AU2021106755A4 - Bed frame with telescopic canopy - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a bed frame comprising a platform, wherein the platform is configured for supporting a mattress. A frame for supporting a cover over the 5 platform, the frame including upright poles connected with substantially horizontal beams. At least one extension beam telescopically associated with at least some of the substantially horizonal beams of the frame. In use, the extension beam(s) can be in the following positions (a) a retracted position in which the cover is provided over the area of the platform; and (b) an extended position in which the cover is 10 extended to increases the surface area of coverage to include the platform and a play space adjacent the platform. 15 1 12 30 32 -3- 10 3 3 2 4 24ur16a 16b 32 - 30 22 14 17 2 0 23 Figure 1

Description

30 32 -3- 10 3 34 2 24ur16a 16b

32 - 30 22

14 17 20 23

Figure 1

Bed frame with telescopic canopy

Technical field

The present invention relates to bed frames, in particular bed frames for children's beds.

Background

io Modern beds comprise a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. A bed can be in a bedroom where a person goes to relax or sleep. Adults tend to have larger beds than children. Children typically have a single bed large enough for them to sleep on by themselves.

In order to make a child's bed welcoming and or fun, a parent might create a playful environment around the bed. The sheets can be selected so as to have a favourite character depicted on them. The bed can be covered in soft toys. The surrounding walls can be coloured and decorated. The shape of the bed can also be modified to be e.g. like a racing car or a fire engine. If the child is keen to go to bed, the quality of life of the parent can be increased since a tired child can be difficult to manage.

Sometimes a child gets frightened in their bed, possibly due to a bad dream, and may refuse to get into the bed. Once in bed, the child may refuse to stay in the bed posing a significant problem to the carer. The irrational fear about going to bed can be difficult to overcome and the parent or care giver is left to coax the child into their bed and may have to sit with them until they fall asleep. At other times, the child simply does not want to go to bed because the experience is not as fun as the playing experience outside of the bedroom.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved bed arrangement that is appealing to children and which in embodiments can provide a useful alternative to existing bed arrangements.

Summary of invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed frame comprising: a platform, wherein the platform is configured for supporting a mattress, a frame for supporting the platform and for supporting a cover over the platform, the frame including upright poles connected to substantially horizontal beams, extension beam(s) telescopically associated with at least one of the io substantially horizonal beams of the frame, wherein the extension beam(s) can be in the following positions: - a retracted position in which the cover is provided over the platform; and - an extended position in which the cover is extended to increase the surface area of coverage to include the platform and a play space adjacent the platform.

The bed frame according to embodiments of the present invention can create a den experience that becomes a private space for the child user. The unique frame may, in embodiments, provide both mental and physical stimulation for the child through its cubby and optional climbing features. In embodiments, the bed frame can assist in developing a child's imagination during their early stages of childhood.

The extendable feature can make use of a telescopic tube technology to expand the existing structure into a unique 'den' like cubby. A function of the extendable cubby can be to facilitate play, providing mental stimulation for children's cognitive and creative development. In addition, the cubby like features may provide some children, particularly those with an intellectual disability such as autism spectrum disorder, with a safe, sensory and secure space to recover from stressful encounters.

After use, the extension beam can be moved from the extended position back to the retracted position. This can be a signal to the child that there is a transition from day play to night-time i.e. sleep time. Alternatively, the user might prefer for the extended cover to be in place at night and the retracted position be in use during the day. Many and various routines can be established using the adaptable frame. The fact that the bed frame has two positions can be interesting and exciting and can attract the child to using the bed without getting bored and or afraid of it.

The bed frame includes a top over which the cover can be supported. The bed frame has a bottom which rests on the ground. The bed frame has a head end and a foot end which are respectively the locations towards which a child's head and feet will be located when sleeping. The bed frame also has two longitudinal sides which in embodiments can be used as the exit and entry of the bed.

The platform is supported in the frame. The platform can be supported off the ground in the frame. The platform can be configured to support a mattress by being substantially horizontal and large enough to accommodate standard mattress sizes. The mattress can be sourced from any location and can be provided with the bed frame. The mattress can be provided by a different person that supplies the bed frame. Alternatively, the user might already have a mattress that they wish to use with the proposed bed frame. The platform can be configured to accommodate any size of mattress including single, king single, double, queen or king sized. However, typically, the bed frame will have a platform sized for a single mattress. The platform can be rectangular, since this is a common shape of a mattress. A rectangular mattress has two longitudinal sides which are about equal to the longitudinal sides of the platform and the frame. The platform can be of any shape that allows for the mattress to be located on it. For example, the mattress could be round or other shape. Once the mattress is in place and coverings are applied, the platform becomes a bed.

There can be one platform in the bed frame. There can be more than one platform in the bed frame. Where there is more than one platform, the platforms can be adjacent one another. Alternatively, the platforms can be stacked so as to provide a bunk bed structure.

In an embodiment, the bed frame further comprises one or more other play equipment items selected from (but not limited to) trampoline, cargo net, climbing rope, scramble net, surf-swing, rock-climbing pieces, slide, cubby house, monkey bars, swing, slide, ladder, fireman pole. The bed frame can be modular, so that various of the play equipment items can be connected together into various ways. For example, some younger children prefer easy to climb play equipment with large hand holds and small opening between each section. If the platform is elevated, easy access out of the platform to exit the bed frame may be desirable in some cases, so that a small child does not need help from a parent getting out of bed in the night. Older children may prefer to have more complex play equipment items for gaining access to or from the bed made on the platform, including ropes or climbing holds. This more complex play equipment can be to (attempt to) prevent io younger siblings from gaining access to a private bed space on the platform. As the child grows, the bed frame could be redesigned to accommodate the child's changing needs and preferences. Accordingly, the bed frame can be modular with additional play items attachable and detachable to the bed frame.

In order to make the bed frame more fun, the platform can be slightly elevated, so that one or more of the play equipment items, such as the ladder, rope, scramble net, can be used to gain access to the platform level. By elevated, it is meant that the platform is not at the usual height a bed would be from the floor (about 40-60 cm) and instead the platform is arranged at a level such that climbing is required in order to gain access to the bed on the platform. In an embodiment, the platform is at a level that it would be in a bunk bed (165-180 cm). However, since there is also required to be a cover over the platform, this elevation might be too high in most standard room sizes, so a slightly lower platform might be required. The upright poles of the bed frame can be adjustable to adjust the platform height to accommodate the space in the bedroom.

In an embodiment, the platform is at normal bed height (40-60cm from the floor). A ladder can still be provided, however rather than being to gain access to the platform, the latter can be to climb over the platform like a climbing frame. The ladder can be to climb to the top of the frame. Optionally, there can be an additional platform at the top of the frame. In an embodiment, a ladder runs along the head end of the frame. In an embodiment a ladder runs along the foot end of the frame. In an embodiment, a ladder runs along both the head end and the foot end of the frame so one ladder can be used for climbing up, and the other ladder can be used for climbing down. The ladder(s) can also provide the structure over which a cover can be supported. The rungs of the ladder(s) can be exposed by gaps in the cover. In an embodiment, the ladder(s) can be angled so as to meet in the middle. This can provide a triangular or tent-like look to the bed frame which might be desirable to the child.

In an embodiment, the bed frame can be pushed up against a wall which can, together with the cover, provide an enclosed space in the frame. Alternatively, in order to provide flexibility in where and how the frame is located, one of the io longitudinal sides of the frame can be enclosed with a wall to provide the cubby space on the platform. An advantage of providing a wall on the bed frame is that the wall can be a flush fit to the bed frame. Furthermore, the material of the enclosed wall can be smooth and welcoming adjacent to the mattress on the platform. The provision of a wall in the bed frame can also means that there is no space down the side of the bed where items such as toys and detritus is often dropped. The enclosed wall can provide a more "closed in" and safer space feeling to the child user of the bed.

The bed frame can comprise any number of upright poles supporting the platform. There will typically be four upright poles, one in each corner of the platform. There can be additional upright poles along the longitudinal or head and foot sides of the platform as desired. The upright poles can be of any cross-sectional shape. The upright poles can be formed of any material. Preferably, the upright poles are made from a strong material that can support the weight of the platform and a mattress (and a person laying on the mattress on the platform). The upright poles can be a strong steel rod of circular cross section. A child can grip and swing from the poles. Each upright pole can have a foot that provides additional stability to the bed frame. The foot can be any increase in surface area of the upright pole where it meets the ground. The poles can be of any colour. The upright poles can extend up past the platform to provide the frame structure.

The upright poles are connected to substantially horizontal beams to form the bed frame. The bed frame can comprise any number of substantially horizontal beams. In an embodiment, the horizontal beams are monkey bars or ladder rungs in the bed frame. The description relating to the upright poles and the material from which they are made also applies to the horizontal beams.

There can be one or more extension beam in the frame. Where there is one beam it can be in the centre of the frame. If there are two extension beams they can be towards each end (head and foot) of the frame. Each extension beam is preferably telescopically associated with one substantially horizontal beam. The telescopic nature of the extension beam means that it is retractable and extendable over a number of use cycles. Any means of providing the telescopic nature of the beam io can be used. For example, a series of concentric tubes can be connected to one another and arranged so as to be collapsible around one another when retracting. Alternatively, to increase strength and rigidity, there can be two beams or tubes, one slidable within the other. Where there are two beams, there can be a first inside beam having a first diameter slidable inside a second outer beam of wider second diameter. In an embodiment, a stop can be provided inside the beam of wider diameter to prevent or at least reduce the tendency of the two beams from contacting one another during retraction and extension thereby causing scuffing and an unpleasant experience. The stop can be a rubber ring recessed in the housing tube of wider diameter.

The extension beam, once extended, can be located and locked into position. The locking can be by spring biased pins loaded into the extension beam. Upon extension of the extension beam, the telescopic tube pins can expand through small diameter holes in the beams to secure the canopy assembly into position. In order to disassemble the extended canopy, the spring biased pins can be depressed manually, and the beams pulled/twisted and pulled free of the locking mechanism.

While telescoping tubing is described as a most preferred form of extension beam, it should be understood that other means of providing one or more extendable arms is in the spirit and scope of the invention. In an alternative embodiment the extension beam can be a scissor type extension arm(s) or foldable/pivotable arm(s). Further alternatively, there could be bed frame parts that unfold from the main frame and swing around to make a larger frame with upper extension beams.

In the retracted position, the cover can be folded away for later use. The cover can be tied out of the way using ties or hooks provided on the structure just as with curtains when they are opened and not in use. In the extended position, the cover can be arranged over the beams and supported like a roof. The support of the cover can be over the top of the extension beam and down the sides of the frame. The cover can extend to the floor. The additional frame structure provided by the extension beam means that the coverage provided by the cover is increased when compared to the amount of coverage provided when the extension beam is not in use. The additional surface coverage means that the platform is coverable and in addition an area adjacent the platform. This area adjacent to the platform can become a play space on the floor. Optionally, a rollaway bed could be provided under the platform and this could be rolled out when desired. The cover over the extension beams would then cover the two side by side platforms.

In an embodiment, the additional cover provided upon use of the extension beam in the extended position is about double the original cover. The additional cover provided could be an increase of about the same surface area as the original cover over the platform.

Brief Description of the Figures Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the bed frame in accordance with the present in invention.

Figure 2A is the bed frame of Figure 1 with the cover removed, showing the extension beam in the retracted position.

Figures 2B is the bed frame of Figure 1 with the cover removed, showing the extension beam in the extended position.

Figure 3 is the bed frame of Figure 2B with the cover in place.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are close up views of the extension beam of Figure 2 showing an embodiment of the locking mechanism.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

The bed frame 10 includes a top 12 over which the cover 18 can be supported. The bed frame 10 has a bottom 14 which rests on the ground. The bed frame has a io head end 16a and a foot end 16b which are respectively the locations towards which a child's head and feet will be located when sleeping. The bed frame 10 also has two longitudinal sides 17a, 17b which in embodiments can be used as the exit and entry of the bed frame 10.

The platform 20 is supported in the frame 10. The platform 20 is shown supported off the ground 22 in the frame 10. The platform 20 is substantially horizontal and is large enough to accommodate a single mattress 22. Once the mattress 22 is in place and coverings are applied, the platform 20 and mattress 22 together becomes a bed. As can be seen in the Figures, one of the longitudinal sides 17 of the frame 10 is enclosed by a wall 28. The wall 28 is a flush fit to the bed frame 10.

A ladder 24 can be provided to climb over the platform 20 like a climbing frame. The ladder 24 can be to climb to the top 12 of the frame 10. As can be seen in Figure 1, there can be an additional platform 26 at the top of the frame 10. The ladder 24 runs along the head end 16a and the foot end 16b of the frame 10. The ladder 24 are angled towards one another so as to meet in the middle at the platform 26. The ladder can be used for climbing up to the platform 26 and can be used for climbing down. The ladders 24 at ends 16a. 16b provide the structure over which the cover 18 can be supported. As seen in Figure 3, the rungs of the ladder can be exposed by a central gap in the cover 18.

The bed frame 10 can comprise any number of upright poles 30 (only some of them are labelled in Figure 1 for clarity). The upright poles 30 are the parts of the frame that support platform 20 and that provide the upright structures to support cover 18. The upright poles 30 can be vertical or deviated from vertical. There will typically be four upright poles 30, one in each corner of the frame. The upright poles 30 are connected to substantially horizontal beams 32 to form the bed frame 10. The bed frame 10 can comprise any number of substantially horizontal beams 32. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal beams 32 are monkey bars or ladder rungs in the bed frame 10.

At least one of the substantially horizontal beams 32 are associated with an extension bean 34. Each extension beam 34 (if there is more than one) will be io associated with its own mating horizontal beam 32. The association between one extension beam 34 and one substantially horizontal beam 32 can be seen in Figure 2B where the extension beam 34 is shown in the extended position. Frame part 33, shown as extended, has a shape substantially the same as the shape of the side of the original frame 10 (although the shape could differ if desired). Frame part 33 can now be used for cover 18. The cover 18 is shown in place in Figure 3.

As can be seen in close up in Figures 4A to 4C, the extension beam 34 is telescopically associated with a substantially horizontal beams 32. The telescopic nature of the extension beam 34 means that it is retractable (as shown in Figure 2A) and extendable (as shown in Figure 2B) over a number of use cycles.

In the embodiment shown, there are two beams or tubes 32, 34. There is a first inside beam (extension beam 34) having a first diameter slidable inside a second outer beam (substantially horizontal beam 32) of slightly wider second diameter. The diameters of the outer wider tube can be in the range of from about 4cm to about 8cm such as about 5, 6, 7, or 8 cm. the smaller tube can have a diameter about 0.5cm less than the outer diameter, although these are just examples since any sizing can work. Each beam 32, 34 and even the upright poles 30 can be connected to one another via connectors 38. The connectors 38 can be strong rigid steel connectors with apertures into which the beams/poles can slide for support. Optionally, the beams can be locked into position when in the apertures or there can be a tight interference fit. It should be understood that hollow beams could slide over connectors having spigots, thereby achieving the same effect. Any connector can be used provided it results in a strong bed frame that meets all required Standards.

As can be seen in Figure 4B, once extended, the extension beam 34 can have a spring biased pin 40 that locks into a reciprocal sized hole 42 in the wall of the substantially horizontal beam. This can assist the user in knowing when the extension beam 34 is fully extended and can be safely released from grip and allowed to stand supporting its own weight. Optionally, there can be a series of reciprocal sized holes 42 along the wall of the horizontal beam 32 that would allow for different extensions of the beams 34 to be used. When the user wishes to move io the beam 34, the spring biased pin 40 can be depressed with the fingers, and the extension beam 34 moved inwards or outwards relative to the horizontal beam. In Figure 4C, an arrow shows the direction of the extension beam 34 being moved inwards into the substantially horizontal beam 32 to the retracted position.

In the retracted position as shown in e.g. Figure 1, the cover 18 can be folded away for later use. The cover 18 can be tied out of the way using ties 44. In the extended position as shown in Figure 3, the cover 18 can be arranged over the beam 34 and frame 33 and supported like a roof.

The cover 18 can be over the top of extension beam(s) 34, frame 33, frame 10 and can extend all the way down the sides of the frame. The ladder(s) 24 can also provide the structure over which a cover 18 can be supported. The rungs of the ladder(s) 32 can be exposed by gaps in the cover 18 as shown in Figure 3. As can be seen in e.g. Figures 1 and 3, the cover can extend to the floor 23. The cover 18 can also have enough material to have door flaps which can be closed to provide a tent-like experience. The additional frame structure provided by the extended extension beam 34 means that the coverage provided by the cover 18 is increased when compared to the amount of coverage provided when the extension beams are not in use. The additional surface coverage means that the platform 20 is coverable and in addition an area of the floor 23 adjacent the platform 20. This area 23 adjacent to the platform can become a play space on the floor 23. In an embodiment, the additional cover 18 provided upon use of the extension beams34 in the extended position is about double the original cover.

The cover can be shaped so as to have seams and panels that allow for a good fit over the frame. Any apertures in the cover can be stitched as to be strong and reduce any likelihood of tearing. There can be sleeves in the cover through which various of the beams can pass in order to be held into position.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be promises made about the invention as a whole. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and does not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.

It will of course be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Claims (5)

1. A bed frame comprising: a platform, wherein the platform is configured for supporting a mattress, a frame for supporting a cover over the platform, the frame including upright poles connected with substantially horizontal beams, extension beam(s) telescopically associated with at least some of the substantially horizonal beams of the frame, wherein the extension beam(s) can be in the following positions: a retracted position in which the cover is provided over the area of the platform; and an extended position in which the cover is extended to increases the surface area of coverage to include the platform and a play space adjacent the platform.

2. The bed frame according to claim 1, in which the frame includes: a top, a bottom, a head end, a foot end, and two longitudinal sides, and a ladder runs along one or both of the head end and foot end of the frame.

3. The bed frame according to claim 1 or 2, in which one of the longitudinal sides of the frame is enclosed with a wall to provide a cubby space on the platform.

4. The bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the extended position, the telescopic extension beam(s) is lockable into position by at least one spring biased locking pin.

5. The bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein upon movement of the extension beam(s) to the extended position, the increase in surface area of coverable of the cover is about doubled.

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Figure 1

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Figure 2B

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Figure 4A

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