US3761970A

US3761970A - Adjustable bed carriage with adapter unit

Info

Publication number: US3761970A
Application number: US00213312A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Fredman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-12-29
Filing date: 1971-12-29
Publication date: 1973-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 1990-10-02

Abstract

A bed carriage in the form of a four-legged or two-legged frame that is adjustable to a predetermined width for twin, double and queen size bedding and incorporates structure which will automatically lock the frame in each of the three predetermined width positions and hold the side rails snugly against the bedding with the inwardly extending flanges on the side rails in underlying supporting engagement with the bedding.

Description

Unite States Patet Friedman 1 Oct. 2, 1973 [54] ADJUSTABLE BED CARRIAGE WITH 3,100,304 8/1963 Brandlin et al. 5 202 ADAPTER gii i 54 at al. 5/l85 oe er [76] Inventor: Harry Fredman, 908 SW.

Washington St Peoria, L 61602 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 263,4l6 12/1926 Great Britain 5/l8l 1 Flledi 29, 1971 7,150 5/1915 Great Britain 5/211 [2]] Appl. No.: 213,312

Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell Auome Harve B. Jacobson [52} U.S. Cl 5/181, 5/l76 R, 5/177, y y

57 ABSTRACT [51] int. Cl. .z. A47c 19/04 I l [58] Field of Search 5/184, 185, 181, A bgd carr'age f' Ur-legged F 5,200 R, 20], 202 211 238, 176 B 177 legged frame that is ad ustable to a predetermined width for twm, double and queen size bedding and m- [56] References Cited f:orporates stliuctt utlile \zllliich willdalitomatiiiallxggfk the rame 1n eac o e ree pre e ermine w1 POSI- UNITED STATES PATENTS tions and hold the side rails snugly against the bedding R27,l82 9/1971 Fredman 5/238 with the inwardly extending flanges on the Side rails in 5 underlying supporting engagement with the bedding. re mam... 3,646,623 3/1972 Harris et al. 5/181 16 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures Harry Fredman 1.\ I ENTOR.

PATENTED W 21975 SHEET 2 BF 7 PATENTED @973 3.761 370 SHEET R (If 7 Fig. /0

Harry F redman IN VENTOR.

32 BY fiawaai izw E i-21 3 55523 WWW Mm,

PATENTED 2W5 SHEET 5 l1? 7 Harry F red/non INVENTOR.

PATENIEUBBT 2 3,781,970

SHEET 6 0f 7 PAIENIEHW 2 15 saw 70; 7

Fig. /7

Harry Fredman k INVENTOR.

\ BY 2am zzze'i --i -w WWW ma ADJUSTABLE BED CARRIAGE WITH ADAPTER UNIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Since the width dimension of bedding is essentially standardized, i.e. twin size 37% inches, double size 52 /2 inches, and queen size60 inches, the present invention generally relates to a bed frame having four legs or two legs that is adjustable to preset widths for snugly engaging various standard sized bedding in a positive, non-spreading arrangement with the side rails of the frame being retained against the bedding over a substantial portion of the lengths thereof.

2. Description of the Prior Art Numerous four-legged bedframes have been known that are adjustable in the horizontal transverse dimension to enable the frame to be used with different sized bedding. Conventionally, the headboard is secured to the ends of the bedframe by employing bolts or similar screw-type fasteners. Such bedframes usually employ screw-type clamping devices to secure the cross rails in their adjusted position.

Serious problems exist in this type bed carriage, some of the more important of which are the following. Since the headboard is normally supported above the floor by the bolts or other screw-type fasteners, which are attached essentially at one place along the heigth of the headboard, the headboard rapidly becomes unsteady is use, sometimes referred to as headboard wobble. Second, the screw-type clamping devices for the cross rails have resulted in certain problems arising from a loosening of the clamps or an inadequate initial tightening or positioning thereof, such as the bedding falling through,leg collapse and undue stress on the end posts of the headboard. Third, considerable time and labor is required to set up such prior bed frames, including the mounting of the frame ends to the headboard and the setting of the proper width of the cross rails to the bedding.

While some, but not all, of the foregoing problems, are resolved by two-legged bed frames which are also known, such frames have additional problems. In prior two-legged frames, the ends of the bed frame are se cured to the headboard by conventional hooks on the ends of the bed frame, and the hooks engage the pins in the slots of the headboard. However, such slots are normally spaced apart as much as two to three inches and more greater than the width of the bedding. As such, little or no support is given to that portion of the bedding which is at the head end of the bed on the wider headboards. Attempts to use a slat at the head end is unsatisfactory for the many failings of slats, e.g., warping, breakage, deforming bedding, etc. Further, the cross-rails at the foot end of the bed frame are still subject to the same disadvantages explained above.

Finally, bedframes having fixed width dimensions are known but up to now have always required screw or bolt-type connections for the headboard in view of the variable distance between the headboard slots as aforementioned. Again, such connection leads to headboard wobble, lengthy set-up time, unsightly appearance, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a bedframe having cross members adjustable to preset widths which provide the bedframe with the correct width for receiving and supporting bedding of different standardized widths, e.g. twin size, double size and queen size.

The present invention also retains the bedframe side rails against the bedding so that the box spring is always resting on the horizontal flange of the side rails throughout a major portion of the length of the side rails and the vertical flanges of the side rails are snugly against the box spring.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a bed carriage in the form of a frame that includes at least one cross rail that can be adjusted into preset lengths so that the rails will be retained in any preset position in a secure manner without the use of externally actuated fastening means or tools for manipulating such fastening means.

A second principal object of this invention is to provide a bed carriage in the form of a frame which hooks into the slots of the headboard and can be rapidly assembled so that the side rails fit snugly to the bedding throughout a major portion of their length even though the distance between the slots may be as much as 2 or 3 or more inches greater than the width of the bedding.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bedframe which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, very easy and rapid to set up and yet dependable and long lasting as well as being trouble free in operation.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the bedframes comprising this invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmental perspective view of one type adjustable cross rail of this invention illustrated in its preset intermediate position.

FIG. 3 is a fragmental perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the cross rail in its narrowest po sition.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional view of the cross rail taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3 illustrating the structural details thereof.

FIG. 5 is a fragmental sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 55 of FIG. 1 illustrating the center leg that is used when the cross rails are at their maximum length.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged bottom view of the connection between the cross rail and side rail.

FIG. 7 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6 illustrating further structural details of the connection between the cross rails and side rails.

FIG. 8 is a fragmental perspective view of the connection between the side rails and cross rails in partially pivoted position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the upper end of the supporting legs employed on the cross rails of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bedframes of this invention having a slightly different form for the cross rails.

FIG. II is a group perspective view illustrating three preset positions of the embodiment of the cross rails of the bedframe in FIG. 10.

FIGv 12 is a fragmental perspective view illustrating the connecting assembly between the longitudinally adjustable components of the cross rails of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmental perspective view of the supporting connection between the cross rail and side rail of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a two-legged embodiment of the bedframes of this invention in which one end is supported by a headboard.

FIG. 15 is a fragmental perspective view illustrating a limiting lug on the inner cross rail member.

FIG. 16 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line l6l6 of FIG. 14 illustrating the design of the central portion of the side rail to accomodate the end of the tension member.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another two-legged embodiment of the bedframes of this invention in which one end is also supported by a headboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS ILLUSTRATED IN THE DRAWINGS Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings; the bed carriage of the present invention includes a frame generally designated by reference numeral 30 which includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails 32 interconnected by a pair of substantially parallel cross rails 34 with an end board such as a headboard 36 and footboard 38 being supported from the side rails with adapter brackets 40 such as those shown in Ser. No. 791,241, filed Jan. 15, 1969, now US. Pat. No. 3,644,948, issued Feb. 29, 1972 connecting the end board of the side rails 32.

Each side rail 32 is in the form of a right angular rail between the cross rails 34 having a horizontal flange 42 and a vertical flange 44. Each end portion of each rail may terminate in a vertically disposed plate portion 46 in which the horizontal flange 42 is turned downwardly with the transition area being designated by the numeral 48. The transition area may be separated from the horizontal flange 42 by a notched area 50 (as illustrated in FIG. 6). For rigidity, the vertical flange 44 can be provided with a longitudinal outwardly embossed rib 52 (See FIG. 7) and the terminal end of the plates 46 are inturned as at 54 and provided with a pair of upwardly extending outwardly offset tongues 56 for engagement with the adapter bracket 40.

If desired, the flange or plate 54 at either or both ends of the rails may be identical and may be provided with apertures for receiving bolts for securing the frame rails to the end board (such as illustrated in FIG. I). This construction provides for lateral flexibility at the end portions of the rails 32 to enable attachment to end boards of different dimensions. However, it is contemplated that the present invention will be used primarily with headboards only without any footboard,

' such as footboard 38. Therefore, vertically disposed plate portions 46 would not be necessary at the foot end of the side rails 32, and the foot end of frame 30 would be similar to that illustrated in FIG. for frame 132.

Each of the cross rails 34 includes two substantially downwardly opening channel-shaped

members

58 and 60 with the channel-shaped member 58 being slightly larger than the member 60 and telescopically receiving the member 60. As illustrated, one larger or outer channel-shaped member 58 is secured to one side rail 32 adjacent the headboard while the other outer channel-shaped member 58 is secured to the opposite side rail adjacent the foot end of the bed. The smaller or inner channel-shaped member 60 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced substantially square apertures 62 therein while the larger channel-shaped member 58 includes a plurality of downwardly offset tongues 64 which have their free end extending toward the side rail 32 to which the channel-shaped member 58 is attached. The apertures 62 and the offset tongues 64 are so arranged that in the three preset adjusted positions of the cross rails, all of the tongues are engaged with apertures when the cross rails are adjusted to their smallest preset dimension such as twin size as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the intermediate or double size and in the extended or queen size position, only two of the tongues 64 are engaged with apertures 62. In the fully extended position and possibly in the intermediate or double width position the cross rails may be provided with an auxiliary supporting leg 66 to provide support for the center of the cross rail to prevent it from sagging. Also, each end of each cross rail 34 is provided with a supporting leg 68.

The supporting legs 66 and 68 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9 and include a split tubular member or any other suitable tubular member 70 having a horizontally disposed lug 72 at the upper end thereof and two vertically disposed lugs 74 projecting therefrom. The two vertically disposed lugs 74 receive a pivot bolt 76 therethrough which also extends through apertures formed in the channel-shaped member 60 while the horizontal lug 72 underlies an aperture in the channel-shaped member 60 for receiving a fastener bolt 78 which is accessible through an aperture 80 formed in the overlying channel-shaped member 58. Notches 82 are provided in the outer channel-shaped member 58 to enable access to the pivot bolt 76 to permit assembly of the leg 66 with the cross rail 34 when desired. The holes for the fastening bolt 78 may be countersunk in the top surface of the channel-shaped member 60 and should be oriented to either side of the pivot bolt so that the leg may be assembled in an adjusted position substantially centered irrespective of whether the cross rail is in the outermost position or in its intermediate positron.

The leg 68 at each end of the cross rail is substantially the same as center leg 66 and is designated by the numeral 84 and attached to the channel-shaped

members

58 and 60 by rivets 86 and 88 (as illustrated in FIG. 7) for providing a permanent and rigid connection between the end legs 68 and the cross rails 34. All of the legs are provided with a suitable glide or caster 90 on the lower end thereof.

The connection between the ends of the cross rails 34 and the side rails 32 is substantially the same at each end of the cross rails and includes a rivet-type connector 92 at one corner of the channel-shaped

member

58 or 60 with the rivet being disposed through the horizontal flange 42 at a point adjacent the vertical flange 44. The horizontal flange 42 includes an arcuate slot 94 which receives a second rivet 96 interconnecting the flange 42 and the underlying channel-shaped

member

58 or 60 with the arcuate slot also receiving the rivet 96 and serving as a guide and limiting means for the swinging movement of the cross rail in relation to the side rail 32.

The horizontal flange 42 is also provided with a pair of downwardly struck oppositely extending tongues 98 which are received within a notch 100 having converging side edges communicated with the end edge of the channel-shaped

member

58 or 60 to limit the swinging movement of the cross rail to a perpendicular relation to the side rail with the structure of the tongues 98 serving to retain the flat surface of the cross rail against the undersurface of the horizontal or bottom flange 42.

As a further stabilizing feature, the bottom flange 42 may be provided with a single downwardly offset tongue 102 which is disposed adjacent the free edge of the bottom flange 42 and which is received in a notch 104 formed in the channel-shaped member 58 or 61) and further serving to retain the top surface of the cross rail rigidly against the undersurface of the bottom flange 42 for stability and also permitting pivoted swinging movement of the cross rail to a stored position underlying the side rail as illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 6. With this construction, the cross rail may be connected to the side rail at four relative corner positions when in perpendicular relation thereto, that is, by the rivet 92, the rivet 96, the two tongues 98 and the tongue 102. Thus, a rigid structure is provided and one also in which the

channels

58 and 60 may be disconnected from each other and swung to a stored position in underlying relation to the side rail to which it is attached for shipment in a compact arrangement. The cross rails can then be easily set up by grasping each of the channel-shaped members and swinging them into perpendicular relation to the respective side rails and then interlocking the channel-shaped members 58 and 61 by engaging the tongues 64 with the openings 62 to the desired preset position. The frame is then in a locked rigid position to receive the bedding.

FIGS. -13 illustrate another embodiment of the bedframes of this invention generally designated by the numeral 132 and which includes a pair of side rails generally designated by numeral 132 and a pair of cross rails generally designated by the numeral 136. Each side rail 132 may be made by stamping sheet metal, but is in the form of an angle iron member having a bottom or horizontal inwardly extending flange 140 and upwardly or vertically extending flange 142 at the outer edge thereof. The upwardly extending flange 142 may include a longitudinal rib 144 thereon for rigidity which terminates outwardly of the cross rails 136. One outer end of each rail 134 terminates in a vertical plate portion 146 that is approximately in alignment with the vertical flange 142 with the horizontal flange 1411mming downwardly and forming a lower portion of the vertical plate 146 with the transition area designated by numeral 148. The outer end of each vertical plate 146 is provided with an outwardly angulated plate 158 ter minating in an inturned end plate 152. The

plates

146 and 148 have reinforcing ribs 154 therein. The end plates 152 are provided with horizontally disposed vertically spaced attachment slots 156 therein. The other end of each rail 134 is cut off outside the cross rail 136 as at 153.

The cross rail 136 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14 and includes a pair of nesting and

telescopic angle members

158 and 160 secured to the side rails 134. The angle member 160 includes a plurality of pairs of keyhole slots 162 in the vertical flange thereof and the angle member 158 includes a plurality of pairs of projecting tongues 164 in the vertical flange thereof in which the tongues face oppositely and are shaped and arranged to interlockingly and detachably engage with the keyhole slots 162 as illustrated in FIG. 12. Leg assemblies 166 are provided at each end of the cross rails 136 and a central leg may be supported from the cross rails when the cross rails are in their medium and maximum extended positions. Each leg assembly includes a right angular bracket 168 having a depending tubular member 170 at the lower end thereof adjustably receiving a glide 172 or other supporting structure by virtue of the use ofa screw-threaded adjustable connection 174. The bracket 168 is attached to the vertical flange of the

members

160 and 158 by fastener bolts and nuts or the like 176 with similar rivets being employed to secure the central leg in position (see FIG. 11

Each cross rail 136 is attached at its end to the horizontal flange 140 of the side rails by use of a fastener such as a rivet 178 with a down struck tongue 180 being provided to receive the free edge of the leg to orient the cross rail in perpendicular relation to the side rails when in unfolded condition.

FIG. 14 illustrates still another embodiment of the bedframes of this invention which employs a pair of side rails 184 of metal construction, which again preferably may be formed of stamped metal. The vertical end plates 186 may be of sufficient length to provide a degree of lateral bending for the end portions of the rails. The free end of the plates 186 is provided with a transversely extending flange 188 projecting outwardly from the plate portion 186. Flange 188 terminates in a narrow flange 190 having a pair of downwardly opening hooks 192 thereon for downward engagement with the mounting pins in a vertical slot 194 in a headboard. A transversely extending abutment member 196 is provided at the upper end of the flange 188 which together with the flange 188 serves as the bearing surface of the hook connection to engage the surface of the end board leg 198 and thereby stabilize the end board in relation to the side rails.

In this construction, a cross rail 200 which is very similar to cross rail 136 in FIG. 10 is used as well as a tension member 202 whose function is described hereinafter. The only difference between cross rail 2110 and cross rail 136 of FIG. 10 results from the fact that during assembly of this bed frame, cross rail 200 is under slight compression. Accordingly, the cross rail 2110 is provided with a means to prevent contraction when adjusted to one of the preset positions. Such a means is illustrated in FIG. 15 and includes an upwardly struck lug 216 on angle member 210 which is so positioned thereon to engage the leading edge 214 of angle member 212. In order to accommodate the three preset positions of cross rail 200, there are three lugs 216 properly positioned along the length of angle member 210.

It should be noted that the lugs 216 are only slightly upwardly struck so as not to protrude above the upper surface of angle member 212, for otherwise the lugs 216 might tear or impair the bedding. Similarly, the projecting tongues 164 and slots 162 are positioned on the side of the

angle members

158 and 160 and 210 and 212 so as not to tear or otherwise destroy the bedding supported on the bed carriage.

The bed frame 184 in this embodiment of the invention as well as the bedding carried thereon are supported at the head end by the headboard 198 and at the foot end by vertically adjustable legs 199, which are similar in construction to legs 166 of FIG. 13. This is in contrast to the previously described embodiments of the invention which contemplate that the frame include four support legs and that the headboard (and footboard as in FIG. 1) be supported in an elevated position above the floor surface. By utilizing the headboard to support the head end of the bed, the headboard is rigidified in the bed construction and instability is thereby significantly reduced. The foot end of the frame 184 can be raised or lowered by means of the vertically adjustable legs 199 so as to be level with the head end of the bed. The height of the head end of the frame is, or course, determined by the height of the pins in the slots 194 and, therefore, may vary from headboard to headboard.

Thev two-legged bed frames of this invention include as an essential element a tension member, such as a wire rod or strap 202, which interconnects the side rails 184 at or near their lengthwise center. The wire or strap 202 has ends, such as hooks 203, which engage in corresponding apertures 185 in the side rails and is pre-set in length so that when installed, the distance be tween the vertical flanges of side rails 184 is essentially equal to the standardized width of the bedding to be supported on the frame. In order to accommodate the three separate standardized bedding widths, it is necessary with this embodiment of the invention to provide three different length cross members 202.

By reason of the accurate preset dimension of cross member 202 the side rails 184 will be held snugly in engagement with the side edges of the various size standardized bedding to thereby support the bedding on the horizontal flange of the side rails 184 over a major portion of their length. This arrangement not only assures that the bedding will be supported by the horizontal flanges 187 of the side rails 184 but also will provide a rigidifying structure inasmuch as the bedframe, headboard and box spring become an integral stressed unit which thereby prevents twisting or canting of the bedding in relation to the bedframe and the bedding will serve to retain the bedframe in substantial rectangular configuration with the headboard being substantially perpendicular to the side rails.

Further, this arrangement assures that irrespective of greater spacing between the slots in headboard than the width of the bedding, the pre-set tension member 202 will always pull the central portion of side rails 184 into snug engagement with the bedding or box spring. Since the cross-rails 200 are also pre-set to the exact width of the bedding, the bedding or box spring will be snugly supported on the horizontal flange 187 of the rails 184 from at least their central portion to the foot end. In order to accommodate the slightly greater spacing between the slots 194 of the headboard, the rails bend slightly in that portion between the hooks 192 and where the tension member 202 is connected thereto. The extent of the bending depends upon the spacing between the slots 194 in the headboard and, depending upon the length of the plate 186, more or less bending will be concentrated in the plate 186 as compared to the right angle portion of the side rail 184. As a result of this bending of the side rail 184 in conjunction with tension member 202, the two-legged frame of this invention can be assembled on endboards whose distance between slots may vary as much as two to three inches and more greater than the width of the bedding to be supported thereon. Hence, regardless of variation in the slot separation, this frame can be readily used on all types of headboards.

A further feature of this form of the invention is the downwardly indented portion 189 of the horizontal flange 187 which accommodates the hook 203 of the tension member 202. The identation allows the tension member 202 to be recessed below the supporting surface of the horizontal flange 187. In addition, when the

angle members

210 and 212 are aligned with the side rails 184 for shipment, the angle member abuts the downwardly struck lug 191 and is frictionally retained in that position by engagement with the lower surface of the indented portion 189.

To assemble the bed carriage illustrated in FIG. 14 it is only necessary for the person to swing

members

210 and 212 of cross rail 200 to their respective extended positions perpendicular to the side rails 184 and connect the angle members in the desired pre-set position. One side rail 184 is mounted on the headboard 198 by engaging the hooks 192 in slot 194. The tension member 202 is installed between the side rails. Then and only then is the other side rail 184 mounted on the headboard to thereby bend the rails the necessary amount to accommodate the slot spacing of the particular headboard 198. The legs 199 are then vertically adjusted to level the bed, if necessary.

FIG. 17 illustrates another two-legged embodiment of the bedframes of this invention which utilizes standard or conventional angle iron rails 204 as the side rails. The standard angle iron rails 204 are interconnected by a cross rail 206 at the foot end thereof, similar to cross rail 200 of FIG. 14, and a tension member 208 interconnects the central portions of the side rails, similar to member 202 in FIG. 14. The ends of the side rails 204 are provided with conventional attaching hooks and/or bearing plates 207 for mounting in the slots of headboard 209. In this construction, the side rails are of conventional angle iron construction with the cross member 208 retaining the side rails snugly against the bedding. Depending, of course, on the construction of the end portion 207, the side rails 204 may assume a bowed configuration along that portion of their length from about where the tension member 208 interconnects the side rails to where the side rails are mounted in the slots of the headboard.

Additionally, it is contemplated for this form of the invention that the cross rail 206 may be of the fully adjustable type or of the rigid type since the primary concept is the pulling of the central portions of the sides of the frame inwardly by the tension member 208 to the exact standardized width of the bedding irrespective of the distance between the slots on the headboard. Accordingly, whether the cross rail 206 is fully adjustable, or rigid to accommodate only a single width bedding is not material to this concept.

The general purpose of the bedframes is to provide a frame that has both strength and versatility and yet be relatively simple so that a customer may set up the frame himself or an inexperienced person may easily set up the frame. In addition, the frame will lock positively at preset widths to receive the standardized widths of bedding without the use of bolts and clamps and external parts that are subject to loss. The cross rails lock together into three preset dimensions that are standardized for the three standardized bedding sizes,

twin, full and queen sizes and the cross rails lock together into the correct width without nuts, bolts, clamps or the like. Thus, the width of the frame opening is limited to the size of the bedding and cannot open any further than its preset position and once the box spring is in place, the rails cannot close in.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In a bedframe having generally parallel side rails and an adjustable rigid cross rail adjacent the foot end of the side rails defining a support for bedding, a tension cross member interconnecting the side rails intermediate the ends thereof, the head ends of the side rails being free of each other to enable lateral bending from the cross member to the head ends while the side rails from the cross member to the cross rail being straight, said cross member being of preset length to retain the side rails in snug embracing relation to bedding of a standardized width.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said cross member is in the form of a wire rod having detachable anchoring engagement with the side rails to enable different length rods to be employed to enable the side rails to receive different standardized widths of bedding therebetween.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said side rails are of right angular configuration and the cross member is attached to the inwardly extending horizontal bottom flange thereof for retaining the bottom flanges of the side rails in underlying relation to the bedding along a substantial portion of the side edges thereof.

4. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said cross rail includes a pair of overlapping members, and means locking said overlapping members in a plurality of preset adjusted positions corresponding with the preset length of the cross member.

5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said overlapping members are of right angular configuration, said locking means including a plurality of keyhole slots and headed projections on said members, said slots and projections being arranged to preset the adjusted length of the cross rail.

6. A bed which comprises a box spring, an endboard for supporting one end of the bed and having slots spaced apart a greater distance than the width of the box spring, a frame including a pair of side rails, a rigid cross rail only at the other end of the bed, a pair of legs for supporting the other end of the bed, said side rails having end portions at said one end of the bed engaged in the slots in the endboard, and a tension member interconnecting and pulling the central portions of the side rails inwardly out of a straight line into the width of the box spring.

7. The bed as defined in claim 6 wherein said side rails are of right angle design throughout most of their length and having inwardly extending bottom flanges extending under the side edges of the box spring for supporting the same, said tension member being connected with the side rails adjacent the central portion thereof, said cross rail being adjustable to a preset length substantially the same as the tension member, the end portions of the side rails at said one end of the bed and remote from the rigid cross rail being free of each other to enable lateral deflection for engaging the slots in the endboard with the major portion of the side rails being retained in position with the inwardly extending flanges in supporting engagement with the box spring.

8. The bed as defined in claim 7 wherein said side rails are of stamped material and including a vertical plate-like extension integral with the end portions at said one end of the bed to facilitate flexing of the side rails to engage the slots in the endboard.

9. The bed as defined in claim 7 wherein each right angle side rail is of angle iron construction throughout most of its length and has a plate and attaching hook assembly rigid with the side rail at said one end of the bed.

10. The bed as defined in claim 6 wherein the portions of the side rails between the rigid cross rail and the tension member are substantially straight with the lateral deflection of the end portions of the rails at said one end of the bed occurring substantially completely between the tension member and said one end of the bed.

11. A bedframe comprising a pair of generally parallel side rails, a pair of generally parallel cross rails interconnecting the side rails and being substantially perpendicular thereto, means supporting said bedframe above a supporting surface, each of said cross rails including a pair of elongated overlapping members, means oriented at longitudinally spaced points along said overlapping members for locking the overlapping members in preset adjustable lengths to space the side rails apart distances corresponding to the standardized widths of bedding, means pivotally connecting the ends of the cross rails to the side rails to enable the overlapping members to be disconnected from each other and swung to a position alongside the side rails, said pivot means including a substantially horizontal flange on the side rail and a substantially horizontal flange on the cross rail disposed in underlying relation to the flange on the side rail with the portion of the flange on the cross rail underlying the flange on the side rail defining substantially a square area when the cross rail is perpendicular to the side rail, a pivot fastener pivotally joining an outer corner of the square area of the cross rail flange to an outer edge portion of the side rail flange, an arcuate slot in the side rail flange extending substantially ninety degrees from an outer edge portion of the side rail flange toward the inner edge portion thereof about a center defined by the pivot fastener, a guide fastener extending through the slot and through an inner portion of the square area on the cross rail flange to limit the pivotal movement of the cross rail and retain the flanges in adjacent positions, said side rail flange having laterally spaced and aligned depending, generally hook-shaped projections disposed in lateral alignment, said square area on the cross rail flange having notches therein receiving the projections on the side rail flange when the cross rail flange is disposed in perpendicular relation to the side rail with the pivot fastener, guide fastener and two projections being located substantially at the four corners of the square area of the cross rail flange thereby stabilizing the connection between the side rails and cross rails.

it i

12. The structure as defined in claim M wherein said overlapping members are of angular cross-sectional configuration for rigidity, and an auxiliary supporting member attached to the central portion of the cross rails when extended to their greatest length.

33 A bed construction having a head end and a foot end which comprises a bed frame having a pair of side rails, a pair of legs for support at the foot end of the frame and a pair of hooks at the head end of the frame and a headboard having a pair of spaced slots in which said hooks are received; said bed frame including a first and second cross member generally perpendicular to said side rails, said first cross rail interconnecting the foot end of said side rails and the second cross member interconnecting the central portions of said side rails; said slots in said headboard being spaced apart a distance sufficient to place said first cross member under a compressive force and said second cross member under a tension force so that the bed frame and headboard form an integral, stressed and rigid assembly.

1 The bed construction as defined in claim 13 wherein said side rails in combination with bedding are of right angle configuration having a horizontal flange and a vertical flange, said horizontal flange extends under the adjacent side edge of the bedding for supporting the same over a major portion of the side rail length and said vertical flange is in contact with the adjacent side edge of the bedding over a major portion of the side rail length such that the bedding, bed frame and headboard together form an integral and rigid assembly.

15. The bed construction as defined in claim 14 wherein said side rails are of stamped metal construction and include a vertical plate-like portion integral with and intermediate the right angle configuration and the hooks to facilitate flexing of the side rails to engage the slots in the headboard.

16. The bed construction as defined in claim i4 wherein the right angle portion of each side rail is of angle iron construction and has said hooks rigidly attached to the end thereof.

Claims

12. The structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said overlapping members are of angular cross-sectional configuration for rigidity, and an auxiliary supporting member attached to the central portion of the cross rails when extended to their greatest length.

13. A bed construction having a head end and a foot end which comprises a bed frame having a pair of side rails, a pair of legs For support at the foot end of the frame and a pair of hooks at the head end of the frame and a headboard having a pair of spaced slots in which said hooks are received; said bed frame including a first and second cross member generally perpendicular to said side rails, said first cross rail interconnecting the foot end of said side rails and the second cross member interconnecting the central portions of said side rails; said slots in said headboard being spaced apart a distance sufficient to place said first cross member under a compressive force and said second cross member under a tension force so that the bed frame and headboard form an integral, stressed and rigid assembly.

14. The bed construction as defined in claim 13 wherein said side rails in combination with bedding are of right angle configuration having a horizontal flange and a vertical flange, said horizontal flange extends under the adjacent side edge of the bedding for supporting the same over a major portion of the side rail length and said vertical flange is in contact with the adjacent side edge of the bedding over a major portion of the side rail length such that the bedding, bed frame and headboard together form an integral and rigid assembly.

16. The bed construction as defined in claim 14 wherein the right angle portion of each side rail is of angle iron construction and has said hooks rigidly attached to the end thereof.