Abstract: A three cushion convertible seat-bed is disclosed. First and second panels (12,14) are pivotally coupled to each other and are supported by a base (10) to form a seat bottom and a seat back in the seat orientation and to form side-by-side bed panels in a bed orientation. A third panel (16) is pivotally coupled with the second panel and forms a third bed panel in the bed orientation. A latch D secures the third panel relative to the base. A manual operating lever (22) operates the latch and the pull member (76) is adapted for manual actuation for folding the panels from the bed orientation to the seat orientation. The third panel includes a leg (20) for carrying the rear edge of the panel between the bed and seat orientation. An energy storage spring (224) is actuated to store energy by movement of the panels from the bed orientation to the seat orientation.

Abstract: A three cushion convertible seat-bed is disclosed. A single seat has first and second panels (12,14) for the seat back and seat bottom mounted on a seat base (10) and a third panel (16) pivotally coupled with the seat back. A conversion mechanism (18) includes a quadrant plate (80) which is pivotally supported on the base (10). The lower part of the seat back is rigidly connected (84,86) with the quadrant plate (80) and the rear edge of the seat bottom is pivotally coupled (124) with the quadrant plate so that the three panels can be unfolded from the seat orientation to a bed orientation. A first set of latches (A, B, D) holds the conversion mechanism (18) in the seat orientation and are released sequentially by moving an operating handle (22) in one direction. This same motion of the operating handle (22) causes an actuating means (172,170) to thrust the third panel (16) rearwardly toward the bed orientation as the first and second panels (12,14) are unfolded.

Abstract: Seating apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to provide a forward or rearward facing seat or a bed in a camper type vehicle. The inventive seating apparatus may be used as a forward passenger seat in a van type camper vehicle which has a rear seat with a bed conversion capability similar to that of the seating apparatus of this invention. When the two seats are converted to the bed orientation the combination provides a full sized bed. When desired the rear seat is erected to its forward facing orientation and the seating apparatus of this invention may also be used in the forward facing seat orientation. Alternatively, the forward seat may be reversed so that the seats are in face to face to relation and a table may be placed therebetween for a dining arrangement.