US1218748A - Section-locking means for foldable bed-frames. - Google Patents

Description

P. J. DE DOES.

SECTION LOCKING MEANS FOR FOLDABLE BED FRAMES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 27, I915.

Patented Mar. 13, 1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET INVENTUR filmy 1.

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SECTION LOCKING MEANS roa FOLDABLE BED FRAMES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 27, 19L)- Patented Mar.13', 1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- INVENTUR I Q M. 47M

PETER J. DE DOES, OF TOLEDO, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE TOLEDO PARLOR FURNITURE COMPANY, OF TOLEDO, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

SECTION-LOOKING MEANS FOR FOLDABLE BED-FRAMES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 13, 1917.

Application filed December 27, 1915. Serial No. 68,865.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that 1, PETER J. DE Dons, a citizen of Holland, and a resident of Toledo, in the county of Lucas and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Section-Locking Means for Foldable Bed- Frames; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the characters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to sofa beds, and particularly to those of the multiple section folding-bed frame type.

The object of my invention is the provision, in a bed of the character described, of improved, simple and efficient means which is automatically operable by a relative folding of certain of the bed sections to lock two sections in spaced folded relation, one over the other, and is operable by an unfolding of such sections to release the folded-over bed sections for unfolding movements.

The invention is-fully described in the following specification, and while in its broader aspect it is capable of embodiment in numerous forms, a preferred embodiment thereof is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sofa bed embodying my invention, with the bed frame in unfolded position, and with an end portion of the sofa frame broken away on the line av, m in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a side portion thereof, and Figs. 3, 4?, 5 and G are side views of the bed frame in different stages of a folding movement thereof, illustrating the actionof the section locking means embodying the invention.

The bed frame with which my invention is associated, comprises, in the present instance, the three major sections 1, 2 and 3, and the two minor or spacing sections 4 and 5, which latter foldably connect the adjacent ends of the major sections 1, 2, and 2, 3, respectively. The several sections of the bed frame are pivoted together in successive order to adapt the major sections to be folded one over another in spaced relation with the minor sections serving as the spacing means therefor. As the construction support.

piece 12 enables them,

and manner of folding of bed frames of this character is well understood in the art, a detailed description thereof will not be given.

The inner section 1 of the bed frame is mounted, in the present instance, for limited raising and lowering movements in a seat frame 6, which is rotatably mounted in a sofa or davenport frame 7, or other suitable The means illustrated for movably connecting the bed frame to the seat frame is described in detail in my former application, Serial No. 39,316, filed July 12, 1915, and therefore need not be described herein. It will be understood that the means shown in the drawings for supporting the inner end portion of the bed frame is not material to, and forms no part of, the present invention, and may therefore be changed as desired without affecting the operation and construction of the section locking means in which the present invention resides.

Legs 8 and 9 are foldably attached to the outer ends of the sections 2 and 3, respectively, for supporting the outer end portion of the bed frame when inunfolded position, as is well understood in the art. Each leg 8, 9 is connected adjacent to its pivoted end by a link 10, to a bar or link member 11, which is pivoted at its opposite end to the adjacent end of the adjoining spacing sections 4, 5, respectively, in offset relation toits pivot, whereby a folding of the major section carrying the leg with respect to the spacing section of the bed frame to which its inner end is attached will communicate a longitudinal movement to the respective links 10 and 11, and effect a folding of the associated leg against the section by which it is carried, as specifically describedin my said former application, Serial No. 39,316.

The outer bed frame section 3 is provided at its outer end with a foot-piece 12, the legs 13 of which are preferably obtusely angled and pivoted at their free ends to the respective sides of section 3 slightly to the rear of its outer end, as at 14. The obtuse formation of the leg portions of the footwhen in set-up or operative position with respect to the bed frame, to extend outward to the upper forward edge of the bed frame section 3, and then upward on a slight outward incline, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A stop finger 15 is pivoted to each side of section-3 slightly to the rear of the foot-piece pivot 1 1, as at 16, and is provided in its outer end portion with a longitudinally extending slot 17 into which projects a pin or stud TS that is carried by and projects from the adjacent leg 13 of the foot-piece, in the present instance, at the point of angle thereof. The manner of mounting the foot-piece 12 and stop fingers 15 on the frame section 3, and the pin and slot connection therebetween, is such that when the foot-piece is in the set-up or usable position shown in Fig. 1 the stop fingers will be held in forwardly reclining position, and when the footpiece is swung rearward to its folded position relative to the section 3 the stop fingers will be swung thereby to upright or substantially rightangle relation with respect to said section, as shown in Figs. 3, 4;, 5 and G. The outer end of each stop finger 15 is preferably of concaved or notched form to adapt it, when the section 3 is folded over the section 2, as shown in Fig. 3, to rest on a stop-pin or stud 19 provided in registering position on the respective side of the intermediate bed frame section 2. It is thus evident that the fingers 15 and the coacting stop pins or studs 19 on the respective sides of the bed frame serve to limit the folding movements of the free end of the outer bed frame section 3 with respect to the intermediate bed frame section 2, and cooperate with the minor spacing bed frame section 5 to prop erly space the major sections 2, 3, when in folded relation, as shown in Fig. 3.

The means employed for locking the sections 2, 3, in folded relation, consists in pivoting a catch finger 20 to one of the minor or spacing sections 4:, 5 (at in the present instance}, as at 21, and providing a catch stud 22 on the respective side of the bed frame section 3 adjacent to its outer end, whereby when the sections 2, 3, are held in folded relation, one over the other, and also in folded relation to the spacing section fir, the catch finger 20 may be swung with respect to its carrying section a to place a notch 23, provided in the free end thereof, in catch engagement with the stud 22, as shown in Fig. 5. The means employed, in the present instance, for causing the catch finger 20 to have automatic catch engaging and releasing movements when the bed frame is folded and unfolded, respectively, comprises a link member 24:, which is pivoted at one end'to the inner end portion of the bed frame section 2, in offset relation to its adjacent pivot as at 25, and has its other end pivoted to the inner end portion of the catch finger 20 in transversely ofi'set relation to its pivot, as at 26, whereby the catch finger 20 and control link 24: are caused to substantially longitudinally aline with each other and with the bed frame sections 2, a

w ien said sections are in unfolded relation, as shown. in Fig. 3, and to cause the catch finger to be automatically swung into catch engagement with the stud 22 when said sections 2, l are relatively folded, as shown in Figs. 4, 5. With the present arrangement the catch finger 20 begins to swing upward as soon as the folding of the section 2 with respect to the section 1 is begun, and the swinging movement of the catch finger and the section 2 are so relatively timed that the finger 20 and catch stud 22 will each move into catch engagement with the other, when the section 2 is in substantially upright or right-angled position with respect to the section 4, as shown in Fig. 5.

It evident that when. the catch memhers 20 and 22 are in engagement the bed frame section 3 will be locked against any movement with respect to the sections 2 and 1-, and that said locking means will also serve to brace the sections in their folded relations. It is also evident that the me1nhers 20 and 24 of the catch means, one of which means is provided at each side of the bed frame, serve to reinforce the central portion of the bed frame as they connect the bed frame sections 2 and 4, and are disposed in longitudinally alined bracing relation thereto when the bed frame is in unfolded position. It is preferable, but not necessary, to mount the members 20 and'2i and the catch stud 22 on the-outer sides of the respective side bars or portions of the bed frame, thereby leaving the space between the side bars of the bed frame free for holding the mattress and bed clothes.

It is evident that I have provided simple and efficient means which is automatically operable by relative folding and unfolding movements of the bed frame sections to lock the two outer major sections 2, 3 in folded relation, and also to lock said sections in folded relation tothe minor section 4:: that the locking means serve to relatively brace the bed frame sections 2, 3, 4c and 5 against relative movements when in folded relation, and that the catch fingers and their control link's stand in reclining, unobstructing position when the bed frame is in unfolded or usable position, thus materially enhancing the practicability and commercial value of bed frames of the character described.

I wish it understood that my invention is not limited to any specific construction, arrangement or form of the parts, as it is capable of numerous modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, as defined in the claims.

:laving thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,"

1. A plurality of foldably related major and minor bed frame sections, in combination with a catch member movably carried by a minor section and automatically movable into catch engagement With a part of a major section by a relative folding of the sections.

2. A plurality of foldably related major and minor bed frame sections, in combination With a catch member movably carried by a minor section and movable into catch engagement With a part of a major section when the sections are relatively folded, and means operable by relative folding movements of said sections to control the movements of the catch member.

3. In a device of the class described, an outer major section and an inner spacing section foldably connected together, a catch member swingingly carried by the inner one of said sections, a catch part carried by the outer of said sections, and meansoperable, upon a relative folding of said sections, to swing said member into catch engagement with said part.

4. In a device of the class described, a plurality of major bedframe sections and spacing sections therefor, all foldably con nected, in combination With complementary fastening means, one carried by a major section and the other carried by a spacing section, and automatically operable to engage and disengage upon folding and unfolding movements, respectively, of the sections.

5. In a device of the class described, two bed-frame sections foldable in substantially parallel relation one over the other, and an adjoining section foldably connected to one of said first sections, and means operable b folding movements of said sections to loci; the sections in folded relation and having complemental catch parts one carried by one of said first sections and the other carried by said adjoining section.

6. In a device of the class described, a plurality of foldably related bed sections comprising two major sections foldable one over the other and two spacing sections disposed at opposite ends of said major sections when in folded position, in combination With means operable by folding movements of said sections to lock the sections in folded relation and having complemental catch parts one carried by a major section and one by a minor section.

7. In a device of the class described, tWo major sections foldable one over the other, a spacing section foldably attached to one of said major sections and standing at an angle thereto when the major and spacing sections are in folded relation, and means operable by folding movements of said sections to lock the sections in folded relation and having complemental catch parts, one carried by one of said major sections and the other carried by the spacing section.

8. In a device of the class described, tWo major bed frame sections foldable one over said fastening means the other, a catch part carried b one of said sections, a spacing section fold. ly attached to one of said sections, a catch finger pivotally carried by said spacing section, and means connecting one of said major sections and said finger and operable to move the finger into and out of engagement with said catch part When the major sections have folding or unfolding movements respectively relative to said spacing section.

9. In a device of the class described, a bedframe having at least three major sections and spacing sections foldably connecting the adjacent ends of adjoining major sections, one major section being foldable over another major section, and complemental fastening means having one part carried by a major section and another part carried by a spacing section, and means operable by relative movements of the spacing section and one of said major sections to control the engaging and releasing movements of one of With respect to the other.

10. In a device of the class described, a plurality of foldably connected bed sections, some serving as major sections and some as spacing sections, means having complementary parts carried by tWo of the major sections for limiting the relative folding move ments thereof, and means operable by relative folding movements of the bed sections to lock in folded relation the sections carrying said complementary means, said locking means having a catch part carried by one of said major sections and a catch part carried by one of said spacing sections.

11. A bed-frame having outer and intermediate foldably connected major sections and a minor section foldably connected to the inner end of said intermediate section, means for limiting the relative folding movements of said major section, and catch means operable by relative folding and unfolding movements of said minor and major sections, when the latter are in folded relation, and having a catch part carried by the outer of said major sections and a catch part carried by said minor section.

12. In a device of the class described, a plurality of sections foldably connected whereby When folded some are disposed in substantially parallel relation in one plane and others in substantially parallel relation in a different plane, and complementary means operable by folding movements of said sections to lock them in folded relation, said complementary means being carried by different sections Which are disposed in intersecting planes When in folded relation.

13. In a device of the class described, a bed frame comprising a plurality of major sections and a plurality of spacing sections all foldably connected together, and means for limiting the folding of the outer section over an intermediate major section, in combination with a catch stud carried by the outer major section, and a catch finger pivotally carried by one of said spacing sections and movable into and out of catch engagement with said stud when the outer and intermediate or sections are in folded relation and the intermediate section is foldably moved with respect to the spacing section carrying the finger, and means connectingthe finger and one of said major sections for controlling the movements of the finger when the sections connected by said last means are relatively moved.

1%. In a device of the class described, two foldably connected major bed sections and a third section foldably connected to one of said major sections, in combination with catch means having a stud part carried by one of said major sections and a movable catch member carried by said third section, said means being operable, when said ma or sections are in folded relation and have fold-' ing and unfolding movements with respect to said third section, to move said catch parts into and out of catch engagement, respectively.

15. In a device of the class described, a plurality of foldably connected bed sections including an outer section, a second section foldably connected to said outer section, and a third section foldably connected to said second section, a catch stud carried at the free end of said outer section, a catch finger Copies of this pivot-ally carried by said third section, and a link pivotally connected at its ends to said catch finger and said second section respectively and operable by relative folding and unfolding movements of said second and third sections to swing the catch finger into and out of engagement with said catch stud when the outer and second sections are in folded relation.

16. In a device of the class described, a plurality of bed-frame sections including outer and inner major sections foldably connected together, and a spacing section foldably connected to the inner end of the inner section, means having complementary stop parts carried by said outer and inner major sections for spacing the outer end of said outer section with respect to the inner section when in folded relation, said means having a part foldably carried by one of said sections, a catch stud carried at the free end of said outer section, and catch means carried by said spacing section for pivotal movements relative thereto and connected to said inner major section, said catch means being operable by relative folding movements of said inner and spacing sections to engage said catch stud and cooperate with said stop means to rigidly hold said major sections in folded relation.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name to this specification.

PETER J. on DOES.

patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G.

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