TECHNICAL FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention concerns the technical field of furniture components or household items like for example beds, armchairs, chairs or similar components. In particular, the present invention concerns a backrest for components of the type previously mentioned, or even for seats like for example car seats or seats for vehicles in general. In greater detail, the present invention concerns a backrest that can be adjusted in a simple, appropriate and convenient way, so as to allow different uses in different applications, according to the user's preferred position. For example, the backrest according to the present invention, when applied to a bed of the common type, will allow the bed to be used for activities other than sleeping, depending on the backrest position selected. In greater detail, the present invention concerns a backrest of the type mentioned above, comprising different components that can be moved and adjusted in different positions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

Different solutions are known in the state of the art, according to which the different component parts of a bed or a sofa can be adjusted in different positions in order to allow the bed to be used for activities other than sleeping and thus to allow the user to use the bed in different positions from the typical horizontal or supine position. For example, solutions are known which, in particular via electric or hydraulic motors suited to be operated through a push button panel, make it possible to vary the height and/or the inclination of the part of the bed that is intended to support the upper part (essentially the trunk and the head) of the user's body. This solution thus offers the user a comfortable reading position. Solutions are also known which make it possible to vary the height and/or inclination of the part of the bed intended to support the lower part of the human body (essentially the legs and the feet); this solution is particularly appreciated in the case of users suffering from circulation diseases, in whose case a rest position aimed at reducing blood pressure in the lower limbs is usually recommendable. Solutions are also known that provide seats (for example car seats or seats for vehicles in general) or even armchairs or seats that can be adjusted and adapted to the users' different needs in terms of ergonomics. For example, tilting and/or adjustable backrests are known, as well as backrests provided with a lumbar supporting element than can also be adjusted separately. In the same way, seats or chairs are known that make it possible to adjust the position of the armrests as well as the position of the headrest element. The solutions of the known type comprise in particular very simple solutions using, for example, special paddings made with particularly comfortable materials, as well as more complicated solutions that comprise adjusting means (manual or even automated) actually allowing the adjustment of the various component parts, for example of a seat, an armchair or even a bed headboard.

The solutions known from the previous art however pose different and considerable problems and/or disadvantages that can be summed up as follows. First of all, it should be noted that in the case of solutions using paddings made with special materials said paddings lose elasticity over time and with use, so that after a relatively short operating time they do not offer the required comfort and performance any longer.

Secondly, it should be noted that in the case of adjustable backrests (manually or via electromechanical means) in most cases only a limited range of operating positions is available, so that often these solutions do not meet the multiple requirements of the users. Again, the said solutions involve considerable production costs and thus become impracticable from the economic point of view. Finally, according to the solutions known in the art, the different parts of a seat, chair, armchair but even of a headboard or backrest for beds or sofas can be adjusted only independently of each other and not at the same time, so that it becomes necessary to use different individual moving means suitable for the individual movement and/or adjustment of a single component part. Especially in this case, the increase in the number of adjusting and/or moving means required results in an unbearable increase in production costs. Finally, in many cases, the adjustment of the different component parts by the user requires the he/she carries out various operations, sometimes complicated and not always immediate, so that the user often prefers not to carry out the adjustment, which means an underuse, for example, of the seat, chair, armchair, bed or sofa.

It is thus an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and observed in the solutions known in the state of the art. In particular, the objects and purposes of the present invention can be summed up as follows.

It is a first object of the present invention to allow the construction of a backrest that in turn makes it possible to construct seats, like for example seats for cars or vehicles in general, armchairs, chairs and even headboards for beds or sofas, or furniture accessories or household accessories in general. In particular, the backrest according to the present invention must be simple and immediate to adjust, in such a way as to allow different uses of the component to which the backrest will be applied. For example, in the case of the production of a bed headboard, the headboard will be such as to allow the use of the bed by the user for activities different from sleeping, for example reading. In the same way, in the case of armchairs or seats, the backrest must offer a wide range of possible positions. A further object of the present invention will be to provide a solution for making a backrest comprising various adjustable component parts, each one intended to support a specific and particular part of a user's body. The solution according to the present invention, furthermore, must be easy to carry out and thus characterized by reduced costs. Again, the adjustment of the different parts of the backrest according to the present invention by a user must be simple and immediate, with no need for special operations. The adjustment offered by the backrest according to the present invention (of its component parts) must furthermore be possible through both mechanical solutions suited to be activated manually and more complicated solutions, for example electro mechanical solutions. Finally, the solution according to the present invention must allow the simultaneous adjustment of at least two component parts of the backrest.

The objects mentioned and described above are achieved by a backrest for beds, armchairs, seats or accessory elements and/or furniture accessories and/or similar household accessories, as well as by a bed as respectively claimed in the main claims 1 and 12; further advantages will also be obtained through further embodiments of the present invention as defined in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention can be conveniently applied in particular in the field of sofa and/or bed backrest production. In particular, the present invention can be advantageously applied in the field of production of backrests suited to make headboards for beds or sofas. For this reason, examples are described here below, in which the present invention is conveniently used for making headboards for beds and/or sofas. It should be noted and pointed out, however, that the applications of the present invention are not limited to the case of headboards for beds and/or sofas. On the contrary, the present invention can be successfully applied for making seats (for example for cars or vehicles in general), chairs, armchairs or elements or furniture components and/or household accessories. The present invention is based on the general concept according to which the disadvantages or drawbacks that are typical of the solutions known in the art (in particular of the bed headboards known in the art) can be overcome or at least minimized by providing a backrest in which the adjustment (by the user and according to the intended use) of a component part results in the simultaneous adjustment of at least one second component part. In this way, the overall adjustment of the backrest will be accelerated. Furthermore, the relative positions of the two component parts that are adjustable (and adjusted) simultaneously will be pre-defined, avoiding the risk that, once the desired position of a component part has been found, the search for the most appropriate position for the second component part results to be complicated and time-consuming. Furthermore, the adjusting means can be carried out according to simple solutions and at reduced costs. According to a further consideration on which the present invention is based, further advantages will be obtained when the adjustment of a component part of the backrest (which will result in the simultaneous adjustment of at least one second component part) takes place or can be obtained by the user through a direct action on the same component part and not through an indirect action (for example by operating a mechanical lever system) as in the case of the solutions known in the art; in this way, the user will have a more direct and immediate perception of the position that is most convenient and most suitable for the use intended by him/her in that particular situation. Another consideration on which the present invention is based concerns the fact that further advantages can be obtained when the first part of the backrest that is adjustable through a direct action is a part that is frequently used and for which several possible use and operating positions are generally required. Finally, always according to the present invention, further considerable advantages will be obtained when the adjustment of a component part results in the simultaneous adjustment of at least two other different component parts of the backrest.

Further advantages are also ensured by the further embodiments of the present invention claimed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further illustrated here below through the description of some embodiments of the same represented in the enclosed drawings. It should however be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings; on the contrary, all the variants or modifications of the embodiments illustrated and described herein fall within the scope of the present invention, provided that they are clear, obvious and immediate to understand for the person skilled in the art. In particular, in the attached drawings:

- Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of one of the possible applications of the backrest according to the present invention in two different positions, respectively a rest position and an operating position;

- Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of a further possible application of the backrest according to the present invention in two different positions, respectively a rest position and an operating position;

- Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a backrest according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 6 and 7 show sectional views of a backrest according to the present invention in two different positions, respectively a rest position and an operating position;

- Figures 8 and 9 show perspective views of a backrest according to the present invention in two different positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT

INVENTION

In Figures 1 and 2 the reference number 1 indicates and identifies a bed or sofa; said bed or sofa 1 comprises a base 2 suited to contain and support a bed spring structure or a similar component (not shown in the figures) that in turn supports a mattress or pillow 3. In particular, the bed 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is a single bed and is thus intended for use by a user in horizontal or supine position (for sleeping or resting purposes) or by one or more users at the same time, for example seated on the mattress or pillow 3. In particular, a user who wants to use the bed 1 for activities different from sleeping (for example if he/she wants to sit with his/her back in a substantially vertical or inclined position but in any case not to lie on the mattress 3) can conveniently use the backrest 10 with which the bed or sofa 1 is provided. For this purpose, the backrest 10 in turn comprises three main component parts, meaning a main back supporting element 5, a supporting element for at least one arm of the user or armrest 4 and a headrest element 6. As is clearly visible also in Figure 2, the armrest 4 is movable or adjustable (in particular rotatable) as indicated by the arrow A in Figure 2, in particular between a first rest or inactive position (not intended to support one of the user's arms) represented in Figure 1 and a second use or operating position (in which a user can rest at least one arm on the armrest 4) illustrated in Figure 2. The following detailed description clearly shows that according to the present invention the movement or adjustment of the armrest 4 between the two rest and operating positions mentioned above and respectively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 results in a simultaneous movement or adjustment (for example a rotation) of the main back supporting element 5 between two respectively corresponding rest and operating positions. It should be noted that in the present description the expression "rest position" referred to the main back supporting element 5 means a position in which the element itself is in some way housed in the backrest 10 and is preferred by a user lying on the mattress 3 or in supine position thereon, and thus with the back resting on the mattress and in any case not necessarily resting on the backrest 10 and/or the main element 5; in the same way, the expression "operating position" referred to the main back supporting element 5 means a position in which the element itself in some way projects from the backrest 10 and is thus particularly suited to allow a user to use the bed 1 for activities different from sleeping and in positions different from the horizontal or supine position (for example, for reading with the back resting on the main element 5). Furthermore, in the particular embodiment of the backrest according to the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the movement or adjustment of the armrest 4 between the two rest and operating positions also results in a simultaneous movement or adjustment of the headrest element 6, in particular in a translation movement indicated by the arrow B in Figure 2 (and thus in a substantially vertical direction when the bed 1 is positioned on a substantially horizontal floor or plane). While the reader should refer to the rest of the present description regarding the means provided to allow the armrest 4 and the main element 5 (and possibly even the headrest element 6) to be moved simultaneously, at this point of the description it is possible to appreciate, with particular reference to Figures 3 and 4 (in which component parts and/or characteristics already described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 are identified by the same reference numbers), a further possible application of the backrest 10 according to the present invention. The bed or sofa 1 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, in fact, differs from the bed illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 essentially in that the bed shown in Figures 3 and 4 is substantially a king-size bed and is thus suited to allow simultaneous use by at least two users in horizontal or supine position (to sleep or rest, for example, beside each other) or by two or more users at the same time, for example seated on the mattress or pillow 3. In particular, in this case, the mattress 3 can comprise just one mattress or two adjacent mattresses, as shown by the broken line in Figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, in the case of the embodiment of the backrest according to the present invention and illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the backrest 10 comprises two armrests 4, 4, as well as two main supporting elements 5, 5 and two headrest elements 6, 6. Also in this case, the movement or adjustment of the armrest 4 as indicated by the arrow A in Figure 4 between the two rest and operating positions respectively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 will result in the simultaneous movement (not clearly illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) of a main supporting element 5, and possibly in the movement of a headrest element 6, also in this case between two rest and operating positions respectively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In the same way, the movement or adjustment of the second armrest 4 (not indicated in the figures) between its two rest and operating positions will result in the simultaneous movement (not clearly illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) of the second corresponding main supporting element 5, and possibly in the movement of the second corresponding headrest element 6, also in this case between two rest and operating positions.

Obviously, it should be noted that the mutual arrangement of the two armrests 4, 4, of the two headrest elements 6, 6 and of the two main back supporting elements 5, 5 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is not the only possible arrangement; on the contrary, different mutual positions will be possible, depending on the needs, circumstances and/or intended uses. For example, while in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 the two armrests 4, 4 are arranged adjacent to each other, and thus between the two main elements 5, 5 and the two headrest elements 6, 6, it will also be possible to arrange the two armrests respectively at the opposite ends of the backrest 10 in the direction of the width of the bed 1, and thus with the two main elements 5, 5 adjacent to each other, the two headrest elements 6, 6 adjacent to each other, the main elements and the headrests being thus arranged between the two armrests 4, 4. In the same way, embodiments will be possible that comprise two pairs of armrests 4, 4, each pair being at the disposal of a user, one armrest of each pair being suited to move the corresponding main element 5 (and if possible the corresponding headrest element 6), while the other armrest of the pair may be fixed or suited to be rotated freely and independently of the main element and the headrest.

Further details of the backrest 10 are described and explained here below with reference to Figures from 5 to 7 and according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated therein; as usual, in the Figures from 5 to 7, those characteristics or component parts of the backrest according to the present invention that have already been described with reference to other figures are identified by the same reference numbers.

With particular reference to Figures 6 and 7, it will be possible to appreciate in particular the possibility to move and adjust the main back supporting element 5. Said possibility of adjustment and/or movement is indicated in particular by the arrow C in Figure 7, while the comparison of Figures 6 and 7 shows that also the main supporting element 5 can be moved or adjusted between a rest position, shown in Figure 6 and perhaps preferred by a user who wants to sleep or lie in horizontal or supine position and thus with his/her back resting on the mattress and not on the main element 5, and an operating position, shown in Figure 7 and more useful for a user who wants to sit on the bed or sofa while resting his/her back on the main element 5. In particular, Figure 7 shows that in the operating position the main element 5 projects from the backrest 10, while Figure 6 shows that the main element 5, in its rest position, is in some way housed in the backrest 10. The main element 5 will assume the operating position shown in Figure 7 when the armrest 4 (not shown in Figures 6 and 7) is brought from its rest position (Figures 1 and 3) to its operating position (Figures 2 and 4), while the main element 5 will assume the rest position shown in Figure 6 when the armrest 4 is moved (in particular, rotated) from its operating position to its rest or inactive position.

In order to move the armrest 4 and the main supporting element 5 at the same time, the backrest according to the present invention comprises mechanical means, in particular lever systems and/or gears (a lever and/or gear system) interposed between the armrest 4 and the main supporting element 5. In particular, said lever and/or gear system comprises a main bar 8 that is integral with the armrest 4 and is thus suited to be rotated around a rotation axis substantially coinciding with its longitudinal axis of symmetry when the armrest 4 is rotated as previously described. The main bar 8 can thus serve as a support for the armrest 4 that will thus be rigidly constrained to one of its end portions. A supporting bracket 15 that is fixed and rigidly constrained to the backrest 10 comprises two opposing arms provided with two through holes suited to house corresponding portions of the main bar 8 and thus allows its rotation in both directions, meaning anticlockwise when the armrest is rotated from the rest position to the operating position and clockwise when the armrest is brought back to its rest position. An L-shaped thrust element 9 is rigidly fixed to the main bar 8 in a substantially intermediate position between the two supporting arms 16, 16 of the main bar 8 and comprises a first free end portion (opposite the bar 8) 11 suited to come into contact, during the anticlockwise rotation of the bar 8 (and thus during its own rotation), with the inner face of the main element 5 that faces the backrest 10 thus exerting a thrust action against said inner face of the main supporting element 5 that will thus be rotated in the direction contrary to the rotation direction of the main bar 8 and thus clockwise, thus assuming the operating position shown in Figure 7. It should also be noted that the supporting element 5 comprises a first lower end portion (at the bottom in Figure 7) and a second upper end portion (at the top in Figure 7), said second upper end portion being rotatingly constrained to the main structure of the backrest 10, so that the main supporting element 5 can be rotated with respect to the backrest 10 around a rotation axis X that does not coincide with the rotation axis of the main bar 8 but is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the main bar 8. It is thus possible to understand that rotating the armrest 4 clockwise as shown in Figures 6 and 7, and then bringing it back from its operating position to its rest position, means stopping the thrust action exerted by the free end 11 of the thrust element 9 against the inner face of the main supporting element 5 that therefore, being free to rotate around the rotation axis X, will return by gravity to its rest position shown in Figure 6, in which it is substantially housed in the backrest 10.

It has thus been clarified that, according to the embodiment of the present invention just described, by moving or adjusting (rotating) the armrest 4 with a direct action exerted on the same by the user, it will be possible to obtain the simultaneous movement or adjustment (rotation) of the main supporting element 5. Furthermore, the mutual position of the main supporting element 5 and of the armrest 4 respectively in the two operating and rest positions will be predefined, with no need for the user to search for the operating position of the supporting element 5 whenever the armrest 4 is brought to its operating position.

As already explained, according to a further embodiment of the present invention the movement or adjustment of the armrest between its rest position and its operating position results in the simultaneous movement or adjustment of a further component part of the backrest, in particular of the headrest element, always between the two rest and operating positions.

For this purpose, said further embodiment of the present invention comprises an L-shaped movable bracket 13 suited to be translated in the direction indicated by the arrow B in Figures 5 and 7, and thus along a substantially vertical direction when the bed 1 is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface or floor.

The bracket 13 comprises in particular two rectilinear components 20 housing two supports 21 of the headrest element 6 that are also rectilinear. Furthermore, the bracket 13 comprises two further hollow rectilinear elements 22, each one of which extends from a rectilinear component 20 in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to it and thus in a substantially horizontal direction when the bed or sofa 1 is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface or floor. The opposite ends of the second free end portion 12 of the thrust element 9 fit in the hollow elements 22. It can thus be understood how, during the rotation of the armrest 4 and thus of the main bar 8 and of the thrust element 9, the opposite ends of the second free end portion 12 housed in the corresponding hollow elements 22 can translate inside said hollow elements, so that a rotation of the thrust element 9 will result in a translation of the translatable slide 13 as indicated by the arrow B. In particular, a rotation of the armrest 4 from its rest position (Figures 1 and 3) to its use or operating position (Figures 2, 4 and 5), and thus anticlockwise in the figures, will result in an upward translation of the translatable slide 13 and thus of the headrest element 6 fixed to the slide 13 through the linear elements 21; thus, the headrest element will reach an operating position in which said headrest element is positioned at a certain distance from the upper end of the main supporting element 5 (Figure 7). In the same way, a rotation of the armrest 4 from its operating position to its rest position (clockwise in the figures) will result in a downward translation of the slide 13 and thus of the headrest element 6 that will thus reach its rest position in which said headrest element 6 is substantially adjacent (Figure 6) to the upper end of the main back supporting element 5.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, further characteristics of the backrest according to the present invention can be appreciated; in Figures 8 and 9, the characteristics illustrated therein and previously described with reference to other figures are identified by the same reference numbers.

In particular, in Figures 8 and 9 it can be seen that the main supporting element 5 can be freely rotated around the rotation axis X (see also Figures 6 and 7) substantially positioned at the level of its upper end (the one facing towards the headrest element 6). Thus, the main supporting element 5 will be able to describe an arc of a circle that is larger than that described thanks to the action exerted on the same by the thrust element 9. By acting directly on the main supporting element 5, a user will thus be able to rotate it and unfold it as a tilting plane in such a way as to gain access to the space behind it. This will make it easier to inspect the lever system and if necessary to carry out maintenance and repair operations that may be required, as well as assembly operations. Furthermore, the space behind the main supporting element can also be used as a storage box, for example to store pillows or similar components.

Obviously, a user can rotate the main element 5 as just described, above, independently of the position occupied by the armrest 4 and thus independently of whether the armrest is in its operating position or in its rest position.

The description provided above has thus shown that the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved.

In particular, the present invention allows the construction of a backrest that in turn makes it possible to construct seats, like for example seats for cars or vehicles in general, armchairs, chairs but also headboards for beds or sofas or furniture accessories or household accessories in general. In particular, the backrest according to the present invention is simple and immediate to adjust, in such a way as to allow different uses of the component to which the backrest will be applied. For example, in the case of the production of a bed headboard, the headboard will be such as to allow the use of the bed by the user for activities different from sleeping, for example reading. In the same way, in the case of armchairs or seats, the backrest according to the present invention offers a wide range of possible positions. Furthermore, the solution proposed by the present invention allows the construction of a backrest comprising various adjustable component parts, each intended to support a specific and particular part of a user's body. The solution according to the present invention, furthermore, is easy to carry out and thus characterized by reduced costs. Again, the adjustment by the user of the different parts of the backrest according to the present invention will be simple and immediate, with no need for special operations. The adjustment offered by the backrest according to the present invention (of its component parts) will furthermore be possible through both mechanical solutions suited to be activated manually and more complicated solutions, for example electro mechanical solutions. Finally, the solution according to the present invention allows the simultaneous adjustment of at least two component parts of the backrest.

It is important to note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the attached drawings. On the contrary, the present invention covers all the variants and modifications of the embodiments described and illustrated herein that will be clear to an expert in the sector.

Furthermore, the applications of the present invention are not limited to beds or sofas; on the contrary, the present invention can be conveniently applied to armchairs, chairs and similar household accessories, as well as to car seats or seats for vehicles in general.

The object of the present invention is thus defined by the claims.