A SEAT MOVEABLE BETWEEN A SEAT CONFIGURATION AND A BED CONFIGURATION

Abstract

A seat 100 moveable between a seat configuration and a bed configuration, the seat 100 comprising a squab 120 including upper and lower cushions 126, 124, a conversion mechanism configured to move the squab 120, for converting the seat 100 between the seat and bed configurations, and a backrest 122 connected to the squab 120 or conversion mechanism, for moving with the squab 120, the squab 120 being laterally displaceable by the conversion mechanism between a first position in the seat configuration and a second position in the bed configuration, and the backrest 122 being configured to occupy a space at an end of the squab 120 which is made available by lateral displacement of the squab 120 into the second position, and the upper cushion 126 of the squab 120 being movable relative to the lower cushion 124 for covering the backrest 122 in the bed configuration.

Claims

1. A seat moveable between a seat configuration and a bed configuration, the seat comprising a squab including upper and lower cushions, the upper cushion being connected to the lower cushion, a conversion mechanism configured to move the squab, for converting the seat between the seat and bed configurations, and a backrest connected to the squab or linked to the conversion mechanism, for moving with the squab, the squab being laterally displaceable by the conversion mechanism between a first position in the seat configuration and a second position in the bed configuration, the backrest being configured to occupy a space at an end of the squab substantially in concert with lateral displacement of the squab into the second position, connecting elements providing a flexible connection between the squab and backrest for pulling the backrest into the bed configuration, the space being made available by lateral displacement of the squab, and the upper cushion of the squab being movable relative to the lower cushion for covering the backrest in the bed configuration.

2. (canceled)

3. The seat as claimed in, claim 1, in which the upper cushion of the squab is adapted to perform one or both of: cover the backrest during or after lateral displacement of the squab into the second position, and move onto the lower cushion before or during lateral displacement of the squab into the first position.

4. (canceled)

5. The seat as claimed in claim 1, in which the upper cushion of the squab is tethered to a lower region, and lateral displacement of the squab causes inversion of the upper cushion.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The seat as claimed in claim 1, in which a boundary between the backrest and the lower cushion is offset from another boundary between the lower and upper cushions of the squab, when the seat is in the bed configuration, and the upper cushion covers the boundary between the backrest and the lower cushion in the bed configuration.

9. (canceled)

10. The seat as claimed in claim 1, in which at least one ramp element is provided below the backrest and behind the squab, and a rear portion of the backrest is contoured to complement the at least one ramp element for aiding movement between the seat and bed configurations.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. The seat as claimed in claim 1, in which a rollable or slidable support is provided, the squab is connected to and moveable with the support, and the conversion mechanism is configured to move the support.

14. The seat as claimed in claim 13, in which the support includes at least one floor-engaging wheel, and the wheel includes a spring mechanism or biasing mechanism configured to substantially disengage the wheel from the floor when a load is applied to the seat.

15. The seat as claimed in claim 1, in which the conversion mechanism includes at least one actuator, and a control for operating the or each actuator.

16. The seat as claimed in claim 1, in which the seat can be locked in the bed configuration.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. The seat as claimed in claim 1, when installed in a vehicle is selected from the group consisting of: a caravan, a boat, a bus, a car, a van, a train, an aeroplane.

29. (canceled)

30. A seat arrangement comprising first and second seats, the second seat being disposed opposite the first seat, in which one or both of the first and second seats is a seat as claimed in claim 1.

31. A seat cushion for a seat which is moveable between a seat configuration and a bed configuration, the seat cushion comprising a squab including upper and lower cushions which are connected together, and a backrest connected to the squab by connecting elements providing a flexible connection between the squab and backrest for pulling the backrest into the bed configuration when the squab is laterally displaced, the seat cushion being arrangeable in a seat configuration where the upper and lower cushions are stacked and the backrest is in an upright position, and a bed configuration where the backrest is in a horizontal position next to the lower cushion, and the upper cushion is turned over relative to the lower cushion and disposed on top of the backrest.

32. The seat cushion as claimed in claim 31, in which recesses or channels are provided in the rear face of the backrest for accommodating actuator housings for moving the seat cushion.

33. The seat cushion as claimed in claim 31, in which an upper rear end of the backrest is curved for aiding movement of the backrest along a ramp between the seat and bed configurations.

34. The seat cushion as claimed in claim 31, in which one or more tethers are connected to the upper cushion of the squab for connection to a point or area on the other side of the squab, to in use pivot the upper cushion onto the backrest when the squab is laterally displaced from the seat configuration to the bed configuration.

35. The seat cushion as claimed in claim 34, in which the one or more tethers are of fixed length and relatively inextensible.

36. The seat cushion as claimed in claim 31, in which the upper and lower cushions include or form a pocket for bedding, the pocket being enclosed by the cushions in the seat configuration.

37. The seat cushion as claimed in claim 31, in which the upper cushion is hingedly connected to the lower cushion by stitching.

38. The seat cushion as claimed in claim 31, when installed in a vehicle selected from the group consisting of: a caravan, a boat, a bus, a car, a van, a train, an aeroplane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of two seats according to the present invention, each seat being in a seat configuration;

[0066] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the seats of FIG. 1A;

[0067] FIG. 1C shows a cutaway perspective view of the seats of FIG. 1A, showing part of a conversion mechanism of each seat;

[0068] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the seats of FIG. 1A, each seat being in transition between a seat configuration and a bed configuration;

[0069] FIG. 2B shows a side view of the seats of FIG. 2A;

[0070] FIG. 2C shows a cutaway perspective view of the seats of FIG. 2A, showing the conversion mechanisms of FIG. 1C during the transition between seat configurations;

[0071] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a bed formed from the seats of FIG. 1A, each seat being in a bed configuration;

[0072] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the bed of FIG. 3A;

[0073] FIG. 3C shows a cutaway perspective view of the bed of FIG. 3A, showing only the conversion mechanisms of FIG. 1C in the bed configuration;

[0074] FIG. 4A shows a side view of one of the seats of FIG. 1A in a seat configuration, and a tether for flipping over a upper cushion of the seat;

[0075] FIG. 4B shows another side view of the seat and tether of FIG. 4A, transitioning between a seat configuration and a bed configuration;

[0076] FIG. 4C shows a further side view of the seat and tether of FIG. 4A, further into a transition between a seat configuration and a bed configuration; and

[0077] FIG. 4D shows a further side view of the seat and tether of FIG. 4A in a bed configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1A to 1C, an embodiment of a seat arrangement is indicated generally at 10. The seat arrangement 10 includes a first seat indicated generally at 100, and a second seat indicated generally at 200. The seats are separated by a gap 11. Each seat 100, 200 is shown in a seat configuration. Each seat 100, 200 is shown in a corresponding bed configuration in FIGS. 3A to 3C. The seats 100; 200 are moveable or interconvertible between these configurations.

[0079] The seat arrangement 10 is depicted adjacent to a chest of drawers 12 and tables 14a, 14b. These elements are typically found in a vehicle such as a caravan, which is where the seat arrangement of this embodiment is located. The tables 14a, 14b may be replaced by cushions.

[0080] Each seat 100, 200 is substantially identical in this embodiment. The following description will refer primarily to just one of the seats 100, 200 for brevity. Unless noted otherwise, elements described with respect to the first seat 100 (numbered parts of the form 1xx, where x is a number) should be assumed to have an equivalent part (numbered 2xx) present on the second seat, even if such parts are not explicitly labelled.

[0081] The seat 100 is mounted on a unit 16. The unit 16 is a wooden or MDF box that forms part of a caravan. A frame 102 is fitted on the unit 16. The frame 102 is made of aluminium for its low weight and good strength, but any suitable material can be used.

[0082] With particular reference to FIG. 1C, the frame 102 includes a support surface 103. The frame 102 also has first and second legs 104 disposed at either end of the unit 16. Each leg 104 includes a wheel 106. Each wheel 106 includes a spring arrangement (not shown). The unit 16 includes recesses 16a for receiving the wheels 106 when the seat 100 is in a seat configuration. In the bed configuration, the legs support the centre of the bed.

[0083] When there is effectively no load on the wheels 106, the wheels are floor-engaging and enable the frame 102 to roll forwards and backwards relative to the unit 16. When weight is applied to the frame, particularly when it is laterally displaced from the unit 16 as shown in FIG. 3C, the spring arrangements allow the wheel axles to move relative to the legs, which can touch the floor. This prevent the wheels from being placed under excessive load and allows the legs 104 to be the primary weight-bearing portion.

[0084] The seat 100 further includes two actuators 108. In one embodiment, the actuators 108 are screw automated. Each actuator 108 is an extendible arm. Each actuator 108 is encased by a housing 108a. Each actuator 108 is electrically powered. A control (not shown) is provided to operate the actuators 108 on demand. In this embodiment, the control is linked to the actuators of both seats 100, 200. The control is a button in this embodiment.

[0085] Each actuator 108 runs from a 12V power source within the caravan in this embodiment. The frame 102 has cut out portions to accommodate each actuator 108 and housing 108a. An end of each actuator 108 is connected to the frame 102, for pushing the frame into a bed configuration, or pulling the frame 102 into a seat configuration (depending on the starting configuration).

[0086] A ramp 110 is provided rearward of each actuator 108. Each ramp 110 is connected to the respective actuator housing 108a in this embodiment. Each ramp 110 has a curved surface. The curved surface is concave. The ramp 110 is approximately a quarter-circle. In some embodiments, the ramp 110 can tangentially blend into a surface of the unit 16.

[0087] Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, cushions are shown on top of the frame 102. One of the cushions is a seat squab 120, which is connected to a flat area 103 of the frame 102. The squab includes a forward portion 120a and a rearward portion 120b of different thicknesses. The rearward portion 120b has a reduced thickness relative to the forward portion I 20a. In this case, the difference in thickness is of the order of centimetres.

[0088] Another of the cushions is a backrest 122, which is provided on one side of the seat squab 120, to form a seat or sofa together with the squab 120. The backrest 122 lies atop the rearward portion 120b of the squab 120 in this embodiment. The backrest 122 is connected to the squab 120. Connecting elements (e.g. bars or arms, not shown) provide a flexible connection between the backrest 122 and squab 120. The connecting elements are rigid enough for transferring pulling or pushing forces from the squab to the backrest when the seat is transitioning between a seat configuration and a bed configuration. The backrest 122 may in some embodiments be stitched to the squab 120. Note that the ramp 110 is static in this embodiment. In other words, the ramp 110 does not change positions between seat and bed configurations of the seat.

[0089] Recesses or channels 122a are provided in a rear face of the backrest 122. The channels 1.22a are shaped to complement the actuator housings 108a. An upper rear end 122b of the backrest 122b is curved. This curvature is selected to complement the curvature of the ramp 110, to aid movement of the backrest 122 between the seat and bed configurations. The ramp 110 provides a bearing surface for moving the backrest 122 between horizontal and upright orientations.

[0090] The squab 120 can also be considered to include a base portion 124 and a top portion 126. The base and top portions 124, 126 are lower and upper cushions. Both portions 124, 126 are flat on top. The base portion 124 is also flat-fronted for abutting the corresponding base portion of the second. seat 200. The base portion 124 includes the forward and rearward portions 120a, 120b. The top portion 126 is pivotally connected to the base portion 124. The pivot 128 (shown in FIG. 2B) runs along a rear edge of the top portion 126, at an end nearest the backrest 122. The top portion 126 is stitched to the base portion 124 along the pivot 128 in this embodiment. The top portion 126 overlies the thicker forward portion 120a of the squab 120 in the seat configuration. The top portion is a few centimetres thick in this embodiment. The underside of the top portion 126 of the squab 120 is not upward-facing in the seat configuration. However. it forms part of a bed area in the bed configuration.

[0091] The top portion 126 is connected or tethered to part of the unit 16 in this embodiment. Tethers 130 are provided within the body of the squab 120. The tethers 130 have a fixed length and are relatively inextensible. At one end, the tethers 130 are connected over the pivot 128 to an upward-facing surface (in the seat configuration) of the top portion. At the other end, the tethers 130 are secured to a corresponding portion of the unit. disposed below the first end. Tether points 130a are shown in FIG. 2C, for example. The tethers 130 extend through the squab 120. In this embodiment, the tethers 130 are disposed at a boundary between the forward and rearward portions 120a, 120b. The frame 102 has cut out sections 112 to accommodate the tethers 130.

[0092] Where a kit of parts is provided, for a caravan, for example, the frame 102 including wheels 104 is fitted to the unit 16 and the actuators 108 installed. The unit 16 and/or parts of the vehicle may need to be modified (e.g. portions cut out) to do this. The ramps 110 are installed, and then the cushions fitted on top. The squab 120 may be connected to the frame 102 using a hook and look fastener, for example. Alternatively, the frame 102 may have a lip that engages the squab 120, or may have sufficient surface friction to engage and move the squab 120 between configurations.

[0093] Referring also to FIGS. 2A to 4C, the top and base portions 126, 124 are shown in further detail. A bed area 132 can be seen inside the squab 120 in FIG. 2A, which was substantially hidden from view by the top and base portions 126, 124 in the seat configuration. Bedding (not shown) such as a bedsheet and a duvet is contained within that area 132. The duvet of the first seat 100 includes connection means (e.g. fasteners) for connection to corresponding connection means on the duvet in the second seat 200.

[0094] With particular reference to FIG. 3B, the seats 100, 200 are shown in the bed configuration. The backrest 122 lies adjacent to an end of the base portion 124 of the squab 120. The top portion 126 of the squab has been flipped over to lie on top of the backrest 122. The combined thicknesses of the backrest 122 and top portion 126 match the thickness of the base portion 124. This forms a mattress of substantially uniform thickness having a flat/level surface. Part of the support frame 102 is still supported by the unit 16 in the bed configuration.

[0095] A boundary 134 between the top and base portions 126, 124 (i.e. at pivot 128) is laterally offset from a boundary 136 between the backrest 122 and base portion 124. This zig-zag or staggering of the boundaries 134, 136 ensures that compression on a particular part of the mattress does not cause substantial separation of two parts of the mattress formed by the cushions.

[0096] It can also be seen in FIG. 2B, for example, that lateral displacement of the squab 120 has created a space 138 where the rearward portion 120b used to be. The backrest 122 is pulled into that space 138 by movement of the squab 120. This is done as part a concerted movement of the squab 120 and backrest 122, in which case the backrest would enter/vacate the space 138 as the squab 120 vacates/entered that same space 138. For this purpose, the space 138 does not necessarily need to be an unoccupied space, but can be a region which is occupied by one or other of the squab 120 and backrest 122 according to the seat configuration.

[0097] FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate one of the tethers 130 which regulates movement of the top portion 126. In FIG. 4A, the tether 130 is arranged around the top portion 126 and the forward portion 120a of the squab. In FIG. 4B, during movement of the squab 120, the rearward portion 120b bears against the tether 130. Due to the fixed length of the tether 130, this exerts a force on the top portion 126, rotating it about the pivot. Continued movement of the squab 120 as seen in FIG. 4C causes the rearward portion 120b to move over the anchor point of the tether 130. This inverts the tether orientation. FIG. 4D shows the tether in the bed configuration, arranged around the rearward portion 120b of the squab 120.

[0098] In use, the seat 100 can be in the seat configuration as in FIGS. 1A-1C. The control button is pressed to initiate the conversion from seat configuration to bed configuration. This causes the actuators 108 to extend, pushing the frame linearly outwards to displace it away from the unit 16, towards the other seat 200. The squab 120 moves with the frame; and the connection to the backrest 122 pulls the backrest forwards at the same time.

[0099] As this is occurring, the tethers 130 are redistributed and exert a force on the top portion 126 of the squab 120. This rotates the top portion 126 about the pivot 128, as seen in FIGS. 2A-2B and explained with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D above. The top portion 126 ends up in an inverted position on top of the backrest 122.

[0100] Linear movement of the actuator 108 and squab 120 leads to translation and rotation of the backrest 122 into the plane of the squab 120. It also leads to rotational movement of the top portion 126, which levels off the backrest to form a planar surface for sleeping on. The movements of the actuator 108, base portion 124, backrest 122 and top portion 126 are all substantially concerted in this embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that the different events may occur at different rates, and begin and/or end at different times within the process.

[0101] As two seats 100, 200 are provided, both seats 100, 200 undergo this process. The seats 100, 200 meet in the middle of the gap 11. The resulting flat sleeping surface (which combines the bed areas of each seat) is at substantially the same height as the tables 14a, 14b in this embodiment.

[0102] The reverse operation, to convert the seat 100 to a seat configuration from a bed configuration, can also be performed. Again, the control button is pressed to initiate the conversion from seat configuration to bed configuration. The events described above occur in an opposite sense.

[0103] It will be appreciated that only one seat which is convertible between seat/bed configurations may be provided. The conversion process is substantially similar. It will also be appreciated that the process may be performed in a stepwise manner (performing the steps sequentially rather than concertedly).

[0104] Other embodiments may include additional or alternative features to those described above. For example, the vehicle may be a boat, a bus, a car, a van, a train, an aeroplane, instead of a caravan. The seat may be provided in a building, for example in a house, a hotel, or an apartment. If provided in a home, the seat or seat arrangement could be provided in a bedroom or in a living room or lounge, for example. The frames of opposing seats may have an interlock or other connections means to lock them together. There may be complementary connections on the frames so that they need to be at the same level in order to connect to each other, contributing further towards providing a flat sleeping surface by providing a combined, level frame.

[0105] In some embodiments, the backrest may not be directly connected to the squab. The conversion mechanism may instead be configured to move the backrest as well as the squab. For example, a portion of the backrest may be connected to the frame.

[0106] In some embodiments, the bedding can be stored in a pocket formed between the portions of the squab. The bedding can be integrated with the squab. Releasable connectors can keep the bedding, e.g. a bedsheet, fitted to the squab.

[0107] Regarding the frame, instead of providing wheels, then casters or low-friction elements could be provided. Corresponding runners or low-friction strips could be provided on the floor. If the frame is sufficiently rigid and/or securely mounted to the unit in the vehicle, then legs may not be necessary to provide central support for the squab in the bed configuration. The frame could be suspended, or where two seats are provided the frames could interlock and support each other.

[0108] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.