Humanities › History & Culture La-Z-Boy Recliner Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker invented the La-Z-Boy Recliner Share Flipboard Email Print Design Patent - La-Z-Boy. History & Culture Inventions Famous Inventions Famous Inventors Patents & Trademarks Invention Timelines Computers & The Internet American History African American History African History Ancient History and Culture Asian History European History Genealogy Latin American History Medieval & Renaissance History Military History The 20th Century Women's History View More By Mary Bellis Inventions Expert Mary Bellis covered inventions and inventors for ThoughtCo for 18 years. She is known for her independent films and documentaries, including one about Alexander Graham Bell. our editorial process Mary Bellis Updated July 03, 2019 Put your feet up, lean back, and relax. Most of us either own a La-Z-boy recliner or know a friend or family member who does. The innovative chair design was invented during the spring of 1928, about the same time Dr. Fleming discovered penicillin, Mickey Mouse starred in the first talkie cartoon, "Steamboat Willie," and Lawrence Welk started intoxicating America with his champagne bubble band. Edward Knabusch & Edwin Shoemaker Invent La-Z-Boy In 1927, the cousins abandoned secure jobs, joined forces, and invested in their own furniture business in Monroe, Michigan. Suddenly, Knabusch, a woodworker, turned into a marketer, and Shoemaker, originally a farmer, became an engineer. The locals thought they were crazy, but the Floral City Furniture Company flourished. La-Z-Boy Moves off the Porch and into the Living Room Automatic Adjustable Chair - Not a Good Name The Competition Gets Uncomfortable with La-Z-Boy With only a brief slow-down during World War II, the La-Z-Boy Chair Company continued to grow, adding new furniture pieces and changing designs to suit the times. La-Z-Boy workers now make more than 30,000 chairs and sofas each weekthats 6,000 a day. Continue > Home Innovations