TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a furniture, especially a sofa.

5 According to one known sofa, a suspension fabric is used for both a seat and a backrest. The suspension fabric extends between a front beam at a front end of the seat and a rear beam at a rear end of the seat and also between the rear beam at a lower end of the backrest and an upper beam at an upper end of the backrest. The sofa may further be provided with cushions both resting on the seat portion of the suspension fabric and 10 resting on the backrest portion of the suspension fabric. The sofa further comprises a structural upright portion for resting on a floor and defining an armrest on each side of the sofa. The beams are arranged in parallel with each other and are attached to the structural upright portions.

15 The different parts of such a sofa may be provided separately in a package, wherein a customer will have to assemble the sofa. Each one of the three beams will then have to be attached at either end to each one of the structural upright portions in a way that the suspension fabric is in a proper stretched state.

20 SUMMARY

One object of the invention is to provide a furniture that facilitates the assembly and creates conditions for a comfortable use.

The object is achieved by a furniture according to claim 1. Thus, it is achieved by a 25 furniture comprising a fabric, wherein the fabric comprises a first fabric portion extending in a first extension plane between a front end and a rear end and thereby forming a part of a seat, wherein the fabric comprises a second fabric portion extending in a second extension plane between a lower end and an upper end and thereby forming a part of a backrest, wherein the rear end of the first fabric portion and the lower end of the second 30 fabric portion are connected, wherein the furniture comprises a plurality of slats arranged in association with the first fabric portion. Preferably, the plurality of slats are arranged in association with first fabric portion only. According to one example, the fabric is designed to be load-carrying. The fabric may also be mentioned a suspension fabric.

According to one example, the first fabric portion is arranged so that the first extension plane is flat, at least in a non-stressed state (not subjected to a load from above) of the furniture. According to one example, the second fabric portion is arranged so that the second extension plane is flat, at least in a non-stressed state (not subjected to a load from above) of the furniture. Since the fabric is flexible, each one of the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion may bulge in stressed state (subjected to a load from above) of the furniture.

According to one example, the slats are elongated, flat elements, preferably with the same width in a direction transverse to its longitudinal direction and with uniform thickness in the extension direction. According to one example, the slats are arranged so that a main extension plane of a single slat is in parallel with or close to parallel with the first extension plane of the first fabric portion in an operative state (assembled furniture). According to one example, the slats are in wood, but other materials may be used, such as plastics. According to one example, the slats provide for a spring/cushioning effect.

According to a further example, the slats are adapted for arranging the first fabric portion in a flat state and more particularly for tensioning the fabric to the operational state where the fabric is arranged for forming both a seat and a backrest.

The arrangement of the slats and the fabric may be designed so that they cooperate in a stressed state (subjected to a load from above). Thus, both the slats and the fabric may be adapted to carry weight.

According to one embodiment, the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion are in one piece forming a single sheet. This creates for a cost-efficient production of the fabric and a facilitated assembly handling a single sheet.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of slats are adapted to define a change of direction of the fabric at the transition between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion. In other words, the slats may be arranged so that they define an angle of about 90° between the first extension plane of the first fabric portion and the second extension plane of the second fabric portion. According to one example, one end of the slats is adapted to contact the second fabric portion at the angle between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion.

Further, the arrangement of the slats provides for that there is no need for any rear beam at the transition between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion. This facilitates the assembly for a customer since there is no need to attach any rear beam.

Further, the arrangement of the slats provides for a self-stretched suspension, reinforcement of the slats and support for pillows/cushions without sinking in.

According to a further embodiment, the slats are arranged to rest on top of the first fabric portion. It creates conditions for a construction, which is cost-effective and easy in assembly since at least parts of the slats may be visible from above. In an assembled furniture, some type of seat cushion(s) would be provided on top of the slats.

According to a further embodiment, the slats are arranged in parallel with each other and spaced from each other so that an extension plane of the slats is substantially in parallel with the first extension plane of the first fabric portion. According to one example, the slats are substantially flat in a non-stressed state (not subjected to a load from above) and arranged to be somewhat curved/bent between their end portions in a stressed state (subjected to a load from above). The slats may be arranged to rest against the first fabric portion and thereby be supported from below when in a stressed state. According to an alternative, the slats are somewhat curved with the curvature bulging upwards in a non- stressed state (not subjected to a load from above) and arranged to be curved/bent between their end portions to a lesser degree (or even flat) in a stressed state (subjected to a load from above).

According to a further embodiment, the plurality of slats are connected to the first fabric portion. According to one example, the slats are movably connected to the first fabric portion in their longitudinal direction. The slats may for example be arranged in loops attached to the first fabric portion. It creates conditions for a space-efficient package in that the slats may be provided separately from the fabric, wherein a customer can assemble the slats to the fabric. Further, any damaged slats or fabric may be exchanged easily. According to one alternative, the slats are rigidly connected to the first fabric portion. It creates conditions for an easy and time-efficient assembly in that the slats may be rigidly attached to the fabric in a package.

According to a further embodiment, the plurality of slats extend substantially all the way between the front end of the first fabric portion and the rear end of the first fabric portion. It creates conditions for the slats tensioning the fabric to its intended operational state. According to a further embodiment, the plurality of slats are connected to the fabric at end sections of the slats at both ends in their longitudinal direction. According to one example, the plurality of slats are not connected to the fabric at a center section between said end sections such that the slats are connected to the fabric only at end sections of the slats at both ends in their longitudinal direction. Thus, the slats may be free from the fabric between said end sections. It creates conditions for a cost-efficient furniture since connection means are only required at the front end of the first fabric portion and the rear end of the first fabric portion.

According to a further embodiment, the fabric comprises at least one set of a plurality of spaced pockets, which are adapted to receive the slats. The pockets may have an inner end stop or may be open throughout, wherein the pockets may be called loops.

According to a further development of the last-mentioned embodiment, a first set of pockets is arranged along the front end of the first fabric portion and a second set of pockets is arranged along the rear end of the first fabric portion for receipt of end portions of the slats.

According to a further development of the last-mentioned embodiment, the fabric is provided with at least one attachment strip, wherein the attachment strip is arranged along at least one of the front end of the first fabric portion and the rear end of the first fabric portion, wherein the attachment strip is attached to the fabric and wherein the attachment strip defines said set of pockets. The attachment strip may be formed by a fabric of a more rigid/durable design as the fabric forming the seat and the backrest. Further, the attachment strip may be attached to the fabric via seams. According to one example, a single attachment strip is attached to the fabric at sections spaced from each other in the extension direction of the strip so that the pockets are formed by the sections between adjacent attached strip portions. Thus, the pockets would be defined by the fabric in one direction and the strip in the other direction. In other words, the strip is attached to the fabric at sections regularly spaced from each other in the extension direction of the strip.

According to an alternative, two strips are arranged in parallel with each other and on top of each other. The two strips are attached to each other at sections spaced from each other in the extension direction of the strips and preferably at sections regularly spaced from each other. Thus, the pockets would be defined by a first strip in one direction and the other strip in the other direction.

According to a further embodiment, the furniture comprises a front beam and an upper beam, wherein the upper beam is arranged at a first distance from the front beam in a depth direction of the furniture and at a second distance from the front beam in a height direction of the furniture and wherein the front end of the first fabric portion is attached to the front beam and wherein the upper end of the second fabric portion is attached to the upper beam. According to one example, the front beam and the upper beam are arranged in parallel with each other.

According to a further development of the last-mentioned embodiment, the fabric is arranged in a loop at at least one of the front end of the first fabric portion and the upper end of the second fabric portion, wherein an elongated rigid or semi-rigid element is received in the loop, wherein at least one of the front beam and the upper beam comprises a track for receipt of the fabric loop with the elongated rigid element received in the loop. The track is preferably undercut, which means that an inner portion of the track is wider than an outer portion of the track. The loop with the received elongated rigid or semi-rigid element would then be received in the inner portion of the track, wherein the risk of an undesired release of the fabric from the beam is reduced. This facilitates assembly of the furniture in that the fabric may be slid from with an end engaging an end of the track of the associated beam.

According to a further embodiment, the furniture comprises a structural upright component at either end of the furniture in a sideways direction of the furniture, wherein the fabric is arranged between the structural upright components. According to one example, the structural upright component defines an armrest. According to a further example, the structural upright component is adapted to rest against a support surface (floor). According to a further example, the structural upright component may have a main extension plane substantially perpendicular to the extension planes of the fabric. According to a further example, the structural upright component may be provided with a plurality of legs, which are adapted to contact the support surface and position the fabric at a vertical distance from the support surface. According to a further development of the last-mentioned embodiment, each one of the front beam and the upper beam is rigidly attached to the structural upright component via attachment means at either end in their longitudinal direction. According to one example, the attachment means may be formed by screws. Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a furniture according to one embodiment,

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are perspective and partly cut views of the fabric and the front beam in the furniture according to fig. 1 in four consecutive assembly steps,

Fig. 2E is a perspective and partly cut view of the front beam and the armrest in the furniture according to fig. 1 in an assembly step,

Fig. 3 is a perspective and partly cut view of the fabric and slats in the furniture according to fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a cut side view of the furniture according to fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is a cut side view of an alternative embodiment to the furniture according to fig. 4, Fig. 6A is a perspective view from below of a furniture according to a further embodiment, Fig. 6B is a close-up cross-sectional view of a pivoting arrangement in Fig. 6A, and Fig. 6C is close-up and partly cut perspective view of the pivoting arrangement in Fig. 6A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a furniture 2 in the form of a sofa according to one embodiment. The furniture 2 comprising a load-carrying fabric 4. The fabric 4 comprises a first fabric portion 6 extending in a first extension plane between a front end 8 and a rear end 10 and thereby forming a part of a seat. Further, the fabric 4 comprises a second fabric portion 12 extending in a second extension plane between a lower end 14 and an upper end 16 and thereby forming a part of a backrest. The rear end 10 of the first fabric portion 6 and the lower end 14 of the second fabric portion 12 are connected. Each one of the first fabric portion 6 and the second fabric portion 12 has a generally rectangular shape. The fabric 4 defines a transition forming an angle of about 90° between the first fabric portion 6 and the second fabric portion 12. The first fabric portion 6 and the second fabric portion 12 are in one piece forming a single sheet.

The furniture further comprises a plurality of slats 18 arranged in association with the first fabric portion 6. In other words, the slats 18 are adapted to cooperatively form the seat together with the first fabric portion 6. The slats 18 are arranged to rest on top of the first fabric portion 6. Further, the slats 18 are formed by elongated and generally flat elements of wood. The slats 18 are arranged so that their flat side face upwards in an operative state. Further, the slats 18 are arranged in parallel with each other and spaced from each other so that an extension plane of the slats 18 is substantially in parallel with the first extension plane of the first fabric portion 6. The plurality of slats 18 are connected to the first fabric portion 6. The plurality of slats extends substantially all the way between the front end of the first fabric portion and the rear end of the first fabric portion. Further, the plurality of slats 18 are adapted to define a change of direction of the fabric 4 at the transition between the first fabric portion 6 and the second fabric portion 12. The furniture 2 further comprises a front beam 20 and an upper beam 22, wherein the upper beam 22 is arranged at a first distance from the front beam 20 in a depth direction of the furniture and at a second distance from the front beam in a height direction of the furniture. The front beam 20 and the upper beam 22 are arranged in parallel with each other. The front end 8 of the first fabric portion 6 is attached to the front beam 20 and wherein the upper end 16 of the second fabric portion 12 is attached to the upper beam 22. More specifically, the load-carrying fabric 4 extends in one piece between the front beam 20 and the upper beam 22 via a change of direction at the transition between the first fabric portion 6 defining the seat and the second fabric portion 12 defining the backrest.

The furniture 2 further comprises a structural upright component 24, 26 at either end of the furniture in a sideways direction of the furniture, wherein the fabric 4 is arranged between the structural upright components 24, 26. More specifically, each one of the front beam 20 and the upper beam 22 is rigidly attached to the structural upright components 24, 26 via attachment means 28, 30 at either end in their longitudinal direction. The structural upright component 24, 26 defines an armrest. The structural upright component 24, 26 comprises a frame structure 32 in a metallic material with an extension in an extension plane and a fabric 34 arranged over the frame structure 32. According to one alternative, the structural upright component or the frame structure may be formed in wood. According to an alternative, it may be formed in engineered wood, plastic or in a composite material.

The furniture 2 further comprises four legs 36, 38, 40, 42, one at each corner of the furniture for positioning the first fabric portion 6 forming the seat at a vertical distance from a floor. In the shown embodiment, a first pair of legs 36, 38 is formed in one piece with a first one of the structural upright components 24 and a second pair of legs 40, 42 is formed in one piece with a second one of the structural upright components 26.

The furniture 2 further comprises a seat cushion arrangement 44 and a backrest cushion arrangement 46. The seat cushion arrangement 44 is adapted to cover the first portion 6 of the fabric 4 and the backrest cushion arrangement 46 is adapted to cover the second portion 12 of the fabric 4.

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are perspective and partly cut views of the fabric 4 and the front beam 20 in the furniture according to fig. 1 in four consecutive assembly steps. The fabric 4 is connected to the front beam 20 in a releasable way.

The fabric 4 is arranged in a loop 48 at the front end 8 of the first fabric portion 6, wherein the loop is straight and extends along the complete length of the front end 8. An elongated rigid or semi-rigid or flexible element 50 is received in the loop 48, wherein an outermost section of the fabric comprising the loop 48 with the elongated rigid or semi-rigid element 50 is widened in relation to an adjacent section of the fabric. Further, the front beam 20 comprises an undercut track 52 for receipt of the fabric loop 48 with the elongated rigid element 50 received in the loop. The term “undercut” means that an inner section of the track is wider than an outer section of the track. The undercut track 52 is open in the longitudinal direction of the front beam 20 and extends along the complete length of the front beam 20.

The fabric loop 48 is arranged at a distance from an end of the slats 18, which distance is somewhat longer than an extension of the front beam 20 in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. It will be further explained in association with fig. 2D.

The rigid, semi-rigid or flexible element 50 may be formed by a pipe, wire or rope.

The arrow in fig. 2B and fig. 2C indicates a direction of relative movement between the fabric 4 and the front beam 20. More specifically, one end of the fabric loop 48 is aligned with the undercut track 52 and introduced in the undercut track 52 from an end of the front beam 20.

Turning now to figure 2D, the front beam 20 has a rectangular cross section shape. The undercut groove 52 is arranged at a first side of the front beam 20, which will face inwards of the furniture 2 in an assembled state and thereby be hidden from view. After the fabric 4 has been moved longitudinally relative to the front beam 20 to an operative position lengthwise, the front beam 20 is pivoted around an axis in parallel with its longitudinal direction so that the fabric 4 covers a second side of the front beam 20, which will face outwards of the furniture 2 in an assembled state.

The ends of the slats 18 are adapted to rest against an inner surface of the front beam 20. The slats 18 are arranged in such a way that an upper surface of the slats 18 are substantially flush with an upper surface of the front beam 20.

The front beam 20 comprises two holes 54, 56 in an end face of the front beam 20 facing in its longitudinal direction. The two holes are adapted for receipt of the fasteners 30 for fastening the front beam 20 to the structural upright 24, see fig. 2E. According to an alternative, a single fixation point, two fixation points or more fixation points may be needed to ensure stability and a stiff connection to the structural upright 24 (armrest).

The arrangement of the fabric 4 relative to the upper beam 22 is similar to the arrangement of the fabric 4 relative to the front beam 20. It will therefore not be repeated.

Fig. 3 is a perspective and partly cut view of the fabric 4 and slats 18 in the furniture 2 according to fig. 1. The plurality of slats 18 are connected to the fabric 4 at end sections 58 of the slats 18 at both ends in their longitudinal direction. Further, the plurality of slats 18 are not connected to the fabric 4 at a center section of the slats between said end sections.

More specifically, the fabric 4 comprises at least one set of a plurality of spaced pockets 60, which are adapted to receive the slats 18. A first set 62 of pockets is arranged along the front end 8 of the first fabric portion 6 and a second set 64 of pockets 60 is arranged along the rear end of the first fabric portion for receipt of end portions of the slats. More specifically, the fabric 4 is provided with at least one attachment strip 66, wherein the attachment strip 66 is arranged along each one of the front end of the first fabric portion and the rear end of the first fabric portion. The attachment strip 66 is attached to the fabric and wherein the attachment strip defines said set of pockets 60. More specifically, the attachment strip 66 is attached to the fabric 4 via a plurality of spaced seams 68 extending perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the attachment strip 66, wherein every second portion of the attachment strip 66 defined by adjacent seams forms a receptacle for the slat 18.

Fig. 4 is a cut side view of the furniture 2. according to fig. 1. It may be noted that the slats 18 define a flat plane in parallel with the extension plane of the first portion 6 of the fabric 4.

Fig. 5 is a cut side view of an alternative embodiment to the furniture 102. The furniture 102 comprises a plurality of slats 118 in a similar manner as has been described above for the first embodiment. The furniture 102 differs in that the slats 118 define a curved plane bulging upwards. It is a matter of choice depending on the spring characteristics desired of the furniture. Fig. 6A is a perspective view from below of a furniture 102 in the form of a sofa according to a further embodiment. For ease of presentation, only the main differences in relation to the first described embodiment will be described in the following. The furniture 102 comprising a load-carrying fabric 103. The fabric 103 comprises a first fabric portion 114 extending in a first extension plane between a front end 115 and a rear end 117 and thereby forming a part of a seat. Further, the fabric 103 comprises a second fabric portion 116 extending in a second extension plane between a lower end 119 and an upper end 121 and thereby forming a part of a backrest. The rear end 117 of the first fabric portion 114 and the lower end 119 of the second fabric portion 116 are connected to a rear lower beam 108.

The furniture 102 further comprises a front beam 112 and an upper beam 110. The front beam 112, the upper beam 110 and the rear lower beam 108 are arranged in parallel with each other. The front end 115 of the first fabric portion 114 is attached to the front beam 112 and wherein the upper end 121 of the second fabric portion 116 is attached to the upper beam 22.

The first fabric portion 114 and the second fabric portion 116 are in one piece forming a single sheet. According to an alternative, the first fabric portion 114 and the second fabric portion 116 are formed in separate pieces.

The furniture 102 further comprises a plurality of slats 123 arranged in association with the first fabric portion 114 in a similar manner as has been described above with regard to the first-mentioned embodiment.

The furniture 102 further comprises a structural upright component 104a, 104b at either end of the furniture in a sideways direction of the furniture, wherein the fabric is arranged between the structural upright components 104a, 104b. More specifically, during assembly, each one of the front beam 112 and the upper beam 110 is first rigidly attached to the structural upright components 104a, 104b via attachment means at either end in their longitudinal direction. In a consecutive assembly step, the rear lower beam 108 is attached to the structural upright components 104a, 104b via a pivoting arrangement 106 so that the fabric 103 is stretched to a desired operative state. More specifically, the pivoting arrangement 106 is adapted to pivot the rear lower beam 108 from a non-operative first state, in which it is movably connected to the structural upright components 104a, 104b to the operative state, in which it is rigidly attached to the structural upright components 104a, 104b.

Referring now also to Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C, wherein Fig. 6B is a close-up cross-sectional view of the pivoting arrangement 106 in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6C is close-up and partly cut perspective view of the pivoting arrangement 106 in Fig. 6A. The pivoting arrangement 106 comprises two pivoting plates 120, each of which is pivotably arranged relative to one of the structural upright components 104a, 104b. More specifically, the two pivoting plates 120 are pivotable about a pivot axis P running in parallel with the extension directions of the front beam 112 and the upper beam 110. Further, each one of the two pivoting plates 120 comprises an engagement member 122, in the form of a slot, for engagement with a correspondingly shaped engagement member 124, in the form of a pin, which is rigidly attached to one of the structural upright components 104a, 104b .

The rear lower beam 108 is connected to each one of the two pivoting plates 120 in a way that a center axis 125 of the rear lower beam 108 is offset with respect to the pivot axis P.

The pivoting arrangement 106 further comprises lever 118, functioning as a handle, adapted to aid pivoting of the rear lower beam 108. The lever 118 is fixed to the rear lower beam 108 at a midpoint between the structural upright components 104a, 104b.

In Fig. 6B, a circular arc L 1 shows a path travelled by the slot 122 of the plate 120 when the rear lower beam 108 pivots around the pivot point P. Similarly, a second circular arc L 2 shows the path travelled by the center axis 125 of the rear lower beam 108 during the same pivoting movement.

The first fabric portion 114 and the second fabric portion 116 are attached to the rear lower beam 108 at an attachment section 126, which is rotatable with respect to the rear lower beam 108. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

According to one alternative or compliment to the arrangement with fasteners for attachment of the beams to the structural uprights, the ends of the beams may be provided with an integrated structure of projection and/or recess, wherein the structural upright is provided with a correspondingly shaped integrated structure of recess and/or projection for engagement in an operative state.

According to a further alternative, the design of the beams is not limited to the shown design with a rectangular cross section shape, but may for example have a rounded cross section shape, such as a circular cross section shape.

According to a further alternative, the ends of the fabric may be connected to the beams in a different way than via the described loops and rigid element received in an undercut groove. For example, the fabric may be rigidly connected to the beams via glue, stitches or in some other way.

According to a further alternative to the arrangement of the slats being arranged in loops of the fabric, the slats may be rigidly or semi rigidly attached to each other and then attached to the fabric via glue or in some other way.