IL173689A - Bed with storage compartment - Google Patents

Description

ο>»2» WIN ον nv>»tt Bed with storage compartment Aminach Bedding & Furniture e> t»i o»u ni n>\y»n ro>»y Manufacturing Ltd., C. 165341 173689/3 BED WITH DECORATIVE PANEL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to beds fitted with side panels and more particularly the invention is concerned with ornamentation of such panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Beds having storage areas therewithin are well known in the art. Typically, such beds comprise an upper portion supporting thereon a mattress or other arrangement of cushioning articles, and a lower portion (often referred to as 'bed box') to support the upper portion. The lower portion has a hollow interior which is used for the storage. The interior may be accessed by providing a set of slideable drawers accessible from the outside. Alternatively, the upper portion may be moveable, such as being pivotable, allowing access to the hollow interior ('storage compartment') of the lower portion.

However, in some cases the bed is devoid of a linen/storage compartment and nevertheless there are provided side walls forming a bed box, for concealment and imparting the bed a solid and aesthetic appearance.

It will be appreciated that the general term "bed " as used in the present specification and claims, should be taken in its broadest sense, including daybeds, sofas, loveseats, chairs, benches, etc. ^ - - 2 - 173689/3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a bed frame having exterior sidewall at least partially covered with a rigid thermoplastic panel attached thereto.

According to the invention, said panels are made of a vacuum formed thermoplastic material.

The panels are by nature decorative elements imparting a solid look and serving also to conceal structural elements of the bed frame or bed box.

By a modification there is provided a bed box formed with an external thermoplastic panel imparting it a solid look, said panel may further be integrally imparted with ornamental features, homogeneously formed with said panels.

According to one particular embodiment of the present invention there is a bed frame having a base portion and a mattress support portion articulated thereto and pivotable about an axis between an open position and a closed position, the base portion having exterior sidewall adapted for use as a storage container, wherein at least two sidewalls are covered with a rigid, thermoplastic panel attached thereto. Said panels may be formed at any shape and may be further ornamented at a variety of patterns homogeneously formed with said panels.

Each panel may comprise a side face being spaced from the sidewalls, and may further comprise a support element in the space between the sidewall and the ornamental element.

A bed according to the present invention may comprise any one or more of the following features: • the panel is spaced from a sidewall of the bed box, thus forming a confined space extending therebetween; • each of the covered sidewalls is fully covered by portions of at least one of the panels; • the panels each have a substantially C-like shaped cross-section; 04653^1 19X17 04-01653419X1 8-01 • a seam between an edge of the panels and the base portion is covered by decorative tape or lining; • a covering may be provided over a seam between panels; • the thermoplastic material may be polyethylene; • at least one of the panels comprises an indentation located adjacent to the mattress support portion when in its closed position; • the indentation is located on a sidewall being opposite the axis; • the indentation is located on a sidewall being adjacent the axis; • the top edge and a bottom edge of the panels are adapted for fixedly securing over corresponding top and bottom edge of a respective sidewall of the bed; • an illuminating element may be introduced in the space between the side walls and the respective plastic panel, said illumination being of any suitable type (e.g. neon, LED's LED neon flex, etc.). • the top edge and the bottom edge of the panels are substantially horizontal; and • the panels comprise ornamental depressions and/or protuberances.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ornamental panel for fixedly applying over an external surface of a sidewall of a bed box.

The panel imparts the bed a solid look and is made of a vacuum formed thermoplastic material, e.g. polyethylene. ' Where the panels are imparted with decorative motives, e.g. coloring, patterns, drawings etc., these are integrated with the panel and are homogeneously imparted to the panel during its vacuum forming, in a single manufacturing process. • any of the features disclosed in connection with the embodiments disclosed hereinabove may apply for the panel as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, several embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bed frame according to the present invention, in an open position; Fig. 2 is a cross-section taken along line II-II in Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is a cross-section view similar to that of Fig. 2, illustrating a different embodiment; Fig. 4 is a seam cover provided to cover a seam between adjacent panels; and Fig 5 is an isometric view, partially sectioned, of a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention, fitted with an illumination assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in Fig. 1, there is provided a bed frame, generally indicated at 10. The bed frame 10 comprises a base portion ('bed box'), generally indicated at 12, and a mattress support panel 14.

It should however be noted that the mattress support panel 14 may be a uniform panel as illustrated in Fig. 1 or constructed of two or more panels (not shown), pivotally articulated to one another so as to support a mattress in different inclinations and positions, as known in the art.

The interior of the base portion 12 is hollow, allowing for its secondary use as a storage compartment, which is accessed by raising the mattress support panel 14. To facilitate this use, the mattress support panel 14 is hingedly articulated to the base portion 12 at a rear end, about hinges 15. In addition, a pair of pistons 16 may be provided in order to prevent slamming of the mattress support panel 14 upon its release, and to assist in elevation thereof into the open 044 3 j-9\17 0101653419\18-01 - 5 - 173689^ position, so as to facilitate access to the storage compartment. The base portion 12 is constructed of rigid sidewalls 17 fixedly articulated and formed into a rectangle. Rigid decorative panels 18 are attached on outside surfaces of sidewalls 17 of the base portion 12, defining a space 13 (seen in Fig. 2) between each sidewall and its corresponding panel. The panels 18 are made from from vacuum formed plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. Where the panels are imparted with decorative motives, e.g. coloring, patterns, drawings etc., these are integrated with the panel and are homogeneously imparted to the panel during its vacuum forming, in a single manufacturing process.

For example, ornamental depressions 22 may be formed on at least some of the panels 18, at regular intervals. In addition, the panels may comprise functional features, such as indentation 24 at the front panel 25, which serves to permit a user to grip a portion of the mattress support panel 14, facilitating its lifting. Alternatively, or in addition to depressions, the panels may be formed with protuberances projecting from the outer surface of the panel (not shown).

The decorative panels 18 may be of any construction. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 2, they are of substantially C-shaped cross-section, having upper and lower horizontal surfaces 26 and 28, and a vertical plank 30, constituting a side face, therebetween. The substantially horizontal edges 27 and 29 of horizontal surfaces 26 and 28, respectively, are fastened to top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of each sidewall 17. It is to be appreciated that the edges of the top and bottom surfaces of the decorative panels 18 should have a corresponding configuration as of the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of the sidewalls 17, so as to provide an eye-pleasing integration and a rigid fastening arrangement therebetween. Accordingly, these surfaces may extend otherwise than horizontal, e.g. they may be correspondingly inclined, etc.

Fastening the panels 18 to the sidewalls 17 may be done by any practical arrangement, such as using upholstery tacks 33, staples, screws, nails, or an adhesive.

(H 3 W- -l-01 5 41 X1 - 1 Additionally, as illustrated in Fig. 3, a support element 38 may be provided in the space 13 between the sidewall 17 and the panel 18. The support element 38 comprises a base portion 38a and two support walls 38b projecting perpendicularly therefrom. The base portion 38a may be fastened to the sidewall 17 using several screws 39. The support walls 38b project such that they extend the entire width of the space 13 between the sidewall 17 and the panel 18, bearing against the panel when it is fastened to the sidewall. They are spaced apart so as to allow for ornamental depressions 22 to be positioned therebetween.

A strip of decorative tape or a concealing element 34 (seen in Fig. 1) may be provided to conceal the upper horizontal ledge 29 of each panel. In the event that the fastening is accomplished using means which are not entirely concealed by the panel, such as tacks and the like, a tape may also be used to conceal them.

Reverting to Fig. 1, and in particular to the area indicated as 'Α', panels 18 may wrap around corners of the base portion 12. A seam cover 35 may be provided to cover the seam between adjacent panels 18.

As seen in Fig. 4, the seam cover 35 may be constructed with an outer facade 40 and an elongate gripping element 42, defining an interstice 44 therebetween. The seam cover 35 is made from a flexible material, such as PVC. Before installation, it is provided as shown in Fig. 3 as a straight strip with the gripping element 42 projecting therefrom. In order to allow the seam cover 35 to be bent at a sharp angle, so that it can conform to the profile of the panels 18, 25, a gap 46 is provided in the elongate gripping element 42. If the profile of the panel comprises several sharp angles, a gap may be provided to correspond to each one.

During assembly, the panels 18, 25 are secured to the sidewalls 17 by any desired method, leaving a gap between adjacent panels. The gripping element 42 of the seam cover 35 is threaded under one of the panels 18, 25, such that the edge of the panel is gripped within the interstice 44. In addition, a small amount - - - 7 - 173689/^ of an adhesive may be applied to secure the seam cover 35. The seam cover 35 is bent before or during assembly in order to conform to the profile of the panel.

As already mentioned above, the scope of the present invention shall not be limited to any particular shape of bed, nor to any type of mattress. As such, the mattress support panel 14 may be suitable for use with any type of mattress, such as that used in an articulated elevatable bed or the like.

According to an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the plastic panel 18 is illuminated from the inside, i.e. within the space 13 there is an illumination arrangement comprising one or more illuminating elements 27 which in the present example are LED neon flex elements. These LEDs may be designed to emit any color as known per se, or there may be a light control box 29, coupled to a power supply, for controlling the light intensity and the light color (which may also be a 'light organ' altering the light color according to some selected pattern).

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention mutatis mutandis. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not to be restricted to a bed fitted with a storage/linen compartment, but rather is suitable for applying over any bed frame, with or without a closed bed box. - - - - -

Claims (27)

- 8 - 17368¾Τ 4

1. A bed frame having exterior sidewalls at least partially covered with a rigid thermoplastic panel attached thereto.

2. A bed frame according to Claim 1, wherein each panel comprises a side face being spaced from said sidewalls.

3. A bed frame according to Claim 2, further comprising a support element in the space between the sidewall and the panel.

4. A bed frame according to any one of the above claims, wherein each of the covered sidewalls is fully covered by portions of at least one of the panels.

5. A bed frame according to Claim 1, wherein the panels extend substantially along the length of its respective sidewall.

6. A bed frame according to Claim 5, the panels each have a substantially C-like shaped cross-section.

7. A bed frame according to any one of Claims |l through a seam between an edge of the panels and the (base portionj is covered by decorative tape.

8. A bed frame according to any one of Claims |l through l[ comprising coverings over a seam between panels.

9. A bed frame according to any one of Claims |l through 8|, wherein the panels are made of a vacuum formed thermoplastic.

10. A bed frame according to Claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic is polyethylene.

11. A bed frame according to any one of Claims |l through said bed frame comprising a base portion and a matters support portion articulated thereto and pivotable about an axis between an open position and a closed position, the base portion wherein an indentation is formed in a panel located adjacent to a mattress support portion of the bed when in its closed position.

12. A bed frame according to Claim 11, wherein said indentation is located on a sidewall being opposite the axis. 1-9X4^-04-01653419\18-01

13. A bed frame according to Claim 11, wherein said indentation is located on a sidewall being adjacent the axis.

14. A bed frame according to Claim 1, wherein a top edge and a bottom edge of the panels are adapted for fixedly securing over corresponding top and bottom edge of a respective sidewall.

15. A bed frame according to claim 14, wherein the top edge and the bottom edge of the panels are substantially horizontal.

16. A bed frame according to any one of (the above claims], wherein the panel comprises ornamental depressions and/or protuberances.

17. A bed frame according to any one of [the preceding claims], wherein one or more illumination elements are fitted within the space, behind the plastic panel'.

18. An ornamental panel for applying over an external surface of a sidewall of a bed box, said panel being made of a vacuum formed thermoplastic.

19. An ornamental panel according to Claim 18, adapted to be mounted to the sidewall such that a space is defined between the panel and the sidewall.

20. An ornamental panel according to Claim |l 8 and 19], being of such a length so as to extend substantially along the length of the respective sidewall.

21. A bed frame according to Claim 18, wherein the thermoplastic is polyethylene.

22. An ornamental panel according to any one of Claims |l8 through 22], comprising an indentation adapted, at least when applied to the external surface of the sidewall of the bed box, to be located adjacent a mattress support portion of the bed box when in a closed position. .

23. An ornamental element according to any one of Claims |l 8 through 23), further comprising ornamental depressions an d/or protuberances.

24. A bed frame substantially as disclosed in the specification and drawings.

25. A bed frame substantially as claimed in the ^laimsj. l-9V^7-O4-01653419\ 1 8-01

26. An ornamental panel substantially as disclosed in the specification and drawings.

27. An ornamental panel substantially as claimed in the |claims|. For the Applicants, PARTNERS