EP4665186A1

EP4665186A1 - Cross brace for bed frame

Info

Publication number: EP4665186A1
Application number: EP24757376.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Holma
Original assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Current assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date: 2023-02-13
Filing date: 2024-02-12
Publication date: 2025-12-24
Also published as: WO2024172724A1; CN120603520A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cross brace for a bed frame. The cross brace (130) has an elongate shaft (135) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and has a first end (132) and a second end (133), each comprising a bent portion (134a, 134b) extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis (A) at an angle (α). The first bent portion (134a) is angled about the longitudinal axis (A) at an angle (β) in relation to the second bent portion (134b). The invention further relates to a method for attaching the cross brace to a bed frame.

Description

CROSS BRACE FOR BED FRAME

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cross brace for a bed frame. Further, the invention relates to a method for attaching said cross brace to a bed frame.

Background

A bed typically comprises a mattress held in a bed frame. The bed frame may further comprise a headboard, and legs to elevate the bed and to provide room for storage beneath the bed.

To support the mattress, the bed frame usually consists of four frame edges (two side beams, one head end beam and a foot end), a mid beam extending from the centre of the head end beam to the centre of the foot end, and at least one cross beam connecting the side beams together. The mid beam and the cross beam hence supports the centre of the mattress.

Bedframes known in the art suffer from several drawbacks. Firstly, the mid beam and cross beams may become damaged with time. Secondly, the transportation and storage of the mid beam and cross beams are cumbersome, since these parts are long beams taking up large space and they have to be delivered in big packages. In addition, the packages are heavy. Furthermore, these parts are difficult to handle for the user assembling the bed frame. Finally, mounting may require the use of various tools and may be difficult to assemble for a single person.

Hence, there is a need for an improved bed frame mitigating the above issues.

Summary

The present invention seeks to mitigate, alleviate, eliminate or circumvent one or more of the above identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination by providing in a first aspect a cross brace for a bed frame. The cross brace has an elongate shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and has a first end with a first bent portion and a second end with a second bent portion, each first and second bent portion extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle, and wherein the first bent portion is angled about the longitudinal axis at an angle in relation to the second bent portion. This cross brace is advantageous since it is light weight, easy to install and takes up small space during storage and transport. Especially, the mounting of the cross brace can easily be conducted by a single person, and requires no additional tools or equipment. Further, no fastening means are necessary since the cross brace locks itself in place. The cross brace can also be manufactured inexpensively and effectively.

In a first embodiment, the first end is configured to engage a side edge beam of the bed frame and the second end is configured to engage a mid beam or a second side edge beam of the bed frame.

In a second embodiment, the first end is shaped as a pin and is configured to be inserted into an opening in the side edge beam. The pin is easy to introduce into the opening of the side edge beam.

In one embodiment, the pin has a kink angling an end of the pin, thereby facilitating insertion of the pin into the opening.

In a further embodiment, the second end has a hook-like end portion configured to engage a mid beam of the bed frame. The hook-like end portion provides a stable engagement with the mid beam.

In another embodiment, the bent portion and an upper support portion of the second end form an L-shaped member configured to abut and engage a side surface and an upper surface of the mid beam.

In yet another embodiment, an end protrusion is provided at an outer end of the upper support part. The end protrusion extends in a direction towards the elongate shaft.

In one embodiment, the second end is shaped as a pin and is configured to be inserted into an opening in a second side edge beam of the bed frame. The pin is easy to introduce into the opening of the side edge beam. Further, a cross brace having a pin in each end is applicable to a bed frame without a mid beam, such as a single bed.

In another embodiment, the angle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Such an angle between the longitudinal axis and each of the first and second bent portions provides a stable cross brace.

In yet another embodiment, the first bent portion is angled about the longitudinal axis in relation to the second bent portion at the angle being in the range of between 10 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 40 degrees and most preferred about 30 degrees. This provides a cross brace being in constant tension one attached to the bed frame, which prevents the cross brace from moving or becoming detached. In addition, this prevents unwanted disturbing noises from the cross brace. Further, the tension provided by this angle makes the cross brace to lock itself to the bed frame. No tools or fastening means are required.

In another embodiment, the cross brace is made of a metal, preferably a steel. This provides a stable and inexpensive cross brace. In a second aspect, there if provided a method for attaching a cross brace for a bed frame. The method comprises the steps of engaging the first end with a side edge beam of the bed frame, and engaging the second end with a mid beam or a second side edge beam of the bed frame. This method has the advantages as presented above for the cross brace itself.

In one embodiment, engaging the first end with the side edge beam comprises inserting a pin of the first end into an opening in the side edge beam.

In another embodiment, engaging the second end comprises engaging the mid beam with a hook-like end portion of the second end or inserting a pin of the second end into an opening in a second side edge beam.

In yet a further embodiment, engaging the second end comprises arranging the elongate shaft below the mid beam, pushing the cross brace towards the side edge beam to which the first end is configured to be attached, and rotating the second end about the axis such that the hook-like end portion comes into contact and engages a side surface and an upper surface of the mid beam.

Further advantageous features of the invention are elaborated in embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, advantageous features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. la depicts a bed frame according to one embodiment;

Fig. lb shows a bed frame according to another embodiment;

Fig. 2a shows a cross brace according to one embodiment;

Fig. 2b shows a cross brace according to another embodiment;

Fig. 3 a and 3b show the assembly of the cross brace shown in Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3c and 3d show the cross brace shown in Fig. 2a attached to a bed frame; and

Figs 4a and 4b are further views of the cross braces shown in Figs 2a and 2b. Detailed Embodiments

Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

With reference to Figs, la and lb, each figure shows a rectangular bed frame 100. Each bed frame 100 comprises a head end 110, in the form of a headboard base 111. The headboard base I l l is configured to serve as a scaffold for an outer cover, said cover providing comfort and an aesthetical appearance to the headboard of the bed. The bed frame 100 may be a frame for a regular bed or a continental bed. The bed frame 100 may be a bed frame 100 for a double bed as shown in Fig. la or a single bed as depicted in Fig. lb.

The bed frames 100 in Figs, la and lb have a foot end 115 and two side edge beams 116. Each bed frame 100 has four legs 114, with one leg 114 arranged in each comer of the bed frame 100. The side edge beams 116 and the foot end 115, and the head end 110 are connected to each other with fastening means, which may be a screw, bolt, nail, dowel or any other fastening means known in the art.

In Fig. la, a mid beam 120 having a rectangular transverse cross-section extends longitudinally along the bed frame 100 from the headboard base 110 to the foot end 115. The cross-section may alternatively be square-shaped or have an I-shape. The mid beam 120 may also, in another embodiment, extend between the side edge beams 116. The mid beam 120 has an upper surface 125 and side surfaces 126.

Preferably, the mid beam 120 is made of a fibre based material, preferably high density fibre board (HDF board) or laminated veneer lumber (LVL). These materials provide a mid beam 120 of high strength.

In Fig. la, two cross braces 130 each extend perpendicularly from the mid beam 120 to one of the side edge beams 116. Each cross brace 130 has a first end 132 and a second end 133.

The mid beam 120 and the two cross braces 130 form a cross shaped structure, configured to support a mattress (not shown) placed inside the bed frame 100. Normally there is no need to equip the bed frame 100 with a supporting leg arranged centrally below the cross shaped structure formed, due to the rigid and strong structure of the mid beam 120 and the cross braces 130. Fig. lb shows a single bed 100 in which a cross brace 130 spans across the bed frame 100 between the two side edge beams 116. The cross brace 130 is attached to the two side edge beams 116. The cross brace 130 has a first end 132, and a second end 133. Each end 132, 133 is attached to one of the side edge beams 116. The second end 133 designed in the same way as the first end 132. The second end 133 is a mirrored version of the first end 132.

With reference to Fig. 2a, the cross brace 130 for a double bed is shown. Fig. 2b shows the cross brace 130 for a single bed. Each cross brace 130 in Figs 2a and 2b comprises an elongate shaft 135. The cross braces 130 extend along a longitudinal axis A. Hence, the elongate shaft 135 extends along the axis A.

At the first end 132, and second end 133, each cross brace 130 is provided with a first bent portion 134a, and second bent portion 134b, respectively. The first and second bent portions 134a, 134b extend at an angle a from the longitudinal axis A. The angle a is in the range of 80 to 100 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees. The angle a shown in Figs 2a and 2b is substantially perpendicular, i.e. about 90 degrees. The first bent portion 134a and second bent portion 134b each extends transverse in relation to the elongate shaft 135. Further, the cross brace 130 has the overall shape of a wide U when looked at from the side at an angle perpendicular to the axis A.

Figs 2a and 3a-3d show the cross brace 130 for a double bed frame 100, and the assembly of the cross brace 130 to the bed frame 100. Both the first end 132 and the second end 133 comprise a bent portion 134a, 134b, respectively.

The bent portion 134a arranged at the first end 132 is shaped as a pin 136a. The pin 136a also has a kink 137a. The kink 137a is an optional feature, which slightly bends the pin 136a downwards towards a floor once the cross brace 130a is mounted to the bed frame 100.

The kink 137a arranged on the first bent portion 134a facilitates the mounting of the cross brace 130 to the bed frame 100. The angling of the kink 137a makes it easier to mate the pin 136a with an opening 117 (shown in Fig. 3B) of the side edge beam 116. Once in place, the cross brace 130 is constantly in tension, whereby the cross brace 130 is maintained safely in place in a stable manner.

The second end 133 is provided with a hook-like end portion 140 configured to enclose the mid beam 120 when the cross brace 130 is attached to the bed frame 100. The hook-like end portion 140 is shown in an enlarged view in Figs 2a and 3c. More specifically, the bent portion 134b at the second end 133 extends substantially perpendicularly from the elongate shaft 135. At an upper end of the bent portion 134b, there is provided an upper support part 138. The upper support part 138 extends centrally, towards a centre of the elongate shaft 135, and along the axis A. The upper support part 138 extends in parallel with the axis A. The upper support part 138 is configured to abut and support the cross brace 130 against the upper surface 125 of the mid beam 120, as shown in Fig. 3C. The bent portion 134b at the second end 133 is configured to abut the side surface 126 of the mid beam 120, as shown in Fig. 3C.

At an outer end of the upper support part 138, there is provided an end protrusion 139. The end protrusion 139 extends downwards, in a direction towards the elongate shaft 135. Further, the end protrusion 139 points in a direction opposite that of the bent portion 134b, as shown in Fig. 3C. The end protrusion 139 is configured to engage and abut the side surface 126 of the mid beam 120 opposite to the side surface 126 in contact with the bent portion 134b, as shown in Fig. 3C.

Hence, at the second end 133, the bent portion 134b, the upper support part 138 and the end protrusion 139 together form a U-shaped, hook-like feature, configured to engage the mid beam 120.

The mounting of the cross brace 130 will be explained more with reference to Figs 3A-3D. To attach the two cross braces 130 to the bed frame 100 of a double bed having a mid beam 120, the user holds the elongate shaft 135 beneath the mid beam 120, and the second end 133 on a side of the mid beam 120 opposite to the surface 126 facing the side edge 116 to which the first end 132 of cross brace 130 is to be attached. This is shown in Fig. 3 A. The second bent portion 134b is then angled such that it extends perpendicularly with a longitudinal axis AM of the mid beam 120. The cross brace 130 is then moved towards the mid beam 120, as indicated with the arrow in the enlarged view of Fig. 3A, until the second bent portion 134b comes into contact with the surface 126 of the mid beam 120. Then, the cross brace 130 is rotated about its axis A such that the upper support part 138 comes into contact with the upper surface 125 of the mid beam 120 and such that the end protrusion 139 comes into contact with the other side surface 126 of the mid beam 120 facing the side edge 116 where the first end 132 is to be attached. Hence, a height of the second bent portion 134b is larger than a height of the side surface 126 of the mid beam 120. Once the second end 133 is mounted to the mid beam 120, the hook-like end portion 140 engages the side surfaces 126 and the upper surface 125 of the mid beam 120. The elongate shaft 1350 is arranged below the mid beam 120.

Figs 3B and 3D shows the assembly of the first end 132 to the side edge beam respectively. As indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3B, the pin 136a of the first bent portion 134a at the first end 132 is to be inserted into the aperture 117 of the side edge beam 116. The kink 137a facilitates the insertion of the pin 136a into the aperture 117. The mounted first end 132 and second end 133 of the cross brace 130 are shown in Fig. 3D. As described above, the arrangement of the cross brace 130 cause the cross brace 130 to be in tension when attached to the bed frame 100.

Fig. 2b shows the cross brace 130 for a single bed frame 100. Both the first end 132 and the second end 133 comprise a bent portion 134a, 134b. In this embodiment, the bent portions 134a, 134b are both shaped as a pin 136a, 136b. The pins 136a, 136b also have a kink 137a, 137b. The kink 137a, 137b is an optional feature, which slightly bends the pin 136a, 136b downwards towards a floor once the cross brace 130 is mounted to the bed frame 100. The pin 136b at the second end 133 is configured to engage the aperture 117 in the side edge beam 116 opposite to the first side edge beam 116 engaging the first end 132.

The kink 137a, 137b arranged on the first bent portion 134a and the second bent portion 134b facilitates the mounting of the cross brace 130 to the bed frame 100. The angling of the kinks 137a, 137b makes it easier to mate the pin 136a, 136b with the opening 117 of the side edge beam 116. Once in place, the cross brace 130 is constantly in tension, whereby the cross brace 130 is maintained safely in place in a stable manner.

The mounting of the cross brace 130 in a single bed frame 100 is simple. Each pin 136a, 136b of the first and second bent portions 134a, 134b is inserted in opposite apertures 117 arranged in the side edge beams 116, as shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 3D. The assembled cross brace 130 in a single bed frame 100 is shown in Fig. lb.

To attach the cross brace 130 to a single bed frame 100, the first end 132 is firstly engaged in the opening 117 in the first side edge beam 116. The pin 136a is mated with, and inserted into, the opening 117. Secondly, the second end 133 is forced into engagement with the opening 117 in the opposite side edge beam 116. In the same way as the first pin 136a, the second pin 136b is inserted into the opening 117. The kinks 137a, 137b aids the assembly by facilitating the mating of the pin 136a, 136b with the openings 117. Hence, the kinks 137a, 137b guides the pins 136a, 136b when inserting them into the apertures 117.

In Figs 4a and 4b, the cross braces 130 are each shown as viewed from the second bent portion 134b of the second end 133 towards the first bent portion 134a of the first end 132. As described above, the cross brace 130 is substantially U-shaped. The angle a (shown in Figs 2a and 2b) between the axis A and the bent portions 134a, 134b is substantially perpendicular. Hence, the angle a is preferably 80 to 100 degrees, most preferred about 90 degrees.

There is also an angle P between the first bent portion 134a and the second bent portion 134b when viewed along the axis A. In Figs 4a and 4b, the axis A is perpendicular to a plane of the figures. The angle P lies in the plane of Figs 4a and 4b. The angle P is thus perpendicular to the axis A.

To further describe the angle P, one can imagine that the angle P of the cross brace 130 may be obtained by starting with a U-shaped cross brace 130 having the first bent portion 134a and the second bent portion 134b being parallel to each other, and turning one of the first and second bent portions 134a, 134b about the axis A. As a result, the angle P between the first bent portion 134a and the second bent portion 134b is formed (as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b).

Preferably, the angle P is in the range of between 10 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 40 degrees and most preferred about 30 degrees. Therefore, the angle P is not zero, i.e. the first and second bent portions 134a, 134b of the cross brace 130 are not aligned with each other and imaginary vectors of the first and second bent portions 134a, 134b are not parallel with one another. The first end 132 is angled slightly about the axis A compared to the second end 133, forming the angle p. The angle P provides for a cross brace 10 being in tension in its mounted position, such that the cross brace 130 will remain in place without any unwanted movement.

Hence, the cross brace 130 comprises two separate angles a, p. The angle a is the angle between the axis A and each and one of the bent portions 134a, 134b. The angle P is the angle between the first bent portion 134a and the second bent portion 134b when viewed along the axis A.

The two angles a, P are each part of three separate imaginary planes. One plane for the angle a at the first end 132, a second plane for the angle a at the second end 133, and a third plane for the angle P between the first bent portion 134a and the second bent portion 134b. Both planes for the angle a are orthogonal in relation to the third plane for angle p.

Hence, the first end 132 has a first end alpha imaginary plane Pal in which the angle a lies. The second end 133 has a second end alpha imaginary plane Pa2, in which the angle a of the second end 133 lies. The angle P lies in a beta angle imaginary plane Pp. The beta angle imaginary plane Pp is orthogonal to the axis A. The angle P may be measured in an infinite number of planes orthogonal to the axis A, of which the beta angle imaginary plane PP is one plane. The first end alpha imaginary plane Pal is orthogonal to the beta angle imaginary plane PP, and the second end alpha imaginary plane Pa2 is orthogonal to the beta angle imaginary plane Pp. Since the angle P is present between the first bent portion 134a and the second bent portion 134b, the first end alpha imaginary plane Pal and the second end alpha imaginary plane Pa2 are different from each other and are not in parallel.

The cross brace 130 disclosed herein is made of a metal. Preferably, the metal is a steel. The steel is abundantly strong to carry the weight and load placed on top of the bed frame 100, while providing resilient properties to the cross brace 130. Further, ordinary construction metallic materials, such as steel, is commercially available and cheap.

The cross brace 130 according to the present invention provides additional stability and strength to a bed frame 100. Hence, the head end 110, side edges 116 and foot end 115 of the bed frame 100 can be made of light-weight materials, as well as being made slim and neat without compromising the overall strength of the assembled bed frame 100. The assembly of the cross brace 130 according to the present invention is simple and does not require any tools.

Since the cross brace 130 is preferably formed of metal, it is bendable but strong, and therefore provides leverage once the first end 132 is engaged with the first side edge beam 116, which aids the assembly process.

Optionally, the cross brace 130 is attached between a foot end 115 and head end 110 of the bed frame 100.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art may, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative and not limitative of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and, other embodiments than the specific above are equally possible within the scope of these appended claims, e.g. different than those described above.

In the claims, the term "comprises/comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.

In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", “first”, “second” etc. do not preclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A cross brace for a bed frame, said cross brace (130) having an elongate shaft (135) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and having a first end (132) with a first bent portion (134a) and a second end (133) with a second bent portion (134b), each first and second bent portion (134a, 134b) extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis (A) at an angle (a), and wherein the first bent portion (134a) is angled about the longitudinal axis (A) at an angle (P) in relation to the second bent portion (134b) ), the angle (P) being between the first bent portion (134a) and the second bent portion (134b) when viewed along the longitudinal axis (A).

2. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 1, wherein the first end (132) is configured to engage a side edge beam (116) of the bed frame (100) and the second end (133) is configured to engage a mid beam (120) or a second side edge beam (116) of the bed frame (100).

3. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first end (132) is shaped as a pin (136a, 136b) and is configured to be inserted into an opening (117) in the side edge beam (116).

4. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 3, wherein the pin (136a, 136b) has a kink (137a, 137b) angling an end of the pin (136a, 136b), thereby facilitating insertion of the pin (136a, 136b) into the opening (117).

5. The cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second end (133) has a hook-like end portion (140) configured to engage a mid beam (120) of the bed frame (100).

6. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 5, wherein the bent portion (134b) and an upper support portion (138) of the second end (133) form an L- shaped member configured to abut and engage a side surface (126) and an upper surface 7. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 6, wherein an end protrusion (139) is provided at an outer end of the upper support part (138), said end protrusion (139) extending in a direction towards the elongate shaft (135).

8. The cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second end (133) is shaped as a pin (136b) and is configured to be inserted into an opening (117) in a second side edge beam (116) of the bed frame (100).

9. The cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first and second bent portion (134a, 134b) extend transverse relative to the longitudinal axis (A) at the angle (a) being perpendicular.

10. The cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bent portion (134a) is angled about the longitudinal axis (A) in relation to the second bent portion (134b) at the angle (P) in the range of between 10 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 40 degrees and most preferred about 30 degrees.

11. The cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross brace (130) is made of a metal, preferably a steel.

12. A method for attaching a cross brace according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to a bed frame, wherein the method comprises:

- engaging the first end (132) with a side edge beam (116) of the bed frame (100); and

- engaging the second end (133) with a mid beam (120) or a second side edge beam (116) of the bed frame (100).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein engaging the first end (132) with the side edge beam (116) comprises inserting a pin (136a, 136b) of the first end

(132) into an opening (117) in the side edge beam (116).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein engaging the second end

(133) comprises engaging the mid beam (120) with a hook-like end portion (140) of the second end (133) or inserting a pin (136a, 136b) of the second end (133) into an opening (117) in a second side edge beam (116).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein engaging the second end (133) comprises arranging the elongate shaft (135) below the mid beam (120), pushing the cross brace (130) towards the side edge beam (116) to which the first end (132) is configured to be attached, and rotating the second end (133) about the axis (A) such that the hook-like end portion (140) comes into contact and engages a side surface (126) and an upper surface (125) of the mid beam (120).