TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a convertible furniture, i.e. a piece of furniture which can be changed into another piece of furniture. The invention is especially related to a furniture which can be converted from a bed to a table and vice versa.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Patent publications US 60339 A, HU 195416 B, FR 1420300 A, US 277637 A and US 4277856 A show pieces of furniture that can be arranged either as a table or as a bed. The prior art solutions are complex and difficult to use.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or even eliminate the abovementioned problems appearing in prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy and reliable way to secure furniture parts immovable when needed and to allow their movement when needed.

It is an object of the present invention to enable an easy and reliable movement of furniture parts when converting the furniture from a bed to a table and vice versa.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among others, in order to realize the objects mentioned above, a convertible furniture and other objects according to the invention are characterized by what is presented in the enclosed independent claims. The dependent claims present some embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments, examples and advantages mentioned in this text relate, where applicable, as well to convertible furniture or any methods when using it, as to any other aspect of the invention, even though it is not always specifically mentioned. A simple way to describe the basic idea of the invention is, that a convertible furniture comprises

- a furniture part comprising a frame with end supports, such as panels and thereto supported a bed and a table part;

- a wall support, such as beams or a wall panel attached firmly to a wall or other support;

- pivoting means, such as hinges, rails and gas springs between the furniture part and the wall support, arranged to guide the movement of the furniture part between at least a table position and a bed position, the pivoting means may be attached e.g. to the end supports;

- an openable table lock arranged to secure the furniture part in the table position and when opened, allowing movement of the furniture part towards the bed position.

The inventiveness of this basic idea can be enhanced e.g. by adding to it one or more of the following technical ideas:

1) The lock is used with an actuator, such as an elongated shaft or wire, operatively connected to the lock; the actuator can be supported movable on the furniture part, e.g. below a table part. The actuator can be adapted to be moved only, or at least mainly, in the direction of the plane of the table part. The actuator, e.g. a shaft may extend from the lock at one edge of the table and past the bed all the way close to another edge of the table part. The actuator, such as a shaft may be a lever turning around a pivot point. E.g. a sideways turnable relatively long lever facilitates the use of the lock. These features make the opening and closing of the table lock easy and reliable.

2) One or more wheels are attached to the end supports. The wheels may be partly hidden, i.e. only a part of the wheel is visible, i.e. the wheels protrude over an edge or one or more edges of the end support. The wheels ease the movement of the furniture against a floor or other support beneath it. These wheels could be situated in table position at a lower corner of the end support, e.g. at that corner which is furthest from the wall support. The wheels at the corners can be arranged e.g. so, that in table position, they protrude only over vertical end support edges. ) The pivoting means between the furniture part and the wall support comprises at least one gas spring attached turnably on the furniture part and the wall support. The gas spring may be arranged at its longest between table and bed positions, so that when the furniture part is moved from table position to bed position or vice versa, the gas spring is arranged to: first get longer, then reach a maximum length, then start to get shorter. This way the gas spring eases the moving at the beginning but slows down the moving near the end of it. The pivoting means may be constructed in such a way that in bed position, no part or no moving part of the pivoting means reaches over the upper edges of the end supports. This makes the use of the furniture safe and comfortable. ) The pivoting means between the furniture part and the wall support comprises a rail arranged substantially vertical on the wall support and a pivoting support, such as a slide arranged movable along the rail. At least one piece of pivoting means may be attached turnably both on the pivoting support and the furniture part. When moving the furniture part from table position to bed position or vice versa, the pivoting support moves along the rail, i.e. vertically. ) Movable extra supports to be engaged with the floor or other support are arranged under a table part e.g. on to the end support. When preparing to move the furniture into bed position, the extra support is engaged with the end support edge that is meant against the floor in bed position. Now, the extra support will engage the floor. The weight of the furniture in bed position rests on possible wheels and at least partly on the extra supports. There may be several of these extra supports on different points of the furniture. ) One or more support plates may be attached to the end or wall supports. Support plates are typically separate of the end and wall supports, made e.g. of metal or plastic. Each support plate may support a wheel and/or the pivoting means. A support plate may be attached e.g. at and along an edge of the end or wall support. A support plate may form an edge of the end or wall support. In table position the first support plates may be situated at the mainly horizontal lower edges of the end supports. The wall support may have one or more second support plates. 7) The table part comprises at least mainly parallel first and second edges. The first edge is in the table position towards the wall support or towards the wall or other support behind the wall support, and in bed position arranged as an upper edge of the side of the bed. The second edge is in the table position arranged as an outer edge of the table part, and in bed position arranged as a lower edge of the side of the bed. The second edge may be arranged against the floor or other support beneath the furniture in bed position.

The listed technical ideas and many more embodiments are explained in detail below, also in reference to the drawings. All the ideas are combinable with each other, also in ways not separately mentioned.

An embodiment of a typical convertible furniture according to the invention comprises:

- a furniture part comprising a frame with a first and a second end support and a bed and a table part supported to the frame;

- a wall support arranged to be attached securely onto a wall or other support;

- pivoting means between the furniture part and the wall support arranged to guide the movement of the furniture part between at least o a table position, where the table part is arranged horizontally, thereby forming a usable horizontal table surface, and the bed is unusable; and o a bed position, where the bed is usable, and the table part is unusable and arranged as a side of the bed;

- a table lock arranged to secure the furniture part in the table position and comprising a first locking member on the furniture part and a second locking member on the wall support, and adapted to be moved with an actuator between o a locked position, where the locking members are interlocked with each other, thereby securing the furniture part in the table position and o an open position, where the locking members are not interlocked with each other, thereby allowing movement of the furniture part towards the bed position; whereby the table part comprises at least mainly parallel - a first edge which is in the table position towards, e.g. near or against, the wall support, and in bed position arranged as an upper edge of the side of the bed; and

- a second edge which is in the table position arranged as an outer edge of the table part, and in bed position arranged as a lower edge of the side of the bed.

In an embodiment in table position the first edge of the table part is arranged near or against the wall or other support. This could mean e.g. that in table position the first edge is arranged higher than the upper edge of the wall support.

The invention provides for an easy and safe way to realise a furniture convertible between a table and a bed. The user can choose to use a table situated longitudinally along the wall or other support. Or she may easily and quickly choose to use a bed along the wall, i.e. parallel to a wall or other support.

In an embodiment the wall support is a structure providing secure support at important points, such as support points for the pivoting means and the second locking member. The wall support may comprise only one piece. In an embodiment the wall support comprises several pieces, e.g. separate support points or brackets for supporting the pivoting means and the second locking member.

In an embodiment the wall support is a wall panel, i.e. an at least mainly vertical panel covering at least most of the area of the furniture part in table position. In an embodiment the wall support is a smaller structure, such as beams, covering just said important points for support. In an embodiment the wall support functions as a vertical bed side panel in bed position. In an embodiment an upper edge of the wall support is flush with the table surface in table position, thereby functioning as a part of or as an extension of the table surface.

In an embodiment the upper edge of the wall support is arranged at least at the height of or higher than the table surface in table position. The length of the wall support may be at least that of or more than the distance between the end supports of the frame. This way both vertical edges and the upper horizontal edge of the furniture part can rest against the wall support in table position. Also, this way the second locking member and the pivoting means can be firmly supported on the wall support.

In an embodiment the wall support is removably attached to a wall or other support, e.g. with brackets, screws, hooks.

The table lock may be manually or automatically operable. In an embodiment, the lock is a is a simple latch. A latch can be opened and closed with a simple movement, e.g. manually with an actuator, such as a lever.

In an embodiment the actuator is or comprises an elongated member, such as a shaft or a rod or a wire. This enables it to be engaged and used a distance away from the locking member. The actuator may be a simple one-piece device, or it may comprise a plurality of operatively connected parts, e.g. levers, hinges, rods, shafts, wires, gears.

In an embodiment the actuator is connected directly to the first or second locking member. A simple power transmission is thereby achieved. In an embodiment the actuator is connected to the first or second locking member by its first end. If the actuator is connected to the first locking member on the furniture part, then the actuator can be movable with the furniture part.

In an embodiment the actuator is connected to the second locking member and supported on the wall support. In case the actuator is situated on the wall support, it may be made stationary during the movement of the furniture part. An actuator situated on the wall support may be e.g. a simple push button or lever.

In an embodiment the first locking member is arranged on the table part, thereby being movable with the table part. In an embodiment the first locking member is situated at the first edge of the table part. This way it is near the second locking member in table position. In bed position first locking member is then arranged on top edge of the side of the bed.

In an embodiment the first end of the actuator comprises the first locking member. A simple example of this would be that the first end of the actuator comprises a simple hook or latch or similar member for engagement with the second locking member.

In an embodiment the actuator is arranged to extend from the first edge of the table part or from the first locking member past the bed and towards the second edge of the table part. There the second end of the actuator is arranged to be manually and easily engaged by a user situated by the second edge.

In an embodiment in table position the second end of the actuator is arranged to be manually engaged by a user situated by the second edge of the table part.

In an embodiment in table position the second end of the actuator is arranged to be manually engaged by a user situated by the second edge of the table part.

In an embodiment the actuator is arranged and movable in a space between the table part and the bed. This makes it possible for a user to easily reach e.g. the shaft or a wire from outside the table. In an embodiment a recess may be formed in the side of the bed or in the table part to make more space for the actuator to move.

In an embodiment the actuator is supported on the furniture part. This makes it stable.

In an embodiment the actuator is supported on an inner surface of the table part, i.e. in table position on the lower surface of the table part. This way it stays mostly hidden during normal use of the furniture.

In an embodiment the actuator is arranged at least partly inside the table part. This may be done e.g. by forming a suitable open recess on the inner surface of the table part. The actuator may also be situated totally or almost totally inside the table part, so that only a second end of it, e.g. a handle, is visible and ready to be engaged with a hand.

In an embodiment the actuator is adapted to be moved in the direction of the plane of the table part. This makes a simple and reliable construction.

In an embodiment the actuator is adapted to be moved mainly in the direction of the plane of the table part. E.g. if the actuator comprises a plurality of operatively connected parts, they or at least one or some of them, may be adapted to be moved in other directions than the direction of the plane of the table part.

In an embodiment the actuator is or comprises a lever adapted to be turned in the direction of the plane of the table part around a pivot point. In an embodiment the pivot point is at the first locking member. This makes a simple and reliable construction.

The actuator may be made of different materials and in different sizes and forms. Metals, such as aluminium or steel, plastics, wood are some examples of possible materials. The length of the actuator may vary depending on the situation, e.g. more than 20 cm, more than 30 cm, 20 to 40 cm, 20 to 50 cm are possible. Suitable actuator length is decided e.g. by the width of the table part it is mounted on.

An actuator, such as an elongated shaft or wire, is a way to transmit power to be used at the lock from near the outer edges of the table. The actuator may be formed as a shaft or a rod or another kind of rigid component. It is also possible that the actuator or the shaft comprises an outer core or shell and a wire or another flexible shaft or belt inside it for power transmission.

The actuator and its embodiments make it easy to move one or more of the locking members between the locked position and the open position, even with a small gesture or movement a distance away from the actual locking mechanism. Typically, the table part is in its general form more or less planar. The direction of the plane of the table part is the direction of the table surface on it. In table position that plane would normally be horizontal, in bed position vertical.

In an embodiment the table part is arranged perpendicularly to its end supports. Each end support functions in table position as a vertical support against a floor or other support beneath the furniture and in bed position as a vertical bed end. If the table part and end supports are fixed together firmly, simply and immovably relative to each other, the frame becomes robust and easy to arrange to withstand the movements of the furniture.

In an embodiment in bed position the second edge of the table part is arranged against a floor or other support beneath the furniture. This makes the furniture very sturdy and robust. In an embodiment, in bed position, the furniture part is supported against the floor or other support below by the second edge of the table part and by lower edges of the end supports. Thus, it is possible to support the furniture part only or mainly by its own frame. In some embodiments it is possible to use small extra supports on the lower edges, e.g. to even possible unevenness of the floor or to minimize friction or to soften the contact between the furniture and the floor.

Some possible dimensions for the furniture are as follows. In table position:

- Table part length 160-220 cm or 120-200 cm in bed direction, i.e. direction between end supports;

- Table part width 30-60 cm in direction between its first and second edge;

- Table height 60-100 cm or 60-120 cm;

In bed position:

- Bed length 160-220 cm or 120-200 cm in bed direction;

- Bed width 60-100 cm or 60-120 cm;

- Bed height 30-60 cm. Some possible materials for the different plate-like parts or panels in the furniture, such as table part and end supports, are wood, plastic, honeycomb panels or other cellular panels. Panel surfaces may be coated, e.g. with thin wood or plastic layer.

In a typical embodiment of the invention, the furniture part comprises a frame, which comprises two end supports, such as generally planar vertical panels and a generally planar table part, forming a table surface supported between the end supports. A bed is supported on the frame, possibly immovably. The frame is attached to the wall support pivotably, to be turned around a turning axle, defined e.g. by hinges. The turning axle of the pivoting movement is horizontal. The frame can be turned against the wall support in the table position where the table part horizontally on the top, supported by vertical end supports and the bed is vertically under the table part. From there the frame can be turned 90 degrees, into the bed position. In bed position the frame, i.e. the end supports and the table part, form vertical sides, i.e. two bed ends and a side for the now horizontal bed. There may be a second side of the bed in a frame, opposite the table part.

One way to define the inventive conversion movement of the furniture between the table and bed positions is to define what happens to the edges of the mainly planar end supports in the two furniture positions. Each end support comprises an outer and inner larger surface parallel to each other and vertical during normal use of the furniture. The outer and inner surfaces are connected by edges, as follows:

Each end support of the frame comprises

- a first end support edge, which is arranged o in table position mainly vertical and situated towards the wall support; o in bed position as a mainly horizontal upper edge of the bed end;

- a second end support edge, which is arranged o in table position mainly vertical and situated away from the wall support; o in bed position as a mainly horizontal lower edge of the bed end;

- a third end support edge, which is arranged o in table position as a mainly horizontal lower edge of the vertical table support; o in bed position mainly vertical and situated towards the wall support;

- a fourth end support edge, which is arranged o in table position as a mainly horizontal upper edge of the vertical table support, supporting the table part on top of it; o in bed position as mainly vertical and situated away from the wall support.

In an embodiment one or more wheels attached to the end supports. At least a part of the wheels is protruding over at least one, or one or two edges of the end support in order to ease movement of the furniture against a floor or other support it is situated on.

In an embodiment in table position the wheels protrude only over vertical end support edges. In an embodiment the one or more wheels are arranged to protrude only over the second end support edge that is the lower end support edge in bed position. In an embodiment in table position the wheels protrude over both vertical and horizontal end support edges.

In an embodiment the one or more wheels are arranged at a lower corner of the end support furthest from the wall support in table position and closest to the wall support in bed position. This corner may be kept near or in connection to the floor during the whole movement between table and bed positions. In an embodiment the one or more wheels are arranged as point of contact between the furniture and a floor at any given stage of the movement between bed and table positions.

In an embodiment the wheels are simple castors, i.e. rollers mounted to an axle pin.

In an embodiment the one or more wheels are arranged mostly or partly hidden inside the end supports. The wheels may be supported and arranged between the inner and outer faces of the end support. In an embodiment the one or more wheels are arranged not hidden inside the end supports, e.g. on the inside surface of the end supports. In an embodiment there is a rail or similar gliding means arranged between the floor and one or more corners of the end supports. Wheels may be replaced with the gliding means. In an embodiment there are both wheels and gliding means, such as rails arranged to facilitate the movement of the furniture part.

All the pivoting means, such as the hinges or gas springs, as well as the wheels need to be robust enough to support movement of the furniture parts. Also, the supporting of these parts to the furniture parts needs to similarly robust. One good possibility is to arrange them supported on one or more relatively large support plates, which are easy to attach e.g. on the end supports of the furniture parts or on the wall support. The support plate may be made of e.g. metal, such as steel or aluminium plate or any suitable plastic or composite material. Every piece of pivoting means, e.g. hinges or gas springs may have their own support plates on the furniture part or the wall support. Also, each wheel may be supported on its own support plate. There may be one or more first support plates arranged on the furniture part and one or more second support plates arranged on the wall support.

The support plate structure gives the furniture robust structure, high strength, easy assembly and increased accuracy in its movements. In an embodiment each first support plate supports a wheel and pivoting means. Attaching all pivoting means and wheels of one end support to one large support plate enhances the benefits.

In an embodiment the first support plates are attached on the end supports, i.e. the bed ends of the furniture part. This makes it easy to arrange the furniture as either a longitudinal table or bed along the wall support, i.e. parallel to a wall or other support.

In an embodiment the support plate is attached at and along an edge of the end support or an edge of the wall support. This strengthens the edge and simplifies the structure. In an embodiment in table position the first support plates are at the mainly horizontal lower edges of the end supports. This strengthens the lower edge and makes it easy to arrange wheels on the support plate. In an embodiment the first support plates are of the same length and form as edges of the end supports they are attached to. This further strengthens and simplifies the structure.

In an embodiment the wheels are attached to first support plates which are attached to the end supports of the furniture parts. In an embodiment the first support plate supports both the wheel and the pivoting means, such as hinge arms and gas springs. In an embodiment the wheels are simple castors, i.e. rollers mounted to an axle pin. One end of the axle pin may be firmly attached, e.g. by welding, on the support plate.

In an embodiment one or more movable extra supports are arranged under the table part and fixed to the table part and/or to the end support. At least a part of the extra support is movable onto an end support edge or onto the second table part edge, so that in the bed position the extra support situated on the edge, is arranged to engage the floor. In one practical embodiment, when preparing to move the furniture into bed position, the extra support is turned around a vertical axis so that its outer end is to be engaged with the second end support edge. Extra supports can be made hardly visible in table position. In bed position they function as feet for the bed. They prevent damage to the edges of the furniture part.

In one embodiment there are no separate feet of extra supports. In that case the frame, i.e. its lower edge, functions as feet of the bed in bed position and as feet of the table in table position.

In an embodiment the pivoting means are turnably supported to the end supports of the furniture part and the wall support. Turnably supported means that the pivoting means allows turning or moving of the furniture part between the table and bed positions. In an embodiment, e.g. in case of a hinge arm or a gas spring, one end of the pivoting means is supported on an end support of the furniture part and the other end of the pivoting means is supported on the wall support. In an embodiment the pivoting means is attached at or near an edge of the end support. In an embodiment in table position the pivoting means is attached on or near the edge that is the mainly horizontal lower edge of the end support.

In an embodiment the pivoting means comprises a hinge arm attached turnably on the furniture part and on the wall support. In an embodiment the pivoting means comprises a gas spring attached turnably on the furniture part and on the wall support. In an embodiment the pivoting means comprises a rail or similar gliding means. The rail or similar could be arranged e.g. between the floor and corners of the end supports. In an embodiment the rail or similar is arranged on the wall support, whereby e.g. the gas spring and/or the hinge arm could be arranged movable along the rail or similar.

In an embodiment there are two sets of pivoting means, one in both ends of the furniture part. That is, one set may comprise e.g. just one hinge, or a hinge arm and a gas spring and a rail or similar. It is possible to have only one or more than two sets of pivoting means.

In an embodiment the gas spring is arranged at its longest between table and bed positions, so that when the furniture is moved from table position to bed position or vice versa, the gas spring is arranged to: first get longer, then reach a maximum length, then start to get shorter. This way the gas spring is adapted to ease the movement in the beginning, have the least effect in the middle part and slow down the movement at the end of the movement.

In an embodiment the maximum length of the gas spring is reached at or near the middle point of its turning between the table and bed positions. In an embodiment the total turning movement of the gas spring is arranged between 80 and 100 or between 85 and 95 degrees, and the maximum length is reached between 30 and 60 or between 40 and 50 degrees. In an embodiment the total turning movement of the gas spring is arranged between 40 and 100 or between 60 and 80 degrees, and the maximum length is reached between 20 and 50 or between 30 and 40 degrees.

In an embodiment the pivoting means comprises - a rail arranged substantially vertical on the wall support; and

- a pivoting support, such as a slide arranged movable along the rail.

At least one piece of pivoting means is attached turnably both on the pivoting support and the furniture part. In an embodiment the pivoting means comprises at least one gas spring, with one end attached turnably at the pivoting support and with another end attached turnably on the furniture part. When moving the furniture part from table position to bed position or vice versa, the pivoting support moves along the rail, i.e. vertically. This enables a robust and smooth moving and turning of the furniture part. Rails and slides are well known as such. Different rails and slides may be used.

The rail can be arranged on either side of the wall support, i.e. on the front side towards the bed or on the back side, i.e. the side meant against a wall or other support. In an embodiment the rail is attached to the wall support e.g. with screws. In an embodiment the rail is arranged on a left or right side of the wall support, e.g. on a vertical edge connecting the front and back sides of the wall panel.

In an embodiment a rail is arranged directly on a wall or other support behind the wall panel. In an embodiment a rail is arranged beside the wall panel, i.e. on a left or right side of the wall support.

In an embodiment one or more components of the pivoting means are arranged on the back side of the wall support during normal use of the furniture. In an embodiment the rail and the pivoting support, such as a slide arranged to move along the rail, are arranged on the back side of the wall support. In an embodiment a slot is arranged through the wall support to allow for the pivoting support to extend through the slot and towards the furniture part. The slot may be arranged parallel to the rail, e.g. vertical. The length of the slot may be at least approximately same as the length of the rail. A furniture with some of the pivoting means arranged on the backside of the wall support provides for safer and better-looking furniture.

In an embodiment the size of the wall support is smaller than the size of the frame of the furniture part in such a way that in table position the wall support fits inside the frame. In other words, in table position the wall support is at least partly, possible totally hidden inside the end supports and the table part of the furniture part. In an embodiment in table position the wall support and all pivoting means are hidden inside the end supports and the table part of the furniture part. This would provide or a safe and better-looking furniture.

In an embodiment the slide comprises a slide base arranged to extend horizontally a distance from the rail towards the furniture part. The slide base may be elongated, made e.g. of a metal or plastic. Slide wheels or other sliding means engaging with the rail may be arranged on the slide base. The slide base may comprise an attachment point, such as an opening, at which the slide is rotatably attached to the furniture part. The slide base may also comprise an attachment point for pivoting means, e.g. between the sliding means and the attachment point for the furniture part.

The pivoting means are an important if not the main support structure between the furniture part and the wall support when they are moved between the table and bed positions. Strength and robustness of its components, such as the hinge arms or rails, is important. They may be made e.g. of a metal such as steel, plastic or some other suitable material.

A method according to the invention may use any convertible furniture according to the invention. In an embodiment of the method a convertible furniture comprises a furniture part, a wall support and pivoting means between them. The furniture part comprises two end supports and thereto supported a bed and a table part. The table part comprises a first edge and a second edge which are at least mainly parallel with each other. In an embodiment the first and second edges are at least substantially parallel with the wall support. The embodiment comprises at least the following method steps:

- moving the furniture part in relation to the wall support between at least a table position and a bed position,

- guiding said moving with the pivoting means arranged between the furniture part and the wall support;

When moving the furniture part: - in table position: positioning the first edge towards, e.g. close or against the wall support and the second edge as an outer edge of the table part; and

- in bed position: positioning the first edge as an upper edge of the side of the bed and the second edge as a lower edge of the side of the bed.

In an embodiment the pivoting means comprises at least one gas spring. The gas spring is arranged at its longest between table and bed positions. This way, when moving the furniture part from table position to bed position or vice versa, the gas spring:

- first gets longer, thereby easing the movement in the beginning;

- then reaches a maximum length, thereby having the least effect in the middle part of the moving;

- then gets shorter, thereby slowing down the movement at the end of the it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed schematic drawing, in which

Figure 1 shows a convertible furniture according to the invention in a perspective view from above the furniture in a table position,

Figure 2 shows the furniture of Figure 1 during movement between the table and bed positions,

Figure 3 shows the furniture of Figure 1 in bed position,

Figure 4 shows the locking mechanism of a furniture according to the invention in table position in a partly cut view from above the furniture, the locking mechanism in open position,

Figure 5 shows the locking mechanism of Figure 4 in locked position,

Figure 6 shows an outer top corner of a furniture according to the invention in table position, in a perspective view from below, with an extra support not engaged,

Figure 7 shows the top corner of Figure 6 with the extra support engaged, Figure 8 shows support plates and pivoting means of one furniture end in table position,

Figure 9 shows the support plates and pivoting means of Figure 8 in bed position, Figure 10 shows a lower part of an end support with a wheel in bed position, Figure 11 shows a second convertible furniture according to the invention in a perspective view from above the furniture in a table position,

Figure 12 shows the furniture of Figure 11 during movement between the table and bed positions,

Figure 13 shows the furniture of Figure 11 in bed position, Figure 14 shows support plates and pivoting means of one furniture end in table position, and

Figure 15 shows the support plates and pivoting means of Figure 14 in bed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE FIGURES For the sake of clarity, in different embodiments same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to each other. For the sake of clarity, every part and feature has not been numbered in every Figure.

Two embodiments of a convertible furniture 1 according to the invention are depicted. The structure and functioning of the first and second embodiment differ mainly in the structure of their pivoting means. The first embodiment is presented in Figures 1 to 3, and a suitable mechanism, i.e. support plates and pivoting means for it in Figures 8 and 9. The second embodiment is presented in Figures 11 to 13 and a suitable mechanism, i.e. support plates and pivoting means for it in Figures 14 and 15. Embodiments in other Figures, e.g. locking mechanism in Figures 5 and 6, extra support of Figures 6 and 7 and wheel of Figure 10 are possible with both embodiments.

The convertible furniture 1 comprises a furniture part 2 and a wall support 21 . The furniture part comprises a frame 11 and thereto supported a bed 3 and a table part 4. The frame 11 comprises two end supports 12a and 12b which are arranged parallel with each other and a distance apart from each other. The frame may comprise other parts also, such as support beams. Pivoting means are arranged between the furniture part 2 and wall support 21 . Pivoting means comprise hinge arms 5a and gas springs 5b in both the first and second embodiments. In the second embodiment in Figures 11 to 13 the pivoting means also comprise vertical rails 30 attached to the wall support 21 and slides 31 adapted to be moved on and along the rails. The pivoting means guide and assist the movement of the furniture part 2 between a table position and a bed position. The pivoting means are attached to the first and second end supports 12a, 12b of the furniture part via first support plates 16 and to the wall support 21 via second support plates 26. In the second embodiment the rail 30 itself or flanges or extensions arranged on it function as a second support plate 26.

In the table position, shown e.g. in Figures 1 and 11 , the frame 11 is standing on its side panels and arranged against the wall support 21 . The table part 4 is now on the top of the furniture part 2. Table part 4 is now horizontally arranged. The top of the table part 4 forms a horizontal table surface 44 at the top of the furniture 1 . The table surface 44 is substantially flush with the top edge of the wall support 21 . At the same time, the bed 3 is arranged sideways inside the frame 11 . In other words, the bed 3 is in a vertical position under the table part 4, and therefore unusable.

When moving from the table position to the bed position, the top of the furniture part 2, e.g. the table part 4, is turned away from the wall support 21 , see Figures 2 and 12. As the frame 11 is turned more and more towards the horizontal, the bed 3 becomes more and more visible. Finally, as shown in Figures 3 and 13, the furniture 1 is in bed position. This means that the frame 11 and in them the bed 3 is in a horizontal position. Bed 3 is usable. At the same time, the table part 4 has become a horizontal side panel for the bed 3. This means that the table surface 44 is horizontal and thereby not usable as a table.

The table part 4 comprises a first edge 7 and a second edge 8 parallel to each other, on the opposite sides of the table part 4. The first edge 7 is in the table position against or at least close to the wall support 21 . In bed position the first edge 7 is arranged as the upper edge of the side of the bed. The second edge 8 is in the table position arranged as outer edge of the table part 4 and table surface 44. In bed position the second edge 8 is arranged as the lower edge of the side of the bed, against the floor or other support beneath the furniture.

The frame 11 comprises a first and a second end support 12a, 12b. The table part 4 is arranged perpendicularly between the end supports. Thereby, each end support 12a, 12b functions in table position as a vertical support against a floor and in bed position as a vertical bed end. In the depicted embodiment, each end support 12a, 12b comprises four edges. A first end support edge 131 is in table position mainly vertical and situated towards the wall support 21. In bed position the first end support edge 131 is a mainly horizontal upper edge of the bed end. A second end support edge 132 is in table position mainly vertical and situated facing away from the wall support. In bed position the second end support edge 132 is a mainly horizontal lower edge of the bed end. A third end support edge 133 is in table position a mainly horizontal lower edge of the vertical support against a floor or other support below the furniture 1 . In bed position the third end support edge 133 is mainly vertical and situated towards the wall support 21. A fourth end support edge 134 is in table position a mainly horizontal upper edge of the vertical support, supporting the table part 4 on top of it. In bed position the fourth end support edge 134 is mainly vertical and situated away from the wall support 21 . In these examples the first and second panel edges are substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the third and fourth panel edges are substantially parallel to each other, but perpendicular against the first and second. In the depicted embodiments the end supports 12a, 12b are formed as substantially rectangle panels, with at least some rounded corners. This needs not to be the case; the furniture can be designed in many forms.

In the shown embodiments the wall support 21 is a vertical panel covering the area of the furniture part 2 that is in contact with it in table position. Also, in table position, the upper edge of the wall support 21 is flush with the table surface 44, thereby functioning as an extension of the table surface 44. The wall support 21 may comprise wall brackets 22, seen on Figure 2, on its back side, i.e. the side meant against a wall or other support (not shown). Wall brackets 22 may be e.g. hooks with which the wall support 21 is attached to e.g. a wall securely and immovable. The wall brackets 22 may be openable so, that the wall panel 21 is easily detached from the wall, if needed. An indentation 27 is formed the at lower end of the back side of the wall support 21 . It facilitates the installation of the wall support, e.g. a possible baseboard on a wall it is installed on may fit in the indentation 27.

To keep the furniture part 2 safely in the table position, an easily operated table lock 6 is arranged between the frame 11 and wall support 21 . In a locked position, the table lock 6 secures the furniture part 2 together with the wall support 21 . In an open position the table lock 6 allows the movement of the furniture part 2 towards the bed position. The table lock 6, seen e.g. in Figures 4 and 5, comprises a first locking member 6a on the table part 4 and a second locking member 6b on the wall support 21. The first locking member 6a is situated at or near the first edge 7 of the table part 4. The second locking member 6b is situated at or near the vertical edge 7 of the wall support 21 . This way, the locking members are against each other or at least very near to each other in table position. In bed position the first locking member 6a is arranged on top edge of the side of the bed, see Figures 3 and 13.

In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 the table part is not shown, save its first edge 7 and second edge 8. The table lock 6 is a simple latch, with a steel arc 6a, i.e. an arc shaped steel form, as the first locking member and a vertical pin 6b as the second locking member. The steel arc 6a can be turned in the direction of the plane of the table part 4 it is arranged on. In the depicted table position, i.e. when the first edge 7 of the table part 4 is in contact with the wall support 21 , the steel arc 6a may be turned to reach around and behind the pin 6b, thereby interlocking the steel arc 6a and the pin 6b with each other. This means the table lock 6 is in locking position, as seen in Figure 5, and the furniture part 2 is secured in the table position. When turning the arc 6a so, that the opening in the arc 6a is towards the wall support 21 , the steel arc 6a and the pin 6b are not interlocked, i.e. the table lock 6 is in open position, as seen in Figure 4. Now the furniture part 2 may be turned away from the wall support 21 towards the bed position. To ease the functioning of the table lock 6, a lock actuator, an elongated shaft 6c in Figures 4 and 5 is connected at its first end 9a to the steel arc 6a. The shaft 6c is a lever adapted to be turned in the direction of the plane of the table part 4. Turning the shaft 6c moves the steel arc 6a and thus the table lock 6 between the locked and open positions. That means that in table position the table lock is opened and secured by turning the shaft 6c horizontally under the table part 4. The shaft 6c is supported on the inner surface 10 of the table part 4 with a pivot point 13. The second end 9b of the elongated shaft 6c is arranged towards the second edge 8 of the table part 4. The shaft 6c extends, from the table lock 6 past the bed 3, which is arranged under the table part 4, towards the second edge 8 of the table part. The second end 9b of the shaft may comprise a handle, where it can be manually engaged by a user, simply by reaching her/his arm under the second edge 8 of the table part. The shaft 6c is adapted to move close to the inner surface 10. This way it is freely movable in a small gap between the table part 4 and the bed 3. A recess may be formed in the side of the bed to make more space for the shaft to move. One possibility is to arrange the elongated shaft at least partly inside the table part. This may be done e.g. by forming a suitable open recess on the inner surface 10 of the table part 4. The shaft 6c may also be situated totally or almost totally inside the table part 4, so that only the second end of it, e.g. a handle is visible and ready to be engaged with a hand.

In order to ease movement of the furniture part 2 against a floor or other surface beneath it during the conversion between the table position and the bed position, one or more wheels 14 can be attached to the end supports 12a, 12b. The wheels 14 may be partly hidden. E.g. the wheels 14 in the depicted embodiments are arranged mostly or partly inside the end supports 12a, 12b so that just a part of each wheel 14 is protruding over one or more edges of the end support. The wheels 14 are at the lower end support corners which are farthest away from the wall support 21 in the table position. That is, the wheels 14 are at the corners where the second and third end support edges 132 and 133 meet. A wheel may e.g. protrude over only the vertical or both the vertical and horizontal panel edges table position. In the depicted embodiments, the wheels 14 are arranged to protrude over the second and third end support edges 132 and 133. The wheel may protrude e.g. under 2 mm, under 5 mm, under 20 mm, 2 to 5 mm, 2 to 10 mm, 5 to 10 mm or 2 to 20 mm over the panel edges 132, 133. Extra supports or feet may be arranged at the panel edge 133 so, that in the table position wheels 14 are not engaged with the floor, but as soon as the movement towards the bed position starts, the wheels 14 start to engage the floor. This way they facilitate the conversion of the furniture during practically the whole movement between the two positions. The wheels 14 may be constructed in many ways. It is possible to replace all or some wheels by some other movement facilitating or friction decreasing means, such as rails or plastic glides.

In Figures 6 and 7 is shown an outer top corner of the furniture 1 in table position. A turnable extra support 15 is arranged under the table part 4. In Figure 6 it is hidden under the table part, against the corner of end support 12a and the inner surface 10 of the table part. In the drawings the support 15 is fixed to the table part 4. When preparing to move the furniture into bed position, an outer end 15b of the support 15 is turned around a vertical axis 15a to be engaged with the second end support edge 132. In the bed position the outer end 15b of the support, situated on the panel edge 132, will engage the floor. On that edge 132, the thickness of the outer end 15b of the support may be the same as the distance the wheels 14 protrude over the panel edge 132, that is, e.g. under 2 mm, under 5 mm, under 20 mm, 2 to 5 mm, 2 to 10 mm, 5 to 10 mm or 2 to 20 mm. This way, the weight of the furniture 1 in bed position rests on the wheels 14 and on the extra support 15. There may be more of these extra supports 15 on different points of the furniture. That would e.g. make it possible to remove all weight from the wheels 14 in bed position. The support 15 may be manufactured e.g. from a suitable plastic. Also fixed feet or other fixed supports may be arranged in panel edges so that they contact the floor in table and bed positions. Feet or other supports may give extra friction between the furniture and the floor in order to prevent unwanted moving of the furniture.

Figures show embodiments with a pair of elongated support plates 16 and 26 on each end of the furniture 1 . Figures 8 and 9 show one of the pairs with pivoting means, i.e. a hinge arm 5a and a gas spring 5b arranged between the support plates 16 and 26. Figures 14 and 15 show one pair of support plates 16 and 26 with pivoting means, i.e. a gas spring 5b, rail 30 and slide 31 arranged between the support plates 16 and 26. The rail 30 comprises flanges or extensions with attachment points (not shown) which function as a second support plate 26. For clarity, no other parts of the furniture 1 , such as end supports 12a, 12b or wall support 21 are shown in Figures 8, 9, 14 or 15.

First support plates 16 are attached to the end supports 12a and 12b of the furniture part 2. Second support plates 26 are attached to the wall support 21 . In Figures 8 and 9 each support plate 16 and 26 supports one end of the hinge arm 5a and one end of the gas spring 5b. In Figures 13 and 14 each support plate 16 supports one end of the gas spring 5b and one end of the slide 31 . The other end of the slide 31 is attached movably to the rail 30. Each first support plate 16 supports also a wheel 14. The support plates 16 and 26 are attached to the end supports 12a, 12b and wall support 21 with e.g. screws or bolts. Some openings 17 for the screws or bolts are shown in Figures 8 and 9.

The first support plates 16 are attached at and along the third end support edges 133, on the inside face of the end supports 12a, 12b. In the Figures the support plates 16 are of the same length and form as the panel edges 133 they are attached to. As a matter of fact, they can be thought to form part of the panel edges 133. Thus, in table position the first support plates 16 are at the mainly horizontal lower edges of the end supports 12a and 12b, against or close to the floor, as shown in Figures 8 and 14. In bed position the first support plates 16 are mainly vertical and situated towards the wall support 21. The second support plates are arranged vertically and substantially immovably in the wall support 21 . Thus, in bed position, see Figures 9 and 15, the first support plates 16 are parallel with and against or close to the second support plates 26 on the wall support 21 .

Figure 10 shows one example of a wheel 14 arranged at a corner of second and third end support edges 132 and 133. The first support plate 16 is attached at and along the third end support edge 133, on the inside face of the end support 12a. Inside face means the face facing the bed 3 and the other end support 12b. In other words, the first support plate 16 is under the table part 4. The first support plate 16 is aligned with and actually forms parts of both the inner face of end support 12a and the panel edge 133. The wheel 14 is supported and arranged between the inner and outer faces of the end support 12a.

The wheels 14 may be simple castors, i.e. pivoting rollers mounted to an axle pin 19 on the first support plate. The design of the support plate 16, the diameter of the wheel 14 and the position of the axle pin 19 can be chosen so that the wheels 14 will be the outermost point in the corner of the end support 12a or 12b. Thereby the wheel can be the point of contact with the floor at any given stage of the transition between bed and table positions.

One end of the axle pin 19 of the wheel is firmly attached, e.g. by welding, on the first support plate 16. The other end of the axle pin 19 may be supported e.g. on the end support 12a, 12b. However, the axle pin 19 can be dimensioned thicker and of a sufficiently strong material so that it would not bend even without a support on its other end.

When using the invention, the gas springs 5b aid the transition between the table and bed positions. When moving the furniture part 2 between the two positions, the user normally needs most power when starting the movement, e.g. from the bed position toward the table position. Therefore, the gas springs 5b may be arranged so that they provide some or maximum force, i.e. aid for the user when starting from bed and/or table position. The gas springs 5b may provide some or minimum force, i.e. smaller aid for the user in between the two end positions. One way to achieve this is to arrange the gas spring 5b to reach its maximum length between the two positions.

In the depicted first embodiment the gas springs 5b are arranged at their longest between the table position of Figures 1 and 8 and bed position of Figures 3 and 9. This way, when the furniture part 2 is moved from table position to bed position or vice versa, the gas springs 5b are arranged to: first get longer, then reach a maximum length, then start to get shorter. This way the gas spring is adapted to ease the movement in the beginning, have the least effect in the middle part and slow down the movement at the end of the movement. The maximum length is reached near the middle point of the gas spring’s turning between the table and bed positions. The total turning movement of the gas spring 5b between Figures 8 and 9 is approximately 90 degrees, and its maximum length is reached between 40 and 50 degrees.

In the first embodiment the hinge structure between the furniture part 2 and the wall support 21 comprises one hinge arm on both ends of the furniture. The hinge arms 5a have fastening points 18 and the gas springs 5b have fastening points 23 on first and second support plates 16 and 26. They are attached rotatably at their fastening points 18 and 23. The hinge arms 5a and gas springs 5b may be mounted with bearings at their fastening points to avoid wear.

In the depicted second embodiment the slide 31 comprises an elongated and horizontal slide base 33. Slide wheels 32 or other sliding means engaging with the rail 30 are arranged on the first end of the slide base 33. The second end of the slide base 33 comprises an attachment point 34, at which the slide is rotatably attached to the first support plate 16. The slide base 33 also comprises an attachment point 23 for one end of the gas spring 5b, between the wheels 32 and the attachment point 34. The slide 31 is arranged to be moved vertically along the rail 30, when the furniture part 2 is moved between table and bed positions. The slide base 33 stays horizontal during the movement, thus, the distance between the wall support 21 and the attachment point 34 remains the same.

When the second embodiment is in table position, see Figures 11 and 14, the slide 31 is at its lowest point on its path along the rail 30. The gas spring 5b is horizontal and lined up with the slide base 33, when seen from the side. The first end support is horizontal, i.e. aligned with the floor. When movement towards the bed position starts, the slide 31 starts moving up along the rail 30. Slide base 33 stays horizontal, but as the furniture part 2 starts to turn, so turn the end supports 12a and 12b, as do the first support plates 16 attached to them and thereby also turn the gas springs 5b, which have their second ends attached to the first end supports 16. This means that when the bed position in Figures 13 and 15 is reached, the slide 31 is at its highest point on its path along the rail 30, the first end support 16 is vertical and the gas spring 5b is turned close to vertical. Especially if the first support plate 16 is attached at an inner side face of the end support 12a, 12b, at least some of the movable pivoting means may need a cavity inside the end support 12a, 12b, to provide space for its moving. In the second embodiment the gas spring 5b is arranged in such a cavity, as best seen in Figures 14 and 15. Also, the wheels 14 may need a cavity inside the end supports 12a, 12b. A cavity for pivoting means 5a, 5b may also be needed on the wall support 21.

The figures show only a few preferred embodiments according to the invention. Facts of secondary importance with regards to the main idea of the invention, facts known as such or evident for a person skilled in the art, such as support structures possibly required by the invention, are not necessarily separately shown in the Figures. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited exclusively to the examples described above, but that the invention can vary within the scope of the claims presented below. The dependent claims are not to be considered to restrict the scope of protection of the invention as such.