UPHOLSTERED SEAT
United States Patent 3752533
A frame has a pair of side frame members and a lower front frame member and an elevated rear frame member. Each one of a plurality of straps is secured to the rear frame member and to the front frame member so as to hang somewhat loosely therebetween. A pad, which is carried by the straps, defines a generally-horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear.
US Patent References:
Chair
Leech - March 1941 - 2233986
Combination pad and insulator for cushions
Terry - December 1963 - 3116196
LOUNGE SEATING UNIT AND WEB THEREFOR
Gilbert et al. - August 1972 - 3680916
Furniture
Thompson - November 1943 - 2334966
SEATING UNIT AND WEB THEREFOR
Gilbert - February 1972 - 3643997
Chair
Leech - March 1941 - 2233986
Combination pad and insulator for cushions
Terry - December 1963 - 3116196
LOUNGE SEATING UNIT AND WEB THEREFOR
Gilbert et al. - August 1972 - 3680916
Furniture
Thompson - November 1943 - 2334966
SEATING UNIT AND WEB THEREFOR
Gilbert - February 1972 - 3643997
Application Number:
05/241292
Publication Date:
08/14/1973
Filing Date:
04/05/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
297/452.630, 297/440.110
International Classes:
A47C1/02; A47C4/02; A47C4/00; A47C5/00; A47C1/12
Field of Search:
297/93,299,218,229,440,445,455,456,457,DIG.1
US Patent References:
Other References:
"Mechanics Illustrated," July, 1953, pg. 133.
Primary Examiner:
Gilliam, Paul R.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. An upholstered seat comprising a frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, said front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, said rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members and disposed higher than said front frame member and rearwardly thereof, a plurality of freely hanging, flexible, one-piece, continuous and integral straps each secured to said front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between said front and rear frame members, there being no connection to said frame of said straps in the portions thereof intermediate said front and rear frame members, and a pad carried by said straps and defining a generally horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear, said pad concealing the regions at which said straps are secured to said front and rear frame members.
2. An upholstered seat comprising a frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, said front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, said front frame member having a plurality of longitudinally-spaced-apart slots therein, said rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members and disposed higher than said front frame member and rearwardly thereof, said rear frame member having a plurality of slots therein respectively aligned with the slots in said front frame member, a plurality of freely hanging, flexible, one-piece, continuous and integral straps each extending through aligned slots in said front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between said front and rear frame members, means for retaining said straps in said slots, there being no connection to said frame of said straps in the portions thereof intermediate said front and rear frame members, and a pad carried by said straps and defining a generally-horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear, said pad concealing the regions at which said straps are secured to said front and rear frame members.
3. An upholstered seat comprising a decorative wood frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, each of said side frame members having a base and a decorative arm rest on said base, said front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, said rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members and disposed higher than said front frame member and rearwardly thereof, a plurality of freely hanging, flexible and integral straps each secured to said front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between said front and rear frame members, there being no connection to said frame of said straps in the portions thereof intermediate said front and rear frame members, and a pad carried by said straps and defining a generally horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear.
4. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 1, wherein said pad is secured to said straps.
5. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 1, wherein said straps are removably secured to said frame.
6. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 1, wherein said pad is removably secured to said frame.
7. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 2, wherein a loop is formed on each end of each of said straps and is passed through the associated slot, said means including a plurality of rods respectively extending through said loops.
8. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 7, wherein a portion of said pad is rolled over said rear frame member and removably secured thereto and a portion of said pad is rolled over said front frame member and removably secured thereto, thereby to conceal said loops and said rods.
1. An upholstered seat comprising a frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, said front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, said rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members and disposed higher than said front frame member and rearwardly thereof, a plurality of freely hanging, flexible, one-piece, continuous and integral straps each secured to said front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between said front and rear frame members, there being no connection to said frame of said straps in the portions thereof intermediate said front and rear frame members, and a pad carried by said straps and defining a generally horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear, said pad concealing the regions at which said straps are secured to said front and rear frame members.
2. An upholstered seat comprising a frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, said front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, said front frame member having a plurality of longitudinally-spaced-apart slots therein, said rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members and disposed higher than said front frame member and rearwardly thereof, said rear frame member having a plurality of slots therein respectively aligned with the slots in said front frame member, a plurality of freely hanging, flexible, one-piece, continuous and integral straps each extending through aligned slots in said front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between said front and rear frame members, means for retaining said straps in said slots, there being no connection to said frame of said straps in the portions thereof intermediate said front and rear frame members, and a pad carried by said straps and defining a generally-horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear, said pad concealing the regions at which said straps are secured to said front and rear frame members.
3. An upholstered seat comprising a decorative wood frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, each of said side frame members having a base and a decorative arm rest on said base, said front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, said rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to said side frame members and disposed higher than said front frame member and rearwardly thereof, a plurality of freely hanging, flexible and integral straps each secured to said front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between said front and rear frame members, there being no connection to said frame of said straps in the portions thereof intermediate said front and rear frame members, and a pad carried by said straps and defining a generally horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear.
4. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 1, wherein said pad is secured to said straps.
5. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 1, wherein said straps are removably secured to said frame.
6. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 1, wherein said pad is removably secured to said frame.
7. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 2, wherein a loop is formed on each end of each of said straps and is passed through the associated slot, said means including a plurality of rods respectively extending through said loops.
8. The upholstered seat set forth in claim 7, wherein a portion of said pad is rolled over said rear frame member and removably secured thereto and a portion of said pad is rolled over said front frame member and removably secured thereto, thereby to conceal said loops and said rods.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Upholstered furniture is expensive to purchase, partly because the services of a professional upholsterer are required to mount the upholstery onto the furniture frame and the procedure of upholstering is time comsuming.
Professional upholstered furniture is also expensive to maintain. First, it is expensive to clean, because it either requires a professional to come to the owner's home and perform the cleaning steps there, or requires the entire piece of furniture to be taken to a cleaning establishment. Finally, when the padding of professionally-upholstered furniture becomes worn, the piece of furniture must either be discarded or reupholstered again by a professional upholsterer.
While there have been attempts to overcome the above-mentioned difficulties with upholstered furniture, the results have not been entirely satisfactory, in that the resulting furniture is not as attractive as professionally upholstered furniture and/or is not as comfortable. It is not particularly desirable to reduce the cost of manufacturing and maintaining upholstered furniture if the effect is a piece of furniture that is not particularly attractive and/or uncomfortable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention to provide an upholstered seat which is less expensive to manufacture and to maintain.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an upholstered seat in which the pad is removably secured to the frame, so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Another object is to provide an upholstered seat which has, on the one hand, a removable pad, yet is very comfortable and attractive in appearance.
A further object is to provide an upholstered seat having readily-removable padding which is strong enough to withstand the usual use and abuse to which upholstered furniture is subjected.
In summary, there is provided an upholstered seat comprising a frame having spaced-apart frame members, a plurality of straps secured to the frame members, and a pad carried by the straps.
In a specific form, there is provided an upholstered seat comprising a frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, the front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to the side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, the front frame member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart slots therein, the rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to the side frame members and disposed higher than the front frame member and rearwardly thereof, the rear frame member having a plurality of slots therein respectively aligned with the slots in the front frame member, a plurality of straps each extending through aligned slots in the front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between the front and rear frame members, means for retaining the straps in the slots, and a pad carried by the straps and defining a generally-horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear.
With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangements, and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size, and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its mode of construction, assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upholstered seat incorporating the features of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side portion of the seat of FIG. 1 with the arm pad removed;
FIG. 3 is a rear view in perspective of the seat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a view in section taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a view in section taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a view in section taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the seat frame; and
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the seat frame with two of the straps being shown in phantom.
DETAILS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is illustrated a sofa or couch 10 which incorporates therein the features of the present invention. It is to be understood that the couch 10 is merely representative of any upholstered seat which may be constructed as hereinafter described. For example, the invention can be used on upholstered seats such as chairs, sofas, love seats, and the like.
As is best seen in FIGS. 1-8, the couch 10 includes a frame 20 constructed of a massive-appearing wood, so as to have the decorative appearance shown. The type of frame shown is merely exemplary, and the frame can have any desired appearance and composition. The frame 20 includes a pair of spaced-apart side frame members 21, each having a generally h-shaped appearance. Each side frame member 21 includes a pair of legs 22, a rear post 23, and a front post 24 which is substantially shorter than the rear post 23. Extending between the legs 22 is a cross member 25 having on its inwardly-facing surface a plurality of male snap elements 26 (FIG.6). An arm rest 27 provided between the upper ends of the posts 23 and 24 is curved downwardly and forwardly. Also, in this form there is provided a side opening 28 defined by the posts 23 and 24 and the arm rest 27. On the underside of the arm rest 27 is a plurality of male snap elements 29.
Extending between the side frame members 21 and secured to the front thereof, is an elongated front frame member 30 having a configurated lower edge. The frame member 30 has, adjacent to its upper edge, a set of five longitudinally-extending and longitudinally-spaced-apart slots 31 (FIG. 8). A set of male snap elements 32 is provided on the front frame member 30 on the front surface thereof just beneath the slots 31. There is also provided a rear frame member 35 extending between and secured to the upper ends of the rear posts 23. Thus, the rear frame member 35 is disposed generally parallel to but higher than, the front frame member 30, and rearwardly thereof.
There is provided in the rear frame member 35 a set of five longitudinally-extending and longitudinally spaced-apart slots 36 respectively aligned with the slots 31 in the front frame member 30. On the underside of the rear frame member 35 there is provided a plurality of male snap elements 37 (FIG. 5).
There is also provided a set of five straps 40 of unusually great strength, spun-bonded polypropylene being a preferred composition. Du Pont markets a product called TYPAR which is highly desirable for this purpose. Referring specifically to FIG. 4, a loop 41 is formed in one end of each strap 40 by means of stitching 42. That end is passed rearwardly through a slot 31 in the front frame member 30, so that the loop 41 protrudes rearwardly of the front frame member 30. A rod 43 is inserted through the loop 41 so as to prevent retrograde motion thereof. The strap 40 extends along the front surface of the front frame member 30 along the top thereof, to the rear frame member 35. The strap 40 extends over the top of the rear frame member 35 along the back thereof, then forwardly along the bottom, then upwardly along the front, and finally rearwardly through the slot 36 which is aligned with the selected slot 31. This end of the strap has a loop 44 which protrudes rearwardly of the rear member 35, a rod 46 extending through such loop to prevent retrograde motion thereof. Thus, the loop 44 and the rod 46 are concealed by virtue of the portion of the strap 40 extending thereacross. With the strap 40 so mounted, it will remain in place, despite the application of lateral force thereto. Each of the five straps 40 is similarly mounted. The length of each strap 40 between the frame members 30 and 35 is greater than the distance between those frame members, thereby permitting the straps 40 to hang somewhat loosely. In a specific form, the length of each strap 40 between the frame members 30 and 35 was 53 inches, while the distance between those frame members was 35 inches. Each of the straps 40 had a width of about 9 inches and the length of each slot 31 and 36 was slightly greater than 9 inches. For a chair, fewer than five straps, for example, two, may be used, since the chair would be narrower, while a longer couch may use additional straps.
There is provided a tufted pad 50 which may have a variety of compositions, such as, for example, a polyurethane interior covered by a selected fabric. The padding may be tufted, as shown. The width of the pad 50 is approximately equal to the distance between the two side members 21, whereas the length of the pad 50 is sufficient to overlap the front surface of the front frame member 30 and overlaps the rear frame member 35. When laid upon the straps 40, the front portion thereof is disposed generally horizontal and defines a seat portion 51, while the rear portion of the pad defines a back seat portion 52. The pad 50 may be secured to the straps 40, as by stitching 50a, or, if desired, may be detached from the straps 40. As will be explained, the pad 50 is removably attached to the frame 20, in any event. The pad 50 has an end portion 53 (FIG. 4) at the front of the seat portion 51, which has a plurality of female snap elements 54 arranged to be aligned with the male snap elements 32. The end portion 53 is folded over the front of the front frame member 30, and the female snap elements 54 are mated with the male snap elements 32, thereby concealing the front end portions of the straps 40. The pad 50 has an end portion 55 (FIG. 5) at the top of the back seat portion 52, which has a reduced thickness and a plurality of female snap elements 56 arranged to be aligned with the male snap elements 37 on the rear frame member 35. The end portion 55 is wrapped around the rear frame member 35, as is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and the female snap elements 56 are mated with the male snap elements 37. In this manner the end portion 55 conceals the connection between the straps 40 and the rear frame member 35, including the loops 44 and the rods 46.
Turning specifically to FIG. 6, there is provided a pair of side pads 60 which have the same over-all appearance and construction as the pad 50, but need not be tufted. Each side pad 60 includes a bulky mid-portion 61 and a wall portion 62 which has a reduced thickness, which wall portion merges into an end portion 63. There is provided a plurality of female snap elements 64 in the end portion 63 and respectively aligned with the male snap elements 26. Each side pad 60 also includes an end portion 65 also of reduced thickness, having a plurality of female snap elements 66 respectively aligned with the male snap elements 29 on the underside of the arm rest 27. If it is desired to attach the side pads 60, the associated sets of snap elements may be mated, as indicated. With the side pads 60 thus mounted, the arm rests 27 have the same appearance as the rest of the couch 10, the wall portions 62 serving to close the side openings 28. Alternatively, because the arm rests 27 are decorative in appearance, the side pads 60 need not be used, in which case the couch 10 has more wood exposed. Because the male snap elements 26 and 29 are unobtrusively located, the failure to use the side pads 60 does not adversely affect the appearance of the couch 10.
As previously described, the pad 50 need not be fixedly attached to the straps 40, in which case the pad 50 is held in place merely by virtue of the female snap elements 54 engaging the male snap elements 26, and the female snap elements 56 engaging the male snap elements 32. If one desires to clean the pad 50, it can be readily removed by unsnapping these elements. If the pad 50 becomes sufficiently worn, it may be discarded and replaced with a new one. The services of a professional upholsterer need not be obtained to remove the old upholstery and replace it with new upholstery. Instead, the couch owner can readily remove the old pad 50, purchase a new one, and mount it in place. Even if the straps 40 are secured to the pad 50, the straps 40 may readily be removed by removing the rods 43 and 46 and pulling the loops out of their associated slots 31 and 36.
The costs to manufacture the couch 10 are less because it does not require the time-consuming operation of a professional upholsterer to assemble. Instead, relatively-unskilled labor can be employed to assemble the straps 40 onto the frame 20, as previously described, and then mount the pad 50 thereon and snap it into place. Alternatively, since it is easy to assemble, the couch 10 may be shipped in knockdown condition, for additional savings in costs of manufacture. The consumer would be fully capable of assembling the straps 40 and the pad 50 onto the previously-assembled frame 20.
The removable side pad feature lends versatility to the couch 10, in that the customer can change its appearance by simply removing the side pads 60. Since it is so easily accomplished, the pads 60 can be taken off or added on, as desired.
It is significant to note the absence of what is commonly referred to as a "back stretcher" normally present in upholstered furniture. The back stretcher is a means by which the juncture of the back and the seat itself is held rigidly in position. In the instant invention, the straps 40 hang loosely or are "slung" between the frame members 30 and 35. It should also be noted that, while the couch 10 is readily assembled and disassembled by virtue of the above-described construction, it is quite comfortable.
It is believed that the invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from the foregoing without further description, and it should also be manifest that, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are, nevertheless, capable of wide variation within the purview of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
Upholstered furniture is expensive to purchase, partly because the services of a professional upholsterer are required to mount the upholstery onto the furniture frame and the procedure of upholstering is time comsuming.
Professional upholstered furniture is also expensive to maintain. First, it is expensive to clean, because it either requires a professional to come to the owner's home and perform the cleaning steps there, or requires the entire piece of furniture to be taken to a cleaning establishment. Finally, when the padding of professionally-upholstered furniture becomes worn, the piece of furniture must either be discarded or reupholstered again by a professional upholsterer.
While there have been attempts to overcome the above-mentioned difficulties with upholstered furniture, the results have not been entirely satisfactory, in that the resulting furniture is not as attractive as professionally upholstered furniture and/or is not as comfortable. It is not particularly desirable to reduce the cost of manufacturing and maintaining upholstered furniture if the effect is a piece of furniture that is not particularly attractive and/or uncomfortable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention to provide an upholstered seat which is less expensive to manufacture and to maintain.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an upholstered seat in which the pad is removably secured to the frame, so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Another object is to provide an upholstered seat which has, on the one hand, a removable pad, yet is very comfortable and attractive in appearance.
A further object is to provide an upholstered seat having readily-removable padding which is strong enough to withstand the usual use and abuse to which upholstered furniture is subjected.
In summary, there is provided an upholstered seat comprising a frame having spaced-apart frame members, a plurality of straps secured to the frame members, and a pad carried by the straps.
In a specific form, there is provided an upholstered seat comprising a frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members and an elongated front frame member and an elongated rear frame member, the front frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to the side frame members so as to be disposed horizontally in use, the front frame member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart slots therein, the rear frame member being secured adjacent the ends thereof respectively to the side frame members and disposed higher than the front frame member and rearwardly thereof, the rear frame member having a plurality of slots therein respectively aligned with the slots in the front frame member, a plurality of straps each extending through aligned slots in the front and rear frame members and each having a length greater than the distance between the front and rear frame members, means for retaining the straps in the slots, and a pad carried by the straps and defining a generally-horizontal seating portion adjacent its front and a back rest portion adjacent its rear.
With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangements, and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size, and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its mode of construction, assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upholstered seat incorporating the features of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side portion of the seat of FIG. 1 with the arm pad removed;
FIG. 3 is a rear view in perspective of the seat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a view in section taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a view in section taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a view in section taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the seat frame; and
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the seat frame with two of the straps being shown in phantom.
DETAILS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is illustrated a sofa or couch 10 which incorporates therein the features of the present invention. It is to be understood that the couch 10 is merely representative of any upholstered seat which may be constructed as hereinafter described. For example, the invention can be used on upholstered seats such as chairs, sofas, love seats, and the like.
As is best seen in FIGS. 1-8, the couch 10 includes a frame 20 constructed of a massive-appearing wood, so as to have the decorative appearance shown. The type of frame shown is merely exemplary, and the frame can have any desired appearance and composition. The frame 20 includes a pair of spaced-apart side frame members 21, each having a generally h-shaped appearance. Each side frame member 21 includes a pair of legs 22, a rear post 23, and a front post 24 which is substantially shorter than the rear post 23. Extending between the legs 22 is a cross member 25 having on its inwardly-facing surface a plurality of male snap elements 26 (FIG.6). An arm rest 27 provided between the upper ends of the posts 23 and 24 is curved downwardly and forwardly. Also, in this form there is provided a side opening 28 defined by the posts 23 and 24 and the arm rest 27. On the underside of the arm rest 27 is a plurality of male snap elements 29.
Extending between the side frame members 21 and secured to the front thereof, is an elongated front frame member 30 having a configurated lower edge. The frame member 30 has, adjacent to its upper edge, a set of five longitudinally-extending and longitudinally-spaced-apart slots 31 (FIG. 8). A set of male snap elements 32 is provided on the front frame member 30 on the front surface thereof just beneath the slots 31. There is also provided a rear frame member 35 extending between and secured to the upper ends of the rear posts 23. Thus, the rear frame member 35 is disposed generally parallel to but higher than, the front frame member 30, and rearwardly thereof.
There is provided in the rear frame member 35 a set of five longitudinally-extending and longitudinally spaced-apart slots 36 respectively aligned with the slots 31 in the front frame member 30. On the underside of the rear frame member 35 there is provided a plurality of male snap elements 37 (FIG. 5).
There is also provided a set of five straps 40 of unusually great strength, spun-bonded polypropylene being a preferred composition. Du Pont markets a product called TYPAR which is highly desirable for this purpose. Referring specifically to FIG. 4, a loop 41 is formed in one end of each strap 40 by means of stitching 42. That end is passed rearwardly through a slot 31 in the front frame member 30, so that the loop 41 protrudes rearwardly of the front frame member 30. A rod 43 is inserted through the loop 41 so as to prevent retrograde motion thereof. The strap 40 extends along the front surface of the front frame member 30 along the top thereof, to the rear frame member 35. The strap 40 extends over the top of the rear frame member 35 along the back thereof, then forwardly along the bottom, then upwardly along the front, and finally rearwardly through the slot 36 which is aligned with the selected slot 31. This end of the strap has a loop 44 which protrudes rearwardly of the rear member 35, a rod 46 extending through such loop to prevent retrograde motion thereof. Thus, the loop 44 and the rod 46 are concealed by virtue of the portion of the strap 40 extending thereacross. With the strap 40 so mounted, it will remain in place, despite the application of lateral force thereto. Each of the five straps 40 is similarly mounted. The length of each strap 40 between the frame members 30 and 35 is greater than the distance between those frame members, thereby permitting the straps 40 to hang somewhat loosely. In a specific form, the length of each strap 40 between the frame members 30 and 35 was 53 inches, while the distance between those frame members was 35 inches. Each of the straps 40 had a width of about 9 inches and the length of each slot 31 and 36 was slightly greater than 9 inches. For a chair, fewer than five straps, for example, two, may be used, since the chair would be narrower, while a longer couch may use additional straps.
There is provided a tufted pad 50 which may have a variety of compositions, such as, for example, a polyurethane interior covered by a selected fabric. The padding may be tufted, as shown. The width of the pad 50 is approximately equal to the distance between the two side members 21, whereas the length of the pad 50 is sufficient to overlap the front surface of the front frame member 30 and overlaps the rear frame member 35. When laid upon the straps 40, the front portion thereof is disposed generally horizontal and defines a seat portion 51, while the rear portion of the pad defines a back seat portion 52. The pad 50 may be secured to the straps 40, as by stitching 50a, or, if desired, may be detached from the straps 40. As will be explained, the pad 50 is removably attached to the frame 20, in any event. The pad 50 has an end portion 53 (FIG. 4) at the front of the seat portion 51, which has a plurality of female snap elements 54 arranged to be aligned with the male snap elements 32. The end portion 53 is folded over the front of the front frame member 30, and the female snap elements 54 are mated with the male snap elements 32, thereby concealing the front end portions of the straps 40. The pad 50 has an end portion 55 (FIG. 5) at the top of the back seat portion 52, which has a reduced thickness and a plurality of female snap elements 56 arranged to be aligned with the male snap elements 37 on the rear frame member 35. The end portion 55 is wrapped around the rear frame member 35, as is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and the female snap elements 56 are mated with the male snap elements 37. In this manner the end portion 55 conceals the connection between the straps 40 and the rear frame member 35, including the loops 44 and the rods 46.
Turning specifically to FIG. 6, there is provided a pair of side pads 60 which have the same over-all appearance and construction as the pad 50, but need not be tufted. Each side pad 60 includes a bulky mid-portion 61 and a wall portion 62 which has a reduced thickness, which wall portion merges into an end portion 63. There is provided a plurality of female snap elements 64 in the end portion 63 and respectively aligned with the male snap elements 26. Each side pad 60 also includes an end portion 65 also of reduced thickness, having a plurality of female snap elements 66 respectively aligned with the male snap elements 29 on the underside of the arm rest 27. If it is desired to attach the side pads 60, the associated sets of snap elements may be mated, as indicated. With the side pads 60 thus mounted, the arm rests 27 have the same appearance as the rest of the couch 10, the wall portions 62 serving to close the side openings 28. Alternatively, because the arm rests 27 are decorative in appearance, the side pads 60 need not be used, in which case the couch 10 has more wood exposed. Because the male snap elements 26 and 29 are unobtrusively located, the failure to use the side pads 60 does not adversely affect the appearance of the couch 10.
As previously described, the pad 50 need not be fixedly attached to the straps 40, in which case the pad 50 is held in place merely by virtue of the female snap elements 54 engaging the male snap elements 26, and the female snap elements 56 engaging the male snap elements 32. If one desires to clean the pad 50, it can be readily removed by unsnapping these elements. If the pad 50 becomes sufficiently worn, it may be discarded and replaced with a new one. The services of a professional upholsterer need not be obtained to remove the old upholstery and replace it with new upholstery. Instead, the couch owner can readily remove the old pad 50, purchase a new one, and mount it in place. Even if the straps 40 are secured to the pad 50, the straps 40 may readily be removed by removing the rods 43 and 46 and pulling the loops out of their associated slots 31 and 36.
The costs to manufacture the couch 10 are less because it does not require the time-consuming operation of a professional upholsterer to assemble. Instead, relatively-unskilled labor can be employed to assemble the straps 40 onto the frame 20, as previously described, and then mount the pad 50 thereon and snap it into place. Alternatively, since it is easy to assemble, the couch 10 may be shipped in knockdown condition, for additional savings in costs of manufacture. The consumer would be fully capable of assembling the straps 40 and the pad 50 onto the previously-assembled frame 20.
The removable side pad feature lends versatility to the couch 10, in that the customer can change its appearance by simply removing the side pads 60. Since it is so easily accomplished, the pads 60 can be taken off or added on, as desired.
It is significant to note the absence of what is commonly referred to as a "back stretcher" normally present in upholstered furniture. The back stretcher is a means by which the juncture of the back and the seat itself is held rigidly in position. In the instant invention, the straps 40 hang loosely or are "slung" between the frame members 30 and 35. It should also be noted that, while the couch 10 is readily assembled and disassembled by virtue of the above-described construction, it is quite comfortable.
It is believed that the invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from the foregoing without further description, and it should also be manifest that, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are, nevertheless, capable of wide variation within the purview of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.