Abstract:
There is provided a sleeper sofa including a sofa frame, a main support frame, and a bed frame engageable with the sofa frame and main support frame. The sofa frame includes first and second arm portions, and a backrest portion extending therebetween. The main support frame is connected to at least one of the first and second arm portions to fixedly connect the main support frame to the sofa frame. The bed frame includes a first section and a second section pivotally connected to the first section via a hinge. The sleeper sofa further includes a guide plate defining an arcuate guide slot, which communicates with a guide post connected to the second section of the bed frame. The guide post travels in the guide slot to lower and raise the second section of the bed frame as the bed frame moves between the retracted and extended positions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/659,299, filed Jun. 13, 2012, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to a sleeper sofa, and more particularly to a pullout sleeper sofa with a translatable support frame which includes only two pivoting sections which pivot about a single pivot axis. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Sofa-beds have been in existence in the United States for many decades. One deficiency in prior art sofa-beds is that they are uncomfortable to sleep in. In particular, the bed frame of the sofa-bed may support a bed cushion via a system of springs. Unfortunately, the springs may not be sufficiently rigid to support a person lying down on the bed. Accordingly, the sleeper may complain of backache or an unpleasant sleep experience. 
         [0007]    Another deficiency in prior art sofa-beds is that the bed frame is generally complex and unstable. In particular, the bed frame is typically folded into the sofa, and more particularly, into the base portion of the sofa where the person may sit. To fold the entire bed under the base portion of the sofa, the bed frame may have numerous pivoting parts to provide a pedestal to support the bed frame above the ground. Moreover, the bed frame may consist of three separate support portions. These support portions and pedestals may be folded upon each other in an accordion fashion and tucked into the base portion of the sofa which add to the instability and complexity of prior art sofa-beds. Such prior art devices may be complex to manufacture, heavy and not user friendly. Along these lines, use of the sleeper sofa may be difficult, not only for the intended user, but also for anyone trying to clean the sleeper sofa. For instance, many hotels and cruise lines include sleeper sofas in their rooms to take advantage of the dual functionality afforded by sleeper sofas. However, the cleaning crews in the hotels and cruise lines must clean the sleeper sofas by pulling out the bed portion for cleaning. In view of the large number of sleeper sofas included in a given hotel or cruise line, the process of unfolding each sleeper sofa during the cleaning process tends to be a very tedious and time-consuming endeavor. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improved sofa-bed which is specifically configured and adapted to transition between retracted and extended positions with greater ease that conventional, accordion-type sleeper sofas. These, and other advantages of the present invention, will be discussed in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a sleeper sofa that is easily transitional between a retracted position and an extended position. The sleeper sofa generally rolls or glides between the retracted and extended positions, and includes only two pivoting sections, thereby making deployment and storage of the bed portion simple, and easy-to-use. 
         [0010]    According to one embodiment, the sleeper sofa includes a sofa frame, a main support frame, and a bed frame engageable with the sofa frame and main support frame. The sofa frame includes a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a backrest portion extending between the first and second arm portions. The main support frame is connected to at least one of the first and second arm portions to fixedly connect the main support frame to the sofa frame. The bed frame includes a first section and a second section pivotally connected to the first section via a hinge. The sleeper sofa further includes a guide plate defining an arcuate guide slot, which communicates with a guide post connected to the second section of the bed frame. The guide post travels in the guide slot to lower and raise the second section of the bed frame as the bed frame moves between the retracted and extended positions. 
         [0011]    According to one embodiment, the bed frame includes a forward section and a rearward section pivotally connected to the forward section, wherein the bed frame is selectively transitional between an extended position and a retracted position. The rearward section may pivot relative to the forward section and extend upwardly into the backrest cavity as the bed frame transitions from the extended position toward the rearward position. The bed frame may be configured to pivot about a single axis as the bed frame transitions between the extended and retracted positions. 
         [0012]    According to another embodiment, the bed frame includes a pair of pivoting frame sections and defines a forward edge. The bed frame may be configured such that the forward edge moves away from a rear wall of the sofa frame as the bed frame transitions from the retracted position toward the extended position. 
         [0013]    The first and second sections of the bed frame may be in generally co-planar alignment when the bed frame is in the extended position, and in an angular configuration when the bed frame is in the retracted position. 
         [0014]    The sleeper sofa may further include a locking member engaged with the bed frame and the main support frame to restrict unwanted movement of the bed frame relative to the main support frame. The locking member may be selectively moved between an engaged, locked position and a disengaged, unlocked position as desired by the user. When in the engaged, locked position, the bed frame may not be moved relative to the sleeper frame. In the disengaged, unlocked position, the bed frame may be moved toward the retracted or extended positions. The locking member may be moved from the locked position toward the unlocked position by lifting an end portion of the bed frame relative to the main support frame. 
         [0015]    The sleeper sofa may further include a frame support connected to the main support frame, wherein the frame support is configured to support the bed frame when the bed frame is in the extended position. The frame support may engage with the first section and/or the second section of the bed frame. The frame support may also engage with the hinge connecting the first and second sections. 
         [0016]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a sleeper sofa constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeper sofa depicted in a retracted position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the sleeper sofa with cushions removed and the sleeper sofa in an extended position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of a main support frame connected to a sofa frame; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an upper perspective view of the main support frame depicted in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view of the main support frame, a portion of the sofa frame, and a moveable bed frame; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a side upper perspective view of the sleeper sofa in a retracted position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a side upper perspective view of the sleeper sofa in an extended position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a guide plate connected to a portion of the sofa frame; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the guide plate and sofa frame depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present devices may be developed or utilized. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first, second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. 
         [0029]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown a sleeper sofa  30  which includes a sofa frame  20 , a main support frame  17  coupled to the sofa frame  20 , and a bed frame  1  moveably connected to the main support frame  17 . The bed frame  1  generally includes two pivotal sections  32 ,  34  (see  FIGS. 5-7 ) which pivot about a hinge  9  between a retracted position (see  FIG. 6 ), and an extended position (see  FIG. 7 ). As will be explained in more detail below, in the retracted position, the two sections  32 ,  34  of the bed frame  1  assume an angled configuration relative to each other, whereas in the extended position, the two sections  32 ,  34  assume a generally co-planar position relative to each other. The sofa frame  20 , main support frame  17 , and bed frame  1  are all configured to allow for quick and easy transition of the bed frame  1  from the retracted position to the extended position, and vice versa. The pivotal movement of bed frame  1  about a single pivotal axis (e.g., defined by hinge  9 ) allows the bed frame  1  to easily transition between the retracted and extended positions, simply by pulling the bed frame  1  away from the sofa frame  20  (for extension) or pushing the bed frame  1  toward the sofa frame  20  (for retraction). 
         [0030]    The drawings depict an exemplary embodiment of the sofa frame  20  and the main support frame  17 . The sofa frame  20  includes a first arm portion  36 , an opposing second arm portion  38 , and a backrest portion  40  extending between the first and second arm portions  36 ,  38 . Seat cushions  25  and back cushions  27  may be placed between the first and second arm portions  36 ,  38 . The main support frame  17  includes a rear support member  42  and a pair of arm support members  44 ,  46  connected to opposed end portions of the rear support member  42 . The rear support member  42  is positioned adjacent the backrest portion  40  of the sofa frame  20 , while the pair of arm support members  44 ,  46  are connected to respective ones of the pair of first and second arm portions  36 ,  38 . The pair of arm support members  44 ,  46  may be similarly configured to include a bracket  23  having apertures, slots or the like to accommodate nails, screws, rivets or other mechanical fasteners for securing the arm support members  44 ,  46  to the first and second arm portions  36 ,  38 . 
         [0031]    The main support frame  17  further includes a forward support member  48  and a pair of lateral support members  50 ,  52  extending from opposed end portions of the forward support member  48  to the rear support member  42 . A pair of connector members  10  extend between respective ones of the lateral support members  50 ,  52  and the first and second arm support members  46 ,  44 . 
         [0032]    A plurality of legs  15  are connected to the main support frame  17  to elevate the main support frame  17  above a lower support surface, such as a floor. The plurality of legs  15  are preferably spaced about the main support frame  17  to provide balanced support to the main support frame  17 . Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment shows four (4) legs  15 , although fewer than four or more than four support legs  15  may be used, depending on the size, shape and configuration of the sleeper sofa  30 . 
         [0033]    One or more bed frame supports  5  is connected to the main support frame  17  to support the bed frame  1  when the bed frame  1  is in the extended position. The bed frame supports  5  are preferably positioned over the legs  15  to efficiently transfer the load from the bed frame supports  5  to the legs  15 , and thereby mitigate load transfer through the main support frame  17 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a partial view of the sofa frame  20 , with the main support frame  17  being connected to the sofa frame  20 . The bed frame  1  is also shown detached from the main support frame  17  and the sofa frame  20 . With the particulars of the main support frame  17  and sofa frame  20  being described above, the following discussion will focus on the features of the bed frame  1 . 
         [0035]    The bed frame  1  includes the first section  32  and second section  34  pivotal relative to each other about the hinge  9 . Each section  32 ,  34  is defined by a generally quadrangular frame having generally rounded corners. In the exemplary embodiment, the first section  32  includes a larger frame which defines a depth that is larger than the frame of the second section  34 . 
         [0036]    According to one embodiment, the first and second sections  32 ,  34  are pivotable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position. Due to the size and configuration of the first and second sections  32 ,  34 , the bed frame  1  is pivotable about a single axis as the bed frame  1  pivots between the retracted and extended positions. Furthermore, the bed frame  1  is preferably configured and adapted such that the first and second sections  32 ,  34  pivot less than ninety degrees relative to each other as the bed frame  1  transitions between the retracted and extended positions. In this regard, the bed frame  1  does not fold with one section overlapping the other as the bed frame  1  transitions to the retracted position, which is distinct from conventional, “accordion-type” sleeper sofas. 
         [0037]    The first and second sections  32 ,  34  also include a plurality of slats  7  which collectively form a deck and act as a support for a mattress disposed thereon. As shown, the slats  7  extend in a transverse direction across the respective frame. Each section  32 ,  34  include a plurality of slat supports  24  for connecting the slats  7  to the respective frame. The slats  7  may be connected to the slat supports  24  via rivets  16  or other mechanical fasteners known by those skilled in the art. 
         [0038]    The bed frame  1  further includes a plurality of wheels  13  connected thereto to allow the bed frame  1  to be easily transitioned between the extended and retracted positions. According to one embodiment, the wheels  13  are connected to the first section  32  via respective metal wheel supports  14 . The wheels  13  may define various sizes, although in a preferred embodiment, the wheels are approximately 5 inches in diameter. 
         [0039]    The wheels  13  are preferably grouped in pairs, wherein the wheels  13  in a given pair are aligned along a common axis (i.e., roll along a common axis) which extends generally transverse to the first section  32 . Furthermore, the wheels  13  in a given pair are connected via a wheel cart frame  4  which extends between the wheels  13  in the respective pair. Each wheel cart frame  4  connects a pair of wheels  13  together to facilitate steering of the bed frame  1  in and out of the sofa frame  20 . Furthermore, the wheel cart frame  4  supports the weight of an individual sitting bed frame  1  when the bed frame  1  is in the retracted position, or lying on the bed frame  1 , when the bed frame  1  is in the extended position. The wheels  13  allow the bed frame  1  to easily glide between the retracted and extended positions. 
         [0040]    The underside of the bed frame  1  includes a frame support  18  and lock members  11  connected to the frame support  18 . The lock members  11  lock the bed frame  1  in place relative to the main support frame  17  to mitigate unwanted movement of the bed frame  1 . When the bed frame  1  is in the retracted position, at least one of the lock members  11  engaged with the forward support bar  48  of the main support frame  17 . In this regard, the lock member  11  defines a contact surface which rests on the main support frame  17  when in the locked position and prevents transverse movement of the bed frame  1  relative to the main support frame  17 . To unlock the bed frame  1  from the main support frame  17 , the user lifts the front end portion of the first section  32 , which causes disengagement of the lock member  11  from the main support frame  17 . One or more restriction bars  3  may be connected to the first section  32  to keep the bed frame  1  in the generally horizontal position, i.e., to prevent a user from lifting the first section  32  too much when unlocking the bed frame  1  from the main support frame  17 . 
         [0041]    The sofa  30  further includes a movement assembly which aids in the movement of the bed frame  1  between the extended and retracted positions relative to the sofa frame  20  and main support frame  17 . The movement assembly includes a guide post  2  and a guide wheel  29  connected to the guide post  2  via a fastener  27 . The guide post  2  is connected to the second section  34  of the bed frame  1  and extends slightly outward therefrom in a lateral direction. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9 , the movement assembly further includes a guide plate  8  having a guide slot  56  formed therein. The guide post  2  extends within the guide slot  56  and guides the guide post  2 , and in turn, the second section  34  of the bed frame  1  during movement of the bed frame  1  between the retracted position and extended position. The guide slot  56  defines a generally arcuate configuration, which corresponds to the raising/lowering of the end portion of the second section  34  as the bed frame  1  transitions between the retracted and extended positions. More specifically, when the bed frame  1  moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the end portion  58  of the second section  34  is lowered. Conversely, when the bed frame  1  moves from the extended position to the retracted position, the end portion  58  of the second section  34  is raised. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 6 and 7  further show a front panel  60  to the sofa frame  20 . The front panel  60  generally extends between the first and second arms portions  36 ,  38 . The front panel  60  is connected to the bed frame  1  via front panel connectors. 
         [0044]    With the basic structural features of the sleeper sofa  30  being described above, the following section offers a more detailed discussion of the transition of the sofa  30  between the retracted and extended position.  FIG. 8  shows the sleeper sofa  30  in the retracted position, which is typically used for sitting on the sleeper sofa  30 . When in the retracted position, the first and second sections  32 ,  34  of the bed frame  1  are angularly disposed relative to each other. The second section  34  extends upwardly into a cavity  62  in the sofa frame  20  behind the backrest portion  40  thereof. In particular, the cavity  62  may be at least partially defined by backrest wall  65 , top wall  67  and rear wall  69 . Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the front panel  60  is substantially flush with the end faces of the first and second arm portions  36 ,  38 . At least one lock member  11  is also engaged with the forward support member  48  of the main support frame  17  to prevent unwanted movement of the bed frame  1  when the bed frame  1  is in the retracted position (i.e., to keep the bed frame  1  from sliding forward). 
         [0045]    To unlock the bed frame  1 , the user lifts on the forward end thereof to disengage the lock member  11  from the main support frame  17 . The  FIG. 2  shows a strap  64  which may be disposed adjacent the forward end  66  to aid in lifting the forward end portion  66 . The bed frame  11  is pulled forward slightly and then the user lowers the forward end portion  66  so all of the wheels  13  are engaged with the floor surface. The user may then pull out the forward end portion  66  until the bed frame  1  is in the extended position. In the completely extended position, the first and second sections  32 ,  34  of the bed frame  1  are generally coplanar relative to each other. Furthermore, the guide post  2  reaches a terminal end of the guide slot  56  to prevent further advancement of the bed frame  1 . 
         [0046]    With the bed frame  1  in the extended position, a user(s) may lie on the sleeper sofa in a manner similar to a bed. The specific size and configuration of the sleeper sofa may allow the user(s) to lie on the bed in several different positions. For instance, the user may lie in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the bed frame  1  (i.e., with the user&#39;s head and feet disposed adjacent the first and second arm rest portions  36 ,  38 ). In this regard, the bed frame  1  may not require a great deal of extension from the retracted position to accommodate the user. This may be desirable for hotels and cruise ships, where excess space in front of the sleeper sofa may not be readily available. Alternatively, it is understood that various embodiments of the sleeper sofa  30  may allow the user to lie in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the bed frame  1  from the retracted position to the extended position (i.e., with lying in a position wherein the user&#39;s head or feet extends away from the sofa frame  20 ). 
         [0047]    To move the bed frame  1  back to the retracted position from the extended position, the user simply pushes the bed frame  1  back toward the sofa frame  20 . As this occurs, the guide post  2  moves back through the guide slot  56 , thereby lifting the end portion  58  of the second section  34  of the bed frame  1 . To complete the transition to the retracted position, the user lifts the forward end portion  66  of the first section  32  to engage the lock member  11  with the forward bar of the main support frame  17 . 
         [0048]    Thus, the bed frame  1  easily transitions between the retracted and extended positions via a smooth gliding motion which is facilitated by the wheels  13 . Unlike conventional sleeper sofas, which generally include a complex, folded, articulating skeleton, the sleeper sofa  30  described herein is simple and easy-to-use. The only articulating motion is the present sleeper sofa  30  is the pivoting movement of the second section  34  relative to the first section  32  as the bed frame  1  moves between the retracted and extended positions. Such pivotal movement is typically concealed within the sofa frame  20 . Indeed, the first section  32  of the bed frame  1  remains substantially in a common plane as it transitions between the retracted and extended positions. In this regard, the bed frame  1  is not folded to overlap with itself, as is common in conventional sleeper sofas. Therefore, the sleeper sofa  30  is very simple and easy-to-use. 
         [0049]    The ease in transitioning the sleeper sofa  30  between the retracted and extended positions may facilitate cleaning of the sleeper sofa, as the bed portion may be easily accessed through the simple transition of the sofa from the retracted position to the extended position. After the portion is cleaned, the sleeper sofa may be easily transitioned from the extended position back to the retracted position. Thus, the ease in cleaning the sleeper sofa  30  may make various implementations of the sleeper sofa  30  suitable for the hotel industry and cruise industry, where sleeper sofas are readily used and cleaned on a regular basis. 
         [0050]    Furthermore, the likelihood of injury associated with operation of the sleeper sofa  30  is significantly reduced as compared to conventional sleeper sofas due to substantially concealed nature of the pivotal movement, and the simple transitional movement of the bed frame between the retracted and extended positions. Moreover, the weight of the bed frame  1  is substantially supported throughout the transition between the retracted and extended positions, as the wheels  13  remain on the floor during most of the transition. The only lifting that occurs is the minimal lifting of the forward end portion  66  to unlock the bed frame  1  from the main support frame  17 . Otherwise, the bed frame  1  is supported by the wheels  17  and not by the user. 
         [0051]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a three cushion sleeper sofa incorporating the features described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the dimensional information presented in the Figures are exemplary in nature only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Along these lines, other furniture pieces defining different dimensional characteristics may be fabricated which incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention described herein. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 14-17  are photographs of a sleeper sofa defining a chaise-like configuration, which is adapter to include the features described herein. The primary distinction between the sofa depicted in  FIGS. 14-17  and the sofa shown in  FIG. 1  is that the height of one of the arm sections has been reduced such that is it flush with the top surface of the mattress pad. 
         [0053]    Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.