GB2293758A - Improvements relating to convertible seat/bed assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat/bed assembly has a fixed box-like base (1, 20) and a slidable box-like extension (6, 19) which nests with the base in the seat mode and is drawn away from it in the bed mode. The extension (6) may enter into the base (1) or the extension (19) may embrace the base (20). Tracks (5, 9; 16, 17; 21, 22; 23, 24) guide the extension. Access to the base and extension may be through lift-up panels (10, 12) which, with cushions (11, 14) form the seat and the bed. The locker formed by the base and the extension may be a single compartment or in two parts separated by a wall (18) on the inner one of the box or extension. <IMAGE>

Description

"ImDrovements relatina to Convertible Seat/Bed Assemblies" This invention relates to convertible seat/bed assemblies, primarily for caravans or motor caravans, although it could have applications elsewhere, such as in boats.

Space is at a premium in caravans, and it is standard practice to convert a seat into a bed and vice-versa. Often, this operation is very awkward, involving manipulation of boards and cushions in cramped spaces.

It is the aim of this invention to provide an assembly where the changeover can be made easily and simply.

According to the present invention there is provided a convertible seat/bed assembly comprising a box-like base and a box-like extension having a telescoping engagement with the base, and cushioned panels carried by the base and its extension, there being a bed mode in which the extension is pulled out at least partially from the base and in which the panels lie flat over the elongate structure, and a seat mode in which the extension is pushed into substantial overlap with the base and in which one panel lies substantially flat over the telescoped base and extension and the other panel assumes an upright, back rest position.

There can be two alternative versions of this, one where the extension nests into the base and the other where the extension embraces the base and largely conceals it in the seat mode. The base and extension can be mutually open to each other to provide a single variable length compartment. Alternatively, the inner one, in the seat mode, of the base and extension may have an end wall to complete its box like structure so that there are two compartments, one of fixed length and the other of variable length.

Access to the single locker or to the two compartments may be by selective raising up of the panels or sections thereof.

For a better understanding of the invention, some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic plan view (a) and side elevation (b) of a convertible seat/bed assembly in a seat mode, Figure 2 shows similar views of that assembly half converted to a bed mode, Figure 3 shows similar views of the assembly in the bed mode, and Figures 4, 5 and 6 show plan views of alternative arrangements in mid-conversion.

The assembly has a base 1 of box-like form with upright side walls 2, a bottom 3 which may be formed by the floor, and an end wall which may be formed by a bulkhead 4 or wall of the vehicle in which it is installed. It is open at the opposite end, and open at the top. Parallel to the side walls 2 there are tracks 5 on the floor 3 within the base 1.

An extension 6 can nest into this base 1. It is also of box-like form, having parallel side walls 7 and one end wall 8. In this example, there is no opposite end wall adjacent the bulkhead 4, although one could be provided. It could have its own closed bottom clear of the tracks 5, or it could be largely open to the floor of the vehicle; but it does have runners 9 parallel to the walls 7 which run in and are guided by the tracks 5.

Spanning the top of the extension 6 there is a rigid panel or frame 10 superimposed by a cushion 11 which extends beyond the panel 10 in the direction of the bulkhead 4.

Another panel 12 is loosely connected to the assembly 10, 11 by a web 13, and this panel 12 also carries a cushion 14 which leaves the edge part of the panel 12 adjacent the assembly 10, 11 free. In the seat mode, as shown in Figure 1, this assembly 12, 14 serves as a back rest, leaning against the bulkhead 4, while the assembly 10, 11 provides the actual seat. The rebate arrangement provided by the panels and their cushions, and the length of the web 13 allows the cushion 11 to tuck neatly under the lower edge of the cushion 14.

For conversion, the extension 6 is pulled out through the Figure 2 stage to the position illustrated in Figure 3.

The panel-cushion assembly 12, 14 is pulled down and eventually flat by this, and the free edge part of the panel 12 will slide under the overhanging part of the cushion 11, so that, in the bed mode, the complete length of cushioning is fully supported. The web 13 will fold up between the cushions 11 and 14.

For re-conversion back to a seat, the assembly 12, 14 will have to be lifted, at least to a certain extent, before the extension 6 can start to be pushed back to nest into the base 1.

The space within the base 1 and extension 6 can serve as a locker with one variable length compartment or with two compartments one of fixed length and the other of variable length, depending on the absence or presence of a fourth wall for the extension 6. Access to the base 1 in the bed mode can be achieved simply by lifting up the assembly 12, 14. To gain access to the extension 6 in either mode, the panel 10 may be hinged to the extension about axis 15 at the edge nearest the panel 12, the flexibility of the cushion 11 allowing the panel 10 to be raised.

The guide arrangements for the extension 6 need not be floor mounted. For example, there may be rails 16 on the inside of the walls 2 at about the mid-height to support and guide runners 17 on the outside of the walls 7, as shown in Figure 4. This Figure also shows a fourth, end wall 18 for the extension 6.

In an alternative arrangement, an extension 19 embraces a base 20 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Again, various different guiding arrangements are possible, floor rails 21 and runners 22 being provided in the Figure 5 version and side rails 23 and runners 24 in the Figure 6 one. In other alternatives, not illustrated, the extension could run on rails on top of the base, or on floor tracks immediately outside the side walls of the base.

Claims (6)

1. A convertible seat/bed assembly comprising a boxlike base and a box-like extension having a telescoping engagement with the base, and cushioned panels carried by the base and its extension, there being a bed mode in which the extension is pulled out at least partially from the base and in which the panels lie flat over the elongate structure, and a seat mode in which the extension is pushed into substantial overlap with the base and in which one panel lies substantially flat over the telescoped base and extension and the other panel assumes an upright, back rest position.

2. A convertible seat/bed assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the extension nests into the base in the seat mode.

3. A convertible seat/bed assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the extension embraces the base and largely conceals it in the seat mode.

4. A convertible seat/bed assembly as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the base and extension are mutually open to each other to provide a single variable length compartment.

5. A convertible seat/bed assembly as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inner one, in the seat mode, of the base and extension has an end wall to form the compartments, one of fixed length and the other of variable length.

6. A convertible seat/bed assembly as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein access to the or each compartment is provided by the panels or portions thereof being raisable.