E-frame futon

Abstract

A new simple and inexpensive futon frame which can be converted from a bed to a sofa. The frame is fabricated in a three-section, tri-fold configuration with three sections hingedly joined together. When opened, the segments of the frame form a horizontal bed support frame. The hinge points of the frame are offset to allow for folding of the frame into the sofa and/or into a small, compact unit for ease in shipping. Each of the frame sections has support legs, some of which are foldably mounted to the frame. The back legs of the frame (when it is a bed) become a support for the back of the frame (when it is a sofa). The use of a steel mesh as the futon mattress supporting surface adds great benefit to the product in that it allows use of a much thinner (less costly) futon mattress.

1 . A furniture unit comprising, 
 first, second and third frame sections joined together by hinged joints,    first support means attached to and supporting said first frame section,    second support means attached to and supporting said second frame section,    said first, second and third frame sections adapted to fold together at the hinged joints such that said second support means is selectively placed in supportive abutment with said first support means.    
     
     
         2 . The unit recited in  claim 1  wherein, 
 each of said first, second and third frame sections comprises a first, second and third outer frame respectively and a separate support surface attached to the respective outer frame.  
 
     
     
         3 . The unit recited in  claim 2  wherein, 
 each said support surface is formed of a mesh.  
 
     
     
         4 . The unit recited in  claim 1  including, 
 third support means attached to and supporting said third frame section  
 
     
     
         5 . The united recited in  claim 4  wherein, 
 said third support means is attached to said third frame section by hinged joints.  
 
     
     
         6 . The united recited in  claim 2  wherein, 
 each of said first, second and third outer frames has a generally rectangular configuration.  
 
     
     
         7 . The united recited in  claim 6  wherein, 
 each of said first, second and third outer frames has substantially the same length.  
 
     
     
         8 . The united recited in  claim 7  wherein, 
 each of said first, second and third outer frame has a different width.  
 
     
     
         9 . The united recited in  claim 1  including, 
 a foldable mattress adapted to be placed on at least two of said first, second and third frame sections.  
 
     
     
         10 . The united recited in  claim 1  wherein, 
 said first support means includes an inverted U-shaped support leg fixedly attached to said first frame section.  
 
     
     
         11 . The united recited in  claim 1  wherein, 
 said second support means includes a support leg fixedly attached to said second frame section.  
 
     
     
         12 . The united recited in  claim 4  wherein, 
 said support means comprises an inverted U-shaped support leg hingedly attached to said third frame section.  
 
     
     
         13 . The united recited in  claim 1  wherein, 
 said first support means selectively supports a portion of said third frame section.  
 
     
     
         14 . The united recited in  claim 5  wherein, 
 each of said hinged joints includes first and second arms with a spacer therebetween and a common axis therethrough.  
 
     
     
         15 . The united recited in  claim 4  wherein, 
 each of said first and second arms of each of said hinged joints is attached to the sides of adjacent pairs of said first, second and third frame sections.  
 
     
     
         16 . A furniture unit comprising, 
 first, second and third frame sections joined together by hinged joints,    first support means attached to and supporting said first frame section,    second support means attached to and supporting said second frame section,    said first, second and third frame sections adapted to fold together at the hinged joints such that said second support means is selectively placed in supportive abutment with said first support means,    each of said first, second and third frame sections comprises a first, second and third outer frame respectively and a separate support surface attached to the respective outer frame,    third support means attached to and supporting said third frame section,    each of said first, second and third outer frames has a generally rectangular configuration.