Recliner

Lore & Background

Around 1850, the French introduced a reclining camp bed that could serve as a chair, a bed, and a chaise longue. It was portable and featured padded arm rests and a steel frame. In the late 1800s, many designs were found for motion chairs made of wood with a padded seat and back.

Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker, two American friends and business partners, gained a patent on a wooden recliner in 1928, leading to the founding of La-Z-Boy. In 1930, they patented an upholstered model with a mechanical movement. In 1959, Daniel F. Caldemeyer patented a recliner design, though it was not used by NASA for the Mercury, Gemini, or Apollo programs—those used specialized couches designed by other engineers.

Reader's Guide

The recliner has evolved from a simple wooden bench design to a sophisticated piece of furniture incorporating ergonomic principles and advanced features. Its significance lies in its adaptability for relaxation, sleeping, and medical recovery, as seen in its use by President Lyndon B. Johnson and NASA astronauts.

The contributions of inventors like Knabusch, Shoemaker, and Caldemeyer established the modern recliner's mechanical and comfort innovations, including footrests, heat, massage, and entertainment centers. The recliner's presence in homes, airplanes, and trains underscores its role as a multifunctional item that accommodates near-supine positions. Its legacy is preserved in museums and libraries, reflecting its cultural and technological impact on everyday comfort and specialized applications.

Did You Know?

• The word 'recline' was first used in the 1660s, derived from Latin reclinare.
• The claim that the first reclining chair was owned by Napoleon III is unsubstantiated and likely fabricated.
• A story that the Secret Service purchased 50 recliners for President Lyndon B. Johnson as a Christmas gift is unverified and likely fabricated.