Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism for a lifting recliner

A seating unit, comprising:

• a support assembly that contacts an underlying surface;
• a pair of base plates in substantially parallel-spaced relation;
• a pair of lift assemblies, wherein each of the lift assemblies is attached to a respective base plate and moveably supports the respective base plate with respect to the support assembly, wherein the lift assemblies are adapted to adjust the seating unit into and out of a seat-lift position;
• a pair of seat-mounting plates in substantially parallel-spaced relation, wherein each of the seat-mounting plates is disposed in an inclined orientation in relation to each of the base plates, respectively;
• and
• a pair of generally mirror-image linkage mechanisms each moveably interconnecting each of the seat-mounting plates to a respective base plate, and adapted to move the seating unit between a closed position, an extended position, and a reclined position, wherein each of the linkage mechanisms comprise:
• (a) a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to a respective seat-mounting plate and configured to support a backrest of the seating unit;
• (b) a rear bellcrank rotatably coupled to a respective seat-mounting plate;
• (c) a sequence plate rotatably coupled to the rear bellcrank, wherein the sequence plate includes a guide slot;
• (d) a rear pivot link pivotably coupled to the back-mounting link and to the rear bellcrank;
• and
• (e) a sequence element that extends from a respective seat-mounting plate, wherein the sequence element, at least partially, extends into the guide slot, and wherein interaction between the sequence element and the sequence plate resists direct adjustment between the closed position and the reclined position.

A seating unit having a chassis, a seat, a backrest, and at least one foot-support ottoman, the seating unit being adapted to move between a closed, an extended, a reclined, and a seat-lift position, the seating unit comprising:

• a pair of base plates in substantially parallel-spaced relation;
• a pair of lift assemblies, wherein each of the lift assemblies is attached to a respective base plate and raises and lowers the respective base plate above an underlying surface;
• a pair of seat-mounting plates in substantially parallel-spaced relation, wherein the seat-mounting plates translatably carry the seat over the lift assemblies;
• a pair of generally mirror-image linkage mechanisms each moveably interconnecting each of the base plates to a respective seat-mounting plate, wherein each of the linkage mechanisms comprise:
• (a) a footrest assembly that extends and retracts the at least one foot-support ottoman;
• and
• (b) a seat-adjustment assembly that reclines and inclines the backrest, wherein the seat-adjustment assembly comprises:
• (i) a motor swing bracket that includes a mid portion located between a first end and a second end, wherein the mid portion of the motor swing bracket is rotatably coupled to a lift carrier plate within a respective lift assembly, wherein the first end of the motor swing bracket is pivotably coupled to a respective end of a front motor bracket, and wherein the front motor bracket is pivotably coupled to a motor activator block;
• (ii) a motor drive link that includes a front end and a back end, wherein the second end of the motor swing bracket is pivotably coupled to the back end of the motor drive link;
• and
• (iii) a raise link that includes a mid portion located between an upper end and a lower end, wherein the mid portion of the raise link is pivotably coupled to the front end of the motor drive link, and wherein the lower end of the raise link is rotatably coupled to a forward section of a respective base plate;
• and
• a linear actuator that provides automated adjustment of the seating unit between the closed position, the extended position, the reclined position, and the seat-lift position, wherein the linear actuator comprises:
• (a) a motor mechanism;
• (b) a track operably coupled to the motor mechanism;
• and
• (c) the motor activator block that translates longitudinally along the track under automated control,
• wherein the linear-actuator adjustment is sequenced into a first phase, a second phase, and a third phase that are mutually exclusive in stroke,
• wherein the first phase moves the footrest assembly between the reclined position and the extended position,
• wherein the second phase moves the seat-adjustment assembly between the extended position and the closed position;
• and
• wherein the third phase moves the pair of lift assemblies into and out of the seat-lift position while maintaining the pair of linkage mechanisms in the closed position.