US3686697A

US3686697A - Collapsible bed

Info

Publication number: US3686697A
Application number: US129239A
Authority: US
Inventors: George N Kakalios
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-29
Filing date: 1971-03-29
Publication date: 1972-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-29

Abstract

This invention relates to a collapsible bed. The bed frame and legs collapse into a spiral like form for storage in a confined space. The collapsible bed provides a compact collapsed unit that may be stored in small rectangular containers such as a suit case, or various pieces of furniture. The linkage and lever arrangement provides a noncomplex mechanical linkage system that coordinates the movement of the various portions of the frame and the various legs from a open position to a collapsed position.

Description

Emits States Patet Kakalios Aug. 29, 1972 [54] COLLAPSIBLE BED 1,541,105 6/1925 Broome ..5/ 149 [72] Inventor: (leorge Kakalios, 429 N. River- FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS s1de Drive, Pompano Beach, Fla. 330 2 186,384 2/1955 Austna ..5/149 [22] Filed: March 29, 1971 Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay I 2 Assistant Examiner-Garry Moore [211 App} No 39 Attorney-Eugene F. Malin Related US. Application Data 57 ABS CT [63] Continuation of Ser. Nos. 832,740, June 12, 1

1969, abandoned, and Ser. No. 878,489, Nov. 20, 1969, abandoned.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1907 Reed ..5/152 This invention relates to a collapsible bed. The bed frame and legs collapse into a spiral like form for storage in a confined space. The collapsible bed provides a compact collapsed unit that may be stored in small rectangular containers such as a suit case, or various pieces of furniture. The linkage and lever arrangement provides a noncomplex mechanical linkage system that coordinates the movement of the various portions of the frame and the various legs from a open position to a collapsed position.

6Claims,4DrawingFigures PATENTEUwsas 1912 3,686,697

INVENTOR. GEORGE KAKALIOS COLLAPSIBLE BED This is a continuation of U. S. Pat. application Ser. No. 832,740, filed June 12, 1969 now abandoned; and U. S. Pat. application Ser. No. 878,489, filed Nov. 20, 1969 now abandoned, incorporating the original filed in the first application and the second filed in said second application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a new and improved collapsible bed, and more particularly, to a collapsible bed that is stored in a spiral like collapsed form.

As is perhaps well known, various collapsible bed structures are well known in the furniture art. Collapsible beds have been designed to fold in accordion like fashion into a collapsed position. Various complex linkage systems have been used to coordinate the movement of various component parts of the bed structure. Such bed structures are bulky and difficult to store. In the past, collapsible beds are relatively heavy and costly to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new and improved collapsible bed. The bed frame and legs collapse into a spiral like form when placed in a closed storage position. The linkage and lever arrangement provides a noncomplex mechanical linkage system. The linkage system is connected between frame members and leg members of the collapsible bed. The linkage system places the legs into a vertical position when the main frame members are in a horizontal position. The linkage system paces various main frame members and various leg members in a side-by-side relation when the bed is in a collapsed position. The main frame members carry mattress holding straps. Each strap has a spring at the distal end of each strap. The springs are connected to the frame members to form in the preferred embodiment a interwoven diagonal mattress strap configuration. There are least two sets of mattress straps. One set of mattress straps is connected at a predetermined angle to the other set of mattress straps. The first set of mattress straps is interwoven with the second set of mattress straps to support the mattress underload.

It is an object of this invention to provide a collapsible bed frame that collapses from a generally open horizontal position to a closed spiral like form to provide a compact collapsed unit for storage purposes.

It is another object of this invention to provide a light weight collapsible bed structure that may be spirally collapsed into a suitcase for portable use.

Another object of this invention is to provide mattress straps interwoven diagonally across the main frame members.

A further object of this invention is to provide a noncomplex linkage system designed to collapse a leg and horizontal frame member into a side-by-side position for storage purposes.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a lightweight, low cost, compact collapsible bed structure.

In accordance with these and other objects which will be apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1, is a side view of one embodiment of the bed structure in an open position with the main frame members in a horizontal position;

FIG. 2, is a side view of the bed structure shown in FIG. 1 in a partially collapsed spiral like position;

FIG. 3, is a plan view of the bed structure shown in FIG. 2 with mattress straps connected in an ordinary manner;

FIG. 4, shows an alternate strap arrangement.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of the bed structure in an open position with the main frame members in a horizontal position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bed structure shown in FIG. 5 in a partially collapsed spiral like position;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of the bed structure shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a partial front view of FIG. 4 showing a leg.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in detail to the drawing, wherein an embodiment of the invention is shown, and referring, particularly to FIG. 1, the collapsible bed includes a plurality of main frame members on each side of the bed designated by numerals 4, 6, 8, l0 and 12. Duplicate members are provided on each side of the collapsible bed. The main frame members are pivotally connected together. The main frame member 4 is pivotally connected to member 6 to allow the channel like frame members to move freely in an upward direction as shown in FIG. 1.

Frame members

6 and 8, 8 and 10, and 10 and 12 are each pivotally connected to the other to allow the main frame members to move freely in an upward direction. The collapsible bed shown in an open position in FIG. 1 is collapsible to a closed position as shown in FIG. 2. A horizontal lower frame member 2 is connected to the bed below the main frame members. The horizontal lower frame member 2 provides a shelf or resting platform to rest the collapsed bed structure on. The shelf may be connected to the inside of a container, not shown. Suitcases or furniture pieces may be utilized as a container for storing the collapsed bed.

Fixed

legs

14 and 16 are connected to the lower frame structure member 2. Leg 16 is pivotally connected to the main frame member 4 at its distal end. Duplicate legs are connected to the opposite side of the lower frame member 2.

Legs

18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are pivotally connected to the rearward portion of the

main frame members

4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 respectively. The

legs

18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are moved into a collapsed position lying against the

main frame members

4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 respectively, as shown in FIG. 2. The

legs

18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are moved into the collapsed position with the main frame members 4, 6, 8, l0 and 12 by

linkage members

28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. One end of linkage member 28 is connected to leg 16 above lower frame member 2 and below the main frame member 4. The other end of the linkage member 28 is connected to leg 18 below its pivotal connection to the main frame member 4. One end of

linkage members

30, 32, 34 and 36 are connected to

legs

20, 22, 24 and 26 respectively,

adjacent the distal end of each leg above the pivot point connection of the leg to the main frame members. The other end of each

linkage member

30, 32, 34 and 36 is connected to the adjacent main frame member 4, 6, 8, and respectively. The

linkage members

28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 pivot the leg structure members in relation to the pivotal movement of the main frame members as the bed is collapsed into spiral like position, as shown in FIG. 2. The legs are collapsed against the main frame members. Duplicate linkage members, legs and main frame members are connected to the opposite side of the collapsible bed.

A headboard 38 is connected to the forward main frame member 4. The headboards 38 aids in holding the mattress in place on the collapsible bed. A rest member 40, as shown in FIG. 1, may be provided. The main frame member 10 and legs 24 rests on the rest member 40 in the collapsed position. A hook and eye may be connected between main frame member 12 and 6 in order to lock the collapsed bed in a collapsed position shown in FIG. 2.

Various cross members are utilized to hold each pair of the

main frame members

4, 6, 8, and 10 and 12 together.

Cross members

42, 44 and 46 are connected between the lower frame members 2 and the

main frame members

4 and 12. Cross members may be provided between main frame members 6 and 10 to stabilize the bed. Intermediate cross members, not shown, extend between the main frame members on opposite sides of the bed. The intermediate cross members are bowed downwardly away from the straps 48in order to provide space between the straps and the intermediate cross members. Therefore, when weight is placed on the mattress straps they will not come in contact with the intermediate cross members. The legs on opposite sides of the bed may be connected together by brace members, not shown.

FIG. 3 shows two sets of interwoven strapsv 48 connected between the main frame members by straps 50.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the interwoven strap members include three sets of straps. The first and third sets of straps are connected diagonally in relation to the main frame members and the cross members. The second set of straps is connected perpendicular to the main frame members. For example, the first set of straps extend between cross member 46 and the

main frame members

4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. The third set of straps extend between cross members 46 and the un-numbered main frame members. The diagonal arrangement relieves direct tension between the

opposite cross members

44 and 46. The bed structure is easily collapsed into the spiral like stored position.

It should be noted that link member 36 is connected to an upwardly projecting portion of main frame member 10. Link member 36 may be directly connected to the main frame member 10 in the same manner. The forward ends of

linkage members

30, 32, and 34 are connected to the main frame members 4, 6, and 8, respectively.

Each leg is a single piece of angle material. The foot is bent to provide a base area upon which the bed rests. The lower leg is cutaway to provide a tapered lower portion. The distal upper portion is bent outwardly to allow the leg portion to move over the adjacent link members.

Referring now in detail to the second sheet of drawings, wherein another embodiment of the invention is shown, and referring, particularly to FIG. 5, the collapsible bed, generally designated by numeral 102, includes a plurality of main frame members, aluminum channels, on each side of the bed designated by numerals 104, 106 108, 110, and 112. Duplicate members, linkage means and connecting means are provided on each side of the collapsible bed between the distal end member 112 and the first member 104. The main frame members are pivotally connected together by female hinge members 114 and by male hinge members 116 placed in the open adjacent ends of each channel. The main frame member 104 is pivotally connected to member 106 to allow the channel like frame members to move freely in an upward direction. Frame members 106 and 108, 108 and 110, and 110 and 112 are each pivotally connected to the other to allow the main frame members to move freely in an upward direction. The collapsible bed shown in an open position in FIG. 5 is collapsible to a closed position as shown in FIG. 6. A horizontal lower frame member 1 18 is connected to the bed below the main frame members. The horizontal lower frame member 1 18 provides a shelf or resting platform to rest the collapsed bed structure on. The shelf may be connected to the inside of a container, not shown. Suitcases or furniture pieces may be utilized as a container for storing the collapsed bed.

Fixed legs 122 and 124 are connected to the lower frame structure member 118. Leg 124 is pivotally connected at 126 to the outside surface of the main frame member 104. Duplicate legs are connected along each side of the lower frame member and the main frame members. Legs 128, 130, 132, 134, and 136 are pivotally connected to the inside of the main frame members 104, 106, 108, 110, and 12 respectively. The legs 128, 130, 132, 134, and 136 are moved into a collapsed position lying inward of the main frame members. The legs 128, 130, 132, 134, and 136 are moved into the collapsed position by linkage members 138, 140, 142, 144, and 146.

One end of linkage member 138 is connected to the inside surface of frame member 104 on the pivot rod 126. The other end of linkage member 138 is connected to the outside surface of leg 128 below the pivotal connection 148 between the leg and the main frame member 104. One end of linkage member is connected to the inside surface of the main frame on pivot axis 150 between hinge portions 114 and 116. A separate link 152 is used to lower pivot axis 154. The other end of linkage member 140 is connected to the outside surface of leg 130 below the pivotal connection 136 between the leg and the main frame member 106. One end of linkage member 142 is connected to the inside surface of the main frame on pivot axis 58 between hinge portions 114 and 116. A separate link 60 is used to lower pivot axis 162. The other end of linkage member 142 is connected to the outside surface of leg 132 below the pivotal connection 164 between the leg and the main frame member 108. One end of linkage member 144 is connected to the inside surface of the main frame on pivot axis 136 between hinge portions 114 and 1 16. A separate link 168 is used to lower pivot axis 170. The other end of linkage member 144 is connected to the outside surface of leg 134 below the pivotal connection 172 between the leg and separate link 174. Separate link 174 is connected to pivotal connection 176 between hinge portions 114 and 116. One end of linkage member 146 is connected to the inside surface of the main frame on pivot axis 176 between hinge portions 114 and 116. The other and of linkage member 146 is connected to the outside surface of leg 136 below the pivotal connection 178 between the leg and the main frame member 1 12.

When main frame member 112 is lifted upward, the bed is collapsed into spiral like position, as shown in FIG. 6. The are collapsed against the mattress holding straps 180. The legs are U-shaped to reduce the force exerted on the floor when the bed is in open position. Leg 136 is shown in FIG. 8.

A headboard 182 is connected to the main frame member 104. The headboard 182 aids in holding the mattress 184 in place on the collapsible bed. A rest member 120, as shown in FIG. 5, may be provided. The main frame member 110 rests on the rest member 120 in the collapsed position.

Cross members as shown at 186 in FIG. 8 are utilized across a few or across all the legs. The cross members are provided to stabilize the legs and bed. The cross members are spaced below the mattress straps 180 in order to provide space between the straps and the intermediate cross members for straps to be lowered without interference. The straps are lowered when a weight is on the mattress straps.

FIG. 7 shows two sets of interwoven straps 180 connected between the main frame members by springs 188.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the instant invention is not to be limited to the details discussed herein but to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and articles.

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible planar supporting device comprising, base supporting means,

first planar supporting means pivotally connected to said base supporting means and moveable from a position parallel to said base supporting means to a position substantially perpendicular to said base supporting means,

second planar supporting means pivotally connected to said first planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as the first planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to the first planar supporting means,

third planar supporting means pivotally connected to said second planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as said second planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to said second planar supporting means,

fourth planar supporting means pivotally connected to said third planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as said third planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to said third planar supporting means and all 1 and between s id base su o in means 535 said second suppor ng meansggid fou rth supporting means being shorter in length than said second supporting means.

2. A collapsible planar supporting surface as in claim 1, including:

bracing means coupled to said base supporting means and engagable with said fourth supporting surface in the perpendicular to adjacent surfaces position.

3. A collapsible planar supporting surface as in claim 2, including:

a fifth planar supporting means pivotally coupled to said fourth planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as said fourth planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to said fourth planar supporting means, parallel and between said third and first planar supporting means.

4. A collapsible planar supporting device as in claim 3, wherein each of said planar supporting means includes:

a frame means,

a pair of legs foldably coupled to each planar supporting means, and

resilient support means coupled to said frame means.

5. A collapsible bed as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said legs are connected to the outside of said main frame members surface.

6. A collapsible bed as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said legs are connected to the inside surface of said main frame members.

Claims

1. A collapsible planar supporting devIce comprising, base supporting means, first planar supporting means pivotally connected to said base supporting means and moveable from a position parallel to said base supporting means to a position substantially perpendicular to said base supporting means, second planar supporting means pivotally connected to said first planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as the first planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to the first planar supporting means, third planar supporting means pivotally connected to said second planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as said second planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to said second planar supporting means, fourth planar supporting means pivotally connected to said third planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as said third planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to said third planar supporting means and parallel and between said base supporting means and said second supporting means, said fourth supporting means being shorter in length than said second supporting means.

2. A collapsible planar supporting surface as in claim 1, including: bracing means coupled to said base supporting means and engagable with said fourth supporting surface in the perpendicular to adjacent surfaces position.

3. A collapsible planar supporting surface as in claim 2, including: a fifth planar supporting means pivotally coupled to said fourth planar supporting means and moveable from a position in the same plane as said fourth planar supporting means to a position perpendicular to said fourth planar supporting means, parallel and between said third and first planar supporting means.

4. A collapsible planar supporting device as in claim 3, wherein each of said planar supporting means includes: a frame means, a pair of legs foldably coupled to each planar supporting means, and resilient support means coupled to said frame means.

5. A collapsible bed as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said legs are connected to the outside of said main frame members surface.

6. A collapsible bed as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said legs are connected to the inside surface of said main frame members.