SLASH BED FRAME

Abstract

A collapsible bed frame and a method for producing a collapsible bed frame are described herein. The collapsible bed frame may include a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may include two side panels, a foot panel, and a head panel. The collapsible bed frame may further include at least one hinge mechanism integrated into at least one panel of the plurality of panels to allow the at least one panel to be folded into a closed conformation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/750,274 filed on Oct. 25, 2018, entitled “SLASH BED FRAME”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to bed frames and more particularly to a collapsible bed frame with ornamental features that are functional as well.

BACKGROUND

Because everyone needs a bed, there is always a large market for beds, mattresses, and bed frames. Current art beds in general have several drawbacks. They tend to be expensive. They are difficult to move. One common way of moving beds is to disassemble them. The problem with that method is that reassembly of the beds is typically difficult and time consuming.

Bed frames are also usually fairly unattractive or boring in appearance. Those bed frames that do disassemble are noisy and unstable when disassembled. The components are often too large to be readily packed and shipped in boxes that a typical consumer can handle.

SUMMARY

This section is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a collapsible bed frame. The collapsible bed frame may include a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may include two side panels, a foot panel, and a head panel. The collapsible bed frame may further include at least one hinge mechanism integrated into at least one panel of the plurality of panels to allow the at least one panel to be folded into a closed conformation.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for producing a collapsible bed frame is provided. The method may include providing a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may include two side panels, a foot panel, and a head panel. The method may further include providing at least one hinge mechanism integrated into at least one panel of the plurality of panels to allow the at least one panel to be folded into a closed conformation.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of an interior side of a panel, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a detail view of an exterior side of a panel, according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate connection mechanisms utilized in a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11A shows a schematic view of a side panel having an inlaid portion on an outer side of the side panel, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11B shows a schematic view of a joint connecting a side panel and a head panel, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a collapsible bed frame in an assembled form, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a collapsible bed frame in a disassembled form, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of two boxes for transportation of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of disassembled elements of a collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for making a collapsible bed frame, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of embodiments includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. Approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical and operational changes can be made without departing from the scope of what is claimed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Aspects of the embodiments will now be presented with reference to a collapsible bed frame. The collapsible bed frame may have a plurality of panels including a foot panel, a head panel, and two side panels. Each of the panels may include a hinge mechanism integrated into the panel to allow the panel to be folded into a closed conformation. Each of the panels may include a first segment and a second segment pivotally coupled to each other by the hinge mechanism. The first segment may include a first slot, in which a sliding beam may be housed. The second segment may include the second slot. The first slot may align with the second slot when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded position such that the sliding beam can be moved, at least partially, from the first slot to the second slot to engage the second slot. This way, the sliding beam can overlap both the first segment and the second segment, thereby securing the hinge mechanism in the unfolded position.

Furthermore, each of the panels may have a joining end configured to form a finger joint with an adjacent panel. Thus, the collapsible bed frame may collapse around joints that allow the collapsible bed frame to be readily broken down and packed for transportation. The collapsible bed frame can be easily and compactly stored, e.g., in two boxes that can be easily carried. One factor that allows the collapsible bed frame to be readily disassembled is the structure of the panels. Another factor is the configuration of the finger joints joining the foot panel and the head panel with side panels.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 show an assembled collapsible bed frame 105, from various viewpoints, according to example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top plan view 200 of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view 300 of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front elevational view 400 of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view 500 of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view 600 of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view 700 of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the collapsible bed frame 105 can include a plurality of panels. Each of the panels can include be a rail and/or a board. The plurality of panels may include two side panels 110 and 115, a foot panel 120, and a head panel 125. In an example embodiment, the side panel 110 and the side panel 115 can be interchangeable. Similarly, the foot panel 120 and the head panel 125 can be interchangeable.

Each of the two side panels 110 and 115, the foot panel 120, and the head panel 125 can be configured to fold into a closed conformation. The mechanism of folding of the panels is further illustrated with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a detail view 800 of an interior side of a side panel 110 having a hinge mechanism 805, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 9 is a detail view 900 of an exterior side of the side panel 110 having a hinge mechanism 805, according to an example embodiment. The side panel 110 may include a first segment 810 and a second segment 815. The second segment 815 can be pivotally coupled to the first segment 810 by the hinge mechanism 805. In an example embodiment, the hinge mechanism 805 is positioned in the middle of the side panel 110. In a further example embodiment, the hinge mechanism 805 can be positioned anywhere along the length of the side panel 110.

Connecting ends of the first segment 810 and the second segment 815 can be angled to form a slash when unfolded. Thus, a connecting end 835 of the first segment 810 and a connecting end 840 of the second segment 815 can be inclined. The angles of inclination of the connecting end 835 of the first segment 810 and the connecting end 840 of the second segment 815 can be selected such that the connecting end 835 of the first segment 810 mate with the connecting end 840 of the second segment 815 when the hinge mechanism 805 is in an unfolded position.

The first segment 810 may include a first slot 820 configured to house a sliding beam 825. The second segment 815 may include a second slot 830. The first slot 820 may align with the second slot 830 when the hinge mechanism 805 is in an unfolded position. The first slot 830 and the second slot 830 can be provided on the interior side of the side panel 110 or/and on the interior side of the side panel 110.

The sliding beam 825 can be moved from the first slot 820 into a direction of the second slot 830 to engage the second slot 830 and to overlap both the first segment 810 and the second segment 815, thereby securing the hinge mechanism 805 in the unfolded position. In one example embodiment, the sliding beam 825 is a metal bar.

The first segment 810 and the second segment 815 may further include joining ends. Specifically, the first segment 810 may have a joining end 845 and the second segment 815 may have a joining end 850. The joining end 845 and the joining end 850 of the side panel 110 can be configured to form a finger joint (also referred herein to as a joint) to connect two adjacent panels. In particular, the joining end 845 of the side panel 110 can be configured to form a joint with the foot panel 125. Similarly, the joining end 850 of the side panel 110 can be configured to form a joint with the head panel 125. Thus, the plurality of panels of the collapsible bed frame can be connected to each other using joints. The collapsible bed frame can have four joints.

Though FIGS. 8 and 9 show the hinge mechanism 805 integrated into the side panel 110, the hinge mechanism 805 can be integrated into each of the two side panels 110 and 115, the foot panel 120, and the head panel 125 to allow each of the two side panels 110 and 115, the foot panel 120, and the head panel 125 to be folded into a closed conformation. Therefore, each of the panels may have a first segment and a second segment pivotally coupled to each other by the hinge mechanism. The first segment and the second segment may have a first slot and a second slot, respectively. The first slot may house a sliding beam. The sliding beam can be at least partially moved from the first slot to the second slot to overlap both the first segment and the second segment, thereby securing the hinge mechanism of the panel in the unfolded position.

The first segment and the second segment of each panels may have inclined connecting ends for mating the first segment with the second segment and have joining ends for making a joint with adjacent panel.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate connection mechanisms utilized in the construction of the collapsible bed frame 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a hinge mechanism 805 in a semi-folded position. The assembly of the collapsible bed frame 105 may commence with unfolding each of the panels to align the segments of each panels with each other. The side panel 110 may be straightened to the position shown in FIG. 10B. FIG. 10B shows the hinge mechanism 805 in an unfolded position.

A sliding beam 825 can be moved into a locked position to secure the hinge mechanism 805. In particular, the sliding beam 825 can be moved from an unlocked position in a first slot 820 of a first segment 810 of the side panel 110 to the locked position of a second slot 830 of a second segment 815 of the side panel 110. In the locked position illustrated in FIG. 10B, the sliding beam 820 can be moved towards the second slot 830 to overlap both the first segment 820 and second segment 815 of the side panel 110 so that the side panel 110 is locked in an open position. With the sliding beam 820 in the position overlapping both the first segment 820 and second segment 815, the side panel 110 can be locked in the open position and remain stable due to the reinforcing nature of the sliding beam 820.

FIG. 10C shows the connection mechanism used at the corners of the collapsible bed frame. The first segment 810 may include a joining end 845. An adjacent panel, such as the head panel 125, may include a joining end 905. The joining end 845 of the side panel 110 and the joining end 905 of the head panel 125 may be configured to form a joint 910 upon joining the joining end 845 and the joining end 905. Specifically, the joint 910 may include a 90-degree finger joint that connects the side panel 110 and the head panel 125 perpendicularly with respect to each other.

Each of the two side panels 110 and 115, the foot panel 120, and the head panel 125 may have joining ends to connect to each other by forming a finger joint. Upon connecting the two side panels 110 and 115, the foot panel 120, and the head panel 125, a rectangular shape of the collapsible bed frame 105 may be formed.

FIG. 10D shows how protrusions (not shows) of a leg 920 can be received into a slot 915 of the side panel 110 and a slot 825 of the head panel 125 to support the collapsible bed frame while locking the side panel to the head panel and provide stability at the corners of the collapsible bed frame.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the collapsible bed frame 105 may have four legs 920, each in one of corners formed by two adjacent panels. Each leg 920 may have protrusions and each of the panels may have slots close to the joining end of each panel. The protrusions may be received in the slots of the panels to support the collapsible bed frame 105 when the panels are joined.

FIG. 11A shows a schematic view 1100 of a side panel 110 illustrating an inlaid portion 1105 on an outer side of the side panel 110. The inlaid portion 1105 may be formed as an end portion of the connecting end of the first segment or second segment of the side panel 110. The inlaid portion 1105 may be angled and of a different color than the main portion of the side panel 110. In an example embodiment, a caption (e.g., a word of a picture) may be provided on the inlaid portion 1105, for example, a trade name. In an example embodiment, the inlaid portion 1105 colored differently than the panel is provided for each panel of the collapsible bed frame for aesthetic purposes. The inlaid portion 1105 may act as an ornamental element of panels.

FIG. 11B shows a schematic view 1105 of an exterior side of a joint 905 connecting the side panel 110 and the head panel 125.

FIG. 12 shows a collapsible bed frame 105 in an assembled form, according to an example embodiment. The collapsible bed frame 105 can have a plurality of foldable slats 1205. The foldable slats 1205 may be configured to unfold for transportation and storage purposes. The side panels 110 and 115 may have slots 130 for accommodating the foldable slats 1205 (see also slots 130 shown in FIG. 1). The collapsible bed frame 105 may also include a headboard 1210. In an example embodiment, similarly to the panels, the headboard 1210 may have a hinge mechanism to enable folding and unfolding of the headboard 1210 for transportation and storage purposes. The headboard 1210 may also include an inlaid portion 1215 carried out in a color different from the color of the headboard 1210 in order to act as an ornamental component.

As shown in FIG. 12, the collapsible bed frame may further include a middle beam 1220. The foldable slats 1205 may rest on the middle beam 1220. Therefore, the connection portion of the foldable slats 1205 for folding and unfolding can be placed in the middle portion of the foldable slats 1205 and, thus, rest on the middle beam 1220. In an example embodiment, each of the head panel 125 and the foot panel 120 may include a slot 135 (see FIG. 1) for accommodating a corresponding end portion of the middle beam 1220.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a collapsible bed frame in a disassembled form. The compact nature of the disassembled collapsible bed frame is readily apparent. All components of the collapsible bed frame can be packed into compact and relatively light shipping boxes. FIG. 13 shows a head panel 125, a foot panel 120, a side panel 110 and a side panel 115, four legs 920, a middle beam 1220, and foldable slots 1205.

In an example embodiment, the collapsible bed frame may be packed and/or transported in two boxes. FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram 1400 of two boxes for transportation of the collapsible bed frame. A first box 1405 can accommodate the head panel, the foot panel, and the plurality of foldable slats. A second box 1410 can accommodate two side panels and legs. Additionally, a middle beam, a plurality of bolts or other connecting members, and an Allen key for the bolts can be placed into any of the boxes. The bolts may be used to connect the hinge mechanism to the panels in the unfolded position in order to provide rigidity and avoid creaking. Additionally, the bolts may be used to secure the legs to the panels upon insertion of the protrusions of the legs into the corresponding slots of the panels. Furthermore, the bolts may be used to secure the sliding beam in a position overlapping both the first segment and the second segment of the panels.

In an example embodiment, a fully assembled collapsible bed frame for a queen size bed measures 62.5″×82.5″×11.6″. Using the construction disclosed herein, the collapsible bed frame can be disassembled and stored in two compact boxes that can be easily carried. The first box may measure approximately 43.9″ long ×13.58″ wide ×10.24″ high. The first box may weigh approximately 58.3 lbs. The second box may measure approximately 56.1″ long ×8.07″ wide ×8.07″ high. The second box may weigh approximately 45.41 lbs.

The assembly of the collapsible bed frame can be performed as follows. First, all four panels of the collapsible bed frame can be unfolded to move the hinge mechanism on each of the panel into an unfolded position. The sliding beam on each panel can be moved towards the second slot to overlap the first segment and the second segment of each of the panel. This way, the sliding beam may hold the hinge mechanism in the unfolded position. When the hinge mechanism is placed into the unfolded position, the sliding beam of each panel can be screwed to the panel by bolts or any other connecting members.

Then, the panels can be connected to each other. For example, a first side panel can be connected to the head panel, thereafter, the head panel can be connected to a second side panel, the second side panel can be connected to the foot panel, and then the foot panel can be connected to the first side panel. The panels can be connected to each other in any other order. The panels can be connected to each other by joining ends of the panels. In particular, the joining ends of the panels can be connected to form the finger joint. Upon forming the finger joint, the 90-degree corner created by two adjacent panels can be connected to a leg. Specifically, the protrusions of the leg can be placed into the slots of the panels. Upon assembly of four panels, a middle beam can be placed into the corresponding slots on the head panel and the foot panel. After placing the middle beam, foldable slats can be unfolded and placed into the corresponding slots of the side panels. The foldable slats can then rest by their middle portion on the middle beam.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram 1500 of disassembled elements of the collapsible bed frame, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a side panel 110, a side panel 115, a foot panel 120, and a head panel 125.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart 1600 illustrating a method for assembly of a collapsible bed frame, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method 1600 may include providing a plurality of panels at step 1605. The plurality of panels can include two side panels, a foot panel, and a head panel. The method 1600 may further include providing at least one hinge mechanism at step 1610. The least one hinge mechanism can be integrated into at least one panel of the plurality of panels to allow the at least one panel to be folded into a closed conformation. In an example embodiment, the at least one hinge mechanism can be positioned in the middle of the at least one panel.

The method 1600 may optionally, at step 1615, provide, in the at least one panel, a first segment having a first slot. The first slot may house a sliding beam. The method 1600 can then provide, in the at least one panel, a second segment having a second slot at step 1620. The second segment can be pivotally coupled to the first segment by the at least one hinge mechanism. The first slot and the second slot can be provided on an inner side of the at least one panel. The first slot can align with the second slot when the at least one hinge mechanism is in an unfolded position. The sliding beam can be moved from the first slot to the second slot in order to overlap both the first segment and the second segment, thereby securing the at least one hinge mechanism in the unfolded position. Connecting ends of the first segment and the second segment may be angled to form a slash portion when the segments are in the unfolded position.

The method 1600 may optionally include providing a plurality of foldable slats. Additionally, the method 1600 can include providing a plurality of joints configured to join the plurality of panels. The method 1600 may also include providing legs having protrusions and inserting the protrusions into receiving slots of the plurality of panels to support the collapsible bed frame when the plurality of panels are joined.

Thus, a collapsible bed frame and a method for producing a collapsible bed frame have been described. Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes can be made to these example embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present document.

Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A collapsible bed frame comprising:

a plurality of panels including two side panels, a foot panel, and a head panel; and

at least one hinge mechanism integrated into at least one panel of the plurality of panels to allow the at least one panel to be folded into a closed conformation.

2. The collapsible bed frame of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel includes:

a first segment having a first slot, the first slot housing a sliding beam; and

a second segment having a second slot, the second segment being pivotally coupled to the first segment by the at least one hinge mechanism, wherein: the first slot aligns with the second slot when the at least one hinge mechanism is in an unfolded position; and the sliding beam is moved from the first slot to the second slot to overlap both the first segment and the second segment, thereby securing the at least one hinge mechanism in the unfolded position.

3. The collapsible bed frame of claim 2, wherein the sliding beam is a metal bar.

4. The collapsible bed frame of claim 2, wherein the first slot and the second slot are provided on an inner side of the at least one panel.

5. The collapsible bed frame of claim 2, wherein connecting ends of the first segment and the second segment are angled to form a slash when in the unfolded position.

6. The collapsible bed frame of claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge mechanism is positioned in the middle of the at least one panel.

7. The collapsible bed frame of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel includes one or more of a rail and a board.

8. The collapsible bed frame of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of foldable slats.

9. The collapsible bed frame of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of joints configured to join the plurality of panels.

10. The collapsible bed frame of claim 1, further comprising legs having protrusions, wherein the protrusions are received in receiving slots of the plurality of panels to support the collapsible bed frame when the plurality of panels are joined.

11. The collapsible bed frame of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels is stored in two boxes for transportation, a first box of the two boxes containing the head panel, the foot panel, and the plurality of foldable slats and a second box of the two boxes containing the two side panels and legs.

12. A method for assembly of a collapsible bed frame, the method comprising:

providing a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including two side panels, a foot panel, and a head panel; and

providing at least one hinge mechanism, wherein the at least one hinge mechanism is integrated into at least one panel of the plurality of panels to allow the at least one panel to be folded into a closed conformation.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

providing, a first segment of the at least one panel, the first segment having a first slot housing a sliding beam; and

providing, a second segment having of the at least one panel, the second segment having a second slot, the second segment being pivotally coupled to the first segment by the at least one hinge mechanism, wherein: the first slot is configured to align with the second slot when the at least one hinge mechanism is in an unfolded position; and the sliding beam is moved from the first slot to the second slot to overlap both the first segment and the second segment, thereby securing the at least one hinge mechanism in the unfolded position.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first slot and the second slot are provided on an inner side of the at least one panel.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein connecting ends of the first segment and the second segment are angled to form a slash when in the unfolded position.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one hinge mechanism is positioned in the middle of the at least one panel.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a plurality of foldable slats.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a plurality of joints configured to join the plurality of panels.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

providing legs having protrusions; and

inserting the protrusions in receiving slots of the plurality of panels to

support the collapsible bed frame when the plurality of panels are joined.

20. A collapsible bed frame comprising:

a plurality of panels including two side panels, a foot panel, and a head panel; and

at least one hinge mechanism integrated into at least one panel of the plurality of panels to allow the at least one panel to be folded into a closed conformation, wherein the at least one panel includes: a first segment having a first slot housing a sliding beam; and a second segment having a second slot, the second segment being pivotally coupled to the first segment by the at least one hinge mechanism, wherein: the first slot is configured to align with the second slot when the at least one hinge mechanism is in an unfolded position; and the sliding beam is moved from the first slot to the second slot to overlap both the first segment and the second segment, thereby securing the at least one hinge mechanism in the unfolded position.