TRANSFORMABLE SUPPORTING UNIT AND TRANSFORMATION METHOD Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: furniture production, in particular, manufacture of multipurpose piece of furniture used in various types of vehicles. SUBSTANCE: transformable supporting unit has back and seat connected through common pin and mounted on base. Rotation of seat through predetermined angle about base cross-member provides transformation of seat into table top or bed. By changing angle of seat and, as a result, seat and back relative position, user may quickly transform the given piece of furniture into other kind of furniture without applying immense muscular force. Construction obtained as a result of transformation and serving table top or bed rests with its one end on base cross-member and with its other end on end of fixed seat. Transformation method involves displacement of interconnected back and seat relative to base. Back is moved to horizontal position by imparting rotational motion to seat through predetermined angle in direction away from back and to vertical position by rotating seat in reverse direction, with back being preliminarily unlocked. Back may be disposed at different levels relative to floor in horizontal position by changing angle of rotation of seat with following fixing in this position. Such construction allows space to be saved. EFFECT: wider operational capabilities, compact simplified construction, reduced production cost and enhanced reliability in operation. 16 cl, 24 dwg