US2119257A - Studio couch - Google Patents

Description

A. KRAKAUER STUDIO 00005 May 31, 1938;

Filed Dec. 7, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l l N V E N TO R Akraham Hralmuer BY I ' IA'IZORNEY A. KRAKAUER STUDIO COUCH May 31, 1938.

Filed Dec. '7, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTOR EY 74 .llbz 'abam Kralrauer Patented May 31, 1938 UNITED: STATES PATENT OFFICE Kay Manufacturing Corporation, Brooklyn,

N. Y., a. corporation of New York Application December 7, 1934, Serial No. 756,411

8 Claims.

This invention relates to studio couches or beds and particularly, to that type wherein a pair of bed frames, one stationary and one movable, may be telescoped into each other or withdrawn from their telescoped positions and separated to form a double bed or separate twin beds.

Heretofore, the frames have been customarily connected detachably by a so called stabilizer consisting of a pair of long crossed arms pivoted together at their intersections and also pivoted at their ends to the respective frames. These stabilizers serve as a guide to permit the frames to be moved relatively and in a direction transverse of the frames intocollapsed and extended positions.

Such stabilizers, however, require a considerable amount of material, are expensive to manufacture and are not fully efiicient in operation, having various disadvantages which need not here be gone into.

My invention contemplates the provision of means having all the functions and advantages of the stabilizers above-mentioned but none of their disadvantages, being adapted for economical manufacture and necessitating the use of little material and labor.

My invention further contemplates the provision of means for guiding the frames of a studio couch or bed into and out of their telescoped positions and maintaining them in parallel relationship without danger of jamming the frames by permitting them to twist about.

My invention further contemplates the provision of one-piece detachable connecting and guide means for the framespermitting complete separation of the frames and also serving to limit the relative movement of the frames in either direction and to absorb the shock incident to the 40 stopping of the movement;

My invention further contemplates the provision of comparatively inexpensive but eflicient guide means for permitting the arrangement of the frames in slightly spaced relation in their extended positions, which means is adapted to be used in connection with bed frames of any .type such as frames made of wood or metal or both.

The various objects of my invention will be clear from the description which follows, and from the drawings, in which,

1 is a fragmentary perspective View of one end of a studio couch embodying my invention, it being understood that the other end thereof is identical with that end shown.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same, showing in modified form of my new guide means, wherein the larger bed frame is the movable one.

Fig. 6 is a similar section showing another modified form of the connecting guide member.

Fig. 7 is a similar view of another modified form of the same;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view, similar to Fig. 2, of another modified form of my invention wherein the hook-receiving slot of one of the frames is made in a cross rail instead of in the leg of th bed.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section, similar to Fig. 6, of another modified form of my invention wherein a swivelling eye replaces the slot in the leg.

Fig. 10 is a similar view of another modified form of the same wherein a bracket or lug is substituted for the slot.

Fig. 11 is a similar view of another modified form of my invention wherein a fiat guide bar is used and wherein the spring part of the hook uide is omitted.

Fig. 12 is a vertical section of the same.

Fig. 13 is a View similar to Fig. 11 of another modified form of my invention wherein the connecting member is slotted.

Fig. 14 is a similar view of another modified form of my invention similar to Fig. 10, but wherein only one lug is provided.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary end elevation of another modified form of my invention wherein the slot in the leg of the movable frame is replaced by a differently formed opening.

Fig. 16 is a horizontal section of another form of my invention wherein the connecting member is formed of fiat stock.

Fig. 17 is a vertical section of the same.

As has been above indicated, it will be understood that my invention is applicable to all types of frames, whether made in whole or in part of wood or of metal or of both, and whether the legs thereof are made of wood or of metal.

In any case, however, and in all of the modifications herein illustrated and in others which will be obvious to those skilled in the art and member and frame connector.

hence which need not be shown in detail nor described, my improved guide means consists of a pair of guide bars or rods fixed to and extending transversely across the relatively fixed frame, one at each end of the fixed frame, and a connecting member sliding on each bar or rod and engaging the other frame in such a manner as to permit an additional extra motion at the beginning or end of the extending or telescoping stroke of the movable frame.

The connecting member is in all cases so con.- structed as to be readily detached from the movable frame.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, I have there shown the relatively fixed frame I0 and the relatively movable frame II, it being understood that said frames are preferably rectangular in shape as is usual and are each provided with suitable legs such as I2, I2, and I3, I3 respectively, at each of the corners of the respective frames. It will also be understood that preferably one of the frames as' H islower than the other frame as II], and that it is immaterial which of said frames is movable. That is, the casters I4 being provided on the legs I3, the frame II is movable and the frame I0 is relatively fixed. If, however, the casters I4 are provided on the legs I 2, then the frame I0 would be movable and the frame II would be fixed relatively to the floor.

As shown, the end of the. frame I9 is formed from an angle bar'bent to provide the end rail I5 and the legs I2, I2, it being understood that both ends of the frame are substantially identical, andthat the frame maybe formed in any other desirable manner. The opposed end rails I5 are connected by the longitudinal angles I6, each of said angles forming one side of the frame. Similarly, the frame I I is formed from an angle bent to provide the end rail I1 and the legs I3, I3, the rails thus formed being connected by the longitudinal side angles I8. It will be understood, however, that the frames may be formed in any manner and of any material provided that they are made of such size as to length and height that one of the frames may be telescoped into the other and that the relatively fixed frame as I0 is provided with transversely extending guide bars or rods.

As shown, the guide bar I9 is made in the form of a rod extending across each end' of the frame and suitably secured at its ends to the legs I2 and I2. Mounted for sliding movement on the bar I9 is the connecting member'Zfi in-the form of a combined guide hook, bumper, control In the form now being described, said member 20 is made of a single piece of wire, and comprises the spring portion 2| consisting of a plurality of turns, coils or loops, the inner diameter of each of which is greater than the diameter of the bar I9 whereby the coil may slide easily along said bar and yield under stress.

Extending preferably from the last turn of the spring portion 2I is the cross portion 22, from the inner extremity 23 of which is bent the transversely extending arm 24. Said arm 24 is arranged in inwardly spaced and substantially parallel relation to the bar I9, and terminates in the downwardly extending hook 25 which is preferably given a slight bias, bend or inclination toward the bar I9, (see Fig. 4) to retain it in place and to enable it to be readily withdrawn from the movable frame. The portions 24- and 25 are passed through the slot 26 in the leg I3 of the movable frame II, it being understood that the entire connecting member 20 together with the hook may be swung about the bar I9 as a pivot (Fig. 4) to permit its ready insertion into and withdrawal from the slot 26.

It being assumed that the frame II is the movable frame, said frames are shown in their telescoped position in Figs. 1 and 2. To extend the frames, the frame II need merely be drawn toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, and down- Wardly as viewed in Fig. 2, away from the relatively fixed frame I0. During this movement, the arm 24 may first pass through the slot 26 until the leg I3 engages the hook 25 depending on the friction developed, whereafter continued movement of the frame II draws the connecting member with it along the bar I9 until the spring portion 2i engages the other leg I2 as shown in the dotted line position of the parts indicated in Fig. 2. Or the connecting member may move with the frame II as a unit until stopped by the leg I2, after which the frame II may continue to move relatively to the member 20 until the hook 25 reaches the leg.

In this position of the parts, a space as 21 is left between the frames I0 and II' whereby access to the arm 24 may readily be had to permit removal of the hooks 25 from the slots 26 and thereby to detach the frames I9 and I I from each other.

It will be noted that the spring portion 2I when it strikes the leg I2, at the end of the withdrawing or extending movement of the frames, yields sufficient to absorb the shock due to the impact, and though halting the separating movement of the frames, does so without undue jarring. It will further be noted that even though the frame I I may be pulled out by a force exerted at one of the extreme ends thereof with a consequent tendency to twist the frames intorelative angular relationship, the portion 2I of the connecting member cannot bind on the bar I9, and the frames are maintained in parallel position throughout the entire relative movement thereof regardless of the inexpertness or lack of skill of the person using the bed frames. Similarly, when the frames are collapsed from their withdrawn positions into their telescoped positions, an unskillful operator cannot jam the frames together since the. frames tend to assume parallel. positions even though the moving force is exerted atone end of the moving frame, and thereby initially disposes said frames at an angle relatively to each other. During the telescoping movement, the frame II first movesalong the arm 24 of the connecting member until the leg I3 strikes the portion 22, whereafter the entire connecting member moves as a unit with the frame toward the collapsed position shown by the full lines of Figs. 1 and 2. At the end of the collapsing movement, the spring portion 2| functions to absorb the shock of impact against the leg I2.

It willbe understood that the connecting memher as well as the guide bar may be made in a great variety of different ways, and that the slot or its equivalent receiving the connecting member may also be made in a great number of different ways. I have shown in what follows a few of the different constructions possible, which constructions, as well as others not shown, will now appear obvious to those skilled in the art.

For example, I have shown in Fig. 5, a modification of the connecting member 20 designed for operation when the larger or outer bed frame III is movable and the smaller or inner frame II is relatively fixed. In that case, the guide bar I9 is secured to the legs |3, |3' of the frame I I. The connecting member 21 is slidably mounted on the bar l9 and is suitably shaped between the arm 24 and the spring portion 2| to enter the slot 28 in the movable frame leg l2, and to clear the legs I3, l3.

In Fig. 6, I have shown the spring portion limited to a single turn or loop 30.

In Fig. 7, I have shown a pair of spaced loops 3| and '32 made integrally with the remainder of the connecting member and of a single piece of wire. By this construction, the loops 3| and 32 may be spaced apart a sufficient distance to better preserve the parallel relationship of the frames in their relative movements andto avoid undue stress on the arm 24 which might tend to distort the arm.

In Fig. 8, I have shown the slot 35 made in the upper flange 36 of the end rail H. In this form of my invention, detachment of the hook 25 from the slot is made comparatively easy since the arm 24 is arranged on top of the frame The cross bar portion 31 extending between the spring portion 2| and the portion 24 may be inclined upwardly or downwardly as may be found necessary depending on the relative heights of the bar l9 and the top flange of the rail II. In this form, I prefer to incline the arm 24 slightly out of parallelism to the bar l9, whereby the hook 25 always tends to remain in the slot 35, and the pressure on the arm 24 is more readily transmitted to the spring portion 2|. Distortion. of the arm 24 and jamming are thereby prevented.

In Fig. 9, I have shown the arm 24 passing through the eye 4!], which eye is of sufficient diameter to permit the withdrawal therethrough of the hook 25. The eye 40 is provided with an extension or shank 4| which is loosely riveted or otherwise secured as by means of the head 42 in an aperture in the leg l3. The eye 40 therefore may be rotated in the aperture when desired, to permit the removal of the hook.

As shown in Fig. 10, the arm 24 rests in the groove or open space 43 formed by the lug 44. Said lug is pressed outwardly from the material of the leg l3 and bent upwardly to form the groove 43 whereby the arm 24 may slide in said groove but may be readily lifted therefrom when the frames l0 and. are to be completely de tached.

In Figs. 11 and 12, I have shown the guide bar 45 of rectangular cross-section. The connecting member 46 may be made of a similar bar if desired, resting in the groove 43 formed by the lug 44. At one end, the lug 41 is bent at right angles to the arm 46 and is provided with a suitable groove as 49 for the reception of the guide bar 45. A second smaller lug as 50 is bent from the material of the arm 48 and is similarly provided with a groove for the reception of part of the bar 45. The arm 46 may readily be lifted from the groove 43 and thereby disengaged from the lug 44 and from the frame N, there being sufficient play or lost motion in the parts for that purpose. The bent hook end 5|, however, engages the lug 44 in the extended positions of the frames and thereby acts as a stop to limit normally, the separating movement of the frames.

In Fig. 13, I have shown the connecting member as consisting of a right angle member 52, one arm 53 of which is provided with a suitable groove into which is inserted the upper edge portion of the guide bar 45. The other leg 54 of the guide hook is provided with a slot 55 through which is passed the shank of the rivet or screw 56. In this construction, the rivet shank may slide in the slot 54 to give the additional motion desired and to limit the separating and telescoping movement of the frames in either direction.

As shown in Fig. 14, the arm 6| of the connecting member 6|] may rest in the groove 43 of the lug 44 or may be otherwise detachably held to the leg I3 as hereinbefore indicated, while the shorter arm of said connecting member may be suitably apertured to receive the guide rod 62 and to turn thereon easily to permit the removal of the connecting member from the lug 44.

In Fig. 15, I have shown the hook 25 inserted through an opening 63 in one flange of the leg l3. Said opening is enlarged by pressing the material 64 above the opening inwardly in one direction and the material 65 below the opening outwardly or in the other direction, thereby to permit the ready insertion or withdrawal of said hook from the leg.

Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, I have there shown the connecting member 10 made of a single piece of sheet metal of Z-shaped form. The extremity II of the arm i2 is bent into cylindrical form about the rod l9 and slides thereon. The extremity E3 of the arm 14 is bent downwardly and enters the slot 15 in the upper flange of the rail IT. This construction may be used where more rigidity and strength is required, though somewhat more costly than the wire form of connectors.

Since many other ways of constructing the connecting member and the guide bar and of connecting the hook to the guide-bar and to the leg will be obvious to those skilled in the art, no further illustration or description thereof is deemed necessary.

In any case, it will be seen that I have provided an efficient though inexpensive construction whereby the bed frames are guided in such a manner as to automatically maintain themselves in parallel relation during the relative movement thereof into and out of the telescoped positions thereof, that the guidingparts are so constructed as to permit the bed frames to be spaced apart in their proper operative positions and to permit them to be completely detached readily and simply if desired.

It will therefore be seen that I have provided a structure which though simple and inexpensive, is well adapted to meet the severe requirements of practical use.

While I have shown and described certain specific embodiments of my invention, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself thereto but intend to claim my invention as broadly as may be permitted by the state of the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a bed including a pair of bed frames, one relatively fixed, and the other relatively movable in one direction into a position wherein one of the frames is underneath the other and in the other direction into a position wherein the frames are alongside of each other and slightly spaced apart transversely, an elongated guide member extending across the width of the fixed frame at each end thereof, a one-piece connecting member slidably mounted on and movable throughout the length of each of the guide members, and movable relatively to the movable frame, cooperating connecting means on the connecting member and on one of said frames whereby the connecting member may be disconnected from For the frame by a lifting movement to completely free said frames of any connection with each other, stop means on the movable frame, and an elongated part on the connecting member adapted to engage said stop means and thereby to limit the relative movement of the connecting member and the movable frame, and after engagement with the stop means to cause the connecting member to move as a unit with the movable frame, and means for supporting said frames independently of each other and of said connecting means.

2. In a bed including a pair of relatively movable bed frames, a transverse guide bar at each end of one of the frames, and a slidable member mounted on each of the bars and movable for a limited distance relatively to the other frame and detachably connected thereto, and-also movable with said other frame, said member comprising a portion slidable on the bar, an elongated portion movably connectedto said other frame and spaced from the slidable portion, a cross portion connecting the slidable and elongated portions and cooperating stop means on the elongated portion and on said other frame.

3. In a bed including a pair of relatively movable bed frames, a transversely arranged guide rod on one of the frames, the other of the frames having a slot therein, and a wire member of a single piece of material provided with a plurality of turns loosely mounted on the guide rod, said member having a portion spaced from said turns and entering the slot of the other frame.

4. In a bed including a pair of relatively movable bed frames, one of said frames having a slot therein, a guide member fixed to the other of the frames, and a connecting member having a shock-absorbing and guiding portion coiled about the guide member and having another portion substantially parallel to the guide member and passing through the slot of said one of the frames and terminating in a hook portion.

5. In a bed including a pair of relatively movable bed frames, a guide member fixed to and extending across one of said frames, and a connecting member connecting said frames, the other of said frames being provided with means for slidably receiving a portion of the connecting member, said connecting member having another portion thereof coiled about and arranged in slidable engagement with the guide member.

6. The combination with a pair of bed frames, one of said frames being smaller than the other and being slidable into and out of the larger frame, of means detachably connected to the smaller frame for maintaining said frames in parallel relation during the movement of the smaller frame, and for limiting the movement of the smaller frame in either direction, said means including a guide bar, an elongated element of a single piece of material having a terminal portion slidable on and along the entire length of the guide bar, and means for detachably connecting the element to the smaller frame, said connecting means being provided with an opening through which part of said element moves independently of the sliding movement of the element along the guide bar.

7. In a bed including a pair of relatively movable frames, a transversely arranged guide member on one of the frames, the other of the frames having a slot therein, and a connecting member of a single piece of material terminating at one end in a cushioning portion slidably mounted on the guide rod and having its other end removably inserted into said slot.

8. In a bed including a pair of relatively movable and independently supported bed frames, a pair of parallel spaced transverse guide members on and extending throughout the width of one of the frames, and a pair of frame-connecting members, the other of said frames having an opening therein of less length than that of said members, said members each having a portion detachably and slidably inserted into said opening and having another portion bent into spaced relation to the first mentioned portion and embracing one of the guide members and slidable along the entire length of the guide member and thereby guiding the frames in their relative movement, said members when removed from said opening, freeing said frames from any connection with each other and thereby disconnecting said frames for use as separate beds.

ABRAHAM KRAKAUER.

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