Couch with sliding seat

• US 5,988,749 A
• Filed: 08/19/1997
• Issued: 11/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/04/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Absolute Comfort, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Absolute Comfort, Inc.
• Inventors: Williams, James A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelson, Jr., Milton
• Application Number:
  US08/914,459
• Time in Patent Office: 826 Days
• Field of Search: 5/12.1, 5/17, 5/18.1, 297/337, 297/342, 297/311, 297/118
• US Class Current: 297/337
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 1/023 the parts being horizontally-adjustable seats ; Expandable seats or the like, e.g. seats with horizontally adjustable parts
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 17/134 by lifting or tilting

Abstract

A seating unit, such as a sofa, chair or love seat with a movable seat section includes a main frame arranged for support of a back rest in fixed relation thereto and a seat frame for supporting a seat. Support tracks slidably support the seat frame from the main frame. The seat frame can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to the main frame. A locking device secures the seat frame in relation to the main frame in a plurality of positions between the retracted position and the extended position. Several different seat frame embodiments are disclosed. In addition, a unique cable-based actuation assembly is described.

Claims

1. A seating unit with a movable seat section, comprising:

a main frame arranged for support of a backrest;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member fixed to said main frame and a second member fixed to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame;

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position; and

a plurality of legs affixed to said seat frame and extending downwardly therefrom, wherein said legs are movable with said seat frame and provide support therefor.

2. A seating unit with a movable seat section comprising:

a main frame arranged for support of a backrest;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member fixed to said main frame and a second member fixed to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame;

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position;

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator disposed at a first end of said seating unit, (ii) a second actuator disposed at a second end of said seating unit, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, and (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said latching assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby enable movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either said first actuator or said second actuator; and

a plurality of legs affixed to said seat frame and extending downwardly therefrom, wherein said leas are movable with said seat frame and provide support therefor.

3. A seating unit with a movable seat section, comprising:

a main frame arranged for support of a backrest;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member fixed to said main frame and a second member fixed to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame;

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position, wherein said latching assembly includes;

a latch pin housing secured to at least one of said main frame or said first member of said support track, said latch pin housing adapted to retain a movable latch pin;

a latch rail secured to said seat frame, said rail defining a plurality of spaced apertures, each said aperture sized to engage a latch pin;

a latch pin retained by said latch pin housing and movable between a first position in which said latch pin is engaged with one of said apertures defined in said latch rail, and a second position in which said latch pin is disengaged from said latch rail; and

a spring in operable engagement with said latch pin, wherein upon movement of said latch pin to said second position, said spring is compressed and said seat frame may be moved relative to said main frame; and

a plurality of legs affixed to said seat frame and extending downwardly therefrom, wherein said legs are movable with said seat frame and provide support therefor.

4. The seating unit of claim 3 further comprising:

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator, (ii) a second actuator, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, and (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said latching assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby enable movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either of said first actuator or said second actuator.

5. The seating unit of claim 4 wherein said actuation assembly further comprises (v) a first plurality of cables for operably connecting said first control adapter to said first actuator and said second actuator, and (vi) a second plurality of cables for operably connecting said second control adapter to said first actuator and said second actuator.

6. A seating unit with a movable seat section, comprising:

a main frame arranged for support of a backrest;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member affixed to said main frame and a second member affixed to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame; and

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position, said latching assembly comprising (i) a latch pin retainer secured to at least one of said main frame or said first member of said support track, said latch pin retainer adapted to retain a movable latch pin, (ii) a latch rail secured to said seat frame, said rail defining a plurality of spaced apertures, (iii) a latch pin retained by said latch pin retainer and movable between a first position in which said latch pin is engaged with one of said apertures defined in said latch rail, and a second position in which said latch pin is disengaged from said latch rail, and (iv) a spring in operable engagement with said latch pin, wherein upon movement of said latch pin to said second position, said spring is compressed and said seat frame may be moved relative to said main frame.

7. A seating unit with a movable seat section, comprising:

a main frame for support of a backrest;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member secured to said main frame and a second member secured to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame;

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position;

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator disposed at a first end of said seating unit, (ii) a second actuator disposed at a second end of said seating unit, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, and (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said latching assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby en able movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either said first actuator or said second actuator; and

a caster assembly comprising at least one caster affixed to one of said seat frame and said main frame, and a caster race defined on the other of said seat frame and said main frame.

8. A seating unit with a movable seat section, comprising:

a main frame for support of a backrest;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member secured to said main frame and a second member secured to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame;

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position, wherein said latching assembly includes;

a latch pin housing secured to at least one of said main frame or said first member of said support track, said latch pin housing adapted to retain a movable latch pin;

a latch rail secured to said seat frame, said rail defining a plurality of spaced apertures, each said aperture sized to engage a latch pin;

a latch pin retained by said latch pin housing and movable between a first position in which said latch pin is engaged with one of said apertures defined in said latch rail, and a second position in which said latch pin is disengaged from said latch rail; and

a spring in operable engagement with said latch pin, wherein upon movement of said latch pin to said second position, said spring is compressed and said seat frame may be moved relative to said main frame; and

a caster assembly comprising at least one caster affixed to one of said seat frame and said main frame, and a race defined on the other of said seat frame and said main frame.

9. The seating unit of claim 8 further comprising:

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator, (ii) a second actuator, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, and (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said latching assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby enable movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either said first actuator or said second actuator.

10. The seating unit of claim 9 wherein said actuation assembly further comprises (v) a first plurality of cables for operably connecting said first control adapter to said first actuator and said second actuator, and (vi) a second plurality of cables for operably connecting said second control adapter to said first actuator and said second actuator.

11. A seating unit with a movable seat section, said seating unit having a first end and a second end, and comprising:

a stationary main frame;

a backrest affixed to said main frame;

a seat frame movable with respect to said main frame, and independently movable with respect to said backrest;

a locking assembly for securing and releasing said seat frame relative to said main frame; and

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator disposed at said first end of said seating unit, (ii) a second actuator disposed at said second end of said seating unit, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said locking assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, and (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said locking assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said locking assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby enable movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either said first actuator or said second actuator.

12. A seating unit with a movable seat section, said seating unit having a first end and a second end, and comprising:

a main frame;

a seat frame movable with respect to said main frame;

a locking assembly for securing and releasing said seat frame relative to said main frame; and

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator located at said first end of said seating unit, (ii) a second actuator located at said second end of said seating unit, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said locking assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said locking assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, (v) a first latch cable for operably connecting said first control adapter to said locking assembly, and (vi) a second latch cable for operably connecting said second control adapter to said locking assembly, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said locking assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby enable movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either said first actuator or said second actuator.

13. A seating unit with a movable seat section, said seating unit having a first end and a second end, and comprising:

a stationary main frame;

a seat frame movable with respect to said main frame;

a latching assembly for securing and releasing said seat frame relative to said main frame, said latching assembly comprising (i) a pin housing secured to said main frame and adapted to retain a movable pin, (ii) a latch rail defining a plurality of spaced apertures, each said aperture sized to engage a pin, said rail secured to said seat frame, and (iii) a pin retained by said pin housing and movable between a first position in which said pin engages one of said apertures and a second position in which said pin disengages from said rail, wherein upon actuation of said latching assembly by said first control adapter and said second control adapter, said pin moves from said first position to said second position, thereby enabling movement of said seat frame; and

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator disposed at said first end of said seating unit, (ii) a second actuator disposed at said second end of said seating unit, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, and (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said latching assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said latching assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby enable movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either said first actuator or said second actuator.

14. A seating unit with a movable seat section, comprising:

a main frame arranged for support of a backrest;

a backrest affixed to said main frame;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member fixed to said main frame and a second member fixed to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame, and said seat frame moves independently of said backrest; and

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position.

15. The seating unit of claim 14 further comprising at least one roller glide assembly secured to said seat frame and said main frame for slidably mounting said seat frame to said main frame.

16. A seating unit with a movable seat section, comprising:

a main frame arranged for support of a backrest;

a backrest affixed to said main frame;

a seat frame for supporting a seat;

a support track for movably supporting said seat frame on said main frame, said support track comprising a first member fixed to said main frame and a second member fixed to said seat frame, wherein said first member cooperates with said second member for moving said seat frame from a retracted position to an extended position in relation to said main frame, and said seat frame moves independently from said backrest;

a latching assembly for securing said seat frame in relation to said main frame in a plurality of positions between said retracted position and said extended position; and

a caster assembly comprising at least one caster wheel affixed to one of said seat frame and said main frame, and a caster race defined on the other of said seat frame and said main frame.

17. The seating unit of claim 16, wherein said at least one caster wheel is affixed to said main frame and said caster race is defined on a portion of said seat frame.

18. The seating unit of claim 16 wherein said at least one caster wheel is affixed to said seat frame and said caster race is defined on a portion of said main frame.

19. A seating unit with a movable seat section, said seating unit having a first end and a second end, and comprising:

a main frame;

a seat frame movable with respect to said main frame;

a locking assembly for securing and releasing said seat frame relative to said main frame; and

an actuation assembly for enabling movement between said main frame and said seat frame, said actuation assembly comprising (i) a first actuator disposed at said first end of said seating unit, (ii) a second actuator disposed at said second end of said seating unit, (iii) a first control adapter operably connected to said locking assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, (iv) a second control adapter operably connected to said locking assembly and both said first actuator and said second actuator, (v) a first plurality of cables for operably connecting said first control adapter to said first actuator and said second actuator, and (vi) a second plurality of cables for operably connecting said second control adapter to said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein said first control adapter and said second control adapter actuate said locking assembly to release said seat frame relative to said main frame and thereby enable movement of said seat frame, upon actuation of either said first actuator or said second actuator.

20. The seating unit of claim 19 wherein said first control adapter is disposed proximate said first end of said seating unit and said second control adapter is disposed proximate said second end of said seating unit, said first plurality of cables comprising a first side direct cable extending between said first actuator and said first control adapter, and a first side remote cable extending between said first actuator and said second control adapter, said second plurality of cables comprising a second side direct cable extending between said second actuator and said second control adapter, and a second side remote cable extending between said second actuator and said first control adapter.