When choosing furniture, we will pay attention to the functions it contains. Upholstered furniture, in addition to the convenience and comfort, usually equipped with full beds. One way of converting the sofa or the chair into the bed is mechanism of transformation of the "French clamshell".
The existence of this mechanism in the sofa design speaks primarily about its unusual design.
Today, almost all the items of upholstered furniture, made in such a trendy style «Hi - Tech» laid out precisely on the principle of the "French clamshell".
A distinctive feature of the sofa with a pull-out mechanism "French clamshell" is that taking up very little space, it turns into a real two or three bed.
Content
- 1 Mechanism of action
- 2 Types of French clamshells
- 3 Advantages and weaknesses
- 4 How to choose the French cot
- 5 Choosing a mattress
- 6 VIDEO: Sofa with French clamshell mechanism.
- 7 Sofa with the mechanism of the "French clamshell" - 50 photo-ideas:
Mechanism of action
French clamshell 3 is a section connected by hinges. The head section is attached directly to a sofa, 2 others rely on the n-shaped legs.
In order to expand it, you must first remove the cushions from the part of the sofa on which sit, and then lift up and pull it toward you.
Decompose, thus make sure that the metal legs, which support, stood straight and have been well documented.
This design is simple and compact. To unfold the sofa, you must remove the cushions, armrests, remove the cover (if available). Next, the whole mechanism is lifted special handle and decomposes in 2 hours. In this case, the legs due to thrust yourself take the correct position.
Convertible beds with mechanism type "French clamshell" is not recommended for people with diseases of the spine, as well as children.
On this couch to sleep every day is not very convenient because of its peculiar design. But as an option for delayed or guests who came unexpectedly just a great family!
Types of French clamshells
French clamshell differ in the base bed type.
- Awning.
- Knitted mesh.
- Plate (lamella).
- Tent and armor.
- Welded wire mesh.
Sofa bed "French clamshell" looks like a very ordinary cot, also consisting of three segments.
Only here the whole mechanism is hidden inside the couch, under its basic seating.
Establishment in the form of an awning, and woven mesh is not used by modern manufacturers, as they were less durable, using sag, creating unfavorable conditions for the provisions of spine.
Today the transformation mechanisms are up to 10 slats in combination with a tent - they can withstand a lot of weight because of this design.
However, the daily operation of the mechanism often leads to its rapid breakdown.
Plate - more acceptable option. Made of wood, they provide a flat surface, but may eventually irregularly angled body weight. Together tent and armor give a double effect. This is both a smooth surface and load distribution through the tent.
Such a base equipped 8-10 battens, able to withstand the weight of 180 kg.
Some models are equipped with no armor, and welded bars - surface sleeper sofas in such a rigid, compared with armor and tent.
And most durable (load up to 200 kg) and durable option - welded mesh. Lack of wooden elements to minimize the likelihood of damage to the mechanism and welded grating, suspended on springs, does not bend under the weight of the body.
Rare clamshell orthopedic mattress is equipped with a spring block and a multilayer filling.
But if this is so, then the sofa successfully replace a good bed.
Advantages and weaknesses
Before you finally make a decision about buying a sofa with the mechanism "French clamshell"Evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Comfortable seating area - sofas presented different comfort.
They are fitted with soft pillows and comfortable upper backrest with armrests.
| dignity | disadvantages |
| Compact: a full bed for 2 people, hidden in the couch, saves space. | The unreliability of the mechanism - the main drawback of the French clamshell (it is not suitable for daily use), but it is very conveniently located on her guests. |
| The low price makes it possible without sacrificing the family budget to arrange a bed for guests. | The lack of drawers for clothes (all takes place the mechanism). Exceptions are angled pattern in which the storage compartment is located laterally. |
| Comfortable seating for relaxation: sofas often with such a mechanism equipped with soft cushions and armrests. | The sleeping area is normally 180-185 cm in length, is not suitable for tall people. |
| The ability to use orthopedic mattress (only modifications to the base in the form of a welded mesh) | The most commonly used thin foam or polyurethane foam mattresses to 6 cm in width. You can not use a hard mattress even with a welded base. |
How to choose the French cot
To study in detail the device, the advantages and disadvantages of such a model, you know what to look for when buying.
- base View. To increase the life of the better use of tilt-LVL base (8-10 lamellae) or welded wire mesh.
- Brand. Check the manufacturer. This question is very relevant for the French clamshell, otherwise there is a risk that it will not last for a year.
- Build quality. Make sure that the mechanism is working correctly, easily and scratches removed and folded back.
- Mattress. This element should be given special attention.
As practice shows, the use of 10 lats enough to withstand the weight of a heavy man.
At the same time, models with less armor, designed for smaller loads.
Choosing a mattress
The mattress can be supplied together with a sofa or sold separately. The main rule is - it should be a few centimeters less than the base, otherwise you will not be able to turn the design.
"French clamshell" added, are used here so mattresses small thickness (6 cm).
Sleep on them every day is not very convenient, but for guest use is enough.
Most often presented mattresses of foam or polyurethane foam. Unfortunately, the maximum height of 60 mm, which is bad for the orthopedic properties, but it is suitable for temporary use. With a base in the form of a welded grid allowed the mattress to a thickness of 7-10 cm. It should be understood that fillers such as coconut coir and sea grass are not applicable in this case because They are damaged and will crumble as a result of folding.
Used mattresses should be easy to bend, so the hard mattresses for these sofas are not issued.
No laundry compartment - all free place is built with mattress mechanism.
French clamshellHaving some disadvantages, can quite adequately perform the functions of the guest bed. A modern production technology make such a structure quite durable when used correctly.
Daily transformation mechanism is contraindicated, as it can quickly come into disrepair.
The main foresee no weight overload, which can damage the delicate mechanism.
VIDEO: Sofa with French clamshell mechanism.
Sofa with the mechanism of the "French clamshell" - 50 photo-ideas:
