U.S. patent application number 09/825863 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-03 for folding upholstered furniture.
Invention is credited to Frank, Jeffrey A., Laughlin, Glenn M..
Application Number | 20020000740 09/825863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26890479 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020000740 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laughlin, Glenn M. ; et
al. |
January 3, 2002 |
Folding upholstered furniture
Abstract
An upholstered foldable furniture system for mounting on a
horizontal surface, having a first unfolded configuration for
seating; and a second folded configuration for storage and
shipping. The system comprises a horizontal seat support frame
having a rear support member, front support member, and spaced
apart side support members. A back member, having a bottom back
member, top back member, and spaced aside side support members is
rotatably secured to a rear support member, and is rotatable
between a position parallel to the seat support frame and an obtuse
angle with respect to the seat support frame. Left and right arm
members are each comprised of a rear arm frame, a front arm frame,
an upper arm frame, and a lower arm frame. The lower arm frames are
rotatably secured to the side support members so that they can
rotate through approximately 180 degrees from a vertically upward
position to a vertically downward position. Latch assemblies are
comprised of a first part and a second part, the first part being
attached to an arm member, and the second part being attached to
the side support back member. When the furniture system is in the
unfolded configuration for seating the back member is at an obtuse
angle relative to the seat support frame; and the left and right
arm members are in a vertically upward position relative to the
seat support frame, and the first and second parts of the latch
assemblies are latched. When the furniture system is in the second
folded configuration for storage and shipping the back member is in
a horizontal position relative to the seat support frame, and the
latch assemblies are unlatched.
Inventors: |
Laughlin, Glenn M.; (Sophia,
NC) ; Frank, Jeffrey A.; (Bethesda, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffrey A. Frank
6429 Kenhowe Drive
Bethesda
MD
20817-5445
US
|
Family ID: |
26890479 |
Appl. No.: |
09/825863 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60194862 |
Apr 6, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 4/028 20130101;
A47C 4/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/36 |
International
Class: |
A47D 001/02 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An upholstered foldable furniture system for mounting on a
substantially horizontal surface, said furniture system having a
first unfolded configuration for seating; and a second folded
configuration for storage and shipping, comprising: a horizontal
seat support frame having a rear support member, and left and right
side spaced support members; a back member, having a bottom back
member rotatably secured to said rear support member, said back
member being rotatable between a position substantially parallel to
said horizontal seat support frame and an obtuse angle with respect
to said horizontal seat support frame. left and right arm members,
each of said left and right arm members having a rear arm frame,
and a lower arm frame, said left and right lower arm frames being
secured to said left and right side support members respectively.
left and right latch assemblies, each of said left and right latch
assemblies having a first part and a second part, the first part of
a left latch assembly being attached to one of said left arm member
and said left side support back member, and the second part of a
latch assembly being attached to the other of said left arm member
and said left side support back member; and the first part of said
right latch assembly being attached to one of said right arm member
and said right side support back member, and the second part of a
latch assembly being attached to the other of said right arm member
and said right side support back member, whereby when the furniture
system is in the first unfolded configuration for seating said back
member is in a substantially vertical position, said left and right
arm members are in a vertically upward position, and said first and
second parts of said left and right latch assemblies are latched,
and when the furniture system is in the second unassembled
configuration for storage and shipping said back member is in a
substantially horizontal position, and said first and second parts
of said left and right latch assemblies are unlatched.
2. An upholstered foldable furniture system for mounting on a
substantially horizontal surface, said furniture system having a
first unfolded configuration for seating; and a second folded
configuration for storage and shipping, comprising: a horizontal
seat support frame having a rear support member, front support
member, and left and right side spaced support members; a back
member, having a bottom back member rotatably secured to said rear
support member, said back member being rotatable between a position
substantially parallel to said horizontal seat support frame and an
obtuse angle with respect to said horizontal seat support frame.
left and right arm members, each of said left and right arm members
having a rear arm frame, and a lower arm frame, said left and right
lower arm frames being rotatably secured to said left and right
side support members respectively for rotating each of said left
and right arms from a vertically upward position to a vertically
downward position; and left and right latch assemblies, each of
said left and right latch assemblies having a first part and a
second part, the first part of said left latch assembly being
attached to one of said left arm member and said left side support
back member, and the second part of said latch assembly being
attached to the other of said left arm member and said left side
support back member; and the first part of said right latch
assembly being attached to one of said right arm member and said
right side support back member, and the second part of said latch
assembly being attached to the other of said right arm member and
said right side support back member, whereby when said furniture
system is in the first unfolded configuration for seating said back
member is at an obtuse angle relative to said side support members;
said left and right arm members are in a vertically upward
position, and said first and second parts of said left and right
latch assemblies are latched, and when said furniture system is in
the second folded configuration for storage and shipping said back
member is in a substantially horizontal position, said left and
right arm members are in a vertically downward position, and said
first and second parts of said left and right latch assemblies are
unlatched.
3. The upholstered foldable furniture system defined by claim 2
which further comprises left and right fasteners, each of said
fasteners having a hooking element and a loop element, said hooking
element being connected to one of said left arm member and said
left side support back member, and said loop element being
connected to the other of said left arm member and said left side
support back member; and said hooking element being connected to
one of said right arm member and said right side support back
member, and said loop element being connected to the other of said
right arm member and said right side support back member, said
fasteners cooperating with said latch assemblies to prevent
rotational movement of said back member about said rear support
member.
4. An upholstered foldable furniture system for mounting on a
substantially horizontal surface, said furniture system having a
first unfolded configuration for seating and a second folded
configuration for storage and shipping, comprising: a horizontal
seat support frame, said seat support frame having a front support
member; a rear support member spaced from said front support
member; and left and right side spaced support members interposed
between said front and rear support members; a back member, said
back member having a bottom back member rotatably secured to said
rear support member, said back member being rotatable between a
position substantially parallel to said horizontal seat support
frame and an obtuse angle relative to said back member; a top back
member spaced from said bottom back member; and left and right side
support back members interposed between said bottom and top back
members; left and right arm members, each of said left and right
arm members having a front arm frame; a rear arm frame spaced from
said front arm frame; a lower arm frame interposed between said
front and rear arm frames; and an upper arm frame interposed
between said front and rear arm frames and spaced from said lower
arm frame, said left and right lower arm frames being rotatably
secured to said left and right support members respectively for
rotating each of said arm members between a vertically upward
position and a vertically downward position; and left and right
latch assemblies, each of said left and right latch assemblies
having a latch member; and a latch receptacle, engageable with said
latch member, said latch member of said left latch assembly being
secured to one of said left rear arm frame and a surface of said
left side support back member, and said latch receptacle of said
left latch assembly being secured to the other of said left rear
arm frame and a surface of said left side support back member; and
said latch member of said right latch assembly being secured to one
of said right rear arm frame and a surface of said right side
support back member, and said latch receptacle of said right latch
assembly being secured to the other of said right rear arm frame
and a surface of said right side support back member; whereby when
said furniture system is in the first unfolded configuration for
seating said back member is at an obtuse angle relative to said
side support members; said arm members are in a vertically upward
position, and said latch members and said latch receptacle members
are latched, and when said furniture system is in the second folded
configuration for storage and shipping said back member is in a
substantially horizontal position, said arm members are in a
vertically downward position, and said latch members and said latch
receptacle members are unlatched.
5. The upholstered foldable furniture system defined by claim 4
which further comprises left and right fasteners, each of said
fasteners having a hooking element and a loop element, said hooking
element being connected to one of said left arm member and said
left side support back member, and said loop element being
connected to the other of said left arm member and said left side
support back member; and said hooking element being connected to
one of said right arm member and said right side support back
member, and said loop element being connected to the other of said
right arm member and said right side support back member, said
fasteners cooperating with said latch assemblies to prevent
rotational movement of said back member about said rear support
member.
6. An upholstered foldable furniture system for mounting on a
substantially horizontal surface, said furniture system having a
first unfolded configuration for seating; and a second folded
configuration for storage and shipping, comprising: a horizontal
seat support frame having a rear support part, a pitch rail, and
left and right side spaced support members; a back part, having a
bottom back part rotatably secured to said pitch rail, said back
part being rotatable between a position substantially parallel to
said horizontal seat support frame and at an obtuse angle with
respect to said horizontal seat support frame; an outer back part
having outer back side support parts, a bottom outer back frame
part, and a top outer back frame part; a top frame part attached to
said back part and rotatably joined to said outer back part; left
and right arm members, each of said left and right arm members
having a rear arm frame, and a lower arm frame, said left and right
lower arm frames being rotatably secured to said left and right
side support members respectively for rotating each of said left
and right arms from a vertically upward position to a vertically
downward position; and left and right latch assemblies, each of
said left and right latch assemblies having a first part and a
second part, the first part of a left latch assembly being attached
to one of said left arm member and said left side support back
part, and the second part of a latch assembly being attached to the
other of said left arm member and said left side support back part;
and the first part of a right latch assembly being attached to one
of said right arm member and said right side support back part, and
the second part of a latch assembly being attached to the other of
said right arm member and said right side support back member,
whereby when said furniture system is in the first unfolded
configuration for seating said back member is at an obtuse angle
relative to said side support members; said left and right arm
members are in a vertically upward position, and said first and
second parts of said left and right latch assemblies are latched,
and when said furniture system is in the second folded
configuration for storage and shipping said back member is in a
substantially horizontal position, said left and right arm members
are in a vertically downward position, and said first and second
parts of said left and right latch assemblies are unlatched.
7. The upholstered foldable furniture system defined by claim 6
which further comprises left and right fasteners, each of said
fasteners having a hooking element and a loop element, said hooking
element being connected to one of said left arm member and said
left side support back member, and said loop element being
connected to the other of said left arm member and said left side
support back member; and said hooking element being connected to
one of said right arm member and said right side support back
member, and said loop element being connected to the other of said
right arm member and said right side support back member, said
fasteners cooperating with said latch assemblies to prevent
rotational movement of said back member about said rear support
member.
8. The upholstered foldable furniture system defined by claim 6,
said furniture system having a first unfolded configuration for
seating and a second folded configuration for storage and shipping,
comprising: a horizontal seat support frame, said seat support
frame having a front support member; a rear support part spaced
from said front support member; and a pitch rail spaced apart and
parallel to said rear support part and said front support member;
left and right side spaced support members interposed between said
front support members and rear support part and attached to said
pitch rail; a back part, said back part having a bottom back part
rotatably secured to said pitch rail, said back part being
rotatable between a position parallel to said horizontal seat
support frame and an obtuse angle relative to said seat support
frame; and a top back part spaced from said bottom back part; and
left and right side support back parts interposed between said
bottom and top back parts; an outer back part, said outer back part
having a bottom outer back frame part removably attached to said
rear seat support part; a top outer back frame part spaced from
said bottom outer back frame part; and left and right outer back
side support parts interposed between said bottom and top outer
back parts; a top frame part attached to said back part and
rotatably joined to said top outer back part frame part; left and
right arm members, each of said left and right arm members having a
front arm frame; a rear arm frame spaced from said front arm frame;
a lower arm frame interposed between said front and rear arm
frames; and an upper arm frame (39, 39') interposed between said
front and rear arm frames and spaced from said lower arm frame,
said left and right lower arm frames being rotatably secured to
said left and right support members respectively for rotating each
of said arm members between a vertically upward position and a
vertically downward position; and left and right latch assemblies,
each of said left and right latch assemblies having a latch member;
and a latch receptacle, engageable with said latch member, said
latch member of said left latch assembly being secured to one of
said left rear arm frame and a surface of said left side support
back part, and said latch receptacle of said left latch assembly
being secured to the other of said left rear arm frame and the
surface of said left side support back part; and said latch member
of said right latch assembly being secured to one of said right
rear arm frame and a surface of said right side support back part,
and said latch receptacle of said right latch assembly being
secured to the other of said right rear arm frame and a surface of
said right side support back part; whereby when said furniture
system is in the first unfolded configuration for seating said back
part is at an obtuse angle relative to said side support members;
and the arm members are in a vertically upward position relative to
said side support members; and said latch members and said latch
receptacles are latched, and when said furniture system is in the
second folded configuration for storage and shipping said back
member is in a substantially horizontal position, said arm members
are in a vertically downward position, and said latch members and
said latch receptacles are unlatched.
9. The upholstered foldable furniture system defined by claim 6
which further comprises left and right fasteners, each of said
fasteners having a hooking element and a loop element, said hooking
element being connected to one of said left arm member and said
left side support back member, and said loop element being
connected to the other of said left arm member and said left side
support back member; and said hooking element being connected to
one of said right arm member and said right side support back
member, and said loop element being connected to the other of said
right arm member and said right side support back member, said
fasteners cooperating with said latch assemblies to prevent
rotational movement of said back member about said rear support
member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/194,862, filed Apr. 6, 2000.
[0002] This invention relates to furniture, and in particular, to
folding fully upholstered furniture that can be shipped and/or
stored in a relatively small space.
[0003] Fully upholstered furniture, such as sofas, loveseats,
chairs and sleep sofas that do not have exposed frame members, tend
to be large, bulky and heavy. Fully upholstered furniture has also
gradually increased in size over the past two decades and does not
always fit through narrow doorways or staircases in many older
homes and apartments.
[0004] It is known to provide upholstered furniture that is
assembled by the consumer. Although such Knockdown or
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) upholstered furniture reduces shipping
costs and fits into narrow spaces, its commercial popularity has
been limited. Fully upholstered RTA furniture can be more costly
than comparable conventional furniture due in part to the need for
expensive hardware and the use of expensive fabrics to cover areas
that remain hidden in conventional designs. Also, it has been found
that assembly of such furniture can be awkward for customers who
lack the physical strength needed to assemble heavy components. It
is also known to provide RTA futon furniture. Typically, this type
of furniture is not filly upholstered and consists of an exposed
wood or metal frame with one or more futon cushions.
[0005] It is also known to provide furniture that is foldable, for
example, folding lawn chairs or desk chairs. Typically, this type
of furniture is used outdoors' as lawn or beach furniture, or as
office or institutional-type seating. This folding furniture is
typically not fully upholstered, and often has exposed hardware
which is unsightly, and thus, not suitable for use in most homes as
living room or family room seating. Further, it is known to provide
fully upholstered foam furniture (that does not utilize wood frames
or spring supports) for family room use. However, such furniture
can be relatively uncomfortable, lack durability, and be unsuitable
for most in-home uses. It is also known to provide fully
upholstered automotive seating, which is not suitable for living
room or family room seating.
[0006] It is also known to provide seating (usually chairs) that
does not require the use of a pitch rail or reinforcing outer back
member to maintain the proper angle between the seat and back.
Elimination of these components in larger and heavier items such as
sofas or sleepers permits a considerable cost savings in both
materials and manufacturing labor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fully
upholstered furniture item that is foldable so as to require
reduced space for transport or storage; that is as sturdy and
durable as conventional upholstered furniture; that is
indistinguishable in styling and comfort from conventional fully
upholstered furniture; and that is relatively inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
fully upholstered furniture item that may be rapidly and completely
assembled by a single consumer in a matter of seconds; and that in
use has no exposed hardware and no separate parts or hardware that
may get lost in transportation or storage.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide an
attachment system that will securely attach the arms and back of
the upholstered furniture item to a frame so that there will be
minimal wracking or separation between components, and yet will
allow various parts to be folded for storage or shipping. Wracking
is defined as a twisting movement which often occurs between the
arms and back of inexpensive upholstered furniture.
[0010] Still another object of the invention is to provide a fully
upholstered furniture item that does not require a center pitch
rail or outer back member to maintain the pitch angle between the
back and seat. In this invention, proper pitch is maintained
through the use of a combination of latches fixing the angle of the
back of the arms, and the hinge point of the back frame member.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new, original, and ornamental design of a fully upholstered,
foldable, furniture item.
[0012] The above and other objects are accomplished by providing a
foldable, fully upholstered, furniture item for placement on a
substantially horizontal surface. The furniture item includes an
essentially horizontal seat member having an upper surface and a
lower surface, and front and rear spaced-apart edge regions. A
front support member is provided, which has two spaced-apart edge
faces. Legs are then attached to the front edge region of the seat
member and also to the back edge region of the seat member.
[0013] The furniture item further includes a back member having two
spaced-apart edge faces. The back member is pivotably attached in a
region of one of its edge faces to the upper surface, rear edge
region, of the seat member, and is pivotable about a horizontal
axis from an essentially horizontal position in which the back
member is superposed to the seat member, to an obtuse angle
relative to the seat member in which the one edge face of the back
member rests directly on the seat member.
[0014] The furniture item further includes two arm members having
two spaced apart edge faces. The arm members are each pivotably
attached in a region of one of its edge faces to the upper surface,
rear edge region, of the seat member, and is pivotable about a
horizontal axis from an essentially vertical position in which the
arm member is superposed to the front and rear legs through a 180
degree arc, to an essentially vertical position in which the one
edge face of the arm member rests directly on the seat member.
[0015] Thus, the respective back and arm members are pivotable to
their respective vertical positions to collectively form one of a
foldable chair, love seat, sofa or sofa sleeper. (The seat member
is not pivotable.)
[0016] The furniture item further includes right and left latching
assemblies, each consisting of two elements, a latch member and a
receptacle member which lock together to prevent the arm members
and back member from pivoting on their respective axis when
fastened. In addition, the positioning of the right and left
latching assemblies determines the angle of the back of the arm
members and the hingepoint of the back member thereby setting the
pitch of the back member in relation to the seat member.
[0017] The latching assembly can be a generic draw catch, window
latch or similar catch, latch or clamp intended to join a pair of
members in abutting relationship along the edges thereof and to
lock them in place. The latching assemblies may be manually
released to allow the arm and back members to pivot about their
respective horizontal axis to the storage configuration.
[0018] In this embodiment, the latching assembly is reinforced by a
hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro) comprised of a hooking
element and a loop element. The hook and loop elements are brought
together during the assembly process, allowing the latching
elements to be easily aligned. After the latching elements are
locked into place, and a person is seated, the hook and loop
fasteners prevent the back member from pivoting on a horizontal
axis away from the storage configuration by resistance across the
horizontal plane of the hook and loop fastener.
[0019] Preferably, the seat member is pivotably connected to the
various support members using a plurality of respective hinges. The
hinges can be continuous, i.e., extending across the entire width
of the furniture item, or alternatively, two or more separate
hinges can be used to connect each arm and back member to the seat
member.
[0020] The hinges may be comprised of metal, plastic, or a fabric
material. Whether the present invention is folded in the storage
configuration or unfolded in the normal seating configuration,
little weight is placed on the hinges.
[0021] Further, instead of hinges, the various support members can
be pivotably attached to the seat member using other means, for
example, a ball-and-socket arrangement. Regardless of the method of
pivotably attaching the arm and back members to the seat member, it
will be appreciated that this connection retains the various
support members in constant connection with the seat member, so
that the various components cannot become lost or separated.
[0022] This embodiment provides for a furniture item that is easily
set up by a single person merely by pivoting out light weight arm
and back members The assembly process requires no tools, special
skills, and little strength. Moreover, the furniture item can be
unfolded and locked into the correct seating position by an
individual purchaser in a matter of seconds. Further, when folded
in the storage position, (with the seat and back cushions stored
beneath the seat member) the furniture item displaces only 50% to
75% of the space occupied by the assembled item (depending upon the
style.) As such, the furniture item according to the present
invention can be easily and inexpensively transported and
stored.
[0023] The present invention thus provides for upholstered
furniture such as a chair, sofa or sleep sofa that is decorative,
aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and usable in most homes.
[0024] The invention will now be described in greater detail in
connection with an embodiment thereof that is illustrated in the
drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a furniture item
according to the present invention shown in its unfolded seating
configuration without seat or back cushions.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a furniture item
according to the present invention shown in its unfolded seating
configuration with upholstery and cushions.
[0027] FIG. 3A, 3B and 3C are partial perspective front views
looking toward the left arm member and showing the left arm rear
frame member including the left latching assembly, back member and
rear support frame member.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective front view showing the furniture
item depicted in FIG. 2, in the folded storage or shipping
configuration, with cushions stored beneath the seating
platform.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the furniture item shown in
FIG. 1 in a partially folded position.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the locking mechanism
component of the latching assembly in the unlatched position.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of the locking mechanism
component of the latching assembly in the latched, but unlocked
position.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of the locking mechanism
component of the latching assembly in the latched and locked
position.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a left side view of the furniture item shown in
FIG. 1 in its unfolded seating configuration.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a cross section side view taken along the lines
of 10-10 of the furniture item shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention in the unfolded seating configuration.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the
invention in a partially folded configuration.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the
invention in the folded, storage or shipping configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The following description describes a sofa embodying the
invention, but it will be understood that it is equally applicable
to chairs, sleepers and other types of upholstered furniture. In
the description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to
directions substantially perpendicular and parallel, respectively,
to a floor on which the chair or other type of furniture is placed.
Also the described sofa is symmetrical; therefore for clarity, some
of the drawings show only the left hand components as viewed from
the front of the sofa, the right hand components being mirror
images of the left hand components. In general, the left hand
components are identified by unprimed numbers, and the right hand
components, whether illustrated or not, are identified by primed
numbers.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the unfolded
furniture item in the normal seating configuration is illustrated.
In particular, this embodiment shows the furniture item as being a
sofa 8. When unfolded, the sofa 8 is comprised of a seat support
frame 2, a back member 26, arm members 38, 38', and legs 3, 3', 5,
5'.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the folded furniture
item in the storage or shipping configuration is illustrated.
[0041] The seat support frame 2 is comprised of horizontal front
and rear spaced apart support members 10, 11 (FIG. 10) joined to
horizontal left and right side support members 13, 13'. A seat
support unit 20 is located within the seat support frame 2 bounded
by members 10, 11, 13, 13' and is attached to front and rear
support frame members 10, 11. Alternatively, the seat support unit
20 could be attached to side support members 13, 13'. The seat
support unit may be comprised of sinuous springs (as shown), coil
springs, webbing, a sleeper unit, or other conventional seat
support means.
[0042] Front support member 10 is comprised of lower front support
frame member 10a, upper front support frame member 10b, and side
support frame members 10c, 10c'.
[0043] Rear support frame member 11 is comprised of lower rear
support frame member 11a, upper rear support frame member 11b, and
side support frame members 11c, 11c'.
[0044] The back member 26, is comprised of bottom back member 12
and vertically spaced apart top back member 16, and vertical left
and right spaced apart back side support members 18, 18'. Bottom
back frame member 12 is attached to rear support frame member 11 by
a plurality of hinges 27 (or a continuous hinge.) As shown, when
unfolded, and as typical with sofas, the back member 26 and the
rear support frame member 11 are essentially disposed linearly
relative to one another. However, for comfort reasons the back
member 26 is usually arranged at a slight angle relative to the
rear support frame member 11. A back support unit 19 is located
within the frame bounded by members 12, 16, 18, 18' and is attached
to top and bottom support members 16, 12. The back support unit 19
may be comprised of sinuous springs (as shown), coil springs,
webbing, or other conventional back support means.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C, bottom back member 12
includes bottom surface 12a, and top surface 12b. Bottom back
member 12 is rotatably connected by hinges 27 to rear support frame
member 11. Back side support members 18, 18' include side surfaces
18a, 18a', front surfaces 18b, 18b', and rear surfaces 18c, 18c'
(FIG. 9).
[0046] As best shown in FIG. 1, 5, and 9 the arm members 38, 38'
are comprised of front arm frames 42, 42', rear arm frames 40, 40',
lower arm frames 41, 41' and upper arm frames 39, 39'. Left and
right arm members 38, 38' are attached to side support members 13,
13' by means of a plurality of side hinges 37, 37' (or a continuous
hinge). In the folded storage position (FIG. 4), arm members 38,
38' fold outwardly to rest against or in close proximity to front
legs 3, 3' and rear legs 5, 5'.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C, rear arm frames 40, 40'
include inside surfaces 40a, 40a', top surfaces 40b, 40b', bottom
surfaces 40c, 40c', front surfaces 40d, 40d', rear surfaces 40e and
40e' and upholstered coverings 40f, 40f'.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, when upholstered in the folded, storage
and shipping configuration, seat and back cushions 34, 34', 36, 36'
fit below the support members 10, 11, 13, 13'.
[0049] Referring to 3A, 3B and 3C, the inside surfaces 40a, 40a' of
arm rear frames 40, 40' are removably connected to inside surface
18a, 18a' of back side support members 18, 18' of back member 26 by
means of latch assemblies 28, 28' composed of latch members 28a,
28a' and receptacle members 28b, 28b'. The inside surfaces 40a,
40a' of arm rear frames 40, 40' are also removably connected to
side surfaces 18a, 18a' of side support members 18, 18' of back
member 26 by means of hook and loop fasteners 31, 31' comprised of
hooking elements 31a, 31a' and loop elements 31b, 31b'. FIGS. 3A
and 9 show the relative positions of arm 38 and back member 26 in
the attached position. Bottom edges 40c, 40c' of arm rear members
40, 40' rest on top edge 11e of rear support member 11. FIG. 3B
shows the relative positions of arm 38 and back member 26 midway
through the pivot of arm 38 along axis 61 to the folded position.
FIG. 3C and 5 show the relative positions of arm 38 and back member
26 in the folded (storage or shipping) position. Bottom edges 40c,
40c' of arm rear members 40, 40' are contiguous with the top edge
11e of rear support member 11 and bottom arm frame members 41, 41'
of arm members 38, 38' (FIGS. 4, 5) are contiguous with the top
edge 13b, 13b' of side support members 13, 13'.
[0050] As can be seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 6, 7, and 8, the latch
members 28b, 28b' are attached to front surfaces 18b, 18b' of left
and right back side support members 18, 18'. The receptacle members
28a, 28a' are attached to front surfaces 40d, 40d' of arm rear
frame members 40, 40'. The hook elements 31b, 31b' are attached to
side surfaces 18a, 18a' adjacent to latch members 28b, 28b'
respectively. The loop elements 31a, 31a' are attached to side
surfaces 40a, 40a' adjacent to receptacle members 28a, 28a'
respectively. As seen in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, as the latch member 28b
rotates in the direction of arrows 63a, 63b, and 63c, it hooks
receptacle 28a (FIG. 7), pulling the back member 26 and arm rear
frame member 40 together, then locking them into place (FIGS. 3A,
8), thus preventing horizontal movement of the arms 38, 38' around
pivot point 61 along the axis described by arrow 61a. This locking
action also joins hooking elements 31a, 31a' with loop elements
31b, 31b'. In conjunction with the latch assemblies 28, 28', the
hook and loop fasteners 31, 31' prevent rotational movement of the
back member 26 in the directions described by arrows 64, 65 (FIG.
5). It should be noted that other types of locking latches or
catches could be substituted for the latch and receptacle members
described in this embodiment
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 5, to fold down the back
member 26 of the sofa 8, the arm members 38, 38' are pivoted
outward and about hinges 37, 37' away from back member 26 in a 180
degree arc through the position shown in FIG. 3B until resting in
the position shown by FIG. 3C. The back member 26 is pivoted
forward in the direction of arrow 62 (FIG. 4) towards the seat
support member 20 and about hinges 27.
[0052] In the assembled position, arm members 38, 38'and back
member 26 are restricted in their inward and outward movements by
the latching assemblies 28, 28' and the hook and loop fasteners 31,
31'.
[0053] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the seat support frame 2 is
integrally connected to the back member 26 and the arm members 38,
38' via the hinges 27 and 37, 37' respectively. As a result, none
of the various components of the sofa 8 can become lost or
separated when the sofa is in its folded storage position.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, when upholstered in the assembled
position, and with seat and back cushions 34, 34' 36, 36' in place,
all of the hardware, (i.e. hinges 27, 37, 37') latching assembly
members 28, 28', and hook and loop fasteners 31, 31' are concealed
or hidden from view.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the sofa is illustrated in
the unfolded assembled position. The sofa is not shown as being
upholstered for clarity reasons. The back member 26 is pivoted so
that the respective surfaces 18a, 18a' of back left and right side
support members 18, 18' are contiguous and parallel with inside
surfaces 40a, 40a' of rear arm frames 40, 40' forming pitch angle
62. This pitch angle is determined by lining up the rear surfaces
18c, 18c' of back side support members 18, 18' parallel to the rear
surfaces 40e, 40e' of the arm rear frame members 40, 40'. The pitch
angle is fixed rigidly by locking latching assemblies 28, 28' as
described above.
[0056] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12,
and 13. This embodiment has a back part 25 consisting of a bottom
back part frame 88, left and right side support back parts 98, 98',
and a top back part 92. A pitch rail 78 is also provided which runs
parallel to a rear supporting member 86 and is attached to bottom
back frame part 88 by means of hinges 90.
[0057] An outer back part 71 is provided and is comprised of top
outer back frame part 72, bottom outer back frame part 75, and
outer back side support parts 74, 74'. Rear support part 86 is
removably attached by means of dowels 76 or other removable
attachment means, to bottom outer back frame part 75. Top back
frame part 92 of back part 25 is connected to top outer back frame
part 72 by means of a plurality of hinges 82 (or a continuous
hinge). A top frame part 70 is also shown in this embodiment
attached to outer back side support parts 74, 74' and back part 25.
In this embodiment, hinges 82 are shown attached to top outer back
frame part 72 and top frame part 70.
[0058] In this alternative embodiment (FIGS. 11, 12, and 13), the
pitch angle 95 (FIG. 12) is determined by the relationship of back
part 25 to outer back part 71. In the assembled position (FIG. 11),
rear surfaces 40e, 40e' of the arm rear frame members 40, 40' are
now parallel with rear surfaces 74a, 74a' of outer back side
support parts 74, 74'. As in the first embodiment, the pitch angle
95 (FIG. 12) is fixed rigidly by locking latching assemblies 28,
28'.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, arm members
38, 38' are pivoted outward and about hinges 37, 37' away from back
part 25 in a 180 degree arc through the position shown in FIG. 3B
until resting in the folded storage position shown by FIGS. 3C and
12.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 13, the outer back side support part 74 is
lifted up in the direction of arrow 84 so that dowels 76 are
retracted from rear support frame member 11. (See FIG. 11.) Outer
back member 74 is then pivoted around hinges 82 in the direction of
arrow 94 until bottom outer back frame part 75 touches bottom back
frame part 88. Back frame part 25 is then pivoted around hinges 90
in the direction of arrow 80 until back frame part 25 is contiguous
with seat support frame 2.
[0061] The sofa described in the first embodiment can have a width
of about 82 inches, with a depth of the seat member 14 being about
34 inches and a height of the back member 26 being about 34 inches
(from the floor) or 23 inches (as measured from the upper surface
of the seat member). Further, the front support member 10 and the
rear support member 11 can have a height of 11 inches. These
particular dimensions will provide a sofa that is comfortable for
use and that is suitable, when upholstered and provided with
cushions 34, 34', 36, 36' for the interior of most homes. Moreover,
such a configured frame will accommodate cushions having sufficient
loft so as to provide the needed comfort level and will also have
sufficient storage space beneath seat springs 20 to accommodate
cushions 34, 34', 36, 36' in the unassembled storage position. (See
FIG. 4.) Of course other dimensions for the various support members
and seat member can also be used, so as to provide a sofa 8 having
a different size, or a loveseat, chair or sleep sofa.
[0062] When the sofa frame is in the folded configuration for
storage and shipping, (FIG. 4) the sofa 8 will have a foot print
defined by the support members 10, 11, 13, 13' plus the surfaces
defined by arm bottom surfaces 41, 41', for example 89 inches wide
by 29 inches in depth for the sofa 8 described above. The folded
sofa has a substantially decreased depth as compared with its
assembled state. This is because the top frame member 16 of back
member 26 is pitched back beyond the perpendicular of the back
frame member 11 in the unfolded seating position. When folded,
however, the bottom frame member 12 of back member 26 is contiguous
and parallel to the rear edge 11b of back frame member 11 (FIG.
10). A folded sofa 8, when provided with the seat cushions 34, 34',
and back cushions 36, 36' can be stored and transported in a carton
(not shown) having a width of 91 inches, a depth of 31 inches, and
a height of only 15 inches. This is less than half the volume of
the carton necessary to transport and store the sofa 8 in its
unfolded state.
[0063] The various support members and seat member are preferably
comprised of wood, for example, solid wood or plywood. Other
materials, such as molded plastic or metal can also be used.
[0064] As will be appreciated, since the various members are
essentially components that can be individually built and
upholstered before being joined by the hinge members, this greatly
facilitates the manufacture of the furniture item. While the
present invention has been described in detail with respect to
preferred embodiments, it will be understood that numerous
modifications, changes, variations and equivalents may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the
invention herein be limited only by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *