Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/395,936, which was filed on August 8, 2022. The entire content of the foregoing provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of Technology

[0002] The invention herein relates to furniture for dwellings and other buildings for residential and commercial occupancy.

BACKGROUND

Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the field of furniture design, there have been a variety of efforts to create items such as tables, chairs and the like whose components can be compactly packaged in a disassembled state for ease of shipping, and yet simply and quickly assembled.

[0004] Beds are among the largest items of furniture found in a dwelling. Because of this, it would be desirable for a bed to have a compact disassembled configuration, which facilitates movement into the dwelling through the typically restricted apertures defined by door frames. This is particularly desirable for smaller dwellings, where the interior portions are of modest dimensions and thus limit movement of the bed within the dwelling to the desired location.

[0005] Relatedly, the amount of storage space available in smaller dwellings is necessarily limited. It is therefore also desirable that any furniture interior spaces be utilizable for the storage of items such as clothing, recreational gear, etc., to reduce clutter.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present inventions describe advancements in bed design. When in a disassembled state, the rigid components of the bed described herein can be positioned to yield a compact shipping configuration, with select components in a nesting relationship. In addition, when in the assembled state the bed described herein provides readily accessible storage in the otherwise difficult to access spaces underneath the bed.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a disassembled bed package, comprising a first support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel, and a second support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel. The disassembled bed package includes a storage tub unit having a first storage tub containing the first support assembly and the second support assembly, and a base platform in a folded condition, where the base platform in the folded condition includes two planar portions hinged together, with the two planar portions in a folded state superposed on each other. A planar headboard is positioned on the base platform in the folded condition, and the storage tub unit is positioned on the headboard.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a bed assembly. The bed assembly comprises bed components configured to be arranged in a disassembled state to form a bed package and an assembled state to form a bed with a storage area. The bed components include a first support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel; a second support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel; a first storage tub; a second storage tub; a foldable planar base platform, the base platform including two planar portions hinged together; a planar headboard; and an intermediate support having a T-shaped profile, the intermediate support including a planar intermediate support panel with a linear top edge and first and second support flanges positioned adjacent to the linear top edge and extending away from the linear top edge in opposite directions from each other.

[0009] In the disassembled state, the bed components are arranged with: the foldable planar base platform in a folded state so that the two planar portions of the foldable planar base platform are superposed on each other; the headboard is positioned on the base platform in the folded state; the second storage tub is nested in the first storage tub which is positioned on the headboard; the first support assembly and the second support assembly are positioned in the second storage tub; and the intermediate support is positioned on the headboard next to the first storage tub.

[0010] In the assembled state, the bed components are arranged with: the first support assembly opposing and spaced away from the second support assembly; the foldable planar base platform in an unfolded state so that the two planar portions of the foldable planar base assembly are positioned side-by-side to each other in a plane, the foldable planar base platform is supported by the first support assembly and the second support assembly. The foldable planar base platform, the first support assembly, and the second support assembly define a storage space. [0011] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary disassembled bed package is provided. The disassembled bed package includes a first support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel. The disassembled bed package includes a second support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel. The disassembled bed package includes a storage tub unit having a first storage tub containing the first support assembly and the second support assembly. The disassembled bed package includes a planar base platform in a folded condition, the base platform in the folded condition including two planar portions hinged together, with the two planar portions in a folded state superposed on each other. The disassembled bed package includes a planar headboard positioned on the base platform in the folded condition. The storage tub unit is positioned on the headboard.

[0012] The first storage tub unit can include a second storage tub in which is positioned the first storage tub in a nested relationship. The second storage tub includes sidewalls with a taper to receive the first storage tub in the nested relationship. In some embodiments, the disassembled bed package can include a recess in one or both of the two spaced-apart cuboid support columns of the first support assembly. In such embodiments, the disassembled bed package can include a raised location structure on a surface of the base platform to be received in the recess of one or both of the two spaced-apart cuboid support columns of the first support assembly.

[0013] The disassembled bed package can include an intermediate support having a T-shaped profile. The intermediate support can include a planar intermediate support panel with a linear top edge, and first and second support flanges positioned adjacent to the linear top edge and extending away from the linear top edge in opposite directions from each other. The intermediate support panel can be disposed to a side of the storage tub unit with the top linear edge resting on the headboard.

[0014] The disassembled bed package can include a first slider track secured to a first planar face of the intermediate support panel proximate to the top linear edge. The disassembled bed package can include a second slider track secured to a second planar face of the intermediate support panel proximate to the top linear edge. The disassembled bed package can include a third slider track secured to the planar foot panel of the first support assembly. The disassembled bed package can include a fourth slider track secured to the planar foot panel of the second support assembly. The headboard can include a slot extending across a width of the headboard. [0015] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary bed assembly is provided. The bed assembly includes a plurality of bed components configured to be arranged in a disassembled state to form a bed package and an assembled state to form a bed with a storage area. The plurality of bed components include a first support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel. The plurality of bed components include a second support assembly including two spaced-apart cuboid support columns joined to a planar foot panel. The plurality of bed components include a first storage tub and a second storage tub. The plurality of bed components include a foldable planar base platform, the base platform including two planar portions hinged together. The plurality of bed components include a planar headboard. The plurality of bed components include an intermediate support having a T-shaped profile. The intermediate support includes a planar intermediate support panel with a linear top edge and first and second support flanges positioned adjacent to the linear top edge and extending away from the linear top edge in opposite directions from each other.

[0016] In the disassembled state, the plurality of bed components are arranged with the foldable planar base platform in a folded state such that the two planar portions of the foldable planar base platform are superposed on each other, the headboard is positioned on the base platform in the folded state, the second storage tub is nested in the first storage tub which is positioned on the headboard, the first support assembly and the second support assembly are positioned in the second storage tub, and the intermediate support is positioned on the headboard next to the first storage tub.

[0017] In the assembled state, the plurality of bed components are arranged with the first support assembly opposing and spaced away from the second support assembly; and the foldable planar base platform in an unfolded state so that the two planar portions of the foldable planar base assembly are positioned side-by-side to each other in a plane, the foldable planar base platform is supported by the first support assembly and the second support assembly, the foldable planar base platform, the first support assembly, and the second support assembly define a storage space.

[0018] In the assembled state, the intermediate support is positioned in the storage space with the linear top edge, the first flange, and the second flange disposed proximate to the foldable planar base platform, the intermediate support divides the storage space into two storage areas. In the assembled state, the first storage tub is disposed in one of the two storage areas and the second storage tub is disposed in the second storage tub. [0019] The first support assembly can include a first slider track, the second support assembly can include a second slider track, and the intermediate support can include a third slider track disposed on a first face of the intermediate support panel and a fourth slider track disposed on a second face of the intermediate support panel. The first storage tub slidingly engages the first and third slider tracks and the second storage tub slidingly engages the second and fourth slider tracks. At least one of the spaced-apart cuboid support columns of the first and second support assemblies can include a recess and a surface of the foldable base platform includes at least on raised location structure that is received in the recess in the assembled state to align the foldable planar base platform with the first support assembly and the second support assembly.

[0020] The headboard is position normal to the plane of foldable planar base platform and joined to the foldable planar base platform proximate to one of the first support assembly or the second support assembly. The headboard can include a slot extending across a width of the headboard, and wherein, in the assembled state, the slot is configured to a receive an edge of the base platform.

[0021] These and other aspects of the present invention are described in the drawings annexed hereto, and in the description of the preferred embodiments and claims set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a storage bed of the present invention, with the storage tubs closed.

[0023] FIG. IB is a perspective view of a storage bed of the present invention, with the storage tubs open.

[0024] FIG. 1C is a longitudinal cut-away perspective view of a storage bed of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a bed package of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of a bed package of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The components of bed 10 of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, include a mattress 900, a base platform 100, two support assemblies 200, an intermediate support 400 and a headboard 500. In the embodiment shown, there are also provided two storage tubs 600. [0028] Base platform 100 is a rigid planar rectangular or square structure, and can be formed of plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plastic and such other similar materials that have a hard surface and are resistive to bending. In the embodiment shown, base platform 100 is divided into two portions of equal size along a longitudinally oriented (generally parallel to the sleep position from a foot of the bed to the head of the bed) dividing line. A series of hinges pivotally connect the two portions to permit them to be closed to a folded state, where the two portions are superposed on each other, and to be open to an unfolded state, where the two portions are coplanar and form base platform 100. While an embodiment of the base platform 100 is shown as being divided longitudinally, exemplary embodiments of the base platform 100 can be divided across a width (perpendicular to the sleep position).

[0029] In the unfolded state, base platform 100 can support a mattress 900 placed thereon, as shown for example in FIGS. 1A and IB. In turn, base platform 100 in the unfolded state is supported by the two support assemblies 200. Each support assembly 200 includes two spaced-apart support columns 210 joined by a planar foot panel 220, as seen in FIG. 2B. Foot panel 220 has an elongate planar rectangular shape with two opposed long edges and two opposed short edges.

[0030] Each support column 210 has a cuboid shape and comprises four planar rectangular faces. In the embodiment shown and as best seen in FIG. 2B, a first of the support columns 210 has a first face 221 formed from a portion of the foot panel 220 proximate to a first of the two short edges, a second face 222 joined to the first face at the first of the two short edges and extending in a plane normal to the plane of the foot panel 220, a third face 223 joined to the second face and extending parallel to the plane of the foot panel 220, and a fourth face 224 joined to the third face and the foot panel 220 and oriented in a plane normal to the foot panel 220 and parallel to the second face. Likewise in the embodiment shown, a second of the support columns 210 has a first face 221 formed from a portion of the foot panel 220 proximate to a second of the two short edges, a second face 222 joined to the first face at the second of the two short edges and extending in a plane normal to the plane of the foot panel 220, a third face 223 joined to the second face and extending parallel to the plane of the foot panel 220, and a fourth face 224 joined to the third face and the foot panel 220 and oriented in a plane normal to the foot panel 220 and parallel to the second face. The interior volume 225 of the cuboid-shaped support columns 210 can be hollow or otherwise include a recess.

[0031] Foot panel 220 and faces 222-224 can be formed of plywood, MDF, plastic and such other similar materials as have a hard surface and are resistive to bending. Suitable reinforcement can be provided at the junctions between the faces, such as a reinforcement 226 at each of the junctions between the fourth face 223 and the first face 221 of foot panel 220.

[0032] Each support assembly 200 is placed under support base platform 100, with the plane of the foot panel 220 of each support assembly 100 oriented normal to the plane of base platform 100. In the embodiment shown, the foot panels 220 of the support assemblies 200 are parallel, and the support columns 210 are exterior to the space 230 bounded by base platform 100, the support assemblies 200 and the flooring on which bed 10 is placed. Support platform 100 can be simply rested on top of the support assemblies 200, with gravity holding support platform 100 in place. Optionally, support platform 100 can be secured to support assemblies 200 by provision of suitable consumer-usable joint fasteners.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1C, there is a transversely-oriented intermediate support 400 positioned in space 230 mid-way between the support assemblies 200. As shown in FIG. 2B, intermediate support 400 comprises in the embodiment shown a planar intermediate support panel 420 having first and second opposed support faces 421 and a linear top edge 422. A planar first support flange 423 is positioned adjacent to top edge 422 and extends away from first support face 421 in a plane normal to the plane of intermediate support panel 420, and a planar second support flange 423 is positioned adjacent to top edge 422 and extends away from opposing second support face 421 in a plane normal to the plane of intermediate support panel 420, such that intermediate support 400 presents a “T” shape in profile. Intermediate support panel 420 of intermediate support 400 in the embodiment shown is oriented to be parallel to foot panels 220 of support assemblies 200, with the first and second support flanges 423 in contact with the underside of base platform 100. Intermediate support panel 420 and first and second support flanges 423 each can be formed of plywood, MDF, plastic or such other similar materials as have a hard surface and are resistive to bending. Support platform 100 can be simply rested on top of intermediate support 400, with gravity holding support platform 100 in place. The underside of base platform 100 can be provided with a recess region to assist in the quick and accurate positioning of intermediate support 400, as well as to assist in intermediate support 400 in place. Optionally, support platform 100 can be secured to intermediate support 400 by provision of suitable consumer-usable fasteners.

[0034] The headboard 500 is a rigid planar rectangular or square structure, and can be formed of plywood, plastic and such other similar materials as have a hard surface and are resistive to bending. Headboard 500 is positioned normal to the plane of base platform 100 and joined to base platform 100 in various ways. For example, headboard 500 can be provided with a horizontally-oriented slot extending across a width of the headboard to receive the edge of base platform 100 and form a dado joint, with the headboard being secured in place by provision of suitable consumer-usable joint fasteners.

[0035] As can be understood, intermediate support 400 divides space 230 into two storage regions 231. As shown for example in FIGS. 1A and 1C, a first of the storage tubs 600 is dimensioned to fit within a first of the two storage regions 231, and a second of the storage tubs 600 is dimensioned to fit within a second of the two storage regions 231. The storage tubs 600 are accessible to either side of bed 10 by being slid out from under base platform 100, as depicted in FIG. IB. To facilitate sliding, elongate slider tracks 240, visible in part in FIG. 1C, are optionally fastened to the surfaces of foot panels 220 and support faces 421. Storage tubs 600 can be provided with appropriately turned-down edges that can ride on slider tracks 240. Slider tracks 240 can be formed from aluminum angle stock having a right-angle section, or the like.

[0036] When disassembled and appropriately positioned together, the components of bed 10 apart from the mattress 900 form a compact package 20, shown in FIG. 2A. In particular, as shown for example in FIG. 1C, the sidewalls of storage tubs 600 are given a suitable taper, such as seven degrees (7°), to permit the first of the storage tubs 600 to nest in the second of the storage tubs 600. Further, the support assemblies 200 are dimensioned to be received in the storage space of the upper-most of the nested storage tubs 600, so as to reduce the volume of the components of bed 10 in its disassembled state and thus facilitate movement and shipping. Also in the disassembled state, the nested storage tubs 600 can be place on headboard 500, which in turn can be placed on base platform 100 in its folded state; and intermediate support 400 can be placed on headboard 500, with first and second support flanges 423 resting on headboard 500, and with support panel 420 nestled against storage tubs 600. The hinged nature of base platform 100 further reduces the foot print of the package 20.

[0037] Assembly of bed 10 can be accomplished quickly. In particular, the support assemblies 220 are removed from the upper-most of the nested tubs 600, and the base platform 100 is unfolded and placed on the support assemblies 220. Location structures, such as may be provided by four circular raised areas 202 (see FIG. 2B) on the underside of base platform 100 and which snugly fit within the interior space defined by each support column 210, can assist in the quick and accurate positioning of support assemblies 200, as well assist in maintaining support assemblies 200 in place. The intermediate support 400 and the headboard 500 can then be positioned in place and secured to base platform 100. The mattress 900 is next placed on the upper surface of base platform 200 to complete the bed 10.

[0038] The foregoing detailed description is for illustration only and is not to be deemed as limiting the inventions disclosed herein, which are defined in the appended claims.