CA2540423A1 - Support frame for a headboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A support frame for a headboard for a bed is provided. The support frame of the present invention comprises generally L-shaped support structures which are connected together via at least one frame member. Each support structure comprises a first generally horizontal, elongated and generally flat portion adapted to be sandwiched between the box spring and the floor and a second elongated portion extending substantially upwardly from the first portion. The second portions of the support structures are further adapted to receive the frame member and a headboard. Being distinct components, the support structures can be used with headboard and frame member of different width. The support frame is preferably mounted near the head portion of the bed.

Description

File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 Title of the Invention [0001] Support Frame for a Headboard.

Cross-Reference to Related Applications [0002] There are no cross-related applications.
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.

[0C106] To circumvent this major drawback, numerous devices and apparatuses have been proposed.

File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [0007] For example, Poyer (US Patent No. 2,709,817) discloses an apparatus for corlverting a bed into a couch. The apparatus of Poyer comprises a plurality of the L-sha.ped 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 fraime 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 bectrest 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 carinot 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.

File number : 11089-001 Revi sion : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [0011] There is thus a need for a support frame for a headboard which obviates the abcive-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.
[00, 13] 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 dif Eerent 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.
Suimmary 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.

File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [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 gerierally 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 File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 of ithe 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 fralne 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 gerierally 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] 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.
[0028] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.

Briief Description of the Drawings File tiumber : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [0029] 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:

[0030] Figure 1 is a exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the support frame and the headboard of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2a is a combined side and front view of one embodiment of the support structure of the support frame of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 2b is a combined side and front view of a variant of the embodiment of the support structure shown in Fig. 2a.

[0033] Figure 3a is a front view of the an embodiment of the frame member of the support frame of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3b is a front view of a variant of the embodiment of the frame member shown in Fig. 3a.

[0035] Figure 3c is a front view of another variant of the embodiment of the frame member shown in Fig. 3a.

[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.

[0038] Figure 5 is a side view of an example of a variant of the support structure of the present invention.

File riumber : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [0039] Figure 6 is a side view of another example of a variant of the support structure of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment [0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The headboard 300 shown in Fig. I has the form of a rectangular panel.
However, the headboard 300 shown in Fig. 1 is for example purpose only. The skilled adclressee 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.

[0043] 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 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).

[0044] In any case, the skilled addressee will understand that support structure 100 and support structure 100' are functionally equivalent. Therefore, since both support File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 structure 100 and 100' are substantially similar, only support structure 100 shall be described.

[0045] 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 ger,terally 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 ancl the floor as shown in Fig. 4a.
[0046] 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 uncierside and the floor. The coating therefore protects the floor and the box-spring 20 uncierside from scratching and/or damaging which might occur upon unwanted movement of the assembly 10.
[0047] 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 adci 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 movemeints 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.

File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [0048] 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.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 1, 2a and 2b, each section 130 further comprises at least one andi 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 sut-stantiall.y 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.

File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [0052] 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.

[0053] To add structural strength to the assembly 10 and as shown in Fig. 1, at least one ancl 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.
[0054] 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.

[0055] 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' an(i 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 File rwmber : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 struicture 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.
[0056] 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.

[0057] Moreover, the exact shape of the frame members 200, 200' and 200" can vary ancl is not limited to the embodiment of Figs. 3a to 3c.
[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment of assembly 10, the support structures 100 (100') anci 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.

File number : 11089-001 Revision : As Filed Date : 2006/03/20 [0061] 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 nurnber 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 fraine members 200' or 200" and a new headboard 300. Also the assembly 10 is easily mounted and dismounted via the bolts and nuts assemblies.

[0062] The support frame assembly 10 of the present invention can either be sold in individual components, wherein the potential buyer chooses amongst different support stnictures 100, different frame members 200 and different headboards 300, or in kit cornprising all the necessary components for a particular bed size and headboard 300.
[0063] Understandably, the particular support structures 100 and 100', frame members 200, 200' and 200" and headboard 300 have been presented for example purpose only ancl 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.

Claims (20)

1. A frame structure for a headboard, for use with a bed, comprising:
a. support structures, each support structure comprising a first substantially horizontal portion and a second substantially upwardly extending portion extending from said first portion;
b. a frame member fixedly mountable to each said second portion of said support structures with first fasteners;
c. means to fixedly mount a headboard to each said second portion of said support structure.

2. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said first portion of said support structures is generally elongated and flat.

3. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said first portion of said support structures is coated with anti-skid material.

4. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said first portion of said support structures is coated with rubber.

5. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said first portion of said support structures comprises two extremities and wherein said second portion extends from one of said extremities.

6. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said second portion of said support structures comprises a first section extending from said first portion and a second section extending from said first section.

7. The frame structure of claim 6, wherein said first section of said second portion is substantially vertical.

8. The frame structure of claim 7, wherein said second section has a shape corresponding to the shape of said headboard.

9. The frame structure of claim 7, wherein said second section is angled with respect to said first section.

10. The frame structure of claim 6, wherein said frame member is fixedly mounted to each said first section of said second portion of said support structures with said first fasteners.

11. The frame structure of claim 6, wherein said headboard is fixedly mounted to each said second section of said second portion of said support structures with second fasteners.

12. The frame structure of claim 10, wherein said first section of said second portion of said support structures comprises first set of mounting holes and wherein said frame member comprises second set of mounting holes whereby said frame member is mounted to said first section of said second portion of said support structures via said first fasteners going through said first and said second sets of mounting holes.

13. The frame structure of claim 10, wherein said second section of said second portion of said support structures comprises third set of mounting holes and wherein said headboard comprises fastener receiving apertures whereby said headboard is mounted to said second section of said second portion of said support structures via said second fasteners going through said third set of mountings holes and said fastener receiving apertures.

14. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said frame member is chosen from frame members having different widths.

15. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said frame structure comprises more than one frame members.

16. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said headboard is chosen from headboards having different widths.

17. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said support structures are made of metal.

18. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein said frame member is made of metal.

19. A frame structure for a headboard, for use with a bed, comprising:
a. support structures, each support structure comprising a first substantially horizontal portion and a second substantially upwardly extending portion extending from said first portion;
b. a frame member fixedly mounted to each said second portion of said support structures with first fasteners;
c. a headboard fixedly mounted to each said second portion of said support structures with second fasteners.

20. A frame structure for a headboard, for use with a bed comprising a mattress or a box-spring disposed directly on a floor, said frame structure comprising:
a. support structures, each support structure comprising a first substantially horizontal portion and a second substantially upwardly extending portion extending from said first portion;
b. a frame member fixedly mountable to each said second portion of said support structures with first fasteners;
c. a headboard fixedly mountable to each said second portion of said support structures with second fasteners;
wherein each said first portion of said support structures are adapted to be disposed between said mattress or said box-spring and said floor whereby said mattress or said box-spring presses each said first portion of said support structures against said floor.