GB2449888A

GB2449888A - Collapsible structure for a folding bed

Info

Publication number: GB2449888A
Application number: GB0710867A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Rhys Mathias
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-06
Filing date: 2007-06-06
Publication date: 2008-12-10
Also published as: GB0710867D0

Abstract

A collapsible structure for a folding bed has a first substantially planar panel 10 and a second substantially planar panel 12 arranged in facing relation to the first panel 10. First and second support members 24, 28 are hingedly connected to the first panel 10 and to the second panel 12 and have a first main hinge 30 between their ends. A resilient member (22, figure 6) is connected between the first support member and the second support member for resisting relative movement of the first and second support members. The first panel 10 is movable relative to the second panel 12 in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the second panel 12 between a first position and a second position.

Description

A STRUCTURE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a structure, in particular to a collapsible structure and more is particularly to a collapsible structure for a bed.

Background to the Invention

There is a demand for occasional beds that can be stored and transported easily, that are quick and simple to erect and that are comfortable to sleep on. Commonly, this need is satisfied by inflatable beds that are pumped up before use. However, such beds can take a relatively large amount of time and effort to inflate and are not always particularly

comfortable.

W02006/l 36840 discloses a collapsible structure for a folding bed, which provides a lightweight temporary bed that is easily erectable. The bed is erected by pulling cords to erect rows of support members between panels that are biased towards each other. It has now been found that, in certain circumstances, significant effort can be required to erect the bed described.

This invention, at least in the presently preferred embodiments, seeks to provide a structure that can be used to make a comfortable, easily erectable and transportable occasional bed.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a structure comprising a first substantially planar panel and a second substantially planar panel arranged in facing relation to the first panel. A first support member is hingedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel and has a first main hinge between its ends. A second support member is hingedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel and has a second main hinge between its ends. A resilient member is connected between the first support member and the second support member for resisting relative movement of the first and second support members. The first panel is movable relative to the second panel in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the second panel between a first position and a second position. In the first position, movement of the first panel towards the second panel causes the first support member to fold about the first main hinge and the second support member to fold about the second main hinge such that the first main hinge and the second main hinge move away from each other against the resistance of the resilient member. In the second position, movement of the first panel towards the second panel causes the first support member and the second support member to move towards each other, whereby the first panel can be collapsed towards the second panel.

Thus, according to the invention a structure is provided comprising sprung support members of a generally "scissor" type which support first and second panels. In the first position, the support members resist movement of the first and second panels towards each other. in the second position, the first and second panels are relatively displaced such that the support members move towards each other and the structure collapses. In this way, the structure can be erected and collapsed simply by moving the first and second panels between the first and second positions. The volume of the structure can be reduced by collapsing, which can for example allow the structure to be stored more easily.

The structure may comprise a retaining or locking mechanism to retain the structure in the first position until it is desired to collapse the structure.

In one arrangement, the structure comprises at least one connecting panel which extends between a first connecting hinge and a second connecting hinge. The first connecting hinge may connect the connecting panel, directly or indirectly, to the first panel. The second connecting hinge may connect the connecting panel, directly or indirectly, to the second panel. The connecting panel niay confine the first connecting hinge to an arcuate, for example circular or semi-circular, path about the second connecting hinge, as the first panel moves from the first position to the second position. With this arrangement, the relative movement of the first and second panels is confined by the connecting panel.

Thus, if the structure is positioned such that that the connecting panel cannot rotate about the connecting hinges, for example because the weight of the structure is acting to prevent rotation, the structure will maintain whichever (first or second) position it is currently in.

The connecting panel may rotate through substantially 180 degrees between the first position and the second position. For example, the connecting panel may move from a position in which it is substantially parallel to the first and/or second panels to a position in which it is substantially parallel hut orientated in the opposite direction.

The connecting hinges may be substantially parallel to the hinges of the first and/or second support members. In this way, each of the hinges provide for rotation about parallel axes.

The structure may comprise an extension panel connected between the second panel and the second connecting hinge. The extension panel may be hingedly connected, directly or indirectly, at its ends to the connecting panel and to the second panel. The extension panel may have a hinge between its ends. The hinges of the extension panel may be substantially orthogonal to the hinges of the first and second support members. In this way, the extension panel can accommodate relative movement of the first and second panels in the direction perpendicular to their planes by flexing about the hinge between its ends.

In the alternative, the extension panel may be connected between the first panel and the first connecting hinge. Thus, the extension panel may be hingedly connected, directly or indirectly, at its ends to the connecting panel and to the first panel.

In the first position, the connecting panel may be substantially parallel to the first panel.

The extension panel may act to prevent relative translational movement of the first and second panels in the direction of the axis of the hinges of the extension panel.

The first panel and/or the second panel may have a space defined therein for receiving the folded support members when the structure is collapsed. In this way, when the first and second panels come together the collapsed structure is as thin as possible. Thus, the support members may also be configured such that they do not overlap when the stnicture is collapsed. For example one support member may be configured with a space to receive the other folded support member.

Conveniently, the support members may be formed of material cut out of the first and/or second panel. By cutting the support members from the material of the panel(s), a space for the completely folded support members is automatically created in the panel(s). In addition, the support members may be manufactured conveniently with the panel(s). In this case, "cutting out" of the material does not imply any particular method of manufacture, but relates to the shape of the panels and support members. Thus, the panels and support members may be moulded into the required shape, for example.

Advantageously, the support members may be formed integrally with the first and/or second panels. For example, the hinges between the support members and one or both panel(s) may be formed by deforming or shaping the material of the panels. One or both support members may be formed in one of the panels and then connected to the other panel, for example by a hinge.

The support members andlor the first and second panels may be composed of polypropylene. The use of polypropylene enables a lightweight structure to be created in which the hinges can be formed integrally.

The resilient member may be made of any suitable material, such as rubber or elastomer.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the resilient member is made of woven elastic.

Conveniently, the resilient member is connected to the main hinges of the support members as these undergo the greatest movement. However, the resilient member may be connected between any moving parts of the support members.

The first panel and the second panel may be composed of flexurally resilient material, such as polypropylene The panels may be connected (directly or indirectly) to each other in a peripheral region.

The structure may comprise a plurality of first support members hngedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel. The structure may comprise a plurality of second support members hingedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel. The structure may comprise a plurality of resilient members connected between respective first and second support members.

The invention extends to a collapsible structure comprising at least a first structure as described above and at least a second structure as described above. The first panel of the first structure and the first panel of the second structure may be connected by a first panel hinge. The second panel of the first structure and the second panel of the second structure may be connected by a second panel hinge. The panel hinges may be substantially parallel to the hinges of the first andlor second support members. In the first position, the first panels of the first and second structures may be substantially coplanar and the second panels of the first and second structures may be substantially coplanar. Folding the first and second panels about the panel hinges may move the first and second panels into the second position. Thus, with such an arrangement, simple folding up of the structure moves the structure from the first position into the second position whereby the structure collapses and can be folded up relatively small for easy storage.

The invention extends to a collapsible bed comprising a structure according to the invention. However, the invention may also be used in other applications, such as sofas, furniture, sprung flooring or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a folding bed according to an embodiment of the invention in the folded position for carrying; Figure 2 shows the bed of Figure 1 partially unfolded; Figure 3 shows the bed of Figure 1 erected in the position of use; Figure 4 is an exploded view illustrating the construction of the bed of Figure 1, Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 4; Figure 6 is perspective view illustrating the construction of the bed of Figure 1; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 4; and Figures 8A to 8C illustrating the folding of the bed of Figure 1; and Figure 9 is view corresponding to Figures 5 and 6 illustrating an alternative configuration of the structural elements of the bed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of an Embodiment of the Invention Figures 1 to 3 show a folding bed according to an embodiment of the invention. The bed is configured as a substantially planar panel which can be erected in the manner described below into a three-dimensional sprung structure as shown in Figure 3. The bed is formed of four interconnected, panels separated by fold lines. Each of the panels also folds in half so that the entire bed can be folded together for carrying and storage, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The folded bed is secured with removable elastic straps 4 during transport or storage. A carrying handle 6 is formed at each longitudinal end of the bed and the carrying handles 6 from each end come together when the bed is in the folded position so that the folded bed can be carried easily.

As shown in Figure 4, the bed is composed of three layers: a structural layer 10, a top layer 12 and a cover layer 14. The cover layer 14 is uppermost in the position of use and in this embodiment is composed of ribbed fabric to provide a relatively soft sleeping surface for the user of the bed. Below the cover layer 14, the top layer 12 is composed of sheet polypropylene and provides structural integrity to the upper surface of the bed.

However, a plurality of transverse slits 16 are cut in the top layer 12, to define respective slats 1 8 between adjacent slits 16. The slats 18 can move independently of each other in the vertical direction, in use, to enable the bed more easily to accommodate the contours of the sleeping user and therefore enhance comfort.

The structural layer 10 is also formed of sheet polypropylene and is cut with a repeating pattern of structural elements 20. the detail of which is shown in Figure 5. The structural elements 20 are formed in longitudinal rows running transversely to the slats 18 of the top layer 12. In this embodiment, each row comprises eleven structural elements 20 and there are 13 rows. Adjacent rows are offset by half the spacing of the structural elements 20 so that the structural elements 20 provide even support to the top layer 12 with structural elements 20 of one row aligned with the gaps between successive structural elements 20 of the adjacent row(s). The structural elements 20 will be described in more detail below.

The carrying handles 6 of the bed aie attached to the longitudinal ends of the structural layer 10.

Each structural element 20 is provided with an elastic loop 22. In Figure 4, for reasons of clarity, the elastic loops are shown for only 13 of the structural elements 20.

Figure 5 shows the configuration of five structural elements 20 of the structural layer 10.

As mentioned above, the structural elements 20 are cut from sheet polypropylene. Each structural element 20 comprises two substantially U-shaped outer strut members 24, which are opposed in the longitudinal direction of the structure, with the limbs 26 of each outer strut member 24 directed towards each other. Between the limbs of the outer strut members 24 is formed an inner strut member 28, which is hingedly connected at each of its longitudinal ends to the transverse portion of a respective outer strut member 24.

Thus, the inner strut member 28 connects the transverse portions of the two outer strut members 24 and is formed by two simple slits between the inner strut member 28 and the limbs of the outer strut member 24. The fold line 30 between the transverse portion of the outer strut member 24 and the inner strut member 28 extends right across the width of the structural element 20 50 that the transverse portion of the outer strut member 24 forms a foldable tab 32.

The limbs of each outer strut member 24 are hingedly connected to the structural layer 1 0 at a central fold line 34, which extends right across the width of the structural element 20.

Thus, the central fold line 34 crosses the inner strut member 28, whereby a central portion 36 is defined in the inner strut member 28 between respective central fold lines 34. The central portion 36 is bonded to the top layer 12 to form a connection between the structural layer 10 and top layer 12.

The hinges formed at the fold line 30 and the central fold line 34 are live hinges that may be formed by moulding and die cutting, as well as scoring.

Thus, the outer strut member 24 is formed by cuts through the polypropylene sheet which defines three sides of the outer strut member 24. Similarly, the inner strut member 28 is formed by cuts through the polypropylene sheet which define the inside of the outer strut member 24 and the outside of inner strut member 28.

Figure 6 shows the structural member 20 in the stable position of use. As can be seen from this Figure, the two outer strut members 24 form the lower part of the structural member 20 and the inner strut member 28 forms the upper part of the structural member 20, with the central portion 36 bonded, for example riveted, to the top layer 12. Two elastic loops 22 encircle the structural member 20 above and below the fold line 30. The elastic loops 22 are received in notches defined in the foldable tab 32 and the limbs of the outer strut member 24. It will be seen that the foldable tab 32 bears against the ends of the inners strut member 28, such that the elastic loops 22 act to urge the fold lines 30 towards each other. Because the structural member 20 takes the form of a parallelogram, the action of the elastic ioops 22 also urges the central portion 36, and the top layer 12 to which it is connected, away from the structural layer 10. In this way, the structural member 20 acts as a "bed spring" to support the top layer 12, when the structure rests on the structural layer 10.

Figure 7 shows a detail of Figure 4 illustrating the construction of the sides of the bed structure, which enables the bed to collapse from the flat configuration shown in Figure 3 to the folded configuration shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 shows a folding section of the bed structure, which is repeated four times along the length of the bed, as illustrated in Figure 2. Each folding section is symmetrical about a transverse main fold line 40 about which the structural layer 10 is arranged to fold. The folding section comprises a sequence of panels 42 to 48 which run along the longitudinal edge of the structural layer 10, as will be described below. The main fold line 40 separates two narrow panels 42, which are contiguous with the structural layer 10 Each narrow panel 42 is connected by a transverse hinge line to a bridging panel 44, which itself is connected by a transverse hinge line to an intermediate panel 46. The intermediate panel 46 is connected by a longitudinal hinge line to a gusset panel 50. The gusset panel 50 is connected via a further longitudinal hinge line to a further gusset panel 50 and the further gusset panel 50 is connected via a further longitudinal hinge line to a marginal strip 52. The marginal strip 52 is bonded, in use, to the top layer 12.

A base panel 48 extends from the structural layer 10 adjacent the intermediate panel 46, but is not connected directly thereto. The base panel 48 is connected via transverse hinge lines and a further bridging panel 44 to a further intermediate panel 46, which is connected to the gusset panel 50 by a longitudinal hinge line. The further intermediate panel 46 connects via a further transverse hinge line to a corresponding intermediate panel of the adjacent folding section.

Figures 8A to 8C show how the combination of panels 42 to 48 allows the bed structure to fold up. It should be noted that Figures 8A to 8C show the bed structure from below, with the structural layer 10 uppermost. As shown in Figure 8A, when the bed is in the position of Figure 3, the panels 42 to 48 form a sequence along the edge of the structural layer 10.

[be structural members 20 are generally in the position illustrated in Figure 6 and act to provide resilient support between the top layer and the structural layer. With the bridging panels 44 in the same plane as the narrow panels 42, the base panels 48 and the intermediate panels 46, the connection between the top layer 12 and the structural layer 10 provided by the gusset panels 50 prevents any significant relative longitudinal movement of the top layer 12 and the structural layer 10 that might allow the structural members 20 to collapse.

However, as the structure is folded about the main fold lines 40, as shown in Figure 8B, the distance between the hinge lines in each half that connect the bridging panels 44 and intermediate panels 46 decreases, which in turn forces the bridging panels 44 towards a position substantially perpendicular to the structural layer 1 0.

As the structure is further folded, as shown in Figure 8C, the bridging panels 44 fold over the intermediate panels 46 so that the entire structure can fold substantially flat. During this folding movement, the outer strut members 24 of each structural element 20 move with the structural layer 10 relative to the top layer 12 to which the inner strut member 28 is connected. This relative movement causes the parallelogram formed by the structural element 20 to collapse and fold flat. In this way, the entire bed structure can be folded together as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Various modifications to the structure described may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the structural elements 20 may be configured as shown in Figure 9. Moreover, the top layer 12 and structural layer 10 may be formed as repeating sections rather than manufactured in one large sheet.

A variety of methods can be used to join the top layer 12 and structural layer 10 together at both the external edges and structural elements 20. These include mechanical fastening such as rivets or stitching or moulded-in snap features or bosses to allow heat staking or ultrasonic welding.

If the layers are injection moulded, whilst the overall pattern remains the same, features such as ribs may be added to improve mouldability.

The current pattern of folding members that come together to form the diamond spring shape has numerous variations. For example rather than having two opposite members that fold together they could be nested within each other to reduce the folded height The resilient spring member, can be attached individually, for example as loops, or as a continuous band along each row to aid assembly. Different strength springs can be used in different sections of the bed to aid comfort. Two different sizes of spring can be attached to the same folded shape to give a spring with two cushioning stages. The hinged pattern cut into the structural to allow the bed to fold could be cut into the top sheet. A strap is currently used to hold the product together when folded. This could be integrated or replaced with some sort of clasp feature.

In summary, a collapsible structure fbr a folding bed has a first substantially planar panel and a second substantially planar panel 12 arranged in facing relation to the first panel 10. First and second support members 24, 28 are hingedly connected to the first panel 10

II

and to the second panel 12 and have a first main hinge 30 between their ends. A resilient member 22 is connected between the first support member and the second support member for resisting relative movement of the first and second support members. The first panel 10 is movable relative to the second panel 12 in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the second panel 12 between a first position and a second position.

In the first position, movement of the first panel 10 towards the second panel 12 causes the first support member to fold about the first main hinge 30 and the second support member to fold about the second main hinge 30 such that the first main hinge and the second main hinge move away from each other against the resistance of the resilient member 22. In the second position, movement of the first panel towards the second panel causes the first support member and the second support member to move towards each other, whereby the first panel 10 can be collapsed towards the second panel 12. The structure provides a lightweight temporary bed that is easily erectable.

Claims

Claims 1. A structure comprising: a first substantially planar panel; a

second substantially planar panel arranged in facing relation to the first panel; a first support member hingedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel and having a first main hinge between its ends; a second support member hingedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel and having a second main hinge between its ends; and a resilient member connected between the first support member and the second support member for resisting relative movement of the first and second support members, wherein the first panel is movable relative to the second panel in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the second panel between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position movement of the first panel towards the second panel causes the first support member to fold about the first main hinge and the second support member to fold about the second main hinge such that the first main hinge and the second main hinge move away from each other against the resistance of the resilient member; and wherein in the second position movement of the first panel towards the second panel causes the first support member and the second support member to move towards each other, whereby the first panel can be collapsed towards the second panel.
2. A structure as claimed in claim 1 further comprises at least one connecting panel which extends between a first connecting hinge and a second connecting hinge, the first connecting hinge connecting the connecting panel to the first panel and the second connecting hinge connecting the connecting panel to the second panel, wherein the connecting panel confines the first connecting hinge to an arcuate path about the second connecting hinge, as the first panel moves from the first position to the second position.
3. A structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connecting panel rotates through substantially 180 degrees between the first position and the second position.
4. A structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connecting hinges are substantially parallel to the hinges of the first and second support members.
5. A structure as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 further comprising an extension panel connected between the second panel and the second connecting hinge, the extension panel being hingedly connected at its ends to the connecting panel and to the second panel and having a hinge between its ends, wherein the hinges of the extension panel are substantially orthogonal to the hinges of the first and second support members
6. A structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in the first position, the connecting panel is substantially parallel to the first panel and the extension panel acts to prevent relative translational movement of the first and second panels in the direction of the axis of the hinges of the extension panel.
7. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support members are formed of material cut out of the first and/or second panel.
8. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support members are formed integrally with the first and/or second panels.
9. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support members aridlor the first and second panels are composed of polypropylene.
10. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: a plurality of first support members hingedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel; a plurality of second support members hingedly connected to the first panel and to the second panel; and a plurality of resilient members connected between respective first and second support members.
11. A collapsible structure comprising at least a first structure as claimed in any preceding claim and at least a second structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first panel of the first structure and the first panel of the second structure are connected by a first panel hinge and the second panel of the first structure and the second panel of the second structure are connected by a second panel hinge, the panel hinges being substantially parallel to the hinges of the first and second support members, wherein, in the first position, the first panels of the first and second structures are substantially coplanar and the second panels of the first and second structures are substantially coplanar, and wherein folding the first and second panels about the panel hinges moves the first and second panels into the second position.
12. A collapsible bed comprising a structure as claimed in any preceding claim.