Bracket

Abstract

A bracket device is disclosed that is designed for providing support and stability for bed frames and other suitable furniture. The bracket device comprises a slat receiving member and a shelf, which are preferably cast as an integral piece. The shelf further comprises two side components which form a dovetailed shape. Furthermore, an end of a slat is also dovetail shaped such that the slat engages the shelf and is secured in place. Thus, the shelf is configured to retain the slat and prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat. The bracket device further comprises at least one continuous opening for accepting a fastener, to secure the bracket device to a bed frame or other suitable furniture. Furthermore, a corner bracket device is also disclosed to be used in conjunction with the bracket device for providing support and stability to bed frames and other suitable furniture.

Description

BACKGROUND

Currently, bed frame manufacturers and manufacturers of other suitable furniture typically attach wooden strips or angle iron components on the end rails of a bed or other frame to hold the cross support slats in place along the end rails. Slats are then loosely placed on these wooden strips or iron components and a mattress and/or box spring is placed on top. Further, corners of bedframes are also typically mortised into posts using hooks to hold the frame together. This results in the slats and bed frame not being very stable or durable. The resulting bed frame structure tends to shake and move when in use and the mattress tends to shift as well. A more efficient option is needed.

There is a need for an improved bracket device that provides users with a more secure and stable means of securing a bed frame. The present invention discloses a bracket device and a corner bracket device that can be utilized by manufacturers and individual users. The bracket device is designed to provide support and stability for bed frames and other suitable furniture, and prevents the bed frame or other furniture from moving while holding the mattress firmly in place.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a bracket device that is designed for providing support and stability for bed frames and other suitable furniture. The bracket device comprises a slat receiving member and a shelf. Preferably, the slat receiving member and the shelf are cast as an integral piece, but can be stamped as separate pieces and then welded together if necessary. The shelf further comprises two side components, wherein the two side components form a generally dovetailed shape. Furthermore, an end of the slat is also dovetail shaped such that the slat engages the shelf and is secured in place. Thus, the shelf is configured to retain a slat and prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat while in use. The bracket device further comprises at least one continuous opening for accepting a fastener, to secure the bracket device to a bed frame or other suitable furniture.

In a preferred embodiment, a corner bracket device is also disclosed for providing support and stability to the corners of bed frames and other suitable furniture. The corner bracket device is used in conjunction with the bracket device and comprises a slat receiving member and a shelf. The shelf further comprises two side components, wherein the two side components form a generally dovetailed shape. Furthermore, an end of the slat is also dovetail shaped such that the slat engages the shelf and is secured in place. Thus, the shelf is configured to retain a slat and prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat. The corner bracket device further comprises at least one continuous opening for accepting a fastener, to secure the corner bracket device to a bed frame corner or other suitable furniture corners. The corner bracket device further comprises at least one keyhole-shaped screw opening that acts to lock the corner bracket device in place on the bed frame or other suitable furniture corners.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rear of the bracket device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a corner bracket device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the rear of the corner bracket device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket device and corner bracket device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a bracket device and a corner bracket device that can be utilized by manufacturers and individual users. The bracket device and corner bracket device is designed to provide support and stability for bed frames and other suitable furniture, and prevents the bed frame or other furniture from moving while holding the mattress firmly in place.

The bracket device and corner bracket device are designed to be used in conjunction with each other, although the devices can be used independently of each other as well, and comprise a slat receiving member and a shelf, which are preferably cast as an integral piece. The shelf further comprises two side components which form a generally dovetailed shape. Furthermore, at least one end of a slat is comprised of a dovetailed shape that corresponds to the dovetailed opening in the shelf, such that the slat engages the shelf and is secured in place. Thus, the shelf is configured to retain the slat and prevent or reduce the amount of lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat. Once secure in place, the bracket device and the corner bracket device provide support and stability for bed frames and other suitable furniture, and are easy and quick to install by either manufacturers or individual users.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a bracket device 100 that is designed for providing support and stability for bed frames and other suitable furniture. The bracket device 100 comprises a slat receiving member 102 comprising a first end 104 and a second end 106. Typically, the slat receiving member 102 further comprises a shelf 108, wherein the shelf 108 is trapezoidal in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The slat receiving member 102 and the shelf 108 would generally be constructed of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or even plastic, such as polycarbonate, or any type of engineered or reinforced plastics, though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the slat receiving member 102 and the shelf 108 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Preferably, the slat receiving member 102 and the shelf 108 are cast as an integral piece, however, the slat receiving member 102 and the shelf 108 can be stamped as separate pieces and then welded, stamped, or otherwise joined together as an integral piece.

The slat receiving member 102 further comprises a support bar 120 secured to the shelf 108 in a vertical position that bisects opening 112 of the slat receiving member 102. The support bar 120 adds strength and support to the slat receiving member 102. The slat receiving member 102 is approximately between 0.5 and 2.5 inches long as measured from the first end 104 to the second end 106, preferably between 1.0 and 1.5 inches long, and approximately between 1.0 and 3.5 inches wide as measured from opposing ends 110 of the shelf 108, preferably between 2.0 and 3.0 inches wide, and approximately between 0.5 and 2.0 inches in height as measured from the shelf 108 to top of opening 112, preferably between 0.75 and 1.0 inch in height.

The shelf 108 further comprises two side components 114, and each of the two side components 114 comprise first ends 116 and second ends 118. Preferably, the shelf 108 is configured such that the two side components 114 form a narrower opening at the first ends 116 and a wider opening at the second ends 118 to form a generally dovetailed shape. Thus, the shelf 108 is configured to engage a slat (not shown). Specifically, the shelf 108 retains the slat and prevents lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat. Additionally, the support bar 120 of the slat receiving member 102 can also act to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat. Further, an end of the slat is also generally dovetailed shaped such that the slat engages the shelf 108 and is secured in place.

The bracket device 100 further comprises at least one continuous opening 122 for accepting a fastener (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the bracket device 100 comprises three continuous openings 122, however three continuous openings 122 are not necessarily required and the bracket device 100 can function with as few as one continuous opening 122 or more than three continuous openings 122, depending on the wants and needs of a user and the load to be supported by the frame.

Preferably, the at least one continuous opening 122 comprises chamfer openings for accepting screws or other fastening hardware (not shown). The chamfer openings allow the screw head or other hardware to sit flush with the bracket device 100 and not to create a rough edge. However, the continuous openings 122 do not need to comprise chamfer openings and can function without having such chamfer openings. The screws or other fastening hardware can be secured within the continuous openings 122, allowing the screw heads to sit proud of the bracket device 100 surface.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a corner bracket device 300 that is also designed for providing support and stability for bed frames and other suitable furniture. The corner bracket device 300 is used in conjunction with the bracket device 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2) and comprises a slat receiving member 302 comprising a first end 304 and a second end 306. Typically, the slat receiving member 302 further comprises a shelf 308, wherein the shelf 308 is trapezoidal in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The slat receiving member 302 and the shelf 308 would generally be constructed of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or even plastic, such as polycarbonate, or any type of engineered or reinforced plastics, though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the slat receiving member 302 and the shelf 308 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Preferably, the slat receiving member 302 and the shelf 308 are cast as an integral piece, however, the slat receiving member 302 and the shelf 308 can be stamped as separate pieces and then welded, stamped, or otherwise joined together as an integral piece.

The slat receiving member 302 further comprises a support bar 320 secured to the shelf 308 in a vertical position that bisects opening 312 of the slat receiving member 302. The support bar 320 adds strength and support to the slat receiving member 302. The slat receiving member 302 is approximately between 0.5 and 2.5 inches long as measured from the first end 304 to the second end 306, preferably between 1.0 and 1.5 inches long, and approximately between 1.0 and 3.5 inches wide as measured from opposing ends 310 of the shelf 308, preferably between 2.0 and 3.0 inches wide, and approximately between 0.5 and 2.0 inches in height as measured from the shelf 308 to top of opening 312, preferably between 0.75 and 1.0 inch in height.

The shelf 308 further comprises two side components 314, and the two side components 314 comprise first ends 316 and second ends 318. Preferably, the shelf 308 is configured such that the two side components 314 form a narrower opening at the first ends 316 and a wider opening at the second ends 318 to form a generally dovetailed shape. Thus, the shelf 308 is configured to engage a slat (not shown). Specifically, the shelf 308 retains the slat and prevents lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat. Additionally, the support bar 320 of the slat receiving member 302 can also act to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat. Further, an end of the slat is also dovetail shaped such that the slat engages the shelf 308 and is secured in place.

The bracket device 300 further comprises at least one continuous opening 322 for accepting a fastener (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the bracket device 300 comprises five continuous openings 322, however five continuous openings 322 are not necessarily required and the bracket device 300 can function with as few as one continuous opening 322 or more than five continuous openings 322, depending on the wants and needs of a user.

Preferably, the at least one continuous opening 322 comprises chamfer openings for accepting screws or other fastening hardware (not shown). The chamfer openings allow the screw head or other hardware to sit flush with the bracket device 300 and not to create a rough edge. However, the continuous openings 322 do not need to comprise chamfer openings and can function without having such chamfer openings. The screws or other fastening hardware can be secured within the continuous openings 322, allowing the screw heads to sit proud of the bracket device 300 surface.

The corner bracket device 300 further comprises at least one keyhole-shaped screw opening 324 (or tapered screw hole) that acts to lock the corner bracket device 300 in place on the bed frame or other suitable furniture corners. For example, screws or other fastening hardware would be secured to the bed frame or other suitable furniture corners. The corner bracket device 300 would then be positioned on the screws such that the screws protrude through the larger opening 326 of the keyhole-shaped screw openings 324. The bracket is then slid down toward the ground, such that the screws are now retained or locked within the narrower opening 328 of the keyhole-shaped screw openings 324.

FIG. 5 illustrates the bracket device 100 and corner bracket device 300 in use. In operation, a user (not shown) would select a specific number of bracket devices 100, depending on the wants and needs of a user and depending on the size of the bed or other suitable furniture. Typically, a king size bed would require six bracket devices 100 and a queen or smaller size bed would require four bracket devices 100. A user would then select a specific number of corner bracket devices 300, typically four (one for each corner of the bed or other suitable furniture). The corner bracket devices 300 are used in conjunction with the bracket devices 100 and all act to provide support and stability to bed frames and other suitable furniture. However, the devices 100 and 300 can be used independently of each other as well.

The bracket devices 100 and the corner bracket devices 300 are then installed around the frame of a bed 500 or other suitable furniture either at the manufacturer or at home by the user. The bracket devices 100 are secured via screws 502 or other suitable fasteners on the sides or rails 504 of the bed frame 500. Slats 506 are then cut in a generally dovetailed shape at the ends and inserted into the brackets 100 and secured. The corner bracket devices 300 are secured via screws 508 or other suitable fasteners on the corners 510 of the bed frame 500. Further, the posts 512 and sides or rails 504 of the bed frame 500 are secured and locked into place via at least one keyhole-shaped screw opening. Screws 514 or other fastening hardware would be secured to the corners 510 of the bed frame 500. The corner bracket device 300 would then be positioned on the screws 514 such that the screws protrude through the larger opening of the keyhole-shaped screw openings. The corner bracket device 300 is then slid down toward the ground, such that the screws 514 are now retained or locked within the narrower opening of the keyhole-shaped screw openings. Slats 506 are then cut in a generally dovetailed shape at the ends and inserted into the corner bracket devices 300 and secured.

Once secure in place, the bracket devices 100 and the corner bracket devices 300 provide support and stability for bed frames 500 and other suitable furniture. Further, the bracket devices 100 and corner bracket devices 300 prevent the bed frame 500 from shaking and retain the mattress (not shown) firmly in place.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A bracket device comprising:

at least one continuous opening for accepting a fastener;

a slat receiving member;

wherein the slat receiving member comprises a trapezoidal shelf for engaging a slat; and

a support bar secured to the trapezoidal shelf between the second ends and positioned in a vertical position that bisects an opening of the slat receiving member to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat; and

wherein the shelf comprises two side components, and the two side components each comprise a first end and a second end which are configured to retain the slat and prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat, such that the two side components are narrower at the first ends and wider at the second ends to form a generally dovetailed shape.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The bracket device of claim 1, further comprising three continuous openings.

6. The bracket device of claim 5, wherein the three continuous openings comprise chamfer openings for accepting screws.

7. The bracket device of claim 1, wherein an end of the slat is dovetail shaped such that it engages the shelf and is secured in place.

8. The bracket device of claim 1, further comprising at least one keyhole-shaped screw opening.

9. A bracket device comprising:

at least one continuous opening for accepting a fastener;

a slat receiving member;

wherein the slat receiving member comprises a trapezoidal shelf for engaging a slat; and

a support bar secured to the trapezoidal shelf between the second ends and positioned in a vertical position that bisects an opening of the slat receiving member to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat; and

wherein the shelf comprises two side components, and the two side components each comprise a first end and a second end which are configured to retain the slat and prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat, such that the two side components are narrower at the first ends and wider at the second ends to form a generally dovetailed shape; and

wherein an end of the slat is dovetail shaped such that it engages the trapezoidal shelf and is secured in place.

10. (canceled)

11. The bracket device of claim 9, further comprising four continuous openings.

12. The bracket device of claim 11, wherein the four continuous openings comprise chamfer openings for accepting screws.

13. The bracket device of claim 9, further comprising at least one keyhole-shaped screw opening.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. A bracket device comprising:

at least one continuous opening for accepting a fastener;

at least one keyhole-shaped screw opening for securing the bracket device in a corner of a bedframe;

a slat receiving member;

wherein the slat receiving member comprises a trapezoidal shelf for engaging a slat; and

a support bar secured to the trapezoidal shelf between the second ends and positioned in a vertical position that bisects an opening of the slat receiving member to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat; and

wherein the trapezoidal shelf comprises two side components, and the two side components each comprise a first end and a second end which are configured to retain the slat and prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slat, such that the two side components are narrower at the first ends and wider at the second ends to form a generally dovetailed shape.

17. The bracket device of claim 16, wherein an end of the slat is dovetail shaped such that it engages the shelf and is secured in place.

18. The bracket device of claim 16, further comprising four continuous openings.

19. The bracket device of claim 18, wherein the four continuous openings comprise chamfer openings for accepting screws.

20. (canceled)