Mississippi Patent of the Month – November 2025
A new engineering solution is set to revolutionize comfort in stadium-style venues. VIP LUXURY SEATING LLC recently disclosed a key invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12471711, titled ‘Linear actuator and linkage system for an ottoman of riser-mounted theater seat chairs’. This technology solves a common challenge for premium recliner seats in raked (riser-mounted) theaters: how to efficiently operate a motorized footrest (ottoman) while concealing the mechanical components. The innovation lies in a horizontally oriented linear actuator that delivers superior mechanical advantage.
Enhanced Power and Stealth
The system is specifically designed for chairs installed on tiered steps. The chair frame base mounts to the step’s tread. A critical feature is the forward open chamber in the chair base. This chamber sits in front of the riser portion of the step. When the ottoman is retracted, the ottoman support and all its linkages disappear neatly into this concealed chamber. This provides a clean, space-saving design.
The core innovation is the horizontal actuator. Instead of pushing vertically, the linear actuator exerts a push or pull force in a horizontal direction. This motion acts upon a complex network of linkage members. This horizontal force provides an enhanced mechanical advantage, easily moving the ottoman support from a vertical (closed) position to a horizontal (extended) position. The push force is applied perpendicular to the ottoman support when it is closed, ensuring maximum initial leverage.
A Floating on Waves Experience
The patent claims further describe a complete luxury seating experience. The system includes the use of a second linear actuator. This second actuator controls a reclining backrest. This independent, continuous movement of the head and foot ends creates a unique effect. The goal is to achieve a floating on waves mode of operation. The design also allows for easy maintenance; the seat portion can move to an open position, providing simple access to the linear actuator components beneath it.
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