U.S. patent application number 12/653315 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for foldable bed frame.
This patent application is currently assigned to Campvalley Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ki Ho Jin.
Application Number | 20110099712 12/653315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43923803 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110099712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jin; Ki Ho |
May 5, 2011 |
Foldable bed frame
Abstract
A foldable bed frame includes a pair of generally rectangular
shaped sub-frames foldably attached to each other so as to be
folded in a collapsed condition and unfolded to an open condition
for use as a mattress support. The foldable attachment is such that
when the sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition, a generally
central transverse support means is located at the interface
thereof. A pair of support members is positioned beneath the
transverse support means and in generally perpendicular relation
thereto. The support members are attached to the sub-frames in
supporting engagement with the transverse support means when the
sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition to provide support to
the pair of sub-frames at the interface thereof. The pair of
support members is attached to the sub-frames so as to be drawn
away from the transverse support means when the sub-frames are
folded to the collapsed condition.
Inventors: |
Jin; Ki Ho; (Rongshen New
City, CN) |
Assignee: |
Campvalley Co., Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
43923803 |
Appl. No.: |
12/653315 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 19/122
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/174 |
International
Class: |
A47C 19/12 20060101
A47C019/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2009 |
CN |
200920181235.X |
Oct 30, 2009 |
CN |
200920181240.0 |
Claims
1. A foldable bed frame, which comprises: a) at least a pair of
generally rectangular shaped sub-frames foldably attached to each
other so as to be folded in a collapsed condition and unfolded to
an open condition for use as a mattress support, said foldable
attachment being arranged and configured such that when said
sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition, a generally central
transverse support means is located at the interface thereof; and
b) a pair of laterally spaced apart support members positioned
beneath said generally central transverse support means and in
generally perpendicular relation thereto, said spaced apart support
members attached to said sub-frames in a manner to be in supporting
engagement with said generally central transverse support means
when said sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition, to thereby
provide support to said pair of sub-frames at the interface
thereof, said pair of spaced apart support members each being
attached to said sub-frames in a manner to be drawn away from said
generally central transverse support means when said sub-frames are
folded to the collapsed condition.
2. The foldable bed frame according to claim 1, wherein each of
said generally rectangular shaped sub-frames comprises a pair of
substantially parallel, spaced apart side support members
respectively having proximal and distal ends, said side support
members are connected by lateral support members at a location
between the proximal and distal ends of said side support members,
and at a location at or near the distal ends, said lateral support
members being shorter in length than said side support members.
3. The foldable bed frame according to claim 2, wherein each of
said generally rectangular shaped sub-frames further comprises a
pair of spaced apart support legs having respective free ends, each
of said support legs pivotally connected to said generally
rectangular shaped sub-frame at or near the distal ends of said
side supports, said support legs connected to each other by a
lateral support member positioned between said rectangular shaped
sub-frame and the free ends of said support legs, said support legs
pivotal between a position substantially parallel to said
rectangular shaped sub-frame and a position generally perpendicular
thereto.
4. The foldable bed frame according to claim 3, wherein each of
said pair of laterally spaced apart support members are connected
to each said sub-frame by a pair of angled supporting braces having
a first end and a second end, said first ends of said supporting
braces pivotally connected to said laterally spaced apart support
members, said second ends of said supporting braces pivotally
connected to said respective sub-frame.
5. The foldable bed frame according to claim 4, wherein said
generally transverse support means is a pivotal lateral support
member commonly joining the proximal ends of said side supports of
each of said sub-frames to permit said sub-frames to be folded with
respect to each other.
6. The foldable bed frame according to claim 5, wherein each of
said support legs are connected to said generally rectangular
shaped sub-frame by a brace member, said brace member pivotally
connected to said generally rectangular shaped sub-frame on one end
and slidably connected to said support legs at another end such
that said support legs are movable from the position generally
perpendicular to said generally rectangular shaped sub-frame to the
position generally parallel to said generally rectangular shaped
sub-frame.
7. The foldable bed frame according to claim 1, further comprising
rolling means.
8. The foldable bed frame according to claim 4, further comprising
a lateral support member at or near the proximal end of each of
said sub-frames.
9. The foldable bed frame according to claim 8, wherein said
lateral support members located at or near the proximal ends of the
sub-frames move toward each other to be engaged in adjacent
relation to form said transverse support means when said sub-frames
are in the open condition.
10. The foldable bed frame of claim 2, further comprising one or
more fasteners coupled to at least one side support member, said
fasteners being configured to retain a side member of an adjacent
foldable bed frame thereto.
11. A foldable bed frame, which comprises: a) at least a pair of
sub-frames, each said sub-frame being constructed of a plurality of
elongated members respectively connected to form a generally
rectangular shaped section, each said generally rectangular shaped
section being pivotally connected to the other by a generally
central transverse pivotal support member, said generally
rectangular shaped sections being pivotal between an open generally
co-planar position for use as a mattress support, and a folded
position, whereby said generally rectangular shaped sections are in
face-to-face relation; b) a pair of support legs respectively
pivotally connected to each said generally rectangular shaped
sections at the free end thereof and foldable from a position
generally parallel to the plane of each said respective generally
rectangular shaped section, to a position generally perpendicular
to each respective generally rectangular shaped section, said last
mentioned position capable of supporting said generally rectangular
shaped sections in a generally horizontal position for use as a
mattress support; and c) a pair of laterally spaced apart support
members positioned beneath said generally central transverse
pivotal support member and in generally perpendicular relation
thereto, said spaced apart support members being in supporting
engagement with said generally transverse pivotal support member
when said pair of generally rectangular shaped sections are in said
open condition to provide support to said pair of generally
rectangular shaped sections at the pivotal connection thereof, said
pair of laterally spaced apart support members each being
respectively attached to said pair of generally rectangular shaped
sections in a manner to be withdrawn away from said central
transverse pivotal support member when said sub-frames are
pivotally folded toward each other.
12. The foldable bed frame of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
elongated members of each sub-frame include a pair of opposing side
members having an outer cross-member interconnected therebetween at
a distal end, said central traverse pivotal support member being
positioned at a proximal end of the opposing side members to form
the generally rectangular shaped section.
13. The foldable bed frame of claim 12, wherein the pair of support
legs is respectively pivotally connected to each of the side
members of said generally rectangular shaped sections.
14. The foldable bed frame of claim 12, wherein each support leg is
pivotally connected to a side member by a pair of angled supporting
braces.
15. The foldable bed frame of claim 14, wherein the each of the
pair of angled supporting braces includes a stopper member
extending proximate the pivotal connection to align the support leg
with the central traverse pivotal support member.
16. The foldable bed frame of claim 11, wherein each support leg is
pivotally connected to a side member by a pair of angled supporting
braces.
17. A foldable bed frame, which comprises: a) at least a pair of
sub-frames, each sub-frame including a plurality of elongated
members respectively connected to form a generally rectangular
shaped section, each said rectangular shaped section being foldably
attached to the other so as to be folded to a collapsed condition
and unfolded to an open co-planar condition for use as a mattress
support; b) each said generally rectangular shaped section having
at least one side member adjacent to a corresponding side member of
the other generally rectangular shaped section, such that when said
generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to said open
condition, said correspondingly adjacent side members engage each
other in contacting relation to form a generally central transverse
support structure; c) a pair of laterally spaced apart support
members positioned beneath said generally central transverse
support structure and in generally perpendicular relation thereto,
said spaced apart support members moved into supporting engagement
with said generally central transverse support structure when said
generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to said open
condition to thereby provide support to said pair of generally
rectangular shaped sections at the interface thereto, and said pair
of laterally spaced apart support members being drawn away from
said central transverse support structure when said generally
rectangular shaped sections are folded to said collapsed condition.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a foldable bed frame, and
more particularly to a middle support rest structure of a foldable
bed frame.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Conventional foldable bed frames known in the art typically
include two sub-frame members, which are hinged together at
adjacent ends proximate a central portion of the bed, and two pair
of end legs with one pair positioned at the head end and the second
pair positioned at the opposing foot end of the bed. Each sub-frame
includes an inner end, and outer end and two opposing side supports
provided therebetween to form a generally rectangular sub-frame. A
central support rest portion is provided on opposing sides
proximate the inner ends of the adjacent sub-frames to support the
central portion of the foldable bed. When the foldable bed is in an
open state or condition, the inner ends of the two sub-frame
members are positioned adjacent such that a single horizontal bed
frame is provided. The two pairs of opposing legs are pivotally
attached at the outer ends of each sub-frame and extend downward to
the ground substantially perpendicular with respect to the
horizontal foldable bed in an open condition. When closing the
foldable bed, the two opposing pairs of end legs can be rotated or
folded inward towards the inner ends of each sub-frame such that
they are positioned parallel with the side supports of the
sub-frames. Further, the two sub-frame members can also be rotated
or folded inward at a hinged or pivotal center portion until they
are in an abutting position, to thereby reduce the foldable bed
frame into a smaller and more manageable structure that can be
readily stored.
[0005] When opening the foldable bed frame, the middle support
rests centrally located on both sides of the bed between the
opposing head and foot ends (i.e., outer ends of the sub-frames)
prevent the middle portion from collapsing. A pair of cross-braces
are provided with each middle support rest on each side of the bed,
where each pair is pivotally attached to a respective middle
support rest. For each pair of cross-braces, a first end of one of
the cross-braces is attached to one of the sub-frame members, while
a first end of the second cross-brace is attached to the other
sub-frame. The second ends of the pair of cross-braces are
pivotally attached to a corresponding middle support rest.
Accordingly, each middle support rest pivots about the second end
of a pair of cross-braces at each side of the bed, while the
opposing first ends of the paired cross-braces are respectively
pivoted to the adjacent sub-frame members, to thereby increase
support and stability while preventing the middle of the bed from
sagging or collapsing.
[0006] However, a disadvantage with the prior art folding bed
frames is that the pivoting joint between each pair of cross-braces
and the middle support rest allows the middle support rests to
freely rotate about the pivoting points at the cross-braces without
any control mechanism. To overcome this uncontrolled rotational
movement of the middle support rests while opening the foldable
bed, the middle support rests are typically held steady in a
vertical position by hand, while contemporaneously unfolding the
sub-frame members of the bed. Thus, the opening (and closing) of
the bed can be a difficult operation to perform by a single person
because of the large size and weight of the foldable bed, as well
as uncontrolled rotation of the middle support rests.
[0007] Even though the invention in Application Publication No. WO
2006/076842 A1 seeks to solve this problem (FIGS. 1-3), the overall
structure contains a vast number of components which are subject to
wear and tear. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the folding
bed structure includes two sets of end legs 2, the inner legs
having multiple braces for connection with the sub-frames.
Furthermore, the sub-frames are not integral and the adjacent inner
ends of the sub-frames are constructed separately. Therefore, the
vast number of components increase the possibility of wear and
tear, and also increase material and manufacturing costs.
[0008] Another disadvantage with the prior art folding bed frame is
that it is not easily transportable. Specifically, the bed frame
cannot be readily moved without strenuous lifting by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The disadvantages heretofore associated with the prior art
are overcome by the present invention of a foldable bed frame which
comprises at least a pair of sub-frames, where each sub-frame is
constructed of a plurality of elongated members respectively
connected to form a generally rectangular shaped section. Each of
the generally rectangular shaped sections is pivotally connected to
the other by a generally central transverse pivotal support member,
and the generally rectangular shaped sections are pivotal between
an open generally co-planar position for use as a mattress support,
and a folded position, whereby the generally rectangular shaped
sections are in face-to-face relation. A pair of support legs is
respectively pivotally connected to each of the generally
rectangular shaped sections at the free end thereof, and foldable
from a position generally parallel to the plane of each the
respective generally rectangular shaped section, to a position
generally perpendicular to each respective generally rectangular
shaped section, where the last mentioned position is capable of
supporting the generally rectangular shaped sections in a generally
horizontal position for use as a mattress support.
[0010] A pair of laterally spaced apart support members is
positioned beneath the generally central transverse pivotal support
member and in generally perpendicular relation thereto. The spaced
apart support members are in supporting engagement with the
generally transverse pivotal support member when the pair of
generally rectangular shaped sections is in the open condition to
provide support to the pair of generally rectangular shaped
sections at the pivotal connection thereof. Each of the pair of
laterally spaced apart support members are respectively attached to
the pair of generally rectangular shaped sections in a manner to be
withdrawn away from the central transverse pivotal support member
when the sub-frames are pivotally folded toward each other.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable
bed frame comprises at least a pair of sub-frames, where each
sub-frame includes a plurality of elongated members respectively
connected to form a generally rectangular shaped section. Each
rectangular shaped section is foldably attached to the other so as
to be folded to a collapsed condition and unfolded to an open
co-planar condition for use as a mattress support.
[0012] Further, each of the generally rectangular shaped sections
has at least one side member adjacent to a corresponding side
member of the other generally rectangular shaped section, such that
when the generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to the
open condition, the correspondingly adjacent side members engage
each other in contacting relation to form a generally central
transverse support structure.
[0013] A pair of laterally spaced apart support members is
positioned beneath the generally central transverse support
structure and in generally perpendicular relation thereto. The
spaced apart support members are movable into supporting engagement
with the generally central transverse support structure when the
generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to the open
condition, to thereby provide support to the pair of generally
rectangular shaped sections at the interface thereto. The pair of
laterally spaced apart support members can be drawn away from the
central transverse support structure when the generally rectangular
shaped sections are folded to the collapsed condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Further advantages and features of the present invention
will become apparent from the detailed description of a preferred
embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1-3 illustrate various views of a prior art foldable
bed;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable
bed of the present invention shown in a fully opened position;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foldable bed of FIG. 4
in a partially closed position;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of support
rests of the foldable bed of FIG. 4 in a partially closed
position;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the foldable bed of FIG. 4
in a fully closed position;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective view depicting an
alternate embodiment of support rests of the foldable bed of FIG. 4
in a partially closed position; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two side-by-side foldable
bed frames of FIG. 4 in the fully opened position with a pair of
mattresses supported thereon.
[0022] To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical
reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate
the same or similar elements that are common to the figures.
Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures
are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes
only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] FIGS. 4-8 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the foldable
bed frame 101 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the
bed frame 101 is constructed from a pair of sub-frames 103 and 104
which are pivotally coupled together. Each sub-frame 103 and 104
includes a plurality of elongated members, for example elongated
members 105, 107, 109, 113 and the like. The elongated members can
be constructed from various substantially rigid materials
including, but not limited to, metals, metal alloys, hardened
plastic, composite material and/or combinations thereof. The
sub-frames 103 and 104 can be of any shape or size suitable for
supporting a mattress 200, but in this particular embodiment, the
sub-frames 103 are preferably rectangular in shape. In this
particular embodiment, each of the sub-frames 103 and 104 are
constructed of a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart side
support members 105 having proximal and distal ends 105a, 105b. The
side support members 105 are connected by intermediate support
members 107 positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the
side support members 105a, 105b. Preferably, the intermediate
support members 107 are positioned approximately intermediate of
the proximal and distal ends 105a, 105b as shown in FIG. 4. The
side support members 105 are further connected by outer lateral
support members 109 at the distal ends 105b of the side support
members 105.
[0024] Each of the generally rectangular shaped sub-frames 103 and
104 have a pair of spaced apart support legs 111 having free ends
111a. The support legs 111 of each pair can be connected to each
other by a lateral leg support member 113. A pair of support legs
111 is pivotally connected to the sub-frames 103 and 104,
respectfully, at or near the distal end 105b of the side supports
105. The support legs 111 are generally positioned perpendicular
with respect to the sub-frames 103 and 104 in an open condition
(FIG. 4), and positioned substantially parallel with respect to the
sub-frames 103 and 104 when pivotally folded to a closed (i.e.,
collapsed) condition (FIG. 7).
[0025] Each support leg 111 is further connected to the sub-frame
103 by a brace member 115 for extra support in the open condition.
Each brace member 115 has a first end pivotally connected to the
side support 105 of a sub-frame 103 or 104 with a fastener 117 such
as a pin or screw, and slidably connected to the support legs 111
on the opposing end. The brace member 115 includes a channel 119
which is slidably connected to the support legs 111 via a fastener
such as a bolt or rivet. The channel 119 enables the support legs
111 to fold inward from the open condition to the closed condition
and vice-versa in a more controlled manner.
[0026] In this embodiment, the generally rectangular shaped
sub-frames or sections 103 and 104 are pivotally connected to the
other by a generally central transverse pivotal support member 121.
The generally central transverse pivotal support member 121 can be
of any cross-section dimension so long as the sub-frames 103 and
104 are capable of pivoting about the pivotal support member
121.
[0027] The use of a single central transverse pivotal support
member 121 as well as a minimal number of brace members 115 for
supporting the support legs 111 reduces the manufacturing costs in
terms of material and manpower necessary for assembly while still
providing a stable structure.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the folding bed 101 is
illustratively shown in a partially closed position. The proximal
ends 105a of each side support 105 include a mounting flange 130.
The mounting flanges can be integral with or securely attached
thereon via one or more fasteners, weld and the like. The mounting
flanges 130 (four mounting flanges shown in FIGS. 4-7) include an
orifice sized to receive and rotate about a circular end of the
central transverse pivotal support member 121. As illustratively
shown in FIG. 6, a first pair of mounting flanges 130.sub.1 and
130.sub.2 each have ends that overlap one other at a first end of
the central transverse pivotal support member 121. Similarly, a
second pair of mounting flanges 130.sub.3 and 130.sub.4 (FIG. 7)
each have ends that overlap one other at the opposing second end of
the central transverse pivotal support member 121. The mounting
flanges 130 enable the proximal ends 105a of the sub-frames 103 and
104 to rotate (pivot) about the opposing ends of the central
transverse pivotal support member 121 when the folding bed 101 is
opened and closed.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 7, the folding bed frame 101 could also be
equipped with rolling means 210 such as wheels, rollers, bearings
and the like, which assist the user, for example, during transport
or storage of the folding bed frame 101 while folded in its closed
state. In the preferred embodiment, the rolling means 210 are
rotatably attached to the pivotal support member 121. The
positioning of the rolling means 210 can vary along the support
member 121 and can also be placed on the side supports 105 as long
as the rolling means 210 of the folding bed frame 101 are able to
make contact with a surface during transport.
[0030] When the folding bed frame 101 is in an open condition, the
opposing ends of the pivotal support member 121 are supported by a
pair of laterally spaced apart support members 123, which are
connected by a lateral support member 125. The laterally spaced
apart support members 123 are connected to each sub-frame 103 and
104 by a pair of angled supporting braces 127. Each end of the
angled supporting braces 127 are pivotally connected to the
laterally spaced apart support member 123 at one end, and to the
sub-frame 103 or 104 at the opposing end. The additional support
provided by the angled supporting braces 127 advantageously enables
the laterally spaced apart support members 123 to remain upright
and aligned with the generally central transverse pivotal support
member 121 at all times.
[0031] It is further noted that the upper ends of the support
members 123 each include a substantially horizontal flange 132.
Preferably, the horizontal flanges 132 are formed as U-shaped end
portions 132 that extend upward, although such configuration is not
considered limiting. The U-shaped end portions 132 include a curved
upper portion sized to receive and support a bottom surface of the
circular-shaped central transverse pivotal support member 121 when
the folding bed 101 is in a fully opened condition, thereby
providing additional support and stability to the folding bed 101
when opened.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 8, a stopper member 140 can be provided on
each lower end of the supporting braces 127. Each stopper member
140 is configured to interface with a side portion of the support
member 123 as the sub-frames 103 and 104 are moved into an opened
condition. As the foldable bed frame 101 is fully opened, the
stoppers 140 on the braces 127 move towards the side surfaces of
the support member 123. The stoppers 140 are formed as flanges that
limit the rotational movement of the support member 123 as the
support member moves in an upward direction towards the central
transverse pivotal support member 121. If, by chance, the U-shaped
end portion 132 of the support member 123 is not properly aligned
with the central transverse pivotal support member 121, the
stoppers 140 will push and guide the support member 121 back into
proper alignment. Alternative stopper member configurations are
also contemplated. For example, the stopper members can extend
inward to interface with the lateral support member 125.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 9, two folding bed frames 101 can be
placed adjacent each other in an open condition to provide a larger
sleeping area. Preferably, the adjacent side supports 105 are
fastened together with one or more fasteners, such as one or more
brackets 136 as shown in FIG. 4 to provide additional stability.
The fasteners can alternatively include one or more bolts, latches,
and/or hooks, among other conventionally known fasteners.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one aperture 134 is
formed along the side supports 105 to receive a bolt or other
fastener for securing adjacent foldable bed frames together.
[0034] Accordingly, a foldable bed frame has been shown, which
includes at least a pair of sub-frames having a plurality of
elongated members respectively connected to form a generally
rectangular shaped section. Each rectangular shaped section is
foldably attached to the other so as to be folded to a collapsed
condition and unfolded to an open co-planar condition for use as a
mattress support. Each generally rectangular shaped section has at
least one side member adjacent to a corresponding side member of
the other generally rectangular shaped section, such that when the
generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to the open
condition, the correspondingly adjacent side members engage each
other in contacting relation to form a generally central transverse
support structure. Furthermore, a pair of laterally spaced apart
support members are positioned beneath the generally central
transverse support structure and in generally perpendicular
relation thereto.
[0035] Advantageously, the spaced apart support members move into
supporting engagement with the generally central transverse support
structure when the generally rectangular shaped sections are
unfolded to the open condition to provide support to the pair of
generally rectangular shaped sections at the interface thereto.
Moreover, the pair of laterally spaced apart support members are
drawn away from the central transverse support structure without
tilting when the generally rectangular shaped sections are folded
to the collapsed condition.
[0036] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *