SUPPORT FRAME FOR A HEADBOARD

Title of the Invention

[0001] Support Frame for a Headboard.

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0002] The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of commonly assigned Canadian Patent Application No. 2,540,423, entitled "Support Frame for a Headboard" filed at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office on March 20, 2006, and of the Canadian Patent Application (patent application number to follow) entitled "Support Frame for a Headboard" filed at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office on March 15, 2007.

Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to bed and bed frame assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stand alone support frame for a headboard which does not require an external bed frame.

Background of the Invention

[0004] Nowadays, beds come in a plethora of shapes and styles. It is now possible to find metal beds, wood beds, superposed beds, baldaquin beds and so on and so forth. There is however one generally common element to all beds, they generally comprise a rectangular bed frame for supporting a mattress and often a box-spring.

[0005] The bed frame allows for other structures to be mounted to the bed. Thus, it is possible to mount or attach a headboard and/or a footboard to the frame of the bed. However, when a bed comes without a bed frame, for example, when a mattress and its corresponding box-spring are directly laid on the floor, it difficult to provide the bed with a headboard or a footboard, or any other similar apparatus since there is no structural attaching point to mount these elements.

[0006] To circumvent this major drawback, numerous devices and apparatuses have been proposed.

[0007] For example, Poyer (US Patent No. 2,709,817) discloses an apparatus for converting a bed into a couch. The apparatus of Poyer comprises a plurality of the L-shaped support members connected together by a top panel and an angled panel. The vertical portions of the L-shaped support members are designed to be sandwiched between the side of the mattress and the box-spring and a wall. Therefore, this apparatus cannot be used on a bed located away from a wall. Moreover, this device is not designed to be used as a headboard.

[0008] In US Patent No. 3,981,031, Schacht discloses an inclined bedrest. The bedrest of Schacht comprises a laterally extending L-shaped frame. The horizontal portion of the frame is generally sandwiched between the mattress and the box-spring. A slant sheet of fabric is mounted to upper edge of the vertical portion of the frame. Yet, the size of the bedrest of Schacht cannot changed according to mattress of different size.

[0009] More recently, Thim Jr. (US Patent No. 6,374,440) proposes a back support system for mounting to the side of a bed. The system comprises a frame having two L-shaped structures for mounted the back support between the mattress and the box-spring. However, the system of Thim Jr. has the same drawback as Schacht, namely its size cannot be changed. Moreover, and as for Poyer, the back support of Thim Jr. is not designed and adapted to be used as a headboard.

[0010] In the International Patent Application No. PCT/GB02/04013 (published under no. WO 03/020080), Collins proposes what is probably the prior art closest to the invention. In his application, Collins discloses a headboard for a bed wherein the headboard further comprises two integral horizontal portions, adapted to be disposed between the mattress and the box-spring, for supporting the headboard. Even though the headboard of Collins is a simple device, it has the same drawback as the prior art, namely that the headboard is sized for a particular bed size and that it cannot be resized a posteriori.

[0011] There is thus a need for a support frame for a headboard which obviates the above- mentioned shortcomings.

Objects of the Invention

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel support frame structure for supporting the headboard of a bed which does not require to be attached to a bed frame.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a support frame structure for supporting the headboard of a bed which can be easily mounted and dismounted.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a support frame structure for supporting the headboard which is modular and which can be adapted for beds of different sizes.

[0015] Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

Summary of the Invention

[0016] To attain these and other objects which will become more apparent as the description proceeds according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support frame for supporting the headboard for a bed.

[0017] As used hereinafter, the expression "headboard" is not strictly limited to headboard per se and therefore encompasses other similar structures such as footboard, backrest, bedrest and other similar elements, which can be usefully mounted to a mattress or a box-spring lying directly on a floor.

[0018] The support frame of the present invention is adapted to be mounted under a mattress or a box spring without the need of a bed frame. In other words, the support frame for the headboard is adapted to be used with a mattress or box spring which are directly lying on the floor.

[0019] The support frame preferably comprises at least two support structures and at least one frame member.

[0020] Each support structure of the support frame of the present invention is generally L- shaped when viewed from the side. The horizontal portion of the L-shaped support structure defines an elongated and preferably flat portion which is adapted to be disposed between the box spring (or the mattress) and the floor upon which the box spring (or the mattress) rests. The horizontal portion provides support for the support frame and generally prevent the headboard from falling away from the bed.

[0021] The vertical portion of the L-shaped support structure is also preferably flat. This second portion further generally comprises a first section and a second section. The first section of the vertical portion preferably substantially vertically extends between the horizontal portion and the mattress top surface. For its part, the second section extends from the first section. In a preferred embodiment, the second section extends generally upwardly and at an angle from the first section. However, the exact shape of the second section can vary in order to support headboard of different shapes.

[0022] When supporting a headboard, the support structures are generally disposed near the side of the head portion of the mattress and/or box-spring. Understandably, if the support frame is used to support a footboard instead, the support structures shall be disposed accordingly, in this case, near the side of the foot portion of the mattress and/or box-spring.

[0023] In order to maintain the structural integrity of the support frame, at least one and preferably two laterally extending frame members are fixedly mounted to the first section of the vertical portion of the support structures via nuts and bolts assemblies or other equivalent fasteners. A headboard, having preferably fastener receiving apertures, is then mounted, also via nuts and bolts assemblies, screws or other equivalent fasteners, albeit this time to the second sections of the support structures vertical portions.

[0024] Understandably, additional L-shaped support structures could be added to the frame structure to provide additional support.

[0025] As for the headboard, it can be of any shape and size as long as it can be fixedly mounted to the support structures. Still, as stated above, the support frame of the present invention is not limited to support only headboard and can be used to support other similar structures.

[0026] According to an aspect of the invention, the support frame is modular and generally comes unassembled. Therefore, depending on the size of the bed, the user can choose amongst headboards of different sizes and shapes, amongst frame members of different sizes and shapes and amongst support structures also of different sizes and shapes. The user can then adapt his or her current support frame to a new bed size by only buying a new headboard, at least one new and larger (or smaller) frame member and, if necessary, supplementary support structures.

[0027] The support structure of the present invention may comprise sliding means and/or folding means to facilitate the shipping and the handling. The folding means allows the support structure to fold on itself and to be extended or reduced in length. When the support structure is folded and/or reduced in length, the overall dimensions of the shipping box are smaller. The shipping cost is then reduced and it is easier to manipulate the shipping box.

[0028] The folding means may be, for example, a hinge with means to limit the opening of the structure and that may have a plurality of positions. The folding means may comprise ratchet means, allowing the structure to lock in the desired position. A locking means may be added to the hinge, or to the ratchet means, to maintain and secure the desired position. Any other mechanical means allowing two adjacent portions to be unfolded and locked in one or more positions may be used with the present invention.

[0029] The sliding means is used with an extension, or a segment, of the support structure. To extend the support structure, the sliding means may be, for example, a track having the possibility to have many positions that can be chosen by a user. Thus, a support structure portion may be composed by a plurality of segments, attached together by sliding means. A locking means is preferably used to secure the adjacent segments. It may be a ratchet means or any other suitable locking means.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second section of the vertical portion is slightly angled away from the mattress in order to create a comfortable resting position for a person.

[0031] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] Other aspects and many of the attendant advantages will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 is a exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the support frame and the headboard of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2a is a combined side and front view of one embodiment of the support structure of the support frame of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2b is a combined side and front view of a variant of the embodiment of the support structure shown in Fig. 2a.

[0036] Figure 3a is a front view of an embodiment of the frame member of the support frame of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3b is a front view of a variant of the embodiment of the frame member shown in Fig. 3a.

[0038] Figure 3 c is a front view of another variant of the embodiment of the frame member shown in Fig. 3 a.

[0039] Figure 4a is side view of the support structures of Fig. 2a and frame members as mounted to a mattress and a box-spring as per the invention.

[0040] Figure 4b is side view of the support structures of Fig. 2b and frame members as mounted to a mattress and a box-spring as per the invention.

[0041] Figure 5 is a side view of an example of a variant of the support structure of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 is a side view of another example of a variant of the support structure of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7a is a perspective view of a variant of the support structure having folding means.

[0044] Figure 7b is a perspective view of a variant of the support structure having folding means.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a variant of the support structure having folding means.

[0046] Figure 9a is a perspective view of a variant of the support structure having folding means.

[0047] Figure 9b is a schematic view showing how to fold the support structure of Figure 9a.

[0048] Figure 10a is a perspective view of a variant of the support structure having folding means and sliding means.

[0049] Figure 1 Ob is a schematic view showing how to fold and extend the support structure of Figure 10a.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0050] Referring now to Fig. 1, we can see an exploded view of one embodiment of the support frame assembly 10 for supporting a headboard as per the present invention.

[0051] The assembly 10 comprises at least two support structure 100, at least one but preferably two frame members 200 and, for the sake of the preferred embodiment, a headboard 300 albeit, as mentioned above, the support frame assembly 10 could be used to support other similar structures.

[0052] The headboard 300 shown in Fig. 1 has the form of a rectangular panel. However, the headboard 300 shown in Fig. 1 is for example purpose only. The skilled addressee will readily understand that headboard 300 of different size and/or shape could be used instead and that the present invention is not limited to headboard 300 as shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, headboard 300 having other size and/or shape as well as other similar elements could be used

with the assembly 10 of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Referring now to Figs. 2a and 2b, we can see, in more details, two similar variants of the support structure indicated as 100 and 100'. The only notable difference is the difference in length of sections 120 and 120'. This is due to the fact that, as stated above, the present invention could be used with headboards 300 of different sizes and shapes. Thus, a large headboard 300 would generally be mounted to support structures 100 having longer sections

120 (Fig. 2a) whereas a smaller headboard 300 would generally be mounted to support structures 100 having smaller sections 120' (Fig. 2b).

[0054] In any case, the skilled addressee will understand that support structure 100 and support structure 100' are functionally equivalent. Therefore, since both support structure 100 and 100' are substantially similar, only support structure 100 shall be described.

[0055] Fig. 2a simultaneously shows a side view (on the left) and a front view (on the right) of the support structure 100. When viewed from the side, the support structure 100 generally defines a L-shaped structure. The support structure 100 therefore comprises a generally horizontally extending portion 110 and a substantially vertically extending portion 115. In use, the portion 110 is adapted to be sandwiched between a box-spring 20 and the floor as shown in Fig. 4a.

[0056] The portion 110 needs to be long enough to prevent the whole assembly 10 to fall or tip over. In a preferred embodiment, portion 110 is coated with rubber or any similar anti- skid material to prevent unwanted movements of the assembly 10 once installed. The coating material should be chosen to simultaneous create friction between the portion 110 and the box-spring 20 underside and between the portion 110 and the floor. The coating also acts as a protecting interface between the portion 110, the box-spring 20 underside and the floor. The coating therefore protects the floor and the box-spring 20 underside from scratching and/or damaging which might occur upon unwanted movement of the assembly 10.

[0057] The portion 115, which generally vertically extends from the portion 115, itself comprises two sections 120 and 130. Section 130 generally vertically extends from the portion 110 whereas section 120 extends, generally upwardly, from section 130. In a preferred embodiment, section 130 is connected to portion 110 via a rearwardly protruding

angular section 140 (best shown in Figs. 2a and 2b). Section 140 is used to add structural rigidity to the support structures 100 and to slightly displace the centre of gravity of the assembly 10 above the portion 110 when the headboard 300 is installed. Section 140 can also prevent unwanted movements of the assembly 10 when there is movement on the bed. Section 140 also generally acts as a spring to resiliently prevent deformation of the support structures 100.

[0058] The height of section 130 is preferably equal to the combined heights of the mattress 30 and the box-spring 20 as best shown in Figs. 4a and 4b.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 1, 2a and 2b, each section 130 further comprises at least one and preferably two sets 132 and 134 of mounting holes 133 and 135 respectively. These sets 132 and 134 of holes 133 and 135 are for receiving the nuts and bolts assemblies (not shown) used to mount the frame member 200 or members 200 to the support structures 100 as shown in Fig. 1. The skilled addressee will understand that depending upon the necessary strength of the assembly 10, more or less frame members 200 could be mounted and therefore, more or less sets 132 and 134 of holes 133 and 135 could be provided.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, each set 132 or 134 of holes 133 and 135 comprises at least two holes 133 and 135. This disposition of the holes 133 and 135 prevents pivoting movements of the frame member(s) 200 and the support structures 100 with respect to each other. Understandably, the exact disposition of the holes 133 and 135 could vary and each set of holes 133 and 135 could comprise more than two holes. Holes having shapes other than circular could also be envisaged.

[0061] As explained before, when viewed from the side, portion 115 also comprises a section 120 which extends from the section 130. However, whereas section 130 was substantially vertical, section 120 extends upwardly but also slightly rearwardly to define an angled section. Section 120 is preferably angled to define a better resting position. Understandably, section 120 could be provided with different angles, or with no angle at all, according to the needs of particular users and/or according to the shape and size of the headboard 300. Furthermore, section 120 could also be provided with other shape if necessary in order to support headboards 300 of particular shapes. For example, section 120 could itself comprise two subsections, a first subsection extending upwardly and a second subsection extending rearwardly from the first subsection to define a corner-shaped section 1120, as in Fig. 5 for

supporting a headboard 300 having a shelf portion. Another example is shown in Fig. 6 where section 2120 comprises three subsections.

[0062] Referring back to Figs. 2a and 2b, each section 120 comprises at least one (e.g. Fig. 2b) and preferably two sets 122 and 124 of mounting holes 123 and 125 respectively. These holes 123 and 125 are for receiving the nuts and bolts assemblies or the screws used to mount the headboard 300 to the support structure 100. This disposition of the holes 123 and 125 prevents pivoting movements of the headboard and the support structures with respect to each other. Understandably, the exact disposition of the holes 123 and 125 could vary and each set of holes 123 and 125 could comprise more (or less) than four holes. Holes having shapes other than circular could also be envisaged. In any case, the number of sets of holes ultimately depends on the size of the section 120 and the size of the of headboard 300. Understandably, the headboard 300 preferably comprises corresponding fastener receiving apertures (not shown) corresponding to the sets 122 and 124 of mounting holes 123 and 125.

[0063] To add structural strength to the assembly 10 and as shown in Fig. 1, at least one and preferably two frame members 200 are fixedly mounted to the support structures 100, more particularly to section 130 of the support structures 100, via nuts and bolts assemblies or other equivalents fasteners. Removable fasteners such as nuts and bolts are preferred since they allow the assembly 10 to be easily mounted and dismounted.

[0064] Since the assembly 10 can be used with mattress and box-spring of different width (e.g. twin bed, queen bed, king bed, etc.), frame member 200 of different width can be chosen from. As shown in Figs. 3a to 3c, the frame member 200, 200' and 200" are relatively similar aside from the width difference and the difference in the number of sets of mounting holes.

[0065] As shown in Figs. 3a to 3c, each frame member 200, 200' and 200" comprises at least two sets 202 (202' and 202") and 204 (204' and 204") of mounting holes 203 (203' and 203") and 205 (205' and 205") preferably located near the extremities of the frame member 200 (200' and 200"). As shown in Fig. 1, the disposition of holes 203 and 205 is nearly identical to the disposition of holes 133 and 135 of section 130 of the support structure 100 since they must be substantially aligned with each other to allow the passage of the bolt of the bolt and nut assembly upon assembly of the frame structure.

[0066] As shown in Figs. 3b and 3c, frame members sized for larger bed, namely frame members 200' and 200", are generally provided with extra set (206') or sets (206" and 208") of holes for mounting to supplementary support structures 100.

[0067] Moreover, the exact shape of the frame members 200, 200' and 200" can vary and is not limited to the embodiment of Figs. 3a to 3c.

[0068] Referring now to Figs. 4a and 4b, we can see two variants of the assembly 10 of the present invention (without the headboard 300) as installed with a mattress 30 and a box- spring 20. As explained before, portion 110 (110') is sandwiched between the box-spring 20 and the floor. The frame members 200 are mounted to section 130 of the portion 115 and section 120 extends above the mattress 30 and box-spring 20 for receiving the headboard 300.

[0069] As the skilled addressee will note, one of the main advantages of the assembly 10 of the present invention is that when a person takes a seated position with his or her back resting on the headboard 300, much of the weight of the person will be located near the head portion of the bed (box-spring 20 and mattress 30) underneath which the horizontal portions 110 extend as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b. This localized additional weight will increase the pressure exerted by the bed (box-spring 20 and mattress 30) upon the portions 110 of the assembly 10, further preventing unwanted movements of the assembly 10.

[0070] In the preferred embodiment of assembly 10, the support structures 100 (100') and the frame members 200 (200' and 200") are made of metal such as, but not limited to, steel and aluminium. However, other material having similar structural strength are also within the scope of the invention.

[0071] The main advantage of this assembly 10 is that each component, namely the support structure 100 and the frame members 200, can be independently chosen, in number and/or in dimension and/or in shape, to fit a particular bed and fit a particular headboard 300. Moreover, a user can upgrade his or her already owned assembly 10 for a larger bed only by buying one or more supplementary support structures 100, wider frame members 200' or 200" and a new headboard 300. Also the assembly 10 is easily mounted and dismounted via the bolts and nuts assemblies.

[0072] The support frame assembly 10 of the present invention can either be sold in individual components, wherein the potential buyer chooses amongst different support structures 100, different frame members 200 and different headboards 300, or in kit comprising all the necessary components for a particular bed size and headboard 300.

[0073] Understandably, the particular support structures 100 and 100', frame members 200, 200' and 200" and headboard 300 have been presented for example purpose only and are by no means limitative in nature. It is therefore to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

[0074] Figures 7 to 10 show different variant of the support structure, further comprising means to facilitate the shipping and handling. In Figure 7a, folding means 710, 720 and 730 allow the structure to be opened as shown in Figure 7b. The surface 750 may be used as a shelf with a board (not shown) disposed on it.

[0075] In Figure 8, the folding means 810 and 820 allow the support structure to have an angle between the first portion and the second portion.

[0076] Figure 9b and 10b show the movement of the support structure between a closed configuration and an opened configuration with the folding means 910 and 950 and the extension 960 shown in Figure 9a and 10a.