Mattress Foundation

Abstract

A foundation for supporting a mattress includes a rectangular shaped frame defined by a pair of longitudinal side assemblies, and a pair of transverse end assemblies, wherein corresponding adjacent ends of each side assembly and each end assembly are secured together; and at least one electrical outlet mounted in at least one of the longitudinal side and end assemblies.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/561,419 filed on Nov. 18, 2011, which is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a mattress foundation, and more particularly, to a mattress foundation including at least one electrical outlet integrated therein.

[0003] One problem encountered with prior art non-adjustable foundations for mattresses is the limitation in functionality, which is generally limited to providing support of the mattress.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to increase the functionality of the mattress.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed herein is a foundation for supporting a mattress comprising a rectangular shaped frame defined by a pair of longitudinal side assemblies, and a pair of transverse end assemblies, wherein corresponding adjacent ends of each side assembly and each end assembly are secured together; and at least one electrical outlet mounted in at least one of the longitudinal side and end assemblies.

[0006] In another embodiment, the foundation for supporting a mattress comprises a rectangular shaped frame defined by a pair of longitudinal side assemblies, and a pair of transverse end assemblies, wherein corresponding adjacent ends of each side assembly and each end assembly are secured together; and at least one electrical outlet mounted on a surface underneath the foundation.

[0007] The disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the various features of the disclosure and the examples included therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring now to the figures wherein the like elements are numbered alike:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress foundation in accordance with an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 1A provides an enlarged view of the outlet in the mattress foundation of FIG. 1

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mattress foundation of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top down view of the mattress foundation of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a mattress foundation in accordance with another embodiment; and

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the mattress foundation of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated a foundation for supporting a mattress, generally designated by reference numeral 10. The foundation 10 is non-adjustable and includes a rectangular-shaped frame that is generally defined by a pair of opposed longitudinal side assemblies 12, 14 and a pair of opposed transverse end assemblies 16, 18. The corresponding adjacent ends of each side assembly 12, 14 and each end assembly 16, 18 are secured together partially or entirely through the use of mechanical fasteners, such as nails, screws, bolts or the like, to define the rectangular-shaped frame. The foundation 10 further includes an optional rigid support surface 20 for supporting a mattress disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the rigid support surface may be of a single piece construction such as that shown or may be in the form of slats (not shown). The particular shape and form of the rigid support surface is not intended to be limited. The rigid support surface may be affixed directly to the rectangular-shaped frame or seated on an interior ledge (not shown) of to the rectangular-shaped frame. Optionally, additional underlying supports and/or braces may be employed to provide additional support. The supports are not intended to be limited to any particular type and may include multiple cross slats, stanchions, and the like. The rigid support surface may further include a cushion block mounted thereon as may be desired for different applications. The foundation may further include support legs 21 for elevating the rectangular shaped frame relative to the ground.

[0016] Once assembled, the foundation 10 is defined by a head end 22 and a foot end 24 corresponding to the normal sleeping position of an occupant.

[0017] In one embodiment, an electrical outlet 26 is mounted in a surface of at least one of the assemblies defining the mattress foundation. In one embodiment, the electrical outlet 26 is mounted in an exterior facing surface of the side assembly, e.g., 12 and/or 14, proximate to the head end 22. The electrical outlet is configured to provide AC power similar to that provided from a standard wall outlet. A cable (not shown) extending from the electrical outlet 26 includes a standard plug for electrical connection to a standard wall outlet.

[0018] Turning now to FIGS. 4-5, there is depicted a mattress foundation in accordance with another embodiment. The mattress foundation 50 includes a rectangular-shaped frame that is generally defined by a pair of opposed longitudinal side assemblies 52, 54 and a pair of opposed transverse end assemblies 56, 58. The corresponding adjacent ends of each side assembly 52, 54 and each end assembly 56, 58 are secured together, e.g., partially or entirely glued together and also secured partially or entirely through the use of mechanical fasteners, such as nails, screws, bolts or the like, to define the rectangular-shaped frame. The foundation 50 further includes a rigid support surface 60 or slats (not shown) for supporting a mattress disposed thereon. The rigid support surface (or slats) may be affixed directly to the rectangular-shaped frame or seated on an interior ledge (not shown) of to the rectangular-shaped frame. Optionally, additional underlying supports and/or braces may be employed to provide additional support. The supports are not intended to be limited to any particular type and may include multiple cross slats, stanchions, and the like. The rigid support surface may further include a cushion block mounted thereon as may be desired for different applications. The foundation may further include support legs 61 for elevating the rectangular shaped frame relative to the ground.

[0019] Once assembled, the foundation 50 is defined by a head end 62 and a foot end 64 corresponding to the normal sleeping position of an occupant.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electrical outlet 66 is mounted on an undersurface of at least one of the assemblies, i.e., an interiorly facing surface. In one embodiment, the electrical outlet 66 is mounted in or on a surface of the side assembly, e.g., 52 as shown, at a location proximate to the head end 62. The electrical outlet is configured to provide AC power similar to that provided from a standard wall outlet. A cable (not shown) extending from the electrical outlet 66 includes a standard plug for electrical connection to the standard wall outlet.

[0021] It is preferred that all of the components defining the structure of foundation 10 be entirely of wood. However, it is possible that some of the components may be formed of other similar rigid materials which might be deemed suitable for the purpose and practice of the invention as described herein. The foundation can be provided so as to form either twin, full or double, queen and king size bed foundations. It will be appreciated that many variations of form and construction follow from the foregoing disclosure. Basically, however, the structure of the invention seeks to utilize the mattress foundation to provide an electrical outlet therein.

[0022] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A foundation for supporting a mattress comprising: a rectangular shaped frame defined by a pair of longitudinal side assemblies, and a pair of transverse end assemblies, wherein corresponding adjacent ends of each side assembly and each end assembly are secured together; and at least one electrical outlet mounted in at least one of the longitudinal side and transverse end assemblies.

2. The foundation of claim 1, wherein the electrical outlet is proximate to a head end of the foundation and includes a cable extending for the outlet having a terminal end configured to electrically connect to a power source.

3. The foundation of claim 1, wherein the electrical outlet is mounted on a exterior facing wall of at least one of the longitudinal side and end assemblies.

4. A foundation for supporting a mattress comprising: a rectangular shaped frame defined by a pair of longitudinal side assemblies, and a pair of transverse end assemblies, wherein corresponding adjacent ends of each side assembly and each end assembly are secured together; and at least one electrical outlet mounted on a surface underneath the foundation.

5. The foundation of claim 4, wherein the electrical outlet is proximate to a head end of the foundation and includes a cable extending for the outlet having a terminal end configured to electrically connect to a power source.

6. The foundation of claim 4, wherein the electrical outlet is proximate to a head end of the foundation and includes a cable extending for the outlet having a terminal end configured to electrically connect to a power source.