Upholstered furniture, especially for motorhomes

Abstract

The invention relates to a convertible upholstered furniture for recreational vehicles, a recreational vehicle with such a convertible upholstered furniture and a method for converting the upholstered furniture between at least one seating configuration and a reclining configuration. The upholstered furniture (10) has a seating configuration (I) and a reclining configuration (II), wherein the upholstered furniture (10) further comprises a support device (13), a back element (11) and a seat element (12), wherein the support device (13) has at least one armrest (14) and swivel devices (15) for guiding the back element (11).According to the invention, the upholstered furniture (10) can be converted at least between the sitting configuration (I) and the reclining configuration (II) by pivoting the back element (11) guided by the support device (13), wherein in the reclining configuration (II) the back element (11) serves as a common lying surface with the seat element (12) and the at least one armrest (14) serves as a support for the back element (11), so that the common lying surface is formed by the seat element (12) and the back element (11), making it possible to sleep on the upholstered furniture (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an upholstered piece of furniture with the features of the independent claim, a recreational vehicle with the features of the further independent device claim, and a method with the features of the independent method claim.

[0002] Upholstered furniture in the form of sofa beds (or simply sofa beds) is a common way to provide a sofa and (alternatively) a bed in a space-saving manner. The sofa bed can usually be converted between a seating configuration and a sleeping configuration.

[0003] A common disadvantage of standard sofa beds is that converting them between the two configurations is often complicated and involves numerous steps, frequently requiring manual adjustments. Furthermore, sofa beds require significantly more components than regular sofas or beds. Additionally, sofa beds are often unstable and may not guarantee a restful night's sleep.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a robust, stable sofa bed with few components and easy handling when converting between the different configurations.

[0005] The foregoing problem is solved by an upholstered piece of furniture with the features of independent claim 1, by a recreational vehicle with the features of the further independent device claim, and by a method with the features of the independent method claim. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the upholstered furniture according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the recreational vehicle according to the invention and / or in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual aspects of the invention is always, or can always be, mutually referenced.

[0006] According to the invention, an upholstered piece of furniture is provided with a seating configuration and a reclining configuration, wherein the upholstered furniture comprises a support device, a back element, and a seat element, the support device having at least one armrest and pivoting devices for guiding the back element. It is further provided that the upholstered furniture can be converted at least between the seating configuration and the reclining configuration (exclusively) by pivoting the back element guided by the support device, wherein in the reclining configuration the back element serves as a common lying surface with the seat element, and (exclusively) the at least one armrest (of the pivoting device) serves as a support for the back element in the reclining configuration, so that the common lying surface is formed by the seat element and the back element, making it possible to sleep on the upholstered furniture. Consequently, the upholstered furniture supports the seat element.The support device fixes (exclusively) the backrest in the sitting configuration on the one hand, and in the lying configuration on the other.

[0007] The upholstered furniture in question can be a sofa, a divan, a chaise longue, an armchair, or any other type of upholstered furniture. A sofa has the advantage of being used very frequently and therefore inexpensive to manufacture. In contrast, a divan is particularly lightweight. One advantage of a chaise longue is its long reclining surface, which makes sleeping on it more comfortable. An armchair has the advantage of being particularly small and space-saving.

[0008] A seating configuration refers to a configuration of upholstered furniture that allows for comfortable sitting, particularly with a (padded) seat (in the case of the seating element) and a (padded) backrest (in the case of the backrest element). In contrast, a reclining configuration refers to a configuration of upholstered furniture that allows for comfortable lying down, ideally sleeping, on the furniture.

[0009] A seating element is understood to be an element which, preferably in a seating configuration, enables sitting on the (upholstered) seating element. It is preferably provided that the seating element is upholstered in such a way that sitting on it is particularly pleasant and comfortable.

[0010] The support device is advantageously a (rod- ​​or rod-shaped) device that supports (or holds) at least the back element and has pivoting mechanisms (for movement during conversion) so that the back element can be pivoted in such a way that the upholstered furniture can be converted between at least one sitting configuration and a reclining configuration. In particular, the support device can be designed such that the armrest is directly part of the support device and does not require any additional components or elements.

[0011] One possible embodiment of the support device comprises two at least partially curved (hook- or arc-shaped) rods, each enclosing a section that forms the armrest, and expediently a crossbar connecting the two rods (and positioned between them), and four pivot devices attached (left and right) to the backrest and a base element. The pivot devices allow for the movable attachment of the support device to at least the backrest or seat element. The aforementioned crossbar can be bolted or welded between the curved rods to ensure a stable connection. Overall, this design improves the stability of the entire support device in a simple manner.

[0012] An armrest (or support device) can be understood as any type of device that allows an arm to be rested upon it, preferably in a seated position. The armrest can be a curved or a straight section of the support device. Advantageously, the armrests can define the left and / or right sides of the seat element in the seat configuration.

[0013] The back element can be a backrest designed in such a way that leaning against the back element, preferably in the seated configuration, is comfortable.

[0014] Guided pivoting can be understood as any type of movement, whether translational or rotational. Translational pivoting has the advantage of being mechanically simple to implement. In contrast, rotational pivoting requires less space. A pivoting system that incorporates both translational and rotational components offers the advantage of being individually adaptable to specific conditions.

[0015] A support for the back element can be understood as a device that is able to support the back element in such a way that lying on the back element, preferably in the reclining configuration of the upholstered furniture, is possible.

[0016] A lying surface can be a surface on which at least one person, preferably two or more people, can lie down; preferably, the back element and the seat element together form the common (enlarged) lying surface in the lying configuration. In the lying configuration, the seat surface of the seat element is advantageously enlarged by the (upholstered) surface (of the backrest) of the back element (thus forming the common lying surface).

[0017] Within the scope of the invention, it can be advantageous that the back element has at least one padded front (as a backrest), wherein the padded front faces upwards in the reclining configuration (see Figure 1). Fig. 4) and faces forward in the seat configuration (see Fig. 1) so that lying on the upholstered front in the reclining configuration and leaning against the upholstered front in the sitting configuration is possible. An upholstered front of the back element can be understood as a normal backrest with padding. It may also be provided that the back of the back element is upholstered. In the context of these applications, the directions front, top, left, and right are to be understood as they would be perceived by a user sitting on the sofa bed in the sitting configuration (see below). Fig. 1).

[0018] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that in the reclining configuration at least one protruding support element (preferably 2 or more support elements) is provided under the seat element, so that the back element in the reclining configuration is supported by the at least one (protruding) support element next to the seat element.

[0019] The term "support element" can refer to any type of element capable of supporting the backrest alongside the seat. These support elements can be simple plates, bars, hooks, and / or any other structure capable of holding the backrest. A (hinged or rotating) plate has the advantage of distributing forces over a larger area. A bar offers the advantage of creating a particularly simple support element. A hook offers the advantage of not only supporting the backrest but also locking it in place.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one support element is movable, in particular spring-loaded. Preferably, the at least one support element protrudes in a reclining configuration to support the backrest and is retracted in a sitting configuration so that the at least one support element does not protrude below the seat element (retracted position). A movable support element can be understood to have either a translational or a rotational movement. Translational movement of the support element has the advantage of allowing for a particularly simple design of the movable support element. In contrast, rotational movement of the movable support element has the advantage of reducing the space required. Furthermore, it can be provided that the support element is pre-tensioned into the protruding position.This can be achieved, for example, using a spring or a magnet. A spring has the advantage of being very simple and inexpensive. Using a magnet to pre-tension the support element is a very space-saving design.

[0021] According to the invention, it is conceivable that the support device has a crossbar that stabilizes the support device and / or is designed to move the movable support elements into the retracted position in the sitting configuration and to allow the movable support elements to move into an extended position in the reclining configuration. A crossbar can, for example, be understood to be a rod that is connected to the rest of the support device in such a way that it stabilizes the support device. Alternatively or additionally, the crossbar can be designed such that, when converting from the sitting configuration to the reclining configuration, it moves the support elements, preferably pre-tensioned in the protruding position (automatically or manually), into the extended position.(autonomously) releases, allowing them to move into the protruding position and, when converting from the reclining configuration to the sitting configuration, presses against the protruding support elements to push the support elements into the non-protruding position (retracted position).

[0022] In other words, the crossbar of the support device also serves, among other things, to move the movable support elements (automatically or independently) when converting the upholstered furniture.

[0023] It is also conceivable that the support device is arranged on a base component, particularly in the form of a box that can serve as storage space, preferably located under or on the seat element. A base component can be understood to be any type of device that enables the seat element to be supported. The base component can be hollow or solid. A solid base component has the advantage of improved stability. Conversely, a hollow base component has the advantage that it can be used for storage. Preferably, a hollow base component incorporates a structure that simplifies its use as storage space. For example, a hollow base component (in the form of a box) can be equipped with a drawer and / or a rail system.

[0024] Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the support device to be movably connected to the back element and / or to the base part via pivot devices. The movable connection of the support device to the back element and the base part via the pivot devices allows the back element to be pivoted so that the upholstered furniture can be easily converted between at least the sitting configuration and the reclining configuration. It can be provided that the part of the support device that forms the armrest in the sitting configuration serves as a support for the back element in the reclining configuration. Advantageously, the support rests on a base on which the upholstered furniture or the base part is also arranged.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention may provide that the support device has at least two partially curved rods, preferably in the form of an inverted hook, preferably arranged to the left and right of the seat element and the back element. The two at least partially curved rods may have sections that are curved and sections that are not curved or linear. Furthermore, the rods may each have a shape resembling an inverted hook, with a long part of the rod terminating at the base element and connected to it by pivoting devices, while the remainder of the rod has an arc-like shape forming the armrest and terminating at the back element, where it is connected to the back element by pivoting devices.

[0026] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that the pivoting devices are designed at least as articulated axes, rotary joints, or (swivel) hinges. If the pivoting device is designed as an articulated axis or rotary joint, a simple, cost-effective, and stable design is possible. With a (swivel) hinge as the pivoting device, even complex movement sequences can be realized. It is also possible for the pivoting devices to be designed such that they can be moved or rotated completely without stops during conversion. This has the advantage of allowing the greatest possible freedom of movement. Conversely, it is also possible for the pivoting devices to have stops that limit the possible movement. This design has the advantage that the pivoting motion can be better adapted to the available space.

[0027] Within the scope of the invention, it can be advantageous for the upholstered furniture to have fastening means on an underside, by means of which the upholstered furniture can be connected to counter-fastening means, in particular counter-fastening means in recreational vehicles. The fastening means can be arranged on an underside of the support device and / or on an underside of the base part. Fastening means can be, for example, rail systems, hook-and-loop fasteners, screws, and / or other fastening devices. A rail system has the advantage that it is already installed in many recreational vehicles and is therefore very reliable. Hook-and-loop fasteners have the advantage of being particularly cost-effective. Screws have the advantage of allowing for particularly easy fastening.The fastener and its counterpart can be connected in such a way that they can be separated non-destructively, or in such a way that non-destructive separation is no longer possible. A non-destructive separation has the advantage that the connection can be made and broken at will (reversibly), while a connection that cannot be separated non-destructively has the advantage of being more stable.

[0028] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that a handle element, in particular a handle loop, is provided on the back element, which simplifies pivoting the back element during conversion. A handle element can be understood as any device that simplifies gripping and guiding the back element.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, the support device may comprise a rod, which may be constructed of a single material or of mixed materials. The rod may be assembled from different parts or manufactured as a single, complete component. Preferably, the support device comprises a rod made of metal and / or wood.

[0030] According to the invention, it is conceivable that the upholstered furniture can also be transferred into a transport configuration in which the back element is arranged flat (and in a space-saving manner) on the seat element (see. Fig. 5) It may be provided that the transport configuration can be achieved from both the seated configuration and the reclining configuration.

[0031] It is also conceivable that at least one armrest could have a support surface, enhancing both the ability to rest an arm on the armrest in the seated configuration and to support the backrest over the armrest in a reclining configuration. This support surface could be made of wood, metal, plastic, and / or any other material. Wood has the advantage of providing a particularly comfortable armrest. Metal offers the advantage of ensuring particularly stable support for the backrest. Plastic, on the other hand, has the advantage of being particularly inexpensive. It is also conceivable that the support surface could be upholstered in leather and / or fabric, and preferably padded.

[0032] The above problem is further solved by a recreational vehicle according to the invention with upholstered furniture according to one of claims 1 to 14. Especially in the recreational vehicle sector, the conversion mechanism of the upholstered furniture must be space-saving, stable and lightweight.

[0033] The above problem is further solved by a method according to the invention for converting an upholstered piece of furniture comprising a support device, a back element, and a seat element, particularly according to one of claims 1 to 14, between at least one sitting configuration and a reclining configuration. According to the invention, the back element is moved during the conversion such that, in the sitting configuration, it serves as a backrest and, in the reclining configuration, as part of a lying surface. The support device comprises at least one armrest, which is moved during the conversion such that it serves as an armrest in the sitting configuration and as a support for the back element in the reclining configuration.

[0034] The inventive method is particularly simple and quick to perform by just one person without any complicated steps. Since the back element is guided and largely supported by the swivel device during the entire conversion process, it is also very energy-efficient for a single person.

[0035] All revelations described above and below in relation to one aspect of the present revelation apply equally to all other aspects of the present revelation.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is illustrated in the following figures:

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an upholstered piece of furniture in a seating configuration I according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a perspective view of an upholstered piece of furniture in a transition between a sitting configuration and a reclining configuration according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 4 a perspective view of an upholstered piece of furniture in a reclining configuration II according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 5 a perspective view of an upholstered piece of furniture in a transport configuration III according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 6 Another perspective view of an upholstered piece of furniture in a reclining configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Similar, similar-looking, identical, or equivalent technical features are indicated in the figures with the same reference symbols. The figures are shown schematically and not to scale. A coordinate system with directions a, b, c, and d is depicted in the figures, corresponding to the directions in the text: a - top, b - front, c - left, and d - right.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective representation of an upholstered piece of furniture 10 in a seating configuration I according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the upholstered furniture 10 only in one seating configuration I, with a back element 11 and a seat element 12. The back element 11 and the seat element 12 are arranged at such an angle that sitting on the seat element 12 and leaning against the back element 11 is comfortable and safe.

[0041] Furthermore, in Fig. 1. A base part 19 can be seen arranged under the seat element 12 in such a way that the seat element 12 is held or supported by the base part 19. Additionally, the Fig. 1. A support device 13, which is connected to the back element 11 and the base element 19 via (a total of four) pivot devices 15 such that the back element 11 can pivot relative to the seat element 12. The support device 13 comprises two at least partially curved rods 16, which in particular have an approximately (or similarly) inverted hook shape and are arranged to the left c and right d of the back element 11 and seat element 12, two armrests 14 which are part of the rods 16, a crossbar 17 which connects the two rods 16 to each other and is arranged below the seat element 12, and four pivot devices 15 which pivotably connect the support device 13 to the back element 11 and / or the base element 19.

[0042] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the base part 19 is hollow (box-shaped) and thus provides storage space. Additionally, this embodiment shows that both the seat element 12 and the back element 11 have padding, with the back element 11 having at least one padded front 20 (in direction a) and the seat element 12 having at least one padded top (in direction b). Furthermore, the back element 11 has a handle 23, which can be used to easily pivot the back element 11 into the reclining configuration II.

[0043] In Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a transition during the conversion of the upholstered furniture 10 from a seating configuration I to a reclining configuration II. During this process, the back element 11 moves and rotates relative to the seat element 12 and is guided or held (entirely and / or exclusively) by the support device 13. It is also evident how the support device 13 moves together with the back element 11. It is clearly visible that during this conversion step, both the armrests 14 and the crossbar 17 move towards the base (floor). Since the crossbar 17 is no longer positioned (in contact) under the seat element 12, at least one support element 18, in particular a spring-loaded one, is released such that the support element 18 protrudes from under the seat element 12. The corresponding hook- or bar-shaped (spring-loaded) support element 18 is shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows in more detail. In addition, an example of a fastening device 21 and a counter-fastening device 22 is shown, which are designed to fasten the upholstered furniture 10.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an upholstered piece of furniture 10 in reclining configuration II. The pivoted back element 11 is positioned next to the seat element 12 such that the seat element 12 and the back element 11 together form a common (enlarged) reclining surface. The seat element 12 is supported by the base part 19, while the back element 11 is supported by the pivoted support device 13 with the armrest 14 and the at least one projecting support element 18 (in this example, two support elements). Furthermore, it can be seen that when the back element 11 is pivoted into reclining configuration II, it is rotated so that the upholstered front 20 of the backrest faces upwards a, allowing a person in reclining configuration II to lie on both the upholstered surface of the seat element 12 and the upholstered surface of the back element 11.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 5 shows an upholstered piece of furniture 10 in a transport configuration III. The back element 11 has been moved and rotated so that the upholstered front 20 of the back element 11 lies flat on the upholstery of the seat element 12, while the back 24 of the back element 11 is oriented upwards a. It can be seen that the upholstered piece of furniture 10 in transport configuration III occupies significantly less space than in seating configuration I or reclining configuration II.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 6 shows an upholstered piece of furniture 10 in the reclining configuration II, with the perspective chosen such that the at least one support element 18 or the two support elements 18 are specifically visible. It is also visible that the at least one support element 18 is a movable, preferably spring-loaded, support element 18, which is designed such that in a sitting configuration I it is pressed into a non-protruding position (retracted position) by the crossbar 17, while in a reclining configuration II the support element 18 is released so that it is able to move, preferably by spring force, into a protruding position.

[0047] In the Fig. Figure 6 also shows an enlarged view of the hook- or bar-shaped support element 18, which in this example is also spring-loaded to automatically move the support element 18 into the extended position (protruding position). Thus, advantageously, no (additional) step (for a user) is necessary during the conversion to move the support element 18 between the retracted and extended positions.

[0048] In the present example, the crossbar 17 automatically pushes the support element 18 into the retracted position (not protruding from the seat element 12), provided the upholstered furniture assumes its seat configuration I.

[0049] Furthermore, in Fig. 6 to recognize that the back element 11 in the reclining configuration II is held (exclusively) by the support device 13 with the armrest 14 and by at least one support element 18 or a total of 2 support elements 18.

[0050] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising" and "comprising" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features and steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features and steps of other embodiments described above within the scope of the claims. Reference symbol list 10 upholstered furniture 11 Back element 12 seating elements 13 Support device 14 armrests out of 13 15 swivel devices (out of 13) 16 bars out of 13 17 crossbars of 13 18 support element 19 Basic part 20 Front 21 Fasteners 22 Counterfasteners 23 Handle element, in particular handle loop 24 reverse a above b front c links d right I Seat configuration II Reclining configuration III Transport configuration

Claims

[1] Upholstered furniture (10) with a seating configuration (I) and a reclining configuration (II), wherein the upholstered furniture (10) comprises a support device (13), a back element (11), and a seat element (12), wherein the support device (13) has at least one armrest (14) and swivel devices (15) for guiding the back element (11), characterized by , that by pivoting the back element (11) guided by the support device (13) the upholstered furniture (10) can be converted at least between the sitting configuration (I) and the reclining configuration (II), wherein in the reclining configuration (II) the back element (11) serves as a common lying surface with the seat element (12) and the at least one armrest (14) in the reclining configuration (II) serves as a support for the back element (11), so that the seating element (12) and the back element (11) form the common lying surface, making it possible to sleep on the upholstered furniture (10). [2] Upholstered furniture (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the back element (11) has at least one padded front (20), wherein the padded front (20) faces upwards (a) in the reclining configuration (II) and forwards (b) in the sitting configuration (I), so that lying on the padded front (20) in reclining configuration (II) and leaning against the padded front (20) in sitting configuration (I) is possible. [3] Upholstered furniture (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least in the reclining configuration (II) at least one protruding support element (18) is provided under the seat element (12), so that the back element (11) in the reclining configuration (II) is supported by at least one support element (18) next to the seat element (12). [4] Upholstered furniture (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the at least one support element (18) is designed to be movable, in particular spring-loaded, preferably such that the at least one support element (18) protrudes in a lying configuration (II) to support the back element (11) and in a seat configuration (I) is retracted, so that at least one support element (18) does not protrude from under the seat element (12) in a seat configuration (I). [5] Upholstered furniture (10) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by , that the support device (13) has a crossbar (17) which stabilizes the support device (13) and / or which is designed to in particular to move the movable support elements (18) in the sitting configuration (I) into the retracted position and to leave the movable support elements (18) in the reclining configuration (II) in an extended position. [6] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support device (13) is arranged on a base part (19), in particular in the form of a box which can serve as a storage space, which is arranged under the seat element (12). [7] Upholstered furniture (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the support device (13) is movably connected to the back element (11) by means of the pivot devices (15) and movably connected to the base part (19) by means of the pivot devices (15). [8] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support device (13) has at least two partially curved rods (16), preferably in the form of an inverted hook, in particular which are arranged to the left (c) and right (d) of the seat element (12) and the back element (11). [9] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pivoting devices (15) are designed at least as pivot axes, swivel joints or (swivel) hinges. [10] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upholstered furniture (10) has fastening means (21) on an underside by which the upholstered furniture (10) can be connected to counter fastening means (22), in particular counter fastening means (22) in recreational vehicles, wherein in particular the fastening means (21) are arranged on an underside of the support device (13) and / or on an underside of the base part (19). [11] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a handle element (23), in particular a handle loop, is provided on the back element (11) by which pivoting of the back element (11) is made easier. [12] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support device (13) comprises a linkage, which is designed to be made of a uniform or non-uniform material. [13] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upholstered furniture (10) can also be transferred into a transport configuration (III), in which preferably the back element (11) is arranged flat on the seat element (12). [14] Upholstered furniture (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one armrest (14) has a storage area provided, which in particular improves both the resting of an arm on the armrest (14) in the sitting configuration (I) and the support of the back element (11) over the armrest (14) in a reclining configuration (II). [15] Recreational vehicle with upholstered furniture (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14. [16] Method for converting an upholstered piece of furniture (10) comprising a support device (13), a back element (11) and a seat element (12), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 13, between at least one seat configuration (I) and a reclining configuration (II), characterized by , that the back element (11) is moved during the conversion in such a way that the back element (11) serves as a backrest in the sitting configuration (I) and as part of a lying surface in the reclining configuration (II), wherein the support device (13) has at least one armrest (14) which is moved during the conversion so that it serves as an armrest (14) in the sitting configuration (I) and as a support for the back element (11) in the lying configuration (II).

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