GB2542875A - Bed frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A bed base for supporting a mattress wherein a side frame member 212 has a blocking element 260 attached to or extending from it at an end of the side frame member 212 wherein the blocking element 260 has a first stop surface which is transverse a longitudinal axis and a second stop surface which is perpendicular to the first surface. A support device 30 with a handle to be gripped may be provided which can engage the side frame member 212 with a clamp apart from in the region of the blocking element 260. The blocking element 260 may be a rod with distance greater than 315mm. The frame may have telescopic sections to extend its length and the blocking element 260 may be positioned on one section and either engage a guide bore on the other or be spaced such that the other section can slide under it.

Description

Bed Frame

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to beds and bed frames and in particular to beds and bed frames to which bed levers or side rails are attached. These beds may include patient beds in hospitals or other health and social care facilities.

The present invention is applicable to standard beds having a flat base on which a mattress is seated and a movable backrest to allow a person or patient to sit up in the bed. The present invention is also applicable to profiling beds and electrical profiling beds. The base of these beds is sectioned such that each section can be moved independently such that the mattress adopts the required shape or profile. These beds can, therefore, be used to raise or lower parts of a patient, allowing their legs to be raised or allowing them to sit up at a comfortable angle without slipping down the length of the bed. Movement of these profiling beds is typically actuated by means of a handset.

It is also known to increase the length of a bed, i.e. the distance between a footboard and a headboard. This is typically achieved by permitting parts of the bed frame to slide relative to the rest of the bed frame to increase or decrease the length of the frame.

Bed levers are used to assist infirm people to get into and out of a bed. The bed levers are typically attached at a lower end to the bed frame and are positioned to allow a person to sit on the side of the bed near to and generally next to the bed lever. Side rails or guard rails may be attached to a bed frame to extend at least partially along the side of a bed. Side rails and guard rails are typically used to prevent a person falling out of a bed. Both bed levers and side rails may be removeably attached to the bed frame and may be slidable relative to the bed frame.

It is known that if a bed lever or side rail is positioned too close to a headboard or a footboard of the bed then there is a risk of entrapment. In particular a part of a person may become trapped between the bed lever or side rail and the headboard or footboard. This may result in injury or even death. For this reason there are guidelines and British Standards that stipulate that a bed lever or side rail should be placed further than 318 mm from a headboard.

Currently, it is necessary for personnel such as healthcare workers to follow these guidelines and position the bed levers and side rails in the correct position. It is possible, however, for the bed lever or side rail to be located closer than 318 mm, especially on beds in which the length of the bed may be altered.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved bed that reduces the risk of entrapment between a bed lever or side rail and a headboard or footboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed base frame for supporting a mattress including a side frame member assembly, the side frame member assembly comprising: a pair of side frame members, each side frame member extending between first and second ends and defining an axis of said member, the distance between the first and second ends defining a length of the bed base frame; and one or more blocking elements comprising a first stop surface and a second stop surface, the first stop surface being located at a fixed distance from an end of the side frame member along the axis of the side frame member and the first stop surface extending transverse to the axis of the side frame member, the second stop surface extending transverse to the first stop surface and located between the first stop surface and said end of the side frame member, and the blocking element(s) being attached to or extending from at least one of the side frame members, proximate the first or second end, such that the blocking element forms a protrusion from the side frame member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis.

The blocking element(s) extend from the side frame member such that a first dimension of the side frame member assembly in the region of the blocking element is greater than a first dimension of the side frame member, the first dimensions being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the side frame member. A blocking element may extend from the side frame member proximate the first end or the second end of the side frame member. In some embodiments a first blocking element may extend from the side frame member proximate the first end and a second blocking element may extend from the side frame member proximate the second end.

The first stop surface is preferably at a distance equal to or greater than 315 mm from the respective first or second end of the side frame member. More preferably the first stop surface is at a distance equal to or greater than 318 mm from the respective first or second end of the side frame member.

The second stop surface generally extends between the first stop surface and the respective end of the side frame member. Preferably the second stop surface extends fully and continuously between the first stop surface and the end of the side frame member.

Typically each of the side frame members includes opposite upper and lower surfaces and opposite side surfaces. The blocking element(s) are preferably attached to and extend from one of the side surfaces of the side frame member.

In preferred embodiments the blocking element comprises a single, continuous blocking member. The blocking member may be an elongate rod. In these embodiments an end of the rod furthest from the respective end of the side frame member provides the first stop surface and a circumferential surface of the rod provides the second stop surface.

The blocking member will typically extend along the side frame member parallel to the axis of the side frame member. In this way the second stop surface may be parallel to an upper surface of the side frame member.

In preferred embodiments a first end of the blocking member is connected to the side frame member proximate or at an end of the side frame member. The blocking member preferably has a length of between 300 mm and 350 mm. In this way, a first end of the blocking member may be positioned within 20 mm of the end of the side frame member with a second end of the blocking member, providing the first stop surface, located at least 318 mm from the end of the side frame member. A part of the blocking member at a distance from the first end may be spaced apart from the side frame member.

In some embodiments the blocking element is an integral part of the side frame member. In other embodiments the blocking element may be secured to the side frame member using any suitable means such as welding or mechanical fasteners such as nuts and bolts.

In some embodiments the or each side frame member is extendable to enable a length of the bed base frame to be increased. In these embodiments the side frame member includes a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable with respect to each other to vary the length of the side frame member. Typically the side frame member will be telescopic, and the first and second parts are slidable with respect to each other.

The first part of the side frame member includes an end of the side frame member and accordingly the blocking element is attached to the first part. In this way, the blocking element remains in a fixed position relative to the end of the side frame member even when the first and second parts of the side frame member are moved relative to each other.

The blocking element preferably comprises an elongate blocking member. A first end of the blocking member is secured to the first part of the side frame member and guide means are provided on the second part of the side frame member. A second end portion of the blocking member is receivable in the guide means so as to maintain the position of the blocking member relative to the second part of the side frame member. The guide means may comprise a keeper including a bore sized to receive a part of the blocking member.

In preferred embodiments the blocking element comprises an elongate blocking member, and a first end of the blocking member is secured to the first part of the side frame member. A part of the blocking member at a distance from the first end is spaced apart from the first part of the side frame member such that an end portion of the second part of the side frame member is locatable between the first part of the side frame member and the blocking member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed comprising: a bed base frame according to the first aspect of the invention; a first end frame including a headboard, the first end frame being connected to a first end of said bed base frame; and a second end frame including a footboard, the second end frame being connected to a second end of said bed base frame.

The first end frame is preferably connected to the first end of each of the side frame members and the second end frame is preferably connected to the second end of each of the side frame members.

In preferred embodiments a bracket assembly is located at an end of each of the side frame members. Each bracket assembly comprises a catch member attached to each end of the side frame member and a corresponding mounting member attached to each of the first and second end frames. Each of the catch members engages with one of the mounting members to connect the side frame member to the respective one of the first and second end frames.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed frame assembly comprising: a bed base frame according to the first aspect of the invention; and a bed lever including a grab frame and a support element, the support element being configured for engagement with the side frame member to attach the bed lever to the bed base frame, wherein the protrusion of the blocking element from the side frame member prevents the support element being engaged with the side frame member in the region of the blocking element.

In preferred embodiments the side frame member includes opposite upper and lower surfaces and opposite side surfaces, and the support element comprises a pair of leg members spaced apart such that the side frame member is received therebetween and each of the leg members extends along an opposite side surface. A blocking element is attached to and extends from one of the side surfaces of the side frame member. In this way the blocking element increases a width of the side frame member and thereby prevents the support element engaging with the side frame member in the region of the blocking element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of bed including a pair of bed levers;

Figure 2 is a side view of the bed of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a detail view of a part of a bed frame according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention including a blocking member;

Figure 4 is a detail view of the bed frame of Figure 3 showing a bed lever obstructed by the blocking member;

Figure 5 is a detail view of a part of an extendable bed frame according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention including a blocking member, the bed frame being in a shortened configuration; and

Figure 6 is a detail view of the bed frame of Figure 5 with the bed frame in an extended configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a bed 2 typically used in a hospital or other healthcare facility. The bed 2 comprises a bed frame 4 including a base frame 6, a first end frame 8 and a second end frame 10. A headboard 5 is connected to the first end frame 8 between two upright end posts 7 and a footboard 9 is connected to the second end frame 10 between two upright end posts 7’. A distance between the first and second end frames 8, 10 defines a length of the bed 2.

The base frame 6 extends between the first and second end frames 8, 10 and is arranged to support a mattress in use. The base frame 6 comprises two elongate side frame members 12 that extend along opposite sides of the base frame 6 between the first and second end frames 8,10. A distance between the two side frame members 12 defines a width of the bed 2. In this embodiment the bed frame 6 further comprises a number of frame panels 14. Each of the frame panels 14 is attached to the side frame members 12 such that an angle between the frame panel 14 and the side frame member 12 may be adjusted to impose a desired shape or configuration to the overlying mattress.

The base frame 6 is connected to each of the first and second end frames 8, 10 by a bracket assembly 16. A bracket assembly 16 is located at an end 13 of each of the side frame members 12. Each bracket assembly 16 comprises a mounting member 18 and a catch member 20 (shown in Figures 5 and 6). A catch member 20 is attached to each end 13 of the side frame member 12 and a corresponding mounting member 18 is attached to an upright post 7, 7’ of each of the first and second end frames 8, 10. Each of the catch members 20 engages with one of the mounting members 18 to connect the side frame member 12, and therefore the base frame 6, to the end frames 8, 10.

Two bed levers or hand rails 30 are attached to one of the side frame members 12 of the base frame 6. Each bed lever 30 includes a grab frame 32 and, at a first lower end of the grab frame 32, attachment means 34 for attaching the bed lever 30 to the base frame 6 of the bed 2. In its simplest form the grab frame 32 includes two upright members 36 and a cross-member 38 at a second upper end of the grab frame 32. In some embodiments the grab frame 32 may include additional bracing members 37 extending between two or more of the upright members 36 and the cross-member 38.

The attachment means 34 comprises a mounting assembly 40 including a support element 42 and retaining means 44. In this embodiment, and as shown most clearly in Figure 4, the support element 42 is generally U-shaped, and includes a support plate 46 and two leg members 48 extending from opposite edges of the support plate 46 and in a direction parallel to each other. A gap 50 defined between the two leg members 48 is sized to receive a part of the side frame member 12. When the bed lever 30 is correctly secured to the base frame 6 of the bed 2, the support plate 46 contacts an upper surface 22 of the side frame member 12 and transmits forces from the grab frame 32 to the base frame 6. Each of the leg members 48 extends along an opposite side surface 24, 25 of the side frame member 12 to prevent the bed lever 30 tilting with respect to the base frame 6. A gap between each of the leg members 48 and the respective side surface 24, 25 should be as small as possible and the leg member 48 is preferably in contact with the respective side surface 24, 25. The length of the leg members 48 is such that, when the bed lever 30 is correctly seated on the base frame 6, an end 49 of each of the leg members 48 extends below a lower surface 26 of the side frame member 12.

When the bed lever 30 is engaged with the base frame 6 the retaining means 44 are initially in a disengaged position such that the retaining means 44 does not block the gap 50 between the two leg members 48. Once the support element 42 is correctly seated on the side frame member 12, the retaining means 44 is moved into an engaged position. In the engaged position the retaining means 44 extends between the two leg members 48 proximate their respective ends 49. In this way, the retaining means 44 extends under the lower surface 26 of the side frame member 12 so as to retain the support element 42 on the side frame member 12. In some embodiments the retaining means 44 may comprise a screw threaded rod and a handle. In the engaged position the screw threaded rod passes through complementary screw threaded holes formed in each of the leg members 48 proximate their end 49.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a part of a bed base frame 106 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The base frame 106 includes a pair of side frame members 112 (only one of which is shown in the drawings) and at least two frame panels 114. A blocking member 160 is attached to the side frame member 112 proximate an end 113 of the side frame member 112.

The blocking member 160 includes a first abutment or stop surface 162 and a second abutment or stop surface 164. At least a part of the first stop surface 162 is substantially perpendicular to a part of the second stop surface 164.

In this embodiment the blocking member 160 is in the form of an elongate rod 166 having first and second ends 168, 169. The rod 166 is attached to a side surface 124 of the side frame member 112 facing the base frame 6. The first end 168 of the rod 166 is located proximate an end 113 of the side frame member 112 and the rod 166 extends along the length of the side frame member 112.

The second end 169 of the rod 166 provides the first stop surface 162. The second stop surface 164 is provided by a part of a circumferential surface 170 of the rod 166.

The rod 166 prevents a bed lever 30 being positioned and secured to the base frame 106 nearer than about 320 mm from the end 113 of the side frame member 112. Accordingly, the rod 166 is attached to the side frame member 112 such that the first stop surface 162 is located no less than 320 mm from the end 113 of the side frame member 112. The length of the rod 166 is such that the rod 166 extends substantially all of the distance to the end 113 of the side frame member 112. In most embodiments, therefore, the blocking member 160 has a length of between 300 mm and 350 mm, and more preferably between 310 mm and 330 mm.

When the blocking member 160 is secured to the side frame member 112 proximate an end 113 that is connected to the first end frame 8, the blocking member 160 prevents the bed lever 30 being positioned closer than about 320 mm from the first end frame 8 or headboard 5. When the blocking member 160 is secured to the side frame member 112 proximate an end 113 that is connected to the second end frame 10, the blocking member 160 prevents the bed lever 30 being positioned closer than about 320 mm from the second end frame 10 or footboard 9.

Figure 3 illustrates a support element 42 of a bed lever 30 located over the side frame member 112 at a distance of greater than 320 mm from the end 113 of the side frame member 112. If the bed lever 30, and therefore the support element 42, is slid towards the end 113 of the side frame member 112, one of the leg members 48 of the support element 42 will contact the second end 169 of the rod 166. The first stop surface 162 provided by the second end 169 of the rod will, therefore, prevent the bed lever 30 being moved closer to the end 113 of the side frame member 112.

Figure 4 illustrates a support element 42 of a bed lever 30 being positioned closer than 320 mm from the end 113 of the side frame member 112. In this case, an end edge 49 of one of the leg members 48 contacts the circumferential surface 170 before the support plate 46 contacts the upper surface 22 of the side frame member 112. This prevents the support element 42 being fully seated on the side frame member 112 and prevents the retaining means 44 from being engaged as the ends 49 of the leg members 48 do not extend below the lower surface 26 of the side frame member 112. The blocking member 160, therefore, prevents the bed lever 30 being attached to the side frame member 112 in a location closer than about 320 mm from the end 113 of the side frame member 112.

It is desirable if the blocking member 160 is located on the side surface 24 of the side frame member 112 as close to the upper surface 22 as possible. This means that a minimal length of the leg members 48 can be engaged with the side frame member 112 before the end 49 of one of the leg members 48 contacts the second stop surface 164 of the blocking member 160.

It will be appreciated that the blocking member 160 may be attached to the side frame member 112 using any suitable means. For example, the rod 166 may be welded to the side frame member 112. Importantly, the means of attaching the blocking member 160 to the side frame member 112 must be such that the first stop surface 162 remains at a fixed distance from the end 113 of the side frame member 112 and the second stop surface 164 remains at a fixed distance from the upper surface 22 of the side frame member 112.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a part of a bed base frame 206 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The base frame 206 includes a pair of side frame members 212 (only one of which is shown in the drawings) and at least two frame panels 214.

In this embodiment the side frame members 212 are extendable to allow the length of the bed to be varied. Each of the side frame members 212 is telescopic and comprises a tubular member 280 and an inner member 282. The tubular member 280 includes an upper wall 279, a lower wall 281, a first side wall 283 and a second side wall 285. The inner member 282 is slidably received in an end 284 of the tubular member 280. Accordingly, an overall length of the side frame member 212 can be increased by partially withdrawing the inner member 282 from the end 284 of the tubular member 280, as shown in Figure 6, and an overall length of the side frame member 212 can be decreased by inserting the inner member 282 further into the tubular member 280, as shown in Figure 5. Preferably the side frame member 212 includes means to stop the inner member 282 being withdrawn or removed fully from the tubular member 280.

An end of the inner member 282, therefore, defines the end 213 of the side frame member 112, and the catch member 20 of the bracket assembly 16 is connected to the end of the inner member 282. A side frame member 112 may comprise an inner member 282 located at both ends of the tubular member 280. A blocking member 260 is attached to the side frame member 212. The blocking member 260 is in the form of an elongate rod 266 having first and second ends 268, 269. The rod 266 has, at its first end 268, an arm 286 that extends substantially perpendicularly from the rod 266. An end of the arm 286 engages in a hole 288 in the catch member 20 so at to attach the first end 268 of the rod 266 to the catch member 20. The first end 268 of the rod 266 is, therefore, located at and in a fixed position relative to the end 213 of the side frame member 212.

The rod 266 is retained in a fixed position with respect to the catch member 20 and the inner member 282, and the rod 266 extends along the length of the inner member 282 in a direction away from the catch member 20. The arm 286 is configured such that the rod 266 is held in a position spaced apart from a side surface 290 of the inner member 282 on a side of the inner member 282 facing the frame panels 214. The first side wall 283, including the side surface 224 facing towards the frame panels 214, of the tubular member 280 locates between the inner member 282 and the rod 266.

Guide means 290 are provided on the side surface 224 of the tubular member 280. In this embodiment the guide means 290 comprise a pair of keepers 292 for receiving a part of the rod 266. Each keeper 292 includes a bore 294 sized to receive the rod 266, which defines an axis of each of the keepers 292. The keepers 292 are spaced apart along the length of the tubular member 280 such that a first one of the keepers 292’ is located at a first, smaller distance from the end 284 of the tubular member 280 and a second one of the keepers 292” is located at a second, larger distance from the end 284 of the tubular member 280. The first and second keepers 292’, 292” are axially aligned along the tubular member 280. As the inner member 282 is moved from the extended to the retracted position, the second end 269 of the rod 266 moves through the bore 294 of the first keeper 292’ in a direction towards the second keeper 292”.

The first and second keepers 292’, 292” are preferably located such that, with the inner member 282 fully inserted in the tubular member 280 (bed length at a minimum), the second end 269 of the rod 266 is located in or extends through the second keeper 292”. When the inner member 282 is withdrawn from the tubular member 280 to the maximum extent possible (bed length at a maximum) the second end 269 of the rod 266 is preferably located in or extends through the first keeper 292’. In this way, the keepers 292 retain the second end 269 of the rod 266 in the desired position with respect to the first end 268 of the rod 266 when the inner member 282 is moved between the extended and retracted positions.

Fixedly attaching the first end 268 of the rod 266 to the catch member 20 means that the rod 266 is held in a fixed position with respect to the end 213 of the side frame member 212. Accordingly, the second end 269 of the rod 266 remains at a fixed distance from the end 213 of the side frame member. Furthermore, the guide means 290 retain the rod 266 at a fixed distance from the upper wall 279 of the tubular member 280.

As described above in relation to the first embodiment, the second end 269 of the rod 266 provides a first stop surface 262. A second stop surface 264 is provided by a part of a circumferential surface 270 of the rod 266. The rod 266 prevents a bed lever 30 being positioned and secured to the base frame 206 nearer than about 320 mm from the end 113 of the side frame member 112. The blocking member 260 may be secured to the side frame member 112 proximate an end 113 that is connected to the first end frame 8 or the second end frame 10.

Figure 5 illustrates a side frame member 212 in which the inner member 282 is fully inserted in the tubular member 280. The bed lever 230 is shown in a position in which a support element 42 of the bed lever 30 is in contact with the second end 269 of the rod 266. As such, the rod 266, and in particular the first stop surface 262, prevents the bed lever 30 being moved closer to the end 213 of the side frame member 212.

Figure 6 illustrates a side frame member 212 in which the inner member 282 is withdrawn from the tubular member 280, thereby increasing a length of the bed. In this situation, the bed lever 30 may be positioned closer to the end 284 of the tubular member 280 than when the inner member 282 is retracted (Figure 5). Flowever, the bed lever 30 cannot be positioned closer than about 320 mm from the end 113 of the side frame member 112 due to the location of the rod 266, which moves together with the inner member 282.

Providing two discrete keepers 292 allows a user to position the bed lever 30 within a distance of 320 mm from the end of the tubular member 280 when the inner member 282 is extended and the rod 266 is removed from the region between the first and second keepers 292’, 292”.

Although in the above embodiments the blocking member 160, 260 has been in the form of a rod 166, 266, it will be appreciated that the blocking member may be of any suitable form that provides first and second stop surfaces. Furthermore, the blocking member may be attached to the side frame member in any suitable way which maintains the first stop surface at a fixed distance of at least 318 mm from the end of the side frame member to which a first or second end frame is attached.

Importantly first and second stop surfaces are provided substantially perpendicularly to each other to prevent a bed lever or similar structure being slid along a side frame member to a location closer than 318 mm from a headboard or footboard or placed over a side frame member at a location closer than 318 mm from a headboard or footboard. In some embodiments the first and second stop surfaces may be provided on one or more protrusions or projections from the side frame member.

The blocking members 160, 260 described above, therefore, are only two examples of blocking elements providing the first and second stop surfaces. Furthermore, the first and second stop surfaces may be provided on a single blocking element or, in some embodiments, may be provided on separate blocking elements.

The blocking element(s) or blocking member(s) may be located on a first side surface of the side frame member facing inwardly towards the frame panels, or on an opposite second, outward facing, surface of the side frame member. The blocking element(s) may be an integral part of the side frame member.

The blocking element(s) may include a continuous blocking member extending between first and second ends. Alternatively, the blocking element(s) may comprise a plurality of discrete projections extending from the side frame member; at least one of the projections including a first stop surface and a number of the projections each including a second stop surface. In embodiments in which a plurality of projections or blocking members are spaced apart along the length of the side frame member, a distance between adjacent projections or blocking members is less than a width of the support element of the bed lever, to prevent the support element being located between the projections or blocking members. The blocking elements may comprise, for example, a plurality of bosses extending from a side surface of the side frame member.

The present invention, therefore, provides an improved bed frame that reduces the risk of entrapment between a bed lever or side rail and a headboard or footboard.

Claims (27)

1. A bed base frame for supporting a mattress including a side frame member assembly, the side frame member assembly comprising: a pair of side frame members, each side frame member extending between first and second ends and defining an axis of said member, the distance between the first and second ends defining a length of the bed base frame; and one or more blocking elements comprising a first stop surface and a second stop surface, the first stop surface being located at a fixed distance from an end of the side frame member along the axis of the side frame member and the first stop surface extending transverse to the axis of the side frame member, the second stop surface extending transverse to the first stop surface and located between the first stop surface and said end of the side frame member, and the blocking element(s) being attached to or extending from at least one of the side frame members, proximate the first or second end, such that the blocking element forms a protrusion from the side frame member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis.

2. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of the side frame members includes opposite upper and lower surfaces and opposite side surfaces, and the blocking element(s) are attached to and extend from one of the side surfaces of the side frame member.

3. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first stop surface is at a distance equal to or greater than 315 mm from the first or second end of the side frame member.

4. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first stop surface is at a distance equal to or greater than 318 mm from the first or second end of the side frame member.

5. A bed base frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second stop surface extends fully between the first stop surface and the end of the side frame member.

6. A bed base frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the blocking element comprises a single, continuous blocking member.

7. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the blocking member is an elongate rod and an end of the rod provides the first stop surface and a circumferential surface of the rod provides the second stop surface.

8. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the blocking member extends along the side frame member parallel to the axis of the side frame member.

9. A bed base frame as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the blocking member has a length of between 300 mm and 350 mm.

10. A bed base frame as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein a first end of the blocking member is connected to the side frame member proximate or at an end of the side frame member.

11. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 10, wherein a part of the blocking member at a distance from the first end is spaced apart from the side frame member.

12. A bed base frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the blocking element(s) is an integral part of the side frame member.

13. A bed base frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the side frame member is extendable and includes a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable with respect to each other to vary the length of the side frame member.

14. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the side frame member is telescopic and the first and second parts are slidable with respect to each other.

15. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the first part includes an end of the side frame member and the blocking element is attached to the first part.

16. A bed base frame as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the blocking element comprises an elongate blocking member, a first end of the blocking member is secured to the first part of the side frame member, guide means are provided on the second part of the side frame member, and a second end portion of the blocking member is receivable in the guide means.

17. A bed base frame as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the guide means comprises a keeper including a bore sized to receive a part of the blocking member therethrough.

18. A bed base frame as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 17, wherein the blocking element comprises an elongate blocking member, a first end of the blocking member is secured to the first part of the side frame member, and a part of the blocking member at a distance from the first end is spaced apart from the first part of the side frame member such that an end portion of the second part of the side frame member is beatable between the first part of the side frame member and the blocking member.

19. A bed comprising: a bed base frame as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18; a first end frame including a headboard connected to a first end of said bed base frame; and a second end frame including a footboard connected to a second end of said bed base frame.

20. A bed as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the first end frame is connected to the first end of each of the side frame members and the second end frame is connected to the second end of each of the side frame members.

21. A bed as claimed in Claim 20, comprising a bracket assembly located at an end of each of the side frame members, each bracket assembly comprising a catch member attached to each end of the side frame member and a corresponding mounting member attached to each of the first and second end frames, wherein each of the catch members engages with one of the mounting members to connect the side frame member to the respective one of the first and second end frames.

22. A bed frame assembly comprising: a bed base frame as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18; and a bed lever including a grab frame and a support element, the support element being configured for engagement with the side frame member to attach the bed lever to the bed base frame, wherein the protrusion of the blocking element from the side frame member prevents the support element being engaged with the side frame member in the region of the blocking element.

23. A bed frame assembly as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the side frame member includes opposite upper and lower surfaces and opposite side surfaces, and the support element comprises a pair of leg members spaced apart such that the side frame member is received therebetween and each of the leg members extends along an opposite side surface, and wherein a blocking element is attached to and extends from one of the side surfaces of the side frame member.

24. A bed base frame substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

25. A bed base frame substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

26. A bed substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A bed frame assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.