COLLAPSIBLE BEDDING FOUNDATION

Abstract

A foldable bedding foundation includes a first section having a first base, a first plurality of wire support members pivotally secured to the first base of the first section, and a first wire grid pivotally secured to the wire support members of the first section. The foldable bedding foundation further includes a second section having a second base, a second plurality of wire support members pivotally secured to the second base of the second section, and a second wire grid pivotally secured to the wire support members of the second section. The foldable bedding foundation further includes a third wire grid pivotally secured to the first wire grid and pivotally secured to the second wire grid, and located between the first wire grid and the second wire grid in the same general plane. The foldable bedding foundation further includes at least one locking wire member movably secured to the third wire grid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bedding foundations and more particularly to a bedding foundation which is collapsible for storage and shipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional bedding foundations such as box springs typically include an array or matrix of springs, a wooden base and an upper grid including a generally rectangular border wire. The springs may be coil springs or modular springs. The components are commonly shipped from a spring manufacturer to a box spring manufacturer separately. Once the components arrive at the box spring manufacturer's facility, the box spring manufacturer attaches the lower ends of the springs which extend downwardly from an upper wire grid assembly to a base. Padding and a cover are applied by the box spring manufacturer as desired. Such conventional bedding foundations are large and cumbersome to handle in storage, transportation, or shipment which, of course, increases the ultimate cost.

Moreover, it is not uncommon for a coil spring manufacturer to compress or deform coil springs units layered one on top of the other into condensed or compacted multilayered packs for shipment to a box spring manufacturer. The aforementioned step is performed by means of a press machine enabling the foundation units to be compressed to reduce their height dimension. The coil spring units of each pack are held in their compacted state against return to their normal or unstressed condition by means of strapping applied about the unit. The spring units of each pack being compressed, the strapping is under a great amount of tension. When the packs arrive at the place of the manufacturer, it is, of course, necessary to sever the strapping around the packs in order to release the spring units for installation into box springs or mattresses. This, of course, is difficult because of the high degree of tension to which the strapping is subjected by the compression of the coil springs.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,279 discloses a wire foundation unit for a box spring which may be shipped to a box spring manufacturer in a collapsed condition. The manufacturer would erect the foundation wires and then fix by staples, rigid struts between the wire unit and base to permanently secure the wire unit in the erected position. The box spring manufacturing process is completed by providing the conventional layer of padding on the top of the wire foundation and a sheet covering or casing about the entire unit. However, once the manufacture is completed, the box spring is no longer collapsible and thus must be shipped in its expanded or full-size state to the point of retail or use whereby the same storage and shipment costs result at this point as with conventional box springs.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,905 discloses another collapsible bedding foundation for a box spring which can be shipped to a box spring manufacturer in a collapsed condition. The box spring manufacturer would erect the collapsed bedding foundation before applying padding on the top of the erected bedding foundation and covering or casing the entire unit. The collapsible bedding foundation disclosed in this patent utilizes a hinge to connect two sections of the bedding foundation so that when collapsed one section may overlay the other section. One drawback to this bedding foundation is that the hinge is expensive, thereby adding substantial cost to the manufacturer of the collapsible bedding foundation which is in turn passed on to the manufacturer of the box spring.

Therefore, there is a need for a collapsible box spring which is less expensive to manufacture than known collapsible box springs. There is further a need for an affordable box spring which may be collapsed after being upholstered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The bedding foundation of the present invention includes first and second sections that include first and second bases, which are hingedly secured together with a connector, such as a hinge or hinges. The first and second sections also include first and second wire grids, respectively, which are connected to one another via a third wire grid. The first and second wire grids are each independently movable relative to the third wire grid. In particular, the third wire grid may be pivotally connected to each of the first and second wire grids. The bedding foundation also includes at least one locking wire member movably secured to the third upper wire grid. The at least one locking wire member is movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the wire member engages the first and second bases, and a second position wherein the wire member disengages the first base or second base. In one embodiment, in the first position, the wire member may be substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid, and in the second position, the wire member may be other than substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid, such as substantially parallel to the third wire grid.

Each of the first and second sections includes a plurality of wire support members movable between a retracted position (wherein the bedding foundation is collapsed, such as by being folded, for example) and an extended position (wherein the bedding foundation is erected for use). In their retracted positions, the wire support members are generally unstressed and lie in generally horizontal planes (i.e., planes that are generally parallel to the first and second wire grids and first and second bases). Thus, the bedding foundation may be substantially reduced in its depth dimension, thereby facilitating storage handling and/or shipment at reduced unit cost. In this position, the at least one locking wire member lies in the second position (i.e., in a plane other than substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid). In their extended positions, the support members are erect in generally vertical planes (i.e., generally perpendicular relative to the first and second bases and first and second wire grids), and thus, the bedding foundation is ready for use. In this position, the at least one locking wire member lies in the first position (i.e., in a plane substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid). After use, the bedding foundation may be collapsed to its storage position and then later expanded to its use or erected position. This process may be repeated as often as desired.

In one aspect, the bedding foundation is foldable or collapsible upon itself into two overlying sections, thus reducing the length approximately in half for storage or shipment. Unfolding of the bedding foundation (to a usable position) places the first and second sections in a generally coplanar position, moves the wire support members from their retracted position to their erect position, and moves the at least one locking member from the second position to the first position, for providing support for the body when in use. The at least one locking wire member may pivot due to gravity, and so setting the bedding foundation on one side can be used to cause the locking wire member to move from the first position (a locking position generally perpendicular to the third wire grid), to the second position (a folding position other than generally perpendicular to the third wire grid). The subsequent folding actuates the wire support members from their erected positions into their retracted positions.

The first and second sections of the bedding foundation may be joined at the first and second bases with at least one connector, such as a hinge, as mentioned above. In particular, one or more hinge may be secured to the first and second bases of the first and second sections and extend(s) therebetween. In one embodiment, each connector is generally rectangular and has a living hinge built therein so that when the bedding foundation is collapsed, each connector assumes a generally U-shaped configuration and when the bedding foundation is erected, each connector is generally planar. One type of connector that may be used in accordance with the present invention has a stop built therein which separates the end rails of the first and second bases when the bedding foundation is collapsed. Such connectors are preferably made of plastic, but may be made of any desirable material. Other types or configurations of connectors comprising one or more components may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Each of the first wire grid and the second wire grid includes (1) an outer frame of a general quadrilateral shape, (2) a plurality of longitudinal wires parallel to and spaced from one another, and positioned within the outer frame, and (3) a plurality of transverse wires parallel to and spaced from one another, and positioned within the outer frame, each of the transverse wires being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal wires. A first plurality of the wire support members contacts and confronts the first wire grid and the first base. And a second plurality of wire support members contacts and confronts the second wire grid and the second base. Further, each wire support member includes at least one curved portion adapted to receive a portion of a transverse wire and at least one hook portion adapted to receive a portion of a longitudinal wire. Thus, with this configuration, each wire support member braces and holds at least one transverse wire and at least one longitudinal wire such that the first and second upper wire grids cannot shift laterally relative to the first and second bases, respectively.

Finally, the bedding foundation is configured such that when in a folded position, the first and second bases are adjacent one another along their length. In this position, the first and second bases lie in separate but generally parallel planes. Thus, when the bedding foundation is unfolded to an extended or erect user position, the weight of an individual on top of the bedding foundation does not cause the bedding foundation to fold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the bedding foundation of the present invention in an erected condition.

FIG. 1A is a bottom view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover in an erected condition.

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover in an erected condition and a horizontal position.

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover in an erected condition and being rotated in a vertical position.

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover in an erected condition and in a vertical position.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover in an erected condition and in a vertical position.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover being collapsed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover being collapsed.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover in a collapsed condition.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bedding foundation of FIG. 1 without a cover in a collapsed condition.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a wire support member associated with an upper wire grid and a base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 1 A, there is illustrated a collapsible bedding foundation 10. The bedding foundation 10 has a pair of end surfaces 12 defining a width W of the foundation 10 and a pair of opposed side surfaces 14 defining a length or longitudinal dimension L of the foundation 1 0. The bedding foundation 10 has a first section 16 hinged to a second section 18 with at least one connector, such as a hinge, and, in the illustrated embodiment, first and second hinges 20, 22 (see FIG. 1A). In particular, the first and second hinges 20, 22 are joined to adjacent first and second bases 24, 26. The first and second hinges 20, 22 enable the bedding foundation 10 to move from an erected position shown in FIGS. 1-3 to a collapsed position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (the transition from erected position to collapsed position is shown in FIGS. 4-8). Although the Figures illustrate the bedding foundation 10 with no cover, the bedding foundation 10 may be collapsed with a surrounding cover (not shown). If desired, padding (not shown) may be placed on the upper surface of the bedding foundation 10 before the surrounding cover is attached.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the first section 16 comprises a first base 24 having a pair of opposed end rails 28, a pair of opposed side rails 30, and a plurality of cross rails 32, as is conventional. A plurality of first wire support members 34 are pivotally secured to the cross rails 32 and end rails 28 of the first base 24 with staples 36. Each first wire support member 34 includes a lower portion 38 and an upper portion 40, which are substantially parallel. The upper and lower portions 38, 40 are joined with spaced, parallel connecting portions 42. The lower portions 38 of each first wire support member 34 are stapled to the cross rails 32 and end rails 28 of the first base 24 with staples 36 so the first wire support members 34 may pivot relative to the first base 24. When the bedding foundation 10 is in its erected condition or position as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the connecting portions 42 of the first wire support members 34 are substantially vertically oriented, and the upper and lower portions 38, 40 of the first wire support members 34 are substantially horizontally oriented.

The first section 16 of the bedding foundation 10 further comprises a first wire grid 44 comprising a plurality of spaced, parallel longitudinal grid wires 46 and a plurality of spaced, parallel transverse grid wires 48 intersecting with the longitudinal grid wires 46 at intersections 50. Further, the transverse grid wires 48 may be secured to the longitudinal grid wires 46 at intersections 50. An outer frame 52 of a generally quadrilateral shape includes a border wire 54 that surrounds the longitudinal grid wires 46 and transverse grid wires 48, and forms a part of the first wire grid 44. The ends of the longitudinal grid wires 46 and transverse grid wires 48 are wrapped around, welded, or otherwise secured to the border wire 54, as is conventional.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 11, the upper portions 40 of each first wire support member 34 are pivotally secured to the longitudinal grid wires 46 and transverse grid wires 48 of the first wire grid 44 due to the configuration of the upper portion 40 having at least one curved portion 56, which allows for a snap-fit of the transverse grid wires 48 relative to the upper portion 40, so the first wire support member 34 may pivot relative to the first wire grid 44. Further, the upper portions 40 include at least one hook portion 58, which engages the longitudinal grid wires 46. This configuration of the upper portions 40 prevents lateral shifting between the first wire grid 44 and first base 24, as will be described in greater detail below. In alternate embodiments, other mechanisms for securement, such as metal clips, may be used. Securing devices other than metal clips, such as plastic clips or helical lacing wires, may be used if desired to pivotally secure the upper portions 40 of the first wire support members 34 to the longitudinal grid wires 46 and transverse grid wires 48 of the first wire grid 44.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second section 18 of the bedding foundation 10 comprises a second base 26 having a pair of opposed end rails 60, a pair of opposed side rails 62, and a plurality of cross rails 64, as is conventional. A plurality of second wire support members 66 are pivotally secured to the cross rails 64 and end rails 60 of the second base 26 with staples 36. Each second wire support member 66 includes a lower portion 68 and an upper portion 70 which are substantially parallel. The upper and lower portions 70, 68 are joined with spaced, parallel connecting portions 72. The lower portions 68 of each second wire support member 66 are stapled to the cross rails 64 and end rails 60 of the second base 26 with staples 36 so the second wire support members 66 may pivot relative to the second base 26. When the bedding foundation 10 is in its erected condition or position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting portions 72 of the second wire support members 66 are substantially vertically oriented, and the upper and lower portions 70, 68 of the second wire support members 66 are substantially horizontally oriented.

The second section 18 of the bedding foundation 10 further comprises a second wire grid 74 comprising a plurality of spaced, parallel longitudinal grid wires 76 and a plurality of spaced, parallel transverse grid wires 78 intersecting with the longitudinal grid wires 76 at intersections 80. Further, the transverse grid wires 78 may be secured to the longitudinal grid wires 76 at intersections 80. An outer frame 82 of a generally quadrilateral shape includes a border wire 84 that surrounds the longitudinal grid wires 76 and transverse grid wires 78, and forms a part of the second wire grid 74. The ends of the longitudinal grid wires 76 and transverse grid wires 78 are wrapped around, welded, or otherwise secured to the border wire 84, as is conventional.

The configuration of the second wire support members 66 is identical to that of the first wire support members 34, shown in FIG. 11. And so, the upper portions 70 of each second wire support member 66 are pivotally secured to the longitudinal grid wires 76 and transverse grid wires 78 of the second wire grid 74 due to the configuration of the upper portion 70 having at least one curved portion, which allows for a snap-fit of the transverse grid wires 78 relative to the upper portion 70, so the wire support member 66 may pivot relative to the second upper grid 74. Further, the upper portions 70 include at least one hook portion, which engages the longitudinal grid wires 76. This configuration of the upper portions 70 prevents lateral shifting between the second wire grid 74 and second base 26, as will be described in greater detail below. In alternate embodiments, other mechanisms for securement, such as metal clips, may be used. Securing devices other than metal clips such as plastic clips or helical lacing wires may be used if desired to pivotally secure the upper portions 70 of the second wire support members 66 to the longitudinal grid wires 76 and transverse grid wires 78 of the second upper wire grid 74.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 A, 9, and 10, the first and second bases 24, 26 of the first and second sections 16,18 of the bedding foundation 10 are connected to each other with connectors, such as first and second hinges 20, 22. As best seen in FIG. 1A, the first and second hinges 20, 22 connect the first base 24 to the second base 26, and more particularly connect one of the end rails 28 of the first base 24 to one of the end rails 60 of the second base 26. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1A, the first and second hinges 20, 22 comprise living hinges that are secured to the end rails 28, 60 of the first and second bases 24, 26. Other means of securing the first and second hinges 20, 22 to the first and second bases 24, 26 may be used, if desired. In accordance with the present invention, the first and second hinges 20, 22 may assume other configurations and be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, each connector is generally rectangular and has a living hinge built therein so that when the bedding foundation 10 is collapsed, each connector assumes a generally U-shaped configuration, and when the bedding foundation 10 is erected, each connector is generally planar. One type of connector used in accordance with the present invention has a stop built therein which separates the end rails of the first and second bases when the foundation is collapsed. Such connectors are preferably made of plastic, but may be made of any desirable material. Other types or configurations of connectors comprising one or more components may be used in accordance with the present invention.

The first and second wire grids 44, 74 are connected to one another via a third wire grid 90. The first and second wire grids 44, 74 are each independently movable relative to the third wire grid 90. In particular, the third wire grid 90 is pivotally connected to each of the first and second wire grids 44, 74.

The bedding foundation 10 also includes at least one locking wire member 92 movably secured to the third wire grid 90. The at least one locking wire member 92 is movable between a first position substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid 90, and a second position not substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid 90. In particular, the at least one locking wire member 92 may pivot between the first position where the locking wire member 92 engages both the first base 24 and the second base 26, and a second position wherein the locking wire member 92 disengages the first base 24 or second base 26. In the second position, the locking wire member 92 may lie adjacent to the third upper wire grid 90. This allows for folding of the bedding foundation 10. Each of the locking wire members 92 includes horizontal portions 94 and vertical portions 96, the two vertical portions 96 each having first and second ends 98, 100 with their first ends 98 associated with one of the horizontal portions 94 and their second ends 100 associated with another of the horizontal portions 94. The first horizontal portion 94 of the at least one locking member 92 is pivotally associated with the third wire grid 90. Thus, as the at least one locking member 92 pivots between first and second positions, the second horizontal portion 94 of the at least one locking member 92 may confront and contact the first and second bases 24, 26. In one embodiment, the at least one locking wire member 92 may be pivoted or activated due to gravity.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, the bedding foundation 10 is constructed to be collapsible upon itself into two overlying sections, thus reducing the length approximately in half for storage or shipment. This action is also used to actuate the first wire support members 34 and second wire support members 66 from their erected positions into their retracted positions. This action also causes the at least one locking wire member 92 to pivot due to gravity, and so setting the bedding foundation 10 on one side causes the at least one locking wire member 92 to move from the first position (a locking position substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid 90) to the second position (a folding position not substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid 90). Unfolding of the bedding foundation 10 places the first and second sections 16, 18 in a generally coplanar position, moves the first wire support members 34 and second wire support members 66 from their retracted position to their erect position, and moves the at least one locking member 92 from the second position to the first position for providing support for the body when in use. Thus, to fold the bedding foundation 10 upon itself into overlying sections for storage or shipment (beginning from an erected position), the bedding foundation 10 is first set on one side. This causes the at least one locking member 92 or plurality of locking wire members to move from the first position (i.e., the locking position) to the second position (i.e., the folding position). Once the second horizontal portion 94 of the at least one locking wire member 92 has moved away from the first or second bases 24, 26 of the bedding foundation 10, the bedding foundation 10 may be folded such that the first and second bases 24, 26 lie directly adjacent one another. While the at least one locking member 92 is described above as moving between a position substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid 90 to a position not substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid 90, those skilled in the art will recognize that in alternate embodiments, the at least one locking member 92 may remain substantially perpendicular to the third wire grid 90 in the second position, so long as it disengages the first base 24 or second base 26 to allow folding.

The bedding foundation 10 is configured such that when in a folded position (seen in FIGS. 9 and 10), the first and second bases 24, 26 are directly adjacent and confront one another. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second bases 24, 26 may contact one another. However, contact between the first and second bases 24, 26 is not necessary. Thus in the folded position, the first and second wire grids 44, 74 are positioned outside of the first and second bases 24, 26. Thus, when the folding bedding foundation 10 is unfolded to an extended user position, the weight of an individual on top of the bedding foundation 10 does not cause the foundation 10 to fold inwardly upon itself, because the bedding foundation 10 does not fold in that direction.

Referring to FIG. 11, each first wire support member 34 has a shape that prevents lateral shifting of the first wire grid 44 relative to the first base 24. Each of the first wire support members 34 contacts and confronts the first wire grid 44 and the first base 24. While only a first wire support member 34 is shown in FIG. 11 and described below, the second wire support members 66 have the same configuration. Each first wire support member 34 includes a curved portion 56 adapted to receive a portion of the transverse wire 48 and a hook portion 58 adapted to receive a portion of the longitudinal wire 46. Thus, with this configuration, each first wire support member 34 braces and holds the transverse and longitudinal wires 48, 46 such that the first wire grid 44 cannot shift laterally relative to the first base 24.

In particular, and as described above, each of the first wire support members 34 includes connecting portions 42, which are substantially vertical and parallel to one another, and include upper and lower portions 40, 38, which are substantially horizontal and parallel to one another. The upper portion 40 is associated with the longitudinal and transverse wire members 46, 48 of the first wire grid 44, and the lower portion 38 is associated with the end rails 28 or cross rails 32 of the first base 24. The lower portion 38 is affixed to the end rails 28 or cross rails 32 by staples 36, in the illustrated embodiment. The upper portion 40, as can best be seen in FIG. 11, has a curved W-shape 102, which allows for snap-fit engagement with the first wire grid 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the W-shape 102 includes a left portion 104, center portion 106, and right portion 108. The left and right portions 104, 108 include the curved portions 56 to receive a transverse wire 48 of the first wire grid 44 therein in a snap-fit engagement. In particular, as can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the transverse wire 48 is in a snap-fit relationship with the curved portions 56 and lies in a plane above the curved portions 56. The center portion 106 of the W-shaped horizontal member 94 then lies in a plane over the transverse wire 48, or alternatively, in the same plane as the transverse wire 48 (in such an embodiment, the center portion 106 would include orifices for the transverse wire 48 to pass therethrough). Each of the left and right portions 104,106 then includes hook portions 58 at their terminal ends, which hook over and retain longitudinal wires 46 of the first wire grid 44. Thus, the first wire support members 34 hold both a transverse wire 48 and at least one longitudinal wire 46 at the upper portion 40, and are stapled to a cross rail 32 or end rail 28 at the second horizontal portion 94. This configuration prevents the first wire grid 44 from shifting laterally relative to the first bases 24.

The embodiments of the invention shown and described are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings and the description shall not limit in any way the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. While those skilled in the art may make various changes to, or additional embodiments of, the invention, none of those changes/embodiments shall be deemed to depart from the spirit of the invention. Thus, all such changes/embodiments shall be embraced by the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable bedding foundation comprising:

a first section having a first base, a first plurality of wire support members pivotally secured to said first base of said first section, and a first wire grid pivotally secured to said wire support members of said first section;

a second section having a second base, a second plurality of wire support members pivotally secured to said second base of said second section, and a second wire grid pivotally secured to said wire support members of said second section;

a third wire grid pivotally secured to said first wire grid and pivotally secured to said second wire grid, and located between said first wire grid and said second wire grid; and

at least one locking wire member movably secured to said third wire grid, and wherein said at least one locking wire member is not secured to said first base or said second base.

2. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 1, wherein said locking wire member is movable between a first position where said locking wire member confronts the first base and the second base and a second position where said locking wire member does not confront the first base or does not confront the second base, allowing folding of the bedding foundation.

3. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 2, wherein said locking wire member is adapted to confront the first and second bases when the bedding foundation is in a horizontal position, and is adapted to move out of confronting relationship with the first base or the second base when the bedding foundation is in other than a horizontal position.

4. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 2, wherein said bedding foundation is in an erect position having said first and second bases in the same general plane when said locking wire member is in said first position.

5. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 1, wherein said locking wire member is pivotally secured to said third wire grid.

6. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 1, wherein each of the wire support members of the first section engages a longitudinal wire and a transverse wire of the first wire grid, and each of the wire support members of the second section engages a longitudinal wire and a transverse wire of the second wire grid.

7. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 6, wherein each of the wire support members includes at least one curved portion adapted to receive a portion of the transverse wire and at least one hook portion to receive a portion of the longitudinal wire.

8. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 7, wherein the curved portion receives the longitudinal wire in a snap-fit relationship.

9. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 1, wherein in a folded position, the first and second bases are adjacent one another in confronting relationship.

10. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 1, further comprising at least one lower connector secured to said first base and said second base, wherein said first and second bases are adjacent.

11. The foldable bedding foundation of claim 10, wherein each of said lower connectors is made of plastic and has a living hinge.

12. A method of folding a foldable bedding foundation including a first section having a first base and a first wire grid, a second section having a second base and a second wire grid, a third wire grid pivotally secured to the first and second wire grids, and at least one locking wire member movably secured to the third wire grid and engaging the first base and second base and wherein said at least one locking wire member is not secured to said first base or said second base, the method comprising:

positioning the foldable bedding foundation such that the locking wire member disengages from the first base or second base; and

moving the first section relative to the second section to position the first and second sections adjacent one another in confronting relationship.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning the foldable bedding foundation further comprises orienting the bedding foundation such that the first and second bases and first and second wire grids lie in a generally vertical plane.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein disengagement of the locking wire member from the first base or second base is caused by gravity.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein moving the first section relative to the second section further comprises pivoting the first base toward the second base until the edges of the first and second bases are adjacent.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first, second, and third wire grids assume a general U-shaped configuration as the first and second sections are folded together.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising securing the first section and the second section together after folding to maintain the folded condition of the bedding foundation.

18. A foldable bedding foundation comprising:

a first section having a first base, a first plurality of wire support members pivotally secured to said first base of said first section, and a first wire grid pivotally secured to said wire support members of said first section;

a second section having a second base, a second plurality of wire support members pivotally secured to said second base of said second section, and a second wire grid pivotally secured to said wire support members of said second section;

a third wire grid pivotally secured to said first wire grid and pivotally secured to said second wire grid, and located between said first wire grid and said second wire grid;

at least one locking wire member movably secured to said third wire grid; and

wherein said first section is adapted to be movable relative to the second section to position the first and second sections adjacent one another such that: the first and second bases are in confronting relationship, and the first and second bases are at least partially positioned between the first and second wire grids.