French cot is a cozy and comfortable option for small apartments where every inch counts during the daytime.
A Brief History
French clamshell is a mechanism that is very popular. However, five years ago, the model was not on the preferred shopping list, as it had a less reliable design that was not designed for regular use.
The sofas were equipped with wicker nets, then the manufacturers replaced them with awnings, which turned out to be uncomfortable and short-lived (quickly sagged). Therefore, they were used extremely rarely, and because of their shortcomings, they gained a reputation as a bed for "guest" use.
A few years later, manufacturers released French folding beds with a more comfortable and durable set of four armor and an awning. The two battens, installed in the central part of the mechanism, bear the main load, so they quickly lose their original bend and deform, sag.
Frequencyuse and construction: dependency indicators
French folding beds, consisting of ten lats and one awning, are suitable for daily use. In this case, there is much less load on each armor, so such models last much longer, even with constant use. They can also be used for heavy loads (up to 180 kg). But they are also considered not very convenient: folding is much more complicated due to the presence of ten lats.
Some manufacturers offer their own version of French bedchairs for daily use, which consist of a welded mesh that can withstand weights up to 200 kg. However, these sofas are quite rare in stores.
French cot: principles of transformation
French folding bed - a mechanism that can be built not only into a sofa, but also into an armchair, but the first option is the most common. But in both cases, the principle of transformation remains unchanged.
Decompresses in a few steps: removing the pillows, removing the mattress, placed on a strong frame, and unfolding the bed, folded in three layers.
Transformation of the "daytime" option into the "sleeping" one takes just a minute thanks to a comfortable handle and automatic supporting metal legs built into the mechanism. The French folding bed (the photos below clearly demonstrate the principle of unfolding) can easily be transformed even by a fragile girl.
First of all, all pillows must be removed from the sofa, then the mechanism can be easily lifted due to the convenient handle, which is located in front of the bed.
Next, the two upper sections are unfolded by the supporting legs in two stages. The section located close to the back of the sofa is called the head section and relies on a special mounting bracket through the hinges.
The head section is followed by the middle section, then the foot section, which are fixed on U-shaped support metal legs.
Due to the tie rods, the support legs are automatically unfolded when the mechanism is transformed, then they are installed almost in a vertical position on the floor surface.
It is possible for the support legs to tilt towards the leg section, this is considered normal.
French folding bed set
The most common folding beds include a fairly thin mattress (its thickness is not more than 60 mm), which is made from sheet foam rubber. After careful research or pre-order, models with foam mattresses up to 75 mm thick are available, which are installed on a base of welded mesh with very large cells.
The mattress of the French folding bed should ideally match the width of the frame, inotherwise, the bed will fold with great difficulty.
To increase the service life, the transformation mechanism must be carefully protected: it must be folded at the same time as the mattress and very carefully.
Current differences between French and American cots
It is difficult for an unprepared buyer to see the difference between the sofas offered in stores: their range is so large that only preliminary preparation will help to make the right choice.
The "French clamshell" transformation mechanism is different from the American prototype.
The American folding bed includes two stages of decomposition, so it has the possibility of using a thicker and more comfortable mattress (up to 15 cm). The thickness of the bed built into the French version is up to 6 cm. Because of this, American-type sofas are considered a more common option for permanent use, and French-type sofas for guest use.
However, the American version has a significant disadvantage: non-standard sizes of the proposed models. In the event of damage resulting in a breakdown of the frame, it is very difficult to replace it. In this regard, the French folding bed sofa transformation mechanism is much more economical: furniture items are produced in standard sizes. This greatly simplifies the process of replacing the mattress and frame.
There is also a similarity, it is inherent in the principle of unfolding the "French folding bed" sofa: the mechanism consists of several identical sections that are hinged together, and it unfoldsperpendicular to the back.
In addition, both American and French models are very diverse: you can find armchairs, corner and straight sofas.
French folding bed. Mechanism: advantages and disadvantages
Briefly outline the pros and cons of "French folding bed" sofas.
Let's briefly outline the pros and cons of "French folding bed" sofas.
Benefits:
- Compact.
- Economy: relatively low price; the set is complemented by standard sizes, which significantly reduces the costs (and hassle) of a possible replacement of a bed.
- Design solution for appearance. Corner or straight sofas ergonomically combine coziness, comfort and can perfectly complement any interior.
Flaws:
- Lack of linen drawers.
- Designed for a maximum of seven years of operation, after which the sofa will have to be replaced. The French cot mechanism wears out and breaks quickly.
