WO2021005631A1

WO2021005631A1 - Base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds

Info

Publication number: WO2021005631A1
Application number: PCT/IT2020/050171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Piercarlo BOLZAN
Original assignee: Bolzan Letti S.R.L.
Priority date: 2019-07-10
Filing date: 2020-07-09
Publication date: 2021-01-14
Also published as: EP3996554A1; EP3996554B1; EP3996554C0; IT201900011421A1

Abstract

A Base structure for furnishing components (1) is described, which comprises a substantially horizontal bottom wall (4), a plurality of perimeter walls (5) which rise upward from the bottom wall (4) forming a containing compartment (23) with it, a support structure (3), suitable to close on the upper side the containing compartment (23) and liftable with respect to the containing compartment (23) by means of lifting means (7).

Description

“BASE STRUCTURE FOR FURNISHING COMPONENTS, IN PARTICULAR

BEDS”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, generally usable for making beds that are equipped with a containing compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beds which have a base structure have been known and used for some time; in addition to supporting the springs and mattresses, the base structure forms a containing compartment (possibly several containing compartments), which can be accessed after lifting the springs and mattresses.

In addition to performing the primary function for which they are made, that is, to allow people to rest, such beds also offer the availability of a containing compartment, invisible from the outside, in which it is possible to store various types of objects, which for example are used occasionally.

Typically, the containing compartment is made in the form of a box, which has a bottom and four perimeter walls, typically vertical, and can be closed at the top with the springs on which the mattresses are rested.

In practice, the springs, both single and double and in other sizes, have one side hinged to a wall of the containing compartment, typically to the head wall, or headboard, or to portions of the lateral walls near it.

This hinging can take place by means of hinging units that allow the springs to be lifted by rotating them upward from the footboard, so as to allow access to the containing compartment.

An example of base structures for beds of this type is described in patent document EP3190925.

In other cases of a type known in the state of the art, the hinging units allow the springs to be raised with an articulated parallelogram movement, which takes the springs into a raised position parallel to the base structure, thus making the containing compartment accessible.

The possibility of lifting the springs allows both access to the containing compartment, and also greater convenience in rearranging the blankets after use, that is, in other words, it makes it easier to make the bed.

These types of base structures typically comprise a flat panel, which forms the bottom, and perimeter walls, which rise from the flat panel or bottom, all made of wood or wood-based material (such as MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard).

Both the bottom and also the perimeter walls have completely smooth surfaces, on which the hinging devices that allow the movements of the springs are fastened.

The fastening is normally done with additional screws and plates with a reinforcement or guide function for positioning the fastening screws.

In many cases, the perimeter walls have their faces facing toward the outside covered with padding and coverings made of fabric or other materials, to give the bed structure an overall design appearance that is particularly sought after and attractive to customers.

The padding and fabric coverings have respective end edges folded on the internal faces of the perimeter walls and fastened on these with known means. For example, they can be fastened with staples planted in the wooden walls, above which decorative tapes are usually glued to hide them from view. The tapes, which run parallel to the direction of longitudinal extension of the perimeter walls, also have the purpose of preventing the user from injuring his/her fingers due to accidental contact with the staples.

Furthermore, at least four additional brackets, typically L-shaped, are fastened on the internal faces of the perimeter walls, which have the function of supporting the bottom of the compartment with their respective horizontal wings, in a position raised with respect to the floor.

Other brackets or uprights can be fastened to the internal faces of the perimeter walls, to allow the springs to rest and be supported in their normal horizontal position of use.

One of the disadvantages of known base structures is that for assembly they require considerably long assembly times, since it is necessary to fasten to the internal faces of the perimeter walls all the mechanical components necessary to allow the movement of the springs.

Another disadvantage is that the positioning of these components, after assembly, is totally fixed and does not allow to adjust their position in the event of an incorrect or irregular assembly.

Another disadvantage is that in order to be able to bear the loads generated both by the weight of the springs and the mattresses, and also of the users, these components often require strong reinforcement flanges to be interposed between the perimeter walls and the connections of the components themselves. This disadvantage derives from the fact that the screws that are usually used to fasten the components can lose their fastening capacity when they are screwed directly into wooden walls, due to unwanted deformations of the couplings generated by the use of the bed over time and by the intrinsic structural characteristics of this wooden material.

Another disadvantage is that the panel that forms the bottom of the containing compartment is supported on the perimeter walls by means of additional brackets which must be previously fastened to the internal faces of the perimeter walls: this lengthens the assembly times and can constitute an important limit to the maximum load that the panel can bear.

There is therefore a need to perfect a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

One purpose of the present invention is to provide a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, which allows to significantly reduce the assembly times.

Another purpose is to simplify the lifting mechanisms and limit their bulk in the containing compartment, both to increase its capacity and also to obtain a visually more pleasant configuration.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, which allows to position and fasten the components that allow the movements of the springs both quickly and firmly to the perimeter walls of the containing compartment, without having to use reinforcement brackets.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, which allows to adjust the position of the components even after the base structure has been assembled.

Another purpose of the present invention is to make available a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, which is suitable to ensure that the paddings and coverings of the perimeter walls are fastened to the internal faces of the latter, without needing to use covering clips and tapes.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, which offers great versatility of use to the designer, who can use the same base structure for any desired bed size, for example for single, double, extra-large beds, such as the so-called“king-size” beds, and also beds of intermediate sizes.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, embodiments described here concern a base structure for furnishing components, in particular beds, comprising:

- a substantially horizontal bottom wall;

- a plurality of perimeter walls which rise upward from the bottom wall, forming a containing compartment with the latter;

- a support structure, suitable to close on the upper side the containing compartment and liftable with respect to the containing compartment by means of lifting means.

At least one pair of opposite walls of the perimeter walls is in the form of a profiled element which has an internal face and an external face between which a transverse thickness is defined, in which attachment means are defined, suitable to engage at least fastening means intended to fasten the lifting means to the perimeter walls.

In some embodiments, the attachment means can be configured as grooves.

A base structure of this type allows, in the event of irregular or erroneous mounting, to easily move the fastening means onto the attachment means, for example along the grooves, speeding up and simplifying mounting and assembly operations. One advantage of the base structure according to the present invention is that the internal face of the perimeter walls defines a sort of“equipped wall” suitable to receive a plurality of components for mounting the bed.

Advantageously, the attachment means can receive, in suitable positions, the means for fastening the mechanism for lifting the springs.

In addition, using the profiled element allows to simplify the lifting mechanism, eliminating some of its components and limiting its bulk with respect to known solutions, making the containing compartment free of parts, which limit its capacity and make it visually less pleasant.

One advantage of the present invention is also that, thanks to the grooves present in the profiled element, it is no longer necessary to make perforations in the base structure to position fastening screws, simplifying installation operations.

Furthermore, the attachment means are advantageously able to also receive fastening elements for paddings and coverings which externally cover the perimeter walls.

Another advantage is that the internal face already integrates members for supporting the bottom panel of the containing compartment, such members being able, for example, to be integrated in a single body in the profiled element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a perspective, schematic view of one example of a bed comprising a base structure for furnishing components according to the present invention, shown in an open condition of use in which a containing compartment integrated in it is visible;

- fig. 2 is an enlarged, schematic perspective view of a portion of a base structure for furnishing components according to the present invention;

- fig. 3 is a schematic, enlarged section view of a portion of the base structure shown in fig. 2;

- fig. 4 is a perspective view of an enlarged detail of a variant of a furnishing component, in this specific case a bed provided with a containing compartment, in which a portion of the base structure in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is also visible;

- fig. 5 is a schematic and partly sectioned view of a portion of the base structure in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings.

It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

We will now refer in detail to the various embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings.

Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof.

For example, the characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment.

It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

Before describing these embodiments, we must also clarify that the present description is not limited in its application to details of the construction and disposition of the components as described in the following description using the attached drawings.

The present description can provide other embodiments and can be obtained or executed in various other ways: thus, for example, the structure according to the invention can also be used to make other furnishing components, such as, for example, sofas or armchairs.

We must also clarify that the phraseology and terminology used here is for the purposes of description only, and cannot be considered as limitative.

Embodiments described using the attached drawings concern a base structure 2 for furnishing components 1, such as for example beds, sofas, armchairs, sofa beds, or suchlike. In some embodiments, the furnishing component 1 can be a single type bed, also called a single bed, or a double type bed, also called a king-size bed, or also of the type commonly known as a queen-size bed, the size of which is comprised between a single bed and a double bed, or also of other sizes and types.

Embodiments described by way of example by means of fig. 1 concern a double bed, which has a base structure 2 which supports a support structure 3, of a type known in the art, suitable to support a mattress 6 of coherent sizes. By way of a non-limiting example, the support structure 3 comprises an external frame, a load-bearing median rib, and a plurality of slats disposed parallel to each other, configured as wooden elements, which connect the load-bearing median rib with the external frame.

The base structure 2 comprises a substantially horizontal bottom wall 4, from which a plurality of perimeter walls 5 rise upward, in this specific case vertically, forming a containing compartment 23 with the bottom wall 4.

The containing compartment 23 can be closed on the upper side by means of the support structure 3.

The support structure 3 can be lifted with respect to the containing compartment 23 and the lifting is achieved with lifting means 7, of a type known in the art, comprising for example a pair of cylinder-piston mechanisms, in particular of the oil-dynamic type, wherein one of either the cylinder or the piston is connected to the support structure 3, while the other is connected to a perimeter wall 5, according to modes well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the perimeter walls 5 are configured as profiled elements 8.

In some embodiments, the profiled elements 8 can be made by extrusion with a preferably metallic and light material, such as for example aluminum or one of its alloys. It is evident that in other alternative embodiments, other materials can also be used, based on the specific construction and design requirements.

These profiled elements 8 can possibly be the same and be fastened to each other so as to be contiguous with each other, in order to delimit the perimeter of the containing compartment 23 of the base structure 2.

In some example embodiments, the base structure 2 has a plan rectangular or square shape. In this case, the profiled elements 8 define the four perimeter sides of the base structure 2, developing two by two parallel respectively to a first and a second axis of longitudinal development XI, X2. Such axes of longitudinal development XI, X2 are therefore perpendicular with respect to each other.

According to embodiments provided here, each of the profiled elements 8 has an internal face 8B and an external face 8A between which a transverse thickness S is defined, in which attachment means 21 are defined, which will be described in greater detail below.

It is understood that the expression internal face refers to the face 8B of the profiled elements 8 which, when the base structure 2 is assembled, faces toward the inside of the containing compartment 23, while the expression external face 8A indicates the opposite face of the profiled elements 8, parallel to the internal face 8B and facing toward the outside.

In some embodiments, the attachment means 21 can be integrated in a single body with the profiled elements 8.

In preferred embodiments, the attachment means 21 can be configured as grooves, which extend along at least part of the perimeter walls 5, so as to develop parallel to the first axis of longitudinal development XI, or to the second axis of longitudinal development X2 as above.

It is understood that in other embodiments, not shown, the attachment means 21 can comprise, in a completely equivalent manner, a plurality of holes, or shaped cavities, or hardware elements- such as, for example, a plurality of hooks provided with anchoring eyelets - or a combination thereof, or still other elements entirely similar to them.

In one particular embodiment, the attachment means 21 comprise at least a first groove, or upper groove 9, which is made on the internal face 8B in the thickness S and at least a second groove, or lower groove 10, which is also made on the internal face 8B in the thickness S and parallel to the first groove 9. The first groove 9 is disposed in the proximity of the proximal edge of the perimeter walls 5 intended to be adjacent to the support structure 3, while the second groove 10 is disposed in the proximity of the distal edge of the perimeter walls 5, that is, in the proximity of the bottom wall 4.

With reference to the embodiment that can be seen in figs. 2 and 5, the attachment means 21 comprise other grooves also made in the internal faces 8B, in particular a third groove 11 , interposed between the first and second grooves 9, 10, and disposed in the proximity of the first groove 9, and a fourth groove 12, obtained in a median zone of the profiled elements 8, between the third groove 11 and the second groove 10.

In some embodiments, the grooves 9, 10, 11 and 12 are substantially rectilinear, horizontal and develop almost for the entire length of the perimeter walls 5.

In alternative embodiments, the grooves 9, 10, 11 and 12 can comprise contiguous rectilinear portions to form a broken line, or portions separated from each other, in particular having a determinate inclination with respect to the horizontal, and/or continuous or separate curvilinear portions.

All the grooves 9, 10, 11, 12 are made in the transverse thickness S and can have cross-section profiles equal to each other and conformed substantially in the shape of a“C”, with the open side facing the containing compartment 23 of the base structure 2.

The attachment means 21 can also comprise one or more slits 13, 14, made in the thickness S and which open onto the internal face 8B. In some embodiments, the slits 13, 14 extend rectilinear, horizontal, almost for the entire length of the perimeter walls 5, and parallel to the first or second axis of longitudinal development XI, X2. In the event more than one slit is provided, all the slits are preferably parallel to each other and, consequently, are also parallel to the grooves 9, 10, 1 1 and 12 described above.

In the embodiments shown, a first slit 13 is interposed between the first groove 9 and the third groove 1 1, while a second slit 14 is interposed between the second groove 10 and the distal edge of the perimeter walls 5.

In one example embodiment, it should be noted that the internal walls 13 A, 14A of the first and second slots 13, 14 respectively can be indented. The indentations present in the internal walls 13 A and 14A have the function of accommodating and retaining inside them the end edges 16A of paddings 16 and possible coverings which, if necessary, can cover the external faces 8A of the profiled elements 8, as shown in fig. 2.

In embodiments described by way of example in fig. 3, the end edges 16A can for example be fastened to the respective perimeter wall 5 by means of mechanical engagement elements, for example dowels 22, mating in shape with the indentations present in the internal walls 13 A, 14A. In this way, the same shape coupling between the dowel 22 and the internal walls 13 A, 14A prevents the accidental disengagement of the end edges 16A from the wall itself. For this purpose, the dowel 22 can comprise, for example, a plurality of engagement elements 22 A (fig. 3) intended to engage with the indentation of the internal walls 13 A, 14A.

A projecting element 15 protrudes, in relief, in the lower zone of each profiled element 8, in the proximity of the second groove 10, which has the function of supporting the bottom wall 4 when the base structure 2 is assembled.

In a preferred embodiment, the projecting element 15 is integrated in a single body in the internal face 8B of the profiled elements 8.

The person of skill in the art will understand without difficulty that the bottom wall 4 can be disposed resting on the projecting elements 15, possibly connected to the latter by mechanical fastening means, for example comprising connection screws or pins, or similar elements.

With reference to fig. 4, there can be seen on an enlarged scale a construction detail of a variant of the base structure 2, namely an internal comer of the containing compartment 23, formed by profiled elements 8 that merge into a common edge, in which two profiles 8 converge to which the lifting means 7 are fastened, of a type known in the art and suitable to lift the support structure 3 and access the inside of the containing compartment 23.

Through the attachment means 21, for example through the first groove 9 and third groove 11, there can pass the fastening means 20, for example bolt bodies, which engage the attachment means 21 for the rapid fastening of the flat plate to the internal faces 8B of the profiles 8.

In some embodiments, the lifting means 7 can comprise a pre-formed angular plate 17, to which hinge members 18 are pre-fastened.

The angular plate 17 can be provided with notches and perforations 19, disposed in correspondence with the first groove 9 and the third groove 11, through which the fastening means 20 can pass, for example bolt bodies which engage the first groove 9 and third groove 11 as above, for the rapid fastening of the angular plate 17 to the internal faces 8B of the profiled elements 8. In addition to providing the hinge members 18, the angular plate 17 also has the function of fastening the heads of the profiled elements 8 to each other, forming the perimeter of the containing compartment 23.

In some embodiments, the lifting means 7 comprise angular plates 17 which can be fastened in internal comers of the containing compartment 23 between profiled elements 8 that merge into a common edge, and are provided with hinge members 18 and with notches and perforations 19 for the passage of the fastening means 20 to the attachment means 21.

Advantageously, in this solution the angular plates 17 allow to improve the hold of the profiled elements 8 in correspondence with the internal corners, helping to prevent misalignments caused by wear or loads.

In some embodiments not shown, the lifting means 7 can comprise one or more pre-formed (and therefore non-angular) flat plate(s) to which hinge members 18 are pre-fastened, and which is/are provided with notches and perforations 19 disposed in correspondence with the attachment means 21, for example of the first groove 9 and the third groove 11.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the base structure 2 for furnishing components 1, in particular beds, as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, any shapes and sizes whatsoever can be used, according to requirements, without departing from the field of protection of the following claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of base structure 2 for furnishing components 1, in particular beds, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. Base structure for furnishing components (1), comprising:

- a substantially horizontal bottom wall (4);

- a plurality of perimeter walls (5) which rise upward from said bottom wall (4) forming a containing compartment (23) with it;

- a support structure (3), suitable to close on the upper side said containing compartment (23);

- lifting means (7) configured to connect said support structure (3) to one or more of said perimeter walls (5) so that said support structure (3) is liftable with respect to said containing compartment (23), said lifting means (7) being fastened by fastening means (20) to said one or more perimeter walls (5);

said base structure being characterized in that at least one pair of opposite walls of said perimeter walls (5) is in the form of a profiled element (8) which has an internal face (8B) and an external face (8A) between which a transverse thickness (S) is defined, in which attachment means (21) are defined, suitable to be engage at least by said fastening means (20).

2. Base structure as in claim 1, characterized in that said attachment means (21) are configured as grooves that extend along at least part of said perimeter walls (5).

3. Base structure as in claim 2, characterized in that said grooves develop parallel to a first axis of longitudinal development (XI), or to a second axis of longitudinal development (X2), mutually perpendicular, of said perimeter walls (5).

4. Base structure as in any claim from 1 to 3, characterized in that said attachment means (21) comprise at least a first groove, or upper groove (9), which is made on the internal face (8B) in said thickness (S) and at least a second groove, or lower groove (10), which is made on the internal face (8B) in said thickness (S) and parallel to said first groove (9); in which said first groove (9) is disposed in proximity to a proximal edge of said perimeter walls (5) intended to be adjacent to said support structure (3), and said second groove (10) is disposed in proximity to a distal edge of said perimeter walls (5), that is, in proximity to said bottom wall (4).

5. Base structure as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that at least from said internal faces (8B) of said at least one pair of opposite perimeter walls (5) respective projecting elements (15) protrude cantilevered, in relief, and having the function of supporting said bottom wall (4).

6. Base structure as in any claim from 2 to 5, when claim 5 is dependent on claim 4, characterized in that said attachment means (21) comprise further grooves made in said internal faces (8B), in particular a third groove (11), interposed between said first and said second groove (9, 10) and disposed in proximity to said first groove (9), and a fourth groove (12), obtained in a median zone of said profiled elements (8), between said third groove (11) and said second groove (10).

7. Base structure as in claim 6, characterized in that said grooves (9, 10, 11, 12) are rectilinear, horizontal and develop for almost the entire length of said perimeter walls (5).

8. Base structure as in any claim from 2 to 7, characterized in that said attachment means (21) comprise one or more slits (13, 14), made in said thickness (S) and opening on said internal face (8B), which are rectilinear, horizontal and develop for almost the entire length of said perimeter walls (5); in which a first slit (13) is interposed between said first groove (9) and said third groove (11), while a second slit (14) is interposed between said second groove (10) and a distal edge of said perimeter walls (5).

9. Base structure as in claim 8, characterized in that said first and second slits (13, 14) have indented internal walls (13A, 14A), in which the indentations have the function of accommodating and retaining inside them end edges (16A) of paddings (16) and possible coverings of said external faces (8 A) of the profiled elements (8).

10. Base structure as in claim 9, characterized in that said internal walls (13 A, 14A) are configured to receive mechanical engagement elements (22) mating in shape with said indentations so that there is a same-shape coupling between said mechanical engagement elements (22) and said internal walls (13 A, 14 A) which prevents the accidental disengagement of said end edges (16A), in which said mechanical engagement elements (22) comprise a plurality of engagement elements (22A) intended to engage with said indentation.

11. Base structure as in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said profiled elements (8) are extruded elements made of a metal and light material, in particular aluminum or one of its alloys.

12. Base structure as in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said attachment means (21) are integrated in a single body with said profiled elements (8).

13. Base structure as in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said lifting means (7) comprise angular plates (17) which can be fastened in internal comers of said containing compartment (23) between profiled elements (8) that merge into a common edge and are provided with hinge members (18) and with notches and perforations (19) for the passage of said fastening means (20) and their engagement with said attachment means (21).

14. Base structure as in one or more of claims from 1 to 12, characterized in that said lifting means (7) comprise one or more pre-formed flat plate(s) to which hinge members (18) are pre-fastened, and which is/are provided with notches and perforations (19) disposed in correspondence with said attachment means (21).

15. Furnishing component (1), in particular a bed, characterized in that it comprises a base structure as in one or more of the previous claims.