TALL AND STURDY METAL MATTRESS PLATFORMS

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional

Patent Application Serial No. 15/335,332, filed October 26, 2016, for "Tall and Sturdy Metal Mattress Platforms."

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to mattress platforms constructed of metal and used to support a mattress cushion above the ground.

BACKGROUND

Mattresses are commonly supported above ground using an assembly that includes a metal frame and a mattress foundation, which is commonly referred to in the industry as a "box spring" or a "box." The metal frame is constructed to support the foundation above the ground, and typically includes two mattress length rails, each of which has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape so as to receive a lower longitudinal edge of the foundation therein. One or more cross-beams connect the rails together. Legs are typically disposed at the four comers of the frame. Occasionally, an additional leg or support member may be disposed at the center of a central cross-beam to provide additional support at the center of the mattress. The rails of the frame are commonly about seven inches above the ground.

The foundation is typically constructed of wood, and may include a fabric covering thereon. The foundation typically has a thickness of about nine inches. An upper surface of the foundation provides a platform surface upon which the mattress rests.

The height at which the lower surface of a mattress is positioned above ground when supported by such a metal frame and foundation assembly is thus defined by the length of the legs of the metal frame and the thickness of the foundation.

Metal mattress platforms have also been used as an alternative to such metal frame and foundation assemblies, though they are less common. Metal mattress platforms generally include a layer of metal mattress support members and legs holding the support members above the ground. Such metal mattress platforms typically suffer from two primary drawbacks, namely stability and limited height. In particular, in attempting to support a mattress at a height above the ground comparable to that of mattresses supported by frame and foundation assemblies, the legs of mattress platforms are typically longer than the legs of the frames of frame and foundation assemblies. However, as the length of the legs is increased, the ability of the legs to flex increases and the platform becomes unstable.

In compromising between the factors of height and stability, metal mattress platforms have typically been constructed such that the upper platform surface thereof is disposed at a height of about fourteen inches or less above the ground.

DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of metal mattress platforms of the present disclosure have been developed in an effort to provide a metal mattress platform that is high above ground, while still being very rigid and stable.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a metal mattress platform comprising a plurality of interconnected metal bars disposed in a common plane (in an assembled state) and forming a generally rectangular frame, and at least four legs. Upper surfaces of the metal bars define a platform surface of the metal mattress platform. Each leg is disposed proximate a respective comer of the rectangular frame. A distance between lower surfaces of each leg and the platform surface may be at least sixteen inches.

In additional embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method of forming a metal mattress platform. A generally rectangular frame is formed that comprises a plurality of interconnected metal bars disposed in a common plane (in an assembled state). Upper surfaces of the metal bars define a platform surface of the metal mattress platform. At least four legs are attached to the generally rectangular frame. Each leg is disposed proximate a respective comer of the rectangular frame. A distance between lower surfaces of each leg and the platform surface is at least sixteen inches.

In yet further embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method of assembling a metal mattress platform. A first panel of interconnected metal bars and a second panel of interconnected metal bars are provided. The first panel and the second panel are hingedly coupled to one another and folded relative to one another so as to be disposed adjacent one another in parallel planes. Each of the first and second panels includes at least two legs hingedly attached thereto proximate a respective comer thereof and folded such that the legs are oriented generally parallel to the parallel planes of the first and second panels. In accordance with the method, the first and second panels are unfolded such that the first and second panels are coplanar, and the legs are unfolded relative to the panels such that the legs are oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second panels. A distance between lower surfaces of each leg and the platform surface may be at least sixteen inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present invention, various features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a twin size metal mattress platform according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a twin size metal mattress platform as illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of a twin size metal mattress platform as illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 illustrates a manner of assembling the metal mattress platform of FIG. 1 from a folded state;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a comer of the metal mattress platform of FIG. 1 and illustrates a bracket that may be used to secure a leg of the platform to a rectangular frame of the platform;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a queen size metal mattress platform according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the metal mattress platform of FIG. 6 and illustrates a manner of assembling the metal mattress platform of FIG. 6 by securing panels of interconnected bars to one another so as to form a rectangular frame of the platform;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a queen size metal mattress platform as illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a king size metal mattress platform according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are enlarged views of portions of the metal mattress platform of FIG. 9 and illustrate a manner of assembling the metal mattress platform of FIG. 9 by securing panels of interconnected bars to one another so as to form a rectangular frame of the platform; and

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a king size metal mattress platform as illustrated in

FIG. 9. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any particular metal mattress platform or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe embodiments of the present disclosure. Elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of a metal mattress platform 100 of the present disclosure. The metal mattress platform 100 includes a plurality of interconnected metal bars 102, which are disposed in a common plane and form a generally rectangular frame 104 upon which a mattress may be supported. In particular, upper surfaces of the metal bars 102 define a platform surface of the metal mattress platform 100, which supports a mattress during use. The metal mattress platform 100 further includes four legs 106, each of which is disposed proximate a respective comer of the rectangular frame 104. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the metal mattress platform 100 includes two additional legs 108 located on each of the two lateral sides of the platform 100 at a midpoint along the length of the platform 100.

Each of the interconnected bars 102 may comprise a relatively strong metal or metal alloy, such as steel. For example, the bars 102 may comprise a metal or metal alloy that exhibits a yield strength of approximately 75 MPa or more, 100 MPa or more, or even 180 MPa or more.

In some embodiments, the bars 102 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, or a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bars 102 may be hollow tubes. As one particular non-limiting example, the bars 102 may be hollow tubes having a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

As a non-limiting example, the bars 102 may have average cross-sectional dimensions of between about 0.25 inches and about 1.5 inches, or more particularly, between about 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches.

The rectangular frame 104 may include two or more panels of the interconnected metal bars 102 that are coupled to one another. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the rectangular frame 104 includes a first panel 11 OA of interconnected metal bars 102 and a second panel 110B of interconnected metal bars 102 that are hingedly coupled to one another, as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

The interconnected metal bars 102 of each panel 110A, HOB may be rigidly coupled to one another. For example, the interconnected metal bars 102 of each panel 110A, HOB may be welded to one another. In other embodiments, the bars 102 of each panel 110A, HOB may be rigidly coupled to one another using bolts and nuts, screws, or other fasteners.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bars 102 of each panel 110A, HOB may be arranged in a rectangular grid comprising rows and columns of the bars 102. In such embodiments, a plurality of rectangular apertures 114 may be defined in the rectangular frame 104. The rectangular apertures 1 14 may have a width of between about 3.5 inches and about 6.5 inches, and a length of between about 7.5 inches and about 10.5 inches.

In some embodiments, each of the legs 106 may be located a distance from the peripheral edge of the rectangular frame 104. For example, the legs 106 may be located a distance of at least about two inches, or even at least about three inches from the peripheral edge of the rectangular frame 104. In other embodiments, each of the legs 106 may be located substantially along the peripheral edge of the rectangular frame 104.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a distance between the lower surfaces of each leg 106, 108 and the upper platform surface of the rectangular frame 104 may be at least sixteen inches (e.g., 16.5 inches).

The legs 106 may have a round, oval, or rectangular (e.g., square) cross-sectional shape. As one particular non-limiting embodiment, the legs 106, 108 may have a round cross-sectional shape, which may provide improved strength and stability relative to common previously used legs in similar platforms. In such embodiments, the round legs may have a cross-section diameter of 1.25 inches or more, 1.30 inches or more, 1.5 inches or more, or even 2.0 inches or more. Furthermore, the legs 106, 108 also may comprise a relatively strong metal or metal alloy, such as steel. For example, the legs 106, 108 may comprise a metal or metal alloy that exhibits a yield strength of approximately 75 MPa or more, 100 MPa or more, or even 180 MPa or more. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional size of the additional legs 108 may be greater than a cross-sectional size of the legs 106. As one non-limiting example embodiments, the legs 106 may be round and have a diameter of 1.25 inches, and the legs 108 may be round and have a diameter of 1.30 inches.

The platform 100 of FIGS. 1-3 is illustrated as being sized and configured to support a twin-XL-sized mattress. In such embodiments, for example, the generally rectangular frame 104 may have a length of between about 78 inches and 80 inches and a width of between about 36 inches and about 38 inches. In other embodiments, however, the platform 100 may be sized and configured for supporting any of the other standard mattress sizes, such as twin, full, full XL, queen, king, and California king. In some embodiments, the frame 104 may be at least one-half inch smaller in length and width than standard mattress sizes to ensure that the hard frame 104 does not protrude beyond a mattress supported thereon.

As previously mentioned, the first panel 110A of bars 102 and the second panel HOB of bars 102 may be hingedly coupled to one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a bracket 116 may be disposed at an upper end of each of the additional legs 108, and each of the first and second panels 11 OA, 110B may be pivotally attached to the brackets 116. In other words, each of the panels 110A, HOB may be capable of pivoting relative to the brackets 116. Furthermore, the legs 106 may be hingedly attached to the panels 110A, HOB, such that the legs 106 may be folded between a position in which the legs are oriented at least generally parallel to the panels 110A, 110B to which they are respectively attached and another position in which they are perpendicular to the panels 110A, 110B to which they are attached.

In this configuration, the platform 100 may be folded into a condensed state for storage and/or shipment in which the panels 110A, 110B are folded relative to one another so as to be disposed adjacent to one another in parallel planes, with the legs 108, 106 also oriented at least generally parallel to the panels 110A, HOB (and the parallel planes in which they are respectively disposed in the folded state) and disposed between the panels 110A, HOB. To assemble the platform 100 from the folded state, the first and second panels 110A, HOB may be unfolded such that the panels 110A, 110B are coplanar (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), and the legs 106 may be unfolded relative to the panels 110A, 100B such that the legs 106 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second panels 11 OA, H OB, respectively, as illustrated by the directional arrows in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, a bracket 118 may be used to lock the legs 106 in the unfolded orientation. One end of each bracket 116 may be permanently fixed to either the legs 106 or a bar 102 of the frame 104, and the other end of each bracket 116 may be configured to be secured to the other of the legs 106 or a bar 102 of the frame 104 using, for example, a bolt and nut, a screw, or any other type of mechanical locking feature that can be used to repeatedly secure and unsecure the bracket 118 in position.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an additional embodiment of a mattress platform 200 of the present disclosure. The mattress platform 200 is generally similar to the mattress

platform 100, but essentially includes two platforms (each similar to the platform 100) that have been coupled together along lateral edges thereof so as to provide a wider platform for larger mattress sizes. As a non-limiting example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 is sized and configured as a queen size mattress platform. The platform 200 includes a plurality of interconnected metal bars 202, which are disposed in a common plane and form a generally rectangular frame 204 upon which a mattress may be supported. Upper surfaces of the metal bars 202 define a platform surface of the metal mattress platform 200. The bars 202 may be as described above in relation to the bars 102.

As a queen size mattress platform 200, the generally rectangular frame 204 may have a length of between about 78 inches and about 80 inches and a width of between about 58 inches and about 60 inches. In other embodiments, however, the platform 200 may be sized and configured for supporting any of the other standard mattress sizes, such as twin, twin XL, full, full XL, king, and California king.

The metal mattress platform 200 further includes eight legs 206, four of which are disposed proximate a respective comer of the rectangular frame 204. The other four legs 206 are disposed proximate the longitudinal ends of the frame 204 closer to the lateral midpoint of the frame 204. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the metal mattress platform 200 includes four additional legs 208 located along a longitudinal midpoint of the platform 200. Each of the legs 206 may be located a distance from the peripheral edge of the rectangular frame 204, and a distance between the lower surfaces of each leg 206, 208 and the upper platform surface of the rectangular frame 204 may be at least sixteen inches (e.g., 16.5 inches), as previously described.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, the rectangular frame 204 includes a first panel 21 OA, a second panel 210B, a third panel 2 IOC, and a fourth panel 210D, each of which comprises a plurality of interconnected metal bars 202. Each of the panels 210A-210D may be generally as described above in relation to the panels 110A, 1 10B of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. Thus, the bars 202 of each panel 210A-210D may be arranged in a rectangular grid comprising rows and columns of the bars 202 such that a plurality of rectangular apertures 214 are defined in the rectangular frame 204.

The first panel 21 OA of bars 202 and the second panel 210B of bars 202 may be hingedly coupled to one another as previously described in relation to the panels 110A, 110B. For example, a bracket 216 may be disposed at an upper end of each of the additional legs 208, and each of the first and second panels 21 OA, 210B may be pivotally attached to the brackets 216. Similarly, the third panel 210C of bars 202 and the fourth panel 210D of bars 202 may be hingedly coupled to one another, as previously described in relation to the panels 110A, HOB, using brackets 216 disposed at an upper end of each of the additional legs 208, for example. Additionally, the first panel 210A and the third panel 210C may be rigidly coupled to one another, and the second panel 210B and the fourth panel 210D may be rigidly coupled to one another. In this configuration, the first panel 21 OA and the third panel 210C are hingedly coupled to the second panel 210B and the fourth panel 210D.

Referring to FIG. 7, as a non-limiting example, the first panel 21 OA and the third panel 2 IOC may be rigidly coupled to one another by providing a male member 224 on one of the first and third panels 21 OA, 2 IOC, providing a female member 226 on another of the first and third panels 210A, 210C. The male member 224 may be inserted into the female member 226, and a fastener 229 may be used to secure the male member 224 in position within the female member 226. As a non-limiting example, an aperture 228 may be formed transversely through each of the male member 224 and the female member 226, and a fastener 229 may be inserted through the apertures 228 while the male member 224 is inserted into the female member 226 such that the apertures 228 are in alignment with one another. The second panel 210B and the fourth panel 210D may be rigidly coupled to one another in the same manner.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the male and female members 224, 226 used to rigidly couple the first and third panels 21 OA, 2 IOC together and to rigidly couple the second and fourth panels 210B, 210D together may be disposed at the ends of bars 202 at the opposing longitudinal ends of the rectangular frame 204. Although not shown in the figures, additional male and female members 224, 226 could be used to rigidly couple the first and third panels 21 OA, 2 IOC together and to rigidly couple the second and fourth panels 210B, 210D together at bars 202 located proximate the longitudinal center of the frame 204, and/or at any other longitudinal position along the frame 204.

As previously described in relation to the platform 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the legs 206 may be hingedly attached to the panels 210A-210D, respectively, such that the legs 206 may be folded between a position in which the legs 206 are oriented at least generally parallel to the panels 210A-210D to which they are attached and another position in which they are perpendicular to the panels 210A-210D to which they are attached.

Thus, the platform 200 may be folded into a condensed state for storage and/or shipment in a similar manner as previously described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, but wherein the first and second panels 21 OA, 210B are disconnected from the third and fourth panels 210C, 210D. To assemble the platform 200 from the disassembled and folded state, the first and second panels 210A, 210B may be unfolded such that the panels 210A, 210B are coplanar, and the legs 206 may be unfolded relative to the panels 21 OA, 210B such that the legs 206 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second panels 21 OA, 210B, respectively. As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 5, a bracket 218 (FIGS. 6 and 7) may be used to lock the legs 206 in the unfolded orientation. Similarly, the third and fourth panels 210C, 210D may be unfolded such that the panels 210C, 210D are coplanar, and the legs 206 may be unfolded relative to the panels 2 IOC, 210D such that the legs 206 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth panels 210C, 210D, respectively, and a bracket 218 may be used to lock the legs 206 in the unfolded orientation. The first panel 21 OA and the third panel 2 IOC then may be rigidly coupled to one another, and the second panel 210B and the fourth panel 210D may be rigidly coupled to one another, as previously described herein.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate an additional embodiment of a mattress platform 300 of the present disclosure. The mattress platform 300 is generally similar to the mattress platforms 100 and 200, but essentially includes two platforms (each similar to the platform 100) that have been coupled together along lateral edges thereof using additional intermediate platforms so as to provide an even wider platform for larger mattress sizes. As a non-limiting example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-12 is sized and configured as a king size mattress platform.

As in the previous embodiments, the platform 300 includes a plurality of

interconnected metal bars 302, which are disposed in a common plane and form a generally rectangular frame 304 upon which a mattress may be supported. Upper surfaces of the metal bars 302 define a platform surface of the metal mattress platform 300. The bars 302 may be as described above in relation to the bars 102.

As a king size mattress platform 300, the generally rectangular frame 304 may have a length of between about 78 inches and about 80 inches and a width of between about 74 inches and about 76 inches. In other embodiments, however, the platform 300 may be sized and configured for supporting any of the other standard mattress sizes, such as twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, and California king.

The metal mattress platform 300 further includes eight legs 306, four of which are disposed proximate a respective comer of the rectangular frame 304. The other four legs 306 are disposed proximate the longitudinal ends of the frame 304 closer to the lateral midpoint of the frame 304. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, the metal mattress platform 300 includes additional legs 308 located laterally along a longitudinal midpoint of the platform 300. Each of the legs 306 may be located a distance from the peripheral edge of the rectangular frame 304, and a distance between the lower surfaces of each leg 306, 308 and the upper platform surface of the rectangular frame 304 may be at least sixteen inches (e.g., 16.5 inches), as previously described. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the rectangular frame 304 includes a first panel 31 OA, a second panel 31 OB, a third panel 31 OC, a fourth panel 31 OD, a fifth panel 31 OE, and a sixth panel 31 OF, each of which comprises a plurality of interconnected metal bars 302. Each of the panels 310A-310F may be generally as described above in relation to the panels 110A, HOB of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. Thus, the bars 302 of each

panel 310A-310F may be arranged in a rectangular grid comprising rows and columns of the bars 302 such that a plurality of rectangular apertures 314 are defined in the rectangular frame 304.

The first panel 310A of bars 302 and the second panel 310B of bars 302 may be hingedly coupled to one another as previously described in relation to the panels 110A, HOB. For example, a bracket 316 may be disposed at an upper end of each of the additional legs 308, and each of the first and second panels 31 OA, 310B may be pivotally attached to the brackets 316. Similarly, the fifth panel 310E of bars 302 and the sixth panel 31 OF of bars 302 may be hingedly coupled to one another, as previously described in relation to the

panels 110A, HOB, using brackets 316 disposed at an upper end of each of the additional legs 308, for example. Additionally, the first panel 31 OA, the third panel 3 IOC, and the fifth panel 310E may be rigidly coupled to one another, and the second panel 310B, the fourth panel 310D, and the sixth panel 31 OF may be rigidly coupled to one another. In this configuration, the first panel 31 OA, the third panel 3 IOC, and the fifth panel 310E are hingedly coupled to the second panel 310B, the fourth panel 310D, and the sixth panel 31 OF.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, as a non-limiting example, lateral sides of the third panel 3 IOC may be rigidly coupled respectively to lateral sides of each of the first panel 31 OA and the fifth panel 310E using complementary male and female members 324, 326, and fasteners 329, as previously discussed in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8. The male members 324 may be inserted into the female members 326, and fasteners 329 may be used to secure the male members 324 in position within the female members 326. As previously discussed, an aperture 328 may be formed transversely through each of the male members 324 and the female members 326, and a fastener 329 may be inserted through the apertures 328 while the male member 324 is inserted into the female member 326 such that the

apertures 328 are in alignment with one another. Lateral sides of the fourth panel 310D may be rigidly coupled respectively to lateral sides of each of the second panel 310B and the sixth panel 31 OF in the same manner.

As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the male and female members 324, 326 used to rigidly couple the first, third, and fifth panels 31 OA, 3 IOC, 310E together and to rigidly couple the second, fourth, and sixth panels 31 OB, 310D, 31 OF together may be disposed at the ends of bars 302 at the opposing longitudinal ends of the rectangular frame 304, as well as at bars 302 located proximate the longitudinal center of the frame 304. In other embodiments, the couplings between the panels 310A-310F may be located at any other longitudinal position along the frame 304 between the panels 310A-31 OF.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the legs 306 are hingedly attached to the panels 31 OA, 310B, 310E, 31 OF, respectively, in the same manner as previously described in relation to the platform 100 of FIGS. 1-5, such that the legs 306 may be folded between a position in which the legs are oriented at least generally parallel to the panels 31 OA, 310B, 310E, 31 OF to which they are attached and another position in which they are perpendicular to the panels 31 OA, 310B, 310E, 31 OF to which they are attached. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the third and fourth panels 310C, 310D do not include legs 306, or additional legs 308 attached thereto, and are merely coupled to the other panels 31 OA, 310B, 310E, 31 OF, respectively. In other embodiments, however, the third and fourth panels 3 IOC, 310D may also include legs 306 and/or additional legs 308.

The platform 300 may be folded into a condensed state for storage and/or shipment in a similar manner as previously described herein, but wherein the first and second

panels 31 OA, 310B are disconnected from the third and fourth panels 3 IOC, 310D, the fifth and sixth panels 310E, 31 OF are also disconnected from the third and fourth panels 3 IOC, 310D, and each of the third and fourth panels 310C, 310D are disconnected from all other panels. To assemble the platform 300 from the disassembled and folded state, the first and second panels 31 OA, 310B may be unfolded such that the panels 31 OA, 310B are coplanar, and the legs 306 may be unfolded relative to the panels 310A, 310B such that the legs 306 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second panels 31 OA, 310B, respectively. Similarly, the fifth and sixth panels 310E, 31 OF may be unfolded such that the panels 310E, 31 OF are coplanar, and the legs 306 may be unfolded relative to the panels 310E, 31 OF such that the legs 306 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the fifth and sixth panels 310E, 31 OF, respectively. As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 5, a bracket 318 (FIGS. 9 and 10) may be used to lock the legs 306 in the unfolded orientation. The third panel 3 IOC then may be rigidly coupled to the first panel 31 OA and the fifth panel 310E, and the fourth panel 310D may be rigidly coupled to the second panel 310B and the sixth panel 31 OF, as previously described herein.

Although not illustrated in the figures, the mattress platforms as described herein may also include headboard brackets mounted to the longitudinal ends of the rectangular frames thereof, and the headboard brackets may extend downward from the frames to a vertical position that would typically be occupied by a standard headboard bracket mounted on either a seven-inch frame or a fourteen-inch platform.

By employing legs 106, 108 as described herein constructed of high-strength metal or metal alloy, such as steel, and having cross-sectional dimensions of 1.25 inches or greater, and by locating and configuring the legs 106, 108 as described herein, the mattress platforms of the present disclosure can be provided with a frame located relatively high above the ground, while remaining strong and sturdy. For example, the mattress platforms as described herein may be sufficiently strong and sturdy to support an evenly distributed static load of 3,000 pounds or more, or even 4,000 pounds or more (e.g., up to 4,800 pounds).

Furthermore, the rectangular frames of the mattress platforms as described herein may be constructed entirely of rigid bars and components, and may be free of flexible support wires, which adds to the stability of the mattress platforms.

The increased height of the mattress platforms as described herein allows increased storage space underneath the platforms, and improved flexibility in the types of articles that can be stored underneath the platforms. For example, baskets, drawers and drawer sets, containers, or hampers may be used to store articles underneath the platforms. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an assembly or kit-of-parts may include a mattress platform as described herein in combination with one or more of baskets, drawers, drawer sets, containers, or hampers. As a non-limiting example, an assembly or kit-of-parts may include a mattress platform as described herein in combination with an open-topped container (e.g., a wicker basket) with a removable fabric clothes hamper lining the container (e.g., with a draw string to close the fabric clothes hamper after it is removed from the container. The extra two inches in storage height in the sixteen inch or more platforms as disclosed herein relative to a platform having a frame fourteen inches above the ground allows for an extra 15% in storage space for dirty laundry or other storage items, and the combination of the platform and laundry hampers is advantageous to users as it frees up the space in a bedroom that would otherwise be occupied by a traditional laundry hamper.

Additional non-limiting example embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth below.

Embodiment 1 : A metal mattress platform, comprising: a plurality of interconnected metal bars disposed in a common plane and forming a generally rectangular frame, upper surfaces of the metal bars defining a platform surface of the metal mattress platform; and at least four legs, each leg disposed proximate a respective comer of the rectangular frame, wherein a distance between lower surfaces of each leg and the platform surface is at least sixteen inches.

Embodiment 2: The metal mattress platform of Embodiment 1, wherein each of the interconnected metal bars comprises steel.

Embodiment 3: The metal mattress platform of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein each of the interconnected metal bars has a hollow rectangular cross-sectional shape.

Embodiment 4: The metal mattress platform of any one of Embodiments 1 through 3, wherein each of the legs is located at least two inches from a peripheral edge of the generally rectangular frame.

Embodiment 5: The metal mattress platform of Embodiment 4, wherein each of the legs is located at least three inches from a peripheral edge of the generally rectangular frame.

Embodiment 6: The metal mattress platform of any one of Embodiments 1 through 5, wherein the rectangular frame includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly coupled to one another.

Embodiment 7: The metal mattress platform of Embodiment 6, wherein the interconnected metal bars of each of the first panel and the second panel are rigidly coupled to one another.

Embodiment 8: The metal mattress platform of Embodiment 6 or Embodiment 7, further comprising: at least one additional leg located between the first panel and the second panel; and a bracket disposed at an upper end of the at least one additional leg; wherein each of the first and second panels is pivotally attached to the bracket.

Embodiment 9: The metal mattress platform of any one of Embodiments 6 through 8, wherein the generally rectangular frame has a length of between about 78 inches and 80 inches and a width of between about 36 inches and about 38 inches.

Embodiment 10: The metal mattress platform of any one of Embodiments 1 through

8, wherein the rectangular frame includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a fourth panel, the first panel and the third panel rigidly coupled to one another, the second panel and the fourth panel rigidly coupled to one another, the first panel and the third panel hingedly coupled to the second panel and the fourth panel.

Embodiment 11 : The metal mattress platform of Embodiment 10, wherein the generally rectangular frame has a length of between about 78 inches and about 80 inches and a width of between about 58 inches and about 60 inches.

Embodiment 12: The metal mattress platform of Embodiments 1 through 8, wherein the rectangular frame includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a fourth panel, a fifth panel, and a sixth panel, the first, third, and fifth panels being rigidly coupled to one another, the second, fourth and sixth panels being rigidly coupled to one another, the first, third, and fifth panels hingedly coupled to the second, fourth, and sixth panels.

Embodiment 13: The metal mattress platform of Embodiment 12, wherein the generally rectangular frame has a length of between about 78 inches and about 80 inches and a width of between about 74 inches and about 76 inches.

Embodiment 14: A method of forming a metal mattress platform, comprising:

forming a generally rectangular frame comprising a plurality of interconnected metal bars disposed in a common plane, upper surfaces of the metal bars defining a platform surface of the metal mattress platform; and attaching at least four legs to the generally rectangular frame, each leg disposed proximate a respective corner of the rectangular frame, wherein a distance between lower surfaces of each leg and the platform surface is at least sixteen inches.

Embodiment 15: The method of Embodiment 14, wherein each of the interconnected metal bars comprises steel.

Embodiment 16: The method of Embodiment 14 or Embodiment 15, further comprising forming the rectangular frame to include a first panel and a second panel, and hingedly coupling the first panel to the second panel.

Embodiment 17: A method of assembling a metal mattress platform, comprising: providing a first panel of interconnected metal bars and a second panel of interconnected metal bars, the first panel and the second panel hingedly coupled to one another and folded relative to one another so as to be disposed adjacent one another in parallel planes, each of the first and second panels including at least two legs hingedly attached thereto proximate a respective corner thereof and folded such that the legs are oriented generally parallel to the parallel planes of the first and second panels; unfolding the first and second panels such that the first and second panels are coplanar; and unfolding the legs relative to the panels such that the legs are oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second panels; and wherein a distance between lower surfaces of each leg and the platform surface is at least sixteen inches.

Embodiment 18: The method of Embodiment 17, further comprising fixing the legs in the unfolded position using brackets extending between the legs and the first and second panels, respectively.

Embodiment 19: The method of Embodiment 17 or Embodiment 18, further comprising: providing a third panel of interconnected metal bars and a fourth panel of interconnected metal bars, the third panel and the fourth panel hingedly coupled to one another and folded relative to one another so as to be disposed adjacent one another in parallel planes, each of the third and fourth panels including at least two additional legs hingedly attached thereto proximate a respective comer thereof and folded such that the legs are oriented generally parallel to the parallel planes of the third and fourth panels; unfolding the third and fourth panels such that the third and fourth panels are coplanar; and unfolding the at least two additional legs relative to the third and fourth panels such that the legs are oriented substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth panels; securing the third panel to the first panel; and securing the fourth panel to the second panel.

Embodiment 20: The method of Embodiment 19, wherein securing the third panel to the first panel comprises providing a fifth panel of interconnected metal bars and securing a first side of the fifth panel to the third panel and securing a second side of the fifth panel to the first panel, and wherein securing the fourth panel to the second panel comprises providing a sixth panel of interconnected metal bars and securing a first side of the sixth panel to the fourth panel and securing a second side of the sixth panel to the second panel.

Embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Specific embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in detail herein to provide illustrative examples of embodiments of the disclosure. However, the disclosure is not limited to the particular forms disclosed herein. Rather, embodiments of the disclosure may include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as broadly defined herein. Furthermore, elements and features described herein in relation to some embodiments may be implemented in other embodiments of the disclosure, and may be combined with elements and features described herein in relation to other embodiments to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.