GB2387108A

GB2387108A - Convertible furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2387108A
Application number: GB0207913A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip John Macken
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-04-05
Filing date: 2002-04-05
Publication date: 2003-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2022-04-05
Also published as: GB2387108B; GB0207913D0

Abstract

A furniture combination, convertible between bed, table and seat configurations comprises two single beds 2 having slidable end extensions 7, multi-section mattresses 9 and a planar member 3. The beds may be used singly or side-by-side with the extensions pulled out and the mattresses flat as in Fig 2. To form a table 5, the extensions are retracted, one end section of each mattress is folded back on itself (Figs 3,4), the beds are turned sideways with the mattresses facing and the folded portions interleaved, and the bedframes are clipped together at 10, with the member 3 placed on top as in Fig 5. To form a seat 6 the bed frames are clipped together at 90{ as in Fig 7 the member 3 being used as a back with the mattress sections (not shown) disposed as required.

Description

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2387 1 08

ADAPTABLE FURNI TURK

Field of the Invention

5 This invention relates to adaptable furniture and especially, but not exclusively, to such adaptable furniture for use in confined spaces including, for example, boats and mobile homes.

10 Background to the Invention

People require furniture for many purposes such as sleeping, working, eating and sitting and generally to make life more comfortable.

Traditionally, individual items of furniture are designed for a particular purpose and in most houses and offices it is common to have several different pieces of furniture depending on the particular needs of the 20 person or people involved.

Generally, this is not a problem as there is space to accommodate all the required furniture.

2: However, in some places space can be severely limited, for example, in small homes such as narrow boats, caravans, mobile homes eta so the amount and size of furniture which can be accommodated is limited.

30 This quite often means that people have to do without certain items of furniture, reduce the size of

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any furniture they do have or in some cases use a piece of furniture for a purpose for which it was not designed, for example, sleeping on a couch.

5 Lack of space can also cause people to overcrowd furniture in to their home making the living space uncomfortable and cluttered and possibly even dangerous if doors or fire exits are blocked by this overcrowding of furniture.

The Present Invention Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least substantially reduce, 15 the disadvantages associated with known types of furniture, in such environments as those discussed above. One aspect of the invention provides an assembly 20 comprising at least one bed and a planar member which are adaptable such that: in a first orientation thereof, a sleeping arrangement is provided; in a second orientation thereof, a table arrangement is provided; and in a third orientation thereof, a seating 30 arrangement is provided.

* - e e b e e _ _ This assembly preferably includes two single beds, wherein each bed is adjustable in length.

The assembly may also further comprise at least one 5 mattress but preferably two, wherein the or each mattress may comprise a plurality of sections, for example, three sections per mattress.

In one embodiment of the invention and whilst the 10 assembly is in its sleeping arrangement, the planar member can be stored separately.

In a second embodiment of the invention whilst the assembly is in its table arrangement, one side edge of 15 the or each bed is capable of resting on a support surface, usually a floor, with the planar member mounted on the other opposite and upper side edge of the or each bed, thereby providing a table surface.

20 When two beds, such as two single beds, are used in the table arrangement of the assembly, they may be in confronting relationship with each other and be attached together, for example, with clips, with the planar member mounted on the upper sides thereof, thereby 25 providing a table surface. Any associated mattresses no longer required, may be enclosed within this table arrangement. In a third embodiment of the invention whilst the 30 assembly is in its seating arrangement, the or each bed is positioned along with the planar member, such that a

t r '. . -4 seating arrangement is formed, wherein the planar member forms the back of the seating arrangement and wherein one side edge of a first bed is capable of resting on a support surface, with the first bed being extended and 5 at least partially enclosing a second bed which remains parallel with the support surface.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method of adapting at least one bed and a planar member to lo produce; in a first orientation thereof a sleeping arrangement; 15 in a second orientation thereof a table arrangement; and in a third orientation thereof a seating arrangement, comprising adapting the positions of the at least one bed and the planer member in relation to each other to produce the required arrangement.

25 This method may include two single beds, wherein the or each bed may be adjustable in length and wherein the or each bed and the planar surface can be secured together, for example, using clips, to form the table arrangement or seating arrangement.

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_ 5 _ A third aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts which is erectable into any of the orientations discussed above.

5 Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention: 10 Figure l is a partial exploded perspective view of an assembly for providing a sleeping arrangement; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fully assembled sleeping arrangement in its extended 15 condition; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembly in its sleeping arrangement but in its retracted condition; 20 Figures 4 to 6 are perspective views of the assembly being transformed step-by-step into its table arrangement; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the assembly in 25 its seating arrangement.

Detailed description of drawings

Figure l shows an adaptable furniture assembly 30 comprising two single beds 2 and a planar member 3 which

A.,ú ash À.; -6 are adaptable such that in a first orientation, as shown in Figure 2, a sleeping arrangement 4 is provided.

Figure l also shows each bed 2 with a 5 telescopically extendable portion 7, such that their lengths can be extended for sleeping purposes and retracted when not, providing more space in the surrounding area.

10 Figure 2 shows the sleeping arrangement 4 of the adaptable furniture assembly with the beds in side by-side relationship forming a double bed and with fully extended portions 7, and two single mattresses each having three sections 9, which can be folded when 15 required, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

This may be desirable if the sleeping arrangement needs to be retracted quickly to make more room in the surrounding area.

It can be seen in Figures 3 and 4 that a section 9 of the mattress 8 can fold inwards without requiring the removal of bedding (not shown), allowing the extendable portions 7 to retract and thus reduce the area occupied 25 by the sleeping arrangement 4.

Whilst the assembly is in the sleeping arrangement 4 the planar member 3 is stored separately.

30 Figures 4 to 6 show the assembly of a table arrangement 5 step-by-step.

Err r. ; -7 In Figure 4, the two single beds 2 are shown detached from each other, with the mattress sections 9 arranged so that the alternate top sections 9 interlock with each other when the two beds 2 are brought into s confronting relationship with each other, as shown in Figure 5.

Here the two beds 2 are secured together by suitable means, such as latches 10, the mattress 10 sections 9 being sandwiched between the two beds 2.

The planar member 3 is then fitted over the top of the upper side edges of the two single beds 2, to provide the fully-assembled table arrangement 5, as 1S shown in Figure 6 and with the mattress sections 9 enclosed therewithin.

In Figure 7, the assembly is shown in its seating arrangement 6 as a couch or settee.

Here, the two beds 2, in their partially retracted conditions, are placed together, with one bed on edge forming the seat and the other bed being extended further to form the back of the couch or settee.

The planar member 3 is used as a support for the back of the couch or settee and by suitable positioning of the mattress sections 9 (not shown), various types of couch or settee can be formed.

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Any suitable means, such as locking pins or clips, may be used to secure the two beds 2 and planar member 3 in their required positions in the seating arrangement 6 shown in Figure 7.

Thus, it can be seen that the invention provides a versatile assembly of at least one bed and a planar member which are adaptable into a sleeping, table or seating arrangement, whilst also providing an optional 10 spacesaving facility when required.

The inventive assembly is most suitable for use in narrow boats and other combined living areas, such as caravans and mobile homes.

Claims

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1 An assembly comprising at least one bed and a 5 planar member which are adaptable such that: in a first orientation thereof, a sleeping arrangement is provided) 10 in a second orientation thereof, a table arrangement is provided; and in a third orientation thereof, a seating arrangement is provided.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim l including two beds.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim l or 2, wherein the 20 or each bed is a single bed.

4. An assembly as claimed in claim l, 2 or 3, wherein the or each bed is adjustable in length.

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5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one mattress.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 comprising two mattresses.

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7. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the or each mattress comprises a plurality of sections.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each 5 mattress comprises three sections.

9. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the sleeping arrangement the planer member is arranged to be stored separately

10. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the table arrangement one side edge of the or each bed is capable of resting on a support surface with the planer member mounted on the other opposite side 15 edge of the or each bed, thereby providing a table surface.

11. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein two beds are in confronting relationships with each other 20 and are attached together, for example, with clips, with the planer member mounted on the upper sides thereof, thereby providing a table surface.

12. An assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein 25 associated mattresses are enclosed within the table arrangement.

13. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the seating arrangement the or each bed is 30 positioned along with the planar member such that a seating arrangement is formed.

14. An assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the planar member forms the back of the seating arrangement.

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15. An assembly as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein one side edge of a first bed is capable of resting on a support surface and of being associated with a second bed remaining parallel with the support surface.

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16. A method of adapting at least one bed and a planar member to produces in a first orientation thereof a sleeping arrangement; in a second orientation thereof a table arrangement; and in a third orientation thereof a seating 20 arrangement, comprising adapting the positions of the at least one bed and the planer member in relation to each other to produce the required arrangement.

17 A method as claimed in claim 16 including two beds.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the or each bed is a single bed.

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19. A method as claimed in claims 16, 17 or 18, wherein the or each bed is adjustable in length.

20. A method as claimed in claim any of claims 16 to 5 19, wherein the or each bed and the planer surface can be secured together, for example, using clips.

21. A kit of parts which is erectable into any of the arrangements in accordance with any of claims 1 to 15.

22. An assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A method of adapting at least one bed and a planar 15 member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24 A kit of parts substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.