Published: 04/02/2018,
The development of the furniture industry has led to the emergence of new mechanisms and designs, progress is especially noticeable when choosing a sofa equipped with a transformation mechanism. In this material we will talk about the mechanism for transforming sofas called puma.
Choosing a sofa is a rather complicated process if there are no clear ideas about the furniture being purchased. Manufacturers offer a wide range of sofas, each of which differs in shape, size, materials and mechanisms used. The classic place for installing a sofa is the living room, however, recently this category of furniture products can be found in hallways, bedrooms, and even in the kitchen. This is due to the convenience and functionality of modern models, and a large selection of external design makes it easy to choose a design for any interior.
Transformation options
The mechanism of a sofa is one of the most significant criteria for its selection from a practical point of view. Especially when it comes to the need to purchase a spacious and comfortable sleeping place, designed to promote sound, healthy, full sleep, on which a good mood, a charge of vital energy, and emotional balance will directly depend. With more than ten variations of sofa layouts, you can't go wrong here. This parameter will be discussed in more detail in the article a little later.
Color scheme, dimensions and shape
According to its color scheme, the sofa must be combined compositionally with the overall interior of the room, decorated in one style or another. As for the dimensions and shape, you can find rectangular classic, corner and round island sofas in various furniture stores. Depending on the number of seats, they can be made for two or more people. Therefore, this piece of furniture can be purchased not only for the living room, but also for the nursery, hallway, kitchen or office.
Now let’s look at the mechanisms for folding sofas in more detail: what they are like and what are the main advantages of each of them.
The principle of operation of the transformer
Externally, a sofa bed with a swivel mechanism is similar to a regular corner sofa, only its small corner part is slightly longer. To transform you need:
- roll one part of the seat back 90⁰;
- roll the retracted part of the seat to the other;
- secure with the installed mechanism (fixation is performed automatically).
No further actions are needed; the resulting sleeping place is comfortable and has a flat surface.
How to unfold
Folding structures
If you want to purchase an inexpensive and reliable sofa, the book mechanism is the ideal choice for this purpose. This type of furniture lives up to its name. So, when unfolding, it is enough to tilt it up until it clicks mechanically, and then lower the seat down. One of the disadvantages of the design is that the furniture must be moved away from the wall. True, now, to eliminate the shortcoming, some manufacturers are resorting to installing fastening movable suspensions. This is a fairly easy to use, budget and widespread sofa. The “book” mechanism was especially popular in the 80-90s. It can often be seen in the homes of our compatriots today.
The “click-clack” (or “click-clack”) mechanism gets its name from the characteristic sound that is made when the sofa is transformed. It is similar to the option described above, but in addition to the “sitting” and “lying” positions, it allows you to install an intermediate option, when you can lean back to a half-sitting - half-lying position, like in a rocking chair.
Unfolding structures
Among them, the “accordion” sofa mechanism deserves attention, in which one of the parts is a seat, and the other two form the back. It got its name from the musical instrument of the same name: by easily lifting the seat, the bellows of the berth unfold and roll forward, and in some models this happens automatically. The reverse process causes difficulties. So, in order to fold the sofa, you will need to use a little force: lifting the edge of the berth until it clicks, you need to pull it towards the back. Due to the small size of this piece of furniture when folded and the spacious sleeping area when unfolded, it is in demand in small living spaces.
There are also several types of clamshell mechanisms. These are universal sleeping places.
The French clamshell, or merlat, sofa mechanism is a common tri-fold design option. When unfolded, the berth, hidden under the seat, first turns upward, then towards itself, and finally rests on the legs. It is not entirely convenient in that it requires the removal of individual elements - armrests, pillows - before unfolding. Relatively compact when assembled, more suitable for guest use.
Double folding is represented by “American clamshells”. These are the so-called sofas with the “sedaflex” mechanism. They are very durable and comfortable, equipped with a thick mattress. When folding them out, just pull them up by the seat strap, then towards you, unfolding the links and resting them on two pairs of legs.
The mechanism called “Italian clamshell” is similar to the previous one. It is also double-folding, but it begins to unfold not from the seat, but from the back of the sofa, which is lowered towards the seat, and the whole structure, turning over, rests on a pair of legs. The so-called “Italian shifter” is much higher in cost than “meralat” or sofas with the “sedaflex” mechanism. An additional advantage is that there is no need to remove pillows or armrests before unfolding.
Review of sofa transformation mechanisms
The transformation mechanism of the sofa affects both its appearance and design features. There are everyday models and guest ones, different in size, with or without a drawer for linen, compact and spacious.
First you need to understand how the furniture will be used: a sofa for everyday use as the main sleeping place, a guest sofa for rare use as a sleeping place, a children's sofa for a child's sleeping place.
For everyday use, you should choose a sofa with a comfortable sleeping place, an orthopedic base, a good mattress, and a reliable transformation mechanism.
Who will fold out the sofa - there are models with an easy folding mechanism, and there are very powerful ones that require some effort.
It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the room in which the sofa will be located: some models require a certain space between the back of the sofa and the wall when unfolding. Carefully measure the space where the sofa will stand and compare it with the dimensions of the selected model when folded and unfolded.
For clarity, all mechanisms are presented in the table below.
| Transformation mechanism | Folding principle | Advantages | Peculiarities |
| Book | The seat rises until it clicks, the back leans back - the sofa is unfolded. |
|
|
| Eurobook | The seat rolls forward, the backrest lowers |
|
|
| Venice (Dolphin) | A platform with a lifting mechanism extends from under the seat and is installed flush with the seat. |
|
|
| Roll-out | The front part of the sofa is pulled out by the hinges, while the back remains motionless |
|
|
| Tick-Tock (Pantograph) | To extend the seat, you need to slightly lift it and pull it towards you. |
|
|
| Accordion | Raise the seat slightly until it clicks and it easily moves forward, pulling the backrest behind it. |
|
|
| Click-Klyak | An improved analogue of the “Book”, the backrest can take several positions. |
|
|
| French folding bed (Mixotual, Mixotoil) | The mechanism folds forward in three stages to form a single berth. |
|
|
| Sedaflex | Pull the mechanism up and towards you, unfold the links |
|
|
Retractable structures
Based on the principle of rolling out and extending, there are several types of sofa transformations. Thus, one of the most common is considered to be the “Eurobook”. This sofa is easy to use and does not require extra space near the wall when unfolding. It looks good not only near the wall, but also in any other part of the room. “Eurobook” is a sofa whose mechanism is similar to the “book”, but is more advanced. This option is strong and durable, practically does not break, and therefore is in incredible demand. Reclines by sliding the seat forward while the backrest cushions are lowered into the free space.
“Eurobook” is a sofa whose mechanism has been further developed. Progress resulted in its transformation into a “tick-tock” design, reminiscent of a clock pendulum. This is a relatively young modification, but at the same time it has already earned the attention of consumers. It is easy to use and can be easily folded and unfolded on a daily basis. This piece of furniture is produced in both classic and corner versions. When unfolding, all cushions must be removed. “Pantograph” is the second name that this sofa received. The tick-tock mechanism is transformed by lifting and sliding the seat up and forward. The seat seems to take a step forward, standing on a support. After this, the back of the sofa can be lowered onto the bedding box. It is assembled in the same way.
The transformer, reminiscent of a dolphin jumping over water, bears the same name. Standard for corner structures, but also found in rectangular models. The simple mechanism of the “dolphin” sofa is designed as follows: its pull-out element (pillow) is hidden under the seat in a special compartment, which rolls out and is lifted (on metal brackets) by the handle, forming a rectangular sleeping place that can withstand considerable load.
The “roll-out” mechanism of the sofa is durable, reliable, compact and intended for frequent use. In design, it resembles a telescope in which all parts are transformed from the inside. Such a sofa unfolds by sliding forward behind the hidden seat belt, and the rest of the parts, which were hidden inside the backrest, automatically slide out behind it. At the same time, the back of the sofa remains fixed, but the sleeping bed, consisting of three parts, has a modest height.
Quite easily, by lifting the seat up, forward and onto the supports, sofas with the Puma mechanism can be folded out. In this case, the lower part of the structure will rise automatically and become level with the unfolded seat.
Similar to the “roll-out” one, but the design called “Verona” is slightly more improved. The only difference is the presence of rollers and brackets.
What is this mechanism and how does it work?
This mechanism has another name - tick-tock. It looks like a walking structure. This product is very convenient because it allows you to protect the floor covering from traces of legs and rollers, which sofa beds often have. During transformation, the mechanism rises slightly and then carefully “steps.”
How to unfold a mechanism such as a pantograph? First of all, you need to remove the sofa cushions. Then in one motion you need to extend the seat, lifting it up, and then pull it forward, holding the front part. This way you can easily install the seat on the floor without unnecessary damage. At this time, the backrest lowers, which allows you to create a comfortable and, importantly, level sleeping place.
This mechanism has a special spring element that allows you to lift the seat up, and then move it forward and place it on the floor. Thanks to its ease of use, not only adults, but also children can handle it independently. Like any sofa, this product has a maximum load. In this case it is 240 kg. This makes it possible for two or even three people to sit on it.
Upholstered furniture with a pantograph transformation mechanism allows you to provide a comfortable place to relax during the day and a comfortable bed at night. In addition, most models are equipped with a laundry storage box to save space.
Unusual options
With such variety, there are also exclusive mechanisms for folding sofas. Among them is the “lit”, which converts a piece of furniture into a single bed by transforming one or both armrests. In this case, the backrest does not change its position, and the seat serves as a sleeping place. This is a very good option for children. The “tango” metal frame structure also has movable armrests. If the seat folds into a berth, then such a mechanism is called a “scroll”.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Suitable for daily use due to its ease of transformation and comfortable sleeping area.
- Reliability. The mechanism is durable because it is made of quality materials. If you notice that something starts to creak, lubricate the mechanism at the joints (a couple of drops of machine oil is enough).
- Availability of storage boxes. You can store bed linen, blankets and pillows in them. You can also put removable decorative pillows there at night.
- Variability of design. There are straight, corner and modular models, with and without armrests, with headrests and poufs.
- Strength. Withstands weight up to 240 kg.
One of the relative disadvantages is the depth of the seat when folded.
Luxury furniture to order
ReclinerThe system for adjusting the position of the back and foot, is equipped with an electric motor, can operate both from the mains and from the battery.
Go to catalog
Sleeping area
Manufacturers are trying to take into account possible shortcomings identified in sofas of previous model series. One of them may be the surface of the sleeping bed. Thus, a fairly spacious, flat, comfortable sleeping place is inherent in the Eurobook, Dolphin, and Accordion mechanisms. Sofas with the Puma, Sedaflex, Meralat mechanisms, for example, may have depressions and recesses when unfolded. In the absence of a mattress or mattress, this can create discomfort during sleep.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages include the following:
- Ease of use.
- Reliability and durability.
- Smooth sleeping surface.
- Spacious linen drawer.
- When unfolded, the legs do not damage the floor covering.
There are not many disadvantages of tick-tock sofas, but they still exist:
- For some, the seat when folded may seem too wide;
- the design consists of a large number of parts, which complicates the repair of furniture if it breaks;
- high price.
Bedding storage boxes
Unfortunately, not all sofa models have compartments for storing blankets, pillows, mattresses, and bed linen. Furniture items such as “Eurobook”, “click-clack”, “accordion”, “dolphin”, and “roll-out” sofa are equipped with such convenient drawers. The tick-tock mechanism also provides the ability to store bed linen and other accessories in a special compartment. At the same time, all folding beds are deprived of this pleasant little detail, which makes it possible to maintain order and hide unnecessary things from prying eyes.
A little about sofa care
Like any piece of furniture, a sofa needs proper and delicate care. This may involve wiping the furniture daily with dry or damp microfiber to prevent dust from accumulating. It is possible to use a vacuum cleaner. If a stain appears on an expensive fabric surface, it is better to immediately contact a dry cleaner, but you can try treating it yourself with medical alcohol. But you should not resort to abrasive detergents, solvents, brushes, even with the softest bristles, as they can damage the leather or fabric surface of the sofa.
The junctions of springs and metal elements with the frame may also require periodic processing. It makes sense to lubricate them with oil to avoid the possible appearance of squeaking during transformation, to which all sofa mechanisms can be subject.
Which sofa to choose is up to you! But since this piece of furniture is usually purchased for a long time, you should carefully study all the models available on the market and decide on the one that is ideal for you.
