How The Rise and Recline Chari Became Popular

While it is a relatively new device in household furniture the rise and reline chair is now an important item in the homes of many people. The 'riser recliner' type chair, also known as an 'electric lift chair', has improved the lives of many people suffering from severe health conditions like, arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, paralysis and other mobility issues.



An interesting question is how the rise and recline chair came to be, and where it came from originally? Its origins can be found way back in 1928 with the development of the first recliner.

 



The History of Early Recliners



It was in 1927 in Michigan that cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker set up their novelty furniture company, and a year later they got a patent for the first reclining chair. The design on the original chair boasted a back that could be adjusted into a reclining position and a seat that could simultaneously be pulled forward.

The recliner had really been about in some shape or form for a long time before this.

But, the cousins were the first to patent the design, and the model became a hit. Later they made a new model that added padded cushions, and sometime around 1931 they became the first inventers to patent an automatic recliner, and were quickly one of the most popular companies.



Afterwards, they changed the name of the company to La-Z-Boy, which they continue to employ down to this day; shortly thereafter they began to face stiff competition with other companies, the most formidable of which at the time was Barcalounger - a company that included a integrated foot-rest into their innovative design in 1947.



How Rise and Recline Chairs Were Made

Even though rise and recline chairs began with those early design recliners, the current models have advanced far beyond those. But, interestingly, it wasn't until sometime in the 1980's that the first contemporary rise and recline chairs began to emerge on the market, however, the actual date of that first modern model is still unknown.



One thing that is clear, however, is that as soon as the chairs began to appear they became hugely popular. With these newer chairs, people with mobility conditions soon found that they could sit down and get up much easier than they ever had been able to previously.

But the earlier chairs were far from perfect. Safety issues overshadowed their success, mainly due to the fact that most of the early styles consisted of nothing more than a standard recliner fitted with a spring lifting system. This placed the frames under undue stress, leading to a jerky, uncomfortable user experience as well as a number of accidents..

 



The Modern Story of Rise and Recline Chairs

Thankfully, things have changed and today's rise and recline chairs are far superior to the earlier versions. Over the last 25 years they have become safer, sturdier and easier to use, and the quality has kept on improving.

Now days rise and recline chairs are an vital piece of furniture in the homes of numerous people around the world who bear mobility issues. Thanks to these conscientious enhancements in safety, selection, size and style, now is the best time to acquire one.