Bed Mountable Storage Device

Abstract

A bed mountable storage device comprising vertical and horizontal members, and a restraining apparatus, such that the vertical member is vertically adjustable to adjust to bed mattresses of varying thicknesses or heights. A pocket member is configured to be placed on the vertical member and can contain items commonly found near a bed.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many individuals find it useful to keep belongings such as eyeglasses, books, lotions, or other personal items in a location easily accessible from their bed. Further, many individuals enjoy watching television, doing word puzzles, talking on the phone, and pursuing other activities while in bed, and find it useful to keep items such as remote controls, writing utensils, cell phones, address books, or memo pads near their bed.

In response to this need, there have been a number of devices created to store items near or on a bed. A nightstand is one example. However, other such devices include containers or sleeves which can clip onto a bed, bed sheet, or bed rail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bed mountable storage device is provided with a horizontal member that can be inserted between a base and a mattress. Attached to this horizontal member is a vertical member that extends upward. This vertical member is made to situate a storage pocket thereon, and is vertically adjustable to meet the needs of the user depending on mattress height or intended usage.

In accordance with one embodiment, the system includes a vertical member that is slightly wider near the lower end of the vertical member to use a spring-like pressure to hold the storage pocket in position when inserted over the vertical member.

In accordance with another embodiment, the system includes a hinge where the horizontal and vertical members meet to allow the device to be folded and easily stored or carried.

In accordance with another embodiment, the system includes a vertical member that extends to the floor with feet extending outwardly from the base of the vertical member to provide additional support. The vertical member can be vertically adjustable, and the horizontal member can be adjustable vertically to account for varying bed heights and other circumstances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bed mountable storage device frame in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pocket member.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bed mountable storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bed mountable storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts potential shapes and forms contemplated for the vertical and horizontal members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a bed pocket device that is vertically adjustable in order to be useful with bed mattresses of differing heights and in order to meet the individualized height needs of the user.

A bed mountable storage device 10 is provided that includes a frame and a pocket member. FIG. 1 illustrates that the frame includes a plurality of members: a horizontal member 12, a vertical member 11, and a restraining apparatus 13. The horizontal member 12 can be attached to the vertical member 11 and held in place with respect to the vertical member 11 by the restraining apparatus 13. The horizontal member 12 may be configured to easily slide between a mattress and a bedspring or base member. The horizontal and vertical members can be fashioned out of metal, plastic, or other suitable material. The vertical member 11 is configured to stand vertically near a side of the mattress and can be supported by the horizontal member 12 and the restraining apparatus 13. The vertical member 11 is configured to receive a pocket member 15 (as in FIG. 2). The vertical member 11 is adjustable with respect to the horizontal member 12 by operating the restraining apparatus 13. In this way, the vertical member 11 can be adjusted to extend upwardly higher or lower to meet the needs of the user and adjust to the height and/or thickness of the bed mattress.

In one embodiment, the vertical member 11 can be biased in a laterally open configuration to secure a bottom portion of the pocket member 15 on the vertical member 11. This way, the arms of the vertical member 11 can be spaced farther apart from one another where they attach to the horizontal member 12 or restraining apparatus 13 and the arms can be closer at the upper end of the vertical member 11. Providing the spring-like tension can create additional tension at the base of the pocket member 15 when pulled over the vertical member 11 to firmly hold it on the vertical member 11.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the vertical member 11 can include all or just a portion of the restraining apparatus 13, such as one or more spring-loaded push pins. These push pins are configured to cooperate with corresponding apertures 27 on a vertical component or connector mechanism 14 of the horizontal member 12.

The connector mechanism 14 can be hollow and tubular with a diameter greater than the diameter of the vertical member 11 and configured to receive the vertical member 11 therein. By pressing the pins, the vertical member 11 can be adjusted vertically and by releasing the pins the vertical member 11 can be locked into position with respect to the horizontal member 12 as the pins enter the apertures 26 on the horizontal member 12.

The connector mechanism may be implemented in many forms as long as the vertical member is connected to horizontal member. In one embodiment, a wire length can be formed into the horizontal member that can mate and interlock with a second length of material formed into the vertical member. For example, both the vertical and horizontal member can have metal or plastic loops or structures that can interlock to hold the vertical and horizontal members with respect to each other. Another type of connector mechanism may be spring loaded and then a handle can be provided for releasing the spring mechanism. The handle can be located on the side or top of the vertical member.

In another embodiment in FIG. 1, the restraining apparatus 13 can comprise one or more screws 30. The horizontal member 12 can have a connector mechanism 14 with a diameter greater than the diameter of the vertical member 11 to allow the vertical member 11 to be inserted into the connector mechanism 14. On the connector mechanism 14 a threaded sleeve 31 can be located that corresponds to the size of the screw 30. A screw 30 can be screwed into the threaded sleeve 31 and tightened to apply pressure to the vertical member 11 when the vertical member 11 is inserted into the connector mechanism 14. This allows the user to apply sufficient pressure to the vertical member 11 to hold it in position with respect to the horizontal member 12 and be adjusted to suit the needs of the user and fit the height of the mattress.

The restraining apparatus 13 can comprise a compression screw assembly 19, as in FIG. 3. The vertical member 11 can be tubular and the horizontal member 12 can have a connector mechanism 25 that is hollow and tubular and configured to receive a lower portion of the vertical member 11 therein.

The compression screw assembly 19 may be located at the top of the connector mechanism 25. This assembly 19 comprises a threaded cap with a hole in the center to allow the vertical member 11 to pass through. A rubber gasket (not shown) with a diameter smaller than that of the cap and with a hole in the center with a diameter larger than that of the vertical member 11, and which is configured to allow the vertical member 11 to pass therethrough can be located between the cap and the connector mechanism. The upper end of the connector mechanism 25 can be threaded such that the cap can be screwed onto the threaded upper end, with the gasket between the cap and the upper end. This restraining apparatus can be configured so that when the cap is screwed onto the connector mechanism 25, the gasket is compressed and tightened against the vertical member 11 to hold the vertical member 11 in position with respect to the horizontal member 12. Likewise, when the cap is unscrewed, the gasket can decompress and release pressure against the vertical member 11, allowing the vertical member 11 to adjust vertically.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the pocket member 15 of the bed mountable storage device 10 can be made of cloth or other flexible material. The pocket member 15 can be closed at one end and open at the other 17 to allow the vertical member 11 to be inserted into the pocket member 15 and not pass through. The pocket member 15 can include one or more pockets 16 on one or more sides of the pocket member 15. These pockets 16 can be attached by stitching, Velcro® 18 (hook and loop fasteners), or other adhesive. Where the pockets 16 are attached by Velcro® 18 the pockets 16 can be partially or wholly detached from the pocket member 15. These pockets 16 can be configured in various shapes and sizes to receive and contain items which may typically be found near a bed, such as a remote control, writing utensils, magazines or books, a cell phone, glasses, and other such items.

In another aspect of the present invention, the vertical member 11 may be comprised of two separate vertical members, each being configured to receive a pocket member thereon. This creates more pockets and storage capacity than may be possible with a single vertical member.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal member 12 can include a hinge 18. The hinge 18 allows the horizontal member 12 to be adjusted between a 0 degree or 90 degree angle with respect to the vertical member 11. In this way, the bed mountable storage device 10 can be “folded” into a configuration requiring less space, making storage more convenient. The hinge 18 can include a means to lock the position of the hinge 18 at a 0 or 90 degree angle. Also, the vertical member 11 can include a handle 21 at the upper end to facilitate easy carrying of the device 10. The pocket member 15 can include a hole 20 in the closed end of the member to allow the handle 21 to pass through when the pocket member 15 is in position on the vertical member 11.

The bed mountable device described here can have the vertical and horizontal members reversed when mounted to the bed. For example, if the vertical member is the longest and the horizontal member is shorter, then the vertical member can be mounted to the bed or between the bed base and mattress. The effect of reversing the two members is that the pocket can be slipped over the shorter of the two members to move the pocket closer to the mattress. In other words, the pocket is likely to end up at a lower level with respect to the floor than before.

In one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, the frame can have a horizontal member 12, a vertical member 11, and one or more restraining apparatuses 13, where the height of the vertical member 11 is vertically adjustable, the vertical member 11 extends to a floor, and the height of the horizontal member 12 in relation to the floor is adjustable along the vertical member 11. Feet 28 can be located at the base of the vertical member 11 that rests against the floor and provides additional support and stabilization to the bed mountable storage device 10. This configuration has the advantage of allowing the device 10 to support more weight than otherwise may be possible. The feet 28 on the vertical member 11 can include rubber 29 or other such material as will prevent the feet 28 from slipping on various floor types such as hardwood, carpet, or tile. The horizontal member 12 can be vertically adjusted by a restraining apparatus 13 comprising a system of spring-loaded push pins, screws, or compression screws, as described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts potential shapes and forms contemplated for the vertical and horizontal members.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A bed mountable storage device, comprising:

a frame having a horizontal member configured for placement between a mattress and a base member, wherein the horizontal member includes a connector mechanism;

a vertical member coupleable to the horizontal member by the connector mechanism and configured to receive a pocket member thereon, wherein the height of the vertical member is adjustable with respect to the horizontal member; and

a restraining apparatus for restraining the adjustable portion of the vertical member in place with respect to the horizontal member.

2. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base of the vertical member is biased in a laterally open configuration to secure a bottom portion of the pocket member on the vertical member.

3. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

the vertical member being tubular and including the restraining apparatus, wherein the restraining apparatus comprises one or more spring-loaded push pins which are located with the vertical member, and wherein the push pins are located near an insertion end of the vertical member and the push pins cooperate with apertures located on the horizontal member; and

the horizontal member having a vertically extending hollow and tubular connector mechanism, wherein: the diameter of the connector mechanism is greater than the diameter of the vertical member; the connector mechanism includes a plurality of apertures spaced vertically along a length of the vertical portion; and, the connector mechanism is configured to receive a lower end of the vertical member.

4. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the restraining apparatus comprises:

one or more screws; and

a threaded sleeve in the restraining apparatus for receiving the screw, such that when the screw is rotated pressure may be applied against the vertical member to enable height adjustment.

5. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the restraining apparatus comprises one or more compression screw assemblies having a threaded sleeve through which the vertical member passes, and wherein the threaded sleeve may be screwed onto a threaded part of the apparatus such that when the threaded sleeve is tightened, pressure is applied to the vertical member to hold the vertical member in position.

6. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

the pocket member is open at one end and configured to receive the vertical member and closed at the other end to prevent the vertical member from passing through; and

the pocket member has one or more pockets attached to the pocket member on one or more sides of the pocket member, the pockets being configured to hold items such as a remote control, writing utensils, magazines or books, a cell phone, glasses, and other such items.

7. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the vertical member comprises two separate vertical members each configured to receive a pocket member thereon.

8. A bed mountable storage device, comprising:

a horizontal member configured for placement between a mattress and a base member; and

a vertical member connected to the horizontal member and configured to receive a pocket member thereon, wherein the base of the vertical member is biased in a laterally open configuration to secure a bottom portion of the pocket member on the vertical member.

9. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 8, wherein:

a pocket member is open at a first end and is configured to receive the vertical member therein;

the pocket member is closed at a second end to prevent the vertical member from passing through; and

the pocket member has one or more pockets attached to the pocket member on one or more sides of the pocket member.

10. A bed mountable storage device comprising:

a frame having a horizontal member configured for placement between a mattress and a base member, wherein horizontal member includes a connector mechanism and a hinge and is pivotally adjustable with respect to the vertical member;

a vertical member configured to receive a pocket member thereon, wherein the height of the vertical member is adjustable with respect to the horizontal member; and

a restraining apparatus for restraining the adjustable portion of the vertical member in place with respect to the horizontal member.

11. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 10, wherein the horizontal member is pivotally adjustable by means of a hinge, the hinge including a mechanism to enable a movement range of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the vertical member, and capable of locking the hinge in place at approximately either 0 degrees or 90 degrees.

12. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 10, wherein:

the pocket member is open at a first end and is configured to receive the vertical member thereon;

the pocket member is closed at a second end to prevent the vertical member from passing through; and

the pocket member has one or more pockets attached to the pocket member on one or more sides of the pocket member.

13. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 10, wherein the vertical member includes a handle for carrying the device and the pocket member includes a slot configured to allow a handle on the vertical member to pass through.

14. A bed mountable storage device comprising:

a frame having a horizontal member coupleable to the vertical member by a connector mechanism and configured for placement between a mattress and a base member;

a vertical member configured to receive a pocket member thereon, wherein the height of the horizontal member is adjustable with respect to the vertical member, and the base of the vertical member includes one or more horizontally extending feet to stabilize the vertical member against a floor; and

a restraining apparatus for restraining the adjustable portion of the horizontal member in place.

15. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 14, wherein the horizontally extending feet include anti-slipping guards, such as rubber material, to prevent slippage on non-carpeted surfaces.

16. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 14, wherein:

the pocket member is open at a first end and is configured to receive the vertical member thereon;

the pocket member is closed at a second end to prevent the vertical member from passing through; and

the pocket member has one or more pockets attached to the pocket member on one or more sides of the pocket member.

17. A bed mountable storage device in accordance with claim 14, wherein the restraining apparatus comprises a system of spring-loaded push pins, screws, or compression screws.