Convertible bed system

Abstract

The present invention relates to convertible beds, and more specifically, provides a crib that may be converted into a variety of other conventional beds. One preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for one or more crib endboards and one or more extension members to be selectively combined to form at least one endboard for a conventional bed, wherein the conventional bed can be a youth bed, youth day bed, adult day bed, twin bed, double bed, queen bed or king bed.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/491,624, filed Jul. 31, 2003, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to convertible beds, and more particularly to a system and method for converting a crib to other conventional bed configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a child is born and grows, and eventually becomes an adult, the appropriate bedding system changes from a crib to a different, and generally larger, bed. One drawback associated with the child growing is the cost, time, and effort required to find, purchase and install the subsequent bed and/or remove the previous bed. One method that addresses these issues is to provide a convertible bed system that can be reconfigured as appropriate as the child grows. Certain attempts have been made to provide partially convertible systems, such as converting a crib to a twin bed or converting a crib to a double bed; however, these systems have not provided a full range of flexibility, have been complicated, or had numerous parts to disassemble and/or reassemble.

Certain preferred features of the present invention address these and other needs and provide other important advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a bed system that converts from a crib to a variety of conventional bed configurations.

Further features and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crib according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the rear panel depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the rear panel depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the side panel depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the side panel depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a youth day bed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a front view of an extension assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the extension assembly depicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front view of a twin bed endboard according one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the endboard depicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a twin bed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a double bed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a queen endboard according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the endboard depicted in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a queen bed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the invention being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The present invention relates to a convertible bed system that allows a crib to be converted to a variety of different bed configurations. One preferred advantage to such a system is that it reduces the time, effort and cost associated with replacing the crib or bed frames as the child grows to an adult. An additional preferred advantage, in some embodiments, is that the style of the converted beds will match the style of the crib and any furniture bought to match the crib. Another advantage of the present invention, in certain embodiments, is that parents are not required to predict what size bed they will want for their child in the future since the convertible bed system may be configured to a variety of bed sizes. Optionally, portions of the convertible bed system may be replaced with different portions in order to change the style of the bed, which may be useful for matching different decor. Yet still another preferred option is the ability to replace portions of the bed when those portions are broken or otherwise rendered unusable.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes four crib panels that make up the four sides of a crib. Four posts, which become the corners of the crib, attach to the four crib panels as legs and typically elevate the panels above the ground. In other embodiments, the four crib panels directly connect to one another. Typically, a crib mattress is placed within the crib to provide a sleeping surface for a child.

When the child outgrows the crib, some or all of the crib components may be reconfigured to provide a frame for a youth day bed or a bed with a larger mattress. As an example, a crib panel may be combined with a adult size mattress and support members, such as mattress rails, to make an adult size bed with an endboard such as a headboard or footboard. Various conventional bed configurations in addition to the crib may be formed, such as, by way of non-limiting example, youth day beds, youth beds, adult day beds, twin (or single) beds, double (or full) beds, queen beds, and king beds. Example dimensions of some various conventional bed configurations are included in Table A. Other embodiments of the present invention accommodate mattresses with different dimensions.

TABLE A
Example Conventional Bed Mattress Dimensions
Conventional Bed Configuration Mattress Dimensions (approximately)
crib                           27 inches wide; 52 inches long
youth day bed                  27 inches wide; 52 inches long
youth bed                      33 inches wide, 66 inches long
adult day bed                  30-39 inches wide; 75 inches long
twin (single) bed              30-39 inches wide; 75 inches long
double (full) bed              53-54 inches wide; 75 inches long
queen bed                      60-66 inches wide; 80 inches long
king bed                       72-78 inches wide; 80-84 inches long

When desired, such as when a child outgrows the crib, one or more crib panels may be converted to one or more bed endboards, where the bed endboards may accommodate a variety of differently sized beds. In some embodiments, the crib panels are converted into two matching endboards (a headboard and a footboard) for a bed. In still other embodiments, the crib panels are converted into three boards (a headboard, sideboard and footboard) for a bed. Extension or expansion assemblies may be connected to one or more of the crib panels to increase the effective width of the crib panels.

FIG. 1 depicts a crib 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Crib 100 includes four crib panels that surround the child's sleeping area: rear panel 110, front panel 120 and side panels 130. The panels may have the same or different heights. Rear panel 110 incorporates rear panel upper rail 112 and a rear panel lower rail 114 which are connected to one another by spindles 190. Front panel 120 includes front panel upper rail 122 and front panel lower rail 124, which are connected to one another by spindles 190. Additionally, front panel 120 is similar to an inverted rear panel 110 in that lower rail 124 is ornamental while upper rail 122 is non-ornamental. Each side panel 130 has a side panel upper rail 132 and a side panel lower rail 134, which are connected to one another by spindles 190. Other embodiments include crib panels with spindles 190 of various shapes, sizes and spacing. Preferably, the size, shape and spacing of spindles 190 complies with appropriate safety regulations and guidelines.

Each side panel 130 is connected to a front and rear post. Two front posts 150 are connected to opposite ends of front panel 120. Two rear posts 160 are connected to opposite ends of rear panel 110. In the embodiments shown, rear posts 160 are taller than front posts 150. Other embodiments are configured with side panels 130 connecting directly to rear panel 110. In still other embodiments, side panels 130 connect directly to front panel 120.

Mattress 180 is located at the bottom of the child's sleeping area and is supported by standard structures known in the art, such as by way of non-limiting example, a board, mattress slats, or a lattice structure. Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiment depicts upper rail 112, upper rails 132 and lower rail 124 as ornamental, while lower rail 114, lower rails 124 and upper rail 122 as depicted as non-ornamental plain boards, other embodiments utilize various intermixing combinations of ornamental and/or non-ornamental rails and heights.

Various materials, or combinations of materials, may be utilized to construct rear panel 110, front panel 120 and side panels 130, such as by way of nonlimiting example, wood, composite fiberboard, metal and plastic. Furthermore, “panel” is not intended to be limiting and various appropriate structures, or combinations of structures, may be utilized to span the space between the upper rails (112, 122 and 132) and the corresponding lower rails (114, 124 and 134), such as by way of nonlimiting example, solid pieces, spindles, slats, lattices, cords, cloth, boards, panels, rods or screens.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict rear panel 110. To accommodate the ornamental design of upper rail 112 which varies in height, the length of spindles 190 vary. Although depicted as being non-ornamental and evenly spaced, other embodiments utilize spindles 190 of varying sizes, shapes, orientations, and placements. Attachment locations 192 are positioned at opposing ends of upper rail 112 and lower rail 114. In one example embodiment, rear panel 110 is approximately fifty-one (51) inches wide and approximately forty-one (41) inches high. In other embodiments, rear panel 110 is differently sized.

In the illustrated embodiment, front panel 120 is similar to rear panel 110, with the exception that spindles 190 in front panel 120 are optionally shorter than spindles 190 in rear panel 110, optionally making front panel 120 shorter overall than rear panel 110. In one example, front panel 120 is approximately fifty-one (51) inches wide and approximately thirty-eight (38) inches high.

Depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B is a side panel 130. Side panel 130 includes attachment locations 192 positioned at opposing ends of upper rail 132 and lower rail 134. In one example embodiment, side panel 130 includes spindles 190, where the length of each individual spindle 190 varies to accommodate the ornamental design of upper rail 132. In one example, side panel 130 is approximately twenty-seven (27) inches wide and approximately thirty-three (33) inches high. In other embodiments, side panel 130 is differently sized. In the illustrated embodiment, side panels 130 are similar.

Attachment locations 192 represent location where the various panels, assemblies and components of the present invention may connect. The illustrated embodiment utilizes internal attachment locations that are not readily noticeable when the various components are connected. Other embodiments utilize different locations for attachment locations 192. The particular type of attachment device utilized at attachment location 192 can vary, although the device should provide secure attachment. Various types of attachment, or connecting mechanisms that are commonly known in the art may be utilized at attachment locations 192. Example connecting mechanisms include dowels, glue, hooks, screws, nails, hook and loop fasteners, bolts, and tab and slot and post and keyhole arrangements, by way of non-limiting example.

FIG. 4 depicts a youth day bed configuration 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Youth day bed 300 is configured by removing front panel 120 from crib 100. A separate lower rail 334 is preferably connected between front posts 150 to provide lateral and/or vertical support for mattress 180.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are depictions of an extension assembly 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Each extension assembly 400 includes an extension assembly upper rail 402, an extension assembly lower rail 404, at least one vertical piece such as spindle 190 and attachment locations 192. Other preferred embodiments utilize at least two spindles 190 attached between upper rail 402 and lower rail 404. Still other embodiments include post structures between the upper and lower rails. Attachment locations 192 are utilized to attach an extension assembly 400 to either a rear panel 110, a front panel 120 or a side panel 130 utilizing attachment mechanisms that are commonly known in the art as discussed above.

In one example, assembly 400 has a width 410 of approximately 4¼ inches. The height of extension assembly 400 can vary. When used in conjunction with the example rear panel 110, the height of extension assembly 400 is approximately thirty-six (36) inches. When used in conjunction with the example front panel 120, the height of extension assembly 400 is approximately thirty-one (31) inches.

Depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B is an endboard 500 for a twin bed using extension assemblies 400. Endboard 500 may be either a headboard or footboard for a twin bed. To form endboard 500, a pair of extension assemblies 400 are attached to opposing ends of a side panel 130. The endboard may include two posts 160. The addition of extension assemblies 400 to side panel 130 preferably increases the overall width of endboard 500 such that the total width of endboard 500 accommodates the width of a twin bed mattress.

In other embodiments of endboard 500, differently styled posts are utilized to change the overall appearance of endboard 500, for example, square posts, round posts, or taller posts that extend above the top of side panel 130 may be used to change the appearance of an endboard. In yet other embodiments, endboard 500 contains only three pieces—side panel 130 and two extension assemblies 400.

Preferably, the extension assemblies 400 are configured to present an integrated appearance with the side panel 130. This integrated appearance preferably results in the surfaces adjacent connection joints 505 between side panel 130 and extension assembly 400 to be substantially flat and flush, thereby minimizing uneven surfaces and creating a finished and smooth look that is aesthetically and functionally desirable. The integrated appearance also preferably reduces the tendency of endboard 500 to catch clothing or splinter. The smooth appearance further enhances the comfort of endboard 500 for a person sitting up in bed and leaning against the coupling area between side panel 130 and an extension assembly 400. The hidden location of many of the attachment locations 192 in the illustrated embodiment of endboard 500 further improves the integrated appearance of endboard 500.

Endboard 601 (FIG. 7) is similar to endboard 500 and includes a pair of front posts 150 attached to opposing ends of the combination of side panel 130 and extension assemblies 400. The optionally shorter front posts 150 of endboard 601 can result in a lower overall height for endboard 601 as compared to endboard 500.

Depicted in FIG. 7 is an assembled twin bed 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Twin bed 600 includes endboard 500 as the headboard, endboard 601 as the footboard, and two separate mattress support members or rails 602. In use, twin bed 600 further includes a box spring mattress 604 and an upper mattress 606. As shown, opposing ends of each bed rail 602 are connected to endboard 500 and endboard 601. Box spring mattress 604 is held in place laterally by mattress support members 602, endboard 500 and endboard 601. Box spring mattress 604 is supported vertically by various means, for example, by ledges on endboard 500, endboard 601, and/or mattress support members 602, or by slats, large boards, or lattices spanning the distance between endboard 500, endboard 601, and/or mattress support members 602. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts endboard 500 and endboard 601 as having similar design, other embodiments utilize endboards of different designs or may only use one endboard, with the bed having appropriate leg supports.

Depicted in FIG. 8 is double bed 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Double bed 700 includes headboard 708, footboard 710, and mattress support members 702. Headboard 708 is formed by a pair of rear posts 160 connected to opposing ends of rear panel 110. Footboard 710 has a pair of front posts 150 connected to opposing ends of front panel 120. In use, double bed 700 further includes box spring mattress 704 and upper mattress 706. In the illustrated embodiment, front posts 150 are shorter than rear post 160 and the overall height of front panel 120 is less than rear panel 110, thereby resulting in the height of footboard 710 being less than the height of headboard 110. In other embodiments footboard 710 is at least the same height as headboard 708.

Optionally, the orientation of front panel 120 as installed in double bed 700 is inverted from the orientation of front panel 120 as installed in crib 100. As attached to double bed 700, front panel 120 is oriented such that the ornamental front panel lower rail 124 is above the rectangular front panel upper rail 122. Other embodiments of double bed 700 utilize front panel 120 in the same orientation as installed in crib 100.

Depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B is endboard 800 configured for a queen bed. Endboard 800 is generally a double bed panel plus one or two extension assemblies for width. Endboard 800 may be either a headboard or a footboard for a queen bed. Similar to the assembly of a twin headboard or footboard above, endboard 800 includes a pair of extension assemblies 400 attached to opposing ends of a rear panel 110. The addition of extension assemblies 400 to rear panel 110 preferably increases the overall width of endboard 800 such that endboard 800 accommodates the width of a queen bed mattress.

Endboard 800 further includes a pair of rear posts 160 attached to opposing ends of the combination of rear panel 110 and extension assemblies 400. In other embodiments, differently styled posts are utilized to change the overall appearance of endboard 800, for example, square posts, round posts, or taller posts that extend above the top of rear panel 110 may be used to change the appearance of an endboard. In yet other embodiments, endboard 800 incorporates only three pieces—rear panel 110 and two extension assemblies 400.

Similar to twin endboard 500, the extension assemblies 400 are configured to present an integrated appearance with rear panel 110. This integrated appearance preferably results in the surfaces adjacent connection joints 805 between rear panel 110 and extension assembly 400 to be substantially flat and flush, thereby minimizing uneven surfaces and creating a finished and smooth look that is aesthetically and functionally desirable as described above. The hidden location of many of the attachment locations 192 in the illustrated embodiment of endboard 800 further improves the integrated appearance of endboard 800.

A second endboard 901 (FIG. 10) is similar to endboard 800 and includes a pair of front posts 150 attached to opposing ends of the combination of front panel 120 and extension assemblies 400. Since front posts 150 may be shorter than rear posts 160 and front panel 120 may be shorter than rear panel 110, endboard 901 may be shorter than endboard 800.

Depicted in FIG. 10 is an assembled queen bed 900 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Queen bed 900 includes one endboard 800 as the headboard, endboard 901 as the footboard and two mattress support members or rails 902. In use, queen bed 900 further includes box spring mattress 904 and upper mattress 906. Rails 902 may be the same as rails 602 for the twin bed or may be longer. Opposing ends of each bed rail 902 are connected to endboard 800 and endboard 901 to support and separate the end boards. Box spring mattress 904 is held in place laterally by mattress support members 902, endboard 800 and endboard 901. Box spring mattress 904 is supported vertically by various means, for example, by ledges or brackets on endboard 800, endboard 901, and/or mattress support members 902, or by slats, large boards, or lattices spanning the distance between endboard 800, endboard 901, and/or mattress support members 902. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts endboard 800 and endboard 901 as having similar design, other embodiments utilize endboards of different designs. In one configuration, only one endboard is used, with appropriate leg structures for the other bed end.

In other embodiments of the present invention, rear crib panel 110 and front crib panel 120 may be combined with wider sized extension assemblies 400 to create endboards for a king bed (not shown) assembled in a similar manner to queen bed 900. The king bed includes at least two mattress support members connected to at least one of the king bed endboards. Optionally, a third mattress support member supports the central portion of a king bed. In other preferred embodiments, the rear crib panel and front crib panel can each be combined with a side crib panel or a plurality of extension assemblies 400 to create endboards for a king bed. In still further embodiments, the side panels may be combined with the front or rear panels to make endboards for a king bed.

In still other embodiments, the convertible bed system also allows crib 100 to be converted to an adult day bed (not shown). The headboard and footboard of the adult day bed each use a pair of extension assemblies 400 connected to opposing ends of a side panel 130. One sideboard using either rear panel 110 or front panel 120 is connected to a plurality of extension assemblies 400. A means for retaining the mattress within the adult day bed, such as a rail, is also utilized.

In yet further embodiments, the convertible bed system allows crib 100 to be converted to a youth bed (not shown). The youth bed further includes at least two mattress support members connected to at least one of the youth bed endboards.

In one arrangement, the convertible bed system or kit is packaged to include all items necessary to construct several bed configurations. In other embodiments, the convertible bed system is packaged to include items necessary to construct one bed configuration and other components may be packaged or sold separately. In still other embodiments, some or all of the individual components of the convertible bed system may be separately packaged and purchased.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. Dimensions are not intended to be limiting and may be altered as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A convertible bed system, comprising:

two short panels;

two wide panels; and,

at least two extension members;

wherein pieces selected from said two short panels, said two wide panels and said extension members are selectively mountable to form endboards for a plurality of bed configurations, said plurality of bed configurations including:

a first configuration, wherein said two short panels and said two wide panels are mountable to form four endboards for a first bed size;

a second configuration, wherein a pair of said extension members is mountable to opposing ends of one said short panel to form an endboard for a second bed size; and,

a third configuration, wherein a pair of said extension members is mountable to opposing ends of one said wide panel to form an endboard for a third bed size, wherein said first, second and third bed sizes are different.

2. The convertible bed system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of posts, wherein said posts are mountable to said endboards in said first, second and third configurations.

3. The convertible bed system of claim 1, wherein said first bed size is approximately the size of a crib.

4. The convertible bed system of claim 1, wherein a second pair of said extension members is mountable to opposing ends of a second said short panel to form a second endboard for said second bed size.

5. The convertible bed system of claim 1, wherein said second bed size is approximately the size of a twin bed.

6. The convertible bed system of claim 1, wherein a second pair of said extension members is mountable to opposing ends of a second said wide panel to form a second endboard for said third bed size.

7. The convertible bed system of claim 1, wherein said third bed size is approximately the size of a queen bed.

8. The convertible bed system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of bed configurations further includes a fourth configuration, wherein one of said short or wide panels is sized to serve as an endboard for a fourth bed size.

9. The convertible bed system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of posts, wherein said posts are mountable to opposing ends of said endboard in said first, second, third and fourth configurations.

10. The convertible bed system of claim 8, wherein a second of said short or wide panels is sized to serve as a second endboard for said fourth bed size.

11. The convertible bed system of claim 8, further comprising at least one mattress support member, wherein said at least one mattress support member is mountable to said fourth bed size endboard in said fourth configuration.

12. The convertible bed system of claim 8, wherein said fourth bed size is approximately the size of a double bed.

13. The convertible bed system of claim 8, further comprising at least one mattress support rail, wherein said at least one mattress support rail is mountable to at least one of said second, third or fourth bed size endboards in said second, third or fourth configurations.

14. The convertible bed system of claim 1, further comprising at least one mattress support rail, wherein said at least one mattress support rail is mountable to at least one of said second or third bed size endboards in said second or third configurations.

15. The convertible bed system of claim 14, further comprising two mattress support rails, wherein said mattress support rails are mountable to at least one of said second or third bed size endboards in said second or third configurations.

16. The convertible bed system of claim 1, further comprising a package, wherein said package contains at least said two short panels, said two wide panels and said at least two extension members.

17. A convertible bed system, comprising:

two short and two long crib panels combinable to form four sides of a crib; and,

a plurality of extension members, wherein said extension members are selectively mountable in pairs to at least one of said short crib panels in a first configuration or to at least one of said long crib panels in a second configuration to form either a twin bed endboard or a queen bed endboard.

18. The convertible bed system of claim 17, wherein four said extension members are mountable in pairs to opposing sides of each of said two short crib panels to form two twin bed sized endboards.

19. The convertible bed system of claim 18, wherein four said extension members are mountable in pairs to opposing sides of each of said two long crib panels to form two queen bed sized endboards.

20. The convertible bed system of claim 17, wherein said two short crib panels are mountable to opposing sides of one said long crib panel to form a youth day bed.

21. The convertible bed system of claim 19, wherein one of said long crib panels is sized to form a double bed endboard.

22. The convertible bed system of claim 21, wherein said two long crib panels are sized to form two double bed endboards.

23. The convertible bed system of claim 17, further comprising at least one mattress support member attachable to either said twin bed endboard or said queen bed endboard.

24. A method of converting crib components to other bed configurations, comprising:

providing a crib with at least one short panel and at least one wide panel;

attaching at least one extension member to said short panel to form a bed end panel for a first bed size of a different size from said crib; and

attaching at least one extension member to said wide panel to form a bed end panel for a second bed size of a different size from said crib and said first bed size.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

detaching said at least one extension member from said short panel and using said detached extension member as said extension member attached to said wide panel.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

attaching a second extension member to a second short panel to form a bed end panel for said first bed size; and

attaching a second extension member to a second wide panel to form a bed end panel for said second bed size.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

detaching two extension members from said short panel and using said detached extension members as said extension member attached to said wide panel.

28. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

connecting said bed end panel for said first bed size or said bed end panel for said second bed size to at least one mattress support member, wherein said at least one mattress support member supports a bed mattress.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein said first bed size is a twin bed.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said second bed size is a queen bed.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein said attaching forms at least one connection joint where said at least one extension member contacts either said short panel or said wide panel, wherein the surfaces adjacent to said at least one connection joint are substantially flush.