Sofa bridge

A modular "bridge" section is disclosed having a seat frame assembly and a detachable seat back assembly supported therefrom. The seat frame assembly and the detachable seat back assembly are upholstered to define an aesthetically-pleasing seat section which can be installed between two seat sections or, alternatively, which can be used as an armless end unit of a modular sectional arrangement. In addition, the detachable seat back assembly has a "flip-down" table and a storage bin incorporated therein wherein a linkage serves to support the flip-down table in both an upright position and an open position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to upholstered articles of 
furniture and, more particularly, to a detachable seat back assembly of 
the type used in sofas and modular seating units and having a flip-down 
table and a storage bin incorporated therein. 
Due to the highly competitive nature of the furniture industry, 
manufacturers have a substantial interest in developing articles of 
furniture which offer improved comfort and convenience to consumers. Thus, 
it is known to incorporate various comfort features (i.e., reclining 
units, rocking units, extensible leg rests, etc.) into the seat sections 
of otherwise traditional articles of furniture. 
To provide additional convenience to the seat occupants, it is known to 
position a console unit between two seat sections of a sofa or a modular 
sectional arrangement. One example of such an arrangement is disclosed in 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,244 to Sproule and includes an upholstered console 
unit having a raised pedestal which functions as a padded arm rest. The 
raised pedestal, however, tends to detract from the continuity of 
available seating area on the sofa. Thus, it has been proposed to 
incorporate a "flip-down" console or table into the center backrest of the 
sofa. The upholstered backrest can be selectively moved between an upright 
position wherein the table surface is concealed, and a horizontal position 
wherein the backrest overlies the seat to permit access to the table 
surface. Typically, conventional "flip-down" tables utilize a hinge 
mechanism for causing pivotable movement of the upholstered backrest 
relative to a stationary portion of the sofa's frame. One example of a 
"flip-down" table arrangement of the type incorporated into the backrest 
of a sofa is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,240,748 to Bak. A similar 
construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,182 to Rasnick wherein the 
hinge mechanism is a snap-type "break-away" linkage that is operable to 
frictionally retain the movable backrest portion in the open horizontal 
position under most conditions, yet which becomes releasably disengaged in 
response to the application of loads on the table which exceed a 
predetermined value. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, a principle object of the present invention is to provide a 
modular "bridge" section having a seat frame assembly and a detachable 
seat back assembly supported therefrom. The seat frame assembly and the 
detachable seat back assembly are upholstered to define an 
aesthetically-pleasing seat section which can be installed between two 
seat sections or, alternatively, which can be used as an armless end unit 
of a modular sectional arrangement. As a related object, the detachable 
seat back assembly has a "flip-down" table and a storage bin incorporated 
therein. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a seat back assembly 
having a "flip-down" table that is self-supporting for sustaining large 
loadings without reliance on support from the underlying seat cushion. 
Yet another object of the present invention is directed to retrofit 
installation of the detachable seat back assembly into existing sofas or 
modular sectional units. Such retro-fit installation can be quickly and 
simply accomplished without requiring modification or rework to existing 
framework. In this manner, existing furniture can be easily converted to 
include a seat back assembly having a "flip-down" table and a storage bin 
for providing additional comfort and convenience. 
The modular "bridge" section of the present invention includes a stationary 
seat frame assembly and a detachable seat back assembly. The seat back 
assembly includes an upholstered seat back member that can be detachably 
secured to the seat frame assembly. In addition, the seat back assembly 
also includes an upholstered "flip-down" table member which is 
interconnected for pivotable articulated movement with respect to the 
upholstered seat back member by a pair of laterally-spaced linkage 
mechanisms. The linkage mechanisms are self-supporting and synchronously 
operable to move the table member between a "closed" upright position and 
an "open" horizontal position with respect to the seat back member. The 
linkage mechanisms include stop means for positively locating the table 
member in either of the "open" and "closed" positions. Moreover, due to 
the articulative movement of the linkage mechanisms, an enlarged opening 
is maintained within the frame of the seat back member so as to provide an 
area for convenient installation of the storage bin. A rigid tray is 
supported from a rear portion of the table member and may include drink 
wells for retaining bottles and drink glasses, and an enlarged planar work 
surface. Thus, when the table member is in the "closed" position, a seat 
back cushion secured to a front portion of the table member acts to 
conceal the tray and storage bin from view. 
Additional objects, advantages and features of the present invention will 
become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description 
and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
With reference to the drawings, an exemplary upholstered sofa 10 is shown 
to include right and left seat sections 12 and 14, respectively, and a 
bridge section 16 positioned therebetween. In general, bridge section 16 
is a dual-purpose unit having a "flip-down" table incorporated into the 
seat back that can be selectively concealed or operatively extended. Thus, 
when the "flip-down" table is concealed, bridge section 16 functions as a 
conventional seat section to provide a continuous seating area with seat 
sections 12 and 14. Alternatively, when the "flip-down" table is extended, 
bridge section 16 functions as a console unit to provide a combination arm 
rest and table surface. 
Preferably, seat sections 12, 14 and bridge section 16 are manufactured as 
separate upholstered units which can be rigidly assembled into sofa 10 in 
the manner disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,253 entitled 
"Mounting Apparatus For A Modular Sofa Assembly", the disclosure of which 
is expressly incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, bridge 
section 16 is also well-adapted for use with modular sectional units so as 
to be positionable as either an intermediate unit or as an armless end 
unit. While not forming part of the present invention, it is contemplated 
that seat sections 12 and 14 could include such comfort features as 
reclining seat assemblies and/or extensible leg rest assemblies. 
As best seen from FIGS. 1 through 3, bridge section 16 is shown to 
generally include an upholstered seat frame assembly 18 and an upholstered 
seat back assembly 20. Seat frame assembly 18 is a rigid box-like 
structure that is adapted to support a seat cushion 22 thereon while seat 
back assembly 20 carries a cushioned back 24. In accordance with the 
present invention, seat back assembly 20 includes a stationary back member 
26 and a "flip-down" table member 28. To permit bridge section 16 to be 
used as an end section in a modular sectional arrangement, seat back 
assembly 20 also includes upholstered side panels 29 that extend forwardly 
from each lateral side of back member 26 to provide bridge section 16 with 
a aesthetically-pleasing upholstered appearance. Table member 28 is 
movable with respect to back member 26 between an upright "closed" 
position (as shown in FIG. 1) and a horizontal "open" position (as shown 
in FIG. 2). Cushioned back 24 is carried on a front portion of table 
member 28 while a multi-purpose tray 30 is secured to a rear portion 
thereof. In addition, a storage bin 31 is secured within an open area 
formed in back member 26. Thus, it will be understood that in the upright 
"closed" position, tray member 30 and storage bin 31 are concealed from 
view while cushioned back 24 maintains the overall continuity (i.e., "flow 
lines") of sofa 10. Moreover, it can be seen that in the horizontal "open" 
position, table member 28 also functions as a inboard armrest for a person 
seated in either of seat sections 12 and 14. 
According to one desirable feature of the present invention, a pair of 
lockable slide brackets 33 are secured to lateral edge portions of back 
member 26 and can be inserted over links 35 secured to seat frame assembly 
18 for detachably securing seat back assembly 20 to seat frame assembly 18 
in a manner similar to that disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 
5,184,871 entitled "Detachable Chair Back" the disclosure of which is 
likewise incorporated by reference herein. Thus, the present invention is 
superior to conventional console arrangements in that detachable seat back 
assembly 20 can be retro-fit into existing sofas and sectional units. In 
this manner, an otherwise conventional backrest can be replaced with 
detachable seat back assembly 20 to provide the added comfort and 
convenience offered by "flip-down" table member 28 and storage bin 31. 
With reference to FIGS. 4 through 8 wherein bridge section 16 is shown with 
its upholstery and underlying support structure removed, the functional 
cooperation of the various components associated with detachable seat back 
assembly 20 will now be described in greater detail. In general, the inner 
frame construction for each of back member 26 and table member 28 is 
conventional in nature and includes wooden beams interconnected using 
suitable fasteners, adhesives and the like. In particular, back member 26 
has a rigid frame structure made of a pair of laterally-spaced vertical 
side rails 32 that are secured along their lower portions by a pair of 
transverse cross members 34 and 36. Back member 26 further includes a 
down-turned U-shaped segment having vertical side beams 38 that are 
interconnected by an upper cross member 40. To provide rigidity, the inner 
planar surfaces of vertical side beams 38 overlay the outer planar 
surfaces of vertical side rails 32 and are secured thereto via suitable 
means, such as suitable fasteners and/or adhesives, to form a generally 
box-like back member 26. As best seen from FIGS. 5 and 7, the 
laterally-spaced vertical side rails 32 are generally triangular and have 
a forwardly extending lower lug 42 between which cross member 36 is 
secured. More particularly, a front edge 44 of side rails 32 is tapered to 
extend forwardly so as to define an enlarged open area within back member 
26 between lower cross members 34 and 36. Storage bin 31 is secured within 
this open area and may include racks, removable trays or other dividers 
within its interior for organizing items such as books magazines, 
cassettes, remote controllers and the like 
To provide means for permitting table member 28 to move between the 
"closed" and "open" positions with respect to back member 26, a pair of 
laterally-spaced linkage mechanisms 46 are provided. More specifically, 
the laterally-spaced linkage mechanisms 46 are operable for coupling an 
inner box-like frame 48 of table member 28 to vertical side rails 32 of 
back member 26. While only one linkage mechanism 46 is shown and described 
in detail, it will be understood that a mirror image linkage mechanism on 
the opposite lateral side of seat back assembly 20 works in 
synchronization therewith. 
According to the embodiment shown, linkage mechanisms 46 are a two-bar 
linkage that is adapted to generate articulated pivotable movement of 
table frame 48. As best seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, each linkage mechanism 46 
includes a first pivot bracket 50 mounted to an external planar surface of 
side rail 32 and a second pivot bracket 52 mounted to an external edge 
surface of table frame 48. An upper swing link 54 has its first end 
pivotably connected about pivot point 56 to an upper end of first pivot 
bracket 50. The opposite end of upper swing link 54 is pivotably coupled 
about pivot point 58 to a central portion of second pivot bracket 52. In 
addition, a first end of a lower swing link 60 is pivotably coupled about 
pivot point 62 to a lower portion of first pivot bracket 50. The second 
end of lower swing link 60 is pivotably coupled about pivot point 64 to an 
end portion of second pivot bracket 52 secured in close proximity to a 
rear edge of table frame 48. Preferably, each of the afore-noted pivot 
points is defined by a riveted connection between the respective pivot 
bracket and swing link. Finally, an enlarged shield bracket 66 is coupled 
for movement between pivot points 56 and 58 so as to inhibit accessibility 
to pinch points associated with articulated movement of linkage mechanisms 
46. Upholstered panels 29 are also helpful in substantially concealing 
linkage mechanisms 46. 
As shown in FIG. 4, shield bracket 66 has a rolled lower edge to prevent 
damage to upholstery and fabric as the table member 28, and associated 
linkage mechanisms 46, are moved between the "open" and "closed" 
positions. Shield bracket 66 is attached to linkage mechanism 46 via rivet 
means at pivot points 56 and 58 to prevent accidental removal. Further, 
shield bracket 66 is preferably constructed from steel or other like 
material. In this manner, shield bracket 66 will not be subject to wear or 
breakage. In addition, shield bracket 66 increases the general load 
bearing capacity of table member 28 because it is integral with upper 
swing link 52, thereby strengthening swing link 52 and the entire linkage 
mechanism 46. 
To provide means for positively locating and supporting table member 28 in 
the "open" position, a stop rivet 70 is fixed to lower swing link 60 and 
is engagable with an edge surface of upper swing link 54. More 
particularly, the lower edge surface of upper swing link 54 has a 
"carved-out" slot 72 which terminates at each end with generally arcuate 
surfaces 74A and 74B. Thus, in the horizontal "open" position shown in 
FIG. 8, the arcuate outer peripheral surface of stop rivet 70 is adapted 
to matingly engage arcuate surface 74A formed at one end of carved-out 
slot 72 so as to maintain a continuous "line" of contact therebetween. 
Such a locking arrangement provides superior stability and rigidity for 
supporting table member 28 in the "open" position. More specifically, with 
table member 28 in the "open" position, the widely separated pivot points 
associated with linkage mechanisms 46 permit table member 28 to withstand 
static loads that are greater than those anticipated from normal use. 
As best seen from FIG. 6, when table member 28 is positioned in its upright 
"closed" position, linkage mechanism 46 is arranged such that the opposite 
end 74B of carved-out slot 72 engages the outer peripheral surface of the 
rivet associated with lower pivot point 62 on first pivot bracket 50. In 
addition, upper swing link 54 includes a outwardly deformed intermediate 
portion 80 (see FIG. 4) which is adapted to permit pivot point 64 on lower 
swing link 60 to move without restriction when table member 28 is pulled 
out to the "open" position. Thus, the present invention is adapted to 
provide means for positively locating table member 28 in either of the 
upright "closed" position or the "open" horizontal position. Due to the 
compact arrangement and articulated movement of linkage mechanisms 46, the 
linkage mechanism 46 are completely concealed when table member 28 is in 
the "closed" position and are substantially concealed when table member 
28 is in the "open" position. 
When it is desired to move table member 28 from the normally "closed" 
position of FIGS. 5 and 6, to the "open" position of FIGS. 7 and 8, an 
upper edge of table member 28 is pulled forwardly and downwardly (i.e., 
clockwise in the drawings). Such movement causes both swing links 54 and 
60 to swing upwardly about their respective pivot points on first pivot 
bracket 50. As such, the rear portion of table frame 48 is swung forwardly 
to maintain a clearance relative to storage bin 31 mounted within back 
member 26. Thereafter, continued movement of table member 28 causes pivot 
point 64 on the second end of lower swing link 60 to be driven upwardly 
for rotating second pivot bracket 52 and table frame 48 about pivot point 
58 to the desired horizontal orientation. In this position, pivot point 64 
is slightly over-center with respect to second pivot point 58 of upper 
swing link 54, such over-center positioning of pivot point 64 
corresponding to engagement of stop rivet 70 with front arcuate end 74A of 
carved-out slot 72. To return table member 28 to the upright "closed" 
position, it is simply required to rotate table member 28 upwardly and 
rearwardly (i.e., counter-clockwise in the drawings). Thus, linkage 
mechanisms 46 generate an articulated-type of movement which is adapted to 
maintain the clearance with back member 26. Moreover, linkage mechanisms 
46 are "self-supporting" such that table member 28 is held in the "open" 
position without depending on load-carrying engagement between the 
underlying seat cushion 22 and cushioned back 24. 
The foregoing discussion discloses and describes an exemplary embodiment of 
the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from 
such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that 
various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without 
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the 
following claims.