Mattress convertible into a sofa

Abstract

A mattress that is convertible into a sofa has a first side section, a second intermediate section hingedly connected to the first side section, and a generally c-shaped third side section, hingedly connected to the second intermediate section. The first side section is foldable under the second intermediate section at the hinged connection between them, and third side section is foldable to over the second intermediate section at the hinged connection between them, to form a sofa, with the second intermediate section forming the seat of the sofa, and the C-shaped third side section forming arms and a back surrounding the seat.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mattress that is convertible into a sofa, the mattress having a generally rectangular shape with first and second ends and first and second sides extending therebetween, and oppositely facing first and second surfaces separated by a thickness, the mattress comprising:
 a first side section, the first side section being generally rectangular and having first and second ends and first and second sides extending therebetween, the first side of the first end section forming the first side of the mattress, and the first and second ends of the first side section forming parts of the first and second ends of the mattress;   a second intermediate section, the second intermediate section being generally rectangular and having first and second sides and first and second end extending therebetween, the first side of the second intermediate positioned adjacent the second side of the first side section, and hingedly connected thereto adjacent the first surface of the mattress, and the first and second ends of the second intermediate section forming part of the first and second ends of the mattress, and the second side of the second intermediate section having a central tab projecting therefrom; and   a third side section, the third side section being generally C-shaped and having an open center adapted to receive the tab on the second side of the second intermediate section, and the ends of the C of the third side section being hingedly connected to the second side of the second intermediate section on either side of the tab, adjacent the second surface of the mattress, the top and bottom of the C of the third side section forming parts of the first and second ends of the mattress, and the back of the C of the third side section forming the second side of the mattress;   the first side section being foldable under the second intermediate section at the hinged connection between them, and third side section being foldable to over the second intermediate section at the hinged connection between them, to form a sofa, with the second intermediate section forming the seat of the sofa, and the C-shaped third side section forming arms and a back surrounding the seat.   
     
     
         2 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1 , further comprising a fourth section adapted to fit under the projecting tab of the second intermediate section, when the mattress is in its sofa configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section comprises at least one foam block enclosed in a cloth cover. 
     
     
         4 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section comprises at least one inflatable envelope; 
     
     
         5 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1 , wherein each inflatable envelope is enclosed in a cloth cover. 
     
     
         6 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1 , wherein each inflatable envelope is comprised of a polymer layer and a cloth layer. 
     
     
         7 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 4 , wherein each inflatable envelope further comprises an adjustable self-closing valve to adjust the air pressure to vary the firmness. 
     
     
         8 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1  wherein portions of the at least the second intermediate and third side sections comprise a layer of gel memory foam. 
     
     
         9 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section is at least partially filled with beads. 
     
     
         10 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 9  wherein the beads are polymer foam beads. 
     
     
         11 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section is at least partially filled with a plurality of foam clusters. 
     
     
         12 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section comprises coil springs at least partially enclosed by foam. 
     
     
         13 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1  wherein the thicknesses of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section are the same and are is at least eight inches. 
     
     
         14 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1  wherein the thicknesses of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third end side section are at least ten inches. 
     
     
         15 . The mattress that is convertible into a sofa according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section has a storage pocket formed therein. 
     
     
         16 . A mattress that is convertible into a sofa, the mattress having a generally rectangular shape with first and second ends and first and second sides extending therebetween, and oppositely facing first and second surfaces separated by a thickness, the mattress comprising: a first side section, the first side section being generally rectangular and having first and second ends and first and second sides extending therebetween, the first side of the first end section forming the first side of the mattress, and the first and second ends of the first side section forming parts of the first and second ends of the mattress;
 a second intermediate section, the second intermediate section being generally rectangular and having first and second sides and first and second end extending therebetween, the first side of the second intermediate positioned adjacent the second side of the first side section, and hingedly connected thereto adjacent the first surface of the mattress, and the first and second ends of the second intermediate section forming part of the first and second ends of the mattress, and the second side of the second intermediate section having a central tab projecting therefrom; and   a third side section, the third side section being generally C-shaped and having an open center adapted to receive the tab on the second side of the second intermediate section, and the ends of the C of the third side section being hingedly connected to the second side of the second intermediate section on either side of the tab, adjacent the second surface of the mattress, the top and bottom of the C of the third side section forming parts of the first and second ends of the mattress, and the back of the C of the third side section forming the second side of the mattress;   the first side section, the second intermediate section, and the third side section being of the same thickness of at least 10″, the first side section being foldable under the second intermediate section at the hinged connection between them, and third side section being foldable to over the second intermediate section at the hinged connection between them, to form a sofa, with the second intermediate section forming the seat of the sofa, and the C-shaped third side section forming arms and a back surrounding the seat.