GB2345844A - Metal beds - Google Patents

Abstract

A bed end having a self-supporting metal main-frame (4), there being at least one sub-frame (30) attached within the main-frame, the or each sub-frame supporting a decorative panel (40). It is thus possible to utilise a universal main-frame to which a number of different sub-frames of different style can be attached, either at the manufacturing or retail stage, to provide a range of bed designs based on a single main-frame.

Description

Improvements in or relating to Metal Beds The invention relates to bed ends, more especially to metal frame bed ends.

Beds are large items and although it is customary for major stockists of beds to have a large showroom space, the amount of space is nevertheless limited. Typically it is only possible to show a limited number of complete beds together with a larger, but still limited, number of bed ends, which may be suspended from a showroom wall, for example. If a customer enquires as to the full range of designs available, the salesperson must usually resort to showing the customer a catalogue. This has the disadvantage that the customer cannot see the bed itself before making a purchasing decision. Moreover, if a purchase decision is made in favour of a bed from the catalogue, there is the further disadvantage that the customer will have to wait for the bed to be delivered. The bed manufacturer is thus restricted by the sales environment in the diversity of bed styles that can be marketed effectively. In any case, for the manufacturer too there are costs associated with the stocking of parts for each bed style offered in the catalogue. Moreover, generally, the greater the number of bed styles, the more fragmented will become the production runs and the greater the labour cost per bed will become.

According to the invention there is provided a bed end comprising a plurality of elongate metal members interconnected to form a self-supporting metal main-frame and at least one sub-frame supporting a decorative panel and rigidly attached to the mainframe.

It is thus possible to utilise a universal main-frame to which a number of different sub-frames of different style can be attached, either at the manufacturing or retail stage. For attachment at the manufacturing stage, the sub-frames can be metal and the main-and sub-frames attached by welding or brazing. For attachment at the retail or manufacturing stage, the main-frame and sub-frame (s) can be attached to each other by releasable fastening elements, such as bolts and nuts.

As a result, a larger number of bed styles can be brought to market effectively at a lower cost. Moreover, in the context of a metal frame bed, which is traditionally viewed as'cold'by some potential purchasers, the decorative panels can lend a subjective feeling of warmth to the design, thus increasing the appeal of metal beds.

< Each sub-frame may have a plurality of spars extending to connect with the main-frame in a butting configuration. Moreover, the decorative panel may be supported on a body part of the sub-frame from which the spars extend in a generally radial manner with a proximal end of each spar connected to the sub-frame main body and a distal end connected to the main bed end frame. The sub-frame main body may take a variety of shapes in different examples. These shapes may include various polygonal forms, and other forms such as arch and shield, thus providing a strong design motif for the sub-frame. In this way, the sub-frame design with its decorative cover becomes a principal design feature so that bed ends with the same universal main frame can encompass a wide variety of styles solely through different sub-frame designs. Design freedom in the choice of the decorative cover, typically a fabric cover stretched over a cushioned filling, can serve to widen further the design range achievable within a single main frame.

For a double-bed, or larger bed, a bed end can be provided with two sub-frames arranged side-by-side in the main-frame with matching decorative panels. The decorative panels can be positioned as back rests, or combined back and head rests, for bed occupants. The decorative panels may be upholstered or cushioned for comfort.

For some fabrics, it may be advantageous to limit the sizes of the two panels to a maximum lateral extent of not more than 55 centimetres so that each panel can be made of a single standard-size fabric piece.

In one embodiment, the two sub-frames are shaped and arranged as individual back rests and a common head rest strip is provided above them. This is achieved by providing a further sub-frame supporting a further decorative panel arranged in a strip extending above and across the two back-rest sub-frames, which are arranged side-byside. The fabric of the head and back rests is preferably matching. in For single beds in particular, a single back rest may be provided with a subframe supporting a further decorative panel arranged midway across the main-frame, i. e. in a central position in respect of the sides of the main-frame that form first and second leg struts. This design is however also suitable for double beds. In other designs, a separate head rest may be provided or a single decorative panel suitable for resting both back and head.

It may also be advantageous if the or each decorative panel is releasably fastened to its sub-frame. The panels can be detached for dry cleaning. Moreover, the panels can be detached and replaced with other panels. In this way, a customer can change the whole look of a bed merely by purchasing replacement panels at modest cost, for example to compliment a redecorated bedroom.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows schematically in front view a bed end according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows the main frame part of the bed end of Figure 1; Fig. 3 shows the sub frame part of the bed end of Figure 1; Fig. 4 shows in section the cushioned panel of Figure 3; Fig. 5 shows in more detail the upper part of the main frame of the bed end of Figure il Figure 6 shows in perspective view a complete bed according to the first embodiment; Figure 7 shows an alternative form of panel arrangement in cross-section; Figure 8 shows a rear view of the panel arrangement of Figure 7; Fig. 9 to 16 show several alternative sub-frames which may be fitted into the main frame of Figure 2 in place of the sub-frame of Figure 3; Figure 17 shows a bed end according to a second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 18 shows a bed end according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows in front view a bed end according to a first embodiment of the invention. The bed end has a self-supporting metal main frame 4 including first and second legs 1 and 2 having decorative baubles 12 and 13 at their upper ends and, at their lower ends, feet 15 and 16. First and second sub-frames 30 and 30'are securely attached within the main frame 4 and support respective decorative panels 40 and 40'.

The bed end further comprises a head cushion panel 20 arranged in a strip extending above and across the two sub-frame panels 40 and 40'.

Figure 2 shows the main frame 4 without the sub-frames and panels. A number of upper cross-frame members 5 to 8 extend in parallel between upper portions of the legs 1 and 2. Further upright connecting spars 14 extend to connect pairs of the upper cross-frame members near to the ends of the cross-frame members. Towards the foot end of the legs 1 and 2, a pair of lower cross-frame members 9 and 10 extend between the two legs 1 and 2. Furthermore, a central upright member 11 extends to connect the lower cross-frame members 9 and 10 with the lowest one 8 of the upper cross-frame members. The main frame members and spars may be made of iron or steel and may be interconnected at their adjoining positions with welds.

Figure 3 shows the left side sub-frame 30 of Figure 1 in more detail together with its cushion panel 40. (The right-hand sub-frame 30'and panel 40'have the same construction). The sub-frame 30 comprises a main body 36 having an overall square shape, from which extends four spars 32 having fastening elements 33 at their distal ends. As can be seen with reference to Figure 1, the distal ends of the spars 32 abut the legs I and 2, cross-frame members 8 and 9 and upright member 11. At these points, the main and sub-frames may be attached by releasable fasteners. For example, fastening elements 33 may be nuts or other threaded parts incorporated in the ends of the spars 32 which may be attached to the main frame with corresponding fastening elements, for example bolts 39. Alternatively, the main-and sub-frames may be secured to each other at these points by welds so as to form a single framework. Mounted diagonally across the internal sides of the four corners of the sub-frame main body 36 are four angle pieces 38 which serve as mounting brackets for the panel 40. Each of the angle pieces 38 has a number of fastener apertures 35 through which a fastener 37 extends and fastens onto the panel 40, thereby securing the panel 40 onto the sub-frame 30. The panel fasteners may, for example, be simple screws panelled through the apertures 35 from below (as viewed in Figure 3) into a base portion of the panel 40.

Figure 4 shows the panel 40 in more detail by way of a cross-sectional representation. The panel 40 comprises a board base 42 into which the abovementioned fasteners 37 are received. The panel further comprises a fabric cover 46 stretched over the board 42 and a filling 44 provided for cushioning purposes. As weU as woven fabrics, leather or other cover material may be used as desired.

Figure 5 shows the upper part of the main frame of Figure 1 in more detail.

Specifically, the fastening of the head cushion panel 20 is shown. Fastening of the head cushion panel 20 is provided through fastener apertures 18 in the upper crossframe members 6 and 7. The same type of fastening may be used as for the sub-frame panels 40. Moreover, the construction of the head cushion panel 20 may be similar to that of the sub-frame panel 40, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows in perspective view a complete bed according to the first embodiment, the bed comprising the bed end of Figure 1 together with a base and foot end. The foot end is of conventional design, but in an alternative embodiment may be similar to the bed end of Figure 1.

It will be understood that the type of fastening is not critical. Moreover, the main-and sub-frame members and spars may have any desired cross-section. For example, a round section or an oval section are preferred alternatives. The generally square section shown in Figure 3, and a rectangular section, are also preferred crosssectional shapes. Moreover, although less flexible, it will be understood that the sub frame panel 40 may be made integral with the sub-frame body 30, as in now described with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Figure 7 shows an alternative form of panel arrangement in cross-section.

Figure 8 shows the panel arrangement of Figure 7 from behind, that is from the side facing away from a bed occupant in a complete bed. In this alternative form, there is a solid panel 40 attached within a sub-frame in the form of metal frame ring 30 having apertured lugs 33 for receiving fastening elements 39 to secure the panel and ring to a bed end main-frame. It will be understood that a suitable main-frame for use with th panel arrangement of Figures 7 and 8 will have metal members extending behind the panel area for attachment with the lug-mounted fastening elements 33. The metal frame ring 30 extends tightly around the peripheral sides of the panel and is secured thereto by fastening elements 37. The alternative form of Figures 7 and 8 is illustrated as having one possible form of fastening. Many others can be envisaged.

Figures 9 to 16 show a number of alternative sub-frames 30 which may be combined with the main frame of Figure 2 in place of the sub-frame of Figure 3. Each of the sub-frames of Figures 9 to 16 has a main body 36 conforming to a geometric shape to provide a distinctive design motif. The shapes are those of a rectangle, a shield, a hexagon, an oval, a circle, a round topped window, a diamond and a gothic shaped window. From these figures, it will be appreciated the diversity of bed styles which may be incorporated into the same, universal main frame, i. e., the main frame of Figure 2 in the present case.

Figure 17 shows a bed end according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Like reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those of the first embodiment. The main frame 4 comprises curved members 5 and 6 interconnecting with sub-frames 30 and 30'having a curved upper member conforming approximately to a quarter arc and two straight interconnecting pieces radially extending at right angles to one another to respective ends of the arcuate member from a common point centrally located between the two legs 1 and 2 at approximately the level adopted by the upper surface of a mattress in a made up bed. A number of curved members are used.

However, central upright member 11 is retained and, as in the first embodiment, serves to actually divide the main frame and allows the fitment of left and right side sub-frames 30 and 30'with corresponding panels 40 and 40'similar to the first embodiment. Subframe spars are thus dispensed with.

< Figure 18 shows a third embodiment of the invention in which a single subframe 30 and associated panel 40 is provided. In this design, there is no central upright member and the sub-frame extends across the full width of the bed from one leg 1 to the other leg 2. Otherwise the main frame 4 is of similar design to that of the first embodiment. A single panel arranged around the back area may be more typical of a single bed, rather than a double bed.

It will be appreciated that although particular embodiments of the invention have been described, many modifications/additions and/or substitutions may be made by a person skilled in the art.

Claims (17)

1. Claims 1. A bed end comprising a plurality of elongate metal members interconnected to form a self-supporting metal main-frame and at least one sub-frame supporting a decorative panel and rigidly attached to the main-frame.
2. 2. A bed end according to claim 1, in which there are two of said at least one subframes arranged side-by-side in the main-frame with matching decorative panels.

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3. 3. A bed end according to claim 2, wherein each of the matching decorative panels has a maximum lateral extent of not more than 55 centimetres.
4. 4. A bed end according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a further matching decorative panel arranged in a strip extending above and across the two side-by-side sub-frames.
5. 5. A bed end according to claim 1 in which there is one of said at least one subframes and that sub-frame is arranged midway across the main-frame.
6. 6. A bed end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each sub-frame includes a plurality of spars extending to connect with spars of the mainframe in a butting configuration.
7. 7. A bed end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each decorative panel comprises a cover extending over an upholstered interior.
8. 8. A bed end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each decorative panel is releasably fastened to its sub-frame.
9. 9. A bed end according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the or each sub-frame is metal and the main-and sub-frames are attached by welding.
10. 10. A bed end according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main-and subframes are attached by releasable fasteners.
11. 11. A bed end according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal members have a generally square or rectangular cross-section.
12. 12. A bed end according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the metal members have a generally round or oval cross-section.
13. 13. A bed end substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, Figures 7 and 8, any one of Figures 9 to 16, Figure 17 or Figure 18 of the accompanying drawings.
14. 14. A bed comprising a bed end according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. 15. A decorative panel comprising a sub-frame and fastening means for attachment of the panel to a bed end according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
16. 16. A decorative panel and sub-frame assembly substantially as shown in any one of Figures 9 to 16 of the accompanying drawings.
17. 17. A bed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.