U.S. patent application number 11/729161 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for knockdown bed foundation.
Invention is credited to J. Patrick Keany, Giles H. Parlier, Gregory G. Parlier, Keith W. Reeves, Morton Snitzer.
Application Number | 20080235868 11/729161 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39788825 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080235868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snitzer; Morton ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
Knockdown bed foundation
Abstract
The field of the present invention pertains to foundations or
bedsteads for supporting mattresses. More particularly, the present
invention relates to foundations that can be knocked down and
reassembled by the end user. The present invention when reassembled
presents a visual impression to the end user that can look like a
conventional, fixed assembly foundation. The invention further
provides for a method for assembling the present knockdown
foundation devices.
Inventors: |
Snitzer; Morton;
(Greensboro, NC) ; Keany; J. Patrick; (Greensboro,
NC) ; Parlier; Giles H.; (Greensboro, NC) ;
Parlier; Gregory G.; (Greensboro, NC) ; Reeves; Keith
W.; (Kernersville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRIAN D. VOYCE
8401 STERLING BRIDGE ROAD
CHAPEL HILL
NC
27516
US
|
Family ID: |
39788825 |
Appl. No.: |
11/729161 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/201 ; 5/207;
5/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 19/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/201 ; 5/207;
5/400 |
International
Class: |
A47C 19/02 20060101
A47C019/02 |
Claims
1. A knockdown bed foundation that can support a mattress
comprising: a) a pair of side rails that form opposing supportive
sides of the foundation, each side rail having two ends; b) a pair
of end rails that form opposing head and foot supportive ends of
the foundation, each end rail having two ends: c) a plurality of
rail connecting means, each connecting means located in part on a
side rail and in part on an end rail, each connecting means being
dimensioned and configured to hold one end of one of the side rails
and one end of one of the end rails in a fixed angular
relationship; and d) a resealable foundation cover with an open
position and a closed position, the cover having side, top, and
bottom surfaces, both internal and external, and the cover being in
the closed position, a position dimensioned and configured so as to
surround the assembled combination of the side rails, the end
rails, the connecting means, and the six planes formed by this
combination.
2. The bed foundation of claim 1 also comprising at least one
transverse rail, each transverse rail having two ends, each end
being dimensioned and configured to connect releasably to a
respective side rail.
3. The bed foundation of claim 1 also comprising at least one
intermediate longitudinal rail, each intermediate longitudinal rail
having two ends, each end being dimensioned and configured to
connect releasably to a respective end rail.
4. The bed foundation of claim 1 also comprising: a) at least one
intermediate longitudinal rail, each intermediate longitudinal rail
having two ends, each end being connected dimensioned and
configured to connect releasably to a respective end rail; and b)
at least one transverse rail, each transverse rail having two ends,
each end being connected dimensioned and configured to connect
releasably to a respective side rail and to each intermediate
rail.
5. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein the cover has a resealable
means that extends along three of the side planes of the assembled
combination.
6. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein the cover is dimensioned
and configured such that the internal surface of the cover can be
substantially exposed and the assembled rail combination can be
placed onto that internal surface prior to the cover being sealed
so as to surround the assembled combination
7. The bed foundation of claim 2 wherein each side rail has a
female slot for locating a respective male end of each transverse
rail that connects therewith, each slot being dimensioned and
configured to receive snugly the respective male transverse rail
end.
8. The bed foundation of claim 3 wherein each intermediate rail end
connects to a respective end rail by means of a combination of a
male end on each intermediate rail end and a female slot on each
respective end rail, each slot being dimensioned and configured to
receive snugly the respective transverse rail end.
9. The bed foundation of claim 4 wherein: each side rail has a
female slot for locating a respective male end of each transverse
rail that connects therewith, each slot being dimensioned and
configured to receive snugly the respective male transverse rail
end; and each intermediate rail end connects to a respective end
rail by means of a combination of a male end on each intermediate
rail end and a female slot on each respective end rail, each slot
being dimensioned and configured to receive snugly the respective
transverse rail end.
10. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein each rail connecting
means comprises a pin and interlocking hole means.
11. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein each side rail is
comprised of at least two parts that can be releaseably
interconnected by a connecting means so as to form each side
rail.
12. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein each end rail is
comprised of at least two parts that can be releaseably
interconnected by a connecting means so as to form each end
rail.
13. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein the resealable foundation
cover also comprises fire-resistant material on the external
surface.
14. The bed foundation of claim 13 wherein the resealable
foundation cover has fire-resistant material on all of the external
side and bottom surfaces, but on the top surface such
fire-resistant material extends inward from the side edge only a
distance sufficient to be covered by a mattress placed on top of
the foundation.
15. The bed foundation of claim 10 wherein the resealable
foundation cover is dimensioned and configured such that when
closed each pin cannot be displaced from its respective pair of
interlocking holes.
16. The bed foundation of claim 2 wherein the resealable foundation
cover is dimensioned and configured such that when closed each
transverse rail cannot be displaced from the side rail.
17. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein each side rail and each
end rail is designated at each end such that the respective side
rail end and end rail end that are joined together have a distinct
and matching designation.
18. The bed foundation of claim 1 wherein each side rail and each
end rail is designated so as to indicate the top and bottom
orientation.
19. A method of assembling a knockdown bed foundation that can
support a mattress comprising: a) selecting the following elements:
i) a pair of side rails that form opposing supportive sides of the
foundation, each side rail having two ends; ii) a pair of end rails
that form opposing head and foot supportive ends of the foundation,
each end rail having two ends: iii) a plurality of rail connecting
means, each connecting means being located in part on a side rail
and in part on an end rail, each rail connecting means being
dimensioned and configured to hold one end of one of the side rails
and one end of one of the end rails in a fixed angular
relationship; and iv) a resealable foundation cover with an open
position and a closed position, said cover having side, top, and
bottom surfaces, both internal and external, the cover being
dimensioned and configured so as to surround the assembled
combination of the side rails, the end rails, the connecting means,
and the six planes formed by this combination; b) connecting each
end of one of the side rails to one end of one of the end rails by
means of the respective connecting means, thereby forming an
assembled rail combination of rails; c) opening the resealable
foundation cover so as to expose substantially the internal
surface; d) placing the assembled rail combination onto the exposed
internal surface of the cover such that the dimensions of the
assembled rail combination aligned with the dimensions of the
corresponding internal surface of the cover; and e) closing the
cover such that only the external surface of the cover is exposed,
thereby surrounding the assembled rail combination.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] (1). Field of the Invention
[0002] The field of the present invention pertains to foundations
or bedsteads for supporting mattresses. More particularly, the
present invention relates to foundations that can be knocked down
and reassembled by the end user. The present invention when
reassembled presents a visual impression to the end user that can
look like a conventional, fixed assembly foundation. The invention
further provides for a method for assembling the knockdown
foundation devices.
[0003] (2). Description of the Related Art, Including Information
Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 & 1.98
[0004] The prior art has several attempts at making a knockdown
foundation. However, the prior art has failed to disclose a
combination of elements that can not only be knocked down and
reassembled, but also can provide the desired quality look of
assembled foundations.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,140 to Shoenhair et alia,
discloses a collapsible foundation that comprises a combination of
a bed frame and a bed foundation. A number of mattress support
panels are clipped to foundation side rails and end rails, which
are in turn, pinned to the bed frame. One aligns the rails through
screws and brackets. The end result bears no resemblance to the
look of a conventional bed foundation.
[0006] Another approach is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,397 to
Gaboury et alia. Here a knockdown bed foundation is comprised of
blow molded plastic pieces. The foundation again uses mattress
panels combined with foundation side rails and end rails. Dovetail
joints are used to join the parallel side rails by means of a
number of transverse rails. Again, the end result bears no
resemblance to the look of a conventional bed foundation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a foundations or bedsteads
for supporting mattresses. More particularly, the present invention
relates to foundations that can be knocked down and reassembled by
the end user. The present invention when reassembled presents a
look to the end user that can look like a conventional assembled
foundation. The invention further provides for a method for
assembly the knockdown foundation devices.
[0008] The present invention comprises a knockdown bed foundation
(10) that can support a mattress. As seen in FIG. 2, the
combination of elements for this foundation includes a pair of side
rails ((20) and (30)) that form opposing supportive sides of the
foundation (each side rail having two ends, respectively (22) and
(24) as well as (32) and (34)) and a pair of end rails ((40) and
(50)) that form opposing head and foot supportive ends of the
foundation (each end rail also having two ends, respectively (42)
and (44) as well as (52) and (54)). It also includes a plurality of
rail connecting means (60). Each connecting means is located in
part on a side rail and in part on an end rail. Each connecting
means is dimensioned and configured to hold one end of one of the
side rails and one end of one of the end rails in a fixed angular
relationship. Finally the combination includes a resealable
foundation cover (70) that has an open position and a closed
position. The cover has side surfaces (72), a top surface (74), and
a bottom (76) surface (both internal and external). Moreover, for
the assembled foundation the cover is in the closed position, a
position that is dimensioned and configured so as to surround the
assembled combination of the side rails, the end rails, the
connecting means, and the six planes formed by this
combination.
[0009] The present invention also comprises a method for assembling
a knockdown bed foundation that can support a mattress. The steps
of this method include first selecting a combination of elements as
described above. Second, one connects one end of one of the side
rails to one end of one of the end rails by means of the respective
connecting means, thereby forming an assembled rail combination of
rails. Next, one opens the resealable foundation cover so as to
expose substantially the internal surface. The assembled rail
combination is then placed onto the exposed internal surface of the
cover such that the dimensions of the assembled rail combination
are aligned with the dimensions of the corresponding internal
surface of the cover. Finally, one closes the cover such that only
the external surface of the cover is exposed, thereby surrounding
the assembled rail combination.
[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a bed foundation
that has the look of a quality, fixed assembly bed foundation while
being a knockdown foundation.
[0011] A second object of the invention is to provide a bed
foundation that can be assembled without any tools.
[0012] A third object of the invention is to provide a bed
foundation that can be disassembled into a package that can be
shipped through conventional ground delivery services such as FedEx
Ground or United Parcel Service.
[0013] A fourth object of the invention is to provide a bed
foundation that is marked for ease of assembly and to prevent
mis-assembly.
[0014] A fifth object of the invention is to provide a bed
foundation that will stay assembled even if oriented in a non-use
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing the claimed element in a closed
position.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing the claimed element in an open
position.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan and sectional view of the FIG. 1
device.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the rail connections of the
FIG. 1 device.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the corner rail connections of
the FIG. 1 device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] A preferred embodiment is shown in FIGUREs. In addition to
the elements described above, the foundation also comprises at
least one transverse rail (80). Each transverse rail has two ends,
respectively (82) and (84). Each end is dimensioned and configured
to connect releasably to a respective side rail. This preferred
embodiment also comprises at least one intermediate longitudinal
rail (90). Each intermediate longitudinal rail has two ends,
respectively (92) and (94). Each end is dimensioned and configured
to connect releasably to a respective end rail. The rails can be
made from a variety of conventional materials, including wood,
engineered wood products, plastics, metals, alloys, or any
combination thereof.
[0021] A preferred method for connecting a side rail to an end rail
is through a rail connecting means comprising a pin (62) and
interlocking hole ((64) and (66)) means. Examples of such means are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,500, and are shown in FIG. 5.
[0022] In certain preferred embodiments, the foundation cover (70)
has a resealable means (such as a zipper) that extends along three
of the side planes of the assembled combination. Most preferably
this zipper is located about midway within the longitudinal axis of
the side planes. Also, the foundation cover may be dimensioned and
configured such that the internal surface of the cover can be
substantially exposed and the assembled rail combination can be
placed onto that internal surface prior to the cover being sealed
(as shown in FIG. 2) so as to surround the assembled combination.
{
[0023] Fire resistance can be an important factor in a consumer
selecting a bed foundation. Therefore, the foundation cover can
also comprise fire-resistant material on the external surface. In
some cases, one can limit such materials to all of the external
side and bottom surfaces, but on the top surface such
fire-resistant material extends inward from the side edge only a
distance sufficient to be covered by a mattress placed on top of
the foundation (as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1). This
provides sufficient protection while reducing the cost of
materials.
[0024] Besides fire resistance, the cover can also function to keep
the assembled foundation together. As shown in FIG. 3, the
foundation cover can be dimensioned and configured such that when
closed each pin (62) cannot be displaced from its respective
interlocking hole means (64) and (66). Moreover, the resealable
foundation cover can be dimensioned and configured such that, when
closed, each transverse rail cannot be displaced from the side
rail.
[0025] One way to connect the side rail and transverse rail is
shown in FIG. 4. Each side rail has a female slot, such as (26),
for locating a respective male end, such as (82) of each transverse
rail that connects therewith. Each slot on the side rail is
dimensioned and configured to receive snugly the respective male
transverse rail end. Likewise, in preferred embodiments, each
intermediate rail end, such as (92) connects to a respective end
rail by means of a combination of a male end on each intermediate
rail end and a female slot, such as (46) on each respective end
rail. Again, each slot on the end rail is dimensioned and
configured to receive snugly the respective transverse rail
end.
[0026] If further compactness is desired for the present invention,
then one can use side rails or end rails that are more than one
piece held together by a conventional connecting means (such as the
pin and interlocking hole means described above) or a conventional
hinging or folding means.
[0027] To assist the end user in assembling the foundation in the
proper manner the first time, preferred embodiments of the present
invention have certain designations that aid in assembly. More
particularly, each side rail and each end rail have separate
designations, such as (28) and (48), at each end such that the
respective side rail end and end rail end that are joined together
have a distinct and matching designation (as shown in FIG. 5).
Moreover, each side rail and each end rail can be designated (28)
and (48) so as to indicate the top and bottom orientation (again as
shown in FIG. 5).
[0028] The ordinarily skilled artisan can appreciate that the
present invention can incorporate any number of the preferred
features described above.
[0029] All publications or unpublished patent applications
mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
[0030] Other embodiments of the present invention are not presented
here which are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, now
or during the term of any patent issuing from this patent
specification, and thus, are within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *