Sofa bed

Abstract

A sofa bed (100) comprising at least one mattress (110, 120) and a backrest (130) configured to be supported on the at least one mattress. A first interface is defined between the backrest (130) and the at least one mattress (110, 120) when the backrest is supported on the at least one mattress. A front portion of the backrest (130) carries additional weight to resist rearward rotation of the backrest in use.

Description

Sofa BedCross-reference

[0001] This application is related to Australian Patent Application No. 2024903601, filed 4 November 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to sofas and beds. In particular, embodiments relate to a sofa reconfigurable to into a bed.Background

[0003] Most users of sofa beds require them because they have limited space and therefore cannot own both a sofa and a bed, for example, people living in apartments and other small spaces. Ordinary sofa beds are generally binary, either a sofa or a bed, and are cumbersome to reconfigure with the user needing to pull levers, undo clips, and / or adjust mechanical fasteners.

[0004] Existing sofa beds usually transition between two fixed configurations, one defining a bed mode and the other a sofa mode. The transition between modes is often somewhat difficult and requires the removal or packing away of cushions or other “sofa” components used in the sofa mode as a prerequisite to be able to transition to the bed mode. Furthermore, the metal frame used to support the sofa bed and allow it to transition between the bed and sofa modes is often bulky and heavy. This means that two people are required to lift and move most sofa beds, due to their weight, and that most sofa beds are hard to navigate into smaller spaces and apartment buildings, due to their fixed configurations.

[0005] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages of prior sofa beds, such as difficulty of use, issues withmovability / manoeuvrability, or limited configuration, or at least to provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0007] Throughout this specification the words "comprise" and “include”, and variations such as "comprises", “includes”, "comprising" and “including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.Summary

[0008] Disclosed herein is a sofa bed comprising: at least one mattress; and a backrest configured to be supported on the at least one mattress, a first interface being defined between the backrest and the at least one mattress when the backrest is supported on the at least one mattress; wherein a front portion of the backrest carries additional weight to resist rearward rotation of the backrest in use.

[0009] The at least one mattress may comprise a first mattress and a second mattress, at least one of the first and second mattresses may be configured to be supported on the other, a second interface being defined between the at least one and the other of the mattresses when the at least one mattress is supported on the other.

[0010] Grip fabric may at least partially cover the at least one of the first and second mattresses and / or the other of the mattresses at the second interface therebetween to resist sliding of the at least one of the first and second mattresses relative to the other of the mattresses.

[0011] The backrest may have two arm portions connected by a back portion, and the additional weight may be carried by at least one of the arm portions. The additional weight may weigh between about 1kg and about 4kg.

[0012] The sofa bed may be configurable into any one of: a sofa mode, a deep sofa mode, a daybed mode, and a bed mode. In the sofa mode, one of the first and second mattresses is supported atop the other, and the backrest is supported on the first and second mattresses. In the bed mode, the first and second mattresses are positioned side by side and between the two arm portions of the backrest.

[0013] In the daybed mode, the first and second mattresses are positioned side by side and the backrest is supported on only one of the first and second mattresses. The sofa bed is further configurable into a dual bed mode, in which the first and second mattresses and the backrest are separated from one another.

[0014] The sofa bed may comprise: a stiffener removably insertable into the backrest to stiffen the backrest against load applied by a user leaning against the backrest whilst the user is sitting on the at least one mattress; and / or grip fabric at least partially covering the at least one mattress and / or the backrest at the first interface between the backrest and the at least one mattress to resist sliding of the backrest relative to the at least one mattress.

[0015] The stiffener may be configured to resist deformation of the two arm portions relative to the back portion. The stiffener may be inserted into a channel in the backrest. The stiffener may be configured to be inserted into the two arm portions and the back portion. The stiffener may be coupled to the backrest using hook and loop fasteners.The stiffener may comprise a plurality of interconnectable stiffener sections which, when coupled together, for example via a plurality of pins, form the stiffener.

[0016] The at least one mattress and the backrest may have the same length and width. A distance separating the two arm portions of the backrest may be equal to two times the width.

[0017] When the stiffener is removed from the backrest, the backrest may be configured to be compressed, foldable, and / or rollable to reduce the volume of the backrest.

[0018] The grip fabric that at least partially covers the at least one mattress and / or the backrest at the first interface (“first grip fabric”) may comprise a first fabric having a plurality of first gripping dots formed from a high friction material disposed on a first surface thereof. The first gripping dots may comprise one or more of: a silicon material, rubber material, a PVC material, or a mix thereof, for example. The first gripping dots may be disposed on the first surface of the first fabric in a uniform 45-degree offset square pattern. The first fabric may comprise one or more of: polyester, cotton, wool, or a blend thereof, for example. The first fabric may be a 100% polyester woven fabric, for example. The first grip fabric may comprise between about one to about five of the first gripping dots per cm2of the first fabric, such as about three first gripping dots per cm2of the first fabric, for example.

[0019] The grip fabric that at least partially covers the at least one of the first and second mattresses and / or the other of the mattresses at the second interface therebetween (“second grip fabric”) may comprise a second fabric having a plurality of second gripping dots formed from a high friction material disposed on a first surface thereof. The second gripping dots may comprise one or more of: a silicon material, rubber material, a PVC material, or a mix thereof, for example. The second gripping dots may be disposed on the first surface of the second fabric in a ring-like pattern. The second fabric may comprise one or more of: polyester, cotton, wool, or a blend thereof, for example. The second fabric may be a 100% polyester woven fabric. The secondgrip fabric may comprise between about four to about eight second gripping dots per cm2of the second fabric, such as about six second gripping dots per cm2of the second fabric, for example. The second grip fabric may have a higher friction surface per cm2than the first grip fabric.Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sofa bed in a standard sofa configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0022] Figure 2A shows a top perspective view of a mattress of the sofa bed of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2B shows a top perspective view of a backrest of the sofa bed of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the sofa bed of Figure 1 in a bed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of the sofa bed of Figure 1 in a daybed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 3C shows a perspective view of the sofa bed of Figure 1 in a dual bed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 3D shows a perspective view of the sofa bed of Figure 1 in a deep sofa configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a backrest of the sofa bed of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 5A shows a top view of a stiffener of the backrest of Figure 4 in an assembled configuration, according to some embodiments, with part of the stiffener near one of its joints being shown in cross-section;

[0030] Figure 5B shows a view of the stiffener of Figure 5A in a disassembled configuration, according to some embodiments; and

[0031] Figures 6A and 6B show examples of grip fabric of the sofa bed of Figure 1, according to some embodiments.Description of Embodiments

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an example sofa bed 100, according to some embodiments. Sofa bed 100 has a generally front facing portion 102 (“the front 102”), a generally back (or rearward) facing portion 104 (“the back 104”), and two generally side facing portions 106 (“the side / s 106”). Sofa bed 100 comprises at least one mattress and a backrest 130. In some embodiments, the at least one mattress comprises a first mattress 110 and a second mattress 120. In some embodiments, the first mattress 110 and the second mattress 120 are the same. That is, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 may comprise two identical mattresses, for example. In some embodiments, the at least one mattress may comprise only one mattress, such as only the first mattress 110 or only the second mattress 120. In some embodiments, the thickness of that only one mattress may be greater than that of the first mattress 110 or second mattress 120 as shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, the thickness of that only one mattress may be approximately twice that of the first mattress 110 or second mattress 120 as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2A there is shown a top perspective view of the first mattress 110 / the second mattress 120 of the sofa bed 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first mattress 110 includes a first top surface 111, a first bottom surface 112, a first front surface 113, a first back surface 114, and two first side surfaces 115. The first front surface 113 is generally configured to facetoward the front 102 of the sofa bed 100. The first back surface 114 is generally configured to face toward the back 104 of the sofa bed 100. In some embodiments, the first front surface 113 and the first back surface 114 are interchangeable. That is, the first front surface 113 may be configured to face toward the back 104 of the sofa bed 100 and the first back surface 114 may be configured to face toward the front 102 of the sofa bed 100, for example.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second mattress 120 includes a second top surface 121, a second bottom surface 122, a second front surface 123, a second back surface 124, and two second side surfaces 125. The second front surface 123 is generally configured to face toward the front 102 of the sofa bed 100. The second back surface 124 is generally configured to face toward the back 104 of the sofa bed 100. In some embodiments, the second front surface 123 and the second back surface 124 are interchangeable. That is, the second front surface 123 may be configured to face toward the back 104 of the sofa bed 100 and the second back surface 124 may be configured to face toward the front 102 of the sofa bed 100, for example.

[0035] At least one of the first mattress 110 and the second mattresses 120 is configured to be supported by the other respective mattress. That is, the first mattress 110 may be configured to support the second bottom surface 122 of the second mattress 120 on the first top surface 112, for example. Similarly, the second mattress 120 may be configured to support the first bottom surface 112 of the first mattress 110 on the second top surface 122, for example.

[0036] In some embodiments, both the first mattress 110 and the second mattress 120 are configured to support the respective other mattress on their respective top surfaces 112 / 122. That is, the first mattress 110 and the second mattress 120 are interchangeable such that either mattress can be positioned atop the other mattress, for example. When at least one mattress is supported on the other, a first interface is defined between the at least one mattress and the other of the mattresses. For example, the first interface may be defined as the point / area where the first top surface 111 meets / contacts the secondbottom surface 122 or where the second top surface 121 meets the first bottom surface 112.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2B there is shown a top perspective view of the backrest 130 of the sofa bed 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the backrest 130 includes a third top surface 131, a third bottom surface 132, a plurality of third front surfaces 133, a third back surface 134, two third side surfaces 135, a middle surface 136, and two inner side surfaces 140. In some embodiments, the backrest 130 forms a U-shape in which the backrest 130 comprises two arm portions 137, each connected to a back portion 138 at 90-degree angles.

[0038] The backrest 130 is configured to be supported atop at least one of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120. That is, either the first and / or the second mattress 110 / 120 is configured to support the third bottom surface 132 of the backrest 130 on either the first or second top surface 112 / 122, for example. When the backrest is supported on the at least one mattress, a second interface is defined between the at least one mattress and the backrest. For example, the second interface may be defined as the point / area where the third bottom surface 132 meets / contacts the first top surface 111 or where the third bottom surface 132 meets the second top surface 121.

[0039] Each of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 are configured to have a substantially similar profile. That is, the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 may have a same length (L) and a same width (W), wherein the length is the distance between the respective sides 106 of the sofa bed 100 and the width is the distance between the front 102 and the back 104 of the sofa bed 100, for example. The width may be between about 580mm and about 980mm, for example. The width may be between about 680mm and about 880mm, for example. The width may be about 780mm, for example. The length may be between about 1630mm and about 2450mm, for example. The length may be between about 1830mm and about 2250mm, for example. The length may be about 2040mm, for example.

[0040] The first and second mattresses 110 / 120 may have a same first height (Hl), wherein the first height is the distance between the first top surface 111 and the first bottom surface 112 of the first mattress 110 and similarly the distance between the second top surface 121 and the second bottom surface 122 of the second mattress 120. The first height may be between about 125mm and about 225mm, for example. The first height may be between about 150mm and about 200mm, for example. The first height may be about 175mm, for example.

[0041] The backrest 130 may have a second height (H2), wherein the second height is the distance between the third top surface 131 and the third bottom surface 132 of the backrest 130. The second height may be between about 180mm and about 300mm, for example. The second height may be between about 210mm and about 270mm, for example. The second height may be about 240mm, for example.

[0042] Each of the arm portions 137 of the backrest 130 have a thickness (T), wherein the thickness is the distance between the respective third side surface 134 and the closest inner side surface 140. The thickness may be between about 180mm and about 300mm, for example. The thickness may be between about 210mm and about 270mm, for example. The thickness may be about 240mm, for example. In some embodiments, the thickness of the arm portions 137 is equal to the second height of the backrest 130. The thickness of the arm portions 137 may be determined by the width of the first and second mattress 110 / 120, wherein the distance between the inner side surfaces 140 may be equal to two times the width of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120, for example. In other words, the distance separating the two arm portions 137 is equal to two times the width, for example.

[0043] One or more of the edges of each of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 may be chamfered or filleted (rounded). The one or more edges may have a filet radius of between about 30mm to about 60mm, for example.The one or more edges may have a filet radius of between about 40mm to about 50mm, for example. The edges may have a filet radius of about 45mm, for example.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, each of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 form a generally rectangular shape and the backrest 130 forms a similar generally rectangular shape with a cut-out portion 139. However, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the features of embodiments described herein in relation to sofa bed 100 can be applied to different shapes of mattresses and backrests, such as a quadrilateral, a circle, or a triangle, for example.

[0045] The first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 may be manufactured using a foam, such as polyurethane foam or latex foam, for example. The foam may have a density of between about 25kg / m3to about 35kg / m3, for example.The foam may have a density of about 30kg / m3, for example. The foam of each of the mattresses 110 / 120 and the backrest 130 may be, at least partially, covered, or upholstered, using one or more fabrics, such as cotton, wool, polyester, linen, nylon, leather, acrylic, polypropylene, viscose, spandex, or a blend thereof, for example. That is, the respective surfaces of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 may comprise one or more fabrics as previously mentioned which cover the foam body therein, for example.

[0046] The foam of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 and / or the backrest 130 may have a hardness of between about 800 IFD 40%N to about 250 IFD 40%N, for example. The foam of the backrest 130 may have a hardness of between about 140 IFD 40%N to about 220 IFD 40%N, such as about 160 IFD 40%N to 200 IFD 40%N, for example. The foam of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 may have a hardness of between about 110 IFD 40%N to about 150 IFD 40%N, such as about 130 IFD 40%N, for example.

[0047] Referring to Figures 3A-2D, there is shown a plurality of alternate configurations of the sofa bed 100 of Figure 1, according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 1, the sofa bed 100 is in a standard configuration, or a ‘sofa mode’, in which each of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 are stacked uniformly atop one another. That is, in the sofa mode, one of the first andsecond mattresses 110 / 120 is supported atop the other, and the backrest 130 is supported atop the first and second mattresses 110 / 120, for example.

[0048] Figure 3A illustrates the sofa bed 100 in a bed configuration, or a ‘bed mode’, according to some embodiments. In the bed mode, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 are positioned next to one another to form a larger mattress such that one of the first front surface 113 or the first back surface 114 of the first mattress 110 is adjacent to and resting upon one of the second front surface 123 or the second back surface 124 of the second mattress 120. In the bed mode, the backrest 130 is positioned such that the first mattress 110 and the second mattress 120 are confined within the cutout portion 139 such that a first side surface 115 of the first mattress 110 and a second side surface 125 of the second mattress 120 in line therewith are adjacent to the middle surface 136. That is, the U-shaped backrest 130 surrounds each of the first mattress 110 and the second mattress 120 to form a headboard of the sofa bed 100 in bed mode, for example. In other words, in the bed mode, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 are positioned side by side and between the two arm portions 137 of the backrest 130, for example.

[0049] Figure 3B illustrates the sofa bed 100 in a daybed or chaise configuration, or a ‘daybed mode’, according to some embodiments. In the daybed mode, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 are positioned next to one another to form a larger mattress such that one of the first front surface 113 or the first back surface 114 of the first mattress 110 is adjacent to and resting upon one of the second front surface 123 or the second back surface 124 of the second mattress 120. In the daybed mode, the backrest 130 is positioned atop either one of the first mattress 110 or the second mattress 120 such that the third bottom surface 132 of the backrest 130 is supported by one of the first top surface 111 or the second top surface 112.

[0050] Further, in the daybed mode, the third front surfaces 133 of the backrest 130 are positioned in line with the adjacent front / back surfaces of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120. That is, the daybed mode is similar to the sofa mode of Figure 1, however the first or second mattress 110 / 120 supporting both the other respectivemattress and the backrest 130 is instead positioned at the front of the sofa bed 100 to extend seating surface area, for example. In other words, in the daybed mode, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 are positioned side by side and the backrest 130 is supported atop one of the first mattress 110 or second mattress 120, for example.

[0051] Figure 3C illustrates the sofa bed 100 in a dual bed configuration, or a ‘dual bed mode’, according to some embodiments. In the dual bed mode, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 are positioned separate to one another to be used as individual mattresses. In this particular configuration, the backrest 130 may not be utilised. In some embodiments, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 may be positioned substantially near or adjacent one another, however, it will be understood that in the dual bed mode the mattresses 110 / 120 are intended to be used separately.

[0052] Figure 3D illustrates the sofa bed 100 in a deep sofa configuration, or a ‘deep sofa mode’, according to some embodiments. In the deep sofa mode, the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 are positioned the same as the sofa mode as shown in Figure 1. However, in the deep sofa mode, the backrest 130 is offset toward the back 104 of the sofa bed 100 such that the back portion 138 is only partially supported by the respective mattress immediately adjacent the backrest 130. The deep sofa mode is substantially similar to the sofa mode however provides additional seating surface area.

[0053] The sofa bed 100 is reconfigurable between any one of the aforementioned modes of Figure 1 and Figures 3A-D by repositioning of one or more of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130. For example, the sofa bed 100 can be reconfigured from the sofa mode to the daybed mode, or the dual bed mode to the deep sofa mode. Reconfiguration between the previously described modes of the sofa bed 100 may be performed by simply moving one or more of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 without the need to undo mechanical fixings and / or store unused components to transition between a mode, for example.

[0054] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a bottom perspective view of the backrest 130, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, at least one of the arm portions 137 of the backrest 130 further includes a pocket 402 positioned proximal to the third front surface 133 of the backrest 130. In some embodiments, each of the arm portions 137 includes a pocket 402. The at least one pocket 402 is accessible from the third bottom surface 132 of the respective arm portion 137 of the backrest 130. The at least one pocket 402 is configured to receive additional weight (not shown) within the cavity of the pocket 402.

[0055] The additional weight can be removably inserted into the pocket 402, or the arm portion 137. The additional weight may be secured within the respective pocket 402 by any one of, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, straps, sleeves, or magnets, for example. The backrest 130 may include a removable / openable cover over the pocket 402, wherein the cover may be securable using a zip or hook and loop fasteners, for example.

[0056] In some embodiments, the additional weight has a weight of between about 1kg and about 4kg. The additional weight may weigh about 2kg, for example. In some embodiments, the at least one pocket 402 may be configured to receive more than one additional weight. The additional weight may comprise a bag containing glass beads, a metal disc or bar, or another type of weight suitably sized to fit within the pocket 402, for example.

[0057] In embodiments including additional weight inserted into the respective pockets 402 of the arm portions 137, the additional weight is configured to resist rearward rotation (tipping) or sliding of the backrest 130 under weight of at least one user when the sofa bed 100 is in use. That is, the additional weight provides a downward force to the portion of the backrest 130 toward the front 102 of the sofa bed 100 to counteract force applied to the portion of the backrest 130 toward the back 104 of the sofa bed 100 by a user leaning or resting on the back portion 138, for example. In other words, a front portion of the backrest 130 (toward the front 102) may carryadditional weight to resist rearward rotation (toward the back 104) of the backrest 130 when in use, for example.

[0058] In some embodiments, the backrest 130 further includes a channel 404 extending at least partially along each of the two arm portions 137 and along the back portion 138. The channel The channel 404 has a depth being a distance starting from the third bottom surface 132 and ending at a point within the backrest 130 toward the third top surface 131. The channel 404 is accessible from the third bottom surface 132 of each respective arm portion 137 and back portion 138 of the backrest 130. The channel 404 is configured to receive a stiffener 500, to be described in relation to Figures 5A-B, within the cavity formed by the channel 404. The stiffener 404 can be removably inserted into the channel 404. Backrest 130 may include a removable / openable cover over the channel 404, wherein the cover may be securable using a zip or hook and loop fasteners, for example.

[0059] In embodiments including the stiffener 500 inserted into the channel 404 of the backrest 130, the stiffener 500 is configured to resist deformation of the back portion 138 and / or the arm portions 137 arising from a load applied to the back portion 138 and / or the arm portions 137 by at least one user leaning or resting thereon when the sofa bed 100 is in use. That is, the stiffener 500 provides additional rigidity and strength to the backrest 130 to assist in resisting deformation of the backrest 130 due to the weight or force applied by at least one user when the sofa bed 100 is in use, for example. In other words, stiffener 500 is insertable into the backrest 130 to stiffen the backrest 130 against load applied by a user leaning against the backrest 130 whilst the user is sitting on the at least one mattress, for example.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, there is shown the stiffener 500 in assembled and disassembled configurations, respectively, according to some embodiments. As described above, the stiffener 500 is removably insertable into the channel 404 to provide additional structural support to the backrest 130, specifically the arm portions 137 and the back portion 138. In some embodiments, the stiffener 500 is a single rodlike component shaped to fit within the channel 404. In some embodiments, thestiffener 500 is a telescopic pole configured to extend to fit within the channel 404. In some embodiments, the stiffener 500 is a foldable pole configured to unfold to fit within the channel 404.

[0061] In some embodiments, the stiffener 500 comprises a plurality of stiffener sections 502 connected by a plurality of pins. The plurality of stiffener sections 502 and the plurality of pins are coupled together to form the stiffener 500. The plurality of pins may comprises straight connectors 504 and / or angled connectors 506. Each of the straight connectors 504 and angled connectors 506 are configured to be received within each of the two ends of the plurality of stiffener sections 502. The connectors 504 / 506 may couple to the stiffener sections 502 via an interference fit (also known as a friction fit).

[0062] In some embodiments, each stiffener section 502 further includes at least one plastic portion (not shown) in an end for providing the interference fit when receiving a connector 504 / 506. The at least one plastic portion may be coupled to the stiffener section 502 via an interference fit, glue, or another means of mechanical fastening, for example. In some embodiments, another means of mechanical fastening is used to couple the connectors 504 / 506 to the stiffener sections 502.

[0063] The stiffener 500 may include five stiffener sections 502, wherein three stiffener sections 502 are coupled to one another via two straight connectors 504 to form a first portion of the stiffener 500 configured to reside in the back portion 138 of the backrest 130. A stiffener section 502 may then be coupled to each end of the first portion via two angled connectors 506, providing the addition of second and third portions of the stiffener 500 configured to reside in the respective arm portions 137 of the backrest 130.

[0064] Each of the plurality of stiffener sections 502 has a same profile, being the length and diameter. The length may be determined based on the length of the portion of the channel 404 extending through the arm portion 137, for example. The diameter of the each stiffener section 502 may be between about 14mm and about 23mm, forexample. The diameter of the each stiffener section 502 may be between about 16mm and about 21mm, for example. The diameter of the each stiffener section 502 may be about 19mm, for example.

[0065] The angled connectors 506 are configured to have an angle corresponding to the profile of the channel 404, such as 90° (degrees) as shown in Figure 5B. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the number of stiffener sections 502 and their profiles, as well as the number of corresponding connectors 504 / 506 and their angles may change depending on the shape and dimensions of the sofa bed 100.

[0066] In some embodiments, the plurality of stiffener sections 502 are covered in one of a hook or loop fastening material and the channel 404 contains the corresponding loop or hook material enabling the plurality of stiffener sections 502 to be securely fastened within the channel 404. In some embodiments, the plastic portion within each end of the stiffener section 502 secures the hook or loop fastening material to the respective stiffener section 502 by pinching the material between the plastic portion and the stiffener section 502. The stiffener 500 may instead be secured within the respective pocket 402 by any one of, but not limited to, straps, sleeves, or magnets, for example.

[0067] In some embodiments, removal of the stiffener 500 from the backrest 130 allows the backrest 130 to be compacted for transportation. For example, without the stiffener 500 inserted therein, the backrest 130 may be compressed, foldable, and / or rollable to reduce a volume of the backrest 130. A reduction in volume of the backrest 130 may provide the benefit of reducing the backrest 130 into a smaller package size for transportation or storage. Additionally, disassembly of the stiffener 500 into the plurality of stiffener sections 502 and connectors 504 / 506 may further facilitate ease of transport or storage. The first and second mattresses 110 / 120 which do not include a stiffener 500 may also be compressed and rolled into a smaller package size for transportation or storage.

[0068] In some embodiments, each of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 further include grip fabric at least partially covering their respective bottom surfaces 112 / 122 / 132. The grip fabric is configured to resist sliding of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 relative to one another. That is, the grip fabric may act to “stick” the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 of the sofa bed 100 together to prevent movement therebetween when subject to forces or loads applied by at least one user when the sofa bed 100 is in use, for example.

[0069] In some embodiments, the grip fabric at least partially covers the at least one mattress and / or the backrest 130 at the second interface between the backrest 130 and the at least one mattress to resist sliding of the backrest 130 relative to the at least one mattress. In some embodiments, the grip fabric at least partially covers the at least one of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 and / or the other of the mattresses at the first interface therebetween to resist sliding of the at least one of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 relative to the other of the mattresses. Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, there is shown example portions of a first grip fabric 610 and a second grip fabric 620, according to some embodiments.

[0070] The first grip fabric 610 comprises a plurality of gripping dots 612 formed from a high friction material to provide increased grip between the gripping dots 612 and a contacting surface. The gripping dots 612 may comprise one or more of: a silicon material, rubber material, a PVC material, or a mix thereof, for example. The gripping dots 612 are disposed on the surface of a first fabric 614 in a uniform 45-degree offset square pattern. The first fabric 614 may comprise one or more of: polyester, cotton, wool, or a blend thereof, for example. The first grip fabric 610 may be a 100% polyester woven fabric with PVC dot drop finishing, for example.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first grip fabric 610 comprises between about one to about five gripping dots 612 per cm2of the first fabric 614. The first grip fabric 610 may comprise about three gripping dots 612 per cm2of the first fabric 614, for example. The first grip fabric 610 may have a weight in grams per square metre (GSM)of about 90GSM to about 170GSM, for example. In some embodiments, the gripping dots 612 are disposed on one side of the first fabric 614. In some embodiments, the gripping dots 612 are disposed on both sides of the first fabric 614.

[0072] The second grip fabric 620 comprises a plurality of gripping dots 622 formed from a high friction material to provide increased grip between the gripping dots 622 and a contacting surface. The gripping dots 622 may comprise one or more of: a silicon material, rubber material, a PVC material, or a mix thereof, for example. The gripping dots 622 are disposed on the surface of a second fabric 624 in a ring-like pattern. The second fabric 624 may comprise one or more of: polyester, cotton, wool, or a blend thereof, for example. The second grip fabric 620 may be a 100% polyester woven fabric with silicon dot drop finishing, for example.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second grip fabric 620 comprises between about four to about eight gripping dots 622 per cm2of the second fabric 624. The second grip fabric 620 may comprise about six gripping dots 622 per cm2of the second fabric 624, for example. The second grip fabric 620 may have a weight of about 280GSM to about 340GSM, for example. The second grip fabric 620 may have a weight of about 310GSM, for example. In some embodiments, the gripping dots 622 are disposed on one side of the second fabric 624. In some embodiments, the gripping dots 622 are disposed on both sides of the second fabric 624. The second grip fabric 620 may have a higher friction surface per cm2than the first grip fabric 610.

[0074] Due to the smaller surface area of the third bottom surface 132 of the backrest 130 in comparison to the bottom surfaces 112 / 122 of the first and second mattresses 110 / 120, a grip fabric having a higher friction surface than grip fabric used on the first and second mattresses 110 / 120 may be used on the backrest 130. In some embodiments, the third bottom surface 132 of the backrest 130 is at least partially covered with the second grip fabric 620 and the first and second bottom surfaces 112 / 122 are at least partially covered with the first grip fabric 610. In some embodiments, one of the first bottom surface 112 and the second bottom surface 122, as well as the third bottom surface 132, are at least partially covered with the secondgrip fabric 620. In some embodiments, the first and second bottom surfaces 112 / 122 and the third bottom surface 132 are all at least partially covered with the second grip fabric 620.

[0075] The respective bottom surfaces 112 / 122 / 132 may be at least 75% covered with a grip fabric, for example. The respective bottom surfaces 112 / 122 / 132 may be at least 85% covered with a grip fabric, for example. The respective bottom surfaces 112 / 122 / 132 may be at least 95% covered with a grip fabric, for example. In some embodiments, one or more of the pockets 402 and the channel 404 are covered by grip fabric which can be at least partially removed to provide access thereto. The grip fabric of each of the first mattress 110, the second mattress 120, and the backrest 130 may be coupled or joined to the fabric covering the remaining respective surfaces to form a sleeve or casing in which the respective foam body is inserted, for example.

[0076] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sofa bed comprising: at least one mattress; and a backrest configured to be supported on the at least one mattress, a first interface being defined between the backrest and the at least one mattress when the backrest is supported on the at least one mattress; wherein a front portion of the backrest carries additional weight to resist rearward rotation of the backrest in use.

2. The sofa bed of claim 1, comprising: a stiffener removably insertable into the backrest to stiffen the backrest against load applied by a user leaning against the backrest whilst the user is sitting on the at least one mattress; and / or grip fabric at least partially covering the at least one mattress and / or the backrest at the first interface between the backrest and the at least one mattress to resist sliding of the backrest relative to the at least one mattress.

3. The sofa bed of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one mattress comprises a first mattress and a second mattress, at least one of the first and second mattresses being configured to be supported on the other, a second interface being defined between the at least one and the other of the mattresses when the at least one mattress is supported on the other.

4. The sofa bed of claim 3, comprising grip fabric at least partially covering the at least one of the first and second mattresses and / or the other of the mattresses at the second interface therebetween to resist sliding of the at least one of the first and second mattresses relative to the other of the mattresses.

5. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the backrest has two arm portions connected by a back portion, and wherein the additional weight is carried by at least one of the arm portions.

6. The sofa bed of claim 5 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 and when comprising the stiffener, wherein the stiffener is configured to resist deformation of the two arm portions relative to the back portion.

7. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sofa bed is configurable into any one of: a sofa mode, a deep sofa mode, a daybed mode, and a bed mode.

8. The sofa bed of claim 7 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 3, wherein, in the sofa mode, one of the first and second mattresses is supported atop the other, and the backrest is supported on the first and second mattresses.

9. The sofa bed of claim 7 or claim 8 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, wherein, in the bed mode, the first and second mattresses are positioned side by side and between the two arm portions of the backrest.

10. The sofa bed of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, in the daybed mode, the first and second mattresses are positioned side by side and the backrest is supported on only one of the first and second mattresses.

11. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sofa bed is configurable into a dual bed mode in which the first and second mattresses and the backrest are separated from one another.

12. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the additional weight weighs between about 1kg and about 4kg.

13. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 12 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 and when comprising the stiffener and when directly or indirectlydependent on claim 5, wherein the stiffener is configured to be inserted into the two arm portions and the back portion.

14. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one mattress and the backrest have the same length and width.

15. The sofa bed of claim 14 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, wherein the at least one mattress comprises at least two mattresses and wherein a distance separating the two arm portions of the backrest is equal to twice the width.

16. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 15 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 and when comprising the stiffener, wherein the stiffener is coupled to the backrest using hook and loop fasteners.

17. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the stiffener comprises a plurality of interconnectable stiffener sections which, when coupled together, form the stiffener.

18. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 17 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 and when comprising the stiffener, wherein the stiffener is inserted into a channel in the backrest.

19. The sofa bed of any one of claims 1 to 18 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 and when comprising the stiffener, wherein, when the stiffener is removed from the backrest, the backrest is configured to be compressed, foldable, and / or rollable to reduce the volume of the backrest.

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