Tick-tock sofa, features, pros and cons, best manufacturers

Modern soft sofas are not only aesthetically attractive and comfortable, but also multifunctional. In their usual form they are used for daytime rest, and in the unfolded position they are perfect for sleeping. To quickly and conveniently transform such furniture, special mechanisms are used; for example, any “tick-tock” sofa uses a device known as a “pantograph” or “walking book”. Thanks to its simple operating principle, even a child can handle unfolding; in addition, the design does not damage the floor covering, which is a significant advantage for many users.

Design Features

If you plan to use upholstered furniture as a guest room or a permanent place to relax, it is worth purchasing a sofa with a transformation mechanism. The tick-tock slide system is quite complex in design and is made of durable metal parts. To avoid frame distortions during transformation, a synchronizing rod and a special spring are installed on the sofas.

To divide a structure using the pantograph mechanism, it is necessary to perform a number of sequential actions:

1. Raise the seat using the fixed hinges or by holding the edge of the frame.
2. Pull the block towards you in one smooth motion, without much effort.
3. Extend the movable support legs if the mechanism does not have a spring to automate the process.
4. In the free space, lower the backrest, with the help of which the sofa folds out and turns into a flat bed.

The presence of rubber pads on the legs of the sofa will protect the floor from mechanical damage.

Deployment of the structure is carried out in almost two movements; this does not require physical effort. Hence one of the names of the mechanism is “tick-tock”. The simplicity and ease of transformation make it possible to install such a model in a nursery, as the child will be able to independently prepare for bed.

Sofas with a tick-tock mechanism differ in shape, frame material, filling, and have advantages and disadvantages. Its main advantages:

• convenient transformation;
• folding force;
• flat surface of a spacious place to rest;
• maintain the integrity of the floor covering;
• possibility of installing furniture close to the wall;
• the presence of a spacious drawer for storing clothes.

Disadvantages of tick-tock sofas:

• the inconvenience of a seat that is too wide when folded;
• the difficulty of repairing the pantograph mechanism of the sofa due to the large number of parts;
• high cost of the model.

Manufacturing materials

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture produce transformable sofas with a variety of fillings, upholstery and frame materials. The service life of the product depends on the choice of components. In the production of economic models, cheaper and therefore lower quality materials are used.

Types of click-clack sofas, features of transformation

To make the base the following are used:

1. Metal frame. The steel frame is made of thin-walled tubes. Models with a tick-tock transformation mechanism are produced with the installation of a combined or metal base. The use of lamellas or wavy springs allows you to increase the permitted maximum weight to 250 kg.
2. Tree. High-quality and durable frames are made from hardwood materials: oak, walnut, ash. The use of pine reduces the cost of production, reduces the cost of the finished product, but negatively affects the quality and durability. Elite models are made of mahogany. The sofa folding mechanism is made of steel parts.
3. Chipboard and plywood. Combined frames, in which wood and particle boards are combined, are installed to reduce the cost of furniture. Sofas with a plywood base are considered the most fragile.

The following are used as fillers in the manufacture of sofas:

1. Polyurethane foam. A popular artificial filler is foam rubber made from a mixture of polymers. For sofa mats, both standard sheet material of different thicknesses and a cast version, made to a specific shape, are used.
2. Bonnell springs. An economical mattress, the individual springs of which are connected together by spiral wire. Disadvantages of this option: short service life, inability to replace individual springs and low orthopedic effect.
3. Independent spring block. Each spring of such a mattress is placed in an individual linen bag, which greatly facilitates the replacement of individual parts, and also increases the service life of the furniture.

An orthopedic mattress with an independent spring block, a tick-tock sofa folding mechanism and wear-resistant upholstery material are the recommended components of ideal upholstered furniture for relaxation and sleep.

A huge number of materials can be used for upholstery: velor, jacquard, chenille, flock, tapestry, artificial or genuine leather. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to pay attention to certain properties of fabrics:

1. Wear resistance. To increase service life, fabrics are treated with a special impregnation, which increases the strength and fire resistance of the material.
2. Breathability. “Breathing” fabric is protected from the development of bacteria and parasites.
3. Hypoallergenic. This is a necessary criterion for furniture in a nursery or bedroom.
4. Easy to care for. Daily dry or wet cleaning damages the fibers of the fabric, deforming the coating. Teflon coating increases the dust- and dirt-repellent properties of the fabric.
5. Color fastness. High-quality material does not fade in the sun, does not change the brightness of colors during heat treatment or mechanical friction.

Features of the accordion mechanism for sofas, the main pros and cons

Polyurethane foam

Bonnell springs Independent spring unit

Jacquard

Chenille

Velours

Flock

Eco leather

Varieties and sizes

The tick-tock conversion system has several other names denoting the same mechanism:

1. “Pantograph” is the official name of the sliding mechanism used on the market and in catalogs - the berth is formed not by lowering the soft back, but by raising an additional platform hidden under the seat. The model does not have a compartment for linen.
2. “Walking Eurobook” differs from the standard model in the absence of retractable rollers that damage the floor.

Pantograph

Puma

Walking Eurobook
According to their shape, there are two main types of transforming sofas:

1. Straight sofa. It is located along the wall, separated by the main section.
2. Angular. The L-shaped model has two sections, the side one is stationary with a drawer for storing clothes, and the pull-out one allows you to significantly increase the size of the bed.

For the convenience of placing pillows when preparing for bed, removable supports are used.

Manufacturers offer pantograph sofas with removable or stationary armrests, soft or hard, with open shelves or minibars built into the side walls. Some models do not have armrests at all. Such designs are installed in the bedroom, because the absence of side parts allows easy access to the unfolded sofa from any side.

Despite the fact that there are no official uniform size standards, and manufacturers offer to produce the selected model in the required dimensions, there are several basic options for upholstered furniture: standard straight, large, small and corner sofa. The table shows the parameters of products of different sizes. Before purchasing, be sure to familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the furniture.

When purchasing a furniture structure, you need to pay attention to the dimensions not only when folded, but also when unfolded. To fold out a pantograph sofa, a lot of work space is required.

Right

Angular

What is a French folding sofa?

When opened, the “French folding bed” is very similar to an ordinary folding bed, but in terms of technical parameters it differs in a three-stage folding frame. In order to unfold this type of sofa, you first need to remove and set aside the base, which is the seating area. To do this, you need to take the product from the front side. As a result, access to the internal equipment of the sofa opens, then the sliding block itself is pulled out using the handle. To make the block parallel to the floor, you need to pull the handle up and towards you.

The structure needs to be unfolded twice: during the first unfoldment, the main large part of the clamshell, equipped with a fastening on legs, opens; during the second unfoldment, the remaining part of the block is installed. The result is a complete place to sleep. When unfolding the main part, you need to make sure that the legs stand up straight and do not scratch the floor.

When folded, the “French folding bed” is compact. It is permissible to install it not only along the wall, but also in the central part of the room. When opened, there is enough space that allows two people to sit here.

The key disadvantage is the fact that the features of the folding mechanism do not allow the sofa to be equipped with a drawer or any other cavities for things. While the structure is unfolded, the removable part of the sofa will take up additional space in the room. To make sleeping more comfortable, it is recommended to additionally purchase a thin mattress and lay it on the surface.

Diagram of the mechanism for transforming a sofa according to the “French folding bed” type

Features of straight and angular “Tick-tock”

Before purchasing furniture, it is important to familiarize yourself with the range of models produced with the design you are interested in.
Usually in the model range there are different sizes in length and with different additions. The most common straight sofa “Tick-tock”. This is the most commonly purchased straight sofa and is suitable for the living room and bedroom in a small apartment where you need the sofa to easily transform into a comfortable bed. Equipped with a container under the seat. There are models with orthopedic padding for back and seat cushions. It is based on a block of springs packed in separate boxes.

A bed with such filling is recommended for people with spinal problems.

In addition to straight lines, corners with an ottoman are often equipped with such a mechanism. The three-seater sofa with insert has two spacious storage drawers. When folded, it can accommodate a large group of friends and family.

Important! If desired, when ordering a corner sofa, it can be supplemented with an accessory for the side that the customer needs.

Any upholstery fabric is suitable for upholstery. Sofas and sets based on them are complemented by removable back cushions, as well as decorative rectangular pillows and pillows. Ball wool is used as filler. These pillows can be washed at home.

Some models have a removable seat and back cover. Armrests are also designed in different ways: from rectangular shapes to complex design shapes. There are models in which the armrest consists of a cabinet or bookcase (there are several shelves on the side of the armrest).

Required Tools

For most designs, especially domestic production, you will only need a wrench with heads 10,12,14 or others. If the furniture is more complex imported, then you will need:

• screwdriver - to speed up the work, you can use the following devices on the list, but the process will go slowly;
• a flathead and a Phillips screwdriver - the first is useful for removing the trim brackets if it hides the mechanisms, the second for the corresponding screws;
• nail puller - for pulling out nails;
• furniture stapler - to subsequently return the sofa to its original appearance and secure the upholstery fabric;
• glue - to secure the edges of the material;
• pliers - useful at many stages of disassembly;
• containers for fasteners - use tin or just strong zip bags for each type of fastener separately.

If you have doubts about whether you can disassemble it yourself and then return the furniture to its original appearance, it is better to use the services of specialists. It will cost less than a new piece of furniture.

What is the difference between tick-tock and eurobook mechanisms, which is better?

“Tick-tock” is an improved version of the “Eurobook”, distinguished by its transformation mechanism.

When unfolding the “Eurobook,” the seat rolls the wheels along the ground each time, and the “tick-tock” design has a pantograph that allows you to extend the seat without touching the ground.

Because of this feature, frequent use of a Eurobook as a bed can lead to rapid damage to the floor. Therefore, if you plan to disassemble transformable furniture every night, it is worth buying tick-tock, which is completely safe for any floor covering. Also, the wheels used in the Eurobook often fail, which is another disadvantage of this design.

Video: Tick-tock mechanism (pantograph) on the sofa, how it unfolds

The teak sofa bed is a comfortable and durable piece of furniture, ideal for a small apartment. By spending money on such a piece of furniture, you will receive a sofa that will perfectly fit into the design of your home and will last for many years.

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Popular manufacturers

Russian manufacturers use modern equipment of the latest generation, high-quality materials, and high-quality fittings. Designers are developing the latest models of upholstered furniture taking into account the wishes of consumers. Popular factories that monitor the quality of finished products and offer a wide range of sofas with a pantograph transformation mechanism:

1. "Parma". A factory from Perm that specializes in the production of children's furniture. Only high-quality and safe materials, Russian and foreign, are used in our work. Another domestic company known for its modern and practical furniture. Production is located in Ulyanovsk. The company prides itself on combining experience, expert knowledge and the latest developments.
2. "MDV". A domestic manufacturer that has been operating since 1998. The product range includes more than 150 furniture models. The manufacturer assures that any product can be used both at home and for commercial purposes.
3. "Master Furniture". This company specializes in the manufacture of sofas and armchairs only. The assortment includes straight, angular, modular models, advertisers, and kitchen products.

The “tick-tock” sofa is very convenient to use, easily unfolds, does not take up too much space, and is therefore in demand among people with different incomes and standards of living. It does not damage the floor covering and creates a smooth sleeping area. When choosing, you should pay attention to a model from a well-known manufacturer; be sure to read the quality certificate.

Parma Ardoni

MDV

Master Furniture

Customer Reviews

In most cases, buyers of tick-tock sofas are satisfied with the furniture they purchased. The following advantages stand out:

• convenience and ease of unfolding and folding, thanks to which both children and adults can use the furniture;
• compact dimensions, allowing you to comfortably place such furniture even in the smallest rooms;
• convenient double rear deflector;
• a disassembled pantograph looks no worse than an assembled one;
• beautiful appearance that allows you to harmoniously fit into any interior;
• convenient and spacious drawer for clothes;
• spacious bed that can easily accommodate two adults.

Packing for moving

Having disassembled the sofa into its component parts, there is no need to rush to load it into the car. First: during transportation, the upholstery will get dirty and it is very possible that it will also get dirty with technical oils. Second: after such transportation, it is guaranteed that decorative wooden elements are subject to rejection. To avoid such consequences, the sofa is carefully packed. Here are some basic rules:

• For packaging, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, plastic film, cardboard and packaging material are prepared in advance;
• each product is packaged separately, the hard parts are insulated with cardboard, and the soft parts are wrapped in several layers of aluminum foil;
• individual layers of packaging are fixed with aluminum foil;
• a properly packed sofa will not get dirty, wet or scratched during the move;
• the equipment is placed in a separate container. If there are several sofas, each has its own container.

Straight and corner sofa "tick-tock"

Before purchasing a product with a tick-tock transformation mechanism, you should familiarize yourself with the types of such furniture, obtain the necessary information, advantages and disadvantages of each model.

The teak mechanism is unique in that it is installed on both straight and corner models. A corner sofa with a ticking mechanism is a new product on the modern furniture market, but the ease of use, quality and reliability of a sofa with such a mechanism, combined with a relatively low cost, have helped to win the love and popularity of this model among buyers.

A corner sofa made of tic-tock practically does not cause any inconvenience in operation, and its appearance allows it to be the highlight of the room and serve as a decoration for the room. Thanks to their unusual shape, corner sofas harmonize well with the overall design.

“The folded out corner sofa can accommodate three people at the same time!”

If it is not possible to place such a product in the room, you can purchase and install a straight sofa, which can be double or triple. A straight sofa with a tick-tock mechanism when folded takes up much less space, but at the same time has a sleeping area that is not inferior in size to what a corner sofa can provide.

Thanks to its compact size, you can place other furniture in a small room. And its dimensions greatly simplify the rearrangement, which is carried out if there is a need to change the interior or carry out renovations in the room.

Thus, the tick-tock sofa, a photo of which you can see on our website, is ideal for sleeping and relaxing, since when unfolded the sleeping area is quite large. Absolutely anyone can unfold and fold them, since these products have a simple design, and the algorithm consists of only two steps. Such products fit perfectly into any interior of the room, and sometimes can become your “calling card”.

Selection rules

Of course, in addition to the features, you need to know important rules that will help you purchase a quality product. When choosing, you should consider several important qualities of this furniture:

• mechanism - pay attention to the operation of the mechanism, it must be in good working order, disassembling and assembling the product should be easy, without difficulties;
• basis of the structure - all structural elements must be strong, there should be no cracks, deformations, or damage;
• upholstery - the upholstery fabric should be dense and durable. There should be no damage, stains or dirt on the upholstery;
• comfort - it is best to sit on the product, the filling should be soft. Check that the upholstery is not sagging;
• external design - the appearance of the product should fit perfectly into the style of your apartment interior.

Sofas that have a teak mechanism are quite comfortable products that are suitable for any room.

The mechanism of the product is lightweight, so the furniture layout will be simple, even a child can handle it. These designs can be used both for meeting guests, for a place to sit in front of the TV for the whole family, and for relaxing at night.

This is interesting: Sofa with ottoman (21 photos): comfort and convenience in the interior

How the tick-tock mechanism transforms

Many teak sofa buyers are especially interested in the mechanism itself and how it unfolds.

This mechanism design works on the principle of swinging a clock pendulum. When “tick” the sofa model unfolds, when “so” it folds.

This piece of furniture received its interesting name thanks to the mechanism built into the design.

The process is very simple. Using special hinges (brackets), when laying the sofa, you need to slightly raise the seat and push it forward. In the space that appears, you need to lower the backrest and put it in a horizontal position.

Thanks to the device, the sofa can be transformed without damaging the floor covering.

Note! If you unfold the sofa without much effort and do not pull out the seat abruptly, then the product will last a long time. The mechanism itself is wear-resistant, and the retractable system is very reliable.

This special transformation device is called a pantograph, thanks to which the sofas received their second name.

Content:

1. Types of book sofas
2. Features of the mechanism
3. Advantages
4. Features of disassembling a Eurobook sofa for transportation
5. Dismantling the Eurobook sofa (books)
6. Required Tools
7. The sofa book does not fold out: why, what to do

• Causes of structural failure

• Precautionary measures
• Packing for moving
• Transportation rules
• Conclusion

Who produces

Prices vary depending on the finishing material. There are no downsides to using sofas with a ticking device. All parameters correspond to the purpose of the furniture, both as a place to relax in front of the TV and as a comfortable place to sleep. Today, many factories throughout Russia have launched the production of furniture with a “walking” mechanism. From them:

• Furniture factory "Donavan", Shchelkovo.
• Furniture factory "Karina", Izhevsk.
• Furniture factory "Vivat", Ryazan.
• Furniture factory "Mirabel", Kostroma.
• Furniture factory "Tarifa", Kirov.
• Furniture factory “Comfort Formula”, Ulyanovsk.
• Furniture factory "Anyuta", Vladivostok.
• Furniture factory "Viyana", Moscow.

Factories cooperate with furniture showrooms, shops, and regional warehouses. A fairly extensive network of online stores has emerged. The pages of their websites contain product catalogs and descriptions. Consulting assistance is provided by supplier experts. You can choose sofa products according to your taste, size and color.

Each manufacturer has official websites. You can buy furniture through a warehouse, bypassing intermediaries. Most products have a lifetime warranty. Functional furniture with a ticking mechanism will make your home cozy and modern.

Transportation rules

If it is assumed that transportation may take place without disassembly, you need to be especially careful about the process:

• carefully measure doorways and staircases;
• take care in advance of purchasing a thick case, pack all parts in bubble wrap to prevent breakage;
• When loading, it is better to use special ramps rather than try to throw them into a truck;
• It is imperative to use fasteners in the body to secure the furniture well, preventing unnecessary vibration and, as a consequence, its damage.

It is worth not only carefully packing, but also securing all roll-out and reclining elements with rope. The tighter the packaging, the more likely it is that the mechanism will survive the move without much damage.

Product dimensions

Pantograph sofas are available in different sizes. Straight-type models with armrests are manufactured in large dimensions. Standard sizes: 105x245x80, 108x206x75, 102x225x85, 100x260x80 cm - up to 160 cm.

Corner models are larger than straight ones. Length is characterized by significant dispersion. Standard sofa options:

1. Length: 225, 235, 250, 270 cm, in some models reaches 350 cm.
2. Seat depth: varies from 155 to 180 cm.
3. Bed width - 155 x 196, 155 x 215, 160 x 210 cm.

When purchasing, you need to take into account the area of ​​the room so that when arranging furniture you do not clutter the space. The most compact are straight versions of sofas without armrests.

What to do if the spring block creaks

Creaking in the springs is not so easy to eliminate. This is perhaps the most difficult and expensive procedure in sofa repair. New furniture whose springs make sounds indicates the use of low-quality metal or non-compliance with production technology. You can't do anything with them, just replace them. At the same time, it is better to change the entire spring block at once, rather than single springs. If you can't afford a replacement, you can reduce the sounds by filling the squeaking springs with foam.

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Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages include the following:

1. Easy to use.
2. Reliability and durability.
3. Flat bed surface.
4. Spacious drawer for clothes
5. When unfolded, the legs do not damage the floor covering.

There are not many disadvantages of tick-tock sofas, but they still exist:

• For some, the folded seat may seem too wide;
• the design consists of a large number of parts, which complicates the repair of furniture if it breaks;
• high price.

Photo

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