US20030229940A1 - Modular bedroom furniture, including bunk beds and the like, having glow-in-the-dark members - Google Patents
Modular bedroom furniture, including bunk beds and the like, having glow-in-the-dark members Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030229940A1 US20030229940A1 US10/354,764 US35476403A US2003229940A1 US 20030229940 A1 US20030229940 A1 US 20030229940A1 US 35476403 A US35476403 A US 35476403A US 2003229940 A1 US2003229940 A1 US 2003229940A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- furniture
- glow
- members
- modular
- bunk
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C19/00—Bedsteads
- A47C19/02—Parts or details of bedsteads not fully covered in a single one of the following subgroups, e.g. bed rails, post rails
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C19/00—Bedsteads
- A47C19/20—Multi-stage bedsteads; e.g. bunk beds; Bedsteads stackable to multi-stage bedsteads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders, bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
- A47C21/003—Lighting, radio, telephone or the like connected to the bedstead
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to modular bedroom furniture and, in particular, to bunk beds and the like constructed from knock-down assemblies, certain of which may include glow-in-the-dark features.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,2344 teaches bunk bed structure having a vertically movable upper bunk.
- a main frame having two spaced corner posts at each end is interconnected by end cross pieces in their upper extensions, with a side support interconnecting the upper portions of each end post on one side of the main frame.
- a lower bunk frame having a depending medial portion to support a bed board and bedding is carried by four tubular corner collars on the lower portions of each of the corner posts.
- a similar upper bunk frame is slidably carried by four tubular corner collars on the corner posts for vertical motion above the lower bunk frame.
- Each upper bunk corner collar has associated fastening pins that releasably fasten and positionally maintain the collar on its associated corner post.
- the bunk structure frames are formed of tubular pipe elements interconnected by fixtures commonly used to join such elements and the pipe elements, especially if formed of plastic, may carry more rigid rods or tubes in their medial channels to increase strength and rigidity.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,363 discloses a bunk bed assembly that includes a plurality of generally vertically extending elongate columns that are spaced apart and oriented in a generally rectangular configuration. Each of the columns has upper and lower ends and a transparent peripheral sidewall extending between the ends. The peripheral sidewall of each of the columns defines a bore through the column. A pair of spaced apart upper and lower bunks extend between the columns.
- an elongate bunk rail extends between the upper ends of a pair of the columns adjacent one of the sides of the upper bunk. More preferably, the bunk rail is wavy. Ideally, the bunk rail has a resiliently deformable rubber coating for safety.
- a plurality of translucent light housings each have a top panel and a perimeter sidewall downwardly extending from the top panel.
- the perimeter sidewalls are detachably coupled such as by being threadedly or frictionally coupled to the upper ends of the columns.
- Each of the light housings has a light bulb 44 disposed therein.
- Each of the light bulbs is in communication with the switch of the associated light housing.
- each of the light bulbs is electrically connected to a single switch.
- each of the light bulbs comprises a fluorescent light so that the light passing through the light housings appears to glow.
- This invention improves upon the existing art by providing modular bedroom furniture constructed using a plurality of elongated members, each comprising an inner rigid core covered by a plastic/polymeric sleeves.
- a plurality of corner and “t-joints,” as appropriate, are used to connect the sleeved members to form the furniture.
- the elements and elbows form a bunk bed, loft bed, or the like. Particularly for younger children, some or all of the polymeric/plastic sleeves may glow in the dark.
- FIG. 2A is a drawing of one type of connector applicable to the invention.
- FIG. 2B is a drawing of a different type of connector applicable to the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a drawing of an alternative ladder system according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a drawing of a preferred storage cabinet according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 Whereas the side rails of the structure shown in FIG. 1 would be used as a ladder, alternatively, a separate ladder of the type shown in FIG. 3 may be used, again, using different colors as appropriate or as desired.
- a separate ladder of the type shown in FIG. 3 may be used, again, using different colors as appropriate or as desired.
- the upper and lower “bunks” are shown the same size, they may be different in size.
- the lower bunk may be made larger, to double as a couch/futon, and drawers may be included, particularly below the lower bunk.
- FIG. 4 which would include panels such as 402 on the top and at each level enabling the drawers to slide in and out.
- cribs are possible, in which case horizontal members 508 would preferably be larger, enabling vertical members 506 to fit thereinto.
- the preferred assembly would include a tubular metal member surrounded by a polymeric sheath.
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- Combinations Of Kitchen Furniture (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/353,504, filed Jan. 31, 2002, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates generally to modular bedroom furniture and, in particular, to bunk beds and the like constructed from knock-down assemblies, certain of which may include glow-in-the-dark features.
- There are many modular furniture designs, including modular bunk beds. U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,234, for example, teaches bunk bed structure having a vertically movable upper bunk. A main frame having two spaced corner posts at each end is interconnected by end cross pieces in their upper extensions, with a side support interconnecting the upper portions of each end post on one side of the main frame. A lower bunk frame having a depending medial portion to support a bed board and bedding is carried by four tubular corner collars on the lower portions of each of the corner posts.
- A similar upper bunk frame is slidably carried by four tubular corner collars on the corner posts for vertical motion above the lower bunk frame. Each upper bunk corner collar has associated fastening pins that releasably fasten and positionally maintain the collar on its associated corner post. The bunk structure frames are formed of tubular pipe elements interconnected by fixtures commonly used to join such elements and the pipe elements, especially if formed of plastic, may carry more rigid rods or tubes in their medial channels to increase strength and rigidity.
- There are also bunk beds with elements that glow. U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,363 discloses a bunk bed assembly that includes a plurality of generally vertically extending elongate columns that are spaced apart and oriented in a generally rectangular configuration. Each of the columns has upper and lower ends and a transparent peripheral sidewall extending between the ends. The peripheral sidewall of each of the columns defines a bore through the column. A pair of spaced apart upper and lower bunks extend between the columns. Preferably, an elongate bunk rail extends between the upper ends of a pair of the columns adjacent one of the sides of the upper bunk. More preferably, the bunk rail is wavy. Ideally, the bunk rail has a resiliently deformable rubber coating for safety.
- A plurality of translucent light housings each have a top panel and a perimeter sidewall downwardly extending from the top panel. The perimeter sidewalls are detachably coupled such as by being threadedly or frictionally coupled to the upper ends of the columns. Each of the light housings has a light bulb44 disposed therein. Each of the light bulbs is in communication with the switch of the associated light housing. Alternatively, each of the light bulbs is electrically connected to a single switch. Most ideally, each of the light bulbs comprises a fluorescent light so that the light passing through the light housings appears to glow.
- However, these designs are deficient in several ways. Although the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,234 appears to use modular components, plastic elements are used separately from metal tubes. Furthermore, although the system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,363 has glowing components, electricity is required, which could present a hazard.
- This invention improves upon the existing art by providing modular bedroom furniture constructed using a plurality of elongated members, each comprising an inner rigid core covered by a plastic/polymeric sleeves. A plurality of corner and “t-joints,” as appropriate, are used to connect the sleeved members to form the furniture. In different embodiments, the elements and elbows form a bunk bed, loft bed, or the like. Particularly for younger children, some or all of the polymeric/plastic sleeves may glow in the dark.
- FIG. 1 is a copy of a digital photograph showing a preferred embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 2A is a drawing of one type of connector applicable to the invention;
- FIG. 2B is a drawing of a different type of connector applicable to the invention;
- FIG. 3 is a drawing of an alternative ladder system according to the invention;
- FIG. 4 is a drawing of a preferred storage cabinet according to the invention;
- FIG. 5 is a drawing which shows the way in which baby crib components may be fabricated according to the invention.
- Now making reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-tier bunk bed. In this and the other embodiments discloses herein, all of the members are composed of inner metal tubular elements, such as aluminum, steel, magnesium, or other materials, covered with polymeric sleeves, which are preferably in the form of plastic material such as polyethylene, PVC, vinyl, polypropylene, and the like.
- Particularly for children's applications, these outer sheaths are colorful, including the use of different colors in the same structure, or may include a phosphorescent or other material, enabling them to glow in the dark. Particularly with younger children, this will allow their bedroom “furniture” to glow for several minutes after a light is turned off, thereby giving them a sense of pleasure and freedom from fear.
- The connectors according to the invention may be of any appropriate style, including a type shown in FIG. 2A wherein the
outer sheath 206 covering an innertubular member 204 is flush with theelbow 210. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, theconnector 220 may be larger than thepolymeric sheath 216 coveringtubular member 214 such that a portion of themember 214,sheath 216, or both, extend into theconnector 220 as bybroken line region 221. Any appropriate type of fastener may be used, though Allen screws such as 222 are preferred for ease at-home assembly. - Whereas the side rails of the structure shown in FIG. 1 would be used as a ladder, alternatively, a separate ladder of the type shown in FIG. 3 may be used, again, using different colors as appropriate or as desired. In addition, although the upper and lower “bunks” are shown the same size, they may be different in size. For example, the lower bunk may be made larger, to double as a couch/futon, and drawers may be included, particularly below the lower bunk.
- In addition to the bunk bed shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, other forms of bedroom furniture are appropriate to the invention, including drawer assembly. FIG. 4, which would include panels such as402 on the top and at each level enabling the drawers to slide in and out. In addition to bunk beds, cribs are possible, in which case horizontal members 508 would preferably be larger, enabling vertical members 506 to fit thereinto. In each case, however, the preferred assembly would include a tubular metal member surrounded by a polymeric sheath.
- In other embodiments, the lower bunk may be eliminated entirely, enabling the space under the upper bunk to be used for other purposes, such as a desk, as part of a loft bed configuration. Such a configuration might be ideal for college dorms and other cramped quarters. As with the other furniture described herein, such a desk would be constructed from plastic-sleeved metal tubing, perhaps using a sheet of glass, acrylic, or laminate-covered panel for the desk top.
Claims (3)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/354,764 US20030229940A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 | 2003-01-30 | Modular bedroom furniture, including bunk beds and the like, having glow-in-the-dark members |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US35350402P | 2002-01-31 | 2002-01-31 | |
US10/354,764 US20030229940A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 | 2003-01-30 | Modular bedroom furniture, including bunk beds and the like, having glow-in-the-dark members |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20030229940A1 true US20030229940A1 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
Family
ID=29739416
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/354,764 Abandoned US20030229940A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 | 2003-01-30 | Modular bedroom furniture, including bunk beds and the like, having glow-in-the-dark members |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20030229940A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060162070A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-07-27 | Shamrock Industries, Inc. | Infant evacuation crib |
US20120023670A1 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Zerhusen Robert M | Person-support apparatus indicator |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US895898A (en) * | 1907-10-24 | 1908-08-11 | Charles Scheer | Bunk. |
US3546725A (en) * | 1969-01-22 | 1970-12-15 | Harvard Mfg Co The | Bedframe with decorative trim strip |
US4759090A (en) * | 1986-11-24 | 1988-07-26 | Tws, Inc. | Protection cover |
US5655234A (en) * | 1995-12-04 | 1997-08-12 | Randleas; Steven C. | Bunk bed structure with a vertical movable bunk |
US6223362B1 (en) * | 2000-02-05 | 2001-05-01 | Betty Bei Liang | Water-absorbing sink apron for bathroom counters |
US6223363B1 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2001-05-01 | Rickie F. Sumlin | Bunk bed assembly |
US20020096609A1 (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2002-07-25 | Frank Venegas | Modular, collapsible base for furniture, particularly conference tables , and the like |
US6595654B2 (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2003-07-22 | Patrick Lem Washburn | Multifunctional illumination system for furniture, and a bedstead of tubular construction employing this device |
-
2003
- 2003-01-30 US US10/354,764 patent/US20030229940A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US895898A (en) * | 1907-10-24 | 1908-08-11 | Charles Scheer | Bunk. |
US3546725A (en) * | 1969-01-22 | 1970-12-15 | Harvard Mfg Co The | Bedframe with decorative trim strip |
US4759090A (en) * | 1986-11-24 | 1988-07-26 | Tws, Inc. | Protection cover |
US5655234A (en) * | 1995-12-04 | 1997-08-12 | Randleas; Steven C. | Bunk bed structure with a vertical movable bunk |
US6223362B1 (en) * | 2000-02-05 | 2001-05-01 | Betty Bei Liang | Water-absorbing sink apron for bathroom counters |
US6223363B1 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2001-05-01 | Rickie F. Sumlin | Bunk bed assembly |
US6595654B2 (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2003-07-22 | Patrick Lem Washburn | Multifunctional illumination system for furniture, and a bedstead of tubular construction employing this device |
US20020096609A1 (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2002-07-25 | Frank Venegas | Modular, collapsible base for furniture, particularly conference tables , and the like |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060162070A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-07-27 | Shamrock Industries, Inc. | Infant evacuation crib |
US20120023670A1 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Zerhusen Robert M | Person-support apparatus indicator |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK ONE, NA, MICHIGAN Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VENEGAS, JR., FRANK;IDEAL SHIELD, L.L.C.;REEL/FRAME:014990/0889 Effective date: 20031211 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: IDEAL STEEL & BUILDERS' SUPPLIES, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;BANK ONE, NA;REEL/FRAME:018015/0855 Effective date: 20060710 Owner name: VENEGAS, JR., FRANK, MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;BANK ONE, NA;REEL/FRAME:018015/0855 Effective date: 20060710 Owner name: IDEAL SHIELD, L.L.C., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;BANK ONE, NA;REEL/FRAME:018015/0855 Effective date: 20060710 |