GB2239170A - Folding framework for sofa-beds - Google Patents

Abstract

The framework comprises a first and a second frame connected to a fixed structure through a primary driving mechanism guiding the movements of the frames from a closed to an opened condition in which said frames are horizontally disposed in a coplanar relation. The primary driving mechanism is comprised of a first and second lever both pivoted to the fixed structure and interconnected through one connecting rod, a third lever linked between the first lever and the second frame, a second connecting rod linked between the third lever and an extension offered by the second lever and a slide lever hinged on said extension and slidably engaged with the first frame. A guide and support member secured to the third lever offers a slidable support seat to said slide lever. The arrangement reduces the possibility of mechanical jamming and of the framework being overturned should the users weight bear on the free end of the first frame. <IMAGE>

Description

FOLDING FRAMEWORK: FOR SOF-BEDS NND THE LIKE The present invention - relates to a folding framework: for sofa-beds and the like, of the type comprising: a fixed carrying structure; at least a first and a second frame disposed consecutively and pivotally engaged with each other and simultaneously movable from a closed condition in which they are disposed according to a substantially L-shaped configuration, the second frame being horizontally disposed at the base of the fixed carrying structure, to an opened condition in which said first and second frames are horizontally disposed and aligned in coplanar relation at a raised position with respect to the carrying structure; and a primary driving mechanism connecting the first and second frames to the carrying structure and controlling the mutual displacements of the same during their movements from the closed condition to the opened one and vice versa.

It is known that there are sofa-beds, chair-beds or similar pieces of furniture the folding +framework of which comprises two or more frames which, being fastened to a fixed carrying structure by appropriate driving mechanisms, are adapted to be brought from a closed condition in which they are suitably folded over upon each other so as to define the structure of a sofa-bed or a chair-bed, to an opened condition in which they are extended in coplanar relation and mutually aligned with respect to each other in order to substantially define the structure of a bed.

In greater detail, according to a known framework: type, a first and a second frame are provided which are connected to the fixed carrying structure by a primary driving mechanism, as well as a third frame consecutively connected to the second frame after interposing an intermediate frame and an auxiliary closure mechanism therebetween. In a closed condition, the first and second frames are disposed according to a substantially L-shaped configuration, the second frame being horizontally disposed at the base of the carrying structure, whereas the third frame extends horizontally above the second frame. In order to pass from the closed condition to an opened condition, the first and second frames are first unfolded through a lifting action and a simultaneous forward displacement of the whole framework.The third frame is then unfolded turning it over through 180 from the second frame.

In this framework: type the primary driving mechanism for each side of the carrying structure comprises first and second levers having their fulcrum on the carrying structure at mutually spaced apart points interconnected to each other by one connecting rod. A third lever is also provided one end of which is pivoted on the first lever, at the same pivot point as the first connecting rod, and rotatably connected to the second frame in the vicinity of the pivot point of the first frame. fi second connecting rod connects the third lever to the end of an extension offered by the second lever.

Hinged at the pivot point of the second connecting rod on the extension of the second lever is one end of a slide lever the other end of which is slidably engaged with the first frame to suitably guide the movements thereof while passing from the opened condition to the closed condition and vice versa. In the opened condition the slide lever acts in abutment against a locating element integral with the second frame, in order to keep the first frame horizontally oriented, counteracting the weight of the frame itself and of a possible user.

While accomplishing the tasks they have been studied for, the above described frameworks still have some drawbacks resulting from the fact that in their opened position the assembly cohsisting of the mutually aligned frames can carry out an unwanted rotation about the upper end of the third lever. If the user concentrates its weight in the region of the free end of the first frame, this state can lead to dangerous situations due to the possible tilting of the frames. The above described frameworks also exhibit manoeuvrability problems when passing from the closed condition to the opened one and vice versa, as the slide lever is liable to undergo mechanical jammings.

The main object of the present invention is substantially to solve the problems of the known art, by providing a folding framework capable of ensuring an excellent safety in use, both in its closed and opened condition as well as an improved manoeuvrability.

The foregoing and further objects which will become more apparent in the course of the following descrition are substantially attained by a folding framework for sofa-beds and the like, characterized in that said primary driving mechanism, for each side of said framework comprises: a first and a second lever pivoted on the fixed carrying structure, at mutually spaced apart points; one connecting rod pivoted to one end of the first lever and to said second lever; a third lever engaged to the first lever at the pivot point of the first connecting rod and rotatably connected to the second frame, in the vicinity of the pivot point of the first frames a second connecting rod operatively linked between the third lever and one end of an extension portion offered by the second lever; a slide lever pivoted to the end of the extension portion of the second lever and having one end slidably linked to the first frame, at least one guide and support member being fastened to said third lever and so arranged as to offer a slidable support seat to the slide lever in order to guide the movements of the first frame while passing from its closed condition to the opened condition an vice versa, as well as to support said first frame in the opened condition.

Further features and advantages will best be understood from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a folding frame for sofa-beds and the like according to the present invention, given hereinafter by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. I is a diagrammatic fragmentary side view of the framework: of the invention in a closed condition; - Fig. 2 is a side view of the framework while the first and second frames are being unfolded in order to carry out the passage from the closed to the opened condition; - Fig. 3 is a side view of the framework completely unfolded, that is in the opened condition; - Fig. 4 is a view to an enlarged scale of a detail of the framework: : in an opened condition, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Referring to figures 1 to .3, a folding framework for sofa-beds and the like according to the present invention has been generally identified by reference numeral 1.

The framework 1 comprises a fixed carrying structure 2 of substantially rectangular form, defining the outline of the framework itself in its closed condition. Lined to the carrying structure 2 through a primary driving mechanism identified by 3 is a first and a second frame 4, 5, pivoted one after the other.

In known manner, each frame 4, 5 has a rectangular perimeter configuration defined by longitudinal members 4a, Sa and if necessary, crosspieces 4b, between which there are wires, spring laths or other elements adapted to suitably support a mattress associated with the framework 1. In the accompanying drawings diagrammatically showing only one of the framework sides only the longitudinal members 4a, 5a and crosspieces 4b (if present) of said frames 4, 5 are shown. It will be recognized however, that the wires or spring laths, the mattress and the general configuration of the frames are well known to those skilled in the art and t all events unimportant to the ends of the invention.

Preferably, an attachment 6 should be fastened to each longitudinal member Sa of the second frame 5 at the end thereof adjacent the first frame 4, through said attachment the mutual engagement of the frames occurring at a point referenced by 7.

In accordance with the present invention the primary driving mechanism 3 for each side of the carrying structure 2 comprises a first and a second lever 8, 9 pivoted to the carrying structure at points i(), 11 which are mutually spaced apart. One connecting rod 12 has one end connected at 13 to the upper end of the first lever and the opposite end connected at 14 to the second lever 9.

On end of a third lever 15 is linked to the pivot point 1.3 connecting the first lever 8 to the first connecting rod 12, the other end of said lever 15 being pivoted to the attachment 6 at a point 16 adjacent the pivot point 7 connecting the first frame 4 to the second frame 5 One end of a second connecting rod 18 is pivoted at 17, in the vicinity of the center line of the third lever 15, the other end of said connecting rod 18 being linked, at 19, to the upper end of an extension 9a offered by the second lever 9.

One end of a slide lever 2t) is pivoted at a point 19 located between the second connecting rod 18 and the extension 9a and the other end of said lever 20 is slidably linked to the first frame 4 close to the center line of its longitudinal extension. To this end, the slide lever 2() is provided with an elongate hole 2Oa operatively engaging with a pivot 21 fastened to the corresponding longitudinal member 4a of the first frame 4.

In an original manner, provision is made for at least a guide member 22 to be fixed to the third lever 15. Ns more clearly shown in the following, the guide member 22 is designed to offer a slidable support seat for the slide lever 20 so as to guide the movements of the first frame 4 while passing from its closed condition to its opened condition and vice versa, as well as to suitably support the first frame in its opened condition.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the guide member 22 substantially consists of a bracket having an L-shaped configuration where the major side 22a offers a sliding seat for the slide lever 2O during its movements from a closed to an opened condition and vice versa and the vertex 22b offers a support seat for the slide lever when the framework is in its openend condition.

A cranked lever 23 is pivoted on pivot point 19 linking together the second slide lever 20, the second connecting rod 18 and the extension 9a of the second lever 9, said cranked lever 23 having its fulcrum on the second frame 5 at point 24 and acting on a first tie rod 25 connected to one foot 26 fastened to the end of the second frame opposed to the first frame 4.

fi third frame 28 is also provided to be pivoted consecutively to the second frame 5 after interposing an intermediate frame 27, the third frame 28 being connected to the second frame through a second driving mechanism 29, The driving mechanism 9, known per se, comprises, for each side of the framework 1, a second tie rod 3() pivoted to the second frame 5 and acting on one end 31a of an L-shaped lever t having its fulcrum on the intermediate frame 27 The lever 31, by its end 31b opposed to the second tie rod 30, acts on a second foot 32 fastened to the third frame 28.

Operation of the framework according to the invention described above mainly as regards structure, is as follows.

Framework 1 is adapted to be brought from a closed condition to an opened condition, shown in Figs. 1 and 3 respectively.

In the closed condition (Fig. 1), the first and second frames 4, 5 are disposed according to a substantially L-shaped configuration, the second frame 5 being horizontally disposed at the base of the carrying structure 2, whereas the third frame 28 is located parallelly above the second frame 5.

In the opened condition, instead (Fig. 3), all frames 4, 5, 27, 28 are horizontally aligned in a coplanar relation and have a raised position with respect to the carrying structure 2.

If we assume that the framework t is in its closed condition, the unfolding of frames 4, 5, 27, 28 in order to pass to an opened condition takes place by making the user first act on a crosspiece 27a associated with the intermediate frame 27 in order to lift and move forward said frames all together. This movement which is conventionally promoted by the action of at least a spring 33 acting between the carrying structure 2 and the lower extension 9b of the second lever 9, gives rise to the simultaneous rotation of the first lever 8 and the second lever itself with respect to the carrying structure.Following said rotation, the third lever 15 rotates about its pivot point 13 connecting it to the first lever 8, its movement being followed by the second connecting rod 18 as well and giving rise to the lifting of the second frame 5, due to the action exerted by said third lever on the attachment 6.

Rt the same time the slide lever 2 causes the unfolding of the first frame 4 which is hence disposed in coplanar relation with the second frame .

fis can be easily seen in Fig. 2, during the above described movements the slide lever 20 comes to rest on the major side 22a of the guide and support bracket 22. Under this situation, the slide lever ZC1 is suitably guided in order to transmit the movement in the best manner to the first frame 4 during the passage from the closed condition to the opened one without the risk that undesired mechanical jammings may take place.

The rotation of the second lever 9 and the simultaneous lifting of the second frame 5 cause the cranked lever 23 to control, through the first tie rod 25, the unfolding of the first foot 26 which in the closed condition was disposed parallelly to the second frame and close thereto.

At the end of said lifting action and simultaneous forward movement of the framework 1, the first frame 4 and second frame 5 will be disposed unfolded and coplanar in a raised position with respect to the carrying structure 2, the first foot 26 resting on the floor.

clearly viewed from Fig. .3, under this situation the first frame is supported in an original manner, in the region of pivot 21, by the slide lever 20 which in turn rests on the vertex 22b of the bracket 22.

The unfolding of the +framework 1 to the opened condition is completed, in a manner known per se, by acting on the second foot 32 in order to cause the third frame 28 to be overturned from the second frame 5. In greater detail, the second foot 32 is rotated away from the second frame 29, causing the unfolding of the intermediate frame 27 and third frame 28, by virtue of the link between the L-shaped lever 31 and the second tie rod 30. t the end of this operation therefore, the intermediate frame 27 and third frame 28 will be aligned in coplanar relation with the first and second frames 4 and 5, the second foot 32 resting on the floor as shown in Fig. 3.

Referring particularly to Fig. 4, in the alternative embodiment shown therein the guide element 22 comprises a support plate 33 engaged, at a fixed end 33a thereof, to the third lever 15 and carrying at least a rotating roller turning about a horizontal axis and designed to act upon the slide lever 2. In greater detail, provision is preferably made for one roller 74 located close to the free end 33b of the plate 3.3 so as to offer a support seat to the slide lever 2 in the opened condition, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. Slso rotatably engaged to the fixed end b of the plate 33 is a second roller 35, preferably disposed in register with the pivot point 17 between the second connecting rod 18 and third lever 15.

There is also a third roller 36 located at an intermediate point between the first roller 34 and the second roller 5, which third roller is offset with respect to the alignment direction of the first and second rollers.

Advantageously, during the movement of the framework 1 from the closed condition to the opened condition the slide lever 2s:) is subjected to slide in succession on the third roller 36, the second roller 35 and the first roller 34 of the guide and support member 2. Under this situation the assembly of rollers 34, 35, 36 advantageously lends itself to guide the movements of the slide lever 2() according to a substantially arcuate sliding profile defined by an arc of a circumference 7 tangent to the surfaces of the rollers themselves, in order to impart the movements to the first frame 4 in an optimal manner while passing from its closed condition to its opened condition, without running the risk of incurring undesired mechanical jammings.

It is to be noted that in the opened condition, since the first frame 4 is supported by virtue of the slide lever 2t) resting on the apex 22b of bracket 22 or on the first roller 34, any possibility of the the frames to be overturned, should the user's weight bear on the free end of the first frame, is eliminated. In fact, under this situation pivot 1 would tend to cause the rotation of the slide lever 2 about the edge 22b of the guide and support bracket 22 or about the first roller 34, but this rotation would be counteracted by the link between the slide lever and the extension 9a of the second lifting lever.

The present invention attains the intended purposes.

Since the frames cannot be overturned, the framework in question can offer an improved safety of use.

In addition, referring particularly to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, it is to be noted that, due the low rolling friction coefficient exhibited by rollers 24, 25 and 26 as well as the arcuate sliding profile that said rollers offer to the movements of the slide lever 20, all possibilities of mechanical jammings are avoided during the passage from a closed condition to an opened one, the handling of the framework as a whole appearing therefore improved.

Obviously many modifications and variations can be made to the present invention, all of them falling within the scope of the inventive idea characterizing it.

Claims (5)

1 A folding framework for sofa-beds and the like, comprising: - a fixed carrying structure; - at least a first and a second frame disposed consecutively and pivotally engaged with each other and simultaneously movable from a closed condition in which they are disposed according to a substantially L-shaped configuration, the second frame being horizontally disposed at the base of the fizzed carrying structure, to an opened condition in which said first and second frames are horizontally disposed and aligned in coplanar relation at a raised position with respect to the carrying structure;; - a primary driving mechanism connecting the first and second frames to the carrying structure and controlling the mutual displacements of the same during their movements from the closed condition to the opened one and vice versa.

characterized in that said primary driving mechanism, for each side of said framework comprises: - a first and a second lever pivoted on the fixed carrying structure, at mutually spaced apart points; - one connecting rod pivoted to one end of the first lever and to said second lever; - a third lever engaged to the first lever at the pivot point of the first connecting rod and rotatably connected to the second frame, in the vicinity of the pivot point of the first frames - a second connecting rod operatively linked between the third lever and one end of an extension portion offered by the second lever;; - a slide lever pivoted to the end of the extension portion of the second lever and having one end slidably linked to the first frames at least one guide and support member being fastened to said third lever and so arranged as to offer a slidable support seat to the slide lever in order to guide the movements of the first frame while passing from its closed condition to the opened condition an vice versa, as well as to support said first frame in the opened condition.

2. +framework according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide and support member essentially consists of a bracket having a substantially L-shaped configuration, one side of which is designed for slidably guiding the slide lever during the necessary movements to make the +framework pass from a closed to an opened condition and vice versa, while the vertex is designed for offering a support seat to the slide lever in the opened condition.

3. fi framework according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide and support member consists of a support plate fixedly engaged to the third lever and carrying at least a rotating roller turning about a horizontal axis and designed to act upon said slide lever in order to guide the movements of the first frame while passing from the closed condition to the opened condition and vice versa, as well as to support said first frame when in its opened condition.

4. A framework according to claim 3, characterized in that said guide and support member comprises: - one roller located close to the free end of said plate so as to offer a support seat to the slide lever in its opened condition; - a second roller disposed close to the fixed end of said plate which is anchored to the third lever; and - a third roller located at an intermediate point between the first and second rollers, which third roller is offset with respect to the alignment direction of the first and second rollers so that, together with said first and second rollers, it may guide the movements of the slide lever according to a substantially arcuate sliding profile.

5. fi folding framework for sofa-beds and the like according to the preceding claims and as hereinbefore described and illustrated, with reference to the accompanying drawings.