Friday, October 30, 2009

Futons Come From the Japanese Culture

Futons originate from the Japanese but have been embraced by Westerners.

Futons are quite popular in American culture and are often used because of their multiple functions. They are able to turn into a couch and bed. Some of the most popular futons have a Western or Japanese style. It is actually a Japanese term. They have regular bedding and quilts pliable enough to be folded, if desired. They can easily be stored away during the day by folding it up into a couch or sitting bench. The bottom has a mattress, often referred to in the Japanese language as shikibuton. It also comes with a kakebuton, which is a thick quilted bedcover. In a myth created by the Japanese, the very first futon was made by Samurais who could not master the art of swordplay.

The typical futon is flat and measures 2 inches thick. The interior of the fabric for the mattress is usually stuffed with synthetic batting or cotton. In Japan, they are mostly sold in specialty stores called the "futon-ya." They can also be found in other department stores. Most of the time, they are sold as a hit and comes with a set that can be assembled. It comes with a blanket, mattress and comforters. Sometimes, it may also come with a large towel and pillow. This pillow is usually filled with buckwheat chaff, beans or plastic beans.

Futons were originally designed to be set up on tatami flooring. They are stored away or folded during the day which can be used as a couch or resting area. Most Japanese beat this special bed with a tool. The tool is made from bamboo, which sort of looks like a carpet beater.

These special beds are usually available in single, double or semi-double sizes. The typical Western futon is a carbon copy of the Japanese design. They also have several differences. The frames are usually made of metal or wood which can be used as a chair, couch or bed. The frame is able to fold in the middle, which allows for the diversity of use. They have many layers to them and the Western style is much thicker than the Japanese version. They are also considered a cheaper version to the Japanese one. Most consumers like futons because they are cheap and usually are sold in sets.

Another term that is used for the futon in the Japanese language is 'azbuton'. This is also referred to as the cushion that is sat on. They are also used to sit on by the Japanese when eating at a small table that is only a foot high. Most people who have studio apartments will use these as their main source of furniture since the apartment may not have a separate bedroom. It is more flattering to fold into a couch when guests are arriving or need somewhere to sit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Stanfords

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Exploring the Futon Frame

Futon frames come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most futon frames can fold horizontally or vertically to make a bed or a couch. Futon frames are made of either wood or metal. There are a limitless number of designs for futon frames to accommodate any type of room.

One of the major advantages of futons over other types of furniture is that most of the frames can be adjusted to either an upright sofa position or a horizontal bed setting. This eliminates the need for fold out couches and other heavy, cumbersome furniture. This adjustability makes futons perfect for accommodating houseguests.

There are a number of materials that futon frames can be made of. They can be made of wood like oak or pine, or they can be constructed with metal. Both materials are used to make long lasting adjustable frames. Many high quality futon frames are made of strong woods like oak. Oak can be stained many different shades and is known for being sturdy. Pine is also a common material used in futon frames. Pine frames are not quite as strong as oak, but they still hold up well. Pine frames can be stained to match the rest of the room. Many other futon frames are metallic. Metal frames are usually lighter and smaller than wood frames. Many college students have metal futon frames in their dorm rooms or apartments. Metal frames come in many colors and are welded with sturdy, strong metal.

There are futon frames made for many types of rooms. Many wood and metal frames are as pretty and classy as traditional sofas or beds. A futon sofa can fit in with any other type of furniture in a living room. Futon frames are more versatile than other types of furniture. The frames can have a straight back like a sofa, a reclined back like a Laze-e-boy, or they can be adjusted horizontally like a bed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan

Monday, October 26, 2009

US Patent 6138300 - Futon frame


Abstract


A futon frame is convertible between a bed position and a sitting position and includes a back portion and a seat portion. The back portion is oriented generally upright when the frame is in the sitting position and is oriented horizontally when the frame is in the bed position. The seat portion is hingedly attached to the back portion to permit relative movement of the back portion with respect to the seat portion. A connector releasably connects the back portion and seat portion to cause the back portion to move on movement of the seat portion in a first direction about a pivot point. A support supports the back portion with respect to a supporting surface and the back portion includes a pair of opposed outer edges. A pair of first pins are provided, each connected to one of the outer edges of the back portion and the support and a pair of first slots, each in the other of the outer edges of the back portion and the support are provided for constraining movement of the first pins within respective first slots. Each first slot includes a contact surface preventing upward movement of the pins with respect to the first slots when the frame is in the bed position and curved such that the pins are releasable from the contact surface upon movement of the back portion in a pivoted direction, when the frame is moved from its bed position to its sitting position.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Video of Klik Klak Sofa

This is a video of klik klak sofa which I get from youtube.com,



credit to HOM Furniture.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Klik Klak Sofa


Most of the houses nowadays have a quite limited space. Klik klak sofa is an innovative design to make full use of our living room space. This type of sofa is versatile since it can be use either for bed or sofa. This Asian design is quite simple; the inner mechanism makes it easy for it to be converted for bed to sofa and vice versa. Some people use klik klak sofa as a spare bed if they have guest who wanted to overnight in their place.

The principle of a klik klak sofa is, when it is in the seating position, the occupant only has to pull it back until he or she hear a ‘klik’. Then the back of the sofa should be let to slip into sleeping position or flat. While in this position,it can be locked for safety purpose by pulling back of the sofa in the same direction until another ‘klik’ is heard.

Most of the klik klak sofas in the market come with 2 position, sitting and sleeping. There’s also design which enable the occupant to adjust the klik klak sofa at 45 degree for the purpose of relaxation.

With it simple two in one mechanism, besides a cheaper price than a regular sofa, the klik klak sofa nowadays become very popular in the community especially to the bachelors and those with big family members.