Powered rocking or gliding furniture piece

Abstract

A powered rocking or gliding furniture piece includes a base frame and a movable furniture assembly. The movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece is configured to rock or glide about the base frame. A powered motor or linear actuator is affixed to the base frame. A connecting member is on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece. Linkage is connected between the powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece. The linkage is configured to translate movement from the powered motor or linear actuator to the movable furniture assembly for rocking or gliding the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63 / 709,897 filed on Oct. 21, 2024, entitled Powered Rocking or Gliding Furniture via Connected Power Motor or Linear Actuator, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to furniture, and more specifically to furniture that is designed to move, live via rocking (i.e., a rocking chair), gliding (i.e., a glider or gliding chair), swing or the like (or to add powered rocking / gliding / swing or the like functions to the sitting / sleeping furniture that do not have such function). Namely, the present disclosure is directed to rocking or gliding furniture that the movement is powered via a connected power motor or a connected linear actuator.BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally speaking, furniture refers to objects intended to support various human activities such as seating (e.g., stools, chairs, and sofas) and sleeping (e.g., beds and hammocks). Furniture can be made from a vast multitude of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood.

[0004] A rocking chair or rocker is a type of chair with two curved bands (also known as rockers) attached to the bottom of the legs, connecting the legs on each side to each other. The rockers contact the floor at only two points, giving the occupant the ability to rock back and forth by shifting their weight or pushing lightly with their feet. Rocking chairs are most commonly made of wood. Rocking chairs are often seen as evocative of parenting—as the gentle rocking motion soothes infants and sends them off to sleep. Many adults find rocking chairs soothing because of the gentle motion. Gentle rocking motion has been shown to provide faster onset of sleep than remaining stationary, mimicking the process of a parent rocking a child to sleep. Varieties of rockers include those mounted on a spring base (or platform) called “platform rockers” and those with swinging braces commonly known as gliders.

[0005] One problem that the instant disclosure recognizes is that standard rocking chairs and gliders, or any other furniture that is designed to move, requires the person utilizing the furniture to operate the furniture by applying forces to the ground (or other surfaces) at intervals in order to operate the movement of the chair. This requires the person to constantly keep moving in order to keep the rocking chair, glider or the like to keep moving. As should be clearly understood, this constant movement by the person does not allow for complete relaxation and can even lead to fatigue in certain parts of the body, especially for elderly individuals. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a means or mechanism configured to provide the forces to the rocking chair, glider, or the like, in order to provide movement to the rocking chair, glider, or the like, thereby, allowing the individual to completely relax while rocking or gliding on the furniture.

[0006] Other stationary furniture, such as non-moving sofa, chair, mattress, does not provide such movement at all. By adding a powered gliding / rocking / swing base, such furniture can provide much better rest.

[0007] Such powered swing mechanism can also apply to covered porch swing sets or swing bed,

[0008] The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece with a connected power motor or linear actuator.SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available rocking chairs, glider chair, or furniture (such as stationary upholstery or mattress / bed frame) without a rocking / gliding / swing mechanism, by providing a powered rocking / gliding / swing furniture base, or by adding a connected powered motor or linear actuator to furniture with a rocking, swing, gliding, or any similar structure. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece may generally include a base frame and a movable furniture assembly. The movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece may be configured to rock, swing, or glide about the base frame. The powered motor or linear actuator may be affixed to the base frame. A connecting member may be on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece. Linkage may be connected between the powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece. The linkage may be configured to translate movement from the powered motor or linear actuator to the movable furniture assembly for rocking or gliding the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

[0010] One feature of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece may be that it can be configured to allow a user to relax while enjoying a rocking or gliding movement of the movable furniture assembly without using their own body strength or someone else to move the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece and interrupt rest.

[0011] Another feature of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece may be that the powered motor or linear actuator may be designed and configured to continuously rock or glide the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

[0012] In select embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece, the powered motor or linear actuator may be a powered motor. The powered motor may be designed and configured to continuously rock or glide the movable furniture assembly about the base frame. In select embodiments, the powered motor may be powered by direct current via a battery, alternating current via a wired connection, the like, and / or a combination thereof. The powered motor may be mounted on the base frame via a motor mount.

[0013] In select embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece, the linkage connected between the powered motor or linear actuator and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly may include at least one spring member. The spring member or multiple spring members may be configured to dampen the movement from the powered motor or linear actuator to the movable furniture assembly for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

[0014] In select embodiments of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece, when the powered motor or linear actuator is a powered motor, the linkage may be connected between the powered motor and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly. In select embodiments, the linkage connected between the powered motor and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly may include a rotating round trammel with sliding block cams configured as a double slider crank mechanism. The rotating round trammel may be connected to the powered motor. The rotating round trammel may be configured to rotate via the powered motor. A first sliding block cam may be included with the rotating round trammel. The first sliding block cam may be configured to slide in a first track of the rotating round trammel. A second sliding block cam may also be included with the rotating round trammel. The second sliding block cam may be configured to slide in a second track of the rotating round trammel. The second track of the rotating round trammel may be perpendicular to the first track of the rotating round trammel. A first arm may be connected between the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly at a first end of the first arm and the rotating round trammel on a second end of the first arm. The first arm may be connected to the rotating round trammel on the second end of the first arm via a first cam connection to the first sliding block cam in the first track of the rotating round trammel and a second cam connection to the second sliding block cam in the second track of the rotating round trammel. The second cam connection may be positioned an offset distance from the second end of the first arm. In select embodiments, the first arm may include a first spring member connected between the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly and the rotating round trammel. The first spring member may be configured to dampen the movement from the rotating round trammel to the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of the movable furniture assembly about the base frame. In addition, the rotating round trammel design may be configured to dampen the change of direction forces from forward to backward, and vice versa. When the first sliding block changes direction, from forward to backward, or vice versa, the second, i.e., the perpendicular sliding block, may act to dampen the change of direction forces.

[0015] In select embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece, the linkage may further include a second arm. The second arm may be connected between a second connecting member on the movable furniture assembly at a first end of the second arm and the rotating round trammel on a second end of the second arm. The second arm may be connected to the rotating round trammel on the second end of the second arm via a third cam connection and a fourth cam connection. The fourth cam connection may be positioned the offset distance from the second end of the second arm. In select embodiments, the second arm may include a second spring member connected between the second connecting member on the movable furniture assembly and the rotating round trammel. The second spring member may be configured to dampen the movement from the rotating round trammel to the second connecting member on the movable furniture assembly for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

[0016] In select embodiments, the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece may be a powered gliding furniture piece. In these powered gliding furniture piece embodiments, the base frame may be configured to rest on the ground surface and can include elevated supports on both sides. The movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece may include hanging sides that are hung from the elevated supports on both sides of the base frame via rotatable links. Wherein, the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece may be configured to glide back and forth substantially horizontally about the base frame. The powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame may be configured to move the movable furniture assembly back and forth horizontally via the linkage to the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece. In select embodiments, the powered gliding furniture piece may be a powered gliding chair.

[0017] In select embodiments, the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece may be a powered rocking furniture piece. In these powered rocking furniture piece embodiments, the base frame may be configured to rest on the ground surface and can include rocking supports on both sides. The movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece may include rockers on both sides with rounded bottoms. The rockers may be positioned on the rocking supports of the base frame. Wherein, the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece may be configured to rock on the base frame. The powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame may be configured to move the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly up and down vertically via the linkage. In select embodiments, the powered rocking furniture piece may be a powered rocking chair.

[0018] In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a powered gliding furniture piece. The powered gliding furniture piece may include any embodiments and / or combination of embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece as shown and / or described herein.

[0019] In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a powered rocking furniture piece. The powered rocking furniture piece may include any embodiments and / or combination of embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece as shown and / or described herein.

[0020] The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and / or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present apparatuses, systems and methods will be better understood by reading the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered gliding furniture piece according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with a connected power motor configured to impart gliding movements to the powered gliding furniture piece;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a top view of the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a front or rear view of the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a zoomed in perspective view of the movement linkage of the connected power motor from the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 1 shown in operation on a powered gliding chair;

[0028] FIG. 7A is a side view of a powered gliding furniture piece according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with a connected power motor configured to impart gliding movements to the powered gliding furniture piece in position on a powered gliding chair at approximately a first forward mid-point of gliding movement;

[0029] FIG. 7B is a side view of the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 7A in position on the powered gliding chair at approximately a forward point of gliding movement;

[0030] FIG. 7C is a side view of the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 7A in position on the powered gliding chair at approximately a second forward mid-point of gliding movement;

[0031] FIG. 7D is a side view of the powered gliding furniture piece from FIG. 7A in position on the powered gliding chair at approximately a mid-point of gliding movement;

[0032] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a sliding block cam for a powered gliding or rocking furniture piece according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 8B is a side view of the sliding block cam from FIG. 8A;

[0034] FIG. 8C is a top or bottom view of the sliding block cam from FIG. 8A;

[0035] FIG. 8D is a front or back view of the sliding block cam from FIG. 8A;

[0036] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a rotating round trammel for a powered gliding or rocking furniture piece according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure configured to have the sliding block cam from FIG. 8A slide therein;

[0037] FIG. 9B is a front view of the rotating round trammel from FIG. 9A;

[0038] FIG. 9C is a top or bottom view of the rotating round trammel from FIG. 9A;

[0039] FIG. 9D is a side view of the rotating round trammel from FIG. 9A;

[0040] FIG. 9D is a side view of the rotating round trammel from FIG. 9A;

[0041] FIG. 9E is a zoomed in end view of one of the arms of the round trammel showing the cross-section of the track for a powered gliding or rocking piece according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view a powered rocking furniture piece according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with a connected power motor configured to impart rocking movements to the powered rocking furniture piece;

[0043] FIG. 11 is a top view of the powered rocking furniture piece fromFIG. 10;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a side view of the powered rocking furniture piece from FIG. 10;

[0045] FIG. 13 is a front or rear view of the powered rocking furniture piece from FIG. 10;

[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view a powered rocking furniture piece according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with a connected power motor configured to impart rocking movements to the powered rocking furniture piece; and

[0047] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the powered rocking furniture piece from FIG. 14 shown in operation on a powered rocking chair.

[0048] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 1-15, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1-15, the present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available rocking and / or gliding furniture, like rocking chairs and / or gliding chairs (or can be added to furniture, such as regular chair, sofa, ottoman, or bed frame to make sofa, chair, mattress, etc. move back and forth to improve rest or aid sleep), by providing powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10. Powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may include connected powered motor or linear actuator 16. Powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may generally include base frame 12 and movable furniture assembly 14. Movable furniture assembly 14 of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be configured to rock or glide about base frame 12. Powered motor or linear actuator 16 may be affixed to base frame 12. Connecting member 18 may be on movable furniture assembly 14 of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10. Linkage 20 may be connected between powered motor or linear actuator 16 affixed to base frame 12 and connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10. Linkage 20 may be configured to translate movement (including, but not limited to radial and / or linear movement) from powered motor or linear actuator 16 to movable furniture assembly 14 for rocking or gliding movable furniture assembly 14 about base frame 12.

[0051] One feature of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be that it can be configured to allow a user to relax while enjoying rocking or gliding movement 22 of movable furniture assembly 14. This rocking or gliding movement 22 of movable furniture assembly 14 may be without the user using their own body strength to move the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 for uninterrupted rest and relaxation for the user.

[0052] Another feature of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be that powered motor or linear actuator 16 may be designed and configured to continuously rock or glide the movable furniture assembly 14 about base frame 12.

[0053] In select embodiments, powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be powered gliding furniture piece 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1-7), like powered gliding chair 112 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). In other select embodiments, powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be powered rocking furniture piece 200 (as shown in FIGS. 10-15), like powered rocking chair 212 (as shown in FIG. 15). However, the disclosure is not so limited, and powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be any piece of furniture or equipment requiring a powered rocking or gliding movement 22, like any chairs, couches, beds, the like, etc. Powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be a new piece of powered gliding or rocking furniture configured with powered motor or linear actuator 16 and linkage 20, or powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be an existing rocking or gliding furniture piece retrofitted with powered motor or linear actuator 16 and linkage 20. Or, powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be an existing furniture piece retrofitted with rocking or gliding movement pieces along with powered motor or linear actuator 16 and linkage 20 to allow the existing furniture piece to move back and forth to improve rest or aid sleep.

[0054] As shown in the Figures, but clearly not limited thereto, in select embodiments of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10, powered motor or linear actuator 16 may be powered motor 28. Powered motor 28 may be designed and configured to continuously rock or glide the movable furniture assembly 14 about base frame 12. In select embodiments, powered motor 28 may be powered by direct current 30 via battery 32, alternating current 34 via wired connection 36, the like, and / or combination 38 thereof of either or both direct current 30 and / or alternating current 34. Powered motor 28 may be mounted on base frame 12 (or a surrounding fixed surface) by any means, including, but not limited to, via motor mount 40. Motor mount 40 may be designed and configured to fix powered motor 28 on base frame 12.

[0055] Another feature of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10, as shown in the Figures, may be that linkage 20 connected between powered motor or linear actuator 16 and connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 may include at least one spring member 42. Spring member 42 or multiple spring members 42 may be configured to dampen the movement from powered motor or linear actuator 16 to movable furniture assembly 14 for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of movable furniture assembly 14 about base frame 12.

[0056] Still referring to FIGS. 1-15, in select embodiments of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10, when powered motor or linear actuator 16 is powered motor 28, linkage 20 may be connected between powered motor 28 and connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14. In select embodiments, linkage 20 connected between powered motor 28 and connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 may include rotating round trammel 44 with sliding block cams 46 and 50 configured as a double slider crank mechanism (details best shown in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9). An example of rotating round trammel 44 is shown in detail in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E. An example of sliding block cam 46 and / or 50 that can be used with rotating round trammel 44 is shown in detail in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. Rotating round trammel 44 may be connected to powered motor 28. Rotating round trammel 44 may be configured to rotate via powered motor 28. First sliding block cam 46 may be included with rotating round trammel 44. First sliding block cam 46 may be configured to slide in first track 48 of rotating round trammel 44. Second sliding block cam 50 may also be included with rotating round trammel 44. Second sliding block cam 50 may be configured to slide in second track 52 of rotating round trammel 44. In select embodiments, second track 52 of rotating round trammel 44 may be perpendicular to first track 48 of rotating round trammel 44. First arm 54 may be connected between connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 at first end 56 of first arm 54 and rotating round trammel 44 on second end 58 of first arm 54. First arm 54 may be connected to rotating round trammel 44 on second end 58 of first arm 54 via first cam connection 59 to first sliding block cam 46 in first track 48 of rotating round trammel 44 and second cam connection 60 to second sliding block cam 50 in second track 52 of rotating round trammel 44. Second cam connection 60 may be positioned offset distance 62 from second end 58 with first cam connection 59 of first arm 54. In select embodiments, first arm 54 may include first spring member 63 connected between connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 and rotating round trammel 44. First spring member 63 may be configured to dampen the movement from rotating round trammel 44 to connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of movable furniture assembly 14 about base frame 12. In addition, rotating round trammel 44 itself may be configured to dampen the change of direction forces from forward to backward, and vice versa. When first sliding block cam 46 changes direction, from forward to backward, or vice versa, second sliding block cam 50 may act to dampen the change of direction forces.

[0057] Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-6, in select embodiments of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10, linkage 20 may include a dual or two-arm embodiment. As such, in these embodiments, linkage 20 may further include second arm 64. Second arm 64 may be for providing additional support, control and / or dampening of linkage 20 between powered motor 28 and movable furniture assembly 14. Second arm 64 may be connected between second connecting member 66 on movable furniture assembly 14 at first end 68 of second arm 64 and rotating round trammel 44 on second end 70 of second arm 64. Second arm 64 may be positioned in opposite orientation from first arm 54. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, when first arm 54 is connected to a front side of movable furniture assembly 14, second arm 64 may be connected to a back side of movable furniture assembly 14, or vice versa. Or, as another example, and clearly not limited thereto, when first arm 54 is connected to a side of movable furniture assembly 14, second arm 64 may be connected on the other side of movable furniture assembly 14, or vice versa. Second arm 64 may be connected to rotating round trammel 44 on second end 70 of second arm 64 via third cam connection 72 and fourth cam connection 74. Fourth cam connection 74 may be positioned offset distance 62 from second end 70 with third cam connection 72 of second arm 64. In these dual or two arm embodiments of linkage 20, a third sliding block cam may be included, and possibly even a fourth sliding block cam for linking second end 70 of second arm 64 to rotating round trammel 44. In select embodiments, second arm 64 may include second spring member 76 connected between second connecting member 66 on movable furniture assembly 14 and rotating round trammel 44. Second spring member 76 may be configured to dampen the movement from rotating round trammel 44 to second connecting member 66 on movable furniture assembly 14 for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of movable furniture assembly 14 about base frame 12.

[0058] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-7, in select embodiments, powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be powered gliding furniture piece 100. Powered gliding furniture piece 100 may include any embodiments and / or combination of embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 as shown and / or described herein. In these powered gliding furniture piece 100 embodiments, base frame 12 may be configured to rest on ground surface 78 and can include elevated supports 102 on both sides 104. Movable furniture assembly 14 of powered gliding furniture piece 10 may include hanging sides 106 that are hung from elevated supports 102 on both sides of base frame 12 via rotatable links 108. Wherein, movable furniture assembly 14 of powered gliding furniture piece 100 may be configured to glide back and forth substantially horizontally 110 about base frame 12. Powered motor or linear actuator 16 affixed to base frame 12 may be configured to move movable furniture assembly 14 back and forth substantially horizontally via linkage 20 to connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 of powered gliding furniture piece 10.

[0059] Referring specifically to FIG. 6, in select embodiments, powered gliding furniture piece 10 may include remote control 78. Remote control 78 of powered gliding furniture piece 10 may be designed and configured for allowing a user to control rocking or gliding movement 24 of movable furniture assembly 14 by providing controls to powered motor or linear actuator 16. Remote control 78 may include wireless signal 80 and / or wired signal 82. In select embodiments, remote control 78 may include power on / off switch 84 configured for powering on and / or off powered motor or linear actuator 16. In other select embodiments, remote control 78 may include speed dial or switch 86 configured for controlling the speed of rocking or gliding movement 24 of movable furniture assembly 14 by controlling the speed of powered motor or linear actuator 16. In other select embodiments, remote control 78 may include distance control dial or switch 88 configured for controlling the distance of rocking or gliding movement 24 of movable furniture assembly 14 by controlling the distance of movements back and forth of powered motor or linear actuator 16.

[0060] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, in select embodiments, powered gliding furniture piece 10 may be powered gliding chair 112. Powered gliding chair 212 may include any embodiments and / or combination of embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 as shown and / or described herein. FIG. 7A shows a side view of powered gliding furniture piece 100 or powered gliding chair 112 at approximately a first forward mid-point of gliding movement with rotating round trammel 44 at a first forward mid-point position in its rotation. FIG. 7B shows another side view of powered gliding furniture piece 100 or powered gliding chair 112 at approximately a forward point of gliding movement with rotating round trammel 44 at a forward position in its rotation. FIG. 7C shows another side view of powered gliding furniture piece 100 or powered gliding chair 112 at approximately a second forward mid-point of gliding movement with rotating round trammel 44 at a second forward mid-point position in its rotation. FIG. 7D shows another side view of powered gliding furniture piece 100 or powered gliding chair 112 at approximately a midpoint of gliding movement with rotating round trammel 44 at a mid position in its rotation.

[0061] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 10-15, in select embodiments, powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be powered rocking furniture piece 200. Powered rocking furniture piece 200 may include any embodiments and / or combination of embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 as shown and / or described herein. In these powered rocking furniture piece 200 embodiments, base frame 12 may be configured to rest on ground surface 78 and can include rocking supports 202 on both sides 204. Movable furniture assembly 14 of powered rocking furniture piece 200 may include rockers 206 on both sides 204 with rounded bottoms 208. Rockers 206 may be positioned on rocking supports 202 of base frame 12 on both sides 204. Wherein, movable furniture assembly 14 of powered rocking furniture piece 200 may be configured to rock on base frame 12. Powered motor or linear actuator 16 affixed to base frame 12 may be configured to move connecting member 18 on movable furniture assembly 14 up and down vertically 210 via linkage 20. As shown in FIG. 15, in select embodiments, powered rocking furniture piece 200 may be powered rocking chair 212. Powered rocking chair 212 may include any embodiments and / or combination of embodiments of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 as shown and / or described herein. As shown in FIG. 15, in select embodiments, connecting member 18 may be positioned or attached to a font portion of powered rocking chair 212. In these embodiments, linkage 20 may move the front portion of powered rocking chair 212 up and down via powered motor or linear actuator 16 via connecting member 18. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and connecting member 18 may also be positioned in other places on powered rocking chair 212, like on a back portion or side of powered rocking chair 212. As such, in these alternative embodiments, linkage 20 may move the back portion of powered rocking chair 212 up and down via powered motor or linear actuator 16 via connecting member 18.

[0062] In sum, the present disclosure of powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may relate to power equipment such as powered motor or linear actuator 16 that drives reciprocal movement via mechanism such as rocking / gliding, or drive any power transmission products, such as linear motion products, ball bearing or wheeled track or slide, to create a slow automatic reciprocal movement for seating furniture or sleeping furniture such as sofa, chair, rocker-recliner, mattress, daybed. A purpose or benefit of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be to make the furniture more comfortable when users sit or lay down. The reciprocal movement can be either the entire furniture or only part of the furniture where people rest on. The reciprocal movement referred to here can be set at any direction, not limited to linear or rotational movements. As such, a reciprocating motor / linear actuator or any kinds of power source or equipment that create reciprocal movement may be connected with any various rocking / gliding furniture piece, including ball bearing slide / tracks (with or without wheels). If linear motion products are used, such as a linear guide stage actuator, a linear stage linear motion guide belt drive linear actuator, a linear stage actuator slide table, a linear guide rail, the like, etc., then rocking or gliding mechanism may not be needed. The chair, sofa, or just seat / bed frame / box spring can be either securely attached with the moving mechanism or attached via spring with the moving mechanism to create a buffer when the movement switches directions. Springs may also be needed as buffer between rocking / gliding movement and power transmission product. A key feature of the disclosed powered rocking or gliding furniture piece 10 may be its ability for users to completely relax while enjoying the rocking / gliding movement without using their own body strength to move the furniture and interrupt the complete rest

[0063] In the specification and / or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and / or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0064] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A powered rocking or gliding furniture piece comprising:a base frame;a movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece, the movable furniture assembly is configured to rock or glide about the base frame;a powered motor or linear actuator, the powered motor or linear actuator is affixed to the base frame;a connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece; andlinkage connected between the powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece, the linkage is configured to translate movement from the powered motor or linear actuator to the movable furniture assembly for rocking or gliding the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

2. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 1 being configured to allow a user to relax while enjoying a rocking or gliding movement of the movable furniture assembly without using their own body strength to move the powered rocking or gliding furniture piece and interrupt rest.

3. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 1, wherein the powered motor or linear actuator is designed and configured to continuously rock or glide the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

4. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 3, wherein the powered motor or linear actuator is a powered motor designed and configured to continuously rock or glide the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

5. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 4, wherein the powered motor is powered by direct current via a battery, alternating current via a wired connection, or a combination thereof.

6. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 4, wherein the powered motor is mounted on the base frame via a motor mount.

7. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 1, wherein the linkage connected between the powered motor or linear actuator and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly including at least one spring member, the at least one spring member is configured to dampen the movement from the powered motor or linear actuator to the movable furniture assembly for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

8. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 1, wherein the powered motor or linear actuator is a powered motor and the linkage is connected between the powered motor and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly.

9. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 8, wherein the linkage connected between the powered motor and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly including:a rotating round trammel connected to the powered motor, the rotating round trammel is configured to rotate via the powered motor;the rotating round trammel is configured as a double slider crank mechanism including:a first sliding block cam configured to slide in a first track of the rotating round trammel;a second sliding block cam configured to slide in a second track of the rotating round trammel, the second track of the rotating round trammel is perpendicular to the first track of the rotating round trammel; anda first arm connected between the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly at a first end of the first arm and the rotating round trammel on a second end of the first arm, the first arm is connected to the rotating round trammel on the second end of the first arm via a first cam connection to the first sliding block cam in the first track of the rotating round trammel and a second cam connection to the second sliding block cam in the second track of the rotating round trammel, the second cam connection is positioned an offset distance from the second end of the first arm.

10. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 9, wherein the first arm including a first spring member connected between the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly and the rotating round trammel, the first spring member is configured to dampen the movement from the rotating round trammel to the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

11. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 9, wherein the linkage further including a second arm connected between a second connecting member on the movable furniture assembly at a first end of the second arm and the rotating round trammel on a second end of the second arm, the second arm is connected to the rotating round trammel on the second end of the second arm via a third cam connection and a fourth cam connection, the fourth cam connection is positioned the offset distance from the second end of the second arm.

12. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 11, wherein the second arm including a second spring member connected between the second connecting member on the movable furniture assembly and the rotating round trammel, the second spring member is configured to dampen the movement from the rotating round trammel to the second connecting member on the movable furniture assembly for smoothing out any bumpy movements in the rocking or gliding of the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

13. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 1 being a powered gliding furniture piece, wherein:the base frame is configured to rest on a ground surface and includes elevated supports on both sides;the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece includes hanging sides that are hung from the elevated supports on both sides of the base frame via rotatable links, wherein the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece is configured to glide back and forth substantially horizontally about the base frame; andthe powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame is configured to move the movable furniture assembly back and forth substantially horizontally via the linkage to the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece.

14. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 13, wherein the powered gliding furniture piece is a powered gliding chair.

15. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 1 being a powered rocking furniture piece, wherein:the base frame is configured to rest on a ground surface and includes rocking supports on both sides;the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece includes rockers on both sides with rounded bottoms, the rockers are positioned on the rocking supports of the base frame, wherein the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece is configured to rock on the base frame; andthe powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame is configured to move the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly up and down vertically via the linkage.

16. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 15 wherein, the powered rocking furniture piece is a powered rocking chair.

17. A powered gliding furniture piece comprising:a base frame;a movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece, the movable furniture assembly is configured to glide about the base frame;a powered motor or linear actuator, the powered motor or linear actuator is affixed to the base frame;a connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece; andlinkage connected between the powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece, the linkage is configured to translate movement from the powered motor or linear actuator to the movable furniture assembly for gliding the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

18. The powered gliding furniture piece of claim 17, wherein:the base frame is configured to rest on a ground surface and includes elevated supports on both sides;the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece includes hanging sides that are hung from the elevated supports on both sides of the base frame via rotatable links, wherein the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece is configured to glide back and forth substantially horizontally about the base frame; andthe powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame is configured to move the movable furniture assembly back and forth substantially horizontally via the linkage to the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered gliding furniture piece.

19. A powered rocking furniture piece comprising:a base frame;a movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece, the movable furniture assembly is configured to rock about the base frame;a powered motor or linear actuator, the powered motor or linear actuator is affixed to the base frame;a connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece; andlinkage connected between the powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame and the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece, the linkage is configured to translate movement from the powered motor or linear actuator to the movable furniture assembly for rocking the movable furniture assembly about the base frame.

20. The powered rocking or gliding furniture piece of claim 19, wherein:the base frame is configured to rest on a ground surface and includes rocking supports on both sides;the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece includes rockers on both sides with rounded bottoms, the rockers are positioned on the rocking supports of the base frame, wherein the movable furniture assembly of the powered rocking furniture piece is configured to rock on the base frame; andthe powered motor or linear actuator affixed to the base frame is configured to move the connecting member on the movable furniture assembly up and down vertically via the linkage.

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