US20170119165A1

US20170119165A1 - Bedframe with rotatable storage bin array under mattress deck

Info

Publication number: US20170119165A1
Application number: US15/338,111
Authority: US
Inventors: Christian Rohrbach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-30
Filing date: 2016-10-28
Publication date: 2017-05-04

Abstract

This disclosure describes furniture that includes storage. The furniture is a furniture item that comprises a bedframe, a deck, and a below deck storage system. The bedframe has an interior and an opening at a top of the bedframe. The deck is sized and dimensioned to accommodate and support at least one of a mattress or a box spring. The deck is pivotally coupled to the bedframe to move between a closed position or configuration that prevents access to the interior of the bedframe and an open position or configuration that provides access to the interior of the bedframe. The below deck storage system has an array of storage compartments and a base. The array of storage compartments is mounted to the base for movement with respect thereto and for concurrent movement with respect to the bedframe without movement of the base.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to furniture that includes storage.

Description of the Related Art

There are numerous examples of furniture that includes storage. Often, it is desirable to provide storage which shields contents of the storage from view, or which provides some measure of environmental protection to items placed in storage. Typically, furniture which provides storage takes the form of dressers having a plurality of drawers that slide into and out from the furniture. In some instances, such furniture can take the form of a chest (e.g., cedar chest) or window seat, having a lid that provides access to an interior of the piece of furniture. These examples typically shield the contents from view, and can provide protection from light (e.g., ultraviolet light), dust, and/or pests (e.g. moths).
Most furniture takes up valuable space in a room. This can be a particular concern where living space is limited, such as in an apartment, condominium unit, or hotel room. Even in more spacious environs, the occupants typically value efficient use of space. Thus, other furniture options that provide for storage but which do not take up additional space in a room are desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A furniture item advantageously provides for a relatively large amount of easily accessible storage without taking up additional space in a room. In particular, a furniture unit that would otherwise be required, e.g., a bedframe, includes user accessible storage. The storage advantageously shields the contents from view, provides protection from harmful light (e.g., ultraviolet light), dust, and/or pests (e.g. moths). The storage can be accessed via a pivoting deck which carries bedding (e.g., mattress, box spring). The storage can include multiple compartments, and can be mounted for movement with respect to a bedframe, to allow easy access to items stored therein.
A furniture item may be summarized as including a bedframe having at least one wall that separates an interior of the bedframe from an exterior thereof, the bedframe having an opening at a top of the at least one wall, the interior which delineates a volume characterized by a set of dimensions that include a height and at least one lateral dimension that is perpendicular to the height of the interior; a deck sized and dimensioned to accommodate and support at least one of a mattress or a box spring, the deck pivotally coupled to the bedframe to move between a closed position and an open position, the closed position which prevents access to the interior of the bedframe from the top of the at least one wall, and the open position which provides access to the interior of the bedframe from the top of the at least one wall; and a below deck storage system having a base and an array of storage compartments, the below deck storage system having a height and at least one lateral dimension, the height of the below deck storage system smaller than the height of the interior of the bedframe and the at least one lateral dimension of the below deck storage system smaller than a corresponding one of the at least one lateral dimension of the volume of the interior of the bedframe, the array of storage compartments mounted to the base for movement with respect thereto and for concurrent movement with respect to the bedframe without movement of the base of the below deck storage system. The below deck storage system may be positioned under the deck. The array of storage compartments may be fully contained within the interior of the bedframe along an entire range of movement of the array of storage compartments with respect to the bedframe without movement of the base of the below deck storage system. The storage compartments may each have a respective opening at a top thereof, the openings facing the deck when the below deck storage system is positioned under the deck. The array of storage compartments may form an endless array of storage compartments. A plurality of the storage compartments of the endless array of storage compartments may have a trapezoidal profile when viewed from a top thereof. The below deck storage system may include a central storage compartment, about which the endless array of storage compartments are arranged. The below deck storage system may include a bearing that rotatably couples the endless array of storage compartments to the base, the bearing including an annular race and a plurality of roller bearings contained by the annular race, the annular race including a first annular track and at least a second annular track, the first annular track physically attached to the base and the second annular track physically attached to the array of storage compartments. The endless array of storage compartments may be rotatable with respect to the bedframe.
The furniture item may further include at least one hinge that physically pivotally couples the deck to the bedframe along at least one dimension thereof.
The furniture item may further include at least one piston that physically couples the deck to the bedframe and that controls a rate of descent of the deck when moving from the open position to the closed position. The base may be physically separate from the bedframe and not physically coupled to the bedframe. The height of the below deck storage system may position the openings of the storage compartments within 3 inches of the top of the at least one wall of the bedframe. The deck may rest approximate the top of the at least one wall of the bedframe in the closed position. The at least one lateral dimension of the below deck storage system may be a diameter of the endless array of storage compartments, the volume of the interior of the bedframe may be characterized by a length and a width, and the diameter of the endless array of storage compartments may be within 6 inches of the width of the volume of the interior of the bedframe. The height of the below deck storage system may position the openings of the storage compartments within 3 inches of the top of the at least one wall of the bedframe. The deck may rest approximate the top of the at least one wall of the bedframe in the closed position, the openings of the storage compartments within 3 inches of the deck in the closed position. The at least one lateral dimension of the below deck storage system may be a diameter of the array of storage compartments, the volume of the interior of the bedframe may be characterized by a length and a width, and the diameter of the array of storage compartments may be within 6 inches of the width of the volume of the interior of the bedframe. The array of storage compartments may form an endless array of storage compartments. A plurality of the storage compartments of the endless array of storage compartments may have a trapezoidal profile when viewed from a top thereof, and wherein the below deck storage system may include a central storage compartment, about which the endless array of storage compartments are arranged. The deck may automatically move between the closed position and the open position in response to at least one trigger. The deck may automatically move from at least the closed position to at least the open position in response to at least one trigger. The deck may automatically move from at least the open position to at least the closed position in response to at least one trigger.
The furniture item may further include an actuator positioned to automatically move the deck between the closed position and open position in response to at least one trigger.
The furniture item may further include an actuator positioned to automatically move the deck from at least the closed position to at least the open position in response to at least one trigger.
The furniture item may further include an actuator positioned to automatically move the deck from at least the open position to at least the closed position in response to at least one trigger.
The furniture item may further include an actuator positioned to automatically move the deck to at least one of the closed position and the open position in response to at least one trigger. The at least one trigger may include at least one mechanical switch. The at least one trigger may include at least one remote control signal. The at least one trigger may include at least one wireless signal. The at least one wireless signal may include at least one electromagnetic signal or at least one sound. The at least one wireless signal may include an infrared signal. The at least one wireless signal may include at least one radio frequency signal. The at least one wireless signal may include at least one microwave signal. The actuator may include at least one spring loaded latch. The actuator may include at least one electric motor. The actuator may include at least one piston. The at least one trigger may include at least one pressure applied to the at least one piston in excess of at least one threshold pressure. The at least one piston may automatically move the deck to the closed position in response to pressure applied to the at least one piston in a first direction equal to or in excess of the at least one threshold pressure. The at least one piston may automatically move the deck to the open position in response to pressure applied to the at least one piston in a second direction equal to or in excess of the at least one threshold pressure.
The furniture item may further include a controller, the controller compares at least one information bearing signal from at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to at least one stored identifier and, based on a result of the comparison, determines whether to activate the at least one actuator by selecting, based on the at least one trigger, one of a plurality of control signals to transmit to the at least one actuator.
The at least one trigger may include at least one alarm clock signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and may have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded top, foot end isometric view of an article of furniture that includes a bedframe, a deck, and a below deck storage system according to one illustrated implementation, which shows the deck in an open position or configuration, and which also shows an optional box spring and mattress that can be supportingly accommodated by the deck.

FIG. 2 is a top, foot end isometric view of the article of furniture of FIG. 1, showing the deck in a closed position or configuration.

FIG. 3 is a foot end elevational view of the article of furniture of FIG. 1 with the deck in the in the closed position or configuration.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the article of furniture of FIG. 1 with the deck removed to better illustrate a position of the below deck storage system within an interior delineated by at least one wall of the bedframe, according to one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 5A is a partial bottom, isometric view of the array of storage bins or compartments of the below deck storage system, according to one illustrated implementation, which shows a second annular track of an annular race of a bearing that rotatably couples the array of storage bins or compartments to a base of the below deck storage system, according to one illustrated implementation.

FIG. 5B is a partial top, isometric view of the base of the below deck storage system, according to one illustrated implementation, which shows a plurality of roller bearings and a first annular track of the annular race of the bearing that rotatably couples the base to the array of storage bins or compartments of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a top, foot end isometric view of a bedframe with feet, according to one illustrated implementation, which can be used with a deck and below deck storage system, for example the deck and below deck storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exploded top, foot end isometric view of the article of furniture of FIG. 1 with an actuator, a controller, and an element that transmits a signal, according to one illustrated implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with computer systems, server computers, and/or communications networks have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the implementations.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” and is inclusive or open-ended (i.e., does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method acts).
Reference throughout this specification to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one implementation” or “in an implementation” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the implementations.
FIG. 1 shows a furniture item 100, according to one illustrated implementation, along with an optional box spring 102 and mattress 104. The furniture item 100 includes a bedframe 106, a deck 108 and a below deck storage system 110. The deck 108 can supportingly accommodate the box spring 102 and/or mattress 104.
The bedframe 106 includes at least one wall 112 that separates or delineates an interior 114 of the bedframe 106 from an exterior 116 of the bedframe 106. In normal use, the bedframe 106 supports the deck 108.
The deck 108 may include one or more slats 117 (shown as straight yet may have camber in a vertical direction perpendicular to the major area or surface of the deck, e.g. sprung slats) or one or more platforms. The deck 108 may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate and support at least one of the mattress 104, box spring 102, or both. The deck 108 is typically rectangular. Alternatively, the deck may be square, circular, or any other shape to accommodate and support at least one of the mattress 104, box spring 102, or both.
The deck 108 is pivotally coupled to the bedframe 106 for movement between an open position or configuration 118 a, illustrated in FIG. 1, and a closed position or configuration 118 b, illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, at least one hinge 120 (e.g. four-bar linkage, butt hinge, or barrel hinge) may physically pivotally couple the deck 108 to a portion of the bedframe 106 along at least one dimension of the bedframe 106. For example, the deck 108 may be pivotally coupled to a foot end 121 a of the bedframe 106. In one implementation, the deck 108 may be pivotally coupled to a head end 121 b of the bedframe 106. In one implementation, the deck 108 may be pivotally coupled to a first side 121 c that is perpendicular to the foot end 121 a or the head end 121 b of the bedframe 106. In one implementation, the deck 108 may be pivotally coupled to a second side 121 d that is perpendicular to the foot end 121 a or the head end 121 b of the bedframe 106.
As shown in FIG. 1, the open position or configuration 118 a provides access to the interior 114 of the bedframe 106 from the exterior 116 thereof via a top 122 of the at least one wall 112. As shown in FIG. 2, the closed position or configuration 118 b prevents access to the interior 114 of the bedframe 106 from the exterior 116 thereof via the top 122 of the at least one wall 112.
In some implementations, the furniture item 100 may include one or more pistons 124 (e.g., gas or pneumatic positons) physically coupled between the deck 108 and the bedframe 106 to providing a biasing force to resist closure. The biasing force should be sufficient to allow the deck 108 to remain in the open position or configuration 118 a under the force of gravity when opened, until sufficient force is asserted by a user or machine to overcome the biasing force and move the deck 108 toward the closed position or configuration 118 b. The one or more pistons 124 may additionally control a rate of descent of the deck 108 when moving from the open position or configuration 118 a to the closed position or configuration 118 b.
In some implementations, the deck 108 may automatically move between the closed position or configuration 118 b and the open position or configuration 118 a in response to at least one trigger. The deck 108 may automatically move from at least the closed position or configuration 118 b to at least the open position or configuration 118 a and/or from at least the open position or configuration 118 a to at least the closed position or configuration 118 b. The at least one trigger may include a mechanical switch, a remote control signal, a wireless signal, an electromagnetic signal, a sound, an infrared signal, a radio frequency signal, a microwave signal, a pressure exceeding a threshold pressure, authorization, a distance, a biometric, or any combination thereof. For example, the trigger may be a signal from a universal remote control, a dedicated remote control, a television remote control, a mobile phone, a landline phone, a tablet, a laptop, an alarm clock, a biometric sensor, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or any combination thereof, illustrated as element 125 in FIG. 7.
In some implementations, the furniture item 100 may include at least one actuator 127 positioned to automatically move the deck 108 between the closed position or configuration 118 b and the open position or configuration 118 a in response to the at least one trigger. The actuator 127 may be positioned to automatically move the deck 108 from at least the closed position or configuration 118 b to at least the open position or configuration 118 a and/or from at least the open position or configuration 118 a to at least the closed position or configuration 118 b. The actuator 127 may include at least one of a spring loaded latch, an electric motor, the one or more pistons, or any combination thereof. For example, the actuator 127 may include one or more pistons that automatically move the deck 108 to the closed position or configuration 118 b in response to pressure applied to the piston in a first direction equal to or in excess of a first threshold pressure, automatically move the deck to the open position or configuration 118 a in response to pressure applied to the piston in a second direction equal to or in excess of a second threshold pressure, or any combination thereof. For example, the user may actuate the piston of the actuator 127 by applying force to the deck 108 in a direction parallel to gravity, either toward or away from the closed position or configuration, and, if a force translated to the piston of the actuator 127 from the user and through at least the deck 108 meets or exceeds the respective threshold pressure for the direction of force, the piston of the actuator 127 automatically moves the deck 108 to a corresponding one of the open position or configuration 118 a or the closed position or configuration 118 b.
In some implementations, the deck 108 may include a controller 129 that controls the automatic movement of the deck 108. The controller 129 may select one of a plurality of control signals in response to and based on the trigger. The control signals may include an open signal and a close signal. The controller 129 may select one of the control signals in response to a result of a comparison of an information bearing item or signal with an information reference. The controller 129 may transmit the selected control signal to the actuator 125 to automatically move the deck 108 to a position corresponding to the selected control signal. The information bearing item or signal can be any one of those exemplified above. For example, a user may wear or hold an RFID tag or an item that bears the RFID tag. The RFID tag or an item that bears the RFID tag may transmit the trigger. The RFID tag may transmit an information bearing signal in addition to the trigger or as the trigger. The controller 129 may compare the information bearing signal received from the RFID tag with a stored identifier of the user, the RFID tag, the controller, the deck, or any combination thereof. In response to the comparison, the controller 129 may determine whether to select a control signal to transmit to the actuator 127 to automatically move the deck 108 and thereby grant or deny access to the interior 114 of the bedframe 106. If authorization is confirmed by the comparison, the controller 129 may select and transmit a control signal corresponding to the trigger. In this manner, if multiple furniture units 100 are positioned to each receive the same trigger, only the controller 129 or those controllers 129 that authorize the user to access the interior 114 of the bedframe 106 may select and transmit the control signals to the actuator 127. Alternatively, the controller 129 may determine whether to authorize the user based on a result of a comparison of a determined distance between the controller 129 and the RFID tag to a predetermined threshold such that the controller 129 may select the appropriate control signal only if the user is within a predefined distance of the controller 129.
In the closed position 118 b, the deck 108 may rest on at least one support surface or structure 126 of the bedframe 106. The support 126 may be attached to or integral with at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106. In some implementations, the top 122 of at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106 can form the support surface or structure 126. Alternatively, the support surface or structure 126 can comprise one or more elements attached to or integral with at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106. In this manner, the deck 108 may rest approximate the top 122 of the at least one wall 122 of the bedframe 106 in the closed position or configuration 118 b.
The interior 114 of the bedframe 106 has a set of interior dimensions. The set of interior dimensions includes a height 128 and at least one lateral dimension 130, 132. The at least one lateral dimension 130, 132 is perpendicular to the height 128 of the interior 114. For example, the at least one lateral dimension 130, 132 can include width 130 and/or length 132 of the interior 114 of the bedframe 106.
The interior 114 of the bedframe 106 delineates a volume. The volume is characterized by the set of dimensions (i.e., the height 128 and the at least one lateral dimension 130, 132). The volume of the interior 114 of the bedframe 106 should be sufficiently large enough to fully contain the below deck storage system 110, illustrated in FIG. 3 as viewed through a wall of the bedframe 106.
The below deck storage system 110 has a base 134 and an array of storage compartments 136, illustrated in FIG. 1. The array of storage compartments 136 is mounted to the base 134 for movement of the array of storage compartments 136 with respect to the base 134 and for concurrent movement of the array of storage compartments 136 with respect to the bedframe 106 without movement of the base 134. For example, the array of storage compartments 136 may be rotatable with respect to the base 134 and concurrently with respect to the bedframe 106 without movement of the base 134. The base 134 may be physically separate from the bedframe 106 and not physically coupled to the bedframe 106. Alternatively, the base 134 may be physically coupled to the bedframe 106.
The below deck storage system 110 has a height 138 and at least one lateral dimension 140. The at least one lateral dimension 140 is perpendicular to the height 138 of the below deck storage system 110. For example, the at least one lateral dimension 140 can include a diameter 140 of the laterally larger of the base 134 and the array of storage compartments 136 (or, if the base 134 and the array of storage compartments have an equally sized lateral dimension, the at least one lateral dimension 140 can include a diameter of both the base 134 and the array of storage compartments 136).
The height 138 of the below deck storage system 110 may be smaller than or equal to the height 128 of the interior 114 of the bedframe 106. The at least one lateral dimension 140 of the below deck storage system 110 may be smaller than or equal to a smallest one of the at least one lateral dimension 130, 132 of the bedframe 106. In this way, the below deck storage system 110 may be positioned under the deck 108 while the deck 108 is in the closed position or configuration 118 b.
The below deck storage system 110 may include a central storage compartment 142, illustrated in FIG. 4. The array of storage compartments 136 may form an endless array of storage compartments 136. The endless array of storage compartments 136 may be arranged around the central storage compartment 142. The central storage compartment 142 may be any shape.
Each storage compartment 144 in the array of storage compartments 136 may have a respective opening 146 at a respective top 148 of the storage compartment 144. Each storage compartment 114 may have a trapezoidal profile 150 when viewed from the top 148 of the storage compartment 144 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
All or a portion of the deck storage system 110 can advantageously be made of red cedar or include a red cedar laminate or planks to deter pests such as moths and their larvae.
FIGS. 5A and FB respectively show a bottom side of the array of storage compartments 136 and a top side of the base 134 of the below deck storage system 110, according to one illustrated implementation. The below deck storage system 110 may include a bearing 152. The bearing 152 may rotatably couple the array of storage compartments 136 to the base 134. The bearing 152 can include an annular race 154 and a plurality of roller bearings 156 contained by the annular race 154. The annular race 154 may comprise a first annular track 158 and a second annular track 160. The first annular track 158 may be physically attach to or integral with the base 134. The second annular track 160 may be physically attached to or integral with the array of storage compartments 136. The roller bearings 156 may be ball or cylindrical roller bearings. The roller bearings 156 may be stainless steel. At least one of the first annular track 158 and the second annular track 160 can be stainless steel.
The bedframe 106 may rest upon a floor. All points of a first bottom 162 of at least a first one of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106 may have an equal distance to the floor, illustrated in FIG. 1. The distance may be zero. For example, an entirety of the first bottom 162 of the at least first one of the at least one wall 112 may rest on the floor. The distance may be greater than zero. For example, the entirety of the first bottom 162 of the at least first one of the at least one wall 112 may be suspended above the floor (e.g., supported by at least another of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106).
At least one point of a second bottom 164 of at least a second one of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106 may have a different distance to the floor than at least one other point of the second bottom 164, illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, at least the second bottom 164 may have at least one leg 166 attached or integral thereto.
At least one point of a given bottom of at least a given one of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106 may have an equal distance to the floor as compared to at least a corresponding point of another wall of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6. For example, at least two of the at least one wall 112 may have similar heights, widths, lengths, shapes, or any combination thereof as that or those the first one of the at least one wall 112 exemplified above, illustrated in FIG. 1. As a second example, at least two of the at least one wall 112 may have similar heights, widths, lengths, shapes, or any combination thereof as the second one of the at least one wall 112 exemplified above, illustrated in FIG. 6.
At least one point of the given bottom of at least the given one of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106 may have a different distance to the floor than at least the corresponding point of the other wall of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106. For example, at least one of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106 may have a height, width, length, shape, or any combination thereof similar to that or those of the first one of the at least one wall 112 exemplified above while at least another of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106 may have a height, width, length, shape, or any combination thereof similar to that or those of the second one of the at least one wall 112 exemplified above.
The respective opening 146 of each storage compartment 144 may face the deck 108 when the below deck storage system 110 is positioned under the deck 108. The height 138 of the below deck storage system 110 may position the respective openings 146 of at least one of the storage compartments 144 within three inches of the top 122 of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106. In some implementations, the height 138 of the below deck storage system 110 may position the respective openings 146 of at least one of the storage compartments 144 within three inches of the deck 108 in the closed position or configuration 118 b.
The at least one lateral dimension 140 (e.g., diameter) of the array of storage compartments 16 and/or base 134 may be within six inches of the at least one lateral dimension 130, 132 (e.g., width and/or length) of the volume of the interior 114 of the bedframe 106.
A user may easily place items into or remove items from a given storage compartment 144 while the user is positioned in the exterior 116 of the bedframe 106. For example, the user may move the deck 108 to the open position or configuration 118 a, move the array of storage compartments 136 until the given storage compartment 144 is within convenient reach of the user, and place the items into or remove the items from the given storage compartment 144 through the respective opening 146 of the given storage compartment 144 through the access provided to the interior 114 of the bedframe 106 from the exterior 116 of the bedframe 106 via the top 122 of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106.
The user may easily secure items placed in the given storage compartment 144. For example, the user may move the deck 108 to the closed position or configuration 118 b while the below deck storage system 110 is positioned under the deck 108, thereby preventing access to the items placed in the given storage compartment 144 in the interior 144 of the bedframe 106 from the exterior 116 of the bedframe 106 via the top 122 of the at least one wall 112 of the bedframe 106.
The furniture item 100 provides storage, access, and security of items stored in at least one of the storage compartments 144 and/or the central storage compartment 142 without requiring movement of the bedframe 106 regardless of whether access is available to a given side of the bedframe 106. For example, the user may maintain an ability to store items, access the items, and secure the items in at least one of the storage compartments 144 and/or the central storage compartment 142 regardless of whether any or all sides of the bedframe 106 are adjacent to other piece or pieces of furniture or at least one wall.
The foregoing detailed description has set forth various implementations of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, schematics, and examples. The various implementations described above can be combined to provide further implementations. These and other changes can be made to the implementations in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible implementations along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. A furniture item, comprising:

a bedframe having at least one wall that separates an interior of the bedframe from an exterior thereof, the bedframe having an opening at a top of the at least one wall, the interior which delineates a volume characterized by a set of dimensions that include a height and at least one lateral dimension that is perpendicular to the height of the interior;

a deck sized and dimensioned to accommodate and support at least one of a mattress or a box spring, the deck pivotally coupled to the bedframe to move between a closed position and an open position, the closed position which prevents access to the interior of the bedframe from the top of the at least one wall, and the open position which provides access to the interior of the bedframe from the top of the at least one wall; and

a below deck storage system having a base and an array of storage compartments, the below deck storage system having a height and at least one lateral dimension, the height of the below deck storage system smaller than the height of the interior of the bedframe and the at least one lateral dimension of the below deck storage system smaller than a corresponding one of the at least one lateral dimension of the volume of the interior of the bedframe, the array of storage compartments mounted to the base for movement with respect thereto and for concurrent movement with respect to the bedframe without movement of the base of the below deck storage system.

2. The furniture item of claim 1 wherein the below deck storage system is positioned under the deck.

3. The furniture item of claim 2 wherein the array of storage compartments are fully contained within the interior of the bedframe along an entire range of movement of the array of storage compartments with respect to the bedframe without movement of the base of the below deck storage system.

4. The furniture item of claim 3 wherein the storage compartments each have a respective opening at a top thereof, the openings facing the deck when the below deck storage system is positioned under the deck.

5. The furniture item of claim 4 wherein the array of storage compartments form an endless array of storage compartments.

6. The furniture item of claim 5 wherein a plurality of the storage compartments of the endless array of storage compartments has a trapezoidal profile when viewed from a top thereof.

7. The furniture item of claim 5 wherein the below deck storage system includes a central storage compartment, about which the endless array of storage compartments are arranged.

8. The furniture item of claim 5 wherein the below deck storage system includes a bearing that rotatably couples the endless array of storage compartments to the base, the bearing including an annular race and a plurality of roller bearings contained by the annular race, the annular race comprised of a first annular track and at least a second annular track, the first annular track physically attached to the base and the second annular track physically attached to the array of storage compartments.

9. The furniture item of claim 5 wherein the endless array of storage compartments is rotatable with respect to the bedframe.

10. The furniture item of claim 9, further comprising:

at least one hinge that physically pivotally couples the deck to the bedframe along at least one dimension thereof.

11. The furniture item of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one piston that physically couples the deck to the bedframe and that controls a rate of descent of the deck when moving from the open position to the closed position.

12. The furniture item of claim 11 wherein the base is physically separate from the bedframe and not physically coupled to the bedframe.

13.-20. (canceled)

21. The furniture of claim 1 wherein the deck automatically moves between the closed position and the open position in response to at least one trigger.

22.-26. (canceled)

27. The furniture item of claim 1, further comprising:

an actuator positioned to automatically move the deck to at least one of the closed position and the open position in response to at least one trigger.

28. The furniture item of claim 27 wherein the at least one trigger includes at least one mechanical switch.

29. The furniture item of claim 27 wherein the at least one trigger includes at least one remote control signal.

30.-40. (canceled)

41. The furniture item of claim 27, further comprising:

a controller, the controller compares at least one information bearing signal from at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to at least one stored identifier and, based on a result of the comparison, determines whether to activate the at least one actuator by selecting, based on the at least one trigger, one of a plurality of control signals to transmit to the at least one actuator.

42. The furniture item of claim 27 wherein the at least one trigger includes at least one alarm clock signal.