WO2014190012A1 - Unité d'assise pouvant être convertie en un lit - Google Patents

Unité d'assise pouvant être convertie en un lit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014190012A1
WO2014190012A1 PCT/US2014/038908 US2014038908W WO2014190012A1 WO 2014190012 A1 WO2014190012 A1 WO 2014190012A1 US 2014038908 W US2014038908 W US 2014038908W WO 2014190012 A1 WO2014190012 A1 WO 2014190012A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bed
section
seating unit
seat
sections
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/038908
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marcus L. Murphy
D. Stephen Hoffman
Original Assignee
Ultra-Mek, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/900,311 external-priority patent/US8997273B2/en
Priority claimed from US14/173,513 external-priority patent/US9144319B2/en
Application filed by Ultra-Mek, Inc. filed Critical Ultra-Mek, Inc.
Priority to CA2909676A priority Critical patent/CA2909676C/fr
Priority to EP14801645.4A priority patent/EP2981195B1/fr
Priority to MX2015015925A priority patent/MX2015015925A/es
Priority to CN201480029382.9A priority patent/CN105377080A/zh
Publication of WO2014190012A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014190012A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/16—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest
    • A47C17/20—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest thereby uncovering one or more auxiliary parts previously hidden
    • A47C17/207—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest thereby uncovering one or more auxiliary parts previously hidden with seat cushion consisting of multiple superposed parts, at least one lower hidden part being used to form part of the bed surface
    • A47C17/2076—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest thereby uncovering one or more auxiliary parts previously hidden with seat cushion consisting of multiple superposed parts, at least one lower hidden part being used to form part of the bed surface by lifting or tilting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/13—Seating furniture having non-movable backrest changeable to beds by increasing the available seat part, e.g. by drawing seat cushion forward
    • A47C17/132—Seating furniture having non-movable backrest changeable to beds by increasing the available seat part, e.g. by drawing seat cushion forward with multiple seat cushions
    • A47C17/134—Seating furniture having non-movable backrest changeable to beds by increasing the available seat part, e.g. by drawing seat cushion forward with multiple seat cushions by lifting or tilting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/16—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest
    • A47C17/20—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest thereby uncovering one or more auxiliary parts previously hidden
    • A47C17/207—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest thereby uncovering one or more auxiliary parts previously hidden with seat cushion consisting of multiple superposed parts, at least one lower hidden part being used to form part of the bed surface
    • A47C17/2073—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest thereby uncovering one or more auxiliary parts previously hidden with seat cushion consisting of multiple superposed parts, at least one lower hidden part being used to form part of the bed surface by sliding forward
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/22—Seating furniture having non-movable back-rest changeable to beds with means for uncovering a previously hidden mattress or similar bed part
    • A47C17/225—Seating furniture having non-movable back-rest changeable to beds with means for uncovering a previously hidden mattress or similar bed part with hidden separate full size mattress frame unfolded out of the base frame
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/402—Support for the head or the back for the back adjustable in height

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to furniture, and more specifically a furniture unit that is convertible into a bed.
  • sofa-bed design includes its own complete mattress that is folded within the cavity of the sofa during periods of non-use.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,200,941 to Gill et al. This type of sofa-bed can be quite heavy, and typically Attorney Docket No. 4362-152WO requires not only the separate mattress, but also a relatively intricate mechanism to control the unfolding and folding of the mattress.
  • a folding mechanism controls the movement of the head, intermediate and seat sections between a folded position, in which the head, intermediate and seat sections are positioned in a vertically stacked relationship, with the head section below the intermediate section and the seat section above the intermediate section, and with the head and intermediate sections being positioned in the cavity of the housing and the seat section serving as the "seat" for the sofa, and an unfolded position, in which the head, intermediate and seat sections are horizontally disposed and serially aligned to form a sleeping surface.
  • embodiments of the invention are direction to a seating unit that includes a foldable bed.
  • the seating unit comprises: a base with an internal cavity and a rear wall; a foldable bed that includes separate and distinct head, intermediate and seat sections, wherein in a folded position, the intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and positioned in vertically stacked relationship, and the head section is generally vertically disposed and positioned adjacent the rear wall of the base, and in an unfolded position, the head, intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other; and a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the head, intermediate and seat sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions.
  • embodiments of the present invention are directed to seating unit that includes a foldable bed, the seating unit comprising: a base with an internal cavity; a foldable bed that includes a plurality of sections, wherein in a folded position, the bed sections are folded relative to each other and stored within the base cavity, with a seat section serving as the seat for the seating unit, and in an unfolded position, the bed sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other, with the seat section being positioned forward ly of the base; a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the bed sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and un folded positions; and a backrest cushion assembly attached to the base that is movable between raised and lowered positions.
  • embodiments of the present invention are directed to a seating unit that includes a foldable bed, the seating unit comprising: a base with an internal cavity; a foldable bed that includes a plurality of sections, wherein in a folded position, the bed sections are folded relative to each other and stored within the base cavity, with a seat section serving as the seat for the seating unit, and in an unfolded position, the bed sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other, with the seat section being positioned forwardly of the base; a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the bed sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions; and a center leg assembly mounted to the intermediate section, the center leg assembly residing between the intermediate section and the seat section in the folded position and extending to support the intermediate section from underneath in the unfolded position.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a seating unit according to embodiments of the present invention, with the bed shown in its folded position and the backrest shown in a lowered position.
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the seating unit of Figure 1 with the backrest in a raised position.
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the seating unit of Figure 1 with the bed in an intermediate position between the folded and unfolded positions.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the seating unit of Figure 1 with the bed in its unfolded position.
  • Figure 5 is a top view of the seating unit of Figure 1 with the bed in the unfolded position of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6A is a side view of the unfolding mechanism of the seating unit of Figure 1, with the mechanism in the folded position of Figures 1 and 2.
  • Figure 6B is a side view of the unfolding mechanism of Figure 6A, with the mechanism in the intermediate position of Figure 3.
  • Figure 6C is a side view of the unfolding mechanism of Figure 6A, with the mechanism in the unfolded position of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6D is a top view of one half of the unfolding mechanism of Figure 6 A shown in the unfolded position of Figure 4.
  • Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of one of the front legs of the seating unit of Figure 1 shown in the folded position of Figures 1 and 2.
  • Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the front leg of Figure 7.
  • Figure 9 is a front, bottom perspective view of one of the rear legs of the seating unit of Figure 1 shown in the intermediate position of Figure 3.
  • FIG. 10 is a front, bottom perspective view of the rear leg of Figure 9 shown in the unfolded position.
  • Figure 11 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the rear leg of Figure 9 shown in the folded position of Figure 10.
  • Figure 12 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the rear leg of Figure 11 shown in the intermediate position of Figure 9.
  • Figure 13 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the rear leg of Figure 11 shown in the unfolded position of Figure 10.
  • Figure 14 is a top view of the seating unit of Figure 1 with the bed shown in its folded position and the cushions removed for clarity.
  • Figure 15 is a top view of the seating unit of Figure 2 with the bed shown in its unfolded position and the cushions removed for clarity.
  • Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of the seat section showing the seat frame with its subframes and sinuous springs.
  • spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or featiire(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • the seating unit 10 includes a base 11 having a front wall 12, a rear wall 13 with a backrest 13a, and opposed side walls 14 with arms 14a (see Figure 5); these walls 12, 13 14 define a cavity 17.
  • a foldable bed 15 includes a seat section 16 with an underlying seat frame 18, an intermediate section 20 with an underlying intermediate panel 22, and a head section 24 with an underlying head panel 26.
  • the intermediate and head panels 22, 26 are planar panels, typically formed of wood, that underlie most or all of cushions that provide a comfortable surface for sleeping.
  • the seat frame 18 comprises two open square subframes and is described in some detail below and in co-assigned and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 13/900,31 1. filed on May 22, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
  • the seat frame 18 comprises two open square subframes 302 that are attached in side-by-side relationship via cross-members 304a, 304b.
  • vertical panels 305, 306, 307 extend downwardly from the edges of a U- shaped main panel 310.
  • a vertical panel 308 spans the open end of the main panel 310 to form a generally square opening 311.
  • the cross-members 304a, 304b are mounted to the underside of reinforcing panels 312 that underlie the "legs" of each main panel 310.
  • the opening 311 measures between about 14 and 26 inches from back to front.
  • Sinuous springs 314 extend between the vertical panels 305, 307 to span the opening 311 of the subframe 302.
  • Cushions 316 are then fixed to the upper side of the main panel, with upholstery applied to the vertical panels 305, 306, 307, 308 and over the cushions 316 to provide an aesthetically pleasing seat cushion assembly.
  • the bed 15 is movable between a folded position, in which the seat and intermediate sections 16, 20 are generally horizontally disposed and positioned in vertically stacked relationship, and the head section 24 is generally vertically disposed and positioned adjacent the rear wall 13 and backrest 13a of the base 11 (see Figures 1 and 2). and an unfolded position, in which the seat, intermediate and head sections 16, 20, 24 are horizontally disposed and serially aligned to form a sleeping surface (see Figures 4 and 5).
  • the movement of the sections 16, 20, 24 of the bed 15 is controlled by a pair of bed folding mechanisms 30, which will be described in greater detail below.
  • the bed folding mechanisms 30 are mirror images of each other about a vertical plane P ( Figures 5 and 14) that bisects the seating unit 10 normal to the front wall 12; as such, only one bed folding mechanism 30 will be described herein, with the understanding that the description is applicable to the other mechanism also.
  • Two leg folding mechanisms 100 are also mirror images of each other about the plane P, such that only one will be described in detail hereinbelow.
  • the bed 15 will be described initially in the unfolded position of Figures 4 and 5; movement to the folded position of Figures 1 and 2 will then follow.
  • the terms “lateral”, “outward “ and derivatives thereof indicate the directions defined by a vector beginning at the vertical plane P that bisects the seating unit 10 normal to the front wall 12 and extending toward either side wall 14.
  • the terms “inward”, “inboard” and derivatives thereof indicate the direction opposite the “outward” direction. Together, the "inward” and “outward” directions comprise the "transverse" axis of the seating unit 10.
  • the “rear” of the unfolded bed 15 is located at the end of the bed 15 nearest the rear wall 13 and backrest 13a of the base 11 (i.e. , toward the head section 24), and the “front” of the bed 15 is located at the end nearest the seat section 16.
  • the “front” and “rear” directions comprise the "longitudinal" axis of the bed 15.
  • some components of the bed folding mechanisms 30 are illustrated herein as a series of pivotal ly interconnected links.
  • the pivots between links or other components can take a variety of configurations, such as pivot pins, rivets, bolt and nut combinations, and the like, any of which may be suitable for use with the present invention.
  • the shapes and configurations of the links themselves may vary, as will be understood by those skilled in this art.
  • some links may be omitted entirely in some embodiments, and additional links may be included in some embodiments.
  • the bed folding mechanism 30 includes a front mounting bracket 41 that is fixed to the inner surface of the side wall 14.
  • a serpentine rear mounting bracket 40 is fixed to a rear portion of the front mounting bracket 41.
  • An L-shaped head section link 42 is connected to the rear mounting link 40 at a pivot 44; the head section link 42 extends upwardly from the pivot 44, then forwardly, where it is fixed to a head section bracket 43 that is in turn fixed to the lateral edge of the head panel 26.
  • the pivot 44 provides an axis about which the head section 24 rotates in moving between the folded and unfolded positions.
  • the front mounting bracket 41 includes two arcuate slots 41a, 41 b.
  • An angled extension 46 is mounted generally vertically to the forward end of the front mounting bracket 41.
  • An intermediate section bracket 48 is fixed to the underside of the intermediate panel 22 and is attached to the upper end of the extension 46 at a pivot 50.
  • the pivot 50 defines an axis about which the intermediate section 20 rotates in moving between the folded and unfolded positions.
  • a connecting link 52 is attached to the head section link 42 at a pivot 54 and extends forwardly therefrom to a pivot 56 with the intermediate section bracket 48.
  • the connecting link 52 ties together the movements of the head section 24 and the intermediate section 20 in moving between the folded and unfolded positions.
  • the seating unit 10 includes two different linkages that can assist the user in folding and unfolding the bed 15: an unfolding assist assembly 60 and a folding assist assembly 72.
  • the unfolding assist assembly 60 includes a spring 62 that is attached at its forward end to the vertex of the extension 46.
  • a spring link 64 is attached at its forward end to the intermediate section bracket 48 at the pivot 56 and extends downwardly and rearward ly to attach to the rear end of the spring 62.
  • a control link 68 is attached to the lower end of the extension 46 at a pivot 69 and extends upwardly to a pivot 67 with the spring link 64.
  • the control link 68 also includes a pin 68a that is received in the forward end of the slot 41a of the front mounting bracket 41.
  • the spring 62 is substantially, if not entirely, relaxed.
  • the folding assist assembly 72 includes a spring 74 that is attached to the rear end of the rear mounting bracket 40 and extends forwardly therefrom.
  • a spring link 76 is attached at its lower end to the spring 74 and at its upper end to the forward end of the rear mounting bracket 40 at a pivot 78.
  • the spring link 76 includes two pins 76a, 76b; the pin 76a is received in the slot 41b of the front mounting bracket 41.
  • a slotted link 80 has a slot 80a that receives the pin 76b at its rear end.
  • a control link 82 is attached to the front mounting bracket 41 at a pivot 84 and extends generally upwardly therefrom; the slotted link 80 is attached to a central portion of the control link 82 at a pivot 83.
  • a transition link 86 is attached at its rear end to the upper end of the control link 82 at a pivot 88 and extends downwardly and forwardly therefrom to a pivot 90 with the connecting link 52. In the unfolded position of Figures 4 and 6C, the spring 74 is in tension.
  • the bed 15 includes two generally U- shaped legs 94.
  • the legs 94 are mounted below the seat section 16 and move between a folded position, in which the uprights 95 of the legs 94 extend transversely toward each other and are generally horizontally disposed beneath the seat section 16, and an unfolded position, in which the uprights 95 of the legs 94 are vertically disposed beneath the seat section 16 and rest on an underlying surface to provide support for the seat section 16 from underneath.
  • the distance between the uprights 95 of the legs 94 is between about 16 and 24 inches.
  • Each leg folding mechanism 100 includes a front intermediate section bracket 102 that is mounted beneath the foot end of the intermediate section 20; the front intermediate section bracket includes a vertical flange 102a, on which is mounted a cam 103 ( Figure 13).
  • a seat section bracket 104 with a side flange 104a and an end flange 104b is mounted below the seat section 16.
  • the brackets 102, 104 which are connected at a pivot 105, are adjacent to each other when the bed 15 is in the unfolded position of Figures 10 and 13.
  • a gear drive link 106 is mounted to the front intermediate section bracket 102 at a pivot 108 and extends forwardly therefrom.
  • a gear 1 10 with teeth 112 is mounted to the seat section bracket 104 at a pivot 1 16 to rotate about a transverse axis.
  • the gear drive link 106 is attached to the gear 110 at a pivot 114.
  • a sprocket 120 with an extension 126 is fixed to one of the uprights 95 of the leg 94 and is attached to the end flange 104 b of the seat mounting bracket 104 at a pivot 124 that defines a longitudinal pivot axis.
  • the teeth 122 of the sprocket 120 mesh with the teeth 112 of the gear 1 10.
  • a stop link 130 has a horizontal panel 130a and a vertical panel 130b.
  • Two slots 130c, 130d are present in the vertical panel 130b and receive, respectively, pins 104c, 104d mounted to the inner surface of the vertical flange 104a of the seat section bracket 104.
  • a tab 132 extends forwardly from the horizontal panel 130a.
  • a mounting extension 138 is fixed to and extends inwardly from the seat section bracket 104.
  • a pin 138a extends downwardly from a horizontal panel of the mounting extension 138 and engages a recess in the rearward edge of the horizontal panel 130a of the stop link 130.
  • the vertical panel of the mounting extension 138 has an aperture 138c through which the tab 132 extends.
  • a brace 134 is pivotally attached to the sprocket extension 126 at a pivot 136.
  • the opposite end of the brace 134 has a pin 134a that extends into a slot 138b in the vertical panel of the mounting extension 138.
  • the brace 134 also has a projection 134b that engages the tab 132 when the bed 15 is in the unfolded position (see Figure 10).
  • a spring 140 is mounted to the side flange 104a of the seat section bracket 104 via the pin 104d and to the forward end of the stop link 130 at a post 130c.
  • a bracket 150 is mounted to the underside of the foot end of the seat section 16.
  • a vertical panel 151 is fixed to the bracket 150 and includes a quarter-circular slot 150a.
  • a tab 150c extends inwardly; a post 150d is mounted on the tab 150c.
  • An extension member 152 is mounted to an upright 95 of the leg 94 and extends to a pivot 160 with the vertical panel 151.
  • a branch of the extension member 152 extends laterally and includes a pin 152a that is received in the slot 150a.
  • the bed 15 also includes a center leg assembly 180 which, as can be seen in Figure 5, is mounted toward the center of the bed.
  • the center leg assembly 180 includes a mounting bracket 184 fixed to the underside of the intermediate panel 22.
  • Two center legs 182 are mounted to the mounting bracket 184 at pivots 186.
  • Respective pneumatic cylinders 188 are attached to the mounting bracket 184 at pivots 189 and to the center legs 182 at pivots 190.
  • a cross-member 192 spans lower portions of the center legs 192.
  • the seating unit 10 also includes a backrest cushion assembly 200. which can be seen in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the backrest cushion assembly 200 includes a mounting bracket 202 fixed to the side panels of the backrest 13a.
  • Upper and lower swing links 204, 208 are attached to the mounting bracket 202 at, respectively, pivots 206, 210.
  • a mounting bracket 212 is attached to the upper and lower swing links 204, 208 at pivots 216, 218.
  • a backrest plate 213 (on which is mounted one or more backrest cushions 214) is fixed to the mounting bracket 212.
  • a spring 220 is attached to the upper swing link 204 and the mounting bracket 212.
  • the first portion of the folding action is assisted by the folding assist assembly 72. It can be envisioned from examination of Figures 3, 4, 6B and 6C that, as connecting link 52 drives the head section 24 about the pivot 44, the connecting link 52 also drives the transition link 86 rearvvardly. This motion causes the control link 82 to rotate counterclockwise about the pivot 84. Rotation of the control link 82 forces the slotted link 80 rearwardly, such that the spring link 76 is drawn clockwise about the pivot 78 by tension in the spring 74. Thus, this portion of the folding movement is assisted by the tension in the spring 74; assistance ceases when, as shown in Figure 3, the pin 76a of the spring link 76 reaches the rear end of the slot 41b.
  • the tab 132 extends through the aperture 138c of the mounting extension 138; engagement of the tab 132 with the projection 134b prevents the pin 134a from moving inwardly in the slot 138b, which in turn prevents the sprocket 120 and attached leg 94 from rotating about the pivot 124. Such rotation is also prevented by the engagement of the teeth 122 of the sprocket 120 with the teeth 112 of the gear 110.
  • the center leg assembly 180 unfolds the center legs 182.
  • the center legs 182 are generally parallel with the intermediate section 20, and the pneumatic cylinders 188 are retracted.
  • the pneumatic cylinders 188 force the center legs 182 to rotate about the pivots 186.
  • the center legs 182 press against the seat panel 18 of the seat section 16; because the pneumatic cylinders are biased toward their extended positions, the contact of the center legs 182 against the seat panel 18 assists the bed 15 in unfolding.
  • the center leg assembly 180 is fully extended when the pneumatic cylinders 188 are extended ( Figure 4).
  • the cushion 24a of the head section 24 has a front edge that slopes rearwardly from top to bottom, and the cushion 20a of the intermediate section 20 has a rear edge that slopes forward ly from bottom to top.
  • the rear edge of the cushion 24a meets the front edge of the cushion 20a to form a seam therebetween that is "tighter" than would be the case if the mating edges did not slope as described.
  • the backrest cushion assembly 200 is in a raised position. In this position, the spring 220 is in tension. As such, it maintains an "over-center" condition between pivots 206, 210 and 218, which maintains the backrest cushion assembly 200 in the raised position. As can be seen in Figure 1, the backrest cushion 214 can be lowered by applying a downward force to the backrest cushion 214 and/or backrest plate 213, which causes the upper and lower swing links 204, 208 to rotate clockwise about the pivots 206, 210.
  • the upper and lower swing links 204, 208 rotate through an "on-center" condition (when the links 204, 208 are generally horizontal) after which the spring 220 biases the backrest cushion assembly 200 in the lowered position shown in Figure 1.
  • the assembly 200 typically remains in this position for much of the time the seating unit 10 is in use, only being raised when the bed 15 is to be unfolded.
  • the seat section 16 can provide a seating surface that resembles that of a conventional seating unit.
  • the uprights 95 of the legs 94 are positioned near the vertical panels 305, 307 of the subframes 302, and therefore do not significantly impact the seating comfort provided by the cushions 316 and springs 314.
  • a typical seating unit would have sufficient width that multiple people could be seated thereon (e.g., a love seat would have two spots for sitting, a couch would have three spots, etc.).
  • prior multi-seat seating units would include only a single wide cushion that covered the entire seat section. This provided an appearance that was undesirable for some consumers.
  • the seat section 16 can provide a multi-cushion appearance for multi-seat seating units, which may be more desirable to consumers.
  • seating units may take a number of different forms.
  • legs supporting the seat section in the unfolded position and pivoting about a longitudinal axis may be employed with seating units that fold in the manner described, such legs may also be employed with seating units of different varieties.
  • 2007/0283491 and 201 1 /0010847 may be suitable for use with the present invention.
  • either or both of the folding assist unit and the folding resist unit may be omitted as desired.
  • embodiments of the seated unit discussed and illustrated herein can provide additional advantages.
  • the designer may have more flexibility with the design of the cushions used in the seat, intermediate and head sections. Thicker cushions can be used for these sections, as only two sections (the seat and intermediate sections) are vertically stacked within the cavity of the base when the seating unit is in the folded position. This may provide more comfortable seating and/or more comfortable sleeping for occupants, and may enable a foldable bed of this type to be used in conjunction with a wider variety of sofas, including "off- the-floor" styles.
  • the designer has the flexibility to use any thickness cushion, rather than being confined to a certain thickness in the event that the head section of the bed also serves as the backrest.
  • the backrest cushions are removed and laid aside before the bed is unfolded.
  • the backrest cushion assembly 200 keeps the backrest cushions in a neatly organized fashion even when the bed is unfolded.
  • center leg assembly 180 can add stability to the bed 15 after it is unfolded and supporting an occupant.
  • use of pneumatic cylinders or other means that bias the intermediate and seat sections toward the unfolded position when they are folded can assist in the act of unfolding the bed.
  • seating units may take a number of different forms.
  • either or both of the folding assist unit and the folding resist unit may be omitted as desired.
  • the mechanism employed to rotate the legs that support the seat section may vary.
  • the mechanism may employ a series of pivoting links.
  • the illustrated embodiment is configured such that the legs are essentially fully unfolded by the intermediate position shown in Figures 3, 9 and 10, the mechanism may be configured so that the legs unfold either earlier or later in the movement of the bed.
  • each of the legs may be configured instead as a U-shaped loop.
  • the seating unit may include four separate leg members, each a straight member, rather than two legs with two upright each. In other embodiments, only two or three uprights may be included rather than four. Other configurations may be apparent to those of skill in this art.
  • either or both of the center leg assembly 180 and the backrest cushion assembly 200 may be omitted.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une unité d'assise ayant un lit pliable, laquelle unité d'assise comprend : une base ayant une cavité interne et une paroi arrière; un lit pliable qui comprend une tête séparée et distincte, des sections intermédiaires et de siège, dans une position pliée, les sections intermédiaires et de siège étant disposées et positionnées généralement horizontalement dans une relation empilée verticalement, et la section de tête étant disposée et positionnée généralement verticalement de manière adjacente à la paroi arrière de la base, et dans une position dépliée, la tête, les sections intermédiaires et de siège étant disposées généralement horizontalement et en alignement en série les unes avec les autres; et un mécanisme de pliage de lit qui est fixé à la base et à la tête et aux sections intermédiaires et de siège, qui commande le déplacement du lit entre les positions pliée et dépliée.
PCT/US2014/038908 2013-05-22 2014-05-21 Unité d'assise pouvant être convertie en un lit WO2014190012A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2909676A CA2909676C (fr) 2013-05-22 2014-05-21 Unite d'assise pouvant etre convertie en un lit
EP14801645.4A EP2981195B1 (fr) 2013-05-22 2014-05-21 Unité d'assise pouvant être convertie en un lit
MX2015015925A MX2015015925A (es) 2013-05-22 2014-05-21 Unidad de asiento que se convierte en cama.
CN201480029382.9A CN105377080A (zh) 2013-05-22 2014-05-21 可变换成床的座椅单元

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/900,311 US8997273B2 (en) 2013-05-22 2013-05-22 Seating unit convertible to bed
US13/900,311 2013-05-22
US201361907038P 2013-11-21 2013-11-21
US61/907,038 2013-11-21
US14/173,513 2014-02-05
US14/173,513 US9144319B2 (en) 2013-11-21 2014-02-05 Seating unit convertible to bed

Publications (1)

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WO2014190012A1 true WO2014190012A1 (fr) 2014-11-27

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EP (1) EP2981195B1 (fr)
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WO (1) WO2014190012A1 (fr)

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US1690797A (en) * 1927-04-12 1928-11-06 Schwab Marion Convertible chair and bed
GB371110A (en) 1931-03-06 1932-04-21 Seng Co Improvements in and relating to bed settees and the like
GB626821A (en) * 1947-09-01 1949-07-21 Steadfast Furniture Mfg Compan Improvements in or relating to bed-settees
US2740131A (en) 1951-09-13 1956-04-03 No Sag Spring Co Davenport hinged to form a bed
US4045829A (en) * 1976-07-26 1977-09-06 United States Steel Corporation Sofa bed assembly
US4200191A (en) 1977-08-19 1980-04-29 Nippon Electric Company, Ltd. Container for storage or transportation of semiconductor chips
US4200941A (en) 1978-04-06 1980-05-06 Mohasco Corporation Pull-out sofa bed and hardware therefor
US4737996A (en) 1986-09-22 1988-04-19 Tiffany And Tiffany, Designers, Inc. Seat-bed conversion assembly
US5195194A (en) 1992-06-26 1993-03-23 Shrock Manufacturing, Inc. Seat-bed extender
AT7969U1 (de) 2005-01-20 2005-12-15 Hoppe Kg Hodry Metallfab Sitz- bzw. liegemöbel
US20070283491A1 (en) 2006-04-07 2007-12-13 Murphy Marcus L Seating unit convertible to bed
EP1913846A2 (fr) * 2006-10-04 2008-04-23 Hodry Metallwarenfabrik R.Hoppe Ges.m.b.H & Co. KG Meuble d'assise transformable en lit
US7547182B2 (en) 2004-06-30 2009-06-16 Hogue Industries, Llc High speed sticker placer having horizontal and vertical positioning
US20090235452A1 (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-24 Hoffman D Stephen Foldable Sofa-Bed With Folding-Assist and Extension-Assist Mechanisms
US20110010847A1 (en) 2009-07-20 2011-01-20 Murphy Marcus L Seating unit convertible to bed
US20110010846A1 (en) * 2009-07-20 2011-01-20 Murphy Marcus L Furniture Unit Convertible to Bed

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1690797A (en) * 1927-04-12 1928-11-06 Schwab Marion Convertible chair and bed
GB371110A (en) 1931-03-06 1932-04-21 Seng Co Improvements in and relating to bed settees and the like
GB626821A (en) * 1947-09-01 1949-07-21 Steadfast Furniture Mfg Compan Improvements in or relating to bed-settees
US2740131A (en) 1951-09-13 1956-04-03 No Sag Spring Co Davenport hinged to form a bed
US4045829A (en) * 1976-07-26 1977-09-06 United States Steel Corporation Sofa bed assembly
US4200191A (en) 1977-08-19 1980-04-29 Nippon Electric Company, Ltd. Container for storage or transportation of semiconductor chips
US4200941A (en) 1978-04-06 1980-05-06 Mohasco Corporation Pull-out sofa bed and hardware therefor
US4737996A (en) 1986-09-22 1988-04-19 Tiffany And Tiffany, Designers, Inc. Seat-bed conversion assembly
US5195194A (en) 1992-06-26 1993-03-23 Shrock Manufacturing, Inc. Seat-bed extender
US7547182B2 (en) 2004-06-30 2009-06-16 Hogue Industries, Llc High speed sticker placer having horizontal and vertical positioning
AT7969U1 (de) 2005-01-20 2005-12-15 Hoppe Kg Hodry Metallfab Sitz- bzw. liegemöbel
US20070283491A1 (en) 2006-04-07 2007-12-13 Murphy Marcus L Seating unit convertible to bed
EP1913846A2 (fr) * 2006-10-04 2008-04-23 Hodry Metallwarenfabrik R.Hoppe Ges.m.b.H & Co. KG Meuble d'assise transformable en lit
US20090235452A1 (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-24 Hoffman D Stephen Foldable Sofa-Bed With Folding-Assist and Extension-Assist Mechanisms
US20110010847A1 (en) 2009-07-20 2011-01-20 Murphy Marcus L Seating unit convertible to bed
US20110010846A1 (en) * 2009-07-20 2011-01-20 Murphy Marcus L Furniture Unit Convertible to Bed
US8438676B2 (en) 2009-07-20 2013-05-14 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Seating unit convertible to bed

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Title
See also references of EP2981195A4

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2981195A1 (fr) 2016-02-10
EP2981195B1 (fr) 2023-06-07
CA2909676A1 (fr) 2014-11-27
CA2909676C (fr) 2018-06-26
EP2981195C0 (fr) 2023-06-07
EP2981195A4 (fr) 2017-01-25

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