Tick-sofas sofas: what are these and what are they?

Sliding modular sofa beds have gained a well-deserved popularity due to their versatility and compactness, allowing by a simple transformation to turn the sofa into a comfortable bed. One of the popular sofa transformation systems in our time is the tick-to-tack or pantograph mechanism. Let us consider in more detail what it is and what are.

The tick-to-tack mechanism got its name for a simple way of folding, which is performed in two movements: “lifted - pulled”. It belongs to the longitudinal-extendable type of folding and has both its advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of the tick-to-tack mechanism are as follows:

• unfolding occurs without the need to move the sliding part on the surface of the floor or floor covering, which avoids damage to surfaces caused by the regular movement of the support elements along the same path;
• transformation mechanism does not require much effortthat allows you to perform the folding sofa bed for both children and the elderly;
• high reliability and large allowable weight loads, which are provided by the increased bearing area of ​​the sliding part, when compared with mechanisms using rollers;
• spacious pallet boxes for storing bedding and decorative pillows.

The disadvantages inherent in sofa beds with a tick-to-tack mechanism are as follows:

• the large width of the sofa pull-out panel creates inconvenience when it is used for seating, which usually requires the use of special decorative pillows;
• the tick-to-tack transformation mechanism is rather complicated structurally, in case of breakdown its replacement will cost a lot;
• the use of an expensive transformation mechanism and the presence of special decorative pillows causes a high price for the product, when compared with other options.

Transforming sofas with a tick-to-tack mechanism have the two most common varieties - regular (straight) and corner. The design difference is clear from the name, namely:

• ordinary (direct) built according to the classical scheme and have one extendable section the size of the entire sofa;

• angular are L-shaped, in addition to the main section there is a side section, which can be both stationary and folding.

Corner models constructively allow you to combine the area of ​​the main pull-out section and the side, which significantly increases the total sleeping area of ​​the bed. The back of the sofa fits in place of the extendable section, creating with it a common surface. For the convenience of placing pillows, additional removable supports can be used, which are installed only for bed mode and are stored in drawer pallets. Side backs are made with and without armrests.

Orthopedic models are made in such two ways as:

• with orthopedic construction and the filler of the panels of the sofa bed;
• with separate orthopedic mattress, which is used only in bed mode, allowing you to extend its life and simplifying replacement if necessary.

For the manufacture of frames and side backs of sofa beds, both natural wood and its combination are usually used. with modern types of particleboard, fiberboard and plywood. Sections are performed on a metal frame, with a combination of metal and wooden elements or are completely wooden. The folding mechanism is made of metal. The retractable section has elements for convenient holding in the form of handles or structural grooves and recesses.

Fillers for sections of sliding sofa beds are one of the most important factors of ease of use and durability. Due to the design features, spring metal blocks are used extremely rarely, and polymeric materials are used for orthopedic options. Typically, the filling sections is combined of several types, the main array is made more durable and elastic, and the top layer of soft materials is used to create relief and improve performance.

As fillers for sections using such modern materials as:

• polyurethane foam - highly porous foam material, which is obtained by mixing several synthetic polymers; service life is 5–8 years;
• periotek - non-woven material made of high quality polyester fibers; service life - 10-12 years;
• struttofiber - combined material produced by the technology of "non-woven independent springs" of synthetic and natural fibers; service life - 10-12 years;
• synthetic winterizer - synthetic material in the form of a nonwoven fabric made of polyester fibers; service life - up to 5 years;
• holofiber - An improved version of synthetic winterizer, with fibers of a spiral structure; service life - 5–10 years;
• latex - combined material based on natural rubber; service life - up to 20 years;
• durafil is a non-woven fabric made from hollow polyester fibers glued to the base; it has a structure resembling a spring block; service life - 10-12 years;
• foam rubber - the same polyurethane foam, but of the lowest quality and strength; service life - 3-5 years.

Upholstery materials from natural, synthetic and mixed fabrics have a wide selection of characteristics and colors. They must be selected depending on the operating conditions of the sofa bed, given the presence of direct sunlight, pets, use in children's rooms. Consider the most popular upholstery options.

• Cotton - natural inexpensive material. Its environmental friendliness allows you to use it for children's furniture. It usually has a wide selection of colors, patterns and patterns. The service life is 5-6 years.

• Shenill - for its manufacture using a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. Its surface has a pleasant to the touch pile. It has high strength and wear resistance, hypoallergenic. Of the disadvantages is the high absorption of liquids. Service life - up to 30 years.

• Velveteen - can be both natural and artificial. It has sufficient strength, resistance to sunlight, is not afraid of exposure from animals. The material requires careful maintenance, has increased absorption of liquids. Service life - up to 15 years.

• Flock - artificial material having a nice pile surface. It is characterized by high strength and water resistance, animal hair does not stick to it. The disadvantages are the absorption of odors and the attrition of the pile over time. Service life - up to 15 years.

• Suede and velor - natural or artificial material having a pleasant velvety surface. The natural version is used less and less, inferior to the artificial one in strength and durability. The service life is 7-12 years.

• Jacquard - special technology of weaving yarns provide the material with high strength. It has a spectacular embossed texture and high resistance to sunlight. Service life is 10-12 years.

• Tapestry - a classic material from natural raw materials, but recently synthetic additives have been used to increase strength. It has a long service life, a wide selection of colors and patterns, while it does not tolerate exposure to direct sunlight. Service life - up to 15 years.

• Genuine Leather - one of the most expensive natural types of material. It is characterized by high strength, moisture resistance and ease of maintenance. The disadvantages include a small selection of colors and the effect of “stickiness”. Service life - up to 20 years.

• Arpatek - artificial material originally created for the automotive industry. The advantages of the material are strength, abrasion resistance, color fastness and ease of care. Service life - up to 15 years.

“Tick-tak” sofa beds are produced in various sizes, the choice of which depends on the manufacturer's range and purpose. Typical parameters are as follows:

• ordinary (straight) models have a length of 205, 225, 245 and 260 cm, a width (depth) of 100, 105, 110 cm, a height of 75, 80, 85 cm;

• angular ones have a length of 225, 235, 250, 270, 350 cm, a width (depth) of 155-180 cm, a height of 75, 80, 85 cm.

The sizes of children's models are as follows:

• length - 100, 120, 160 and 185 cm;
• width - 80, 85, 90 and 100 cm;
• height 65, 70, 75 and 80 cm.

Equally important when choosing a sofa bed is its style and color, which should be in harmony with the overall style and color palette of the room. Designers distinguish more than 50 styles used in the manufacture of modern furniture, the main ones are presented below.

• Hi-tech (or lounge) differs in calm monophonic colors and simplicity of geometric shapes. The use of metallic chrome elements is typical, but natural wood is used extremely rarely. Modern fabrics are used for upholstery, color preferences are given to black, white, gray, silver and metallic.

• Loft - A modern style for ordinary rooms. He uses canonical elements - open concrete walls, brickwork, communications. Preference is given to concise models of bright colors, incompatible materials are used at first glance - plastic and stainless steel in combination with upholstery made of natural materials.

• Art Deco inspired by the aesthetics of cubism and the ethnic styles of small nations. Unusual natural materials or their imitation are traditionally used - ivory, noble wood, bamboo. Exotic types of genuine leather or their artificial substitutes are ideal for upholstery.

• Eco created as opposed to urbanism, for those who seek back to nature. Only natural wood and its natural colors are used, imitation of knots and natural texture, repetition of natural forms. Upholstery is also made from natural materials.

• Patchwork - patchwork. This style is now incredibly popular.

• Boho - very distinctive, rich style, replete with bold colors. Furniture usually has squat, wide and comfortable shapes without any frills. Often this style is used in children's rooms.

• Retro (60-70s of the XX century). Furniture should be compact, without excessive decor, but at the same time of various shapes. Strict and angular, with smooth bends and fantasy solutions are popular. The colors are classic, pastel colors with a predominance of geometric texture.

• Military different brutality and functionality, it is ideal for men. Sofa bed in this style should be a strict geometric shape, a little rude. The decoration should be in a minimalist style, but decoration with elements of heraldry is allowed.

• Shabby chic - the style of artificially aged things and their elements, creating a special atmosphere of bohemian chic. It is characterized by shabby legs and armrests with a predominance of light colors.

• Classic characterized by the mandatory presence of carvings, pads, gilding and other pathos elements. Only natural materials are used, the colors of the upholstery are mostly calm, with floral ornaments.

Unfolding and folding the sofa bed “tick-tock” will not cause difficulties and does not require much physical effort. It is recommended to read the operating instructions from the manufacturer of the product, it will indicate personal features for the model. Typically, this is the arrangement of handles or other elements for holding the drawer during folding or folding, especially support devices or surfaces, a method of folding the back panel and returning it to its original position.

To unfold the sofa, you should adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

1. clean decorative pillows and used coverings;
2. lift the front of the drawer and pull it outward until it is fully extended, then lower it;
3. if necessary, fold decorative pillows into drawers;
4. lower the back of the sofa into the vacant seat, while remember to place the strap correctly for conveniently raising the panel.

To fold the sofa, it is worth following steps such as:

1. lift the back panel using the existing strap for convenience;
2. remove decorative pillows from pallets;
3. lift the drawer and gently push it into the sofa until it is fully folded.

Customer reviews of sofa beds with a tick-to-tack transformation mechanism allow us to confidently consider it rather reliable and durable. Users clearly mark a positive aspect of the convenience of folding the sofa without the need to move the moving part on the floor or floor, especially those who previously had folding sofas with a system on casters that constantly got tangled up or left marks on the floor surface. And also for many, the positive point is that for use in the single version there is no need to lay out a sofa bed, but simply remove the decorative pillows.

See how to fold and unfold a sofa in the video below.