US3854157A - Unitary space frame - Google Patents

Unitary space frame Download PDF

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Publication number
US3854157A
US3854157A US00382625A US38262573A US3854157A US 3854157 A US3854157 A US 3854157A US 00382625 A US00382625 A US 00382625A US 38262573 A US38262573 A US 38262573A US 3854157 A US3854157 A US 3854157A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
grid
members
frame
connecting members
offset
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00382625A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
D Trimble
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hercules LLC
Original Assignee
Hercules LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hercules LLC filed Critical Hercules LLC
Priority to US00382625A priority Critical patent/US3854157A/en
Priority to BR6098/74A priority patent/BR7406098D0/pt
Priority to GB2732774A priority patent/GB1457842A/en
Priority to CA203,707A priority patent/CA1013076A/en
Priority to DE2433439A priority patent/DE2433439C3/de
Priority to FR7425813A priority patent/FR2257244A1/fr
Priority to JP49084532A priority patent/JPS5042954A/ja
Priority to IT25531/74A priority patent/IT1033084B/it
Priority to AU71579/74A priority patent/AU479488B2/en
Priority to IE1581/74A priority patent/IE39991B1/xx
Priority to LU70607A priority patent/LU70607A1/xx
Priority to BE146949A priority patent/BE818094A/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3854157A publication Critical patent/US3854157A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/26—Moulds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C23/00—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases
    • A47C23/002—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases with separate resilient support elements, e.g. elastomeric springs arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C23/00—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases
    • A47C23/30—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases using combinations of springs covered by more than one of the groups A47C23/04, A47C23/06 and A47C23/12; Frames therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
    • B29C44/34—Auxiliary operations
    • B29C44/36—Feeding the material to be shaped
    • B29C44/38—Feeding the material to be shaped into a closed space, i.e. to make articles of definite length
    • B29C44/42—Feeding the material to be shaped into a closed space, i.e. to make articles of definite length using pressure difference, e.g. by injection or by vacuum

Definitions

  • the invention is a unitary space frame that has utility as a box spring frame and can be injection molded in a simple two-piece mold comprising an offset grid space frame having two grids similar in geometry with one grid offset from the other in plan said grids connected by connecting members that are parallel to the direction of mold opening travel and that interconnect angularly askewed members of said grids.
  • the instant invention provides a unitary plastic space frame structure in the form of an offset grid space structure that completely eliminates the necessity for hand labor in the assembly of a multiple section frame unit.
  • the instant invention provides a novel structure that may be injection molded utilizing a simple two-piece mold.
  • Another object of the instant invention is to provide an improved unitary three-dimensional space structure wherein assembly time and thereby overall cost isreduced by eliminating the need to individually assemble a large number of small structural units into a complete space frame.
  • Still another object of the instant invention is to provide a box spring frame having integral joints, said frame having molded integral attachment areas and being made from a stapleable material.
  • Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide a box spring frame having sound deadening properties, being lighter in weight than wood and not being susceptible to problems of humidity.
  • the purpose of the instant invention is to provide a unitary frame that is injection moldable in a simpletwo-piece mold.
  • the instant invention provides a unitary offset grid space structure having two grids similar in geometry with one grid offset from the other in plan but remaining directionally the same said upper and lower grids connected by connecting members that are parallel to the direction of mold opening travel and which interconnect angularly askewed members of said grids.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cutaway partial perspective view of a box spring utilizing the frame of the instant invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a partial plan view of the upper half of a two-piece mold used to produce the frame shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a partial section view taken along section lines 33 in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a partial section view taken along section lines 44 in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 shows a partial plan view of the lower half of the two-piece mold utilized to make the frame shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 shows a partial section view taken along section lines 6-6 in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 shows a partial section view taken along section lines 77 in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view of a first embodiment of a spring attaching portion of the frame.
  • FIG. 9 is a partial side section view taken along section lines 99 in FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 10 is a partial bottom view of a second embodiment of a spring attaching portion of the frame.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial section view taken along section lines 1l11 in FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 12 is a partial bottom view of a third embodiment of a spring attaching portion of the frame.
  • FIG. 13 is a partial section view taken along section lines l3-13 in FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 1 shows a box spring assembly generally noted at 20 having a supporting frame 22.
  • Frame 22 is basically an offset grid space structure having atop grid 24 and bottom grid 26, similar in geometry, with one grid offset from the otherin plan but remaining directionally the same.
  • the upper grid 24 is composed of typical integral members 24' and 24".
  • the lower grid 26 is composed of typical integral members 26'.
  • the upper grid 24 and lower grid 26 are connected by first connecting members 28 and second connecting members 30.
  • Three dimensional space structures of this type are usually constructed by assembling a large number of mass produced three dimensional units into a complete space frame structure.
  • the small three dimensional units are usually composed of steel structural members formed into inverted pyramid shape units assembled together in horizontal arrangement such that the bases of the pyramid shaped units form the upper surface of the space deck and the apexes of the pyramids when interconnected with horizontal side members form the lower surface of the space deck.
  • the present invention overcomes these disadvantages and provides further advantages by providing an integral frame structure that may be injection molded in a simple two-piece 1 mold as shown in FIGS. 2-7. Spirally formed coil wires or clips to an outer metal band 34 having the 'same general outside dimensions as lower grid 26.
  • Inner springs 32 are connected to the outer springs by a latticework of flat thin steel members 36 which are attached at their ends to the band 34.
  • the entire spring assembly is covered with a padding 38 and the entire assembly is covered with a suitable cloth cover 40.
  • the perimeter members of lower grid 26 may be made wider than shown to facilitate fastening cover 40 to the bottom thereof.
  • FIGS. 2-7 show the simple two-piece mold utilized to injection mold frame 22.
  • FIGS. 2-4 show the upper half of the mold and
  • FIGS. 5-7 show the lower half of the mold.
  • Cavities 42 as shown in FIG. 2 in cooperation with surfaces 49 in FIGS. 5 and 7 will produce top grid 24.
  • Cavities 44 in cooperation with surfaces 53 in FIGS. 5 and 7 will produce the attaching portions 33 as connecting members 30.
  • the offset grid construction utilizes first connecting members 28 to interconnect members 24 of the upper grid 24 and members 26 of the lower grid 26 that are angularly I askew, thereby allowing the entire'structure to be injection molded in the simple two-piece mold.
  • the essence of the invention is the injection molding of space frame structure from a simple two-piece mold having an inherent direction of mold opening travel to produce upper and lower offset grids interconnected by first connecting members that are parallel to the direction of mold travel and that intersect members in said grids that are angularly askew.
  • the upper grid and the lower grid do not necessarily have to be in parallel relationship as long as the first interconnecting members are parallel to the direction of mold travel and connect members in the upper grid which are angularly askew from members in the lower grid. If parallel'grid members 26 and 24' were interconnected by members that were parallel to the direction of moldtravel the end result would be an inefficientstructure composed of plates and not individual members.
  • T he upper and lower grids are further interconnected by second connecting members 30 diagonally mounted that prevent lateral shifting of the offset grids and provide structural connections for the grids and the spring attaching portions.
  • FIGS. 8-13 show the construction of three different spring attaching portions.
  • the first embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9 utilize a hollow cylindrical construction.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates lower grid 26 and upper grid 24.
  • the members of lower grid 26 merge with a hollow cylindrical section 4 having a solid top portion 56 to which the spring 32 is attached.
  • the members of lower grid 26 intersect to support platform 58 to which the spring 32 is attached by suitable means.
  • the lower grid 26 consists of deeper grid members 26' directly underneath the support platform 58 for additional strength.
  • the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 comprises an upper grid 24, lower grid 26, first connecting members 28, second connecting members 30 and spring support portions 33 integral with lower grid 26 for attaching spring 32.
  • the frame is preferably injection molded from thermoplastic material. It is, however, within the scope of the invention to make the frame from any material that may be suitably introduced in any way into a two-piece mold. Polypropylene structural foam is preferred in the production of box spring frames.
  • a unitary space frame suitable for forming in a simple two-piece mold having a direction of mold opening travel comprising:
  • a unitary box spring frame comprising:
  • first connecting members perpendicular to said upper grid each of said first connecting members interconnecting a grid member of said upper grid and a grid member of said lower grid that are angularly askew with respect to each other.
  • a box spring frame as in claim 3 further including.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
US00382625A 1973-07-25 1973-07-25 Unitary space frame Expired - Lifetime US3854157A (en)

Priority Applications (12)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00382625A US3854157A (en) 1973-07-25 1973-07-25 Unitary space frame
BR6098/74A BR7406098D0 (pt) 1973-07-25 1974-01-24 Armacao espacada unitaria formada num molde simples em duas pecas e armacao unitaria de estrado de molas
GB2732774A GB1457842A (en) 1973-07-25 1974-06-20 Unitary space frame
CA203,707A CA1013076A (en) 1973-07-25 1974-06-28 Unitary space frame
DE2433439A DE2433439C3 (de) 1973-07-25 1974-07-11 Federrahmen für Sitz- und Liegemöbel
FR7425813A FR2257244A1 (fr) 1973-07-25 1974-07-19
JP49084532A JPS5042954A (fr) 1973-07-25 1974-07-23
IT25531/74A IT1033084B (it) 1973-07-25 1974-07-24 Struttura tridimensionale a molle adatta in particolare a costituire telaio scatolare per letti
AU71579/74A AU479488B2 (en) 1973-07-25 1974-07-24 Unitary box spring frame
IE1581/74A IE39991B1 (en) 1973-07-25 1974-07-25 Unitary space frame
LU70607A LU70607A1 (fr) 1973-07-25 1974-07-25
BE146949A BE818094A (fr) 1973-07-25 1974-07-25 Cadre en une seule piece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00382625A US3854157A (en) 1973-07-25 1973-07-25 Unitary space frame

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3854157A true US3854157A (en) 1974-12-17

Family

ID=23509786

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00382625A Expired - Lifetime US3854157A (en) 1973-07-25 1973-07-25 Unitary space frame

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US3854157A (fr)
JP (1) JPS5042954A (fr)
BE (1) BE818094A (fr)
BR (1) BR7406098D0 (fr)
CA (1) CA1013076A (fr)
DE (1) DE2433439C3 (fr)
FR (1) FR2257244A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB1457842A (fr)
IE (1) IE39991B1 (fr)
IT (1) IT1033084B (fr)
LU (1) LU70607A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3995336A (en) * 1974-09-02 1976-12-07 Vanderheyden Herman E Spring mats
US4075722A (en) * 1976-12-27 1978-02-28 Hercules Incorporated Space frame seat assembly
US5489258A (en) * 1993-05-14 1996-02-06 Bissell Inc. Multi-position body support

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2979739A (en) * 1957-12-26 1961-04-18 Kay Mfg Corp Mattress, cushion or the like
US3302220A (en) * 1964-03-25 1967-02-07 Gauthier Pierre Box-mattresses
US3436446A (en) * 1966-06-08 1969-04-01 Union Carbide Corp Molding of foamed thermoplastic articles

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2979739A (en) * 1957-12-26 1961-04-18 Kay Mfg Corp Mattress, cushion or the like
US3302220A (en) * 1964-03-25 1967-02-07 Gauthier Pierre Box-mattresses
US3436446A (en) * 1966-06-08 1969-04-01 Union Carbide Corp Molding of foamed thermoplastic articles

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3995336A (en) * 1974-09-02 1976-12-07 Vanderheyden Herman E Spring mats
US4075722A (en) * 1976-12-27 1978-02-28 Hercules Incorporated Space frame seat assembly
US5489258A (en) * 1993-05-14 1996-02-06 Bissell Inc. Multi-position body support

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT1033084B (it) 1979-07-10
GB1457842A (en) 1976-12-08
LU70607A1 (fr) 1974-11-28
AU7157974A (en) 1976-01-29
DE2433439B2 (de) 1978-11-16
CA1013076A (en) 1977-06-28
IE39991L (en) 1975-01-25
BR7406098D0 (pt) 1975-05-13
DE2433439C3 (de) 1979-08-16
FR2257244A1 (fr) 1975-08-08
IE39991B1 (en) 1978-12-20
JPS5042954A (fr) 1975-04-18
DE2433439A1 (de) 1975-02-06
BE818094A (fr) 1974-11-18

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