GB2458164A

GB2458164A - Support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2458164A
Application number: GB0804327A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Hurditch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-08
Filing date: 2008-03-08
Publication date: 2009-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-08
Also published as: GB0804327D0; GB2458164B

Abstract

Support apparatus 501 for securing to a bed frame comprises a rigid member 502 and first and second brackets, and optional third and fourth brackets 1201. The first and second brackets are arranged such that, when attached to the bed frame 301, they allow the rigid member to be releasably secured to the bed frame. The rigid member is substantially planar. A base support portion is configured to maintain the rigid member at a manually adjustable height above a support surface. Third and fourth brackets allow the rigid member to be releasably secured to the bed frame at different locations. Cutaway portions (601,602) defined by the rigid member facilitate manual handling. An accessory attachment (901)is configured to be supported by the rigid member. A soft bumper accessory 1111 prevents flailing injuries. The rigid member may carry decoration.

Description

Support Apparatus

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application represents the first application for a patent directed toward the invention and the subject matter.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to support apparatus, in particular to support apparatus for securing to a bed frame and a method of securing support apparatus to a bed frame.

Background of the Invention

A support apparatus may be used in combination with a bed frame to improve the comfort of a person using a bed.

A support apparatus may be used to assist a person getting into and getting out of a bed. A known type of support apparatus hence provides a manually grippable member arranged to withstand the weight of a person such that a person is supported whilst manoeuvring themselves into or out of bed.

A support apparatus may also be used to prevent an occupant of a bed from falling out of the bed. A known type of support apparatus hence provides a rail along a side of the bed that is arranged to withstand a person rolling against it.

In the domestic environment, a problem exists in that the support apparatus is required to provide stability whilst also being unobtrusive. It is preferable for the support apparatus to be aesthetically pleasing and also compact so as not to clutter a room. However, it is often desirable for a support apparatus to allow attachment of accessory components whilst providing a support apparatus at a reasonable cost.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided support apparatus for securing to a bed frame, comprising: a rigid member, a first bracket for attachment to a bed frame, and a second bracket for attachment to said bed frame; wherein said first and second brackets, when attached to said bed frame, are configured to releasably secure said rigid member to said bed frame.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of secunng support apparatus to a bed frame, comprising the steps of: attaching a first bracket to a bed frame, attaching a second bracket to a bed frame, and releasably securing a rigid member to said bed frame using said first and second brackets.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows support apparatus arranged ready for use; Figure 2 shows components of a support apparatus; Figure 3 shows the support apparatus of Figure 2 secured to a bed frame; Figure 4 illustrates steps in the release of the rigid member of Figures 2 and 3 from the secured arrangement of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows components of an alternative support apparatus; Figure 6 shows the support apparatus of Figure 5 secured to a bed frame; Figure 7 illustrates steps in the release of the rigid member of Figures 5 and 6 from the secured arrangement of Figure 7; Figure 8 shows components of a further alternative support apparatus; Figure 9 shows an accessory attachment for use with a support apparatus; Figure 10 shows a support apparatus providing assistance for a user; Figure 11 shows a soft bumper accessory for location with respect to a rigid member of a support apparatus; and Figure 12 shows a soft bumper accessory in use and an additional set of brackets arranged ready for use.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 A support apparatus 101 is shown in Figure 1, arranged relative to a bed 102 and ready for use. Support apparatus 101 is positioned along a side of the bed, in this illustration towards the end of the bed at which a pillow 103 is placed.

Flgure2 Figure 2 shows support apparatus 201 that is attachable to a bed frame. The support apparatus 201 comprises a rigid member 202, a first bracket 203 for attachment to a bed frame and a second bracket 204 for attachment to the bed frame. The first and second brackets, when attached to a bed frame, are configured to reteasably secure the rigid member to the bed frame.

In this embodiment, the rigid member 202 is substantially planar. The first bracket 203 comprises a first base portion 205 for attachment to a bed frame, a first extension portion 206 extending from the base portion 205, and a first retaining member 207 configured to be removably located within the extension portion 206. Second bracket 204 also comprises a base portion 208 for attachment to a bed frame and a sleeve portion 209.

Support apparatus 201 further comprises a base support portion 210 that is configured to maintain the rigid member 202 at a height above a support surface, typically off a floor surface. Preferably, and as featured in this embodiment, the base support portion 210 is configured such that the height at which the rigid member is supported above a surface is manually adjustable.

In this embodiment, the base support portion 210 is connected to the rigid member 202. According to the shown arrangement, the base support portion 210 comprises a first foot 211 and a second foot 212 that are each screw threaded to a connecting bar 213 which in turn is secured to rear face 214 of rigid member 202. Preferably, and as shown, the base support portion 210 allows independent adjustment of the first foot 211 and the second foot 212, to allow a degree of levelling to accommodate and uneven or sloping floor

for example.

Rigid member 202 also defines an aperture 215 for use with first bracket 203, which extends through the body of the rigid member to open at both the rear face 215 and the front face 216 of the rigid member.

Flguse 3 Support apparatus 201 is shown in Figure 3 secured to a bed frame 301. As illustrated, the first bracket 203 is configured to be attached to the bed frame such that the aperture 215 of rigid member 202 is locatable around the first extension portion 206 of bracket 203. When located, the retaining member 207 is receivable within the first extension portion 206 such that a first portion of the rigid member 202 is located between the retaining member 207 and the bed frame 301. The second bracket 204 is configured to be attached to the bed frame 301 such that a second portion of the rigid member 202 is receivable between the sleeve portion 209 of the second bracket 203 and the bed frame 301.

Once installed as shown, the support apparatus 201 extends from the surface upon which it rests up alongside the bed frame 301 to project upwardly from mattress 302.

Figure 4 ln the shown arrangement, the support apparatus may be used as a riser, to facilitate a person getting into and out of bed, and as a rail, to prevent a person from falling out of bed. Preferably, the rigid member is profiled so as io not to present any sharp corners to a user. Thus, in this embodiment in which the rigid member 202 takes the form of a substantially flat rectangular board, the corners of the rigid member, such as corner 303, are rounded.

As will be explained in further detail, the first and second brackets 203, 204, are configured to releasably secure the rigid member 202 to a bed frame 301. This feature allows the rigid member to be removed from the bed frame.

Thus, the rigid member may be disconnected from a bed to facilitate cleaning of the rigid member. Temporary removai of the rigid member may be performed for aesthetic reasons, or for more practical reasons. For example, in some circumstances it may be desirable to gain unobstructed access to an occupant of the bed, for example to allow a medical practitioner to tend to the occupant.

To take the rigid member 202 off, the retaining member 207 is moved upwards, in the direction of arrow 401, to bring it out from within extension portion 206. When it is fully removed, it is then possible to move the rigid member in the direction indicated by arrow 402, away from the bed frame 301 and over extension portion 206. Once aperture 215 of the rigid member is free from the extension portion 206 of the first bracket 203, the rigid member may then be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 403, to slide the rigid member free from sleeve portion 209 of the second bracket 204. The rigid member is then fully released from the brackets.

In this embodiment, aperture 215 is elongate and extends substantially perpendicularly to, and between, the top and bottom of the rigid member.

When the apparatus is installed as shown, this feature allows the rigid member to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the fixed position of the first bracket 203, and hence to the support surface. This allows for adjustment of the height at which the rigid member is maintained above the floor. Thus, once the apparatus has been installed, height adjustment of the rigid member may still be performed.

It is to be appreciated that since the rigid member is releasable from the first and second brackets, it is desirable to minimise the weight of the rigid member whilst maintaining sufficient strength and rigidity. In an embodiment the rigid member is substantially planar and is fabricated from melamine covered plywood or MDF. In an embodiment the rigid member is appioxirnateiy 20mm thick. This thickness allows the rigid member to be comfortably used as a handrail In an embodiment, the rigid member weighs approximately 5kg.

Figure 5 An alternative arrangement of support apparatus is illustrated in Figure 5. Support apparatus 501 is in many ways similar to support apparatus 201 and utilises the same first bracket 203. Hence, rigid member 502 incorporates the feature of aperture 215. In this embodiment, a second bracket 503 is provided which is similar to first bracket 203. Rigid member 502 therefore defines a second aperture 504, which is similar to first aperture 215.

Figure 6 Support apparatus 501 is shown installed for use in Figure 6. It can be seen from this Figure that when fitted to bed frame 301, the arrangement of the support apparatus 501 is in appearance substantially symmetrical. The rigid member preferably provides means to improve manual handling and transportation thereof. In this example, visual symmetry is enhanced by the arrangement of a first cutaway portion 601 and a second cutaway portion 602 towards the upper side of the rigid member 502. These cutaway portions facilitate manual handling of the rigid member 502. Each cutaway portion allows the top edge of the rigid member to be gripped and for fingers to be extended through the cutaway portions. In addition, the cutaway portions serve to reduce the overall weight of the rigid member.

Figure 6 also shows that the use of a second bracket that is of the type of the first bracket, instead of a corner bracket, allows the rigid member to be positioned along a side of the bed at a location away from a corner of the bed.

Howevor, the positori 01 the rigid member along the length of a bed may be selected to allow a reclining occupant to swing their legs around in order to adopt a sifting position, or to restrict this action. It is further to be appreciated that the length of the rigid member may vary between applications, and again may be selected to specifically allow or inhibit certain actions by a user of a bed that is provided with the described support apparatus.

Figure 7 Steps taken to release rigid member 502 from the first and second brackets 203, 503 are described reference to Figure 7. As previously described with reference to Figure 4, to release the first bracket the first retaining member 207 is moved upwardly, in the direction of arrow 701, until it is free of the extension portion 206. This action is repeated to release second bracket 503. Once both brackets are released, the rigid member 502 may be moved in the direction illustrated by arrow 702, away from bed frame 301. The reverse procedure is performed to fit the rigid member 502 back into its operative arrangement.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows a further alternative support apparatus 801. A rigid member 802 is provided with an alternative arrangement of base support portion. Base support portion 803 comprises a first foot 804 and a second foot 805, each of which are screw threaded to the underside of the rigid member 802. Each of the feet 804, 805 is independently rotatable to adjust the distance of the foot from the underside of the rigid member 802.

By connecting the base support portion 803 to the underside of the rigid member 802 instead of to one face, which otherwise is similar to rigid member 502, the rigid member 802 has a more reversible nature. In other words, the rigid member has a first face 306 arid second face 807 on the other side, either of which may be oriented to face the bed frame.

According to a preferred mode of delivery of support apparatus, support apparatus 801 provides a rigid member 802 that is supplied with three brackets 203, 204, 503. This allows a user to select either to use first bracket 203 in combination with bracket 204 or to use first bracket 203 in combination with bracket 503. This approach offers flexibility to the installer of the apparatus, whilst removing the requirement for a purchaser to determine which bracket combination is preferred at the time of purchase.

Figure 9 As illustrated in Figure 9, accessory attachments may be provided for selective use with the described support apparatus. For example, a table attachment 901 may be provided that is arranged to be releasably secured to a rigid member, such as rigid member 502. The accessory attachment may include a variety of features itself, such as a recess or aperture 902 arranged to accommodate a beaker or other drinking vessel. An accessory attachment may also include a storage compartment such as storage extension 903.

Accessory attachments may be provided to facilitate activities performed by an occupant of the bed or by a person attending to an occupant of the bed. For example, a swing arm attachment configured to be supported by said rigid member may be provided, to which other components may be connected. A light may be provided to assist an occupant reading in bed or to assist visibility for an attendant, whilst an attachment providing a surface may be utilised by a practitioner undertaking the application of a treatment to an occupant of the bed.

Figure 10 Support apparatus 201 is shown in Figure 10 providing assistance for a user 1001. Person 1001 is shown approaching the installed support apparatus to achieve a position in which person 1001 may lean upon the rigid member 202 and hence let the support apparatus take their weight. As also shown in Figure 10, when person 1001 is incumbent on mattress 302, the support apparatus 201 functions to prevent the person from rolling out of bed. When person 1001 wishes to get out of bed, they may again use the rigid member 202 to support a degree of their weight, in the fashion of a riser.

As previously indicated, it is desirable for the support apparatus to resemble an ordinary piece of furniture rather than an institutional piece of equipment. In this respect, the rigid member 202 prevents a face 216 that may carry a decoration, such as coloration, text, graphics or a combination of these.

Adornments may be applied to the rigid member directly, for example through the use of paint, or indirectly, for example through the use of stickers.

The brackets themselves can assist in the overall blending in of the appearance of the support apparatus. In an embodiment, the brackets are fabricated mainly from a metal, such as steel. Brackets may be powder coated, again to present a softer surface than the underlying substrate material.

It is to be appreciated that the dimensions of the rigid member may vary between applications, as may the arrangement of brackets, base support portion, and may vary in design to allow different types of accessory attachment to engage therewith.

Figure 11 Figure 11 shows a soft bumper accessory 1101 for use in combination with a rigid member of the support apparatus. Soft bumper accessory 1101 comprises a main body portion 1102. Securing means, to secure the soft bumper accessory relative to a rigid member, are also provided. In this embodiment, a first securing member 1103 is provided that carries a first securing element I 104 configured to mechanically engage with a second securing element 1005 that is carried at an appropriate position on the main body 1102. In this embodiment, the first and second securing elements 1104, 1105 each comprise one half of a hook and loop mechanism, such as Velcro. A second securing member 1106 is provided, which also carries a third securing element 1107 that is configured to mechanically engage with a fourth securing element 1108. It can be seen from Figure 11 the second securing element 1105 and the fourth securing element 1108 are carried at spaced apart locations on the main body 1102. In this embodiment the third and fourth securing elements 1107, 1108 are the same as the first securing element 1104 and the second securing element 1105 respectively.

Alternatively one or both securing mechanisms may be of a different type, for example a press-stud.

In an embodiment, and as shown in Figure 11, the main body 1102 comprises an inner foam core 1109, which is contained in a removable cover 1110. Preferably, the removable cover is machine washable. It is to be appreciated that a hook and loop securing mechanism is soft, convenient to use, and is machine washable. Also, by providing a removable cover, a user may choose from a range of different decorative removable covers according to their taste.

According to this illustrated example, the first and second securing members 1103, 1106 extend from the main body 1102 of the soft bumper accessory 1101. In an alternative embodiment the securing members are provided as separate members having securing elements configured to mechanically engage with co-operating securing elements on each side of the main body of the soft bumper accessory.

It is to be understood that when the securing members of the soft bumper accessory are in use, the soft bumper accessory has a substantially circular cross-section, with a channel indicated at 1111 extending the length thereof.

Figure 12 In Figure 12, soft bumper accessory 1101 is shown in use with rigid member 502 of support apparatus 501. It can be seen that the channel 1111 of soft bumper accessory 1101 receives the upper edge of the rigid member 502. It can further be seen that securing member 1103 extends through first cutaway portion 601 to attach to the main body of the soft bumper accessory 1101 at the other side of rigid member 502. Similarly, the second securing member 1106 extends through cutaway portion 602, again to be mechanically engaged with the soft bumper accessory 1101 on the other side of the rigid member 502.

Use of the soft bumper accessory 1101 is desirable to prevent flailing-type injuries. Frail persons particularly experience such injuries, most frequently during periods of sleep. The provision of a removable padded edge along the top of the rigid member of the support apparatus may thus be of benefit to those at risk of these type of injuries.

As shown in Figure 12, a second pair of brackets 1201 may additionally be provided on bed frame 301. This enables a particular rigid member to be located at one of a plurality of positions on a bed frame. For example, a rigid member could be located at a first position relative to the bed frame for use during the day, whilst the same rigid member may then be relocated to a second different position relative to the bed frame for use during the night time.

In other applications, the second pair of brackets 1201 may optionally be used to support a second rigid member, such that two rigid members are used. In other applications, three or more pairs of brackets may be made available for use at various different locations relative to the bed frame.

The support apparatus described herein may be used with a divan or other style bed frame. However, it is to be appreciated that the corner bracket may be used only with particular types of bed. The described support apparatus may be used with a bed intended for use by a child or by an adult.

The support apparatus may also be used to provide a bed table in a space that is too small to accommodate a bedside table.

Claims

Claims 1. Support apparatus for securing to a bed frame, comprising: a rigid member, a first bracket for attachment to a bed frame, and a second bracket for attachment to said bed frame; wherein said first and second brackets, when attached to said bed frame, are configured to releasably secure said rigid member to said bed frame.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rigid member is substantially planar.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said rigid member defines a first aperture, said first bracket comprises a first base portion for attachment to said bed frame, a first extension portion extending from said base portion, and a first retaining member configured to be removably located within said extension portion, and said first bracket is configured to be attached to said bed frame such that said first aperture of said rigid member is locatable around said first extension portion and when located, said first retaining member is receivable within said first extension portion such that a first portion of said rigid member is located between said first retaining member and said bed frame.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second bracket comprises a base portion for attachment to said bed frame and a sleeve portion, and r said second bracket is configured to be attached to said bed frame such that a second portion of said rigid member is receivable between said sleeve portion and said bed frame.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rigid member defines a second aperture, said second bracket comprises a second base portion for attachment to said bed frame, a second extension portion extending from said base portion, and a second retaining member configured to be removably located within said second extension portion, and said second bracket is configured to be attached to said bed frame such that said second aperture of said rigid member is locatable around said second extension portion and when located, said second retaining member is receivable within said second extension portion such that a second portion of said rigid member is located between said retaining member and said bed frame.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus further comprises a base support portion configured to maintain said rigid member at a height above a support surface.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said base support portion is configured such that said height is manually adjustable.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least one cutaway portion to facilitate manual handling and transportation of the rigid member.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding daim, wherein said support apparatus carries decoration.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an accessory attachment configured to be supported by said rigid member.
II. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus further comprises a soft bumper accessory configured to receive the top edge of said rigid member.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a third bracket and a fourth bracket, and said third and fourth brackets, when attached to said bed frame, are configured to releasably secure said rigid member to said bed frame.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said third bracket comprises a third base portion for attachment to said bed frame and a third extension portion extending from said base portion, and said first bracket is configured to be attached to said bed frame such that said first aperture of said rigid member is locatable around said third extension portion and when located, said first retaining member is receivable within said third extension portion such that said first portion of said rigid member is located between said first retaining member and said bed frame.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said fourth bracket comprises a fourth base portion for attachment to said bed frame and a fourth extension portion extending from said base portion, and said fourth bracket is configured to be attached to said bed frame such that said second aperture of said rigid member is locatable around said fourth extension portion and when located, said second retaining member is receivable within said fourth extension portion such that said second portion of said rigid member is located between said second retaining member and said bed frame.
15. A method of securing support apparatus to a bed frame, comprising the steps of: attaching a first bracket to a bed frame, attaching a second bracket to a bed frame, and refeasably securing a rigid member to said bed frame using said first and second brackets.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said rigid member defines a first aperture, and sa:d first bracket comprises a rst base portion, a first extension portion extending from said base portion, and a first retaining member configured to be removably located within said extension portion, and said method further comprises the steps of locating said first aperture around said first extension portion, and inserting said first retaining member within said first extension portion such that a first portion of said rigid member is located between said first retaining member and said bed frame.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second bracket comprises a base portion and a sleeve portion, and said method further comprises the step of: inserting a second portion of said rigid member between said sleeve portion and said bed frame.
18. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said rigid member defines a second aperture, and said second bracket comprises a second base portion, a second extension portion extending from said base portion, and a second retaining member configured to be removably located within said extension portion, and said method further comprises the steps of: locating said second aperture around said second extension portion, and inserting said second retaining member within said second extension portion such that a second portion of said rigid member is located between said second retaining member and said bed frame.
19. Support apparatus for attachment to a bed frame, comprising: a rigid member, a first bracket for attachment to a bed frame, and a second bracket for attachment to said bed frame; wherein said first and second brackets, when attached to said bed frame, are configured to releasably secure said rigid member to said bed frame, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
20. A method of securing support apparatus to a bed frame, comprising the steps of: attaching a first bracket to a bed frame, attaching a second bracket to a bed frame, and releasably securing a rigid member to said bed frame using said first and second brackets, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.Amendment to the claims have been filed as follows 2o Claims 1. Support apparatus for securing to a bed frame, comprising: a substantially planar rigid member, a first bracket for attachment to a bed frame, and a second bracket for attachment to said bed frame; and said first and second brackets, when attached to said bed frame, are configured to allow said rigid member to be releasably secured to said bed frame; said first bracket comprises a first base portion for attachment to said bed frame, a first extension portion extending from said base portion, and a first retaining member configured to be removably located within said first extension portion, and said first bracket is configured to be attached to said bed frame such that said first aperture of said rigid member is locatable around said first extension portion and when located, said first retaining member is receivable within said first extension portion such that a first portion of said rigid member is located between said first retaining member and said bed frame. * *.* * * * *.****, 20 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second bracket *** comprises a base portion for attachment to said bed frame and a sleeve : .. portion, and said second bracket is configured to be attached to said bed frame such that a second portion of said rigid member is receivable between said sleeve portion and said bed frame.3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rigid member defines a second aperture, and said second bracket is similar to said first bracket.4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus further comprises a base support portion configured to maintain said rigid member at a height above a support surface.5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said base support portion is configured such that said height is manually adjustable.6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least one cutaway portion to facilitate manual handling and transportation of the rigid member.7 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support apparatus carries decoration.*:: 8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an accessory attachment configured to be supported by said rigid member.* *. 20 $ * S...9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said : apparatus further comprises a soft bumper accessory configured to receive the top edge of said rigid member.10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a third bracket and a fourth bracket, and said third and fourth brackets, when attached to said bed frame, are "--configured to allow said rigid member to be releasably secured to said bed frame.II. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said third bracket is similar to said first bracket.12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said fourth bracket is similar to said first bracket.13. A method of securing support apparatus to a bed frame, comprising the steps of: receiving a first bracket for attachment to a bed frame, receiving a second bracket for attachment to said bed frame, and receiving a substantially planar rigid member configured to be releasably secured to said bed frame using said first and second brackets, said rigid member defines a first aperture, and said first bracket comprises a first base portion, a first extension portion extending from said base portion, and a first retaining member configured to be removably located within said extension portion, and said method further comprises the steps of: I...attaching said first base portion of said first bracket to said bed frame, attaching said second bracket to said bed frame, locating said first aperture of said rigid member around said first extension portion of said first bracket, and inserting said first retaining member within said first extension portion such that a first portion of said rigid member is located between said first retaining member and said bed frame.14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said second bracket comprises a base portion and a sleeve portion, and said method further comprises the step of: inserting a second portion of said rigid member between said sleeve portion and said bed frame.15. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said rigid member defines a second aperture, and said second bracket is similar to said first bracket, and said method further comprises the steps of: locating said second aperture around said second extension portion of said second bracket, and inserting said second retaining member of said second bracket within said second extension portion of said second bracket such that a second portion of said rigid member is located between said second retaining member of said second bracket and said bed frame. * ** ** S16. Support apparatus for attachment to a bed frame, substantially as : ** 20 described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. S...17. A method of securing support apparatus to a bed frame1 * *5 S substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.