GB2412304A

GB2412304A - Headboard with storage means

Info

Publication number: GB2412304A
Application number: GB0406449A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Newsam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-23
Filing date: 2004-03-23
Publication date: 2005-09-28
Also published as: GB0406449D0

Abstract

A headboard 10 for a bed comprising a board 20 having a front and a back face, at least one hole 30 extending from the front face to the back face, and a pocket 40 extending outwardly of the back face and in communication with the hole 30. Objects such as pictures and displays can be removably inserted into the one or more various holes 30 and/or pockets 40 for storage and/or display. The display retaining means may be a sheet or a transparent material. The pocket securing means may be a gathered material, an elastomeric material or fastening means.

Description

24 1 2304 - 1 Headboards This invention relates to headboards for beds,

and in particular to headboards comprising s a display means for objects including photographs, pictures, and displays.

Known headboards typically comprise a board which is attachable to a bed, the board optionally being decorated and/or padded. GB 2200837 discloses a headboard for a bed which comprises one or more apertures into which a picture or display can be removably lo mounted. In one embodiment of GB 2200837, the rear facing side of the headboard is provided with a cutaway portion which can be closed by a panel, and secured in place with pivoted fasteners. The picture or display, which is removably attachable to the panel, can be viewed through the aperture of the headboard. Transparent material may be secured behind an edge region, such that the picture or display is sandwiched between the panel and material, or transparent material may be provided across the front of the panel and left unsecured along one or more edges to form a pocket for removable insertion of a picture or display.

A disadvantage of GB 2200837 relates to the use of the panel for mounting the picture or display. Notably, securing the panel in position and/or removing the panel from the cut away portion requires access to the back of the headboard, which can be often be restricted e.g. when the bed is positioned close to a wall. In this situation there is a requirement to either move the bed away from the wall, or remove the headboard from the bed, in order to obtain access to the panel and mount a picture or display. In any event, the positioning Is and fixing of a photograph, picture, display, or object within the headboard requires the use of two hands and can be a cumbersome exercise. - 2

The present invention provides a headboard with an improved display means which is easier to use than known headboards of similar type, is aesthetically pleasing, and which permits numerous objects including, but not limited to, pictures and displays to be removably disposed in the headboard for presentation in a pleasing manner and/or storage.

According to the present invention there is provided a headboard for a bed comprising a board having a front and a back face, at least one hole extending from the front face to the back face, and a pocket extending outwardly of the back face and in communication with the hole.

In contrast to GB 2200837, the headboard of present invention provides a pocket which is easily accessed from either the hole and/or the back face of the headboard. To mount an object for e.g. display, or to place an object for e.g. storage in the pocket, there is no requirement to either move the bed away from the wall, or remove the headboard from the bed, in order to obtain access to the pocket, or to remove a panel from the back of the headboard.

The pocket may be accessible from either the front side or the back side ofthe headboard.

The pocket may be attached to the front or the back face of the board.

The pocket may be a bag, sack, or container, which may be rigid or flexible. Other storage means are envisaged and will be well known to a person skilled in the art. The pocket may comprise fabric, or other flexible material.

The pocket may be attached to or around the peripheral edge of the hole. The pocket may be accessible through the hole of the headboard, e.g. by insertion of a hand. It is envisaged that one or more objects e.g. toys or books may be stored within the pocket. The pocket may be shaped and/or positioned to hang below the hole of the headboard such that the contents of the object storage means are out of sight when the headboard is viewed from the front side. Since the pocket would not be immediately visible to an uninformed viewer, the pocket could be considered "secret"; a feature of the invention which makes the headboard attractive to children.

The headboard may comprise hole covering means disposed on the front face so as to cover the hole. The hole covering means may comprise a sheet of material. The hole covering means may be attached to the front or the back face of the headboard.

The hole covering means may comprise pocket access means for permitting access to the pocket from the front face. The pocket access means may be e.g a flap, slideable cover, or slit cut in the material.

The headboard may comprise one or more ledges. Each ledge may be used to support one or more objects.

The peripheral edge of the hole may comprise a ledge. The ledge may be used to support one or more objects.

The thickness of each ledge may be determined by the thickness of the board.

The pocket may extend below the level of the hole, thereby providing storage space.

The hole and/or the pocket may further comprise object storage means. The object storage means may be the pocket itself or a separate item. The object storage means may comprise display retaining means. The display retaining means may be positioned in the hole of the headboard. The display retaining means may be positioned adjacent the hole of the - 4 headboard. The display retaining means may comprise a sheet. The display retaining means may comprise transparent material. The display retaining means may be plastic, acetate, perspex,l\or glass. The use of other transparent materials is envisaged, and will be well known to a person skilled in the art. The display retaining means may be positioned s so that removal through the hole of a picture, display or object (positioned within the pocket) is prevented.

The hole covering means may cover the hole and hide the pocket and object storing means from view when the headboard is viewed from the front side. The hole covering means lo may further enhance the "secret" nature of the pocket and object storage means.

The pocket may comprise an opening on the back face of the head board. The opening may be used to insert an object into the pocket or the object storage means.

The pocket may comprise a pocket securing means. The pocket securing means may facilitate the correct positioning and maintenance of position of a picture, display or object within the pocket. The pocket securing means may secure the pocket in an open or closed position.

The pocket securing means may comprise gathered material.

The pocket securing means may comprise an elastomeric material to maintain positioning of a picture, display or object within the pocket.

The pocket securing means may comprise fastening means. The fastening means may comprise for example a tie arrangement, press studs, a zip, buttons, or other fastening means of known type e.g Velcro (RTM). It is an advantage of the present invention that an object on display within the headboard can be readily and easily removed or mounted - 5 from or into the pocket. This operation only requires the use of one hand, and providing there is sufficient space to insert a hand between a wall (against which the bed may be positioned) and the headboard, there is no requirement to move the bed or headboard away from the wall. It is another advantage of the present invention that this operation can be performed by a child as well as an adult.

The headboard may comprise attachment means for attachment to a bed. The attachment means may e.g. comprise one or more holes through which screws may be mounted in order to attach the headboard to a bed or bed frame. Other attachment means for attaching 0 headboards to beds and bed frames are envisaged and will be well known to a person skilled in the art.

The headboard may be sized to fit any size of bed, bed frame, or mattress.

The headboard may comprise decoration or a decorative covering.

The headboard may comprise padding.

The headboard may be upholstered.

The headboard may comprise a backing material.

The headboard may comprise fabric.

The headboard may be shaped and/or themed to resemble e.g. a building such as a castle, or a vehicle, e.g. a train or car. The one or more holes and/or pockets of the headboard may be sized, shaped and located in positions consistent with the shape and design of the headboard. For example, if the headboard is castle shaped, the holes may resemble - 6 windows or turrets, and they may be positioned accordingly. Similarly, if the headboard is car shaped, the one or more holes may be positioned to resemble car windows, and they may be positioned accordingly. Other shapes, designs, and themes of headboards are envisaged and will be well known to a person skilled in the art.

The board of the headboard may be manufactured from wood, or other rigid materials of known type e.g. medium density fibreboard (MDF). Other rigid materials are envisaged and will be well known to a person skilled in the art.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of a headboard according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a headboard according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a sectional view through the plane A-A' of a headboard according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a headboard according to the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a sectional view through the plane B-B' of a second embodiment of a headboard according to the present invention. - 7

Referring to Figures 1-5 ofthe drawings, a headboard 10 comprises a board 20 having one or more holes 30 cut into the board 20, each hole 30 having a pocket 40 in communication therewith. The pockets 40 are used to store objects (Figures 1-3), or display objects (Figures 4-5). The headboard 10 comprises attachment means l 10 to facilitate attachment s of the headboard to a bed, bed frame or mattress (not shown) Preferably the attachment means 110 is one or more holes through which screws (not shown) can be positioned to attach the headboard to a bed or bed frame. Preferably, the headboard 10 is manufactured from wood, or MDF, or other rigid material. More preferably the headboard 10 is padded, andlor upholstered, and more preferably still comprises decoration or a decorative covering lo comprising e.g. fabric.

Referring to Figures 1-3 ofthe drawings, a headboard 10 comprises a board 20 which can be cut to any shape or size. The headboard 10 depicted in Figures 1-3 is cut to the shape of a castle. The headboard can be of a shape, theme or design which appeals to children.

In alternative embodiments, the headboard is of a shape, theme or design which appeals to adults. The board 20 is made from a rigid material, preferably wood or MDF. In a preferred embodiment the headboard is padded, and/or upholstered. More preferably, the headboard comprises a decorative covering, which is consistent with the shape, theme, or design of the headboard.

The headboard 10 comprises one or more holes 30 cut into the board 20. In the embodiment shown, the holes are shaped to resemble windows or turrets of a castle.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, each hole 30 is in communication with a pocket 40, which is attached around the peripheral edge ofthe hole on the back face ofthe headboard.

Is The pocket 40 comprises a bag or sack 50, preferably made from fabric, which can be used to store objects. More preferably, the bag or sack 50 hangs below the hole 30 so that a person looking through the hole 30 would be unable to see the contents ofthe bag or sack 50. The pocket 40 is preferably coloured or textured to fit in with the shape, theme or - 8 design of the headboard 10. It is envisaged that an adult or child could store objects and items such as toys and books within the pocket 40. Since the pocket would not be immediately visible to an uninformed viewer, the pocket could be considered "secret", a feature which makes the headboard 10 more attractive to children. Referring to Figures 1-3 of the drawings, the peripheral edge of the hole 30 preferably defines a ledge 60, upon which items or objects may be positioned. In a preferred embodiment, the headboard 10 comprises additional ledges 70 which are formed as a result of the shape and thickness of the headboard 10.

0 In a first embodiment ofthe invention, a hole 30 is covered with a hole covering means 80, which disguises the presence of the pocket 40 when the headboard 10 is viewed from the front side. Preferably, the hole covering means 80 comprises a pocket access means 90, which is preferably a flap, a slideable cover, or more preferably a slit, through which a hand can be inserted to access the pocket 40. The hole covering means 80 can be attached to the front or the back side of the headboard 10. In Figures 1 and 2, the hole on the left is covered with a hole covering means 80, and the hole on the right is uncovered.

Preferably, the hole covering means 80 and pocket access means 90 are coloured and/or textured in accordance with the shape, theme and/or design ofthe headboard 10. The hole covering means 80 further disguises the presence of the pocket 40, and thus enhances the "secret" qualities of the headboard 10. In an embodiment of the invention, the headboard comprises backing material 120, which is preferably attached to the back side of the headboard 10. More preferably, the backing material 120 is coloured or textured in accordance with the shape, theme or design ofthe headboard 10. For example, the backing material 120 could be stretched between the turrets of the castle shaped headboard depicted in Figures 1 and 2. In this instance, the backing material 120 could be coloured blue to resemble the sky.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, which depict a second embodiment of the present invention, an object storage means comprises display retaining means 100. The display retaining means 100 is preferably positioned in the hole 30 of the headboard 10.

The display retaining means 100 preferably comprises transparent material such as plastic, (God s acetate, perspexor glass, which is preferably in the form of a thin sheet. The display retaining means 100 is preferably positioned so that removal through the hole 30 of an object, picture or display which is positioned within the pocket 40 is prevented.

The pocket 40 comprises pocket securing means 105, preferably where one or more edges lo of the pocket 40 are gathered andfor comprise an elastomeric material to facilitate the positioning of a picture or display within the pocket 40. In alternative embodiment the pocket securing means 105 comprises fastening means (not shown), which can be a tie arrangement, press studs, a zip, buttons, or other fastening means of known type e.g Velcro (RTM).

In a preferred embodiment, the pocket 40 is not secured to the headboard 10 along one or more edges, so that whilst access through the hole 30 to the pocket 40 is prevented by the display retaining means 100, access to the pocket 40 can be achieved through the one or more unsecured edges. In this way, a photograph, picture, display, or any two- or three dimensional object can be mounted for display within the pocket 40, and viewed from the front side of the headboard 10. It is envisaged that the mounting or removal of any object in or from the pocket is an easy operation which could be readily performed by a child or adult. In this way, a child for example could display a variety of objects over time and so keep up with trends in e.g. music, sport, toys or fashion. -

Claims

Claims 1. A headboard for a bed comprising a board having a front and a

back face, at least one hole extending from said front face to said back face, and a pocket extending outwardly of said back face and in communication with said hole.
2. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 1, said headboard additionally comprising hole covering means disposed on the front face so as to cover said hole.

lo
3. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 2, said hole covering means comprising a sheet of material.
4. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, said hole covering means comprising pocket access means for permitting access to said pocket from said front face.
5. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 4, said pocket access means being a flap, slideable cover or slit.
6. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of claims 1-5, wherein said pocket extends below the level of said hole, thereby providing a storage space.
7. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of claims 1-5, said hole and/or said pocket comprising object storage means.
8. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 7, said object storage means comprising display retaining means. - 11
9. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 8, said display retaining means comprising a sheet.
10. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, said display retaining means comprising transparent material.
11. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of claims 8-10, said display retaining means being plastic, acetate, perspex, or glass.

lo
12. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of claims 1-11, said pocket comprising an opening on said back face.
13. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of claims 1-12, said pocket comprising pocket securing means.
14. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 13, said pocket securing means comprising gathered material.
IS. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, said pocket securing means comprising elastomeric material.
16. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of claims 13-1 S. said pocket securing means comprising fastening means.
17. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of the previous claims, said headboard additionally comprising attachment means for attachment of said headboard to a bed, bed frame or mattress. - 12
18. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of the previous claims, said headboard comprising a decorative covering.
19. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of the previous claims, said headboard being upholstered.
20. A headboard for a bed as claimed in any of the previous claims, in combination with an object disposed in said pocket.

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21. A headboard for a bed as claimed in claim 20, said object being a picture, photograph or other substantially two dimensional display.
22. A headboard for a bed as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.