Foldable bed frame

Abstract

A foldable bed frame includes a pair of generally rectangular shaped sub-frames foldably attached to each other so as to be folded in a collapsed condition and unfolded to an open condition for use as a mattress support. The foldable attachment is such that when the sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition, a generally central transverse support means is located at the interface thereof. A pair of support members is positioned beneath the transverse support means and in generally perpendicular relation thereto. The support members are attached to the sub-frames in supporting engagement with the transverse support means when the sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition to provide support to the pair of sub-frames at the interface thereof. The pair of support members is attached to the sub-frames so as to be drawn away from the transverse support means when the sub-frames are folded to the collapsed condition.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable bed frame, and more particularly to a middle support rest structure of a foldable bed frame.

2. Description of Prior Art

Conventional foldable bed frames known in the art typically include two sub-frame members, which are hinged together at adjacent ends proximate a central portion of the bed, and two pair of end legs with one pair positioned at the head end and the second pair positioned at the opposing foot end of the bed. Each sub-frame includes an inner end, and outer end and two opposing side supports provided therebetween to form a generally rectangular sub-frame. A central support rest portion is provided on opposing sides proximate the inner ends of the adjacent sub-frames to support the central portion of the foldable bed. When the foldable bed is in an open state or condition, the inner ends of the two sub-frame members are positioned adjacent such that a single horizontal bed frame is provided. The two pairs of opposing legs are pivotally attached at the outer ends of each sub-frame and extend downward to the ground substantially perpendicular with respect to the horizontal foldable bed in an open condition. When closing the foldable bed, the two opposing pairs of end legs can be rotated or folded inward towards the inner ends of each sub-frame such that they are positioned parallel with the side supports of the sub-frames. Further, the two sub-frame members can also be rotated or folded inward at a hinged or pivotal center portion until they are in an abutting position, to thereby reduce the foldable bed frame into a smaller and more manageable structure that can be readily stored.

When opening the foldable bed frame, the middle support rests centrally located on both sides of the bed between the opposing head and foot ends (i.e., outer ends of the sub-frames) prevent the middle portion from collapsing. A pair of cross-braces are provided with each middle support rest on each side of the bed, where each pair is pivotally attached to a respective middle support rest. For each pair of cross-braces, a first end of one of the cross-braces is attached to one of the sub-frame members, while a first end of the second cross-brace is attached to the other sub-frame. The second ends of the pair of cross-braces are pivotally attached to a corresponding middle support rest. Accordingly, each middle support rest pivots about the second end of a pair of cross-braces at each side of the bed, while the opposing first ends of the paired cross-braces are respectively pivoted to the adjacent sub-frame members, to thereby increase support and stability while preventing the middle of the bed from sagging or collapsing.

However, a disadvantage with the prior art folding bed frames is that the pivoting joint between each pair of cross-braces and the middle support rest allows the middle support rests to freely rotate about the pivoting points at the cross-braces without any control mechanism. To overcome this uncontrolled rotational movement of the middle support rests while opening the foldable bed, the middle support rests are typically held steady in a vertical position by hand, while contemporaneously unfolding the sub-frame members of the bed. Thus, the opening (and closing) of the bed can be a difficult operation to perform by a single person because of the large size and weight of the foldable bed, as well as uncontrolled rotation of the middle support rests.

Even though the invention in Application Publication No. WO 2006/076842 A1 seeks to solve this problem (FIGS. 1-3), the overall structure contains a vast number of components which are subject to wear and tear. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the folding bed structure includes two sets of end legs 2, the inner legs having multiple braces for connection with the sub-frames. Furthermore, the sub-frames are not integral and the adjacent inner ends of the sub-frames are constructed separately. Therefore, the vast number of components increase the possibility of wear and tear, and also increase material and manufacturing costs.

Another disadvantage with the prior art folding bed frame is that it is not easily transportable. Specifically, the bed frame cannot be readily moved without strenuous lifting by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages heretofore associated with the prior art are overcome by the present invention of a foldable bed frame which comprises at least a pair of sub-frames, where each sub-frame is constructed of a plurality of elongated members respectively connected to form a generally rectangular shaped section. Each of the generally rectangular shaped sections is pivotally connected to the other by a generally central transverse pivotal support member, and the generally rectangular shaped sections are pivotal between an open generally co-planar position for use as a mattress support, and a folded position, whereby the generally rectangular shaped sections are in face-to-face relation. A pair of support legs is respectively pivotally connected to each of the generally rectangular shaped sections at the free end thereof, and foldable from a position generally parallel to the plane of each the respective generally rectangular shaped section, to a position generally perpendicular to each respective generally rectangular shaped section, where the last mentioned position is capable of supporting the generally rectangular shaped sections in a generally horizontal position for use as a mattress support.

A pair of laterally spaced apart support members is positioned beneath the generally central transverse pivotal support member and in generally perpendicular relation thereto. The spaced apart support members are in supporting engagement with the generally transverse pivotal support member when the pair of generally rectangular shaped sections is in the open condition to provide support to the pair of generally rectangular shaped sections at the pivotal connection thereof. Each of the pair of laterally spaced apart support members are respectively attached to the pair of generally rectangular shaped sections in a manner to be withdrawn away from the central transverse pivotal support member when the sub-frames are pivotally folded toward each other.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable bed frame comprises at least a pair of sub-frames, where each sub-frame includes a plurality of elongated members respectively connected to form a generally rectangular shaped section. Each rectangular shaped section is foldably attached to the other so as to be folded to a collapsed condition and unfolded to an open co-planar condition for use as a mattress support.

Further, each of the generally rectangular shaped sections has at least one side member adjacent to a corresponding side member of the other generally rectangular shaped section, such that when the generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to the open condition, the correspondingly adjacent side members engage each other in contacting relation to form a generally central transverse support structure.

A pair of laterally spaced apart support members is positioned beneath the generally central transverse support structure and in generally perpendicular relation thereto. The spaced apart support members are movable into supporting engagement with the generally central transverse support structure when the generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to the open condition, to thereby provide support to the pair of generally rectangular shaped sections at the interface thereto. The pair of laterally spaced apart support members can be drawn away from the central transverse support structure when the generally rectangular shaped sections are folded to the collapsed condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1-3 illustrate various views of a prior art foldable bed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable bed of the present invention shown in a fully opened position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foldable bed of FIG. 4 in a partially closed position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of support rests of the foldable bed of FIG. 4 in a partially closed position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the foldable bed of FIG. 4 in a fully closed position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective view depicting an alternate embodiment of support rests of the foldable bed of FIG. 4 in a partially closed position; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two side-by-side foldable bed frames of FIG. 4 in the fully opened position with a pair of mattresses supported thereon.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the foldable bed frame 101 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the bed frame 101 is constructed from a pair of sub-frames 103 and 104 which are pivotally coupled together. Each sub-frame 103 and 104 includes a plurality of elongated members, for example elongated members 105, 107, 109, 113 and the like. The elongated members can be constructed from various substantially rigid materials including, but not limited to, metals, metal alloys, hardened plastic, composite material and/or combinations thereof. The sub-frames 103 and 104 can be of any shape or size suitable for supporting a mattress 200, but in this particular embodiment, the sub-frames 103 are preferably rectangular in shape. In this particular embodiment, each of the sub-frames 103 and 104 are constructed of a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart side support members 105 having proximal and distal ends 105a, 105b. The side support members 105 are connected by intermediate support members 107 positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the side support members 105a, 105b. Preferably, the intermediate support members 107 are positioned approximately intermediate of the proximal and distal ends 105a, 105b as shown in FIG. 4. The side support members 105 are further connected by outer lateral support members 109 at the distal ends 105b of the side support members 105.

Each of the generally rectangular shaped sub-frames 103 and 104 have a pair of spaced apart support legs 111 having free ends 111a. The support legs 111 of each pair can be connected to each other by a lateral leg support member 113. A pair of support legs 111 is pivotally connected to the sub-frames 103 and 104, respectfully, at or near the distal end 105b of the side supports 105. The support legs 111 are generally positioned perpendicular with respect to the sub-frames 103 and 104 in an open condition (FIG. 4), and positioned substantially parallel with respect to the sub-frames 103 and 104 when pivotally folded to a closed (i.e., collapsed) condition (FIG. 7).

Each support leg 111 is further connected to the sub-frame 103 by a brace member 115 for extra support in the open condition. Each brace member 115 has a first end pivotally connected to the side support 105 of a sub-frame 103 or 104 with a fastener 117 such as a pin or screw, and slidably connected to the support legs 111 on the opposing end. The brace member 115 includes a channel 119 which is slidably connected to the support legs 111 via a fastener such as a bolt or rivet. The channel 119 enables the support legs 111 to fold inward from the open condition to the closed condition and vice-versa in a more controlled manner.

In this embodiment, the generally rectangular shaped sub-frames or sections 103 and 104 are pivotally connected to the other by a generally central transverse pivotal support member 121. The generally central transverse pivotal support member 121 can be of any cross-section dimension so long as the sub-frames 103 and 104 are capable of pivoting about the pivotal support member 121.

The use of a single central transverse pivotal support member 121 as well as a minimal number of brace members 115 for supporting the support legs 111 reduces the manufacturing costs in terms of material and manpower necessary for assembly while still providing a stable structure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the folding bed 101 is illustratively shown in a partially closed position. The proximal ends 105a of each side support 105 include a mounting flange 130. The mounting flanges can be integral with or securely attached thereon via one or more fasteners, weld and the like. The mounting flanges 130 (four mounting flanges shown in FIGS. 4-7) include an orifice sized to receive and rotate about a circular end of the central transverse pivotal support member 121. As illustratively shown in FIG. 6, a first pair of mounting flanges 130₁ and 130₂ each have ends that overlap one other at a first end of the central transverse pivotal support member 121. Similarly, a second pair of mounting flanges 130₃ and 130₄ (FIG. 7) each have ends that overlap one other at the opposing second end of the central transverse pivotal support member 121. The mounting flanges 130 enable the proximal ends 105a of the sub-frames 103 and 104 to rotate (pivot) about the opposing ends of the central transverse pivotal support member 121 when the folding bed 101 is opened and closed.

Referring to FIG. 7, the folding bed frame 101 could also be equipped with rolling means 210 such as wheels, rollers, bearings and the like, which assist the user, for example, during transport or storage of the folding bed frame 101 while folded in its closed state. In the preferred embodiment, the rolling means 210 are rotatably attached to the pivotal support member 121. The positioning of the rolling means 210 can vary along the support member 121 and can also be placed on the side supports 105 as long as the rolling means 210 of the folding bed frame 101 are able to make contact with a surface during transport.

When the folding bed frame 101 is in an open condition, the opposing ends of the pivotal support member 121 are supported by a pair of laterally spaced apart support members 123, which are connected by a lateral support member 125. The laterally spaced apart support members 123 are connected to each sub-frame 103 and 104 by a pair of angled supporting braces 127. Each end of the angled supporting braces 127 are pivotally connected to the laterally spaced apart support member 123 at one end, and to the sub-frame 103 or 104 at the opposing end. The additional support provided by the angled supporting braces 127 advantageously enables the laterally spaced apart support members 123 to remain upright and aligned with the generally central transverse pivotal support member 121 at all times.

It is further noted that the upper ends of the support members 123 each include a substantially horizontal flange 132. Preferably, the horizontal flanges 132 are formed as U-shaped end portions 132 that extend upward, although such configuration is not considered limiting. The U-shaped end portions 132 include a curved upper portion sized to receive and support a bottom surface of the circular-shaped central transverse pivotal support member 121 when the folding bed 101 is in a fully opened condition, thereby providing additional support and stability to the folding bed 101 when opened.

Referring to FIG. 8, a stopper member 140 can be provided on each lower end of the supporting braces 127. Each stopper member 140 is configured to interface with a side portion of the support member 123 as the sub-frames 103 and 104 are moved into an opened condition. As the foldable bed frame 101 is fully opened, the stoppers 140 on the braces 127 move towards the side surfaces of the support member 123. The stoppers 140 are formed as flanges that limit the rotational movement of the support member 123 as the support member moves in an upward direction towards the central transverse pivotal support member 121. If, by chance, the U-shaped end portion 132 of the support member 123 is not properly aligned with the central transverse pivotal support member 121, the stoppers 140 will push and guide the support member 121 back into proper alignment. Alternative stopper member configurations are also contemplated. For example, the stopper members can extend inward to interface with the lateral support member 125.

Referring to FIG. 9, two folding bed frames 101 can be placed adjacent each other in an open condition to provide a larger sleeping area. Preferably, the adjacent side supports 105 are fastened together with one or more fasteners, such as one or more brackets 136 as shown in FIG. 4 to provide additional stability. The fasteners can alternatively include one or more bolts, latches, and/or hooks, among other conventionally known fasteners. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one aperture 134 is formed along the side supports 105 to receive a bolt or other fastener for securing adjacent foldable bed frames together.

Accordingly, a foldable bed frame has been shown, which includes at least a pair of sub-frames having a plurality of elongated members respectively connected to form a generally rectangular shaped section. Each rectangular shaped section is foldably attached to the other so as to be folded to a collapsed condition and unfolded to an open co-planar condition for use as a mattress support. Each generally rectangular shaped section has at least one side member adjacent to a corresponding side member of the other generally rectangular shaped section, such that when the generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to the open condition, the correspondingly adjacent side members engage each other in contacting relation to form a generally central transverse support structure. Furthermore, a pair of laterally spaced apart support members are positioned beneath the generally central transverse support structure and in generally perpendicular relation thereto.

Advantageously, the spaced apart support members move into supporting engagement with the generally central transverse support structure when the generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to the open condition to provide support to the pair of generally rectangular shaped sections at the interface thereto. Moreover, the pair of laterally spaced apart support members are drawn away from the central transverse support structure without tilting when the generally rectangular shaped sections are folded to the collapsed condition.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A foldable bed frame, which comprises:

a) at least a pair of generally rectangular shaped sub-frames foldably attached to each other so as to be folded in a collapsed condition and unfolded to an open condition for use as a mattress support, said foldable attachment being arranged and configured such that when said sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition, a generally central transverse support means is located at the interface thereof; and

b) a pair of laterally spaced apart support members positioned beneath said generally central transverse support means and in generally perpendicular relation thereto, said spaced apart support members attached to said sub-frames in a manner to be in supporting engagement with said generally central transverse support means when said sub-frames are unfolded to the open condition, to thereby provide support to said pair of sub-frames at the interface thereof, said pair of spaced apart support members each being attached to said sub-frames in a manner to be drawn away from said generally central transverse support means when said sub-frames are folded to the collapsed condition.

2. The foldable bed frame according to claim 1, wherein each of said generally rectangular shaped sub-frames comprises a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart side support members respectively having proximal and distal ends, said side support members are connected by lateral support members at a location between the proximal and distal ends of said side support members, and at a location at or near the distal ends, said lateral support members being shorter in length than said side support members.

3. The foldable bed frame according to claim 2, wherein each of said generally rectangular shaped sub-frames further comprises a pair of spaced apart support legs having respective free ends, each of said support legs pivotally connected to said generally rectangular shaped sub-frame at or near the distal ends of said side supports, said support legs connected to each other by a lateral support member positioned between said rectangular shaped sub-frame and the free ends of said support legs, said support legs pivotal between a position substantially parallel to said rectangular shaped sub-frame and a position generally perpendicular thereto.

4. The foldable bed frame according to claim 3, wherein each of said pair of laterally spaced apart support members are connected to each said sub-frame by a pair of angled supporting braces having a first end and a second end, said first ends of said supporting braces pivotally connected to said laterally spaced apart support members, said second ends of said supporting braces pivotally connected to said respective sub-frame.

5. The foldable bed frame according to claim 4, wherein said generally transverse support means is a pivotal lateral support member commonly joining the proximal ends of said side supports of each of said sub-frames to permit said sub-frames to be folded with respect to each other.

6. The foldable bed frame according to claim 5, wherein each of said support legs are connected to said generally rectangular shaped sub-frame by a brace member, said brace member pivotally connected to said generally rectangular shaped sub-frame on one end and slidably connected to said support legs at another end such that said support legs are movable from the position generally perpendicular to said generally rectangular shaped sub-frame to the position generally parallel to said generally rectangular shaped sub-frame.

7. The foldable bed frame according to claim 1, further comprising rolling means.

8. The foldable bed frame according to claim 4, further comprising a lateral support member at or near the proximal end of each of said sub-frames.

9. The foldable bed frame according to claim 8, wherein said lateral support members located at or near the proximal ends of the sub-frames move toward each other to be engaged in adjacent relation to form said transverse support means when said sub-frames are in the open condition.

10. The foldable bed frame of claim 2, further comprising one or more fasteners coupled to at least one side support member, said fasteners being configured to retain a side member of an adjacent foldable bed frame thereto.

11. A foldable bed frame, which comprises:

a) at least a pair of sub-frames, each said sub-frame being constructed of a plurality of elongated members respectively connected to form a generally rectangular shaped section, each said generally rectangular shaped section being pivotally connected to the other by a generally central transverse pivotal support member, said generally rectangular shaped sections being pivotal between an open generally co-planar position for use as a mattress support, and a folded position, whereby said generally rectangular shaped sections are in face-to-face relation;

b) a pair of support legs respectively pivotally connected to each said generally rectangular shaped sections at the free end thereof and foldable from a position generally parallel to the plane of each said respective generally rectangular shaped section, to a position generally perpendicular to each respective generally rectangular shaped section, said last mentioned position capable of supporting said generally rectangular shaped sections in a generally horizontal position for use as a mattress support; and

c) a pair of laterally spaced apart support members positioned beneath said generally central transverse pivotal support member and in generally perpendicular relation thereto, said spaced apart support members being in supporting engagement with said generally transverse pivotal support member when said pair of generally rectangular shaped sections are in said open condition to provide support to said pair of generally rectangular shaped sections at the pivotal connection thereof, said pair of laterally spaced apart support members each being respectively attached to said pair of generally rectangular shaped sections in a manner to be withdrawn away from said central transverse pivotal support member when said sub-frames are pivotally folded toward each other.

12. The foldable bed frame of claim 11, wherein the plurality of elongated members of each sub-frame include a pair of opposing side members having an outer cross-member interconnected therebetween at a distal end, said central traverse pivotal support member being positioned at a proximal end of the opposing side members to form the generally rectangular shaped section.

13. The foldable bed frame of claim 12, wherein the pair of support legs is respectively pivotally connected to each of the side members of said generally rectangular shaped sections.

14. The foldable bed frame of claim 12, wherein each support leg is pivotally connected to a side member by a pair of angled supporting braces.

15. The foldable bed frame of claim 14, wherein the each of the pair of angled supporting braces includes a stopper member extending proximate the pivotal connection to align the support leg with the central traverse pivotal support member.

16. The foldable bed frame of claim 11, wherein each support leg is pivotally connected to a side member by a pair of angled supporting braces.

17. A foldable bed frame, which comprises:

a) at least a pair of sub-frames, each sub-frame including a plurality of elongated members respectively connected to form a generally rectangular shaped section, each said rectangular shaped section being foldably attached to the other so as to be folded to a collapsed condition and unfolded to an open co-planar condition for use as a mattress support;

b) each said generally rectangular shaped section having at least one side member adjacent to a corresponding side member of the other generally rectangular shaped section, such that when said generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to said open condition, said correspondingly adjacent side members engage each other in contacting relation to form a generally central transverse support structure;

c) a pair of laterally spaced apart support members positioned beneath said generally central transverse support structure and in generally perpendicular relation thereto, said spaced apart support members moved into supporting engagement with said generally central transverse support structure when said generally rectangular shaped sections are unfolded to said open condition to thereby provide support to said pair of generally rectangular shaped sections at the interface thereto, and said pair of laterally spaced apart support members being drawn away from said central transverse support structure when said generally rectangular shaped sections are folded to said collapsed condition.