FOLDING BED

Abstract

A folding bed is formed from a frame having side rails and end rails connected to the side rails, a hinge on each of the side rails such that the frame is configured to be folded in half with the end rails facing each other and a platform mounted to the end rails and side rails via springs. Legs are connected to the side rails and fold between an open position where in the legs extend perpendicular to the frame and a closed position wherein the legs extend parallel to the frame. A headboard is connected to one of the end rails. There is at least one support element connected to the end rails or side rails and underneath the platform. A locking mechanism is connected to each one of the legs to keep the legs in the open position so that bed does not inadvertently collapse when in use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable sleeping bed. In particular, the present invention relates to a foldable bed that is capable of folding to a narrow width for easy and compact storage.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Numerous innovations showing folding beds and methods for use are shown in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,927 to Holub describes a cot having a frame that is configured so that one end, such as the head end of the cot, is recessed within the other end, i.e., the foot end of the cot, when the cot is folded. As an example, the legs of one end may recess into the legs of the other end. To this end, the bifold cot may include a head portion having a tapered section forming a narrowed head end. This narrowed head end, or a leg or legs associated therewith, is received within the frame (or associated legs) for the foot portion of the bifold cot when the bifold cot is folded.

A trifold cot is also provided that also has an extension that may be folded against the head portion, and the extension and the head portion may be folded and recessed at least partly within the frame at the foot portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,730 to Weston describes an adjustable collapsing cot that can be utilized in numerous situations including evacuations and military operations. The cot includes an outer frame member and an inner frame member that are both preferably divided into two sections and are both pivotable approximate their center point. Either section of the inner frame member can be adjusted to one or more elevation angles with respect to the outer frame member as desired by the user. A spring loaded webbing material is provided to safely support and cradle the user. Preferably, a mattress is provided and is disposed on top of the spring-loaded webbing. One or more restraint belts can be provided to safely secure the user while he or she is utilizing the cot. Several accessory items, including an intravenous pole, message flag and miscellaneous item bag/compartment can be provided and attached to the cot. When it is desired to move the cot, the cot can be folded into an easily transportable configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,377 to Kim discloses a portable cot which is light in weight, may be disassembled into a compact package but which forms a firm sleeping surface when assembled. The cot has a generally rectangular canvas surface with an elongated pocket along each side. Side rails are held in each of the pockets and three leg assemblies are affixed to the side rails by wire U-shaped legs pivotally attached to the bottom to a base bar and at the top to the side rails. Adjustable straps tighten the side rails against the legs and form a firm assembly with the base bars. The straps may be adjusted so that the bed can be made level even against a slanted surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,502 to Bertram discloses a full-size cot including a pair of parallel side rails, a flexible body-supporting sheet, connecting the side rails, and a plurality of legs connectable to the side rails, the legs having a length which supports the body-supporting sheet at a conventional height. The legs are removable and foldable so that the entire cot may be collapsed into a smaller and more convenient size than known heretofore.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,593 to Oetiker discloses a bed made from standard structural parts, detachably connected together, which is adapted to be pivoted about a central pivot axis to permit insertion into a case formed by the mattress cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,045,257 to Knapp discloses a folding cot comprising a foldable frame and a relatively hard but flexible backing spanning said frame and foldable therewith, said backing having integral therewith and on the top thereof an inflatable mattress portion comprising material that is light and flexible relative to the material of said backing, said backing forming a planar wall for said mattress portion, and means for inflating said mattress portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,860,351 to LaRussa discloses a folding bed construction including a bed frame comprising a pair of end members, side rails disposed between the end members, end rails adjacent to the end members and rigidly interconnecting the side rails, means pivotally connecting the end members and the rails to shift the end members between extended and folded positions and releasable locking means having a first cooperating part thereof having an opening therein and rotatably carried by one of said end rails for horizontal arcuate movement relative to said one end rail, a second cooperating part thereof rigidly carried by an end member adjacent said one end rail and including a vertical adjustable spindle member for engaging the opening in the first cooperating part for interlocking engagement therewith to maintain said one end member and adjacent end rail in extended position.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,678,085 to De Minno discloses a collapsible device having a pair of spaced legs, means for connecting the lower ends of said legs, brackets attached to the upper ends of the legs and extending beyond both sides thereof, a first frame section having one end hinged to one end of said brackets, legs hinged to the other end of the frame section, a second frame section of the same structure as the first section and having legs hinged thereto. The second section is hinged to the other end of the brackets. There are longitudinally spaced pins projecting from each frame section, a pivotally supported back rest, and means on the back rest for selectively engaging the pins to enable the back rest to be supported in a plurality of positions longitudinally of either of said frame sections.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,370,990 to Nissen discloses a frame including side frame members, a mat disposed within the frame, means for resiliently securing the edges of the mat to the frame, reinforcing members adapted to extend parallel with the side frame members, means hingedly connecting the side members and reinforcing members adjacent the longitudinal midpoints thereof, the side members and reinforcing members each being jointed at a spaced distance on opposite sides of the hinge connecting means, the side members also being disjointed at spaced distances from the ends of the reinforcing members, leg mounting brackets secured to the underside of the side frame and reinforcing members adjacent the joints, means for bolting the side frame and reinforcing members together on both sides of each of said joints, legs for supporting the frame, the legs having axially aligned projections at the ends thereof received in openings in the leg mounting brackets, whereby the legs may be folded about the said projections, as hinge pins, flat against the frame and whereby, upon removal of the bolting means, the frame may be folded upon itself about the projections of the legs adjacent the ends of the frame and about the hinge means, and means for normally bracing said legs in an erected position relative to the frame.

U.S. Pat. No. RE 19,355 to Gursky et al. discloses a top and mattress for a folding cot an comprising a top of flexible material, such as canvas, for extending between the outer ends and the sides of the frame of the cot, and a mattress stitched to the top along lines some distance back of the end an side edges of the top, so as to leave edge portions to the top which are outside the lines of stitching and which are there free from the mattress, the mattress being of an area sufficient to extend over the tip, and have free edge portions which extend beyond the edges of the top, the mattress also composed of two sections corresponding with the respective supporting frame sections of the cot and separated opposite to the middle of the cot, and spaced apart lines of stitching extending transversely of and connecting the adjacent edge portions of the mattress sections and the top, so as to leave free, extended, edge portions at the adjacent edges of the mattress section, which edge portions are of a length to substantially abut at the adjacent edges when the cot is open.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,408,015 to Luppino discloses a bed structure comprising a main bed section, an intermediate bed section, and an outer bed section connected together, and automatically foldable legs for the bed adapted to be operated upon a predetermined movement of certain of said sections, and means for automatically restricting the movement of certain of the legs, whereby the others may be operated prior thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,366,330 to Mackie and Shearer discloses a folding cot comprising a frame with a spring mattress mounted between its sides, and having joints permitting folding or adjustment of its ends; leg brackets permanently attached to the central portions of the frame sides, and braces holding said leg brackets in position; legs pivotally attached to the leg brackets, so that they may be folded back upon the central portion of the cot frame; and adjustment pieces pivotally attached to the end portions of the frame sides, and having notches which interlock with the aforesaid braces to secure said end portions in adjustment position, so that the end portions of the cot may be adjusted even when its legs are folded, and that said leg brackets may serve as auxiliary legs.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 1,263,911 to Lowy discloses a folding cot with a pair of foldable cot sections, a short middle section pivotally connected to the inner ends thereof, said foldable cot sections folding transversely of the cot by lifting such inner ends and allowing the outer ends to drop and close toward each other, the inner ends of said foldable cot sections resting upon said middle section when the cot is extended, a single pair of legs pivoted to each of said first two sections, a pair of links connecting the legs of each foldable section with the opposite foldable section of the cot, and an end-piece pivotally connected to the outer ends of each cot section and its pair of legs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a folding bed that folds to narrow dimensions by virtue of directional hinged elements incorporated in the frame structure. Another of the present invention is to provide a bed that is comfortable by virtue of a coil spring support system.

These and other objects are accomplished by a folding bed comprising a frame having side rails and end rails connected to the side rails, a hinge on each of the side rails such that the frame is configured to be folded in half with the end rails facing each other and a platform mounted to the end rails and side rails via springs. The platform is preferably formed from a sturdy woven fabric, such as canvas. There are a plurality of legs connected to the side rails and being configured to fold between an open position wherein the legs extend perpendicular to the frame, and a closed position wherein the legs extend parallel to the frame. A headboard is connected to one of the end rails. The headboard extends perpendicular to the frame in a direction opposite to the legs when the legs are in an open position. There is at least one support element connected to the end rails or side rails and underneath the platform.

A locking mechanism is connected to each one of the legs to keep the legs in the open position so that bed does not inadvertently collapse when in use. The locking mechanism comprises a pin fixedly connected to one of the legs, and a locking plate pivotally connected to the frame. The plate has a slot cut therethrough and the pin extends through the slot. The slot has a perpendicular extension on one end thereof, such that pivoting the plate so that the pin extends through the extension locks the leg in the open position, and pivoting the plate so that the pin exits the extension allows the leg to move into the closed position. The pin has an enlarged head that is wider than the slot so that the pin remains permanently connected to the plate.

There is a mattress removably disposed on the platform. The mattress has is adapted to be folded along with the frame. The mattress can be made of a thin foam material that folds easily, or it can be segmented in the middle so that it can be folded more easily.

Preferably, the support element is formed from a strap. The strap can extend between two sides or two ends of the frame to support the platform against excess weight. In one embodiment, there are two support elements arranged diagonally across the frame so that the two support elements cross each other.

The legs are disposed in pairs such that each leg is connected to an oppositely disposed legs via at least one crossbar extending between the two legs. This way, each pair of legs is opened and closed together. Preferably, there are two crossbars between each pair of legs. In another embodiment, each pair of legs is formed by a single U-shaped bar with rounded corners at the bottom. In this embodiment, corner supports can be mounted at the corners of the U-shaped bar to keep the legs from slipping on a floor surface.

The bed of the present invention can be doubled up with a second folding bed connected via their side rails, to make a double or king-sized bed. The two beds are connected via connection pieces having snap-on parts that fit on the side rails via shape-fit. The parts can be easily taken off to disassemble the beds.

In order to keep the mattress in place, there can be at least one textured patch mounted to the platform for gripping the mattress. The textured patch is formed from one side of a hook-and-loop type fastener such as VELCRO(r), and the other side of the hook-and-loop type fastener is mounted to the mattress.

In another embodiment, the mattress has at least one strap extending across one side of the mattress. The strap is adapted to fit around the frame when the mattress is placed on the frame, to hold the mattress on the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures on the drawing are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the bed according to the invention, including the support frame and mattress;

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of the bed's support frame in a folded position;

FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of the support frame in an unfolded position;

FIG. 4 is a view from above of the disclosed support frame with a support strap;

FIG. 5 is a view from above of the disclosed support frame with two support straps;

FIG. 6 is a frontal elevated perspective view of two twin sized support frames banded together to form a single king-size bed support frame;

FIG. 7 is a view of an alternative leg configuration for use with the bed according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows the leg configuration of FIG. 7 with additional feet attached thereto;

FIG. 9 is a view from above showing gripping material patches on the bed's support frame;

FIG. 10 is a view from above showing cooperating hook and loop type gripping material on the support frame and mattress;

FIG. 11 is a frontal perspective view of a mattress and support frame with mattress being held in place with support straps;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the locking mechanism for the legs of the bed in a locked position; and

FIG. 13 is a view of the locking mechanism in an unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The bed according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The bed comprises a support frame 10 consisting of side rails 11 and end rails 12, as well as folding legs 13 and 13′ connected to side rails 11. Legs 13, 13′ disposed on opposite sides of frame 10 are connected to each other via connection rails 14 so that each pair of legs 13 or 13′ connected by connection rail 14 folds and unfolds together. Two connection rails 14 can also be used, for added stability. A headboard 15 is connected to one of the end rails 12 and extends in a direction opposite to that of the legs 13, 13′. A mattress 16 is placed on top of frame 10 and is supported by a support platform 17, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, frame 10 can be folded into a U-shape by bending side rails 11 at hinge points 18 and folding the legs 13 that are located near the end rails inward, to make a compact bed arrangement for storage. Legs 13′ located in the middle of frame 10 do not fold. As explained later with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13, locking plates 34 are arranged on each of the end legs 13 to allow for legs 13 to be locked in an open position, or folded into the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 3, platform 17 is attached to frame 10 via springs 18, all around frame 10. This allows platform 17 to move under the weight of a person and provide for a more comfortable sleeping surface. Platform 17 is preferably configured of a sturdy woven fabric such as canvas, but other materials could also be used.

FIG. 4 shows the underside of frame 10 with the legs removed for ease of illustration. Here, a strap 19 is connected to end rails 12 and extends underneath platform 17. Strap 19 provides additional support for platform 17 under high levels of stress, so that that springs 18 are not damaged and platform 17 does not rip. FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment, where there are two straps 19, which are disposed diagonally across frame 10 and cross each other in the middle of platform 17, for additional support. Straps 19 can be formed of any desired material, but a sturdy woven fabric such as canvas would be ideal.

As shown in FIG. 6, two frames 10 can be placed side-by-side and connected together to create a double size bed. The connection takes place via snap-on connection pieces 22 which snap on to the side rails 11 of each of the two frames 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the legs of frame 10 can also be configured as a single unitary U-shaped structure 21, having rounded corners 23 and an integrally molded bottom cross-piece. As shown in FIG. 8, corner supports 24 can be connected to rounded corners 23 to provide extra support and gripping power so that the bed does not slide around on a surface.

In order to keep mattress 16 firmly in place on frame 10, textured patches 25 can be placed on platform 17, as shown in FIG. 9. Patches 25 can be made of any suitable material that creates a large degree of friction with mattress 16. For example, a rubberized surface with a rough texture or nubs could be used. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, hook-and-loop type fasteners 28, 29 such as VELCRO(r) could be placed on the support 17 and mattress 16 so that the fasteners 28, 29 connect with each other when mattress 16 is places on platform 17, to prevent any movement of mattress 16 on platform 17.

In another alternative shown in FIG. 11, straps 30 could be connected to mattress 16 and placed around the ends of frame 10 when mattress 16 is placed on frame 10 to hold mattress 16 in place. Straps 30 could be elasticized to allow for a more secure fit.

The leg locking arrangement is shown in detail in FIGS. 12 and 13. Connected to each side rail 11 adjacent one leg 13 in each opposing pair of legs is a locking plate 34. A pin 35 is connected to leg 13 and extends through a slot 36 in plate 34. At one end of slot 36 is a slot extension 37, which extends perpendicularly to slot 36. When pin 35 is placed in extension 37, leg 13 is prevented from pivoting, as pin 35 is not able to slide within slot 36. This is shown in FIG. 12, which shows leg 13 in the locked position. To unlock leg 13, locking plate 34 is pulled upward, which moves pin 35 out of extension 37 and into slot 36. At this point leg 13 can be pivoted upward and pin 35 is allowed to slide along slot 36 until leg 13 is fully folded.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING

10 frame

11 side rail

12 end rail

13 leg

13′middle leg

14 connection rail

15 headboard

16 mattress

17 platform

18 spring

19 strap

21 U-shaped leg arrangement

22 connection piece

23 rounded corner

24 corner support

25 gripping patch

28 fastener hook part

29 fastener loop part

30 mattress retaining strap

Claims

1. A folding bed comprising:

a frame having side rails and end rails connected to the side rails;

a hinge on each of the side rails such that the frame is configured to be folded in half with the end rails facing each other;

a platform mounted to the end rails and side rails via springs;

a plurality of legs connected to the side rails and being configured to fold between an open position where in the legs extend perpendicular to the frame and a closed position wherein the legs extend parallel to the frame;

a headboard connected to one of the end rails, the headboard extending perpendicular to the frame in a direction opposite to the legs in the open position;

at least one support element connected to the end rails or side rails and underneath the platform, for supporting the platform against excess pressure; and

a plurality of locking mechanisms, each locking

mechanism of the plurality of locking mechanisms being connected to respective leg of the plurality of legs, each locking mechanism comprising a respective pin and a respective plate, the respective pin being fixedly connected to the respective leg, and the respective plate being pivotally connected to the frame, the plate having a slot cut therethrough,

wherein the pin extends through the slot, and

wherein the slot has an acute extension on one end thereof, such that pivoting the plate so that the pin extends through the extension locks the leg in the open position, and pivoting the plate so that the pin exits the extension allows the leg to move into the closed position.

2. The folding bed according to claim 1, further comprising a mattress removably disposed on the platform, the mattress being adapted to be folded along with the frame.

3. The folding bed according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element comprises two support elements, said two support elements being arranged diagonally across the frame so that the two support elements cross each other.

4. The folding bed according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element comprises a strap.

5. The folding bed according to claim 1, wherein the platform is formed from a woven fabric.

6. The folding bed according to claim 1, wherein the legs are disposed in pairs such that each leg is connected to another one of said legs disposed on an opposite side of the frame via at least one crossbar extending between the two legs.

7. The folding bed according to claim 1, wherein there are two crossbars between each pair of legs.

8. The folding bed according to claim 1, further comprising a second folding bed connected to one of the side rails of the folding bed via connection pieces, the connection pieces having snap-on parts that fit on the side rails via shape-fit.

9. The folding bed according to claim 6, wherein each pair of legs is formed by a single U-shaped bar.

10. The folding bed according to claim 6, further comprising corner supports mounted at corners of the U-shaped bar.

11. The folding bed according to claim 2, further comprising at least one textured patch mounted to the platform for gripping the mattress.

12. The folding bed according to claim 2, wherein the textured patch is formed from one side of a hook-and-loop type fastener, arid the other side of the hook-and-loop type fastener is mounted to the mattress.

13. The folding bed according to claim 2, wherein the mattress has at least one strap extending across one side of the mattress, the strap being adapted to fit around the frame when the mattress is placed on the frame, to hold the mattress on the frame.