US3501786A - Bed construction - Google Patents

Description

March 24, 1970 J. s. HuRwl'rz BED CONSTRUCTION l 6v Z m C 1. d@ m w www Q w o MH m H v M A s m Q, 2 Ov C w M Y vH r P B m H r d I rl1 -i j I ON l d: Q di w .I d@

Filed DeC.

March 24, 1970 .1. s. HuRwlTz BED CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. l5. 1967 1% Vla Z 7 @M T Nw w# 16. m d

Mae@ @mi m vl/Mrr Arrop/yfys United States Patent O 3,501,786 BED CONSTRUCTION Jacob S. Hurwitz, 990 Clark Place, Woodmere, N.Y. 11598 Filed Dec. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 690,269 Int. Cl. A479 I9/ 00 U.S. Cl. -207 13 Claims ABSTRACT 0F THE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to a bed construction which is characterized by ease and simplicity in assembly and disassembly and which has a peripheral frame adapted to provide a substantially dust proof seal with the oor thereby minimizing underbed cleaning. A rectangular frame is provided comprising a pair of depending parallel side frames removably connected by frictional interlocking slip joints to a pair of parallel end rails and a spreader therebetween, the latter functioning to provide frame rigidity while its upper end functions to provide bedspring support. The bulk of the bedspring support is provided by anges on the upper periphery of the respective side rails and foot rail and by the laterally extending leg of an angle bar attached to the head rail. Adjusting means such as machine screws threaded through the latter permit bedsprings of the same designation, eg., king size, queen size, etc., which, among dilerent manufacturers, have slightly varying lengths to be accommodated and held Hush against a vertical lip provided about the periphery of the flanges. A pair of reinforcement rails are removably provided between stops affixed to the respective side rails `and foot rail and serve to brace the foot corners of the frame. Angular cuts in the flanges at the foot corners permit overlapping by a boxspring thereby avoiding the projection of sharp frame corners.

This invention relates to a bed construction and particularly, to a bed construction employing corner slip joints for easy assemblage. In particular, the present invention relates to a bed frame construction sturdy enough for use in commercial sleeping facilities such as motels,

hotels, and the like, and which bed frame is designed` to be aiixed to the wall and oor by means of screws and become a fixed and permanent part of the room.

Beds used in hotels and motels must be sturdy and yet at the same time must be relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. When a bed frame is assembled, it is imerative that the parts iit together properly so that they will not fall apart or even give any indication of being insecure.

When a bed is installed, it is desirable that it be capable of being easily assembled and disassembled either with no tools or, at most, with only a screw driver to bolt it in place on the oor.

Another problem, and one of significant magnitude, which has achieved general acceptance as an inherent characteristic of furniture and particularly beds, is the seemingly rapid and never-ending accumulation of dust and dirt on the floor thereunder. Spatial restrictions hampering full and eicient utilization of cleaning utensils, e.g., brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, etc. and the great weight of the conventional bed frame complete with mattress and bedspring aggravate the problem and render it even more burdensome.

A further consideration which will appeal to the economy-minded and which for the most part appears not to have been entertained, concerns the relatively large floor area occupied by most beds. In point of fact, there is scarcely an item of furniture in the average household which occupies as large a floor area. Consideration of the 3,501,786 Patented Mar. 24, 1970 ice large quantity of Hoor covering, e.g. carpeting, tile, etc. required for such oor area and its attendant expense is cause for reflection by those concerned with efficiency, particularly as such floor covering does not provide the usual functional service. The ineliiciency aspect is considerably magnified where the household involved is not the average household but rather a hotel, motel, inn or the like.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a bed construction which is unattended by the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bed construction which may be assembled and disassembled with ease and simplicity.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bed construction which avoids or minimizes the need for under-bed cleaning.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and in part appear hereinafter in the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements or components are designated by like reference numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive bed construction,

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the invention,

FIG. 3, is an elevated, longitudinal sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and showing a ibox spring in position,

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing the interlocking construction at a corner of the assembled invention,

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective exploded view of a side wall and interlocking components of the invention in disassembly indicating by phantom lines their assembled construction,

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an end of the spreader component of the invention and indicating the slip joint construction and manner of interlocking, and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 6 and showing the interlocked construction.

The inventive bed construction as shown in FIGS. l and 2 comprises a pair of horizontally positioned parallel side rails 10a and 10b spatially separated by and removably connected by slip joints 11a, 11a1, 11b and 11b1 at the longitudinal ends thereof to a pair of horizontally positioned parallel end rails, the latter consisting of a head rail 12a and a foot rail 12b. The rigidity of the assembly is enhanced by spreader 13 which maintains the spatial relationship of side rails 10a and 10b. Spreader 13 is parallel to the end rails and removably connected by slip joints 11a11 and 11b11 to side rails 10a and 10b at a position intermediate the end rails. Further rigidity is provided the frame by a pair of reinforcement rails 14a and 14b, removably braced between the respective side rails 10a and 10b and foot rail 12 and held in position by pairs of stops, reinforcement rail 14a being held in position by stops 15a and 15a1 rigidly affixed to side rail 10a and foot rail 12b and reinforcement rail 14b being held in position by stops 15b and 15b1 axed to side rails 10b and foot rail 12b. Side rails 10a and 10b and foot rail 12b are provided at their upper ends with longitudinal anges 16a, 16b and 16C respectively, extending laterally outward from the assembled frame. Flanges 16a, 16b and 16C are adapted to accommodate and support a bedspring and are provided with upwardly projecting peripheral lips 17a, 17b, and 18 respectively, to contain the bedspring. The intersections of flanges 16a, 161;, and 16C at the foot end of the frame are cut at 45 degree angles to permit a bedspring generally constructed with rounded corners to project to the foot corners of the frame, thereby avoiding the projection of sharp frame corners. Angle rail 19 is adapted to support the head of a bedspring and comprises a horizontal, longitudinally extending member parallel to head rail 12a and intermediate side rails 10a and 10b, having a vertically disposed leg 19a axed to the inner side of head rail 12a and a horizontally disposed leg 19b extending laterally from the lower end of vertically disposed leg 19a inward of the assembled frame. A pair of machine screws 20a and 20b are provided extending horizontally through head rail 12a and vertical leg 19a of the angle rail 19 and symmetrically disposed on either side of a point midway between side rails 10a and 10b. Machine screws 20a and 20b are adapted to be adjustably positioned to permit bedsprings of the same designation, but which, among different manufacturers, have, as previously mentioned, slightly varying lengths, to be accommodated and securely seated against peripheral lip 18 of foot rail 12b. Holes 20 may be provided for securing the assembled frame to the floor.

A sectional view in elevation through line 3 3 of FIG. 2 is depicted in FIG, 3 and shows additionally a bedspring supported by the inventive construction as well as a mode of anchoring the frame. It will be observed that bedspring 21 is supported at its ends by the horizontally disposed angle leg 19b at the head end and flange 16C of foot rail 12b at the foot end and that the middle of bedspring 21 is supported by spreader 13. Machine screw 20b is shown projecting through the vertically disposed angle leg 19a and head rail 12a in an adjusted position such that bedspring 21 is rmly seated against peripheral lip 18 of foot rail 12b. Wood screws 22a and 22b are shown securing the inventive frame to the oor and Wall, respectively.

An enlarged view of the details of construction of a foot corner of the frame is provided in FIG. 4 wherein side rail 10b is shown at a right angle to foot rail 12b and removably connected thereto by means of slip joint 11b1. The corner portion of flanges 16b and 16e and their respective upwardly projecting peripheral lips 17b and 18 is removed by a 45 degree cut through the intersection of the flanges.

The fragmentary exploded view of FIG. 5 clearly reveals the simplicity of the manner of assembly and disassembly. It will be noted here that the slip joints 11a, 11a1, 11a-11, 11b, 11b1, and 11h11, which illustrate the preferred means for removably connecting the basic frame members, are each comprised of two parts which cooperatively associate to provide a removably interlocking, rigid connection. Both parts comprise U or hook shaped horizontal cross-sections, the one part being aixed to the side rails by one of its sides in parallel extension, the other part being affixed to the end rails and spreader by one of its sides in perpendicular extension. In FIG. 5 the slip joint parts with parallel extended sides 11b-2, 11b1-2, and 11b112 are shown affixed by their parallel extended sides to side rail b at respective head end, foot end and intermediate positions. The slip joint parts with perpendicular extended sides, 11b-1, 11b1-1 and 111211-1, are shown affixed by their perpendicular extended sides to head rail 12a, foot rail 12b and spreader 13, respectively, at positions such that frame assembly may be effected with the head end of side rail 10b abutting the inner side of head rail 12a, the longitudinal end of spreader 13 abutting the inner side of side rail 10b and the longitudinal end of foot rail 12b intersecting the foot end of side rail 10b.

The preferred means for implementing bracing of the foot corners is illustrated by stops 15a, 15a1, 15b and 15b1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and by stops 15b and 15b1 in FIG. 5. As shown, the stops may comprise a rectangular plate which is bent from its minor axis to form an oblique angle, the stops being aflixed by one face to a side rail or foot rail in such manner that the other face forms an acute angle with the respective rail opening in the direction of a respective foot corner. A pair of stops is provided for each foot corner, one stop being affixed to a side rail and the other stop being atiixed to the foot rail. Each pair of stops is adapted to receive a reinforcement rail and is so positioned that the reinforcement rail will serve as an effective brace for the respective foot corners.

An enlarged and more detailed view of the preferred means for removably connecting the basic frame members is shown in FIG. 6. For purposes of illustration the view shows a longitudinal end of spreader 13 with slip joint part 11am-1 affixed thereto by its perpendicular extended side, the U or hook shaped portion of such part being so constructed and arranged that it will cooperatively associate and interlock with slip joint part 11am-2 when the two parts are slidably engaged as shown. While various known constructions may be employed for frictionally securing and retaining the engaged parts of the slip joint, a preferred embodiment, illustrated in section in FIG. 7, involves the provision of a curvature or bow one side of one of the U or hook shaped parts such that frictional force is exerted by such curvature or bow against a slidably engaged side of a mating part. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 slip joint part 11a11-1 is provided with an inwardly directed curvature or bow in that face which is not perpendicularly extended. Slip joint part 11a11-2, when slidably engaged in slip joint part 11a11-1, as shown in FIG. 7, contacts the middle of the inward curvature or bow flexing it outward and effecting maximum frictional retentive forces.

What is claimed is:

1. A bed construction comprising a rectangular frame having a pair of parallel side rails, a pair of parallel end rails, the latter comprising a head rail removbly connected to said side rails at one end of the frame and a foot rail removably connected to said side rails at the other end of the frame, said side rails and end rails providing a frame periphery the lower end of wihch is adapted to rest on a horizontal plane effecting a substantially dust proof seal therewith and the upper end of which is adapted to support a boxspring, a spreader parallel to and intermediate said end rails and removably connected to said side rails, and a pair of reinforcement rails removably braced between the respective side rails and said foot rail.

2. A Ibed construction according to claim 1 wherein support for said boxspring is provided by lateral flanges on the upper ends of said side rails and said foot rail.

3. A bed construction according to claim 2 wherein said lateral flanges are cut off angularly at the foot corners to permit the corners of said boxspring to overlap.

4. A bed construction according to claim 2 wherein said lateral flanges are provided with a peripheral lip to contain said boxspring.

5. A bed construction according to claim 4 wherein said head rail is provided with adjustable means for accommodating boxsprings of different lengths.

6. A bed construction according to claim 5 wherein said adjustable means comprises machine screws threaded into said head rail.

7. A bed construction according to claim 2 wherein a lateral ange for supporting the head of said boxspring is provided by an angle iron affixed to said head rail.

8. A bed construction according to claim 1 wherein said spreader is adapted to contact said boxspring and thereby provide additional support therefor.

9. A bed construction according to claim 1 wherein said end rails and spreader are removably connected to said side rails by slip joints, the latter comprising a U shaped part having a perpendicular extended side aiiixed adjacent the longitudinal ends of said end rails and spreader and a U shaped part having a parallel extended side aiixed adjacent and intermediate the longitudinal ends of said side rails, said U shaped part having a perpendicular extended side being adapted to rigidly interlock with said U shaped part havmg a parallel extended side when slidably engaged with each other,

10. A bed construction according to claim 9 wherein one of said U shaped parts is provided with an inwardly curved face for effecting frictional contact with the other of said U shaped parts when slidably engaged therewith whereby the rigidity of the slip joint is enhanced.

11. A bed construction according to claim 1 wherein Said reinforcement rails are braced between stops aixed to said respective side rails and said foot rail.

12. A bed construction comprising a rectangular frame adapted to support a bedspring, said frame comprising a pair of horizontal parallel side rails having a lateral flange with a peripheral lip on their upper end for seating and containing said boxspring, a pair of parallel end rails comprising a head rail and a foot rail removably connected by disengageable means to said side rails at opposite ends of said frame, said foot rail having a lateral flange with a peripheral lip on its upper end for seating and abutting the foot of said boxspring and said head rail having an angle rail affixed thereto with a horizontally extending face for supporting the head of said boxspring and adjustable means for insuring the abutment of boxsprings of different lengths with the peripheral lip of said foot rail, the flanges of said side rails and foot rail being angularly cut at the foot comers to avoid projection of sharp frame corners when seating said boxspring, said side and end rails providing a frame periphery the lower end of which is adapted to rest on a horizontal plane eiecting a substantially dust-proof seal therewith, a spreader parallel to and intermediate said end rails and removably connected by disengageable means to said side rails, the

upper end of said spreader being adapted to contact and provide additional support for said boxspring, said disengageable means comprising a U shaped part having a perpendicular extended side aflixed adjacent the longitudinal ends of said end rails and spreader and a U shaped part having a parallel extended side aixed adjacent and intermediate the longitudinal ends of said side rails, said U shaped part having a perpendicular extended side being adapted to rigidly interlock with said U shaped part having a parallel extended side when slidably engaged with each other, and a pair of reinforcement rails removably braced between stops aiiixed to the respective side rails and said foot rail to provide rigidity at the foot corners.

13. A bed construction according to claim 12 wherein one of said U shaped parts is provided with an inwardly curved face for effecting frictional contact with the other of `said U shaped parts when slidably engaged therewith whereby the rigidity of the slip joint is enhanced.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/ 1942 Firestone 5-191 XR 4/1962 Ball 5-114 U.S. Cl.v X.R. 5-201

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