Shippable Foldable Bed Foundation
A shippable and foldable bed foundation for supporting a bed mattress. The bed foundation includes a base including a first frame having a bottom and a top, a second frame having a bottom and a top, and a connector pivotally connecting the second frame to the first frame. The first frame and the second frame are selectively pivotal with respect to one another about a pivot axis, such that the first frame and the second frame are selectively pivotal with respect to one another between an open unfolded position wherein the tops of the first frame and the second frame are generally coplanar and are adapted to support the bed mattress and a closed folded position wherein the base is folded and the top of the second frame overlies the top of the first frame.
The present disclosure is directed to a bed foundation that is adapted to support the mattress of a bed on top of the bed foundation. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a bed foundation including a base having a first frame pivotally coupled to a second frame such that the first and second frames may be selectively pivoted between an unfolded position for use in supporting a mattress and a folded position for shipping or transport of the bed foundation.
Bed foundations are rigid and inflexible, and are large in size. For example, a bed foundation adapted to support a Queen-size mattress may have a width of approximately sixty inches (60″), a length of approximately eighty inches (80″), and a height of approximately nine inches (9″). Bed foundations are difficult to transport and ship from one location to another location due to their large size and inflexibility. A bed foundation for a Queen-size bed will not fit within most automobiles for shipment or transport between a store and an end user's home. It is also difficult to transport a large bed foundation within a house or other structure, such as when a bed foundation is moved up or down stairways, around stairway railings, and around corners and through doorways in a house or other structure.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
The present disclosure relates to a bed foundation for a bed adapted to support a mattress of the bed. The bed foundation 10 includes a base 12, as shown in
Each frame 14A and 14B includes a generally planar bottom 24 and a generally planar top 26 that is spaced apart from and generally parallel to bottom 24. Each frame 14A-B extends generally parallel to pivot axis 20 between a first end 28 and a second end 30. Each frame 14A-B extends generally transversely with respect to pivot axis 20 between an inner side 32 and an outer side 34. Inner side 32 of first frame 14A is located adjacent to inner side 32 of second frame 14B when base 12 and frames 14A and 14B are located in the open unfolded position as shown in
Each frame 14A-B includes an elongate inner support member 40, an elongate outer support member 42, and may include one or more elongate center support members 44 located between inner support member 40 and outer support member 42. Support members 40, 42 and 44 are generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, one another and extend generally parallel to pivot axis 20. Each support member 40, 42 and 44 extends generally linearly between a first end 46 and a second end 48. An inner support member 40 extends along inner side 32 of each frame 14A and 14B, and an outer support member 42 extends along outer side 34 of each frame 14A and 14B. Each support member 40, 42 and 44 includes an elongate generally plate-like bottom slat 50 and an elongate generally plate-like top slat 52 that is spaced apart from and generally parallel to bottom slat 50. Top slat 52 includes a generally planar top surface having generally linear inner and outer edges. Bottom slat 50 includes a generally planar bottom surface having generally linear inner and outer edges. Top slat 52 of each support member 40, 42 and 44 includes opposing ends and extends between first end 46 and second end 48 of each support member 40, 42 and 44. Bottom slat 50 of each support member 40, 42 and 44 includes opposing ends that are spaced inwardly from first end 46 and second end 48 of each support member 40, 42 and 44. Each support member 40, 42 and 44 includes a corner post 54A that extends generally perpendicularly between bottom slat 50 and top slat 52 at first end 46, and a corner post 54B that extends generally perpendicularly between bottom slat 50 and top slat 52 at second end 48. Each support member 40, 42, and 44 may include one or more center posts 56 located between corner posts 54A and 54B that extend generally vertically between bottom slat 50 and top slat 52. Each corner post 54A-B and center post 56 may be formed as a generally rectangular block having generally rectangular and planar end surfaces and generally rectangular and planar side surfaces. Each support member 40, 42 and 44 may comprise a truss. Inner support member 40, outer support member 42 and center support members 44 are generally constructed in the same manner as one another. However, inner support member 40 includes square outer corners at first end 46 and second end 48, and outer support member 42 includes rounded or curved outer corners at first end 46 and second end 48.
Each frame 14A and 14B includes a bottom end slat 60 connected to first ends 46 of support members 40, 42 and 44. A first end of bottom end slat 60 is connected to first end 46 of inner support member 40 and a second end of bottom end slat 60 is connected to first end 46 of outer support member 42. Each frame 14A-14B also includes an elongate bottom end slat 62 that is connected to second ends 48 of support members 40, 42 and 44. A first end of bottom end slat 62 is connected to second end 48 of inner support member 40 and a second end of bottom end slat 62 is connected to second end 48 of outer support member 42. Bottom end slat 60 and bottom end slat 62 are spaced apart from one another and generally parallel to one another, and are generally perpendicular to pivot axis 20. The ends of bottom slats 50 of support members 40, 42 and 44 abut and are located adjacent to bottom end slats 60 and 62. Bottom end slats 60 and 62 each include a generally planar bottom surface having generally linear inside and outside side edges. The bottom surfaces of bottom end slats 60 and 62 are generally coplanar with the bottom surfaces of bottom slats 50 of support members 40, 42 and 44.
Each frame 14A and 14B also includes an elongate top end slat 66 connected to first ends 46 of support members 40, 42 and 44. Each top end slat 66 includes a first end connected to first end 46 of inner support member 40 and a second end connected to first end 46 of outer support member 42. Each frame 14A and 14B also includes a top end slat 68 connected to second ends 48 of support members 40, 42 and 44. Each top end slat 68 includes a first end connected to second end 48 of inner support member 40 and a second end connected to second end 48 of outer support member 42. Top end slats 66 and 68 overlie and are connected to top slats 52 of support members 40, 42 and 44. Top end slats 66 and 68 are spaced apart from one another and generally parallel to one another, and extend generally perpendicular to pivot axis 20. Top end slats 66 and 68 each include a generally planar top surface having generally linear inside and outside side edges.
Each frame 14A and 14B includes an elongate inner filler strip 70 that is connected to and that extends along the top surface of top slat 52 of inner support member 40. Inner filler strip 70 extends between a first end that is in abutting engagement with top end slat 66 and a second end that is in abutting engagement with top end slat 68. Each frame 14A-14B also includes an elongate outer filler strip 72 that is connected to and that extends along top slat 52 of outer support member 42. Outer filler strip 72 includes a first end in abutting engagement with top end slat 66 and a second end in abutting engagement with top end slat 68. Filler strips 70 and 72 are spaced apart from one another and are generally parallel to one another and to pivot axis 20. Each filler strip 70 and 72 includes a generally planar top surface that is generally coplanar with the top surfaces of top end slats 66 and 68. Each filler strip 70 and 72 includes an inner side wall that is spaced inwardly from an inner edge of top slat 52 of inner support member 40 and outer support member 42 thereby forming respective elongate channels that extend along top slats 52 and filler strips 70 and 72.
Each frame 14A and 14B includes one or more elongate cross slats 76 that are located between top end slat 66 and top end slat 68. Cross slats 76 are spaced apart from, and generally parallel to, one another and top end slats 66 and 68, and extend generally transversely with respect to support members 40, 42 and 44. Each cross slat 76 is connected to top slats 52 of inner support member 40, outer support member 42 and center support members 44, with a first end of each cross slat 76 being connected to inner support member 40 and a second end of each cross slat 76 being connected to outer support member 42. Each cross slat 76 includes a generally planar top surface that is generally coplanar with the top surfaces of top end slats 66 and 68 and filler strips 70 and 72. Each cross slat 76 extends between and is located closely adjacent to inner filler strip 70 and outer filler strip 72. Each cross slat 76 includes a first end located in the channel formed by inner filler strip 70 and a second end located in the channel formed by outer filler strip 72. Top end slats 66 and 68, filler strips 70 and 72, and cross slats 76 are adapted to support the mattress of the bed.
As shown in
Leaf 80A of hinge 18 is coupled to inner filler strip 70 and top slat 52 of inner support member 40 of first frame 14A by fasteners, such as threaded screws. Leaf 80B of hinge 18 is coupled to inner filler strip 70 and top slat 52 of inner support member 40 of second frame 14B by fasteners, such as threaded screws. Hinge 18 thereby pivotally connects inner side 32 and inner support member 40 of first frame 14A to inner side 32 and inner support member 40 of second frame 14B, such that frames 14A and 14B are pivotally moveable with respect to one another about pivot axis 20. Hinge 18 may comprise a piano hinge. Hinge 18 may alternatively be formed in other manners, such as a living hinge comprising a sheet of flexible material that flexibly and pivotally connects first frame 14A to second frame 14B. Hinge 18 may comprise a single hinge that extends substantially the entire length of inner support members 40 of frames 14A and 14B. Alternatively, a plurality of spaced apart hinges 18 may be located along the length of inner support members 40 of frames 14A and B.
As shown in
Side panel 106A is separated from side panel 106B, and side panel 108A is separated from side panel 108B, to allow for the pivotal movement of first frame 14A and second frame 14B with respect to one another about pivot axis 20. If desired, side panels 106A and 106B may initially be formed as a single continuous panel, and side panels 108A and 108B may be formed as a single continuous panel, when cover 100 is placed over frames 14A and 14B of base 12, and slits are subsequently cut in the side panels to thereby separate side panel 106A from side panel 106B and to separate side panel 108A from side panel 108B. The cutting or slitting of side panels 106A-B and 108A-B may leave the inner edges 110 thereof with a rough or unfinished looking appearance. Cover 100 may be coupled to frames 14A and 14B of base 12 by fasteners such as staples and adhesives. Cover 100 may be made from a flexible fabric material and may include padding.
Foundation 10 may include a corner cover 116 at each inner edge 110 of side panels 106A-B and 108A-B that provides a finished appearance to the inside ends of the side panels. As shown in
As best shown in
Foundation 10 may include a bottom cover 140A coupled to frame 14A and a bottom cover 140B coupled to frame 14B. Each bottom cover 140A-140B includes a sheet-like bottom panel 142 that are respectively coupled to and extend across bottoms 24 of each frame 14A and 14B. Each bottom cover 140A and 140B may also include a sheet-like inside panel 144 that is connected to bottom panel 142, and that is connected to and extends along respective inner sides 32 and inner support members 40 of frames 14A and 14B. Bottom covers 140A-140B may be made from a fabric material.
As shown in
Claims
1. A bed foundation for supporting a bed mattress, the bed foundation comprising:
- a base including a first frame having a bottom and a top, a second frame having a bottom and a top, and a connector pivotally connecting the second frame to the first frame, the first frame and the second frame being selectively pivotal with respect to one another about a pivot axis,
- whereby the first frame and the second frame are selectively pivotal with respect to one another between an open unfolded folded position wherein the tops of the first frame and the second frame are generally coplanar and are adapted to support the bed mattress and a closed folded position wherein the base is folded and the top of the second frame overlies the top of the first frame.
2. The bed foundation of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a hinge, the hinge pivotally connecting the first frame to the second frame.
3. The bed foundation of claim 2, wherein the hinge comprises a first leaf coupled to the first frame, a second leaf coupled to the second frame, and a pin pivotally coupling the second leaf to the first leaf for pivotal movement about the pivot axis.
4. The bed foundation of claim 1, wherein the first frame includes an elongate inner support member and an elongate outer support member, the outer support member being spaced apart from and generally parallel to the inner support member.
5. The bed foundation of claim 4, wherein the second frame includes an elongate inner support member and an elongate outer support member, the outer support member of the second frame being spaced apart from and generally parallel to the inner support member of the second frame, the inner support member of the second frame being located generally adjacent to the inner support member of the first frame and the outer support member of the second frame being spaced apart from the outer support member of the first frame, with the inner support members of the first and second frames being located between the outer support member of the first frame and the outer support member of the second frame, when the first and second frames are in the open unfolded position.
6. The bed foundation of claim 4, wherein the inner support member and the outer support member of the first frame each include a bottom slat, a top slat, and one or more posts extending between the bottom slat and the top slat.
7. The bed foundation of claim 6, wherein the first frame includes an inner filler strip extending along the top slat of the inner support member of the first frame and an outer filler strip extending along the top slat of the outer support frame of the first frame.
8. The bed foundation of claim 7, wherein the first frame includes a plurality of cross slats that extend between the inner filler strip and the outer filler strip of the first frame, the cross slats and the inner and outer filler strips having top surfaces adapted to support the bed mattress when the first frame and the second frame are in the open unfolded position.
9. The bed foundation of claim 4, wherein the first frame includes one or more elongate center support members located between the inner support member and the outer support member of the first frame, and a plurality of cross slats extending transversely to and supported by the inner support member, outer support member, and one or more center support members.
10. The bed foundation of claim 1, including a cover located on the base.
11. The bed foundation of claim 10, wherein the first frame and second frame each include a top, a first end, a second end, and an outer side, and the cover includes a first end panel that extends along the outer side of the first frame, a second end panel that extends along the outer side of the second frame, a first side panel that extends along the first end of the first frame, a second side panel that extends along the first end of the second frame, a third side panel that extends along the second end of the first frame, and a fourth side panel that extends along the second end of the second frame.
12. The bed foundation of claim 11, wherein the cover includes a top panel that extends over the tops of the first frame and second frame, a first bottom panel that extends over a bottom of the first frame, and a second bottom panel that extends over a bottom of the second frame, the top panel adapted to be folded over onto itself when the first frame and the second frame are in the closed folded position.
13. The bed foundation of claim 11, including a corner cover having a flexible sheet, the flexible sheet including a first surface and a second surface that extend between a first edge and a second edge of the flexible sheet, and an elongate strip that extends along the first surface of the flexible sheet and spaced apart from the second edge of the flexible sheet, the elongate strip is connected to the inner support member of the first frame such that an inner edge of the first side panel of the cover and a portion of the flexible sheet adjacent the second side edge of the flexible sheet are located between the elongate strip and the inner support member of the first frame, the flexible sheet being wrapped around the elongate strip with the portion of the flexible sheet adjacent the first side edge of the flexible sheet being connected to a side of the inner support member.
14. The bed foundation of claim 13, wherein the inner support member includes a corner post, the elongate strip of the corner connector being connected to an end of the corner post and the flexible sheet extends along and is connected to a side of the corner post.
15. The bed foundation of claim 1, wherein the first frame and the second frame each have a width parallel to the pivot axis of about 59.5 inches and a length transverse to the pivot axis of about 39.5 inches.
16. The bed foundation of claim 1, wherein the first frame and the second frame each have a width parallel to the pivot axis of about 29.75 inches and a length transverse to the pivot axis of about 39.5 inches.
17. The bed foundation of claim 1, wherein the first frame and the second frame each have a width parallel to the pivot axis of about 37.5 inches and a length transverse to the pivot axis of about 39.5 inches.
18. A bed support for supporting a bed mattress, the bed support comprising a first bed foundation and a second bed foundation, each bed foundation including a base having a first frame and a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame for pivotal movement of the first frame and the second frame with respect to one another about a pivot axis, whereby the first frame and the second frame are selectively pivotal with respect to one another between an open unfolded folded position wherein respective tops of the first frame and the second frame are generally coplanar and are adapted to support the bed mattress and a closed folded position wherein the base is folded and the top of the second frame overlies the top of the first frame, the first bed foundation and the second bed foundation adapted to be located side-by-side when in the open unfolded position to support the bed mattress.
19. The bed support of claim 18, wherein the pivot axis of the base of the first bed foundation is adapted to be coaxially aligned with the pivot axis of the base of the second bed foundation when the first and second bed foundations are in the open unfolded position for supporting a bed mattress.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 3, 2021
Publication Date: Nov 4, 2021
Inventor: Martin Schulz, JR. (Brenham, TX)
Application Number: 17/190,667