switch to lift the chair, the motor actuator receives power of a first polarity to rotate the screw shaft in a first direction. If the user operates the switch to lower the chair, the motor actuator receives power of a second polarity to rotate the screw shaft, the rotary actuator, or the linear actuator in a second direction.

The rate at which the motor actuator raises and lowers the chair may be directly dependent on the DC voltage received from the transformer by the electrical controller. In a preferred embodiment, the DC voltage is 27 volts. However, the current drawn by the motor actuator may be proportional to the load on the chair. If the chair is empty, the motor actuator requires a relatively low current. If the chair is loaded with a person, the motor actuator requires a higher current. Conventionally, motor actuators receive a specific power input to control the lifting and lowering functions. As the load on the chair increases, the motor actuator draws more current. Since power is the product of voltage and current (P ═ VI), the voltage of the motor actuator decreases proportionally as the current draw increases. As the voltage decreases, the lift rate of the chair decreases proportionally. Thus, it can be seen that the rate of lifting and/or lowering of a conventional powered chair is greatly dependent on the load on the chair at any particular time.

In contrast, the transformer of the present invention is operable to output a substantially constant DC voltage regardless of the current drawn from the motor actuator. One such commercially available transformer is the InSeat Solutions AC/DC adapter, model 15541 class II power transformer, which outputs a 12 volt AC supply and a 27 volt DC supply. If the motor actuator draws more current due to a heavier load on the chair, the transformer automatically adjusts to maintain a substantially constant DC voltage output of the motor actuator at 27 volts. The motor actuator receives a constant voltage regardless of the current draw. Thus, the motor actuator may provide constant rotational power to the screw shaft, the rotary actuator, or the linear actuator. In this manner, the powered chair of the present invention can provide a substantially constant rate of lifting and lowering regardless of the load on the chair. Furthermore, the power chair of the present invention can provide constant lift and reduction rates with a single motor for loads up to 50000 pounds.

The time required to complete the entire lift or lower cycle depends on the rate of lift or lower of the motor and therefore further on the voltage output of the transformer. Since the DC voltage supply of the transformer is substantially constant, the lifting cycle will be consistent regardless of the weight of the person using the chair. For example, a slight voltage drop due to an extremely heavy load may result in a slightly longer duration for the boost cycle and a slightly shorter duration for the buck cycle. While the cycle time may vary slightly due to factors such as increased heat due to higher current draw and other process variables, a person using the chair may desire a substantially uniform lift cycle time.

Further, the electrical control system is operable to selectively control power to the heating pad, the cooling device, and/or the massaging device during lifting and lowering operations of the motor actuator, which allows the transformer to maintain a class II rating. For example, if the user operates a switch to raise or lower the chair when the heating pad, cooling device, and/or massage device are "on," the electrical controller may turn off power to the heating pad, cooling device, and/or massage device. Once the lifting or lowering operation is complete, the electrical controller will restore power to the heating pad, cooling device and/or massaging device. In this manner, the electrical controller directs power to the motor actuator alone during a lifting operation, which allows the motor actuator to receive the maximum power available.

The electrical control system may include other electrical components, such as a vibrating massage device, an air pillow massage device, or other devices as are known in the art. The additional devices may operate on a 12 volt AC power supply in a manner similar to the heating pad, cooling device, and/or massaging device. Accordingly, the electrical controller may disable power to the additional devices during the lifting operation of the motor.

The power supply may be configured as a "smart" power supply, such that, for example, the maximum power drawn from the power supply may be automatically limited by controlling the number of recliners that may be operated at any given time. For example, when the power source is operating near a maximum limit, a recliner that is connected to the power source and has not been operated is disabled until the power drawn from the associated power source is reduced (e.g., operation of the previously operated recliner is stopped). Alternatively or additionally, operation of a previously operated recliner chair may be automatically suspended if, for example, an occupant of another recliner chair connected to a power source begins to return the chair to the upright position. Thus, if an occupant of the recliner needs to exit the chair for any reason (e.g., an emergency), the chair to be operated and any other chairs that are reclined may cease to operate. Alternatively or additionally, in an emergency situation, any given powered recliner chair within the facility, or all powered recliner chairs within the facility, may be configured to automatically move to any predetermined position (e.g., a fully upright position, a fully reclined position, or any position therebetween). Notably, notification of an emergency situation within a venue may be initiated via a central alarm (e.g., a manually operated fire alarm, carbon monoxide sensor, smoke sensor, etc.), a sound detector (e.g., a gunshot detector, a screech detector, etc.), and/or via a personal electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, portable data assistant, laptop computer, or any other portable electronic device communicatively coupled to a venue emergency notification system).

Similarly, operation of a group of recliners connected to a common power source may be automatically staggered such that any given group of recliners may be automatically delayed (e.g., to reduce inrush current — 10mS delay), or may be alternately operated such that the maximum power limit of the associated power source is not exceeded. Thus, a group of recliners connected to an intelligent power supply may be automatically controlled to not exceed a power supply maximum.

An "intelligent power system" may include a power source (e.g., transformers 1496a, 1496c, 1496d) and a controller (e.g., controllers 800, 990a, 990b, 1090a, 1090b), and may include control/enable/disable any given recliner by communicating between chairs, monitoring chair status (e.g., things such as tilt position and direction of travel), and may predict/anticipate the power needs of the chair, including ancillary items such as heat, messages, etc., to enable/disable/prioritize the power consumption of the recliner. Such smart power systems may control the inherent power peaks that may occur during normal operation, or reduce critical actions in a manner that minimizes power consumption while optimizing the associated recliner user experience.

Referring to fig. 8, the power chair control assembly 800 may include a controller (e.g., a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a discrete component circuit, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a microcontroller, etc.)/actuator 860, a power connection 866, a power transformer 865, a power connection cable 867, a transformer connection 868, a local controller 870, a local controller cable 873, and a local controller connector 874. The controller/actuator 860 may be a controller/linear actuator or a controller/rotary actuator. The local controller 870 may be similar to the local controllers 270, 370, 470 of fig. 2-4, respectively. The local controller 870 may include, for example, a chair tilt button 871 and a chair upright button 872. Alternatively, the chair controller 870 may include, for example, a first input to move the respective chair between an upright position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 2) and a reclined position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 3). As another alternative, chair controller 870 may include a plurality of functions, such as individual buttons associated with independently controlling chair back 215, lower lumbar support 220, seat 225, foot pedals 230, and/or armrests 235. Further, the chair controller 870 may include audio output connectors, power output connectors, lighting, microphones, speakers, and the like. Alternatively, chair controller 870 may be similar to a portable computing device (e.g., portable computing device 169 of fig. 1) that facilitates multiple chair controls and/or venue interactions. Although not shown in fig. 8, the controller/actuator 860 may also include a battery. Although not shown in fig. 8, the controller/actuator 860 may include a number of sensors (e.g., limit switches, proximity sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, pressure sensors, strain gauges, etc.) and/or lighting devices (e.g., light emitting diodes). While the control module may be placed between the switch and the motor/actuator, a "smart switch" may be provided, which may incorporate the functionality of the control module and the switch into one unit; the communication line may then be plugged directly into the intelligent switch.

Referring to fig. 9A-9C, the electric chair control assemblies 900a-C may include controllers (e.g., Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), discrete component circuits, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), microcontrollers, etc.) 990a, 990b, a local controller 970C, a wireless data receiver 985b, and an actuator 960 b. The actuator 960b may be a linear actuator or a rotary actuator. Local controller 970c may be similar to local controllers 270, 370, 470, respectively, of fig. 2-4. Local controls 970c may include, for example, a back upright button 971c, a back tilt button 977c, a seat upright button 972c, a seat upright button 976c, a chair foot pedal upright button 974c, and/or a chair foot pedal tilt button 975 c. The chair controller 970c may include, for example, a first input to move the respective chair between an upright position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 2) and a reclined position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 3). Alternatively, chair controller 970c may include a plurality of functions, such as various buttons associated with independently controlling chair back 215, lower lumbar support 220, seat 225, foot pedals 230, and/or arm rests 235. In addition, the chair controller 970c may include an audio output connector, a power output connector, a lighting device, a microphone, a speaker, and the like. Alternatively, chair controller 970c may be similar to a portable computing device (e.g., portable computing device 169 of fig. 1) that facilitates multiple chair controls and/or venue interactions.

The controllers 990a, 990b may include tilted chair position indicators 997a, 997b and/or upright chair position indicators 998a, 998 b. The controllers 990a, 990b may also include a first connector receptacle 991a, a second connector receptacle 992a, a third connector receptacle 993a, a fourth connector receptacle 991b, a fifth connector receptacle 992b, a sixth connector receptacle 993b, a seventh connector receptacle 994b, and/or an eighth connector receptacle 995 b. The controllers 990a, 990b may also include a battery 996 b. Although not shown in fig. 9A or 9B, the controllers 990a, 990B and/or the actuator 960B may include a plurality of sensors (e.g., limit switches, proximity sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, pressure sensors, strain gauges, etc.) and/or lighting devices (e.g., light emitting diodes).

Referring to fig. 10A-10C, the power chair control assemblies 1000A-C may include controllers (e.g., Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), discrete component circuits, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), microcontrollers, etc.) 1090A, 1090b, a local controller 1070C, a wireless data receiver 1085b, a first actuator 1060b, and a second actuator 1065 b. The first actuator 1060b and/or the second actuator 1065b may be a linear actuator or a rotary actuator. The local controller 1070c may be similar to the local controllers 270, 370, 470, respectively, of fig. 2-4. Local controls 1070c may include, for example, a back upright button 1071c, a back tilt button 1078c, a seat upright button 1072c, a seat upright button 1077c, a chair foot pedal upright button 1073c, a chair foot pedal tilt button 1076c, a head rest upright button 1074c, and/or a head rest tilt button 1075 c. The chair controller 1070c may include, for example, a first input to move a respective chair between an upright position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 2) and a reclined position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 3). Alternatively, chair controller 1070c may include a plurality of functions, such as individual buttons associated with independently controlling chair back 215, lower lumbar support 220, seat 225, foot pedals 230, and/or armrests 235. Further, the chair controller 1070c may include audio output connectors, power output connectors, lighting, microphones, speakers, and the like. Alternatively, chair controller 1070c may be similar to a portable computing device (e.g., portable computing device 169 of fig. 1) that facilitates multiple chair controls and/or venue interactions.

The controllers 1090a, 1090b may include angled chair position indicators 1097a, 1097b and/or upright chair position indicators 1098a, 1098 b. The controllers 1090a, 1090b may also include a first connector receptacle 1091a, a second connector receptacle 1092a, a third connector receptacle 1093a, a fourth connector receptacle 1091b, a fifth connector receptacle 1092b, a sixth connector receptacle 1093b, a seventh connector receptacle 1094b, and/or an eighth connector receptacle 1095 b. The controllers 1090a, 1090b may also include a battery 1096 b. Although not shown in fig. 10A or 10B, the controllers 1090A, 1090B and/or the actuators 1060B can include a plurality of sensors (e.g., limit switches, proximity sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, pressure sensors, strain gauges, etc.) and/or lighting devices (e.g., light emitting diodes).

Referring to fig. 11A-11C, the local chair control assemblies 1100a-C may include chair control housings 1170a-C, chair tilt buttons 1171A-C, and/or chair upright buttons 1172 a-C. The local chair control assemblies 1100a-c may include, for example, a first input to move the respective chair between an upright position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 2) and a reclined position (e.g., the chair position shown in fig. 3). Alternatively, the local chair control assemblies 1100a-c may include a plurality of functions, such as individual buttons associated with independently controlling the chair back 215, lower lumbar support 220, seat 225, foot pedals 230, and/or armrests 235. Further, the local chair control assemblies 1100a-c may include audio output connectors, power output connectors, lighting, microphones, speakers, and the like. Alternatively, the local chair control assemblies 1100a-c may be similar to a portable computing device (e.g., the portable computing device 169 of fig. 1) that facilitates multiple chair controls and/or venue interactions. The local chair control assemblies 1100a-c may be similar to, for example, the local chair controllers 270, 370, 470.

Referring to fig. 12A and 12B, powered recliner chairs 1200a, 1200B may include seatbacks 1215a, 1215B; lower lumbar supports 1220a, 1220 b; seats 1225a, 1225 b; foot pedals 1230a, 1230 b; at least one armrest 1235a, 1235b (in some embodiments, the chair may include two armrests that are mirror images of each other); leg rest plates 1240a, 1240 b; a support structure 1226a, 1226b and/or a chair tilt mechanism 1227a, 1227 b. The powered recliner chairs 1200a, 1200b may be similar to any of the powered chairs 171, 200, 300, 400, for example. The powered recliner chairs 1200a, 1200b may incorporate any of the controllers and/or actuators as shown and described with respect to fig. 6-10. Power and/or data connections may be routed through cross-vias 1228 a. The legs 1229a and channels 1228a may be mounted to an associated floor, and the modular powered recliner chair may then be placed in position on the legs 1229a and channels 1228 a. The legs 1229a may have a predetermined length proportional to the floor gradient such that the chair is set to be horizontal.

Referring to fig. 13A and 13B, block diagrams of exemplary recliner control systems 1300a, 1300B are depicted. Fig. 13A depicts a controller 1305a that may be included in one or more locations in each row 1320a, 1325a, each portion 1310a, 1315a, and may be configured to control the position of all a-chairs 1335a in the respective row 1320a, 1325a and portion 1310a, 1315 a. Alternatively or additionally, a controller 1305a may be included in one or more locations of each portion of each row 1320a, 1325a and may be configured to control the position of all of the a and B chairs 1335a, 1330a in the row 1320a, 1325a and portions 1310a, 1315a, respectively. Any given chair may be similar to, for example, the lounge chair 210 of fig. 2 or any one of a group of lounge chairs 210. Control Z1305 a may control all configurations. The location and control options for the various controls 1305a are depicted in FIG. 13B. The associated controls may extend and/or retract the associated tilt chair mechanism (e.g., chair mechanism 1227a of fig. 12A). For example, an electrical switch (e.g., switch 270 of fig. 2) for each chair may be used to provide separate chair position control. Alternatively or additionally, row 1320a, 1325a control may be provided by master controller or controllers 1305a assigned in rows 1320b, 1322b, 1325 b. The studio controller 1340b may prove to be controlling all of the chairs 1330b, 1335b through the central controller 1305 a. Alternatively, the studio controller 1340b may control any and all locations in all of the rows 1320b, 1322b, 1325b and portions 1310a, 1315 a. Alternatively, the A position at the end of the row manipulator 1305a may control all A positions in each portion 1310b of the rows 1320b, 1322b, 1325 b. Still alternatively, a second director from the terminal director 1305a may control all of the B positions of each portion 1310B in the rows 1320B, 1322B, 1325B. Still alternatively, one or more a controls 1305a may be positioned to control all other a positions in each portion 1310b in a row 1320b, 1322b, 1325 b. Still further alternatively, one or more B controllers 1305a may be positioned to control all other B positions of each portion 1310a, 1315a in rows 1320B, 1322B, 1325B. Further, the end of the position of the row director 1305a may control all of the positions of each portion 1310a, 1315a in the rows 1320b, 1322b, 1325 b.

The remote controller (e.g., studio controller 1340B) may be communicatively connected to a local controller (e.g., an a controller, a B controller, or a controller located within each chair) via a hardwired network and/or a wireless network. The hard wired network and/or the wireless network may be bi-directional (i.e., the remote controller may send data to the a controller, the B controller, or the controller located within each chair, and the a controller, the B controller, or the controller located within each chair may send data to the remote controller). Alternatively, each chair may include a control module (e.g., control module 1490E of fig. 14E) in one-way communication with a master controller (e.g., a studio controller, an a controller, or a B controller).

The at least one first powered recliner chair may be assigned to a first control group (e.g., control group a) by at least one of: a first pin and shorting block, a first push button, or a first entry (e.g., IP address) in memory. The at least one second powered recliner chair may be assigned to a second control group (e.g., control group a) by at least one of: a second pin and shorting block, a second push button, or a second entry in memory; the pins and shorting block may be included within a control module (e.g., control module 1490E of fig. 14E). The push button may be, for example, part of a chair retraction/tilt push button assembly (e.g., push button 1171C or push button 1172C of fig. 11C), or may be a push button incorporated into a control module (e.g., control module 1490E of fig. 14E). For example, an aperture may be provided in the cover of the control module 1490e, and the push button may be incorporated on an associated circuit board within the control module 1490 e. In any event, each powered recliner chair within any given venue may have a unique identification associated with any other chair within the venue. While both control group a and control group B may be located in a common room (e.g., a single theater), control group a may be in a first room (e.g., a first theater) and control group B may be in a second room (e.g., a second theater).

Referring to fig. 14A-H, an exemplary recliner and associated control components 1400a-1400H are depicted. Any given couch 1400a-1400h may be similar to, for example, the set of couches 210 of fig. 2 or any one of the couches in the set of couches 210. Recliner 1400a may include a tilt control mechanism 1427a, a control module 1490a, and a transformer 1496a having an electrical connector 1491 a. The recliner 1400b may include a control module 1490b having adjacent chair interconnects 1493b, 1495 b; a remote control module connection 1492b and a local control switch connection 1494 b. The lounge chair 1400c may include a power transformer 1496c, an actuator 1460c, a control module 1490c, a control module/actuator connector 1493c, a transformer/control module connector 1491c, and a local control switch connector 1494 c. The couch 1400d may include a power transformer 1496d, an actuator 1460d, a control module 1490d, a control module/actuator connector 1493d, a transformer/control module connector 1491d, and a local control switch connector 1494 d. The recliner 1400e may include a control module 1490e having a battery 1496e, a first actuator connector 1494e, a second actuator connector 1495e, a first adjacent chair connector 1493e, and a second adjacent chair connector 1491 e. The recliner 1400f may include a control module 1490f having a battery 1496f, a first actuator connector 1494f, a second actuator connector 1495f, a first adjacent chair connector 1493f, and a second adjacent chair connector 149 If. The recliner 1400g may include a chair frame 1426g, a chair recliner mechanism 1427g, and an actuator 1460 g. The recliner 1400h may include a chair frame 1426h, a chair recliner mechanism 1427h, and a control module 1490 h. As shown in fig. 14H, the control module 1490H may include a transparent cover and a light 1499H. For example, the lights 1499h may be illuminated when the associated chair 1400h is in a theater cleaning position. Any given control module 1490a, 1490c, 1490h may be similar to any of control modules 800, 990a, 990b, 1090a, 1090b, for example. Any given actuator 1460a, 1460b, 1460c, 1460d, 1460e, 1460f, 1460g may, for example, be similar to any of the actuators 660, 665, 760, 860, 960b, 1060b, 1065 b. Any given control module 1490a, 1490c, 1490h may include a chair tilt relay output module, a chair upright relay output module, an emergency relay output module, a lighting relay output module, a combination thereof, or any sub-combination thereof.

Any given controller may be configured to control a single row of chairs such that all chairs are extended and/or retracted via a single input. Alternatively or additionally, any given controller may be configured to control a single row of chairs such that every other chair is extended/retracted via a single input. Alternatively or additionally, any given controller may be configured to control overall theater control such that all chairs in the theater extend and/or retract via a single input. Alternatively or additionally, any given controller may be configured to control the entire theater such that every other chair is extended and/or retracted via a single input.

The associated power supply may be configured to provide a daisy-chained high voltage power supply between the recliners to facilitate ease of installation. For example, a single chair may be plugged into a high voltage power supply and then extended to an adjacent chair. The chair may have multiple power outlets, such as extension cords or power cords into which other chairs may be plugged. This may allow the chair to feed other chairs (e.g., in a row of chairs), thereby eliminating multiple and expensive power outlets for each individual chair.

In addition to, or instead of, an automated mechanism (e.g., controller/actuator), a mechanical mechanism may be provided to tilt any given chair or group of chairs via an interlocking mechanical mechanism. For example, a "C" clamp may be included that may be positioned on the arm of the chair and may activate a switch (extended or retracted based on the clamp position). Thus, a system for applying a force to actuate the switch may be provided such that the reaction force may be contained within the arm containing the switch. Alternatively, a lever may be provided that can be extended between the chair arms to activate the switch (extended or retracted based on the lever position). Thus, a system for applying a force to activate the switch may be provided such that the reaction force is contained within the chair. Such a system may allow the operator to not have to wait while each chair is extended/retracted.

A less complex mechanical system may be provided in which a person walks the next row of chairs and applies a mechanical device to extend/retract each chair. Referring to fig. 14J, a lounge chair 1400J may include a leg rest 1430, a first armrest 1435J and a second armrest 1437J. The second armrest 1437j may be a movable (flip arm) that is attached to, for example, a backrest of a chair. Alternatively, the chair may have a movable arm 1437j attached to the arm box. Mounting the second armrest 1437j to the backrest may keep the armrest in line with the backrest, preventing interference with adjacent chair occupants.

Any given recliner may include a "pillow" configured to cover at least a portion of a respective chair (e.g., a footrest, a leg rest, a seat, a chair arm, a chair back, and/or a headrest). Seat and/or back pillows may be attached to adjacent seats or backs, respectively, creating a gap filler between the seat and back that may prevent items (e.g., personal items or trash) from falling below the seat surface. Alternatively, the gap filler may not be part of the pillow. The gap filler may be configured to: a gap filler with a temporary or permanent connection between the seat and/or backrest; gap fillers with temporary or permanent connections between the chair arm box and/or other components; or gap fillers made of at least partially permeable members that may be configured to help determine which items are allowed to fall through the chair while other items are restricted from falling. Examples of items that may be allowed to fall through are popcorn kernels or liquids, while preventing items such as cell phones, money, etc. from falling below the seat surface. Alternative gap filler examples may allow liquid to pass through, while items such as popcorn kernels, cell phones, etc. are not allowed to fall through. Any given lounge theater system may include a channel or opening under the lounge that allows items to be moved to an easier entry area.

Pillows (e.g., leg rest pillows, seat pillows, chair arm pillows, chair back pillows, and/or head pillows) can be removable. Alternatively or additionally, any/all of the pillows can comprise a fire (or fire) and/or ballistic resistant material (e.g., carbon fiber composite, Kevlar, Lexan, graphene, composite, wire mesh, ballistic resistant material, etc.). Thus, in an emergency situation, the chair occupant may remove the respective pillow (or pillows) and use the pillows for personal protection. Notably, notification of an emergency situation within a venue may be initiated via a central alarm (e.g., a manually operated fire alarm, carbon monoxide sensor, smoke sensor, etc.), a sound detector (e.g., a gunshot detector, a screech detector, etc.), and/or via a personal electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, portable data assistant, laptop computer, or any other portable electronic device communicatively coupled to a venue emergency notification system).

In addition to including fire and/or ballistic resistant materials as described above, the removable pillow may include armcaps, straps, handles, etc., such that the removable pillow is easily carried and/or used as a shelter for an individual. In addition to or as an alternative to the removable pillow, the seat, back, and/or chair arms may include fire-resistant and/or ballistic-resistant materials secured to the chair. Thus, the chair itself may provide protection against fire and/or bullets.

As can be seen in fig. 14A and 14C-14H, the associated lounge chair 1400a, 1400C-1400H may include a back plate 1428a, 1428C-1428H. The back plates 1428a, 1428C-1428H may be removable or repositionable (e.g., by comparing fig. 14A and 14C with fig. 14D-14H) to provide access under any given couch 1400a, 1400C-1400H. Alternatively or additionally, the back plates 1428a, 1428c-1428h may be movably attached to the respective lounge 1400a, 1400c-1400h such that the back plates 1428a, 1428c-1428h may be manually/automatically repositioned (e.g., a cleaning (entry) position or a concealed position) and/or the back plates 1428a, 1428c-1428h may remain in the respective positions until manually/automatically returned to another position (e.g., to a concealed position or a cleaning (entry) position).

Any given back plate 1428a, 1428c-1428h may be configured to move in any direction while remaining attached to the associated lounge and may remain in a position that facilitates cleaning and access. Additional directions of movement for the back plates 1428a, 1428c-1428h may include: a hinged configuration such that the back plate swings like a door (e.g., a full swing or Dutch swing); moving upwards; or move up and out; or folded down, partially at an angle to the floor, or fully folded so that the rear panel rests on the floor when in the open position. The recliner back plate may include portions made of different materials that may conform to or allow relative movement with adjacent surfaces. For example, a lounge on a sloped floor may include a back panel that hinges like a door and has a lower edge made of a pliable material (e.g., rubber, thin plastic, composite, etc.) such that when the back panel is opened, the lower conformable material allows the back panel to swing open without interfering with the sloped floor. Alternatively or additionally, the back plate hinge may allow movement of the associated back plate such that opening of the back plate is not impeded by the floor or floor obstructions/conditions.

Referring to fig. 14K, a recliner 1400K may include a chair support frame 1426K, a tilt mechanism 1427K, and an actuator 1460K.

Referring to fig. 15A-D, lounge chair 1500a-D may include arm box 1535A-D having cup holder 1536a-D, top side panel 1541a, front panel 1543a, bottom side panel 1542a, back panel 1544a, access opening 1539a, support structure 1537b-D, and line passageways 1538 a-D. The arm boxes 1535a-d with the wire routing channels 1538a-d may include some or all of the following: facilitating the passage of wires, such as switch controls, from the interior of the arm box to the exterior; to facilitate passing wires from one side of the arm box to the other; cross brackets 1537b-d, constructed from components that do not provide structure; a containment member providing strain relief; a member inserted from each side of the arm box and thereby forming a wire management path; openings in one or more surfaces to allow additional wires or items to enter the wire management path; an opening having a movable member; a component position such that the component restricts entry of unwanted items such as fluids; providing a cover on one or more sides to allow the arm box with such wire management pathways to be covered so that the arm box can be used in situations where access from one or both sides is required or where access from the side is not required; and/or isolated paths. The recliner may include wire management features for managing wires between arm boxes and having a recliner mechanism. Any given recliner chair system may include an intelligent power supply system mounted inside the arm box or outside the arm box.

Referring to fig. 16A-F, powered recliner chair systems 1600a-F may include a series of pluggable electrical interconnects having, for example, electrical conductors (e.g., power and/or data conductors) 1605b, 1605c, 1605 e; a first plug 1610 b-f; second plugs 1615b, 1615d, 1615 f; flexible conduits 1620 b-f; and/or restraining clamps 1625 c-e. Any of the pluggable electrical interconnects may be, for example, electric-Pak, available from electric-Cable Assemblies, Shelton, CT. Alternatively or in addition, the powered recliner chair may include a modular wiring system from Electric-Pak or Byrne Electric that allows for connection of components that may be installed in the factory or field (which may be UL approved to facilitate ease of code approval). Such products may have fasteners or snaps attached in a manner that facilitates assembly, installation, or maintenance. Such a system may be used in conjunction with the wire management system described above. Such systems may include low voltage, high voltage, or data lines. Such a system may be coordinated with a cleaning scan and/or an intelligent power supply system as described elsewhere herein.

Hosts having different circuit board configurations may be employed in any given recliner installation. For example, a circuit board may have 2 inputs and 2 outputs. An interconnect may be connected between the local control switch and the motor (e.g., actuator) and may carry current that controls the motor/actuator. Additionally, a CAT-5 cable may be included that carries control signals between chairs when the chairs are in the normal mode. Customer local control switch action (extend or retract) can be communicated through our control module through CAT-5 cable. When the chair system enters the "clean/maintenance" mode, a signal may be transmitted over the CAT-5 cable to allow the master chair to control the other chairs.

The location of the circuit board and/or transformer may be attached to the rear seat plate. Alternatively, a circuit board and/or transformer may be attached to the rear motor/actuator cross tube. The control circuit may be configured as a serial connection between modules, may be wired in parallel, or may eliminate (or reduce) wires via wireless communication.

The high voltage power connection may include a power strip/extension cord that plugs into the high voltage feed, with the receptacle end mounted on the rear cross tube or rear plate adjacent the transformer. The transformer may be plugged into one outlet and an adjacent chair may be plugged into the other outlet. This approach may reduce multiple expensive outlets that are hard-wired in the associated building, and may employ associated high voltage power feeds that are pre-wired in the chair. The rear seat panel may be removable to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the controller, actuator, and/or recliner mechanism.

Referring to fig. 17A-17F, various views of an exemplary powered recliner chair assembly 1700a-F are depicted. The powered recliner chair assemblies 1700a-f may be similar to portions of the powered recliner chair assembly 210 of fig. 2, for example. The powered recliner chair assemblies 1700a-F may include seats 1725a-F, foot pedals 1730a-F, chair arms 1735a-F with cup holders 1736a-F and chair controllers (not shown in fig. 17A-F, however, similar to any of the chair controllers described elsewhere herein), chair side panels 1726a-F, recliner mechanism structures 1727A-F, power distribution panels 1785a-F, and power and/or control interconnection cables 1707A-F, 1711a-F, 1715a-F, 1716 a-F.

Referring to fig. 18A-18H and 18J-18L, various views of a power supply and control assembly for a powered recliner chair are depicted. The power and control components 1800A-H and 1800J-1 and/or portions thereof may be similar to any of the components depicted in FIGS. 8, 9A-C, 10A-C, 14A-H, 14J, 14K, and/or 16A-E. Power and control assemblies 1800a-h and 1800j-1 may include chair controllers 1860a-h and j-1, power supplies 1890a-h and j-1, terminal block/power distribution panels 1885a-h and j-1, support panels 1870a-b with brackets 1871a-b, 1872a-b, terminal block/power distribution panels for power cables 1805a-h and j-1 with first and second plug ends 1806a-h and j-1 and 1807a-h and j-1, first powered recliner and chair interconnection cables 1810a-h and j-1 with first and second plug ends 1811a-h and j-1, chair control interconnection 1815a-h and j-1 for controlling a chair with first and second plug ends 1816a-h and j-1 and plug ends 1817a-h and cable j-1 a-h and j-1; and an actuator/drive motor connection cable 1830a-h and j-1 having a first plug end 1830a-h and j-1 and a second plug end 1832a-h and j-1. It should be understood that any of the interconnecting cables shown in fig. 17A-F, 18A-H, and 18J-L may be similar to any of the interconnecting cables of fig. 16A-E. For example, instead of a plug end, any given interconnection cable may have a hard-wired (e.g., soldered connection) to a circuit board or terminal. Any given plug end may be male or female in accordance with National electrical Code Standards.

As shown in fig. 17A-F, 18A-H, and 18J-L, power and/or control wiring may extend under the chair arm box. Alternatively or additionally, the power and/or control wiring may extend into a slot below the chair arm box and may be secured in place using at least one of the following: a bracket to hold the modular wiring in a vantage point to avoid interference during associated site/chair cleaning; via a fixed-in-place power source (e.g., power source 1890 b); a chair controller secured in place; routing wires through chair structural members (e.g., box girders and/or structural channels); and/or by preventing the plug from being unplugged via a restraining clamp. The power and control components 1800a-h and j-1 can be configured such that the panels are pre-assembled with associated junction box/power distribution panels, power supplies, chair controls and associated interconnecting cables such that the power and control components can be quickly installed within an associated powered recliner chair without the need for skilled labor. Thus, installation time of the powered recliner chair may be reduced and labor costs may be reduced when compared to powered recliner chairs that do not include a pre-assembled power supply and control panel. For example, the chair arm boxes may be mounted on the risers without the chair back hitting the chair arms or risers when the chair is reclined.

As shown in fig. 18E, any given power or data connector may be held in place via finger 1886E or fingers 1886E. Thus, screws and/or similar fasteners are not required to hold the connector in place. A bracket 1885f may be mounted, for example, at the rear of each powered recliner chair.

Referring to fig. 19, a method for controlling a plurality of powered recliner chairs 1900 may include assigning at least one first powered recliner chair to a first control group (block 1905). The at least one first powered recliner chair may be assigned to the first control group by, for example, at least one of: a first pin and shorting block, a first push button, or a first entry in memory. The method 1900 may further include assigning at least one second powered recliner chair to a second control group (block 1910). The at least one second powered recliner chair may be assigned to the second control group by at least one of: a second pin and shorting block, a second push button, or a second entry in memory. The method may also include causing the at least one first powered recliner chair to reorient to a first orientation in response to the first remote control input module (block 1915). The method may also further include causing the at least one second powered recliner chair to reorient to a second position in response to a second remote control input module (block 1920). The first orientation may be independent of the second orientation. The first orientation may be an inclined orientation and the first remote control input module is a venue cleaning input. The second orientation may be an inclined orientation and the first remote control input module is a venue cleaning input. The first orientation may be an upright orientation and the first remote control input module is a venue emergency input. The second orientation may be an upright orientation and the first remote control input module is a venue emergency input.

Method 1900 may further include generating a first remote control input module and a second remote control input module in response to the automated venue cleaning sequence (block 1925). The method 1900 may also include energizing at least one first light source in response to the first remote control input module (block 1930). The method 1900 may also include powering at least one second light source in response to the second control signal (block 1935). The method may also include automatically disabling the second powered recliner chair from initiating reorientation at the same time that the first powered recliner chair is initiating reorientation (block 1940).

The method 1900 may be implemented by a processor (e.g., the processor 164 of fig. 1) executing a set of computer-executable instructions (e.g., a set of computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 165 of fig. 1). Alternatively, method 1900 may be implemented by dedicated hardware (e.g., one or more discrete component circuits, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), etc.). Although the method 1900 is described with reference to the flowchart shown in fig. 19, many other methods of implementing the method 1900 may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks shown in FIG. 19 may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been explained above with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that many other possible modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover such modifications and variations as fall within the true scope of this present invention.

Claims (7)

1. A powered recliner chair, comprising:

a seat user interface having local control buttons, wherein the seat user interface is proximate to a user of the powered recliner chair;

a remote user interface having a remote control button, wherein the remote user interface is physically separate from the powered recliner chair;

at least one actuator having a first input and a second input, wherein the actuator is configured to reorient at least a portion of the powered recliner chair between a vertical orientation and a reclined orientation in response to the first input, and wherein the actuator is configured to reorient at least the portion of the powered recliner chair between the reclined orientation and the vertical orientation in response to the second input, wherein the portion of the powered recliner chair is selected from the group consisting of: a seat ottoman, a seat calf stool, a seat leg rest, a seat lower lumbar support, a seat back, a seat armrest or a seat headrest; and

a control module having a local input connected to the local control button of the seat user interface, a remote input connected to the remote control button of the remote user interface, a first output, and a second output, wherein the first output of the control module is connected to the first input of the at least one actuator, wherein the second output of the control module is connected to the second input of the at least one actuator, wherein the local control button of the seat user interface enables a seat user to reorient the powered recliner chair while the seat user is seated in a seat, and wherein the remote control button of the remote user interface enables a remote operator to reorient the powered recliner chair away from the powered recliner chair.

2. The powered recliner chair of claim 1, further comprising:

an emergency device having an emergency device output, wherein the control module further comprises an emergency input connected to the emergency device output, wherein the control module further comprises a third output connected to the second input of the at least one actuator, and wherein the third output is configured to automatically reorient the powered recliner chair to a vertical orientation in an emergency.

3. The powered recliner chair of claim 1, further comprising:

a lighting module having a lighting control input, wherein the control module further comprises a fourth output connected to the lighting control input, and wherein the fourth output is configured to activate the lighting module.

4. The powered recliner chair of claim 1, further comprising:

a main controller located remotely from the powered recliner chair and including a main controller output, wherein the control module is mounted to the powered recliner chair and communicatively coupled to the main controller to receive the main controller output at the remote input of the control module.

5. The powered recliner chair of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one safety device having a safety device output, wherein the control module further comprises a safety device input connected to the safety device output, wherein the at least one safety device is configured to detect an object, wherein the control module is configured to prevent reorienting of the powered recliner chair upon detection of the object, and wherein the at least one safety device is selected from the group consisting of: a proximity sensor, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a proximity switch, a limit switch, a current sensor, a pressure sensor, a strain gauge, a microphone, a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, or a sonar sensor.

6. The powered recliner chair of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one emergency power input selected from the group consisting of: a battery, a capacitor, a photovoltaic cell, an internal combustion engine driven generator, a wind turbine driven generator, or a hydrogen fuel cell, wherein the at least one emergency power input is configured to provide power to the powered recliner chair in the event of a power outage at the relevant site.

7. The powered recliner chair of claim 1, wherein the powered recliner chair is a modular assembly having a plug-in power connection, and wherein the powered recliner chair is fully operable only if connected to the plug-in power connection of the modular powered recliner chair.

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