GB2523982A - Fusion of sofa, table, bed and technology - Google Patents

Fusion of sofa, table, bed and technology Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2523982A
GB2523982A GB1321488.7A GB201321488A GB2523982A GB 2523982 A GB2523982 A GB 2523982A GB 201321488 A GB201321488 A GB 201321488A GB 2523982 A GB2523982 A GB 2523982A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
sofa
seating
technology
seat
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1321488.7A
Other versions
GB201321488D0 (en
Inventor
Gary Nathan Street
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1321488.7A priority Critical patent/GB2523982A/en
Publication of GB201321488D0 publication Critical patent/GB201321488D0/en
Publication of GB2523982A publication Critical patent/GB2523982A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B85/00Furniture convertible into other kinds of furniture
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47CCHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/16Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47CCHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/22Seating furniture having non-movable back-rest changeable to beds with means for uncovering a previously hidden mattress or similar bed part
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B21/00Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
    • A47B21/007Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk
    • A47B2021/0076Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk the screen being incorporated in the desk top
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47CCHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C4/00Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
    • A47C4/54Inflatable chairs

Abstract

A seating unit comprises detachable and rotatable parts, with at least one part being capable of forming a table top. The seating unit is preferably a sofa, with the seat part being detachable from the sofa arms and back. In some embodiments the seat is detached and the sofa back and arms tilted through 90 degrees to form the table. In other embodiments the sofa back is rotated through 90 degrees relative to the arms to form the table. In other embodiments the table top rotates 180 degrees from a storage position beneath the seat. The detachable seat may be used as a stand-alone furniture item such as a seat or storage stool. The table top may comprise a touch screen computer. A television or similar screen may extend from and retract into the sofa. Parts of the sofa may be inflatable. Movement of the parts may be powered. Access points may be provided for power cables. The sofa may also convert into a bed, preferably having a folding mattress. A variety of table tops may be attachable to the seating unit.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1321488.7 RTM Date:24 June 20t5 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Gorilla Glass Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo FUSION OF SOFA, TABLE, BED AND TECHNOLOGY
Summary of Description (First Submsion)
[001-033] Summary of Envention
[004-005] Purpose of invunlion [007-01.0] Large tahhet instaflation or other large fiat screen technology [010-011] TV inst laton and marketmg opoortuntes [012-014] Fixing ocabons and access ooints for tabha and technology instaabon [015-016] Sofa table frame made entirely of wood or other un-upholstered rr:aterial [017-019] Fitting accessohes for chancdno table products and technology [020-021] Full size table tennis table or extended dinino table Fitted k022] Accessory bags for protecting and transportng table products [023] Three methods of converting sofa to table [024-028] Tilt method for converting sofa to table [329-031] Reasons for detachable seat [032-035] Benefits of detachahie seat [035-037] Stool desiç:n for detachable seat [038-039] Storacie stool for detachable seat [039-040] Highly innovative stool for attachable seat [041-042] Double bad base from attachable sofa seat [043-044] Superor quality rriattress for use on bed base or on its own [045] innovative steps for GB2389782 improvement [046] Method of maneuverina attachable seating [047] Swanoing attachable seating sections to change arjnearance of sofa [048-049] Tongue and groove method of securing seating [050] Base plate method 1 for securing seating sections [051-052] Base nlate fixina holes and conceament when not needed [053] Base cate method 2 with quicker fixnc: [054] Three options for 5:ecuring attachable seating reviewed [056-060] Second method of converting sofa to table, mechanized 90 degree rotation [051-057] Third method, mechanized 130 degree turn of table section from under seat [053-069] Protecting the sofa invention from floor damage [070] Rigid. flat pack or molded foam construction [071-072] Durable, easily transportable and inflatable versions [073] Reinforced fixing mechanisms for flat oack assembly and dual sofa table usage [074] Shell-like frame enabling multitude of table products to be exchanged [075] Sunken technology within frarr:e to he concealed by top cover [075] Access to and concealment of electrcai fttmgs [077-079] Mechanical vertical height extension for technology in rear of sofa [080] Additional stability aid at rear of sofa whenever recuired Typca furniture of ths type are shown, for example, in the following patents W02013170753 (Al) 2013-11-21 WONG CHEUNG SING; THREE-IN-ONE SOFA BED CN202891227 (U) -2013-04-24 LU JIANLIN; xU FENGSHENG; XIE SHILONG; Combined Sofa Bed CN2O 1822342 (U) -2011-05-11 HUI WEN; 180-degree combined sofa CN2O 1238797 (Y) -2009-05-20 QI ZHANG; Mutual conversion type furniture of table, chair and bed W02003000942 (A2) 2003-01-03 LAMOUROUX FABIENNE; TABLE WHICH CAN BE CONVERTED INTO A BED
OR SOFA
US5322344 (A) -1994-06-21 HOFFMAN D STEPHEN [US]; ROGERS W CLARK [US]; Sofa table and mechanism for use with a sofa having a foldable bed WO9104694 (Al) -1991-04-18 HOLLINGSWORTH JOE SCOTT [DK; A FURNITURE COMBINATION INCLUDING
A SEAT AND A TABLE WITH A TABLE TOP AND A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
FR2583275 (Al) -1986-12-19 GOULET MICHEL [FR] ; Process and device for progressive folding of a sofa which makes it possible to transform the latter into a console, a single or a double bed or else into a dining
table and six chairs
CN202567234 (U) -2012-12-05 WANG HONGSEN Multifunctional bed CN202820441 (U) -2013-03-27 SUN LIANG; Digital sofa CN202681240 (U) -2013-01-23 ZHANG WEIMING Multi-functional sofa WO2005039359 (Al) -2005-05-06 STREET GARY NATHAN [GB] MuLTIFUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
(001] This invention provides an improved multifunctional sofa, sofa bed or armchair (now abbreviated to sofa' -Figure 1, Figure 2) by adding the new practical versatility of a full size solid table being functional as both a dining table and a large desk for work (Figure 3).
(002] Alternatively, rather than a solid table top the said invention Incorporates large flat screen technology within the frame, such as but not limited to, a table size tablet computer, TV or monitor (Figure 4, Figure 5).
(003] The said Invention Incorporates the large solid table top or flat screen technology by means or utilizing areas of the sofa which are ordinarily hollow and void or function, such as the rear of the sofa, the arms and the space underneath the sofa seating (Figure 2. Figure 4, Figure 5).
(004) Full sIze tables and desks consume considerable space wIthIn a room and are difficult to move. The present invention overcomes these issues by providing a full size table (Figure 3) that folds away out of sight into an ordinary looking sofa (Figure 1, Figure 2).
(005] Whilst some multifunctional beds do provide a desk these are not large size desks. Large tables and desks rarely ever have a dual purpose. The following disclosure demonstrates how even large tables and desks can be stored out of sIght In this ordinary looking and hIghly functional sofa. Similarly, how the saId furniture can incorporate state of the art technology also (Figure 2, Figure 4).
(006] Due to space constraints In many living spaces and dominant trends like multifunctional open-plan living spaces, there is a high demand for innovative furniture that is both space efficient and hIghly versatile. It is the purpose of the present invention to expand these boundaries for small living spaces through furniture innovation and advanced technology.
(007] Presently, table size tablet technology Is significantly more advanced than normal tablet and pc technology. Such advanced technology is highly desirable In the home environment, yet due to its large size and austere appearance (Figure 6) manufacturers have only been able to target corporate clients. The disclosed Invention offers the same technology in a much more desirable and space saving package, with practical benefits that would appeal to the untapped domestic sector of the market also. The invention's sofa effectively becomes an innovative stand which uniquely allows the tablet technology to be used in both its vertical (Figure 4) and horizontal aspects, Just as it was designed to do. The said invention therefore makes the state of the art technology accessible to every home and work space, regardless of its size (See 010-011 and 077-079 also).
(008] Large screen tablets are designed to be used both horizontally (FIgure 6) as a table and vertIcally when positioned on a wall. The present Invention utIlizes both aspects of this technology by switching from vertical in the back of a sofa (Figure 4) to horizontal as a table ?or maxImum Impact.
(009] Since up to seven people can operate the said tablet technology at any one time (Figure 7) installing the technology permanently on walls reduces much of the appeal. The present invention enables the said technology to maximize enjoyment for users without any space issues. Present specIfication of the said tablet technology already installs guerrilla glass for the purpose of making it functional as a table which is able to withstand spillages and heavy impact.
(010] As well as accommodating large tablet technology the present Invention can also install TV and monitor technology into the back of the sofa as well. This would be appealing wherever there isa centrally located sofa and the rear of the sofa would be visible. In places like bars and clubs, which often Include spilt level flooring, the said technology might be posItioned on the higher level overlookIng the room for maximum eye-catching Impact (Figure 4).
[011] For corporate and puhhc areas the concept of instaihng TV or fiat screen technology into the back of centrafly located sofas and seats does give strong potential for increased marketing and display opportunities within prime locations. Retafl outlets. tars, and coffee shops could feature such sofa in key locations, Furnfture and technology outlets might posftion them at the entrance to their stores so as to lnstanthi engane theft customers (Figure 4).
[012] The said table and flat screen technology aH fit securely within the sofa inventions frame by rneans;nnovatve frame development, custom made mechanisms and the ability to install technology with fixing positions exactly where each technology or table product requires them (Figure 8).
[313] Access to the said table fixing locations is offered ti-nough access ooints within the sole's structure. These access points expose the sofas internal framework by unziping discreet sections of the sofa's upholstery to allow ful access to the sofa's internal custom framework (Fkjure 9].
When the sofa frame is completely constructed from wood, or another un-upholstered material, the said access points are still provided through that material and open up the internal structure within - [014] The said access points mentioned in 013 imorove the invention by enabling table products to be secured, serviced, removed and replaced.
[015] Whenever the frame of the sofa invention is entirely made of wood, or another solid materiai, nstailation of a wooden tai-1ie top may not he required. By the same disclosed methods the invention converts the sofa into a large table for dining or work, and when it is technology that is installed this would be achieved as detailed in 013, 317-313 and 075.
[016] When the sofa invention frame is made entirely from a solid material as described in 015 the seating components may be constructed using matching materials or have upholstered cushioning for the seating added; according to the desired aesthetics.
[317] Additional custom made fitting acc:essories can he supoiied icr replacing one taole produc:t with another when the product has different tixing and support requirements to the previous one installed (Figure 10).
[318] The said fitting accessories mentioned in 017 adapt and relocate the existing fixing and support. locations according to the new product.. Existing fittings may need to be completely extracted to fit the new product or alternatively simply adjust the existing structure to provide relocated fixing and support for the new products: (Figure 10).
[019] By utrizng the said method of exchanging tate products in 014, 317-018 it permits a much wider range of products to he offered; sianificantly increasing the said invention's usefulness to the user.
[020] For example, a custom made full size table tennis table can be secured to the invention when des ed by remoi g We present table o'-dc lien nsal ig ne custam n ace -tting accessories icr the new two part table tennis table, finally then securing the table tennis table in place when the invention has been positioned in its table mode (Fig 11).
[021] With such capabilities, two or three part dinincj table extensions may also be secured to the said invention also, thereby creatinci attractive long dining lacilities that conveniently store away.
[022] Accessory bags for additional table products such as those mentioned in 014; 019-020, and 02.1 can he provided to prevent chipping or damage while in storage. Such a hold-all would include handles to assist n movng the said products safely from one oiace to another [023] Conversion of the invention from sofa to table mode can he achieved by one of the three disciosed methods: 1) 024-030 2) 057-060 3) 061-064. The selected method depends on the preference and affordability constraints of the user.
[024] Wfth the l9rst method, the table Lop products or technology store verticahy in the back of the sofa in a position usualiv void of function (Figure 2, Figure 4).
[025] The seating section and back cushions are. then completely removed (Figure 12).
[0Th] The whole frame is then tipped 90 degrees forwards relocating the said tableton or technology horizontaHy until it rests in place to comolete table structure (Figure 3).
[027] The arms of this sofa invention have a dual purpose, a the legs of the table. (Figure 3).
[028] This said method of converting the invention does require all seating components are first detached from the frame, this facilitates a full 90 denree rotation of the rioid frame until reach!ng tao e mode esnq compcnnts to i d be re-atachah e aqan Then con,ertc back to sofa mod [029] Detaching the seating components completely from the frame provides obstruction free legroom underneath the table on both sides, such as would be reciuird lbr the dining tab (Figure 2).
[030] The seating components of the invention have to be firmly attached when in use as a sofa so as to prevent frame movement and tipping backwards when in use as a sofa.
[031] Seating components can be fitted to the invention in a simple way to speed up the conversion process from sofa to table mode, such as is disclosed in 048 [032] Detachable custom seating components include the seating section (Figure 1, Figure 14) which is integral to the invention working effectively 030. Also, back and side cushions that are removable when not required (Figure 13).
[033] Detachable seating sections as described in 036, 038, 040 and 041 are designed to be independently functional as furniture when detached from the sofa frame just as they are when attached within it.
[034] The detachable seating sections as referred to in 033 further improve space efficiency by offering a matching bench seat for the said dining table when in use.
[035] The detachable seating options mentioned in 033 are useful everyday as stylish footstools in living areas whenever they are not needed for the sofa invention.
[036] One form of detachable seating may be, a custom made oblong shaped stool (Figure 14) with perfect dimension to fit into the sofa frame (Figure 1) and a thick generous seat cushion, thus providing comfortable seating for its users.
[037] Custom made stools as described in 036 offer the most lightweight and easily manoeuvrable option for the sofa invention's detachable seating.
[038] Alternatively, a detachable seating option similar to 036 and detachable from the sofa invention may be an ottoman style version of 037 containing generous storage (Figure 14-16). The said storage seat may have a lid opening from the top or drawer(s) at the front that pull out.
[039] Such dual purpose stools provide valuable storage within the sofa, saving on having to buy other furniture items for storage.
[040] By installing highly innovative seating components within the sofa invention, such as that described in GB2389782 and WO2005039359 (also known as Cayman), considerable new versatility can be contained within the said sofa invention. The additional versatility includes a double bed, a wipe clean footstool coffee table including table top accessories, a guest sofa, a low level table, a floor chaise lounge, a self-supporting floor sofa and a leather day bed play mat (Figure 017-019) [041] The final option of a detachable seating section within the sofa frame resembles 038 however a double bed base comes out from within it, it includes mechanisms to make the conversion simple and easy to operate (Figure 18).
[042] Attachable seating sections with fold out bed bases as mentioned in 041 can be functional either when attached to the sofa frame or when removed from it (Figure 18). It is more advantageous however to keep the said fold out bed bases within the sofa frame when used as a bed since the frame becomes a natural headrest to the double bed and holds pillows in place.
[043] Sofa beds often provide inadequate mattresses for a comfortable nights sleep as these mattresses usually have to be compacted down into a small storage box along with the folding metal bed base, something a standard quality mattress would never be able to do. The preferred method of invention is to provide a high quality wooden slatted bed base, or the like, from the detachable seating section described as in 041, along with a separate superior quality mattress which folds in such a way that it will not compromise any of the characteristics of a proper mattress. Whenever the said superior quality mattress is not required as a bed it can utilize its innovative form in a more space efficient way by providing a complimentary double footstool to the sofa. Such a mattress product tailor made for this sofa invention is as disclosed in 040 and patent registrations GB2389782 and W02005039359 as also invented by Gary Street (Figure 19).
[044] It is preferred the mattress of the said invention be suitable for regular use with a superior quality mattress filling such as memory foam. It is not desirable a heavy person feel the bed frame beneath due to insufficient mattress density or thickness. Rather than this be dictated by a mattress needing to fold into a small bed box (043 and 041) a separately sourced multifunction mattress such as GB2389782 is recommended (040) as this has all the characteristics of a proper mattress (040) and easily portable when not required as a mattress (Figure 17).
[045] With the present invention using GB2389782 as described in 044 and 045 the sofa table improves upon GB2389782 B which lacked a bed base to raise its mattress off the floor to a more desirable height. The present invention can also store GB2389782 within its sofa frame as described in 040 saving further space. Additionally, GB2389782's guest sofa only works positioned against a wall, yet with the present invention incorporating GB2389782 it becomes part of a high quality sofa that is freestanding with an improved structure (Figure 1).
[046] Whenever removable seating options offer a heavy bed base or additional storage it would be advantageous to have either wheels or ski like feet underneath (Figure 20) allowing sufficient ease of manoeuvring for the attachable seating section to connect the sofa invention's frame as described in 048.
[047] The attachable seating of the sofa invention can also function independently from the sofa when detached from it as stool or another disclosed function. When there are two or more of such units available (036-041) it enables these to be swapped within the sofa frame to change the look and style of the sofa by colour, material finish and function.
[048] The preferred method of fixing the said attachable seating to the frame is the tongue and groove method. This requires the seating sections to have a groove along its depth measurement allowing insertion into the said sofa, a tongue protruding out from the sofa arms each side (Figure 21).
[049] As disclosed in 030 the seating component must have a method to attach to the sofa invention's frame for stability. So 048 and 050-053 provide three mechanisms for achieving this objective.
[050] An alternative fixing mechanism of 048 for attaching the seating section would be a removable base plate which fixes solidly to the sofa invention's frame and attachable seating sections do rest upon it (Figure 22). This achieves the stability objective of 030 and 049.
S
[051] The base plate in 050 can be secured to the said sofa invention (030) by having custom fitting holes located underneath the base of the sofa arms securing the base plate by sunken screws (Figure 23). The said base plate helps protect the upholstered frame whilst in contact with the floor.
[052] To conceal fixing holes for the base plate which would be visible when the sofa invention is in table mode (Figure 3) and the base plate 050 is removed and upholstered flaps or the like are provided that conceal the said fixing holes when required (Fig 23).
[053] A quicker alternative to the screw fixing of the base plate 051-052 is a deep groove along the base of the inside arms (Figure 24) into which the base plate then slides until t fits securely into place both sides (Figure 12). The said attachable seating sections can then be placed neatly on the base plate and achieve 030's objective. Due to the said base plate being slightly raised from the floor some central support underneath may be advisable for carrying the weight of the seating and its users.
[054] The present invention therefore has described three options for securing the sectional seating into the sofa frame, 1) 048 2) 050 3) 052-053. A decision on which mechanism is best would depend on the aesthetic and practical requirements of the user. For example, the visible groove mechanisms may not be desirable on detachable seat options as described in 048 so the base plate mechanism of 053 may be preferred. Conversely, a base plate that needs to be stored somewhere when table mode is in use may be viewed as inconvenient by some.
[055] It should be noted that the depth of some detachable stool options mentioned such as GB2389782 (in 040) when placed in the sofa frame may be less than the space available leaving a void behind it. In this instance, since the front of GB2389782 needs to remain flush with that of the sofa frame, a means of preventing it from moving back into the void behind is required and a custom made back cushion moulded to fit behind the seating section and fill the void can be installed to keep this attachable seating in place (Figure 25). This back cushion then serves the dual purpose as a backrest for the sofa and to fill the void behind the seating component.
[055] So far, only one method of converting the sofa invention nto a table has been disdosed as in 024028.
[057] A second way to achieve conversion from sofa to table begins with the said solid table top or fiat screen technology at the back of the sofa as before (Hnure 2. Figure 5), this time only the table section is rotated 90 degrees forwards by the use of a mechanism that is engineered into the sofa frame. The arms of the sofa remain static, idtimateiy serving du purpose as the legs of the table, With the said method only the back cushionino of the sofa seating components need to channe position and can lay flat on the sofa seatirEg However. shouki learoom be r)eede.d a l the seating components can be detached as in 024-023.
[053] An enhancement to the mechanism in 057 that converts the said sofa invention from sofa mode to table would he to incorporate a perfectly balanced hydraulic mechanism into the said sofa frame. This would ens hie one user to easily convert the table section 90 degrees from its starting position behind the sofa to the horzontal taie position with oerfectiy smooth fluid motion, [059] Since the solid table top products and the advanced technology products installed within the table section can be of considerable weight and value, th.e safest and preferred method of converting the sofa to a table is by means of the perfectly balanced hydraulrc mechanism 058.
[0601 With the methods described in 057059 a locking mechanism is installed so that after conversion is compiete the user cannot inadvertently start the conversion back to sofa by leaning upon it.
(061] The third method of conversion from sofa to table requires the said tabletop or technology products coming up and out from their concealed position directly beneath the seating section, thus performing a 1.80 degree rotation until it rests in place as a table.
(062] The process of 061 begIns by lifting the front of the sofa seat up 45 degrees (Figure 26) and then with the other hand pulling the section below up and over until the table products are right side up and in position (Figure 27). A perfectly weighted hydraulic mechanism will make it possible to easily operate this procedure. One way of performing this technique Is by splitting the sofa arms in half from top bottom (Figure 27). A mechanism enables the front section or the sofa arm to pivot over 180 degrees until it rests perfectly on top of the back section of the sofa arm resting as the full size table. Firmly fixed to the front section of the sofa arms both sides are the said table products which have now pivoted over 180 degrees until resting right side up as the tuil size table surface, which then locks in place (Figure 28).
(063] With the said method of conversion described in 062, the arms of the sofa are of appropriate strength and dimension to be stacked one on top of the other to make the perfect height for the
table.
(064] This method of conversion does make it necessary to stabilize the front half of the table as It is not directly supported underneath by the convertible sofa arm. This stabilization can be achieved by ensuring the base of the rear arm section has a stabilization device which extends all the way forward underneath the pivoting front section and remaining there (Figure 27). This strong extension remains static being connected to the rear sofa arm section whilst the pivoting section of the sofa arm relocates the table products securely into their new position. By using these mechanisms the table mode remains as stable as the sofa originally was.
(065] An advantage of the said conversion method as described In 061-064 is that the dual-functionality of the sofa is not visible or exposed before conversion takes place. For aesthetic reasons this may be desirable. Also, the expensive technology incorporated into the invention such as described in 007 is more protected rather than being exposed at the rear of the sofa.
(066] The disadvantages of the 061-064 method are that the technology products are no longer visible/operational from the rear of the sofa. Also, by storing the table products underneath the seating the disclosed extra versatility offered by previous methods and their detachable seating are no ionger unavaiiabie.
(067] The mechanism described in 061-054 does mean that whenever the sofa invention is converted to the table or table top technology the legroom beneath it is hindered by the sofa seating which has remained there. Provision is therefore made for mechanisms to allow the removal of these components should this be desired. In another variation, a mechanism can be installed to raise and spin the seating section containing the said table products by 180 degrees until it locks in piace as a table, the said seating section being custom made for the said purpose.
(068] The present invention as described in the disclosed description does at times put parts of the upholstered sofa or table into direct contact with the floor. In such instances when this is considered undesirable accessory custom made slipper mats may be used to protect such parts of the sofa from damage (Figure 27) when In direct contact with the fioor.
(069] Mother way to overcome the issue of 068 would be the installation of a hard material panels, such as wood, fixed permanently or temporarily into the sofa invention's high contact areas with the floor (Figure 28) such as those described in the conversion process of 026-027.
Care should be taken these are installed in an aesthetically pleasing way, perhaps partially sunken into the frame when they are permanent.
(070] Depending on the method of invention to be used as disclosed in the previous 69 points the sofa frame may be of rigid construction, made of molded hard foam, polystyrene or weatherproof materials and be upholstered in such a way that allows for fiat pack assembly. Inflatable versions of the said furniture are also viable, so long as all important mechanisms dIsclosed In the invention are observed.
[071] DIsaster relief agencies need compact flat pack furniture when accommodating refugee and natural dIsaster vIctims within theIr small temporary shelters. A basIc form or the saId furniture would assist and ensure such ones are not lost for a comfortable place to sit, eat, sleep, and relax.
With the sora Invention's tiny furnIture footprint, modular construction and durable easy clean materIals (070) incomparable convenience and versatility Is offered for such environments.
Inflatable versions or the said inventIon are also vIable, so long as all the Important mechanisms disclosed are observed.
[072] In relation to 071 a simpler version of the said furniture can be produced using a sewn material base plate. The saId base plate only covers the front half of the sofa achieving the stability requirements of 030 while also allowing Individuals to Insert their feet above the base plate for use as the table both sides. Other desirable applications for thIs varIation would be children's versions that may Include the detachable stool, sofa, table and bed.
[073) The construction of the said sofa table Is unable to have the standard strengthenIng aids of normal dInIng tables and sofa frames, sInce these cause obstructIon and hIndrance to the sofa Invention's InnovatIve versatIlity. Innovative constructIon of the saId furnIture inventIon's frame utilizes reinforced fixings mechanisms at points where the sofa arms join with the sofa back so that the said table and seating modes remain solid and stable at all times, even when of flat pack construction.
(074] Due to the extensIve variety of table product InstallatIons available as dIsclosed In points 007-022, construction of a strong shell like chassis for the table Is considered, one that can then be adapted easily by installIng additIonal internal fixIngs to suit each Individual product and its internal support requirement, through mechanisms disclosed In 017-018.
[075] When the table chassIs descrIbed In 074 Is made from a strong solid material such as metal, It becomes possible for several varIatIons of the same fixing holes to be allocated at different levels within the shell. For example, a flat screen TV may be sunken deeper into the table frame rather than beIng flush with the surface, enabling an matching covering or a wooden table panel to be attached above It, thereby concealing the technology and adding to the versatility.
(076] Access to electrical fittings Is offered through the frame of the sofa invention. Depending on the individual requirements of technology installed, power lead access and stowage for power packs may be allocated in convenient cavities within the sofa frame including its arms. Easy access to these can be provided. It is an aim of the present invention to make the electrical supply to the embedded technology dIscreet, safe and convenient in each versatIle application.
[077] In points 007 and 010 it was previously mentioned that the said invention and its technology would benefit from being in a raised location, such as at the edge of split level flooring, where the embedded vertical technology in the back of the sofa could be more easIly seen and used. The next generation of the said furnIture may offer the same without the need for raised flooring. With tablet technology, for example, positioned In the rear of the sofa (007-010), a custom mechanism may raise the technology straight up vertIcally to a more user friendly and eye-catching height, rather than as descrIbed in 023. AddItIonally, once raised an easel lIke tilt mechanIsm may be employed adjusting the optimum work angle for user interaction with the tablet technoiogy.
All mechanisms may be operational manually, with assistance from hydraulic mechanisms and most preferably by remote control.
(07$] With a mechanisms descrIbed In 077 the said technology should have the option to be raIsed from the sofa invention In a forward facing aspect, rather than just being offered rear facIng. This would be advantageous when the sofa Is positioned against a wall and technology would not otherwise be operational from a vertical position.
[079] Comhming the mechanism or 078 with the mechankms disdosed in 061 or 067 can remarkably transform the sd invention depicted in Figure 1 to that of a table size tablet computer as in 007 coming from underneath the sofa, as wefl as a large smart TV raised up verficafly from the back of the sofa (078) to a height that overlooks the tablet of 077, Since both technology items are wireless enahd their users can effortlessly interact between horizontal and vertical displays for maxmum impact.
[030] Due to the weight and versatihty de.mar.ds on the rrarne of the said invention such as is deschbed in 078 and 067 it may be wise to instah additional stabihty aids such as a metal plate that extends across the floor between the sofa arms and table leps (Figure 32) thus ensuring hgid construct]on at all times.
For the drawings whkh shall form part of this specification Figure 1 Sofa invention in sofa mode (001) Figure 2 Sofa invention showing wood table incorporated into rear (001, 003) Figure 3 Full-size tables with clear legroom on each side (001) Figure 4 Sofa invention showing large tablet computer installed behind (003) Figure 5: Sofa invention with table products stored under seat during conversion (003, 061) Figure 6 Example of austere looking large tablet computer (007) Figure 7 Example of multiple user interface of tablet computer (009) Figure 8 Fixing locations for table products underneath (012) Figure 9 Access points for installing, replacing and servicing table products (013) Figure 10: Additional custom made fitting accessories for replacing one table product with another (0 17-018) Figure 11 Table tennis table fitted with fixing accessories (019-020) Figure 12 Sofa invention frame without seating components (025) Figure 13 Example sofa with side cushions (032) Figure 14 First attachable seating option -oblong stool (036) Figure 15 Second attachable seating option, ottoman-style stool (038) Figure 16 Second attachable seating option with pull out drawer (038) Figure 17 Third attachable seating option: Highly innovative fold out stool (040) Figure 18 Forth attachable seating option: pull out bed base (041-046) Figure 19 Custom made superior quality bed mattress to suit bed base (Figure 18) or positioned directly on the floor (042-045) Figure 20 Wheels or ski-like feet for manoeuvring heavy attachable seat components (046) Figure 21 Tongue and groove-like fitting mechanism for attaching seating sections to sofa frame (048) Figure 22 Attachable base plate method for connecting seating section to sofa frame (050) Figure 23 Method of attaching base plate to sofa frame and concealing fixings with upholstered flaps whilst in use as a table (051-052) Figure 24 Deep groove at base of sofa arms as alternative method of fixing base plate by sliding it in (053) Figure 25 Moulded back cushion that also fills void behind attachable seating sections (055) Figure 26: Third way to convert from sofa to table: Lifting the seating section up by 45 degrees to pull out the table section from below as in Figure 5 (061-062) Figure 27 Accessory slipper mats for when upholstered sections of sofa table come into contact with the floor (068) Figure 28 Installation of hard wood panels into high contact areas of the sofa when as a table and these parts are resting on the floor (069) Figure 29: Strong outer frame for the table that can be adapted by installing custom made internal fixings to suit each individual table product (074-075) allowing inter-changeable table products with tailored fixings Figure 30 Front or back facing screen technology that can extend vertically out of the back of the sofa (077-079) Figure 31 Re-enforced fixings for optional flat pack assembly and dual sofa table use (073) Hgure 32: Additional stability aid that extends across the floor between the sofa arms and table legs (080) connecting the two and ensurina rid constructon at all times.
GB1321488.7A 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 Fusion of sofa, table, bed and technology Withdrawn GB2523982A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1321488.7A GB2523982A (en) 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 Fusion of sofa, table, bed and technology

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1321488.7A GB2523982A (en) 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 Fusion of sofa, table, bed and technology

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201321488D0 GB201321488D0 (en) 2014-01-22
GB2523982A true GB2523982A (en) 2015-09-16

Family

ID=50000216

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1321488.7A Withdrawn GB2523982A (en) 2013-12-05 2013-12-05 Fusion of sofa, table, bed and technology

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2523982A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022001116A1 (en) * 2020-06-30 2022-01-06 傅建华 Sofa
CN114794782A (en) * 2022-04-06 2022-07-29 杨丽华 Self-cleaning formula intelligence house in bottom

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112932160A (en) * 2021-03-18 2021-06-11 石庆霞 Sofa convenient for using desktop computer

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2517190A2 (en) * 1981-10-06 1983-06-03 Martinez Georges Convertible bed and settee - has housing forming ends and sides with compartment for flexible mattress
GB2208101A (en) * 1987-06-24 1989-03-01 Stephen Richard Wheeler Motor caravan seating arrangement
GB2389782A (en) * 2002-10-10 2003-12-24 Gary Nathan Street Multi-multifunctional furniture item
ES1077087U (en) * 2011-09-19 2012-06-01 Lucas Gil Ortega Convertible sofa in bed and in a new sofa with independent table and booths (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
GB2518833A (en) * 2013-10-01 2015-04-08 Philip Gamble Combined Desk And Bed

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2517190A2 (en) * 1981-10-06 1983-06-03 Martinez Georges Convertible bed and settee - has housing forming ends and sides with compartment for flexible mattress
GB2208101A (en) * 1987-06-24 1989-03-01 Stephen Richard Wheeler Motor caravan seating arrangement
GB2389782A (en) * 2002-10-10 2003-12-24 Gary Nathan Street Multi-multifunctional furniture item
ES1077087U (en) * 2011-09-19 2012-06-01 Lucas Gil Ortega Convertible sofa in bed and in a new sofa with independent table and booths (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
GB2518833A (en) * 2013-10-01 2015-04-08 Philip Gamble Combined Desk And Bed

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022001116A1 (en) * 2020-06-30 2022-01-06 傅建华 Sofa
CN114794782A (en) * 2022-04-06 2022-07-29 杨丽华 Self-cleaning formula intelligence house in bottom

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201321488D0 (en) 2014-01-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7131699B2 (en) Furniture with seating space and entertainment center
US20080236452A1 (en) Convertible Multi-Functional Furniture
US20060180055A1 (en) Composite assembly of interconnectable furniture
US20070222261A1 (en) Folding ottoman
CN105578929A (en) Bed to a sofa conversion frame
US20220200647A1 (en) Furniture having load-bearing or non-load bearing structures for storage of water or other material
KR102169818B1 (en) Versatile system furniture
GB2523982A (en) Fusion of sofa, table, bed and technology
JP2013031577A (en) Multipurpose furniture having sofa/bed function
US5522097A (en) Convertible counter-couch-bed unit
US20120204346A1 (en) Modular metamorphosis: parsimonious pedestal-platform furniture system™, (alternatively called the modular metamorphosis 3-P system™ or the modular metamorphasis base-pair furniture system™)
KR101771079B1 (en) Folding mattresses and the storage closet
US6685287B1 (en) Combination corner hutch and dining table
KR101274910B1 (en) A Multi-purpose furniture with function of sofa and bed
CN101233981A (en) Doss capable of being changed into chair
CN210158354U (en) Multifunctional changeable seat
JP4419580B2 (en) Storage rack
CN211483708U (en) Novel practical PU leather sofa
CN220236477U (en) Changeable dining table type sofa
CN217959438U (en) Middle area hollow multifunctional sofa
CA2587540C (en) Convertible furniture item
KR200496854Y1 (en) Valiable-size table assembly
CN209610539U (en) A kind of assembled fire-box
RU2205585C1 (en) Folding upholstered furniture
KR200437461Y1 (en) A triple folding type stool

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)