Double Unfolding (including Zigzag) Patents (Class 5/35)
  • Patent number: 9549620
    Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Richard F. Gladney
  • Publication number: 20150135432
    Abstract: A seating unit having a foldable bed includes: a base with an internal cavity and a rear wall; a foldable bed that includes separate and distinct head, intermediate and seat sections, wherein in a folded position, the intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and positioned in vertically stacked relationship, and the head section is generally vertically disposed and positioned adjacent the rear wall of the base, and in an unfolded position, the head, intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other; and a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the head, intermediate and seat sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ULTRA-MEK, INC.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. STEPHEN HOFFMAN
  • Patent number: 8997273
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a foldable bed includes: a base with an internal cavity; a foldable bed that includes a plurality of sections, wherein in a folded position, the bed sections are folded relative to each other and stored within the base cavity, and in an unfolded position, the bed sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other, with a first bed section being positioned forwardly of the base; a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the bed sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions; a foldable leg attached to the first bed section, and a leg folding mechanism attached to the leg and the first bed section configured to extend the leg downwardly from the first bed section when the bed is in the unfolded position, and to fold the leg under the first bed section when the bed is in the folded position, the leg being pivotable about an axis that is parallel with the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8984680
    Abstract: A convertible sofa and sofa frame deployable between a sofa orientation and a bed orientation. The frame has a base frame with a seat extension frame comprising a seat frame and a mid-frame pivotally secured to the base frame. Cushioning is on one side of the base frame. A seat back frame is pivotally secured to the base frame, the second cushioning on what is a back side when in the sofa orientation. Removable seat back cushions engage the front side of the seat back frame in the sofa orientation. In the bed orientation, the seat frame is extended, the seat back portion is pivoted horizontally, and the removable seat back cushions are located on the mid-frame between the seat frame and the seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Smith, Jeremy Seniff
  • Publication number: 20140373272
    Abstract: A sofa bed (1a, 1b) with facilitated opening, particularly with automatic actuation, comprising a fixed framework (2) which defines a compartment (7) for accommodating a mattress (8) that can fold into at least four parts and is supported by at least four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12), one for each one of the parts of the mattress (8), the first movable frame (9) being associated with the fixed framework (2); the four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12) are mutually articulated sequentially with respect to each other to define a kinematic chain, with one degree of freedom, which can move between a closed configuration, in which the four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12) are substantially mutually opposite in pairs so as to define a cage-like structure that encloses the mattress (8) folded into at least four parts, and an open configuration, in which the four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12) are substantially mutually aligned to define a resting surface on which the unfolded mattress (8) lies; motor means (13) are also
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: COMODO ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Dionisio Baldassarra
  • Patent number: 8806672
    Abstract: A foldable sofa mattress and method for storing within low profile furniture. The mattress includes a transition section disposed between different collapsible sinuous spring sections. The sinuous spring sections are pivotably joined to the transition section and the sections are affixed to upper and lower grids for support. A method for storing a foldable mattress includes the steps of providing a mattress with a transition section disposed between two collapsible sections, extending opposing pairs of straps from the transition section to each of the separate collapsible sections, and bending the mattress. The method further includes the steps of flattening the two collapsible sections, placing the flattened sections on top of one another, and storing the folded mattress in a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Axess Direct, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Raymond, W. Clark Rogers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8739330
    Abstract: A convertible sofa and sofa frame deployable between a sofa orientation and a bed orientation. The frame has a base frame with a seat extension frame comprising a seat frame and a mid-frame pivotally secured to the base frame. Cushioning is on one side of the base frame. A seat back frame is pivotally secured to the base frame, the second cushioning on what is a back side when in the sofa orientation. Removable seat back cushions engage the front side of the seat back frame in the sofa orientation. In the bed orientation, the seat frame is extended, the seat back portion is pivoted horizontally, and the removable seat back cushions are located on the mid-frame between the seat frame and the seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Smith, Jeremy Seniff
  • Patent number: 8465091
    Abstract: An adjustable office chair includes a base device, and a seat device disposed on the base device. The seat device includes a fixed seat section, a rear seat section connected pivotally to and disposed behind the fixed seat section, a front seat section connected pivotally to and disposed in front of the fixed seat, and an invertible seat section connected pivotally to a side of the front seat section distal from the fixed seat section. The invertible seat section is movable to a position directly above the fixed seat section to allow a user to sit thereon. The front and invertible seat sections are movable to align with the fixed seat section to allow the user to sit on the fixed seat section. The rear seat section is movable to an inclined position to allow the user to lie on the seat device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Ying-Chieh Su
  • Patent number: 8438676
    Abstract: A seating unit containing a foldable bed includes: a seating unit frame having a pair of opposed arms; a housing including a storage cavity, the housing fixed to the arms of the seating unit frame; a seat section; an intermediate section; a head section; and a mechanism having pivotally interconnected links, the mechanism interconnecting the base with the head, intermediate and seat sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8429770
    Abstract: A sofa is convertible to a bed. An air mattress normally stored in deflated condition in the sofa, is automatically deployed upon opening a folded framework into a bed. An electric pump inflates or deflates the mattress. A bag enclosing the bottom and sides of the mattress, is zipped onto the mattress, and has hook-and-loop fasteners securing it to strategic locations on the framework. The conversion from sofa to bed, and back to sofa, is done without removing any cushions and without moving the sofa away from anything behind it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Flair Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hooley, Robert K. Swihart
  • Publication number: 20130097774
    Abstract: An articulated sofa bed has a compact profile while folded with the seat cushions residing at a comfortable and ergonomic height and an esthetically pleasing streamlined appearance. The sofa bed takes advantage of a deployment assembly having a support frame with swinging rear arms that, when the bed is folded, occupy a small volume within the back of the sofa. The sofa bed also takes advantage of a leg assembly that is anchored within the thickness of the bed panels so as to stack the foot and middle panels closer to each other. The deployment assembly also cooperates to position the middle and foot panels of the bed in a folded position at a low height above the floor and below the seat cushions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: AMERICAN LEATHER OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: American Leather Operations, LLC
  • Patent number: 8201290
    Abstract: A sofa is convertible to a bed. An air mattress normally stored in deflated condition in the sofa, is automatically deployed upon opening a folded framework into a bed. An electric pump inflates or deflates the mattress. A bag enclosing the bottom and sides of the mattress, is zipped onto the mattress, and has hook-and-loop fasteners securing it to strategic locations on the framework. The conversion from sofa to bed, and back to sofa, is done without removing any cushions and without moving the sofa away from anything behind it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Flair Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Hooley, Robert K. Swihart
  • Publication number: 20110010847
    Abstract: A seating unit containing a foldable bed includes: a seating unit frame having a pair of opposed arms; a housing including a storage cavity, the housing fixed to the arms of the seating unit frame; a seat section; an intermediate section; a head section; and a mechanism having pivotally interconnected links, the mechanism interconnecting the base with the head, intermediate and seat sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7827629
    Abstract: A folding furniture structure for converting between a folded seating condition and an unfolded sleeping condition comprises a floor-supported base, and plural frame sections supported on the base. The frame sections include a first seat section fixed to the base in a horizontal orientation, a second seat section having one side pivotally connected to a forward side of the first seat section, and a seat back section pivotally connected to an opposite side of the second seat section. The frame sections are movable between the folded seating condition with the second seat section pivoted into overlying superposed face abutment to the first seat section and the seat back section extending angularly upwardly from the second seat section for use as a seat, and the unfolded sleeping condition with the second seat section and the seat back section aligned horizontally with the first seat section for use as a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edmond Paul Guillot
  • Patent number: 6718570
    Abstract: A convertible couch bed that consists of a frame (20) that has a pair of opposed ends (22) with each end having a horizontal upper surface (24), an arm (26) and a plurality of legs (28). The frame includes a pair of lower longitudinal supports (30) and a upper longitudinal support (32) attached between the ends. A mattress support structure (34) is positioned between the ends and sustained by the lower longitudinal supports and a mattress (36) is positioned on the support structure forming a comfortable seat for sitting on the front portion. An upholstered top (38) covers the rear portion of the mattress and is attached to the frame with a piano hinge (44). An upholstered back (48) is attached to the top allowing the back to fold upward in accordion fashion and rest upon the frame thereby permitting conversion of the couch into a bed by exposing the entire mattress therefore forming a bed suitable for sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph J. Brooks
  • Patent number: 6161231
    Abstract: A sleeper sofa incorporating an air mattress including a telescoping mattress frame for supporting a mattress support subassembly consisting of hinge panels. The hinges used to connect the panels limit the angular range of motion of adjacent panels to plus or minus 90.degree. from a coplanar arrangement. The "panel" that defines the seating surface on which seat cushions rest when the sofa is in the seating position may be supported in the seating position by a pair of side rails that lack significant structure in the seating plane. This "panel" may also include a set of sinuous springs clad in padding similar to the seat-cushion support surface of a conventional non-sleeper sofa. The air mattress used in the sleeper sofa can be a multi-chamber design in which the outer edges of the mattress are inflated to a higher pressure to prevent the user from rolling off the edge of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: SleepTec, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter H. Kraft, Darren M. McKim, Troy W. Larson, James A. Flanegan
  • Patent number: 5505513
    Abstract: A truck camper having a large, flat truck bed and a top cover or shell is provided with a unit of furniture which is manually convertible between bed form and seat form. It consists of three essentially-rectangular elongated platforms hinged at adjacent side edges and extending crosswise of the unit. Each platform has legs at its opposite ends, providing for gear storage beneath the raised unit. The platforms are manually movable in Z-folded fashion between a vertically-stacked condition in which they form a seat and a horizontally-extended condition in which they form a sleeping bed raised above the truck floor. A cushion is provided for each platform, two serving as a seat and the third forming the back of the seat when in seat form. When in the latter form, 4 foot by 8 foot building construction panels can be placed the full length of the truck bed beneath the seat and between its legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Danny W. Carsner
  • Patent number: 4631764
    Abstract: A collapsible bed is disclosed, foldable upright for storage in an article of furniture. The frame of the bed is formed of three connected longitudinal sections supported by three pairs of floor-engaging legs. The rear section is foldable over the middle section and the latter two sections are foldable over the front sections which can then be pivoted to an upright enclosed configuration in the article of furniture. Lock means are provided to prevent the collapsed frame from unfolding of its own accord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Charles Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 4612677
    Abstract: An improved three-section convertible sofa mechanism for installation in a convertible sofa. The mechanism has three sections which unfold from a sofa configuration into a bed configuration. The conversion is assisted by a motor-operated pair of bellows which assist in the lifting and positioning of the mechanism during the unfolding operation. The front edge of the convertible sofa and of the bed both deflect downwardly to eliminate the usual uncomfortable forward edge of such convertible sofas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Inventor: Edward H. Crossett
  • Patent number: 4129908
    Abstract: An improved foundation unit for a mattress or the like is provided which is firmer in the center than conventional torsion spring-type foundation units while having sufficient flexibility under normal loads and weight distribution to comfortably support a body upon an overlying mattress. The foundation unit includes a resilient border which protects the edge of an overlying mattress from damage when subject to extraordinary weight concentration and a center region formed of a plurality of cross rails cushioned at least about their upper surfaces which immediately underlie the upper surface of the unit. The cushioning elements may be thick foam housings that cover at least the upper surface of the cross rails or sinuous wire springs that extend along the length of the cross rails. The cross rails themselves preferably have a limited degree of flexibility so as to better withstand high impact loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Assignee: Sealy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Wagner
  • Patent number: 3952344
    Abstract: This bed comprises a front forwardly extending foot section having rearwardly extending side arms. Said side arms have similar, symmetrically disposed, horizontal offset portions raised above the horizontal plane of the bed mattress supporting fabric of the bed platform when the bed is in open sleeping position. In the closed position of the bed, the foot section projects rearwardly and said offset portions are then disposed below the horizontal plane of the mattress supporting fabric and hence in a depressed plane. The fabric is connected to each of a pair of zig-zag springs disposed alongside said depressed portions (in the closed position of the bed), at points disposed inwardly of the ends of the zig-zag springs, and also by a pair of helical tension springs to the side arms, at locations beyond the outer ends of said depressed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1976
    Assignee: Mohasco Corporation
    Inventors: Izchak Cycowicz, John Wong