GB2402616A

GB2402616A - A bed convertible between a bunk bed and a convertible bed

Info

Publication number: GB2402616A
Application number: GB0328408A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Grant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-08
Filing date: 2003-12-08
Publication date: 2004-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2023-12-08
Also published as: GB2402616B; GB0328408D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a convertible bed comprising a first unit (2) defining a first berth, a second unit (3) defining a second berth, and a linkage mechanism joining the first unit to the second unit; the second unit being locatable, in a first state, above the first unit and in contact or proximity therewith such that the convertible bed comprises a single useable berth, being the second berth; the second unit being locatable, in a second state, above the first unit and spaced apart therefrom (see fig 2) such that the convertible bed comprises two useable berths, being the first and second berths, in a bunk-bed configuration; the second unit being locatable, in a third state, beside the first unit (see fig 3) such that the convertible bed comprises two useable berths, being the first and second berths, in a double-bed configuration; wherein the linkage mechanism (4,4a) allows movement of the second unit relative to the first unit such that the convertible bed can be moved between first, second and third states. The linkage may contain pulley, pivots, hinges, cams and may rotate or pivot during operation. A biasing means which may be a spring, may be provided to urge the bed into position.

Description

A CONVERTIBLE BED

The present invention relates to a bed which can be converted into different forms to allow more than one bed type to be formed from the same piece of furniture.

Furniture which can be converted between different forms is known in the art. For example, a sofa which can be converted into a bed is well known. Document US 4,922,561 discloses a sofa which can be converted into a double bed and a bunk bed.

DE 3307723 discloses a bed which can convert between a single bed and a bunk-bed.

The present invention provides a convertible bed comprising a first unit defining a first berth, a second unit defining a second berth, and a linkage mechanism joining the first unit to the second unit; the second unit being locatable, in a first state, above the first unit and in contact or proximity therewith such that the convertible bed comprises a single useable berth, being the second berth; the second unit being locatable, in a second state, above the first unit and spaced apart therefrom such that the convertible bed comprises two useable berths, being the first and second berths, in a bunk-bed configuration; the second unit being locatable, in a third state, beside the first unit such that the convertible bed comprises two useable berths, being the first and second berths, in a double-bed configuration; - 2 - wherein the linkage mechanism allows movement of the second unit relative to the first unit such that the convertible bed can be moved between first, second and third states.

Thus, the bed can be converted between several different forms. This is of particular benefit because it allows the same piece of furniture to be used for multiple purposes. As a single bed, the convertible bed takes up little space, the bunk-bed form allows two people to sleep in a small space, and the double bed allows couples to sleep in comfort.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the convertible bed in a first state; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the convertible bed of Figure 1 in a second state; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the convertible bed of Figure 1 in a third state; Figure 4 is an end elevation of the convertible bed of Figure 3, shown between the first and second states; Figure 5 is an end elevation of the convertible bed, shown between the second and third states.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the underside of a first unit of the convertible bed showing a spring mechanism.

The convertible bed 1 comprises a first unit 2, a second unit 3, supports 4 and legs 5. The first unit 2 defines a first berth and second unit 3 defines a second berth. Each berth is designed to accommodate a standard single mattress and bedding, and allow a person to sleep in comfort. The first and second units 2,3 are rectangular in plan view and similar in size and shape, each unit having two short sides and two long sides.

As shown in Figure 1, the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 each comprise a rectangular frame 10 and slats 11. The frame supports the plurality of slats 11 which are attached transversely across the frame 10. The slats 11 are slightly concave in a transverse direction and support a mattress, bedding and a person using the bed 1. The slight concave curvature of the upper surface of the slats 11 provides good support and weight dispersal of a person. The frame 10 extends substantially vertically downwards from the slats a short distance on four sides. The frame 10 extends a substantial distance vertically upwards from the slats 11 on three sides, sufficiently far to ensure that any mattress or person cannot easily slide off the slats 11 in the direction of the three raised sides. The side of the frame 10 which is not raised vertically upwards from the slats 11 is a long side of the frame 10.

There are four supports 4, each pivotally mounted on the first unit 2 and the second unit 3. Each support 4 is formed of two sections 4a, 4b of slightly differing lengths which are rotatably connected by a pivot 16 in the central region of the support 4. The first section 4a of the support 4 is shorter than the second section 4b. Section 4b of each support 4 has a portion 31 which extends over the pivot 16 and overlaps with the other section 4a of that support 4.

The shorter, first, section 4a of each support 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 10 of the first unit 2, and the second section 4b of each support is rotatably attached to the frame 10 of the second unit 3. The pivot 16 and the rotatable attachments to the frames 10 allow the supports 4 to hinge and rotate in a plane parallel to the short sides of the frames 10. The supports 4 are rotatably attached to the outer surface of the short sides of the frame 10 by means of pivots 13. The supports 4 are secured to the upper part of the frame 10 of the second unit 3 and to the lower part of the frame 10 of the first unit 2. With reference to Figure 1, on the left hand side the shorter section 4a is attached to the second unit 3, and on the right hand side the shorter section 4a is attached to the first unit 2.

Hence, the two supports 4 are attached to the bed 1 in an opposite orientation.

The convertible bed 1 has three different forms. In a first state, the bed 1 is in the form of a single bed. In a second state, the bed 1 is in the form of a bunk-bed, and in the third state it is in the form of a double bed.

In the first state, shown in Figure 1, the convertible bed 1 is in the form of a single bed. The second unit 3 is positioned on top of the first unit 2 such that only the second berth defined by the second unit 3 is useable. The supports 4 are inwardly folded such that the exterior angle (i.e. on the laterally outward facing side 30 of the supports) between the two sections 4a,4b of the supports 4 forms an acute angle a. The second unit 3 rests on the first unit 2 so that the second unit 3, and any person in the second berth, is supported by the first unit 2. - 5

The mattress of the first unit 2 can still be in position on the slats 11 in the first state. This provides a storage place for the mattress of the first unit 2, and means that there is no need to remove or replace it when converting to and from the first state.

The pivot 16 is not located at the exact centre point of each support 4. As previously described, each support is comprised of a shorter section 4a and a longer section 4b rotatably attached by pivot 16. There are two pairs of supports, one pair on each short side of the frame 10. Each pair has one support 4 with the shorter section 4a below the longer section 4b, and one support with the shorter section 4a above the longer section 4b. Thus, in each pair on the same side one support will have its shorter section 4a attached to the first unit 2 and its longer section 4b to the second unit 3, and one support 4 will have its shorter section 4a attached to the second unit 3 and its longer section 4b to the first unit 2. This is so that when the bed 1 is in the form of a single bed, the inwardly folded supports 4 do not contact each other. The pivots 16 of the pair of supports 4 on each side of the frame 10 will rest at different distances from the ground, and so one support 4 will be generally higher and partially overlapping the other support 4 of that pair. This arrangement also has aesthetic values.

A hole 18 is formed in the overlapping portion 31 of the second section 4b, and a hole 17 is formed in the overlapped portion of the first section 4a. The holes 17 are located such that the hole 17 in the first section 4a is aligned with the hole 18 in the second section 4b when the two sections 4a, 4b are aligned to form a straight support 4.

Thus, the two sections 4a,4b of each support 4 can be locked rigidly together when the two sections 4a,4b are aligned.

The inner surface of the holes 17,18 is provided with a thread. A screw can be screwed through the holes 17,18 to lock the two sections 4a,4b into an aligned position. A pin or bolt may be used instead of a screw. Alternatively, a spring loaded stud can be provided on section 4b instead of hole 18 and located at the same point as hole 18. The stud would extend towards section 4a. When the support 4 is vertical, the stud will be aligned with hole 17 and the biasing spring will urge the stud into the hole 17 to lock the support 4 in a vertical orientation. To move the support 4, the stud would be retracted into the support 4 so that it does not engage the hole 17 and so allow the two sections 4a,4b to rotate about pivot 16.

Each section 4a,4b of the support 4 has a hole 15 extending through the section in a direction perpendicular to the short side of the frame 10. This hole is located near to the rotating joint 13 attaching the section 4a,4b to the frame 10. The frames 10 have holes 14 located which are aligned with the positions of the holes 15 in the supports 4 when the supports 4 are vertical. The inner surface of the holes 14,15 is provided with a thread. A screw can be inserted through the holes 15 in each support 4 and holes 14 in the second berth 3 and the bottom bunk 2 to lock the supports 4 into a vertical position. Alternatively, each support 4 could be provided with a spring loaded stud facing the frame 10. The stud would be instead of hole 15 and located at the same point as hole 15, and extend towards the frame 10. When the support 4 is vertical, the stud will be aligned with - 7 hole 14 and the biasing spring will urge the stud into the hole 14 to lock the support 4 in a vertical orientation. To move the support 4, the stud would be retracted into the support 4 so that it does not engage the hole 14 and so allow the support 4 to rotate about pivot 13.

Referring to Figure 2, the convertible bed 1 is shown in its second state, in the form of a bunk-bed. The second unit 3 is supported by the supports 4, and spaced apart from the first unit 2. The first unit 2 and the second unit 3 both form useable berths, one on top of the other in a bunk-bed configuration. The supports 4 are secured to the first unit 2 and second unit 3 such that they cannot rotate relative to the first unit or second unit. The two sections 4a,4b of each of the supports 4 are locked to form a straight member, the angle subtended by the two sections being 180 degrees.

A screw is screwed through the holes 17,18 in the supports 4 to lock the two sections of the supports 4 into an aligned position. The pivot 16 is thus locked in this embodiment so each support 4 is a rigid member. The supports 4 are locked in a vertical position by means of screw inserted though holes 14 in the first and second units and holes 15 in the supports.

The outside surface of the frame 10 has rests 12 formed on it. The rests 12 are positioned on the short sides of the frame 10, adjacent to the holes 14 which secure the screws to lock the supports 4 in a vertical position. The rests 12 are located such that the supports 4 cannot rotate past a vertical orientation. When the supports 4 are in contact with the rests 12, the holes 14 and 15 will be aligned thus assisting the insertion of screws into holes 14 and 15.

In Figure 3, the bed 1 is shown in a third state, in the form a double bed. The first unit 2 and the second unit 3 are adjacent to each other, and rest on legs 5 on the ground. The first unit 2 and the second unit 3 are at the same height off the ground, and so the first and second berths effectively form a double bed. The frame 10 extends upwardly around three sides of the first unit and three sides of the second unit, and these raised sides are at the outer edges of the double bed. There is therefore no obstruction between the mattresses in the third state.

Figure 4 shows the convertible bed between its first state and second state. One section of each support 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 10 of the second unit 3, and one section of each support 4 is rotatably attached to the frame of the first unit 2. The hinge 16 and the rotatable attachments 13 to the frames 10 allow the supports 4 to hinge in a plane parallel to the short sides of the frames 10.

Referring to Figure 5, the bed 1 is shown between its second and third states. Legs 25 are attached to the frame 10 of the second unit 3 by means of screws. The legs 25 are removed from the frame 10 when the bed is in its single bed and bunk-bed form, and can be stored under the frame 10 of the second unit 3 when they are not in use. They are held in place under the second unit 3 by means of hooks attached to the inside of the frame 10, each leg 25 supported in a horizontal position by the hooks. The legs 25 are the same 9 size as the permanent legs 5. This ensures that in the third state, when the second berth is adjacent to the first berth, the slats 11 of each berth are at the same distance from the ground.

The second unit 3 may have a substantial mass. To aid the lifting and lowering of the second berth 3, part of its weight is taken by a spring mechanism.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown one such spring system. Each support 4 is attached to one spring mechanism such that there are four equivalent spring mechanisms. Each support 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 10 by means of a shaft 19. The shaft 19 passes through the frame 10 of the first unit 2 underneath the slats 11 and is securely fastened to a pulley 20. The shaft 19 is attached at the axis of rotation of the pulley 20, such that when the support 4 rotates the pulley 20 rotates by the same amount.

One end of a cable 21 is securely attached to a point on the rim of the pulley 20, and the other end of the cable 21 is attached to one end of a spring 22. The other end of the spring 22 is connected to one end of a second cable 24, and the other end of the second cable 24 is securely attached to a long side of the frame 10. A cable tensioner (bottle screw) 23 is fitted between cable 21 and the spring 22 to adjust the tension in the cables 21,24 and remove any slack.

Two spring mechanisms comprise a pulley 20 which rotates in one direction when the bed 1 moves from the second state to the first state, and in the opposite direction when the bed 1 moves from the second state to third state. The cable 21 may be attached to the pulley 20 at a point such that rotation of the pulley 20 causes the spring 22 to extend further when the bed 1 is converted from the second state to the first state than the second state to the third state.

This means that more assistance is provided to the user to lift the bed 1 from a single bed to a bunk-bed than from a double bed to a bunk-bed.

The pulley 20, cables 21,24, tensioner 23 and spring 22 are thus orientated parallel to the short sides of the frame 10.

The support 4 adjacent one long side of the frame 10 is connected to the opposite long side, and thus the spring mechanism extends over the majority of the width of the frame 10 under the slats 11.

Since each spring mechanism extends under the slats 11 of the first unit 2 from adjacent a first long side of the frame 10 to a second long side of the frame 10, the two spring mechanisms at each end of the first unit 2 will be in close proximity. They are prevented from contacting by the cable 24 being attached to the frame 10 at a higher point from the ground than the shaft 19 of the opposite spring mechanism and also further from the short side of the frame than the pulley 20 of the opposite spring mechanism. The two spring mechanisms at each end are thus positioned close to one another without contacting.

The springs 22 are extended (i.e. loaded) when the bed is in its first and third states (as a single and double bed). The spring mechanism and cables 21,24 are thus in tension when the bed is in the first and third states. When the bed is in the second state (as a bunk bed) the springs 22 are substantially contracted, and not loaded. The rotation of the supports 4 inwardly from the first state to the second state, and outwardly from the second state to the third state causes the springs 22 to extend, so effectively taking a part of the weight of the second unit 3.

The bed 1 can be converted between any of the first, second and third states, i.e. between a single bed, double bed or bunk-bed, starting at any of these forms.

To convert the bed 1 from a second state into a first state (bunk-bed into a single bed), the screws are removed from holes 14,15 and holes 17,18. The supports 4 are then able to fold around the pivot 16, and the supports 4 can simultaneously rotate about the pivots 13 on the frames 10.

One or more users must support the second berth 3 in its elevated position whilst all the screws are removed. Once the screws are removed, the second unit 3 can be lowered by the user onto the first unit 2. As the second unit 3 is lowered the supports 4 fold inwardly in a plane parallel to the short side of the frames 10. The second unit 3 securely rests on top of the first unit 2 in the first state to provide a single bed.

As the bed 1 is converted from a first state to a second state (single bed to bunk-bed), the spring mechanism assists the lifting of the second unit 3. As the second unit 3 is lifted, the supports 4 will rotate relative to the first unit 2 towards and into a vertical orientation. The spring 22 exerts a force through the cable 21,24 and tensioner 23 to the pulley 20. This force is converted from a linear force to a rotational force by the pulley 20, and the pulley exerts this force on the support 4 through the shaft 19.

The rotational force acts on the support 4 in a direction to urge the support 4 towards a vertical orientation. The second unit 3 is therefore easier for the user to lift.

As the bed 1 is converted from a second state to a first state, the spring 22 will still exert a force on the support 4 to urge it into a vertical orientation. The second unit 3 will therefore also feel lighter to the user when it is being lowered to form the single bed of the first state.

In order to convert the bed 1 from the second state to the third state (bunk-bed into a double bed), the legs 5 are screwed into place on the bottom of the second berth 3. The screws are removed from holes 14,15 in the frames 10 which lock the supports 4 into a vertical position. The screws in holes 17,18 of the supports are left in place. The user or users supports the second berth 3 as it is moved in an arc to the side and downwardly. The supports 4 are each rigid members since they cannot hinge about pivot 16. The second unit 3 will rest adjacent to first unit 2. The sides of the frames 10 which do not extend a substantial distance vertically are adjacent to each other and located at a small distance from one another when the second unit 3 rests on its legs 25 on the ground. The second berth defined by the second unit 3 and the first berth defined by the first unit 2 are then at the same height and aligned, and so effectively form a double bed.

To convert the bed 1 from third state to a first state (double bed to a single bed), the screws are removed from the holes 17,18 in the supports 4. The legs 25 are removed from the second unit 3, and the second unit 3 is then lifted upwards and sidewardly and placed directly on top of the first berth 2.

Although the supports 4 have been described as locking in position by means of screws insertable into threaded holes in the supports and frame, there are other means by which the supports can be locked in position. For example, pins could be inserted into smooth holes, or a spring-loaded clip may fit securely into a groove to lock the supports. The two sections of each support can be locked to form a straight member by means of any suitable securing means, such as bolts, screws or clips.

A spring is described as taking some of the weight of the second berth 3 in order to assist the user, however there are other means by which this may be achieved. For example, one or more gas struts could be used, or any compressible material which can exert a force upwardly on the second berth 3. Gas struts could be positioned under the first berth in a similar position to the spring, or could be positioned directly onto the members and frames. It is also possible to use a pneumatic or hydraulic system to assist the user in converting the bed 1 between its different states.

In the first state, the second unit 3 rests directly on the first unit 2. Alternatively, the second unit 3 could be supported by the supports 4 in the first state, the second unit 3 held in close proximity to the first unit 2.

The legs 25 have been described as being detachable from the second unit 3. However, they could also fold by means of a s - 14 hinge to be out of the way when the bed is in the second state or third state. Alternatively, the legs 25 could be secured in place permanently and shaped so as not to inconvenience the user. - 15

Claims

Claims: 1. A convertible bed comprising a first unit defining a first

berth, a second unit defining a second berth, and a linkage mechanism joining the first unit to the second unit; the second unit being locatable, in a first state, above the first unit and in contact or proximity therewith such that the convertible bed comprises a single useable berth, being the second berth; the second unit being locatable, in a second state, above the first unit and spaced apart therefrom such that the convertible bed comprises two useable berths, being the first and second berths, in a bunk-bed configuration; the second unit being locatable, in a third state, beside the first unit such that the convertible bed comprises two useable berths, being the first and second berths, in a double-bed configuration; wherein the linkage mechanism allows movement of the second unit relative to the first unit such that the convertible bed can be moved between first, second and third states.
2. The convertible bed of claim 1 wherein the linkage mechanism comprises four members, and each member has a first end rotatably attached to the first unit, and each member has a second end rotatably attached to the second unit.
3. The convertible bed of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each member comprises two sections connected by a pivot in the central region of the member.
4. The convertible bed of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second units have a rectangular shape in plan view, the first and second units having two short sides and two long sides.
5. The convertible bed of claim 4 wherein the members pivot relative to the first and second units in a plane parallel to the short sides of the first and second units.
6. The convertible bed of claims 4 or 5 wherein the two sections of the members hinge relatively to one another in a plane parallel to the short sides of the first and second units.
7. The convertible bed of any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein each member is rotatably attached to the outside of the short sides of the first unit and second unit.
8. The convertible bed of claim 7 wherein the two members attached to the same short side of the first and second unit comprise two sections of different lengths, such that the longer section of the first member is rotatably attached to the first unit, and the longer section of the second member is rotatably attached to the second unit.
9. The convertible bed of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a part of a downward force due to the mass of the first unit is counteracted by biasing means.
10. The convertible bed of any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein at least one member is linked by a cam to a biasing means, such that the biasing means urges the at least one member towards an upwardly vertical orientation.
11. The convertible bed of claim 9 or claim 10 wherein at least one member is rotatably attached to the first unit by means of a rod rigidly attached to the member, the rod passing though an aperture in the first unit, the rod rigidly attached to a pulley, and the pulley attached to the biasing means, such that the biasing means acts to urge the member, via the pulley and rod, towards an upwardly vertical orientation.
12. The convertible bed of claims 9 to 11 wherein the biasing means is a spring.
13. The convertible bed of any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein the bed comprises a locking means, such that at least one member is locked in a vertical orientation by the locking means securing at least one member to the first unit and to the second unit.
14. The convertible bed of claim 13 wherein the locking means comprises a screw inserted through a threaded hole in at least one member and into a threaded hole in the first unit, and a screw inserted through a threaded hole in at least one member and into a threaded hole in the second unit.
15. The convertible bed of any one of claims 3 to 14 wherein the bed comprises a securing means, such that the pivot in at least one member is locked to form a straight, rigid member by the securing means.
16. The convertible bed of claim 15 wherein the securing means comprises a screw inserted through a threaded hole in each of the two rotatably connected sections of at least one member.
17. A convertible bed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.