Convertible furniture

Abstract

A piece of convertible furniture, such as a sofa bed, convertible between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration wherein the convertible furniture comprises a seat portion and a bed portion connected to the seat portion by at least one spring, wherein the at least one spring is configured to be tensioned in the sofa configuration by a folding action of the seat portion relative to the bed portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to convertible / transformable furniture, and more particularly to a sofa bed that can be easily converted between a bed configuration and a sofa configuration. Background Technology

[0002] Convertible furniture is an effective way to save floor space in limited living spaces. A common example is the sofa bed, which provides the functionality of both a bed and a sofa while occupying only the space of one of them. Other examples include armchairs, double sofas, and multi-seater sofas, which can be converted into beds, recliners, or sofas. Converting sofas or sofa modules into recliners, sofas, or additional modules is an effective way to achieve multi-purpose furniture.

[0003] Typically, convertible furniture folds from one position to another, such as from a sofa to a bed. Folding usually relies on complex and heavy mechanical components that are expensive to manufacture, difficult to transport, and impose limitations on product design. Furniture made this way is bulky and clumsy, not only difficult to move but also hard to adapt to living environments with limited space. Furthermore, it may require considerable force from the user to convert it, and sometimes it is impossible for one person to perform the folding alone, thus the convertible function of the furniture is often underutilized.

[0004] As can be understood from the above, there is a need for a lightweight and simple structure for convertible furniture that can be manufactured cost-effectively without imposing too many restrictions on the design and is easily movable by the user between different locations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to solve or at least alleviate the problems associated with the prior art. More specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a spring-assisted convertible furniture. This object is achieved by the technical means set forth in the appended independent claims; preferred embodiments are defined in the relevant dependent claims.

[0006] In one aspect, a convertible furniture, such as a sofa bed, is provided. This convertible furniture can be converted between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration. The furniture module includes a seating section and a bed section connected to the seating section by at least one spring. The at least one spring is configured to be tensioned in the sofa configuration by the folding action of the seating section relative to the bed section. This means that the user requires less force when lifting or unfolding the seating section and the bed section. Therefore, lifting assistance is provided. Furthermore, a damping effect is provided when folding the parts into the sofa configuration, protecting the furniture from damage and extending its lifespan.

[0007] In one embodiment, the spring is a torsion spring. Therefore, when the torsion spring is tensioned in the sofa configuration by the folding action of the seat portion relative to the bed portion, it generates torque in the first direction.

[0008] The spring can also be arranged so that it is tensioned by the seat and bed portions within the bed configuration through the flipping / unfurling motion of the seat portion relative to the bed portion, thus generating minimal resistance when the seat portion is lowered into the bed configuration. This provides a damping effect. Furthermore, it provides lifting assistance when the parts are lifted from the bed configuration to the sofa configuration. If the spring is a torsion spring, when it is tensioned by the seat and bed portions within the bed configuration, it generates torque in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0009] Springs can be made of metal or rubber.

[0010] The bed section can be hinged to the seat section. This allows for a simple and cost-effective manufacturing configuration.

[0011] In one embodiment, the spring is also arranged to form a ground support in the bed configuration. This provides additional support and stability.

[0012] The support member can be connected to the spring to further increase support and stability. The support member also protects the user from accidents related to pinching injuries from the spring. The support member can be made of rubber or plastic materials.

[0013] In one embodiment, the seating portion is provided with a leg that includes wheels extending from the leg, preferably in a lateral direction. Advantageously, the protruding wheels are allowed to contact the ground even when the leg is tilted, so that the leg can still roll by means of the wheels when moving between bed and sofa configurations.

[0014] The bed section is pivotally mounted to the sofa frame. This provides a simple structure while facilitating optimal seating angles within the sofa configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the bed section can be slidably mounted to the sofa frame. The sliding mechanism may include arms and / or grooves.

[0015] In one embodiment, the convertible furniture also includes a back portion that is slidably or pivotally arranged to a sofa frame. The back portion serves as a backrest in a sofa configuration and / or as a bed component in a bed configuration. This sliding or pivoting arrangement provides a simple structure while facilitating optimal seating angles in sofa configurations. Furthermore, the back portion forming a bed component in a bed configuration results in the convertible furniture having a larger reclining surface than when the back portion is fixed.

[0016] The back section is pivotally arranged about a horizontal axis in the sofa frame. This horizontal axis can extend along the length of the back section and / or connect two side components of the sofa frame, thus providing stability through a simple mechanism. Therefore, this horizontal axis serves a dual function, providing both a pivot point for the back section and stability for the sofa frame.

[0017] The backrest can be integrated into the sofa frame so that the comfortable side of the backrest faces forward towards the seating area when in sofa configuration and upward when in bed configuration. Therefore, the backrest only needs to have comfort material, such as padding, on one side.

[0018] In the seated configuration, the preload of spring 30 can be in the range of 90 to 130 N, preferably between 100 and 120 N, for example 105 to 115 N, and most preferably about 110 N. Preload within this range facilitates the unfolding of the seat portion 10 and the reclining portion 20 when converting the convertible furniture from its seated configuration to its reclining configuration, providing a positive force / propulsion for the unfolding process. Therefore, preload is present in the seated configuration, but not necessarily in the reclining configuration.

[0019] On one hand, a sofa bed comprising convertible furniture is provided. The sofa bed also includes a sofa frame. The sofa frame includes two sides connected by a backrest axis and a bed axis. The bed portion is pivotally arranged about the bed axis, and the backrest portion is pivotally arranged about the backrest axis. In this way, a lightweight and structurally simple convertible furniture is provided, which can be manufactured cost-effectively without imposing excessive design restrictions, and allows the user to easily switch between different positions.

[0020] On the other hand, a convertible furniture is provided that can be converted between a seating configuration and a reclining configuration, wherein the convertible furniture includes a seat portion and a reclining portion connected to the seat portion by at least one spring, wherein the at least one spring is configured to be pre-tensioned in the seating configuration by a folding action of the seat portion relative to the reclining portion. The convertible furniture also includes a back portion slidably or pivotally arranged to a seat frame, wherein the back portion is pivotally arranged in the seat frame about a horizontal axis.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a furniture module according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of a furniture module according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of a furniture module according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4A This is an enlarged view of a torsion spring according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4B This is an enlarged view of the support leg according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5A This is an enlarged view of a spring according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5B This is an enlarged view of a spring according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following description, several embodiments will be presented in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided merely as illustrative examples to make the invention more detailed and complete, and to fully convey to those skilled in the art the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] Convertible furniture Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image shown is a sofa bed. However, the invention can be implemented in many other forms. Besides other furniture that can be converted into a bed, furniture that can be converted into a recliner, sofa, or add-on module also falls within the scope of this invention as convertible furniture. Therefore, the convertible furniture according to the invention can be converted between a seating configuration and a reclining configuration. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sofa bed shown has a seating configuration in the form of a sofa and a reclining configuration in the form of a bed.

[0032] The convertible furniture according to the present invention includes a seating portion 10 and a reclining portion 20. The seating portion 10 may also be referred to as a sofa portion 10, and the reclining portion 20 may also be referred to as a bed portion 20.

[0033] The seating portion 10 and reclining portion 20 are foldable relative to each other via a spring 30, preferably a torsion spring. The convertible furniture also includes a seat frame 40, which has a backrest portion 50 and two side portions connected by a backrest axis 41 / rear axle. The backrest portion 50 is pivotally arranged about the backrest axis 41.

[0034] The term "torsion spring" 30 is defined herein as a flexible elastic body that stores mechanical energy when one end is twisted along an axis. This definition is not limited to, but can include, a torsion bar / torsion rod, i.e., a straight rod subjected to torsion (shear stress) about its axis by a torque applied to its end. Alternatively, the torsion spring 30 may also be a helical metal rod or wire that is twisted about a coil axis under the action of a lateral force (bending moment), such as the helical torsion springs commonly found in clothespins and mousetraps.

[0035] In this invention, the term "torque" is defined as a rotational simulation of a linear force. Torque can be applied to an object in a direction that is the direction of rotation relative to a point or an axis. A torsion spring 30, as defined above, generates torque in the direction opposite to its torsion direction, and this torque is proportional to its torsion amount (torsion angle). As an example, when compressed (and thus further torsion about an axis), torque is applied to the legs of a clothespin in an outward direction via a helical torsion spring.

[0036] Similarly, when the end of the torsion spring 30 is pulled open, it is able to store mechanical energy, thereby applying torque in the inward direction opposite to the pulling direction.

[0037] refer to Figure 4A The conceptual principle of a torsion spring 30 included in convertible furniture according to one embodiment will be described. Convertible furniture is also referred to herein as a furniture module. The torsion spring 30 is arranged to be tensioned or torsioned by the seat portion 10 and bed portion 20 when the furniture module is in a seated or sofa configuration, thereby storing mechanical force and generating torque along a first direction T1. The first direction T1 is shown as around... Figure 4A The pivot axis of the central hinge rotates outwards, and this hinge connects the seat portion 10 and the bed portion 20. It should be noted that the seat portion 10 and the bed portion 20 can be connected in other ways than necessarily via a hinge. In other embodiments, the first direction T1 will still be outwards, but may be around the location of... Figure 4A Rotation at a point other than those shown. Advantageously, when the furniture is converted from a seating or sofa configuration to a reclining or bed configuration, the mechanical energy stored in the seating or sofa configuration, and the resulting torque, will help the user unfold the seat portion 10 and the bed portion 20. This torque will act as a lifting aid, requiring less force from the user when lifting the seat portion 10 from the seating or sofa configuration, thus facilitating the conversion independently by one person, or even with one hand.

[0038] The torsion spring 30 can be configured to store a minimum amount of mechanical energy when the furniture is in a reclining or bed position. More preferably, the torsion spring 30 can be configured to, for example, when the furniture is in a seated or sofa position between a reclining or bed position. Figure 4AIn the indicated position, minimal mechanical energy is stored. Therefore, in the reclining or bed configuration, the torsion spring 30 provides torque in a second direction T2, opposite to the first direction T1. The torque in the second direction T2 advantageously achieves a damping effect. When the seat portion 10 is lowered into the reclining or bed configuration, the torsion spring 30 provides a damping function. Furthermore, when the furniture back is changed from the reclining or bed configuration to the sitting or sofa configuration, the user will again benefit from the lifting assistance provided by the torsion spring 30 and its torque in the second direction T2.

[0039] The torsion spring 30 may include a straight rod and two ends, which are respectively connected to the bed portion 10 and the sofa portion 20, and the straight rod is configured to be subjected to shear stress about a horizontal axis through each end when compressed or pulled. Alternatively or additionally, the torsion spring may include a rod or wire in the shape of a coil. A support member 31 is shown attached to the torsion spring 30, at least partially covering the straight rod and / or the coil. The support member 31 is particularly advantageous if the torsion spring 30 forms floor support in a reclining or bed configuration. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, the support member 31 is attached to the straight rod of the spring 30, facing the ground. The support member 31 covers the end of the spring 30, which would otherwise be in direct contact with the floor in the bed configuration.

[0040] In the seated configuration, the pretension of spring 30 can be in the range of 90N to 130N, preferably in the range of 100N to 120N, for example 105N to 115N, and most preferably about 110N. This pretension facilitates the conversion of the convertible furniture from a seated configuration to a reclining configuration by aiding in the unfolding of the seated portion 10 and the reclining portion 20.

[0041] The concept of the present invention is not limited to embodiments including the torsion spring 30. Springs 30, such as compression springs 30, tension springs 30, gas springs 30, or devices including one or more of the above springs 30, are also within the scope of the present invention. See also... Figure 5A and Figure 5B This section will discuss embodiments including compression spring 30. These embodiments are merely examples, and those skilled in the art, upon reading this disclosure, will be prepared to adapt, modify, and adjust convertible furniture to accommodate other types of spring 30 or spring configurations. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThis is an enlarged view of a spring 30 included in a convertible furniture unit according to one embodiment. The spring 30 is a helical coil compression spring. As shown, the spring 30 has a conical shape. It should be appreciated that other shapes, such as cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or hourglass-shaped, are also conceivable. The spring 30 may be provided with a constant or variable pitch. The spring 30 is arranged to be stretched or compressed by the seat portion 10 and the bed portion 20, thereby storing mechanical force in the seating configuration or sofa configuration, and providing an outward force to the seat portion 10 and the bed portion 20 when the furniture module is in the seating configuration or sofa configuration, such as... Figure 5A As shown. Advantageously, when the furniture is converted from a seating or sofa configuration to a reclining or bed configuration, the stored mechanical energy and the force thus provided will help the user unfold the seating and bed sections 10, 20. When lifting the seating section 10 from the seating or sofa configuration, the outward force will act as a lifting aid, requiring only a small amount of force from the user, making the conversion process easier to complete by a single person, or even with one hand.

[0042] The spring 30 is configured to store a minimum amount of mechanical energy when the furniture is in a reclining or bed position. More preferably, the spring 30 is configured to, for example, when the furniture is in a seated or sofa position between a reclining or bed position. Figure 5B When positioned as shown, the spring 30 stores a minimum amount of mechanical energy. Therefore, in the reclining or bed configuration, the spring 30 provides an inward force between the seat portion 10 and the bed portion 20. This inward force advantageously achieves a damping effect. Thus, when the seat portion 10 is lowered into the reclining or bed configuration, the spring 30 provides a damping function. Furthermore, when the furniture is converted from the reclining or bed configuration back to the seating or sofa configuration, the user can again benefit from the lifting assistance provided by the spring 30.

[0043] The following will refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Embodiments of convertible furniture according to the present invention are discussed. Although the convertible furniture is illustrated as a sofa bed, it should be recognized that the invention can also take many other forms. In addition to other furniture convertible to beds, furniture modules convertible to recliners, sofas, or additional modules are also within the scope of the invention, as defined, for example, in the appended claims. Therefore, the convertible furniture according to the present invention can be converted between a seating configuration and a reclining configuration.

[0044] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3These are three different views of a convertible furniture piece in an intermediate state between a seating configuration (i.e., sofa configuration) and a reclining configuration (i.e., bed configuration), in this embodiment being a sofa bed. The seating portion 10 is illustrated as a frame adapted to accommodate a sofa cushion or similar comfort piece. The seating portion 10 may also be referred to as sofa portion 10. Although not included in the figures, when the sofa is in use, the seat cushion is preferably adapted to be attached to the frame. The bed portion 20 is shown as a frame adapted to accommodate a mattress or similar comfort piece, which is preferably adapted to be attached to the frame in the sofa usage state. The bed portion 20 is also referred to herein as reclining portion 20. The comfort pieces of the bed portion or reclining portion 20 and the sofa or seating portion 10 may be the same or similar. Furthermore, the comfort pieces of the sofa portion or seating portion 10 may be covered by a durable textile material suitable for withstanding the wear and tear typically experienced by the sofa portion or seating portion 10. The sofa portion or seating portion 10 and / or the bed portion or reclining portion 20 may include springs to support the mattress and / or sofa cushion.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sofa bed shown also includes a seat frame 40 in the form of a sofa frame 40, which includes two sides connected by a backrest axis 41. When the sofa bed is in sofa configuration, the two sides can be configured as armrests. The backrest portion 50 is shown in the figure as pivotally positioned about the backrest axis 41. Thus, the axis 41 of the convertible furniture serves both to provide pivotal movement for the backrest portion 50 and as part of the seat frame 40. As part of the seat frame 40, the axis 41 supports the seat portion 10 and the reclining portion 20 in the seated configuration and provides stability to the seat frame 40. The dual function of the axis 41 provides simple and inexpensive furniture because the same component (axis 41) is used for multiple functions in the furniture. Typically, separate supports or hinges would be used to provide pivotal movement, but in the convertible furniture of this application, these supports or hinges can be omitted.

[0046] Alternatively, the backrest portion 50 can be slidably arranged to / mounted to the sofa frame 40 via, for example, arms and grooves. In a seating configuration or sofa configuration, the backrest portion 50 can be configured to function as a backrest. In a reclining configuration or bed configuration, the backrest portion 50 can be folded down by sliding or pivoting motion to be positioned on a horizontal plane and aligned with the sofa or seating portion 10 and the bed or reclining portion 20.

[0047] The foldable backrest portion 50 has several advantages. First, the foldable backrest portion 50 provides a larger reclining surface for the convertible furniture, where the seat portion 10, bed portion 20, and backrest portion 50 together form the reclining surface. Thus, the user can recline or sleep along different directions of the reclining surface. In the convertible furniture disclosed herein, the user can recline not only along the width of the sofa bed but also perpendicular to its width, for example, with their head against a wall. This allows for the provision of narrower sofa beds, or convertible furniture as an armchair, for example, only 70 cm wide. The armchair can then be converted into a bed configuration or a reclining configuration by folding down the seat portion 10, bed portion 20, and backrest portion 50.

[0048] Comfortable materials can be placed on one or both sides of the back section 50. The bed section or reclining section 20 can be pivotally or slidably arranged to the sofa frame 40.

[0049] The sofa or seating portion 10 in the figure is provided with legs 11, which include wheels 12 protruding from the legs 11. Figure 4B An enlarged view of the legs 11 and wheels 12 is shown. Wheels 12 preferably protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the legs 11. Advantageously, this allows the wheels 12 to contact the ground when the sofa bed transitions between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration. In the sofa bed of the illustrated embodiment, when in the seated or sofa configuration, the legs 11 are in a vertical position parallel to the sofa frame 40; during the transition, the legs 11 are in an inclined position and return to a vertical position when reaching the bed configuration. Particularly advantageously, the wheels 12 protrude from the legs 11 in this direction a sufficient distance to ensure that, in all positions between the sofa and bed configurations, the wheels 12 always serve as the contact point between the legs 11 and the ground. This requires less force from the user for the transition and reduces the risk of scratches or damage to the floor, carpet, or mat. Although the sofa bed is shown as having two simple legs 11, it should be understood that any shape or number of legs 11 is feasible. The support leg 11 may be a plate-like structure, extending on one side of the sofa or seating portion 10, and is provided with one or more wheels 12.

[0050] Back Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sofa bed is equipped with three springs 30, namely torsion springs 30, such as in Figure 4AAs shown in the enlarged view and as described above, the number of springs 30 can be more or less. The length of the springs 30 corresponds to the distance between the bed or reclining portion 20, sofa or seating portion 10 and the ground, allowing the springs 30 to form a ground support in the bed configuration, thereby providing stability. Support members 31 are connected to the springs 30, providing further stability. Preferably, the springs 30 are made of metal, and the support members 31 are made of plastic or rubber. This provides ground protection and / or anti-pinch protection.

[0051] The spring 30 of the present invention is preferably pre-tensioned in a sofa configuration (not shown). Folding action between the sofa or seating portion 10 and the bed or reclining portion 20 causes the spring 30 to tension. The spring 30 is tensioned when the sofa or seating portion 10 and the bed or reclining portion 20 are stacked on top of each other in the sofa configuration. Similarly, the spring 30 is preferably pre-tensioned when the sofa or seating portion 10 and the bed or reclining portion 20 are in a bed configuration (not shown). In the bed configuration, the sofa or seating portion 10 and the bed or reclining portion 20 are positioned in the same horizontal plane and aligned with each other, thereby tensioning the spring 30.

[0052] Therefore, a spring-assisted convertible furniture is provided. While it is preferred to design convertible furniture according to the disclosure in the detailed disclosure of the preferred embodiments and drawings, it should be noted that a particular preferred embodiment of a particular component does not necessarily need to be combined with a particular embodiment of another component. Therefore, even if other components are designed according to the more general disclosure of the invention (rather than being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the detailed description), the advantages associated with specific embodiments of specific components including one or more features can be achieved. For example, convertible furniture may have a modular design including a fixing module and one or more foldable / convertible modules.

[0053] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein, and these modifications still fall within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A convertible furniture, such as a sofa bed, capable of switching between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration, wherein the convertible furniture includes a seat portion (10) and a bed portion (20), the bed portion being connected to the seat portion (10) by at least one spring (30), wherein the at least one spring (30) is configured to be tensioned in the sofa configuration by a folding action of the seat portion (10) relative to the bed portion (20).

2. The convertible furniture according to claim 1, wherein, The spring (30) is a torsion spring.

3. The convertible furniture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spring (30) is also arranged to be tensioned in the bed configuration by the seat portion (10) and the bed portion (20) through the flipping action of the seat portion (10) relative to the bed portion (20).

4. The convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bed portion (20) is hinged to the seat portion (10).

5. The convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spring (30) is also arranged to form a ground support in the bed configuration.

6. The convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support member (31) is connected to the spring (30).

7. The convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The seat portion (10) is provided with a leg (11) which includes a wheel (12) protruding from the leg (11).

8. The convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bed section (20) is pivotally mounted to the sofa frame (40).

9. The convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a back portion (50) that is slidably or pivotally arranged to the sofa frame (40).

10. The convertible furniture according to claim 9, wherein, The back portion (50) is pivotally arranged about a horizontal axis in the sofa frame (40).

11. The convertible furniture according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The back portion (50) is arranged to the sofa frame (40) such that in the sofa configuration, the comfort side of the back portion (50) faces forward toward the seat portion (10), while in the bed configuration, the comfort side faces upward.

12. The convertible furniture according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, In the bed configuration, the seat portion (10), the bed portion (20), and the back portion (50) are arranged to be positioned sequentially, aligned with each other, and located in the same horizontal plane.

13. The convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the sofa configuration, the pretension of the spring 30 is in the range of 90N to 130N, preferably in the range of 100N to 120N, for example in the range of 105N to 115N, and most preferably about 110N.

14. A sofa bed comprising convertible furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a sofa frame (40), wherein, The sofa frame (40) includes two sides connected by a back axis (41) and a bed axis (42), wherein the bed portion (20) is pivotally arranged about the bed axis (42), and wherein the back portion (50) is pivotally arranged about the back axis (41).

15. A convertible furniture that can be converted between a seated configuration and a reclining configuration, wherein the convertible furniture includes a seat portion (10) and a reclining portion (20), the reclining portion being connected to the seat portion (10) by at least one spring (30), wherein the at least one spring (30) is configured to be pre-tensioned in the seated configuration by a folding action of the seat portion (10) relative to the reclining portion (20). The convertible furniture also includes a back portion (50) that is slidably or pivotally arranged to the seat frame (40), and in, The back portion (50) is pivotally arranged about a horizontal axis in the seat frame (40).

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