EP4635369A1

EP4635369A1 - System for pulling out a sofa base

Info

Publication number: EP4635369A1
Application number: EP25382291.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Felix Lopez Gil
Original assignee: Fama Sofas SL
Current assignee: Fama Sofas SL
Priority date: 2024-04-15
Filing date: 2025-03-27
Publication date: 2025-10-22

Abstract

A sofa base pull-out system, comprising a sliding seat, which is extended by a deployment mechanism and which allows a mattress to move back and forth in a straight line increasing its depth up to a maximum of 20 centimetres beyond the depth of the backrest of the sofa.

Description

Object of the invention

The object of this specification is a sofa base pull-out system, which is particularly applicable for increasing the depth of the seat without any joint therein and which works by means of a system of semi-rigid bands that allow the mattress to be retracted when it is closed and held in place when it is opened. It also avoids the use of mechanical guide systems that are prone to making noise and breaking with use.

Background of the invention

At present, there are types of sofas known as pull-out sofas, which are sofas or modular sofas in which the seat slides forward in a straight line. This mechanism allows the depth of the seat to be increased, which is particularly useful in compact spaces, as it offers the possibility of maximising comfort without taking up excessive space when the sofa is not in use.
Pull-out sofas typically have an initial seat depth of between 105 and 110 cm in their standard configuration; however, by sliding the seat forward, this depth can be increased significantly, allowing users to stretch their legs almost completely. Despite this feature, the extension of the seat will always be limited by the maximum depth of the backrest, which is usually a maximum of 45 centimetres, which may not be sufficient for an adult to fully extend their legs in a fully horizontal position. This limitation can be a drawback depending on the user's height or the specific use of the sofa, such as sleeping or relaxing for extended periods of time.
To resolve this drawback, some models of pull-out sofas have incorporated a design in which the additional depth is provided by a rear cushion concealed under the seat. This cushion is deployed when the sofa is extended, thereby increasing the depth of the seat but creating an aesthetic problem by leaving an additional extension visible, which is visually unattractive to the user and reduces comfort due to the joining of the two seat cushions.
Lastly, there are also systems on the market that allow the seat to be pulled out more than 45 centimetres without a joint in the mattress; however, the mechanism used, which uses mechanical bearings, can easily break after prolonged use, such as repeated sitting or jumping on the sofa. Moreover, these systems require a large seat depth in the closed position to achieve extension by means of an inclined ramp.

Description of the invention

The technical problem solved by the present invention is to increase the depth of the seat beyond the standard depth of the backrest, which is normally a maximum of 45 centimetres. To this end, the sofa base pull-out system of the present invention allows the seat to be folded 90° into the backrest, without creating divisions in the seat, thus giving the appearance of a one-piece cushion.
This system allows a pull-out depth of between 60 and 70 centimetres to be achieved, starting from a closed seat depth of less than 99 centimetres. This is achieved by means of a mechanical mechanism that does not use bearings, thus eliminating the propensity for breakdowns that often occur with frequent use, such as sitting or jumping on the sofa.
The design of the system also includes a rear elastic webbing suspension, which ensures uniform comfort when sitting, avoiding differences in comfort during prolonged use. Furthermore, its sturdy construction prevents possible breakage and makes it ideal for sofas with a reduced depth of less than 100 centimetres.
The design improves the extension of the base with respect to what is known in the state of the art, as well as the integrity of the design in one piece by means of a concealed and protected mechanism.
This invention may be embodied in one unit, or in sets of two, three or more units joined together.

Brief description of the figures

What follows is a very brief description of a series of drawings that aid in better understanding the invention and which are expressly related to an embodiment of said invention that is presented by way of a non-limiting example of the same.

FIG. 1: Shows a first view of the sofa (10) with the undeployed sofa base pull-out system of the present invention.
FIG. 2: Shows a second view of the sofa (10) with the partially deployed sofa base pull-out system of the present invention.
FIG. 3: Shows a third view of the sofa (10) with the partially deployed sofa base pull-out system of the present invention.
FIG. 4: Shows a fourth view of the sofa (10) with the fully deployed sofa base pull-out system of the present invention.

Description of a detailed embodiment of the invention

The attached figures show a preferred embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the sofa base pull-out system is mainly made up of the following elements: a sliding seat (1), designed to maintain a continuous and seamless appearance when extended or retracted; a mattress (2), divided into two pieces, which is split in the rear portion to allow for deployment; a suspension system (3) located under the mattress (2), which allows it to support the user's weight and any additional movement or pressure; a deployment mechanism (4) that is activated by sliding the seat, allowing the mattress (2) to be deployed backwards and forwards, increasing the depth of the sofa; and a backrest (10) that houses the mattress (2) when it is rolled up and stored.
The upper piece of the mattress (2) is longer and is equipped with webbing straps that are attached to the lower front portion of the backrest (10). These webbing straps are tensioned when the seat is fully extended, which prevents the upper portion of the mattress from shifting or falling, ensuring optimal comfort for the user. When the seat is folded back, the webbing straps force the tip of the upper mat to rotate by approximately 9 degrees, guiding it upwards to be housed in the backrest (10).
These components work together to create a sofa base pull-out system that has several important advantages: integrated movement of the sliding seat (1), which moves as one continuous piece, without the need to remove the backrest or add external pieces, offering a sleeker appearance and easier handling. The concealment of the mattress (2) in the backrest (10) contributes to maintaining the clean design of the sofa and reduces the risk of visible damage or wear. The stability of the base is reinforced by the tensioned webbing straps, which allows the seat (1) to remain stable even without direct support underneath, which is an innovative feature in sliding seat systems. The deployment mechanism (4) allows the mattress (2) to be extended to increase the depth of the sofa by an additional 60 to 80 centimetres in relation to the folded seat size.
The securing webbing straps of the mattress (2), arranged across the width of the seat cushion (varying from two to eight webbing straps depending on the width of the seat), facilitate the folding of the upper section of the mattress (2) during retraction of the seat (1), thus eliminating the need for complex and failure-prone gear mechanisms. In the extended state of the seat (1), the webbing straps, strategically positioned a few centimetres above the top line of the mattress, are tensioned in a rearward and upward direction, creating the appearance of a continuous cushion from the base of the seat to the floor. Although this visible section of the mattress corresponds to a strip that is only 8 to 10 centimetres thick, a visual perception of continuity and a level of comfort similar to that of a full mattress is achieved. This arrangement makes it possible to simulate a deep chaise longue-type seat without requiring the addition of visible rear cushions, maintaining aesthetic integrity and comfort, and making it possible to reduce the overall depth of the seat to less than 100 centimetres as required.
In addition, the possibility of automating the pull-out process by means of a motorised version, which discreetly integrates a motor into the design of the sofa, is envisaged. This motor would allow the deployment mechanism (4) to be activated by pressing a button or via a mobile application, enabling the base to slide forward to extend the sofa or retract to return to the normal position.

Claims

A sofa base pull-out system, characterised in that it comprises a sliding seat (1), which is extended by a deployment mechanism (4) and which allows a mattress (2) to move back and forth in a straight line increasing its depth up to a maximum of 20 centimetres beyond the depth of the backrest of the sofa (10).
The system according to claim 1, wherein the mattress (2) is concealed in the backrest of the sofa (10).
The system according to claim 1 and 2, wherein the deployment mechanism (4) can be activated manually or by a motor.