Powered furniture piece with a movable back cover

Abstract

A new and improved powered furniture piece comprises a base, a seat operatively connected to the base, a backrest operatively connected to a first end of the seat, a footrest operatively connected to a second end of the seat, a cavity defined within the base for housing / accommodating electronic components of the powered furniture piece, and a cover panel mounted upon the base for providing access to the cavity, defined within the base, for permitting access to the electronic components of the powered furniture piece. The cover panel is separate and apart from the backrest so as not to interfere with any movement of the backrest between its upright and reclined positions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to powered furniture pieces, such as, for example, powered sofas, chairs, love seats, and the like, and more particularly to a new and improved powered furniture piece provided with a movable back cover for providing access to a cavity, defined within the lower rear portion of the powered furniture piece, wherein various electronic components of the powered chair, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, are provided for operational functionality and relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In connection with conventional powered sofas, chairs, love seats, and the like, various electronic components, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, are provided for operational functionality of the powered chair and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece. Obviously, for aesthetic purposes, these various components are usually located within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower region of the furniture piece so as to be hidden from view, such as, for example, beneath the furniture piece seat. As an example, as disclosed within FIG. 1, there is shown a conventional powered sofa, chair, or love seat 100 wherein the powered furniture piece 100 comprises a frame structure 102, and a movable backrest 104. Below the movable backrest 104, there is provided the cavity for housing the aforenoted electronic components, and a fabric cover 106, covering the opening providing ingress or access into the component cavity, is fixedly attached to, or integral with, the fabric covering the backrest, and is also detachably attached to side portions of the frame structure 102, as well as to the lower end or bottom portion of the frame structure 102, by means of suitable male / female fabric fasteners, such as, for example, VELCRO®108. Such ingress or access is required to facilitate installation and maintenance of the various electronic components. The problem resides in the fact that the furniture piece may be of the type generally well-known as a “zero-wall” type furniture piece wherein as the backrest reclines, it also moves forwardly so as not to interfere with any upstanding wall that may be located near the furniture piece, or vice versa, that is, where the wall will not interfere with the backrest as the backrest is moved from the upright position to the reclined position. Accordingly, it can be readily appreciated that as the backrest moves forwardly, that is, as the furniture piece moves between the upright and reclined positions, the fabric cover will be stretched taut. In addition, parts of the fabric may become stuck between parts of the stationary frame structure when the backrest moves rearwardly as the furniture piece moves from the reclined position back to the upright position.

[0003] A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece. Another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece. Still another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece. Yet another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, and wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes. Still yet another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, and wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components.

[0004] Yet still another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, and wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position. A further need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the electronic component cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, and wherein the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, will not adversely affect the structural integrity of the electronic component cavity cover.OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A first overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece. Another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece. Still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece. Yet another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, and wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes. Still yet another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, and wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components.

[0006] Yet still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, and wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position. A further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the electronic component cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, and wherein the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, will not adversely affect the structural integrity of the electronic component cavity cover.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The foregoing and other objectives of the present invention are achieved through means of a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein the same comprises a base, at least one armrest, a seat, a backrest, a cavity defined within the frame of the powered furniture piece and located beneath the backrest, and wherein a platform is disposed at the entrance to the cavity such that the various powered furniture piece electronic components can be installed upon the platform. An access door or rear cover panel is pivotally mounted, at a lower edge portion thereof, upon the rear face of the frame so as to be disposed separate from and beneath the backrest. Suitable male / female fabric fasteners, such as, for example, VELCRO®, are disposed around the other three peripheral edge portions of the access door or rear cover panel, as well as the other three peripheral edge portions of the furniture piece framework cavity entrance, so as to secure the access door or rear cover panel at its CLOSED position, or to permit the access door or rear cover panel to be readily and easily moved to its OPEN position so as to permit access to the electronic component cavity when such is desired or required. In this manner, the access door or rear cover panel does not interfere with or in any way obstruct any movement of the furniture piece backrest when, for example, the furniture piece backrest is being moved between its upright and reclined positions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of a furniture piece wherein a conventional, PRIOR ART fabric cover is utilized to cover a rear electronic component cavity defined within the lower rear portion of the furniture piece;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a left side, rear perspective view of a powered furniture piece wherein the new and improved access door or rear cover panel member is pivotally mounted upon a lower rear wall frame portion of the powered furniture piece so as to be disposed beneath the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece whereby the access door or rear cover panel will not interfere with any movements of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved between its upright and reclined positions, and wherein the access door or rear cover panel member is disposed at its OPEN position while the seat portion and backrest of the powered furniture piece are respectively disposed at their rearward and upright positions;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a left side, rear perspective view of the powered furniture piece, as disclosed within FIG. 2, wherein the new and improved access door or rear cover panel member is pivotally mounted upon the lower rear wall frame portion of the powered furniture piece so as to be disposed beneath the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece whereby the access door or rear cover panel will not interfere with any movements of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved between its upright and reclined positions, and wherein the access door or rear cover panel member is disposed at its CLOSED position while the seat portion and backrest of the powered furniture piece are respectively disposed at their rearward and upright positions; and

[0012] FIG. 4 is a left side, rear perspective view of the powered furniture piece, as disclosed within FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein the new and improved access door or rear cover panel member is pivotally mounted upon the lower rear wall frame portion of the powered furniture piece so as to be disposed beneath the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece, and wherein the access door or rear cover panel member is disposed at its OPEN position, while the seat portion and backrest of the powered furniture piece are respectively disposed at their forward and reclined positions, whereby it can be clearly appreciated that the access door or rear cover panel does not interfere with the movement of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved from its upright position to its reclined position, as well as the movement of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved from its reclined position to its upright position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 2-4 thereof, a new and improved powered furniture piece, as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 200. More particularly, it is seen that the new and improved powered furniture piece 200 comprises a base 202, at least one armrest 204 fixedly connected to the base 202, a seat 206 disposed above the base 202, a backrest 208 disposed above the base 202 and behind the seat 206, and a cavity 210 defined within a rear wall portion of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200, and located beneath the backrest 208, so as to house or accommodate various electronic components, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, which are conventionally provided for the operational functionality of the powered furniture piece 200 and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the powered furniture piece 200. A platform or support plate 212 is fixedly mounted upon the floor of the entrance to the cavity 210 such that the various powered furniture piece electronic components, not shown, can be installed upon the platform or support plate 212.

[0014] In accordance with the particular principles and teachings of the present invention, it is seen that an access door or rear cover panel 214 is pivotally mounted, at a lower edge portion thereof, upon the rear face of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200 so as to be disposed separate from and beneath the backrest 208. In particular, it is seen that a lower edge portion of the access door or rear cover panel 214 is pivotally connected to a rear edge portion of the platform or support plate 212 by means of a pair of laterally or transversely spaced hinge mechanisms 216, and that suitable male / female fabric fasteners 218,220, such as, for example, VELCRO®, are disposed around the other three peripheral edge portions of the access door or rear cover panel 214, as well as the other three peripheral edge portions of the furniture piece base which define the entrance to the cavity 210, so as to secure the access door or rear cover panel 214 at its CLOSED position, or to permit the access door or rear cover panel 214 to be readily and easily moved to its OPEN position so as to thereby permit access to the electronic component cavity 210 when such is desired or required for installation or maintenance purposes. In this manner, the access door or rear cover panel 214 does not interfere with, or in any way obstruct, any movement of the furniture piece backrest 208 when, for example, the furniture piece backrest 208 is being moved between its upright and reclined positions. It is lastly noted that opposite side portions of the platform or support plate 212 are provided with notches 222 so as to permit power cords, not shown, to pass therethrough, for providing electrical power to the various electronic components, also not shown, mounted upon the platform or support plate 212, whereby such power cords will not interfere with the opening and closing movements of the access door or rear cover panel 214.

[0015] As is conventional, the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200 is operatively connected to the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 by means of first linkage assemblies 224, whereby the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200 and the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 comprise separate movable components of the powered furniture piece 200. More particularly, as can be appreciated from FIG. 3, when the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 is disposed at its rearward position, the backrest of the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its upright position, whereby the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its sitting position, whereas, as can be appreciated from FIG. 4, when the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 is disposed at its forward position, the backrest of the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its fully reclined position, whereby the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its fully reclined position which includes a full extension of a footrest assembly 226 which is operatively connected to the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 by means of a second linkage assembly 228. In addition, it is to be noted that the powered furniture piece 200 can also attain a TV position, not shown, wherein the footrest assembly 226 would be moved to its extended position but the seat 206 and backrest 208 components would remain at their rearward and upright positions respectively. In view of the fact that the access door or rear cover panel 214 is entirely separate from the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200, and is mounted upon the rear wall of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200, movements of the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200, between the aforenoted upright and fully reclined positions, will not interfere with the opening and closing movements and positions of the access door or rear cover panel 214, and conversely, the opening and closing movements and positions of the access door or rear cover panel 214 will not interfere with the movements of the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200 between the aforenoted upright and fully reclined positions.

[0016] Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 2-4 thereof, a new and improved powered furniture piece, as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 200. More particularly, it is seen that the new and improved powered furniture piece 200 comprises a base 202, at least one armrest 204 fixedly connected to the base 202, a seat 206 disposed above the base 202, a backrest 208 disposed above the base 202 and behind the seat 206, and a cavity 210 defined within a rear wall portion of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200, and located beneath the backrest 208, so as to house or accommodate various electronic components, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, which are conventionally provided for the operational functionality of the powered furniture piece 200 and thereby the relaxationa...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to powered furniture pieces, such as, for example, powered sofas, chairs, love seats, and the like, and more particularly to a new and improved powered furniture piece provided with a movable back cover for providing access to a cavity, defined within the lower rear portion of the powered furniture piece, wherein various electronic components of the powered chair, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, are provided for operational functionality and relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In connection with conventional powered sofas, chairs, love seats, and the like, various electronic components, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, are provided for operational functionality of the powered chair and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece. Obviously, for aesthetic purposes, these various components are usually located within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower region of the furniture piece so as to be hidden from view, such as, for example, beneath the furniture piece seat. As an example, as disclosed within FIG. 1, there is shown a conventional powered sofa, chair, or love seat 100 wherein the powered furniture piece 100 comprises a frame structure 102, and a movable backrest 104. Below the movable backrest 104, there is provided the cavity for housing the aforenoted electronic components, and a fabric cover 106, covering the opening providing ingress or access into the component cavity, is fixedly attached to, or integral with, the fabric covering the backrest, and is also detachably attached to side portions of the frame structure 102, as well as to the lower end or bottom portion of the frame structure 102, by means of suitable male / female fabric fasteners, such as, for example, VELCRO®108. Such ingress or access is required to facilitate installation and maintenance of the various electronic components. The problem resides in the fact that the furniture piece may be of the type generally well-known as a “zero-wall” type furniture piece wherein as the backrest reclines, it also moves forwardly so as not to interfere with any upstanding wall that may be located near the furniture piece, or vice versa, that is, where the wall will not interfere with the backrest as the backrest is moved from the upright position to the reclined position. Accordingly, it can be readily appreciated that as the backrest moves forwardly, that is, as the furniture piece moves between the upright and reclined positions, the fabric cover will be stretched taut. In addition, parts of the fabric may become stuck between parts of the stationary frame structure when the backrest moves rearwardly as the furniture piece moves from the reclined position back to the upright position.

[0003] A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece. Another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece. Still another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece. Yet another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, and wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes. Still yet another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, and wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components.

[0004] Yet still another need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, and wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position. A further need exists in the art for a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the electronic component cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, and wherein the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, will not adversely affect the structural integrity of the electronic component cavity cover.OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A first overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece. Another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece. Still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece. Yet another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, and wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes. Still yet another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined within a lower rear region of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, and wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components.

[0006] Yet still another overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, and wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position. A further overall objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein various electronic components are provided so as to enhance the operational functionality of the powered chair, and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the furniture piece, wherein the various electronic components can be disposed within an internal cavity which is defined beneath the seat of the furniture piece and which is hidden from view for aesthetic purposes, wherein the electronic component cavity is provided with a cover which provides ingress or access to the electronic components so as to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such components, wherein the cover will not interfere with the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, and wherein the operational movement of the backrest from the upright position to the reclined position, and from the reclined position to the upright position, will not adversely affect the structural integrity of the electronic component cavity cover.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The foregoing and other objectives of the present invention are achieved through means of a new and improved powered furniture piece wherein the same comprises a base, at least one armrest, a seat, a backrest, a cavity defined within the frame of the powered furniture piece and located beneath the backrest, and wherein a platform is disposed at the entrance to the cavity such that the various powered furniture piece electronic components can be installed upon the platform. An access door or rear cover panel is pivotally mounted, at a lower edge portion thereof, upon the rear face of the frame so as to be disposed separate from and beneath the backrest. Suitable male / female fabric fasteners, such as, for example, VELCRO®, are disposed around the other three peripheral edge portions of the access door or rear cover panel, as well as the other three peripheral edge portions of the furniture piece framework cavity entrance, so as to secure the access door or rear cover panel at its CLOSED position, or to permit the access door or rear cover panel to be readily and easily moved to its OPEN position so as to permit access to the electronic component cavity when such is desired or required. In this manner, the access door or rear cover panel does not interfere with or in any way obstruct any movement of the furniture piece backrest when, for example, the furniture piece backrest is being moved between its upright and reclined positions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of a furniture piece wherein a conventional, PRIOR ART fabric cover is utilized to cover a rear electronic component cavity defined within the lower rear portion of the furniture piece;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a left side, rear perspective view of a powered furniture piece wherein the new and improved access door or rear cover panel member is pivotally mounted upon a lower rear wall frame portion of the powered furniture piece so as to be disposed beneath the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece whereby the access door or rear cover panel will not interfere with any movements of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved between its upright and reclined positions, and wherein the access door or rear cover panel member is disposed at its OPEN position while the seat portion and backrest of the powered furniture piece are respectively disposed at their rearward and upright positions;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a left side, rear perspective view of the powered furniture piece, as disclosed within FIG. 2, wherein the new and improved access door or rear cover panel member is pivotally mounted upon the lower rear wall frame portion of the powered furniture piece so as to be disposed beneath the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece whereby the access door or rear cover panel will not interfere with any movements of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved between its upright and reclined positions, and wherein the access door or rear cover panel member is disposed at its CLOSED position while the seat portion and backrest of the powered furniture piece are respectively disposed at their rearward and upright positions; and

[0012] FIG. 4 is a left side, rear perspective view of the powered furniture piece, as disclosed within FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein the new and improved access door or rear cover panel member is pivotally mounted upon the lower rear wall frame portion of the powered furniture piece so as to be disposed beneath the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece, and wherein the access door or rear cover panel member is disposed at its OPEN position, while the seat portion and backrest of the powered furniture piece are respectively disposed at their forward and reclined positions, whereby it can be clearly appreciated that the access door or rear cover panel does not interfere with the movement of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved from its upright position to its reclined position, as well as the movement of the movable backrest of the powered furniture piece as the movable backrest is moved from its reclined position to its upright position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 2-4 thereof, a new and improved powered furniture piece, as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 200. More particularly, it is seen that the new and improved powered furniture piece 200 comprises a base 202, at least one armrest 204 fixedly connected to the base 202, a seat 206 disposed above the base 202, a backrest 208 disposed above the base 202 and behind the seat 206, and a cavity 210 defined within a rear wall portion of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200, and located beneath the backrest 208, so as to house or accommodate various electronic components, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, which are conventionally provided for the operational functionality of the powered furniture piece 200 and thereby the relaxational enjoyment for the occupant of the powered furniture piece 200. A platform or support plate 212 is fixedly mounted upon the floor of the entrance to the cavity 210 such that the various powered furniture piece electronic components, not shown, can be installed upon the platform or support plate 212.

[0014] In accordance with the particular principles and teachings of the present invention, it is seen that an access door or rear cover panel 214 is pivotally mounted, at a lower edge portion thereof, upon the rear face of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200 so as to be disposed separate from and beneath the backrest 208. In particular, it is seen that a lower edge portion of the access door or rear cover panel 214 is pivotally connected to a rear edge portion of the platform or support plate 212 by means of a pair of laterally or transversely spaced hinge mechanisms 216, and that suitable male / female fabric fasteners 218,220, such as, for example, VELCRO®, are disposed around the other three peripheral edge portions of the access door or rear cover panel 214, as well as the other three peripheral edge portions of the furniture piece base which define the entrance to the cavity 210, so as to secure the access door or rear cover panel 214 at its CLOSED position, or to permit the access door or rear cover panel 214 to be readily and easily moved to its OPEN position so as to thereby permit access to the electronic component cavity 210 when such is desired or required for installation or maintenance purposes. In this manner, the access door or rear cover panel 214 does not interfere with, or in any way obstruct, any movement of the furniture piece backrest 208 when, for example, the furniture piece backrest 208 is being moved between its upright and reclined positions. It is lastly noted that opposite side portions of the platform or support plate 212 are provided with notches 222 so as to permit power cords, not shown, to pass therethrough, for providing electrical power to the various electronic components, also not shown, mounted upon the platform or support plate 212, whereby such power cords will not interfere with the opening and closing movements of the access door or rear cover panel 214.

[0015] As is conventional, the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200 is operatively connected to the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 by means of first linkage assemblies 224, whereby the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200 and the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 comprise separate movable components of the powered furniture piece 200. More particularly, as can be appreciated from FIG. 3, when the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 is disposed at its rearward position, the backrest of the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its upright position, whereby the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its sitting position, whereas, as can be appreciated from FIG. 4, when the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 is disposed at its forward position, the backrest of the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its fully reclined position, whereby the powered furniture piece 200 will be disposed at its fully reclined position which includes a full extension of a footrest assembly 226 which is operatively connected to the seat 206 of the powered furniture piece 200 by means of a second linkage assembly 228. In addition, it is to be noted that the powered furniture piece 200 can also attain a TV position, not shown, wherein the footrest assembly 226 would be moved to its extended position but the seat 206 and backrest 208 components would remain at their rearward and upright positions respectively. In view of the fact that the access door or rear cover panel 214 is entirely separate from the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200, and is mounted upon the rear wall of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200, movements of the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200, between the aforenoted upright and fully reclined positions, will not interfere with the opening and closing movements and positions of the access door or rear cover panel 214, and conversely, the opening and closing movements and positions of the access door or rear cover panel 214 will not interfere with the movements of the backrest 208 of the powered furniture piece 200 between the aforenoted upright and fully reclined positions.

[0016] Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 2-4 thereof, a new and improved powered furniture piece, as developed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 200. More particularly, it is seen that the new and improved powered furniture piece 200 comprises a base 202, at least one armrest 204 fixedly connected to the base 202, a seat 206 disposed above the base 202, a backrest 208 disposed above the base 202 and behind the seat 206, and a cavity 210 defined within a rear wall portion of the base 202 of the powered furniture piece 200, and located beneath the backrest 208, so as to house or accommodate various electronic components, such as, for example, motor drives or actuators, speakers, control boxes, power interfaces, and the like, which are conventionally provided for the operational functionality of the powered furniture piece 200 and thereby the relaxationa...

Claims

1. A powered furniture piece, comprising:a base;a seat operatively connected to said base;a backrest operatively connected to a first end of said seat;a footrest operatively connected to a second end of said seat;a cavity defined within said base for housing / accommodating electronic components of said powered furniture piece; anda cover panel mounted upon said base for providing access to said cavity, defined within said base, for permitting access to the electronic components of said powered furniture piece.

2. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 1, wherein:said cover panel is mounted upon a rear wall portion of said base.

3. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 1, wherein:said cover panel is pivotally mounted upon said rear wall portion of said base.

4. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 3, wherein:male / female fasteners are mounted upon said cover panel and said rear wall portion of said base so as to permit said cover panel to be moved between a closed position, at which said male fasteners are engaged with said female fasteners, and an open position at which said male fasteners are disengaged from said female fasteners.

5. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 1, wherein:a platform is fixedly mounted upon a floor portion of said base within which said cavity is defined.

6. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 4, wherein:said cover panel is pivotally mounted upon said platform.

7. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 6, wherein:said cover panel is adapted to be fixedly secured to a rear wall portion of said base.

8. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 7, wherein:male / female fasteners are mounted upon said cover panel and said rear wall portion of said base so as to permit said cover panel to be moved between a closed position, at which said male fasteners are engaged with said female fasteners, and an open position at which said male fasteners are disengaged from said female fasteners.

9. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 1, wherein:said cover panel is separate and apart from said backrest.

10. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 9, wherein:said backrest is movable between upright and reclined positions; andsaid cover panel does not interfere with any movement of said backrest between said upright and reclined positions.

11. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 5, wherein:at least one notch is provided within said platform so as to permit an electrical power cord to be routed into said cavity for providing electrical power to said electronic components housed / accommodated within said cavity.

12. The powered furniture piece as set forth in claim 1, wherein:said furniture piece is selected from the group comprising a sofa, chair, and a love seat.

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