Sofa with Swivel Feature

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present general inventive concept pertains to furniture, and more particularly to a sofa having sections that swivel to allow selective reconfiguration of seat facing directions while maintaining a substantially contiguous seating surface, and while at the same time accommodating reclining footrest features and full recline position in the sofa.

BACKGROUND

Sofas, also known as couches, settees, or chesterfields (“sofas”) are generally known in the art. Typical sofas are cushioned items of furniture for seating multiple people, although it is not uncommon for a single person to use a couch alone. Sofas generally consist of a bench with upholstered armrests, an upholstered back, and upholstered cushions forming a contiguous seating surface. Often, sofas are fitted with springs and tailored cushions and pillows to provide comfort to a user sitting on the seating surface. Although a couch is used primarily for seating, it may also be used for sleeping, lounging, or the like. In homes, couches are normally put in the family room, living room, den, or lounge. They are sometimes also found in non-residential settings such as hotels, lobbies of commercial offices, waiting rooms, and bars.

Sectional sofas are a type of sofa that have been popular for some time. A sectional sofa typically comprises two or more pieces of furniture that are shaped to conform to one another such that the pieces may be placed adjacent one another to form a complete sofa. Because sectional sofas are generally comprised of several pieces, they offer improved transportability and flexibility in assembly, in that the various pieces forming a sectional sofa can be separated from each other, transported or moved individually, and placed in a desired configuration to reassemble the complete sectional sofa. Often, sectional sofas are designed to be modular, such that they offer improved flexibility in terms of arrangement. For example, sectional sofas are often designed to be assembled in an L-shaped or curved configuration to conform to a right angle. However, often designs of modular sectional sofas allow a user to arrange or rearrange the sofa in either a straight configuration or an angled configuration. Many designs also allow a user to add or remove modular components of the sectional sofa in order to create a larger or smaller sofa as desirable. Many designs of sectional sofas may also include recliner features in portions of the sofa that allow a user sitting in a certain position along the seating surface to extend a footrest formed along a front surface of the sofa, thereby forming a footstool for the user, and also to extend a back portion of the sofa to form a fully reclining position.

Because sectional sofas are often large, heavy, and bulky, the various pieces of the sectional sofa are often difficult to move or reposition, even in light of the sectional and/or modular nature of the pieces forming the sofa. Thus, once a sectional sofa is placed and assembled, a user is often limited in their ability to select a direction of facing while sitting in the sectional sofa. For example, if a user sitting on a sectional sofa wishes to turn to face someone sitting beside them on the sofa, the user must turn their body to sit “angled” on the sofa. Thus, the user may not be able to sit with their back fully against the back of the sofa or with their feet pointed toward any recliner footrest which may be provided by the sofa at their seating position. This may lead to decreased comfort for the user having to sit in an angled configuration on the sofa.

Many furniture designs, and in particular many designs for single-seat chairs such as recliners, armchairs, easy chairs, and the like, include a swivel base upon which the other portions of the chair are mounted. The swivel base allows the chair to be rotated about a vertical axis to face one of an essentially infinite desired directions about the rotational axis of the chair.

Some efforts have been made to provide a sectional sofa having at least one piece of the sofa which is rotatable such that a portion of the sectional sofa can be turned toward the other portions of the sofa. However, numerous limitations exist in these designs. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0189364, filed by Friedman, discloses a sectional sofa having a stationary main portion and a circular end piece that is designed to rotate on a swivel base. However, in the sofa of Friedman, the circular end piece does not include a reclining footrest. In fact, when the circular end piece of the Friedman sofa is rotated toward the stationary main portion, the front surface of the circular end piece “disappears” between the circular end piece and the stationary main portion. Thus, the sofa of Friedman cannot accommodate a reclining footrest on the circular end piece, as doing so would render the end piece of Friedman incapable of rotating when the footrest is extended. Similar sofa designs, with similar limitations, are illustrated in U.S. Design Pat. No. D524,569, issued to Kevonian; and in U.S. Design Pat. No. D527,540, issued to Kevonian.

In light of the above, there exists a desire for an improved sectional sofa that provides sections that swivel to allow selective reconfiguration of seat facing directions while maintaining a substantially contiguous seating surface, and at the same time accommodating reclining footrest features and fully reclining features in the swiveling portions of the sofa.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a sofa with swivel feature is provided that includes a base portion defining a first seating surface and a first forward direction, and a swivel portion defining a second seating surface and a second forward direction. The swivel portion is rotatable in relation to the base portion between a first position in which the first and second forward directions are parallel and a second position in which the first and second forward directions are non-parallel. Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may also include a forward surface of the swivel portion that is movable between a first configuration extending downwardly from a forward edge of the second seating surface and a second configuration extending outwardly from the second seating surface.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a repositionable sectional sofa that comprises at least one base portion defining a first seating surface and a first forward direction, and at least one swivel portion defining a second seating surface removably positionable contiguous to the first seating surface, a second forward direction, and a forward surface movable between a first configuration in which the forward surface extends downwardly from a forward edge of the second seating surface and a second configuration in which the forward surface extends outwardly from the second seating surface. Various aspects of the present general inventive concept may be achieved wherein the at least one swivel portion may be rotatable in relation to the at least one base portion between a first position in which the first and second forward directions are parallel and a second position in which the first and second forward directions are non-parallel.

In various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, contiguity of the first and second seating surfaces may be maintained throughout rotation of the at least one swivel portion between the first and second positions. In various embodiments, rotation of the at least one swivel potion in relation to the base portion may be limited to between the first and second positions. In various embodiments, the forward surface may be reconfigurable between the first and second configurations throughout rotation of the at least one swivel potion in relation to the base portion between the first and second positions. In various embodiments, the at least one base portion may define a first arcuate side surface extending vertically along a side edge of the first seating surface. The first arcuate side surface may be shaped to mate with and conform to a second arcuate side surface defined by the at least one swivel portion.

Various aspects of the present general inventive concept may further be achieved in which the at least one swivel portion rotates between the first and second positions about an axis defined by a radius of curvature of the second side surface. In various embodiments, the at least one swivel portion may comprise a first swivel portion defining the second seating surface, the second forward direction, and the second arcuate side surface. The at least one swivel portion may further comprise a second swivel portion defining a third seating surface and a third forward direction. The first and second swivel portions may each be rotatable in relation to the base portion between a first position, in which the first, second, and third forward directions are each parallel, and a second position, in which the first and third forward directions each form an acute angle to the second forward direction.

Various aspects of the present general inventive concept may further be achieved in which the at least one base portion defines a third arcuate side surface extending vertically along a side edge of the first seating surface opposite the first arcuate side surface. The third arcuate side surface may be shaped to mate with and conform to a fourth arcuate side surface defined by the second swivel portion. The second swivel portion may rotate between the first and second positions about an axis defined by a radius of curvature of the fourth side surface.

Various aspects of the present general inventive concept may further be achieved in which each of the first and second swivel portions may be carried by a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of linkages configured to drive movement of the corresponding forward surface between the first and second configurations and a swivel unit configured to carry the corresponding swivel portion in rotation between the first and second positions. In various embodiments, each reclining mechanism may be configured to limit rotation of the corresponding swivel portion between the first and second positions. For example, each swivel unit may further comprise at least one stop configured to limit rotation of the corresponding swivel portion between the first and second positions.

In various embodiments, swivel portion may further define a seat back. In such embodiments, various aspects of the present general inventive concept may further be achieved in which the plurality of linkages may be further configured to drive movement of the corresponding seat back between an upright position and a reclined position. In various embodiments, the plurality of linkages may further be configured such that movement of the corresponding seat back to the reclined position results in tilting the corresponding seating surface.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present general inventive concept. Other features and aspects may be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following example embodiments are representative of example techniques and structures designed to carry out the objects of the present general inventive concept, but the present general inventive concept is not limited to these example embodiments. In the accompanying drawings and illustrations, the sizes and relative sizes, shapes, and qualities of lines, entities, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. A wide variety of additional embodiments will be more readily understood and appreciated through the following detailed description of the example embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a sofa with swivel feature constructed in accordance with various aspects of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the base section of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the swivel sections of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of showing the reclining mechanism of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the reclining mechanism of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top view of showing the reclining mechanism of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top view showing another configuration of the reclining mechanism of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a sofa with swivel feature constructed in accordance with various aspects of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the sofa with swivel feature of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and illustrations. The example embodiments are described herein in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modification, and equivalents of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. The progression of fabrication operations described are merely examples, however, and the sequence type of operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Also, description of well-known functions and constructions may be simplified and/or omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

Note that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

According to various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a sofa is provided that has at least one stationary section and at least one section that swivels in relation to the stationary section to allow a seat facing direction of the swiveling section to be turned toward and away from a seat facing direction of the stationary section. In various embodiments, adjacent surfaces of the stationary section and swiveling section are contoured to one another such that the stationary section and swiveling section maintain a substantially contiguous seating surface throughout rotation of the swiveling section. Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may also include a reclining footrest provided along a front surface of the swiveling section. In various embodiments, one or more suitable stops are provided to limit rotation of the swiveling section in relation to the stationary section such that the swiveling section is kept from rotating toward the stationary section to the extent that extension and retraction of the reclining footrest is impeded by the stationary section.

In the various descriptions herein, the terms “section”, “segment”, and “piece” may be used interchangeably to refer to a portion of the sectional sofa. Likewise, the term “sofa” may be used herein to refer to a sofa, sectional sofa, couch, settee, chesterfield, love seat, or the like. Also, while the example embodiments described herein typically refer to sofas, it is understood that these assemblies and systems may also be incorporated in other types of furniture without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, attached, in one embodiment, a sofa with swivel feature 10 includes a base section 12 and at least one, and preferably at least two, swivel sections 14, 16 disposed at opposite side ends of the base section. The base section 12 includes generally a horizontal seating surface 18, a substantially vertical front surface 20 extending from a forward edge 22 toward a support surface such as the floor, and a seat back 24 extending generally upward from a rearward edge 26 of the seating surface 18. Suitable support framing of the type known to one of ordinary skill in the art is provided to support the seating surface 18, front surface 20, and seat back 24 in their orientations respective to one another such that the surfaces may cooperate to provide at least one seat for a user to sit upon, preferably though not necessarily with the user seated upon the seating surface 18, with the user's back against the seat back 24, and with the user's legs and feet forward of the front surface 20. In this manner, the orientation of the seating surface 18, front surface 20, and seat back 24 defines a forward direction “A” of the base section 12, namely, with the front surface 20 and seat back 24 extending generally perpendicularly to the forward direction.

It will be understood that the seating surface 18, front surface 20, and seat back 24 need not be squarely perpendicular to one another in order to accomplish the seat configuration discussed above. Rather it will be understood that, as used herein, the terms “perpendicular” and “perpendicularly” may denote various surfaces and directions that are “generally” perpendicular to one another. In this regard, in various embodiments, the specific angles defined by the orientations of the seating surface 18, front surface 20, and seat back 24 in relation to one another may be selected based on a large number of considerations, such as for example improved comfort, style, structural integrity, and/or conformity to a user of the seat. For example, the seating surface 18, front surface 20, and seat back 24 may, in various embodiments, define slightly obtuse angles for a more natural reclination of a user and/or contour for improved comfort. It will further be understood that, in numerous embodiments, the seating surface 18, front surface 20, and seat back 24 are each upholstered, padded, and/or cushioned. Thus, the seating surface 18, front surface 20, and seat back 24 need not define perfectly “planar” surfaces in order to accomplish the base section 12 in accordance with the present general inventive concept. Rather, it will be understood that, in various embodiments, each of these surfaces may define an irregular, contoured, and/or “pillowed” shape as a result of their upholstered and padded fabrication.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base section 12 defines first and second side surfaces 28, 30 extending generally vertically along respective side edges 32, 34 of the seating surface 18 from the front surface 20 toward the seat back 24. In accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept, in various embodiments, the side edges 32, 34 of the seating surface each define an arcuate shape, such that the side surfaces 28, 30 each define segments of a curved cylindrical surface extending substantially vertically and along a portion of a circular path from respective opposite edges of the front surface 20 toward the seat back 24. In various embodiments, each of the side surfaces 28, 30 and the corresponding side edges 32, 34 of the seating surface 18 each define a uniform radius of curvature.

With reference to FIG. 3, in various embodiments, each of the swivel sections 14, 16 defines a substantially horizontal seating surface 36 which is supported by a suitable framework at a height substantially equal to that of the seating surface 18 of the base segment 12. Each swivel section 14, 16, further includes a front surface 38 extending from a forward edge 40 of the seating surface 36, and a seat back 42 extending generally upwardly from a rearward edge 44 of the seating surface 36. In the illustrated embodiment, each swivel section seating surface 36 defines a mating side edge 46 having an outwardly curved shape that is configured to conform to and mate with a corresponding side edge 32, 34 of a seating surface 18 of a base segment 12. Likewise, each swivel section 14, 16 defines a mating side surface 48 extending along the mating side edge 46 from a forward interface adjacent the front surface 38 to the seat back 42, such that the mating side surface 48 mates with and conforms to a corresponding side surface 28, 30 of a base segment 12.

In various embodiments, suitable framing is provided within and/or beneath the swivel sections 14, 16 such that the swivel sections may each rotate about a central axis defined by the radius of curvature of the mating side surface 48 and/or mating side edge 46. Thus, each swivel section 14, 16 can be positioned adjacent to a base segment 12, with the mating side surface 48 of the swivel section 14 adjacent and conforming to a corresponding side surface 28 of the base segment 12. Thus positioned, the swivel sections 14, 16 can be rotated between a first position (see FIG. 1), in which the seat backs 24, 42 of the base section 12 and swivel section 14 are substantially coplanar and forward directions “B” of the swivel sections 14, 16 are substantially parallel to the forward direction “A” of the base section 12; to a second position (see FIG. 4), in which the seat backs 24, 42 of the base section 12 and swivel sections 14, 16 are separated and form an angle to one another, and in which the forward directions “B” of the swivel sections 14, 16 are convergent toward the forward direction “A” of the base section 12.

In various embodiments, one or more guides, tracks, rails, or the like are provided along corresponding side surfaces 28, 30 of the base segment 12 and/or mating side surfaces 48 of the swivel sections 14, 16, such that the base segment 12 and swivel segment 14, 16 may be secured to one another in adjacent positioning. Additionally, at least one stop may also be provided such that rotation of the swivel segment 14, 16 in relation to the base segment 12 is limited to rotation between the first position (FIG. 1) and the second position (FIG. 4). It will be recognized that the above-discussed guides, tracks, rails, or the like, together with the at least one stop, may serve to limit rotation of the swivel segment 14, 16, such that the front surface 38 of the swivel segment 14, 16 is not impeded by being rotated into adjacent relationship with the side surface 28, 30 of the base segment 12 in the second position. In various embodiments, throughout rotation of the swivel segments 14, 16 between the first and second positions, the seating surfaces 18, 36 of the base segment 12 and the swivel segments 14, 16 are maintained in substantially coplanar relationship, such that the seating surfaces 18, 36 maintain a contiguous seating surface throughout the two positions.

As shown schematically in FIGS. 4 and 5, in various embodiments, each of the swivel segments 14, 16 includes a reclining mechanism 56 which is configured to allow the front surface 38 and seat back 42 of each swivel segment 14, 16 to be reconfigured between an upright configuration (see FIGS. 1 and 4) and a reclined configuration (see FIG. 5). In FIGS. 4 and 5, the reclining mechanism 56 is shown schematically in phantom line. However, FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a more detailed view of the reclining mechanism 56. With reference to FIGS. 6-9, in the illustrated embodiment, each reclining mechanism 56 includes a stationary base 58 which serves to carry the reclining mechanism 56 and associated swivel segment 14, 16 and to support these components from a support surface such as the ground or a floor. In the illustrated embodiment, each stationary base 58 comprises a substantially rectangular rigid frame 50 positioned generally beneath the swivel segment 14, 16, but having one side member 52 that extends outward from beneath the swivel segment 14, 16 to underlie the side surface 48 of the swivel section 14, 16 that mates with a corresponding side surface 28, 30 of an adjacent base segment 12. The side member 52 includes suitable holes or other fastener receivers or securing means to allow the side member 52 to be rigidly fixed to an underlying frame portion of the adjacent base segment 12. In this way, the stationary base 58 and associated swivel segment 14, 16 may be fastened to the adjacent base segment 12 and secured against lateral separation of the swivel segment 14, 16 from the base segment 12.

A swivel unit 6o is mounted to the base 58 and includes a lower mounting plate 62 fixed in relation to the frame 50 and extending generally in a horizontal plane along an upper region of the base 58. An upper mounting plate 64 is disposed in substantially overlying parallel-planar relationship to the lower mounting plate 62 and is pivotally secured thereto via a central swivel connection 66. Thus, the upper mounting plate 64 is rotatable in relation to the lower mounting plate 62 and base 58 about a vertical axis defined by and extending through the swivel connection 66.

The reclining mechanism 56 further includes a plurality of linkages and actuators carried by the upper mounting plate 64 and arranged to articulably actuate and control movement of the seating surface 36, front surface 38, and seat back 42 when the reclining mechanism 56 is adjusted between an upright position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) and a reclining position (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7). In the reclined position, the seat back 42 is rotated rearwardly by the reclining mechanism 56 and biased in a rearward inclination angle, which is an obtuse angle in relation to the seating surface 36. The front surface 38 is extended forward and rotated to a generally horizontal orientation substantially parallel to the seating surface 36. As described above, the upright position is a normal, non-reclined sitting position with the seating surface 36 generally horizontal and the front surface 38 and seat back 42 extending generally perpendicularly to the seating surface 36.

With reference to FIGS. 6-7, the various linkages provided in the reclining mechanism 56 for actuating and controlling movement of the seating surface 36, front surface 38, and seat back 42 between the upright and reclining positions comprise a pair of essentially mirror-image linkage mechanisms 68 which, in turn, comprise an arrangement of pivotably interconnected linkages. As used herein, it is understood and appreciated that the pivotable couplings (illustrated as pivot points in the figures) between these linkages can take a variety of configurations, such as pivot pins, bearings, traditional mounting hardware, rivets, bolt and nut combinations, or any other suitable fasteners which are well-known in the furniture-manufacturing industry. Further, the shapes of the linkages and brackets may vary as desired, as may the locations of certain pivot points. In this regard, it will be understood that when a linkage is referred to as being pivotably “coupled to,” “connected” to, “attached,” etc., another element, it is contemplated that the linkage and elements may be indirect contact with each other, or other elements (such as intervening elements) may also be present.

In the illustrated embodiment, each linkage mechanism 68 includes generally a footrest assembly 70, a seat mounting plate 72, and a seat back adjustment assembly 74. The footrest assembly 70 is comprised of a plurality of links arranged to extend and collapse the front surface 38 during adjustment of the reclining mechanism 56 between the upright position and the reclining position. The seat mounting plate 72 is configured to fixedly mount to the support structure of the seating surface 36 to fix the seating surface 36 in relation to the seat mounting plate 72. Generally, the seat back adjustment assembly 74 is configured to recline and incline the seat back 42 of the swivel segment 14, 16, which is coupled to the seat back adjustment assembly 74 via a back mounting link 76.

In the illustrated embodiments, the various linkages forming the footrest assembly 70, seat mounting plate 72, and seat back adjustment assembly 74 are pivotably connected and rotationally dependent upon one another, such that movement of a single linkage toward and away from the upright and reclining positions results in movement of the entire linkage mechanism 68 likewise toward and away from the upright and reclining positions. In this embodiment, a plurality of activator bars 78, 80 are provided spanning between corresponding links in the pair of linkage mechanisms 68 to connect the corresponding links in fixed rotational dependence with one another. Thus, movement of one of the linkage mechanisms 68 toward and away from the upright and reclining positions results in movement of the other linkage mechanism likewise toward and away from the upright and reclining positions. In the illustrated embodiment, a motor assembly 82 is provided including an electric motor configured to drive a linear actuator 84. The linear actuator 84 is interposed between two of the activator bars 78, 80, such that extension of the linear actuator serves to separate the activator bars 78, 8o from one another, thereby driving the linkage mechanisms 68 toward the reclining position. Conversely, retraction of the linear actuator serves to draw the activator bars 78, 8o toward one another, thereby driving the linkage mechanisms 68 toward the upright position.

In the illustrated embodiment, additional cross members are provided joining various corresponding links of the pair of linkage mechanisms 68 in order to provide increased stability between the two linkage mechanisms 68 and to further reinforce the rotational dependence between the various corresponding links of the two linkage mechanisms 68. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a cross member 86 is provided joining corresponding links located approximately halfway along a length of the footrest assembly 70. Distal ends of each footrest assembly include a front surface mounting link 88 configured to be fixedly joined to the front surface 38, such that each footrest assembly 70 is maintained in relatively stable relationship with the opposite footrest assembly 70 throughout extension and retraction thereof. Likewise, another cross member 90 is provided joining the back mounting links 76 of the seat back adjustment assemblies 74.

As discussed above, the linkage mechanisms 68, activator bars 78, 80, cross members 86, 90, and motor assembly 82 are all carried by the upper mounting plate 64 of the swivel unit 60. Furthermore, for each swivel section 14, 16, the seating surface 36, front surface 38, and seat back 42 are each mounted to the pair of linkage mechanisms 68, and the linkage mechanisms cooperate to carry the seating surface 36, front surface 38, and seat back 42, together with the associated support framing and structural components of these surfaces. Thus, rotation of the upper mounting plate 64 in relation to the lower mounting plate 62 serves to rotate the associated swivel section 14, 16 and associated linkage mechanisms 68, activator bars 78, 8o, cross members 86, 90, and motor assembly 82 between the above-discussed first and second positions.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate top-down views of the reclining mechanism 56 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, with FIG. 8 showing the reclining mechanism 56 in the first position, and FIG. 9 showing the reclining mechanism 56 rotated to the second position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the lower mounting plate 62 and upper mounting plate 64 each define a generally square-shaped perimeter, and in the first position, the outer edges of the lower mounting plate 62 and upper mounting plate 64 are arranged in a generally parallel-planar, overlying relationship with one another. In FIG. 9, the reclining mechanism 56 is shown to be rotated to the second position. Thus, the outer edges of the upper mounting plate 64 are rotationally offset from the outer edges of the lower mounting plate 62, as are the linkage mechanisms 68, activator bars 78, 8o, cross members 86, 90, and motor assembly 82.

In accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept, in various embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, one or more stops 92 are provided between the lower mounting plate 62 and upper mounting plate 64 of the swivel unit to limit rotation of the upper mounting plate 64 in relation to the lower mounting plate 62 to between the above-discussed first and second positions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of stops 92 are provided, with each stop 92 comprising an indentation 94 that extends from the upper mounting plate 64 toward the lower mounting plate 62. For each indentation 94, a pair of bolts 54 are provided extending from the lower mounting plate 64 upward between the lower mounting plate 62 and upper mounting plate 64. The bolts 54 are positioned along the path of rotation of the indentation 94, on opposite sides of the indentation 94, such that, when the upper mounting plate 64 reaches the first position, the indentation 94 contacts and engages one of the two bolts 54 to limit further rotation of the upper mounting plate 64 in relation to the lower mounting plate 62 beyond the first position. Likewise, when the upper mounting plate 64 reaches the second position, the indentation 94 contacts and engages the other of the two bolts 54 to limit further rotation of the upper mounting plate 64 in relation to the lower mounting plate 62 beyond the second position. Thus, the stops 92 serve to limit rotation of each swivel section 14, 16 in relation to the base section 12 to between the first and second positions.

In various embodiments, additional features may be provided to improve the general comfort and convenience of the sofa 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in various embodiments, the seat backs of the various sections are provided with extendable headrests 100 through suitable framing and linkages of the type known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, and with reference to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the swivel segments 14, 16 includes an armrest 98 disposed on a side of the segment opposite the base segment 12. Thus, the swivel segments 14, 16 define opposite left and right segments of the sofa 10, with each segment 14, 16 cooperating with the base segment to define a relatively flat and continuous seating surface from the seating surface of one segment 14 to the seating surface of the other segment, and with the sofa 10 defining armrests 98 on each opposite end thereof. As used hereinafter, the swivel segment illustrated at “14” in the figures may be referred to as a “left” swivel segment, while the swivel segment illustrated at “16” in the figures may be referred to as a “right” swivel segment.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of a sofa with sectional feature 10a constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of swivel segments 14, 15, 16 and base segments 12 are provided in alternating fashion in order to form a completed sectional sofa. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of base segments 12 are provided with a central swivel segment 15 disposed therebetween, and opposite left swivel segment 14 and right swivel segment 16 disposed on opposite sides of the base segments 12. Similar to the left and right swivel segments 14, 16 discussed above, the central swivel segment 15 includes a substantially horizontal seating surface 36, a front surface 38 extending from a forward edge 40 of the seating surface 36, and a seat back 42 extending generally upwardly from a rearward edge 44 of the seating surface 36. A forward direction of the central swivel segment is illustrated in the figures by arrow “C”. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the central swivel segment 15 does not include an armrest. Thus, with the central swivel segment 15 disposed between the base segments 12, and the base segments 12 being flanked on opposite outside ends by left and right swivel segments 14, 16, the various swivel segments 14, 15, 16 cooperate with the base segments 12 to define a relatively flat and continuous seating surface from the seating surface of the left swivel segment 14, across the base segments 12 and central swivel segment 15, to the seating surface of the right swivel segment 16.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the base segments 12 and swivel segments 14, 15, 16 is rotated in relation to adjacent segments so that the forward directions “A”, “B”, “C”, of the various segments are substantially parallel. However, as shown in FIG. 11, each of the left and right segments 14, 16 may be rotated inward such that the forward directions “B” of the left and right swivel segments 14, 16 each converge toward the forward direction “A” of the base segments 12. In this embodiment, the central swivel segment 15 may be rotated in either left or right directions, such that the forward direction “C” of the central swivel segment 15 may be angled toward the left swivel segment 14, or alternatively, toward the right swivel segment 16.

It will be recognized that the specific angle of rotation of each of the swivel segments 14, 15, 16 between the first and second positions may be selected according to various geometric considerations of the sofa 10. For example, as discussed above, in various embodiments, the angle of rotation of the swivel segments 14, 15, 16 is selected so as not to permit the swivel segments 14, 15, 16 to rotate so far in relation to the base segments 12 that the base segments 12 block or otherwise interfere with extension and retraction of the forward surfaces 38 of the swivel segments 14, 15, 16. In the embodiment of the sofa 10a shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the left and right swivel segments 14, 16 defines an angle of rotation of fifteen degrees (15°) between the first and second positions thereof. Thus, each of the left and right swivel segments 14, 16 is permitted to rotate from a “straightforward” configuration (shown in FIG. 10) to a configuration in which each of the left and right swivel segments 14, 16 faces slightly inward toward the base segments 12 and center swivel segment 15. In this configuration, the forward surfaces 38 of the left and right swivel segments 14, 16 may be extended and retracted between the above-discussed upright and reclined configurations throughout rotation of the segments 14, 16 between the first and second positions. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the central swivel segment 15 defines an angle of rotation of thirty degrees (30°) between the first and second positions thereof. In other words, the central swivel segment 15 is permitted to rotate fifteen degrees (15°) to the left and fifteen degrees (15°) to the right of the “straightforward” configuration shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the forward surface of the central swivel segment 15 is also not impeded by the base segments 12 throughout rotation between the first and second positions, and the central swivel segment 15 is capable of rotating to slightly face either the left and right swivel segment 14, 16.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a sofa with sectional feature 10b constructed in accordance with several features of the present general inventive concept. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, similar to the above, a plurality of swivel segments 14, 15, 16 and base segments 12a, 12b are provided in alternating fashion in order to form a completed sectional sofa 10b. However, in this embodiment, a first base section 12a is provided on a left side of the central swivel segment 15 having an elongated seat back 24a extending “rightward” toward the central swivel segment 15. Likewise, a second base section 12b is provided on a right side of the central swivel segment 15 having an elongated seat back 24b extending “leftward” toward the central swivel segment 15. Thus, the first and second base sections 12a, 12b are capable of being positioned at a less-than 180-degree (180°) while maintaining continuity between the seat back 42a of the central swivel segment 15 and the seat backs 24a, 24b of the first and second base sections 12a, 12b. In the illustrated embodiment, the rightward edge of the first base section seat back 24a and the leftward edge of the second base section seat back 24b are shaped to substantially mate with and conform to respective left and right edges of the central swivel segment seat back 42a when the first and second base sections 12a, 12b are positioned such that their respective forward directions “A” form an approximately ninety degree (90°) angle with one another. However, it will be recognized that other angles may be selected without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. Furthermore, it will be recognized that close conformity of the central swivel segment seat back 42a with adjacent edges of the first and second base section seat backs 24a, 24b, while preferred, are not essential to accomplishing the sofa 10b in accordance with the present general inventive concept.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized that a sofa with swivel feature has been provided in which the limitation of rotation of the swivel segments serves to preserve functionality of the reclining footrest provided by the front surface 38 throughout rotation between first position and the second position. From this concept, numerous additional embodiments and configurations may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, in various embodiments, the base segment 12 may define one or more center consoles, armrests, etc., positioned higher than the corresponding seating surfaces of the adjacent swivel segments. These center consoles or armrests may define any of a large number of additional features, such as for example cup holders, lights, controls for the reclining features of the sofa, controls for the headrests, controls for heating and/or cooling features provided within the sofa, etc. The headrests may include additional features, such as for example speakers, lights, etc. Various numbers and combinations of the above-discussed base segments 12 and/or swivel segments 14, 15, 16 may be provided to produce a sofa of a desired size and/or configuration. For example, in one embodiment, three swivel segments may be provided, with two base segments disposed in alternating fashion therebetween. In this configuration, by rotating the base segments in relation to the center swivel segment, the sofa may be repositionable between an L-shaped sectional sofa and a straight sofa. In other embodiments, a total of seven segments may be provided comprising two center swivel segments with a base segment therebetween, a pair of additional base segments on either outside end of the center swivel segments, and left and right swivel segments either outside end of the outer base segments. In this configuration, by rotating the base segments in relation to the various swivel segments, the sofa may be repositionable between a U-shaped sectional sofa, an L-shaped sectional sofa, and a straight sofa.

Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, regardless of the content of any portion of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated.

It is noted that the simplified diagrams and drawings included in the present application do not illustrate all the various connections and assemblies of the various components, however, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement such connections and assemblies, based on the illustrated components, figures, and descriptions provided herein, using sound engineering judgment. Numerous variations, modification, and additional embodiments are possible, and, accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept.

While the present general inventive concept has been illustrated by description of several example embodiments, and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the general inventive concept to such descriptions and illustrations. Instead, the descriptions, drawings, and claims herein are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and additional embodiments will readily appear to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and drawings. Additional modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Sofa with Swivel Feature

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