Patent ID: 6427261
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: A47C

Abstract:
A furniture frame movable between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration, the furniture frame comprising:a seat panel; and a back panel operably connected with the seat panel by connection structure; wherein the seat panel and the back panel are movable relative to each other to form the bed configuration of the furniture frame, in which the seat panel and the back panel are in substantially the same generally horizontal plane to support a generally horizontal cushion, and to form the sofa configuration of the furniture frame, in which the seat panel and the back panel are disposed at an angle to each other; further wherein a portion of the seat panel and a portion of the back panel overlap with each other to form a generally continuous cushion support surface down a center of the furniture frame when the furniture frame is in the bed configuration; further wherein one of the seat panel and back panel comprises a longitudinal cross rail, further wherein the seat panel comprises seat panel slats and the back panel comprises back panel slats, further wherein either the seat panel slats or the back panel slats are constructed to roll on the longitudinal cross rail as the furniture frame moves between the bed configuration and the sofa configuration; further wherein the connection structure comprises a pivotable member connected to the seat panel at a pivot point, the pivotable member being constructed to raise the back panel as the furniture frame moves from the bed configuration to the sofa configuration; further wherein the pivotable member comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the pivotable member being constructed to engage and lift the back panel when the furniture frame is being moved from the bed configuration to the sofa configuration, and the second end of the pivotable member being constructed to engage the seat panel, separately from the pivot, such that a downward force exerted on the seat panel exerts a lifting force on the back panel to move the furniture frame to the sofa configuration.