WO1997016095A1 - Child's furniture system including a bed - Google Patents

Child's furniture system including a bed Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997016095A1
WO1997016095A1 PCT/US1996/017383 US9617383W WO9716095A1 WO 1997016095 A1 WO1997016095 A1 WO 1997016095A1 US 9617383 W US9617383 W US 9617383W WO 9716095 A1 WO9716095 A1 WO 9716095A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
headboard
child
footer
base
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/017383
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ronald M. Asbach
Gary R. Lemmeyer
David Dombrowski
Original Assignee
Fisher-Price, Inc.
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 Fisher-Price, Inc. filed Critical Fisher-Price, Inc.
Priority to AU75272/96A priority Critical patent/AU7527296A/en
Publication of WO1997016095A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997016095A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47DFURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D7/00Children's beds
    • A47D7/007Children's beds combined with other nursery furniture, e.g. chests of drawers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47DFURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D11/00Children's furniture convertible into other kinds of furniture, e.g. children's chairs or benches convertible into beds or constructional play-furniture

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a multi-purpose child's furniture svstem including a bed, and more specifically to such a system including a child's bed where components of the bed may be interchangeably arranged to accommodate different configurations, thus allowing for alternate uses as well as easy storage.
  • the conventional child's bed is incapable of being transformed from one piece of furniture to another, requiring the consumer to purchase additional furniture components, thus increasing the cost for the consumer.
  • Providing the consumer with a bed which may be transformed into a useful piece of furniture when the child outgrows the bed would extend the useful life of the purchase.
  • multiple furniture components occupy more space, the average child needing toy storage space, playing surface space, book storage space, a place to studv and a place to sleep.
  • the typical child is hard pressed to go to sleep, quite often because he or she desires more play time.
  • the child may more readily entertain the thought of sleeping.
  • the invention solves the problems and avoids the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a multi-purpose furniture system, with one embodiment capable of being configured for use as a bed, as a three-tier bookshelf, or as a two-tier bookshelf and a toddler bench.
  • Another embodiment of the invention provides for a multi-purpose furniture system which is capable of being configured for use as a bed or as a desk.
  • the major components other than the bed frame are comprised of a colorful, hollow molded plastic.
  • the invention provides a child's furniture svstem comp ⁇ sing a first support having a bench portion a second support, and a bed frame for supporting a child, wherein the system has a first configuration in which the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support and the rrame is arranged for supportmg the child, and a second configuration in which the frame is detached from the first support, and the bench portion is arranged for supporting the child
  • the invention provides a child's furniture svstem comprising a first support having a storage portion, a second support, and a bed frame for supporting a child, wherein the system has a first configuration in which the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support and the frame is arranged for supporting the child and the storage portion is accessible for storing ob j ects, and a second configuration in which the frame is detached trom the first support, and the first support is freestanding and the storage portion is accessible for storing objects
  • the invention provides a child's furniture system comprising a first support, a second support, and a frame, wherein the svstem has a first configuration in which the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support, and a second configuration in which the first support is freestanding, and the second support is stackable on at least part ot the first support
  • the invention provides a child's furniture svstem comprising a first support, a second support, and a frame, whereby in a first configuration, the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support, and in a second configuration the frame is detached from the first and the second supports and the first support is detachably mounted to the second support, wherein the first support is arranged as a footboard for a bed in the first configuration and a desktop tor a desk m the second configuration and the second support serves as a headboard for a bed in the first configuration and as the support structure for a desk in the second configuration
  • the invention provides a child's furniture system comprising a footer having a first surface, a base having second and third surfaces, a
  • first bench a second bench
  • a headboard having a fourth and fifth surtaces
  • a frame the system having a first configuration, in which the frame is releasably secured to the first support and the second support and spans the distance therebetween, the first bench is releasablv attachable to the first surface of the first support, the fifth surtace of the headboard is releasably attached to the second surface of the second support, and the second bench is releasably attached to the fourth surtace of the headboard, the first configuration forming a child's bed, and a second configuration, in which the frame is detached from the first support and the second support, the third surface of the second support is releasablv attached to the first surface of the first support, and the fifth surtace of the headboard is releasablv attached to the second surface of the second support, the second configuration forming a three-tier storage area, and a third configuration, in which the first support is releasably
  • the invention provides for a child's bed, which includes a footer which doubles as a child's seat and a headboard which doubles as a toy storage area.
  • the footer incorporates a contoured front bench surtace which is attached to the rooter support structure bv mating protuberances and apertures on the footer support structure with protuberances and apertures on the contoured front bench
  • the headboard /toy storage area is attached to a lower support member by mating protuberances on the lower support member with apertures on the headboard
  • Sandwiched between the footer support structure and the front bench surface are two side rails, which serve as the support structure for the beds' mattress. Likewise, the two side rails are sandwiched between the lower support member and the headboard.
  • the terminal ends of the side rails are equipped with flared ends which rest in cavities within the aforesaid supports Attached to the top surface of
  • the headboard /toy storage area is a decoratively contoured component which mav serve as a level surface for placing objects
  • This contoured component is attached to the upper aspects of the headboard by mating protuberances on the contoured component with apertures on the headboard
  • a shelf door defines the space between the decoratively contoured component and the headboard, providing an enclosed toy storage area
  • the invention in the bed configuration also provides protective guard rails to prevent the child trom inadvertently rolling out of the bed
  • the invention provides for a three-tier bookshelf
  • the footer serves as the first tier in the three-tier bookshelf configuration
  • the underside of the lower support member is releasablv attached to the top ot the footer by mating apertures on the underside of the lower support member with protuberances on the top side of the footer
  • Releasably attached to the top of the lower support component, mating with protuberances thereon is the headboard Attached to the top surface ot the headboard /toy storage area is a decoratively contoured component which mav serve as a level surface tor placing objects
  • This contoured component is attached to the upper aspects of the headboard bv mating protuberances on the contoured component with apertures on the headboard
  • a shelf door defines the space between the decoratively contoured component and the headboard, providing an enclosed toy storage area
  • the invention provides a child's furniture system comprising a first support, a second support, and a frame, wherein the system has
  • the lower support member serves as the first tier
  • the headboard/toy storage area which serves as the second tier, is attached to the ei support member by mating protuberances on the lower support member with apertures on the headboard.
  • a decoratively contoured component which may serve as a level surtace for placing objects
  • This contoured component is attached to the upper aspects of the headboard by mating protuberances on the contoured component with apertures on the headboard
  • a shelf door defines the space between the decoratively contoured component and the headboard, pro ⁇ id ing an enclosed toy storage area.
  • the toddler bench incorporates the contoured front bench surface which is attached to the footer support structure by mating protuberances and apertures on the footer support structure with protuberances and apertures on the contoured front bench
  • the underside of the contoured front bench includes a series ot ridges to reinforce the rigidity ot the structure, reducing bending caused by the weight of the child sitting on the contoured components' top surtace
  • the headboard serves as a toy storage area which includes a flip top door
  • This toy storage area can be manipulated to take on the appearance ot a garage, a doll-house, or any other child-pleasing environment
  • the invention provides for a child's bed, which includes a head support having a storage valley and a footboard which doubles as a desk top in a second configuration
  • a head support having a storage valley and a footboard which doubles as a desk top in a second configuration
  • two side rails span a distance between the head support and the footboard and are connected to both the head support and the footboard by conventional means, such as by screws
  • the head support is comprised of two head support walls and a center valley portion The two head support walls are connected to either side of the vallev portion via sliding hooks
  • the valley portion is equipped with two apertures for receivmg the footer in the second configuration
  • the footboard is corresponding! ) equipped with two lateral protuberances
  • the invention provides tor a flip-top desk
  • the footboard is attached to the valley portion of the head support by mating the two lateral protuberances on the footboard with the two apertures on the valley portion
  • This connection allows for vertical rotation ot the footboard with respect to the v alley portion
  • the v lley portion serves as a storage area in the second configuration of the third embodiment Brief Description Of The Drawings
  • Fig IA is a perspective view, taken trom the front-left, showing the first embodiment in the bed configuration constructed m accordance with the invention
  • Fig IB is a front view of the first embodiment in the three-tier bookshelf configuration constructed in accordance with the invention
  • Fig IC is a perspective ⁇ lew of the first embodiment of the two-tier bookshelf configuration with the toddler bench constructed in accordance with the invention
  • Fig ID is a perspective view, taken from the front-right, showing a second embodiment ot the bed configuration constructed in accordance with the invention, differing trom the first embodiment bv having a different decorative scheme
  • Fig IE is a front view of the second embodiment in the three- tier bookshelf configuration constructed in accordance with the invention
  • Fig IF is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the two-tier bookshelf configuration with the toddler bench constructed in accordance with the invention
  • Figs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F are perspective, front, rear, top, bottom and side views, respectively, ot the footer component constructed in accordance with the invention
  • FIGs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E are perspective, front, rear, top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the front bench constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are perspective, front, top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the base constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Figs. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E are perspective, front, rear, top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the headboard, constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a front view of the rigid planar sheet portion of the base constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C are front, rear and right-side views, respectively, of the shelf door constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are perspective, front and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the front bench constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the support frame constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a guardrail constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 11 is an exploded left-side perspective view of the first embodiment in the bed configuration constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • Figs. 12A and 12B illustrate the interaction between the side rails and the footer.
  • Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate the interaction between the side rails and the base.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates the interaction between the footer and the front bench.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates the interaction between the headboard and the base.
  • Fig. 16 illustrates the interaction between the headboard, the base, the shelf door, the rigid planar sheet and the footer top.
  • Fig. 17A illustrates the interaction between the rigid planar sheet and the headboard
  • Fig 17B illustrates the interaction between the shelf door and the headboard
  • Fig 18 illustrates the interaction between the footer top and the headboard
  • Fig 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in Figure 18 illustrating the interaction between the footer top, the headboard and the shelf door
  • Figs 20A and 20B illustrate the interaction between the second guard rail, the headboard, the base and the second side rail
  • Fig 21 is a cross-section taken along line 21-21 in Figure 1
  • a Fig 22 illustrates the interaction between the footer, the base and the headboard in the three-tier bookshelf conhguration
  • Fig 23 illustrates the interaction between the footer and the footer top in the toddler bench configuration
  • Fig. 24 illustrates the interaction between the base and the headboard in the two-tier bookshelf configuration
  • Fig 25 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention in the bed configuration
  • Fig 26 is a rear perspective view of the third embodiment ot the invention in the bed configuration
  • Fig 27 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention in the flip-top desk configuration
  • Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28-28 in Figure 27 of the third embodiment ot the invention in the flip-top desk configuration
  • a second configuration of the first and second embodiments of the mvention forms a three-tier bookshelf, best shown in Figures IB and IE
  • a third configuration ot the first and second embodiments of the invention forms a two-tier bookshelf with a toddler bench, as shown in Figures IC and IF
  • a first configuration ot the third embodiment of the invention includes a toddler bed, as shown in Figures 25 and 26.
  • a second configuration of the third embodiment of the invention forms a flip-top desk, illustrated in Figures 27 and 28
  • the construction and configuration of the various components of the invention allow the user to create a structure, e.g., a bed, a bookshelf, a desk or a toddler bench, according to the needs of the individual It is envisioned that the existence of a functional yet hideable bed will be a welcome addition to those families who entertain the children of other parents on overnight stavs
  • the first and second embodiments are functionally similar, differing only in their color schemes and decoration.
  • FIGs. 1 A and ID Preferred first and second embodiments of the invention are illustrated in Figs. 1 A and ID, respectively
  • the first and second embodiments differ only in their color scheme and decoration, as seen in more detail in Figs IA through IC for the first embodiment and ID through IF, for the second embodiment.
  • Figs. 2A through 24 and the accompanying description illustrate and describe the first embodiment only, since the second embodiment is similar m function and construction, differing only in color and decorative scheme.
  • the footer 100 as illustrated in Figs. 2A through 2F, is substantially u-shaped and includes a footer center portion 102 and first and second footer walls 104, 106
  • the footer center portion 102 has superior and inferior footer surfaces 108, 110
  • the superior footer surtace 108 contains six grooves 112 parallel to the first and second footer walls 104, 106, spanning the distance therebetween.
  • the inferior footer surface 110 shown in detail in Fig 2E, includes four footer support ndges 114
  • the footer support ndges 114 serve to reinforce the rigidity of the structure
  • the first and second footer walls 104, 106 are generally trapezoidal having first and second inferior footer wall surfaces 116, 118, first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122, first and second front footer wall surfaces 124, 126, first and second rear footer wall surfaces 128, 130, first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 and first and second footer protuberances 136, 138
  • the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 occupy space cut away from the first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122 and the first and second rear footer wall surfaces 128, 130, respectiveh
  • the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 terminate in first and second cavities 140, 142, which reside approximately at the midpoint
  • the footer top 200 is illustrated m Figs 3A through 3E
  • the footer top 200 which is releasably attachable to the footer 100, includes superior and interior footer top surfaces 202, 204, first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 and first and second footer top apertures 210, 212
  • integrally affixed to the inferior footer top surface 204 are the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208, sized to mate with the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, whose use will become apparent below
  • the inferior footer top surface 204 much like the inferior footer surtace 110, includes tour footer top support ndges
  • the superior footer top surface 202 will now be described In the preferred embodiment, the contours of the superior footer top surface 202 may function as both a seat and as a level area tor placement of objects
  • the footer top 200 serves as a storage area and also as a seating surface
  • the footer top, or seat, 200 includes first and second front ramped walls 220, 222, a footer top edge 224 and a footer top lip 226 As best shown in Figs 3A and 3D, the first and second front ramped walls 220, 222, the footer top edge 224 and the footer top lip 226 enclose a front planar region 228 on the superior front bench surtace 202
  • the invention includes a base 300
  • the base 300 is substantially u-shaped and includes a base center portion 302 and first and second base walls 304, 306
  • the base center portion 302 has superior and mferior base surfaces 308, 310 and front and rear base edges 312, 314
  • the superior base surtace 308 contains six base ndges 316 parallel to the first and second base walls 304, 306
  • the inferior base surface 310 includes four base support ndges 318 integrally connected thereto and laterally spanning the distance between the first and second base walls 304, 306
  • the base support ndges 318 serve to reinforce the rigidity of the structure
  • the first and second base walls 304, 306 are generally rectangular having first and second inferior base wall surfaces 320, 322, first and second superior base wall surfaces 324, 326, first and second front base wall surfaces 328, 330, first and second rear base wall surfaces 332, 334, third and fourth
  • the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338 are shaped to receive first and second side rails 702, 704, the first and second side rails 702, 704 being generally cylindrical in shape having first, second, third and fourth outwardly flared ends 706, 708, 710, 712 (shown in Fig. 9).
  • the first and second base protuberances 344, 346 sized to mate with the third and fourth headboard apertures 476, 478, are generally trapezoidal and reside on the first and second superior base wall surfaces 324, 326.
  • First and second base apertures 340, 342 reside on the first and second inferior base wall surfaces 320, 322, respectively.
  • the invention includes a headboard 400.
  • the headboard 400 serves both as a child's toy/storage area and as a support structure in both the bed configuration 10 and the bookshelf configurations 20, 30 of the first and second embodiments.
  • the headboard 400 is substantiaUy u-shaped and includes first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and a headboard center portion 406.
  • the headboard center portion 406 has superior and inferior headboard surfaces 408, 410 and front and rear headboard portions 412, 414.
  • the superior headboard surface 408 contains six headboard ridges 416 parallel to the first and second headboard walls 402, 404.
  • the inferior headboard surface 410 shown in detail in
  • Fig. 5E includes four headboard support ridges 418 integrallv connected thereto and laterally spanning the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404.
  • the headboard support ridges 418 serve to reinforce the rigidity of the
  • SUBST ⁇ JTE SHEET (RULE 26) structure As illustrated in Figs 5A, 5B and 5D, located proximal the midpoint ot the front headboard portion 412 is a finger cavity 420, whose use will become apparent below Located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spanning the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 is a groove 422.
  • the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 include first and second inferior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430, first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434, first and second front headboard wall surfaces 484, 486, first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 436, 438, first and second inte ⁇ or wall portions 460, 462 and first and second hook holes 448, 450 As illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5D, disposed upon the first superior headboard wall surface 432 is a tirst headboard aperture 452.
  • first and second headboard apertures 452, 454 are sixed to mate with the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608.
  • first and second headboard apertures 452, 454 are sixed to mate with the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608.
  • first and second channel portions 456, 458 are essentially rectangular cut-out portions existing on the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434, as best shown in Fig. 5A Referring to Figs.
  • first and second interior wall portions 460, 462 are integrally affixed to the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and lying within the u-shaped configuration formed by the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406.
  • the first and second interior wall portions 460, 462 are generally rectangular having first and second front interior wall surfaces 464, 466, first and second rear interior wall surfaces 468, 470 and first and second top interior wall surfaces 472, 474. As shown in Fig. 5A, the
  • the distance between the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 484, 486 and the first and second front interior wall surfaces 464, 466 is approximately equal to the width ot the shelf door 500
  • the first and second rear interior wall surfaces 468, 470 abut the groove 422 along the rear headboard portion 414
  • proximal the midpoint between the first and second interior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430 and the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434 are the first and second hook holes 448, 450.
  • the shelf door 500 includes first, second, third and fourth door edges 502, 504, 506 508 and first and second posts 510, 512
  • the first door edge 502 has first front, first rear and first side contact surfaces 514, 516, 518 Similarlv
  • the second door edge 504 has second front, second rear and second side contact surfaces 520, 522, 524
  • the first and second posts 510, 512 are integrally affixed to the first and second door edges 502, 504, on the first side and second side contact surfaces 518, 524, respectively. As shown in Fig.
  • the third door edge 506, which spans the distance between the first and second door edges 502, 504, is generally semi-cylindrical in shape having a first horizontal contact surtace 526
  • the fourth door edge 508 spans the distance between the first and second door edges 502, 504 and includes a second horizontal contact surface 528
  • the first and second embodiments of the invention include a headboard top 600.
  • the headboard top 600 provides a means for trapping the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 within the first and second channel portions 456, 458.
  • the headboard top 600 has superior and inferior headboard top surfaces 602, 604. Disposed upon the inferior headboard top surface 604 are first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608 and a headboard top lip 620.
  • the contours of the superior headboard top surface 602 function as a level area for the placement of objects.
  • the headboard top 600 serves as a storage area.
  • the headboard top surface 602 might also serve as a seating surface similar to the footer top surface 202.
  • the headboard top 600 includes first and second rear ramped walls 610, 612, a headboard top edge 614 and a headboard top wall 616. As best shown in Fig. 8A, the first and second rear ramped walls 610, 612, the headboard top edge 614 and the headboard top wall 616 enclose a planar region 618 on the superior headboard top surface 602.
  • the mattress support frame 700 includes first and second side rails 702, 704, each having a diameter equal to or less than the width of the first, second, third and fourth side rail receiving portions 132, 134, 336, 338.
  • the first side rail 702 has first and second flared ends 706, 708, sized to rest within the first and third cavities 140, 348, respectively.
  • the second side rail 704 has third and fourth flared ends 710, 712, sized to rest within the second and fourth cavities 348, 350, respectively-
  • a series of six cylindrical rods 714 are rigidly affixed at right angles along the longitudinal axis of the first and second side rails 702, 704 and are spaced equidistant from each other.
  • the generally rectangular frame formed by the interaction between the first and second side rails 702, 704 and the six cylindrical rods 714 is capable of supporting a weight therebetween.
  • any structure capable of supporting a weight is suitable, such as a planar sheet.
  • a mattress is placed on the frame when in the bed configuration.
  • any type of support surtace, including a planar member, mav be used to support the mattress.
  • a frame 700 is provided in the preferred embodiment, in other embodiments the footer 100 and base 300 mav be configured with attachment points accepting a standard bed or crib frame, so that the standard frame is used instead of the preferred frame 700.
  • first and second guard rails 800, 802 are provided.
  • the first guard rail 800 has a first guard rail edge 804 and a second guard rail edge 806.
  • Located near the lower aspects of the first guard rail edge 804 is a first guard rail hole 808 Integrally affixed to the upper aspects of the second guard rail edge 806 is a first guard rail hook 810.
  • the first guard rail hook 810 is cylindrical in shape and sized to fit within the first hook hole 448.
  • the second guard rail 802 has a third guard rail edge 814 and a fourth guard rail edge 816. Located near the lower aspects of the third guard rail edge 814 is a second guard rail hole 818. Integrally affixed to the upper aspects of the fourth guard rail edge 816 is a second guard rail hook 820.
  • the second guard rail hook 820 is cylindrical in shape and sized to fit withm the second hook hole 450. Integrally connected along the lower aspects ot the fourth guard rail edge 816 is a second tab 822.
  • a preferred third embodiment of the invention in the convertible bed configuration 50 includes a footboard 101
  • the footboard 101 is generally rectangular in shape and includes superior and inferior footboard surfaces 103, 104, first and second vertical footboard edges 107, 109 a horizontal footboard edge 111 and a pivoting portion 113.
  • the inferior footboard surface 105 contains nine footboard cutout portions 115, whose use will become
  • the superior footboard surtace 103 includes a substantially smooth center surtace 121
  • the pivoting portion 113 which lies in the same plane as the horizontal footboard edge 111, is essentiallv a cut-out portion having first, second and third pivoting edges 123, 125, 127
  • First and second footboard apertures 129, 131 reside on the first and third pivoting edges 123, 127, respectively
  • First and second footboard notches 133, 135 reside in a plane parallel and proximate to the first and second vertical footboard edges 107, 109
  • the head support 401 is illustrated in Figs 25 through 28
  • the head support 401 includes first and second head support walls 403, 405 and a valley portion 407
  • the first head support wall 403 includes first superior and first inferior head support wall surfaces 409, 411 and first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth head support wall edges 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423
  • the first supe ⁇ or head support wall surtace 409 includes a first indention 425 Located within the first indention 425, shown best in Fig 27, are head support wall holes 427 Residing on and traversing through both the first superior head support wall surface 409 and the first inferior head support wall surtace 411 are first and second sliding hook holes 429, 431
  • the first inferior head support wall surtace 411 includes a first rail receiving notch 433, best shown in Fig 28
  • the first rail receiving notch 433 and the first indention 425 reside in approximately the same plane and are parallel to one another
  • the valley portion 407 includes first and second valley edges 461, 463, first and second valley protuberances 477, 479 and a valley 465 having superior and inferior valley surfaces 481, 483. Integrally affixed to the first valley edge 461 are first and second sliding hooks 467, 469. Similarly, integrally affixed to the second valley edge 463 are third and fourth sliding hooks 471, 473.
  • the valley 465 Residing between the first and second valley edges 461, 463 is the valley 465, as best shown by cross- sectional view in Fig. 28.
  • the inferior valley surface 483 is contoured (as shown in Figs. 25 and 28) and includes a front valley lip 475 and a valley hinge 485.
  • the first and second valley protuberances 477, 479 reside on opposing sides on the valley hinge 485, best shown in Fig. 26.
  • the third embodiment includes a frame 701.
  • the frame 701 includes first and second support rails 703, 705, each having a diameter approximately equal to or slightly less than the width of the first and second support rail receiving slots 117, 119 and the first and second rail receiving notches 433, 459. Referring to Fig.
  • the first support rail 703 is generally L-shaped and has first and second support rail ends 707, 709.
  • the second support rail 705 is generally L-shaped having third and fourth support rail ends 711, 713.
  • a series of six connector rods 715 are rigidly affixed at right angles along the longitudinal axis of the first and second support rails 703, 705 and are spaced equidistant from one another.
  • the generally rectangular frame formed by the interaction between the first and second support rails 703, 705 and the six support rods 715 is capable of supporting a weight therebetween.
  • any suitable structure capable of supporting a weight including a planar sheet, may be used as a support frame.
  • a mattress is placed on the frame when in the bed
  • the first and second embodiments as arranged in the bed configuration 10 will now be described in detail.
  • the bed configuration utilizes the footer 100, the footer top 200, the base 300, the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500, the headboard top 600, the first and second side rails 702, 704, the six cylindrical rods 714 and the first and second guard rails 800, 802, as illustrated in
  • the basic support structure for the bed frame utilizes the footer 100, the base 300 and a rectangular frame formed by the interaction between the first and second side rails 702, 704 and the six cylindrical rods 714.
  • the first and second side rails 702, 704 are placed within the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, which are nested within the first and second footer walls 104, 106, respectively.
  • the first flared end 706 on the first side rail 702 is inserted into the first cavity 140 located within the first side rail receiving portion 132.
  • the third flared end 710 on the second side rail 704 is inserted into the second cavity 142 located within the second side rail receiving portion 134.
  • the first and second side rails 702, 704 are placed within the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338, which are nested within the first and second base walls 304, 306, respectively, as shown in Figs. 13A and 13B.
  • the second flared end 708 on the first side rail 702 is inserted into the third cavity 348 located within the third side rail receiving portion 336.
  • the fourth flared end 712 on the second side rail 704 is inserted into the fourth cavity 350 located within the fourth side rail receiving portion 338.
  • the footer top 200 is releasably attached to the footer 100.
  • the footer top 200 is oriented over the top ot the footer 100 such that the first and second footer protuberances 136, 138, integrally affixed to the first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122, mate with the first and second footer top apertures 210, 212, residing on the interior footer top surtace 204
  • the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 integrally affixed to the inferior footer top surface 204, mate with the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134
  • the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 are sized in length so that they do not completely describe the space defined by the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, leaving a gap large enough to accommodate the first and second side rails 70
  • the first and second side rails 702, 704 are trapped between the lower aspects ot the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 and the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 Additional fastening means, such as screws, mav be used to further strengthen the connection points between the footer 100 and the footer top 200
  • Additional fastening means such as screws, mav be used to further strengthen the connection points between the footer 100 and the footer top 200
  • the first and third flared ends 706, 710 on the first and second side rails 706, 710 prevent the first and second side rails 702, 704 from sliding longitudinally within the footer 100
  • the second and fourth flared ends 708, 712 prevent the first and second side rails 702, 704 from sliding longitudinallv within the base 300
  • the footer top 200 rests on the footer 100, and forms a storage area defined by the superior footer top surtace 202 of the footer 200, the first and second footer walls 104, 106 and the interior footer top surface 204 In
  • the headboard 400 is releasably attached to the base 300 as follows
  • the headboard 400 is oriented over the top of the base 300 such that the first base protuberance 344, residing on the first superior base wall surface 324, mates with the third headboard aperture 476, located on the first inferior headboard wall surface 428.
  • the second base protuberance 346 residing on the second superior base wall surface 326, mates with the fourth headboard aperture 478, located on the second inferior headboard wall surface 430.
  • the first and second inferior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430 provide a ceiling for the openings created on the first and second superior base wall surfaces 324, 326 by the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338.
  • This configuration allows for a gap between the first and second side rails 702, 704, resting within the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338, and the first and second inferior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the base 300.
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 may be attached to the headboard 400 to form an enclosed storage area defined by the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500, the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406.
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 is inserted into the groove 422, which is located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spans the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404.
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 describes the space between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406.
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 is secured in an upright position, in part, by the four rigid plate retaining notches 424 (not shown) nested equidistant from each other within the groove 422.
  • the shelf door 500 which is movable between a first and a second position, is positioned such that the first and second posts 510,
  • first and second posts 510, 512 located on the first and second door edges 502, 504, respectively, rest within the first and second channel portions 456, 458.
  • first and second posts 510, 512 rest within the first and second channel portions 456, 458 such that the first and second posts 510, 512 are abutting the rear aspects of the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438, respectively
  • the first rear contact surtace 516 on the first door edge 502 lies in contact with the first front interior wall surtace 464 on the first interior wall portion 460
  • the second rear contact surface 522 lies in contact with the second front interior wall surface 466 on the second interior wall portion 462
  • the first and second front inte ⁇ or wall surfaces 464, 466 prevent the fourth door edge 508 from traveling from the front headboard portion 412 toward the rear headboard portion 414 Completmg the description of the first door position, the fourth door edge 414 rests along the front headboard portion 412 located on the supe ⁇ or headboard surtace 408 of the
  • the headboard top 600 may be attached to the headboard 400 once the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 are in the position described above
  • the headboard top 600 is oriented such that the headboard top wall 616 abuts the first horizontal contact surface 526 on the shelf door 500, proximal the intersection between the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438 and the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434
  • the headboard top 600 is lowered onto the headboard 400 such that the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608, integrally affixed to the inferior headboard top surface 604, mate with the first and second headboard apertures 452, 454, residing on the first and second supe ⁇ or headboard wall surfaces 432, 434, respectively
  • Additional fastening means such as screws, mav be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the headboard top 600
  • the protuberances and apertures are sized to permit stacking of only some components into preselected other components Since the sizes of the apertures and protuberances are different on components which are
  • any or all of the footer 100, the footer top 200, the base 300, the headboard 400 and the headboard top 600 may all incorporate identically sized apertures and protuberances for ease of manufacture and versatility to permit a greater range of configurations.
  • the inferior headboard top surface 604 provides a ceiling for the first and second channel portions 456, 458, allowing the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 to travel in only one, linear direction, as shown in detail in Fig. 18.
  • the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the partially enclosed ridge defined by the first and second channel portions 456, 458 and the inferior headboard top surface 604.
  • first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the first and second channel portions 456, 458, traversing from the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438 towards the first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 440, 442, the first rear contact surface 516 of the first door edge 502 slidingly makes contact with first top interior side wall surface 472 on the first interior wall portion 460.
  • the second rear contact surface 518 of the second door edge 504 slidingly makes contact with the second top interior wall surface 474 on the second interior wall portion 462.
  • the shelf door 500 is retained in the second position (the open position) bv resting the first and second rear contact surfaces 516, 522 on the first and second top interior wall surfaces 472, 474, which effectively serve as supports for the shelf door 500.
  • this storage area is thus enclosed from the top, sides, and rear and further by a movable door that fully encloses the storage area.
  • the storage area may take other shapes, and the movable door may be omitted.
  • First and second guard rails 800, 802 are provided to inhibit the occupant from inadvertently rolling out of the bed.
  • onlv attachment of the second guard rail 802 is described, as both the first and second guard rails 800, 802 are attached in identical fashion
  • the second guard rail 802 is attached as follows.
  • the second guard rail hook 820 which is integrally affixed to the upper aspects of the fourth guard rail edge 816, is inserted mto the second hook hole 450, residing in the second front headboard wall surface 438.
  • the geometry of the second guard rail hook 820 requires the second guard rail 802 to be positioned in a first orientation during insertion As shown in detail in Fig 19A, the first orientation is such that the second guard rail hole 818, located near the rear aspects of the third guard rail edge 814, lies above the second guard rail hook 820 in relation to the plane defined by the first and second side rails 702, 704 With the second guard rail hook 820 inserted into the second hook hole 450, the second guard rail 802 is pivoted to a second o ⁇ entation, forcing the second tab 822 into the gap defined bv the space between the second side rail 704 and the second inferior headboard wall surtace 430.
  • the second guard rail 802 is further secured by releasably coupling the second guard rail 802 to the second side rail 704 This is accomplished by providing a screw or similar element through the second guard rail hole 818, wherein the screw mates with a hole in the second side rail 704 proximate the position where the second guard rail hole abuts the second side rail 704
  • the third embodiment, arranged in a bed configuration 50 will now be described in detail
  • the bed configuration 50 utilizes a tootboard 101, a frame 701 and a head support 401.
  • the first and second support rails 703, 705 are placed within the first and second support rail receiving slots 117, 119, located on the inferior footboard surface 105.
  • the first support rail end 707 of the first support rail 703 is placed within the first support rail receiving slot 117
  • the third support rail end 711 of the second support rail 705 is placed within the second side rail receiving slot 119
  • the first and second support rails 703, 705 are held within the first and second side rail receiving slots 117, 119 by conventional means, such as screws Because the first and second footboard notches 133, 135 lie in the same parallel plane as the first and second rail receiving slots 117, 119, and thus lie in the same parallel plane as the first and second side rails 703, 705, the distance between the first and second support rails 107, 109 and the superior footboard surface 103 is reduced, facilitating the insertion of screws to secure the first and second support rails 107, 109 to the footboard 101.
  • Pre-drilled holes on the first and second side rails 703, 705 at predetermined locations facilitates the connection to the footboard 101.
  • the first and second support rails 703, 705 are placed within the first and second rail receiving notches 433, 459, which reside on the first and second inferior head support wall surfaces 411, 437, respectively.
  • the second support rail end 709 of the first support rail 703 is placed within the first rail receiving notch 433.
  • the fourth support rail end 713 of the second support rail 705 is placed within the second rail receiving notch 459.
  • the first and second support rails 703, 705 are held within the first and second rail receiving notches 433, 459 by inserting conventional screws through the head support wall holes 427, 453.
  • the head support wall holes 427, 453 provide for direct contact with the first and second support rails 703, 705.
  • Pre-drilled holes on the first and second side rails 703, 705 at predetermined locations where the head support wall holes 427, 453 provide direct contact with the first and second support rails 703, 705 facilitates the connection.
  • the valley portion 407 is connected to the first head support wall 403 by mating the first and second sliding hooks 467, 469, residing on the first valley edge 461, with the first and second sliding hook holes 429, 431.
  • the valley portion 407 is connected to the second head support wall 405 by mating the third and fourth sliding hooks 471, 473, residing on the second valley edge 463, with the third and fourth sliding hook holes 455, 457.
  • the superior valley surface 481 serves as a storage /support area.
  • the first and second embodiments can be arranged in a three-tier bookshelf configuration 20, which will now be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 21, this configuration utilizes the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 800, the headboard top 600, the base 300 and the looter 100
  • the footer 100 which is firmly placed on a level surtace, serves as the first tier in the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20.
  • the base 300 serves as the second tier of the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20.
  • the base 300 which is releasably attached to the footer 100, is oriented over the footer 100 such that the first footer protuberance 136, which resides on the first superior footer wall surtace 120, mates with the second base aperture 342, located on the second inferior base wall surtace 322. Accordingly, the second footer protuberance 138, which resides on the second superior footer wall surface 122, mates with the first base aperture 340, located on the first inferior base wall surface 320. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the footer 400 and the base 300.
  • the headboard 400 serves as the third tier in the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20
  • the headboard 400 which is releasablv attached to the base 300, is oriented over the top ot the base 300 such that the first base protuberance 344, residing on the first superior base wall surtace 324, mates with the third headboard aperture 478, located on the first inferior headboard wall surface 428.
  • the second base protuberance 346 residing on the second superior base wall surface 326, mates with the fourth headboard aperture 478, located on the second inferior headboard wall surtace 430.
  • Additional fastening means such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the base 300.
  • the shelf door 500, the rigid planar sheet 426 and the headboard top 600 may be integrated with the
  • the headboard may be utilized as a storage area
  • the shelf door 500 and the rigid planar sheet 426 need not be attached in this configuration If an enclosed storage area is desired, attaching the shelf door 500 and the rigid planar sheet 426 may be accomplished in the same fashion as in the bed configuration 10
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 is inserted into the groove 422, which is located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spans the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 describes the space between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 is secured in an upright position, in part, by the tour rigid plate retaining notches 424 (not shown) nested equidistant from each other within the groove 422
  • the shelf door 500 which is movable between a first and a second position, is positioned such that the first and second posts 510, 512, located on the first and second door edges 502, 504, respectively, rest withm the first and second channel portions 456, 458
  • a first door position shown in Fig 21, the first and second posts 510, 512 rest within their corresponding channel portions 456, 458, such that the first and second posts 510, 512 are abutting the rear aspects of the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438
  • the first rear contact surtace 516 on the first door edge 502 lies m contact with the first front interior wall surface 464 on the first interior wall portion 460
  • the second rear contact surface 522 lies m contact with the second front inte ⁇ or wall surface 466 on the second interior wall portion 462
  • the fourth door edge 508 rests along the front headboard portion 412 located on the superior headboard surface 408 of the headboard center portion 406
  • the headboard top 600 may be attached once the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 are in the position described above The headboard top 600,
  • the inferior headboard top surface 604 provides a ceiling for the first and second channel portions 456, 458, allowing the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 to travel in only one, linear direction
  • the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the partially enclosed ridge defined by the first and second channel portions 456, 458 and the inferior headboard top surface 604
  • the first rear contact surtace 516 ot the first door edge 502 slidingly makes contact with the first top interior wall surface 472 on the first interior wall portion 460
  • the second rear contact surface 518 of the second door edge 504 slidingly makes contact with the second top interior wall surtace 474 on the second interior wall portion 462
  • the shelf door 500 is retained in the second position (the open position) by resting the first and second rear contact
  • first and second hook holes 448, 450 which have no utility in the three-tier bookshelf configuration, are concealed by conventional means, such as by first and second plugs 480, 482
  • FIG. 22 and 23 This configuration utilizes the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500, the headboard top 600, the base 300, the footer top 200 and the footer 100.
  • the footer 100 which is firmly placed on a level surface, serves as the support structure for the toddler bench 40.
  • the footer top 200 serves as the sitting surface for a toddler.
  • the footer top 200 which is releasably attachable to the footer 100, is oriented over the top of the footer 100 such that the first and second footer protuberances 136, 138, integrally affixed to the first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122, mate with the first and second front bench apertures 210, 212, residing on the inferior footer top surface 204. Simultaneously, the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208, integrally affixed to the inferior footer top surface 204, mate with the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134.
  • the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 are sized lengthwise so that they do not completely describe the space defined by the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, leaving a gap, as shown by cross-sectional view in Fig. 21. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the footer 100 and the footer top 200.
  • the two-tier bookshelf 30 utilizes the base 300, the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500 and the headboard top 600.
  • the base 300 serves as the first tier
  • the headboard 400 serves as the second tier in the two-tier bookshelf configuration 30.
  • the base 300 is free-standing and can support the headboard 400 when stacked thereon. Alternatively, the base 300 can be utilized alone.
  • the headboard 400 which is releasably attached to the base 300, is oriented such that the first base protuberance 344, residing on the first superior base wall surface 324, mates with the third headboard aperture 476, located
  • the second base protuberance 346 residing on the second superior base wall surface 326, mates with the fourth headboard aperture 478, located on the second inferior headboard wall surface 430. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the base 300.
  • the shelf door 500, the rigid planar sheet 426 and the headboard top 600 are integrated with the headboard 400. This is accomplished in the same fashion as both the bed configuration 10 and the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20.
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 is inserted into the groove 422, which is located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spans the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404.
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 blocks the space between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406.
  • the rigid planar sheet 426 is secured in an upright position, in part, by the four rigid plate retaining notches 424 (not shown) nested equidistant from each other within the groove 422.
  • the shelf door 500 which is movable between a first and a second position, is positioned such that the first and second posts 510, 512, located on the first and second door edges 502, 504 respectively, rest within the first and second channel portions 456, 458.
  • first and second posts 510, 512 rest within their corresponding channel portions 456, 458 such that the first and second posts 510, 512 are abutting the rear aspects of the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438.
  • the first rear contact surface 516 on the first door edge 502 lies in contact with the first front interior wall surface 464 on the first interior side wall portion 460.
  • the second rear contact surface 522 lies in contact with the second front inte ⁇ or wall surface 466 on the second interior wall portion 462.
  • the fourth door edge 508 rests along the front headboard portion 412 located on the superior
  • the linger cavity 420 located on the front headboard portion 412 allows the user to reach under the door to move it from a first position to a second position, as described below
  • the headboard top 600 may be attached once the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 are in the position described above Referring to Figs 15 and 17, the headboard top 600, which is releasably attachable to the headboard 400, is o ⁇ ented such that the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608, integrally affixed to the inferior headboard top surface 604, mate with the first and second headboard apertures 452, 454, residing on the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434 Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the headboard top 600
  • the inferior headboard top surface 604 provides a ceiling for the first and second channel portions 456, 458, allowing the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 to travel in only one, linear direction When moving the shelf door from the first position to the second position, the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the completely enclosed slot defined bv the first and second channel portions 456, 458 and the inferior headboard top surface 604 As the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the first and second channel portions 456, 458, traversing from the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438, towards the first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 440, 442, the first rear contact surface 516 ot the first door edge 502 slidingly makes contact with first top interior wall surface 472 on the first interior wall portion 460 Likewise, the second rear contact surface 518 of the second door edge 504 slidingly makes contact with the second top interior wall surface 474 on the second interior wall portion 462.
  • the shelf door 500 is retained in the second position (the open position) by resting the first and second rear contact surfaces 516, 522 on the first and second top interior side wall surfaces 472, 474, which effectively serve as supports for the shelf door 500
  • the first and second hook holes 448, 450 which have no utility in the two-tier bookshelf configuration, are concealed by conventional means, such as by first and second plugs 480, 482 5.
  • the third embodiment can be arranged in a toddler desk configuration 60, which will now be described in detail As shown in Figures 27 and 28, this configuration utilizes the head support 401 and the footboard 101
  • the first head support wall 403 is releasably connected to the valley portion 407 by mating the third and fourth sliding hooks 467, 469, residing on the first valley edge 461, with the third and fourth sliding hook holes 455, 457, which span the distance between the second inferior head support wall surtace 411 and the second superior head support wall 409
  • the second head support wall 405 is secured to the valley portion 407 by mating the first and second sliding hooks 471, 473, residing on the second valley edge 463, with third and fourth sliding hook holes 429, 431, which span the distance between the first inferior head support wall 437 and the first superior head support wall 435
  • the inferior valley surface 483 serves as a storage area (as opposed to the superior valley surface 481 in the bed configuration 50)
  • the tootboard 101 is attached to the head support 401 as follows
  • the footboard 101 is attached to the valley portion 407 of the head support 401 such that the first and second footboard apertures 129, 131, residing on the first and second pivoting edges 123, 125, respectively, mate with the first and second protuberances 477, 479, integrally affixed to opposing sides on the hinge 485, as shown in Fig 26
  • the connection points between the first and second footboard apertures 129, 131 and the first and second protuberances 477, 479 allow the footboard 101 (which now serves as the desk-top) to pivot from a first position, overlying the interior ⁇ alley surface 483, shown in Fig 27, in the direction shown in arrow A, to a second raised position, providing access to the interior valley surtace 483
  • the inferior valley surface 483 serves as a storage area.
  • the footboard 101 functions as a flip-top desk and a flip-top cover for the storage area underneath.
  • the front vallev lip 475 provides for an inclined surface to prevent objects stored within the valley portion 407 from inadvertently sliding out of the plane defined by the inferior valley surface 483.
  • the first and second head support walls 403, 405 serve to enclose the area defined by the inferior footboard surface 105 and the valley portion 407.
  • any of the components such as, for example, the footer 100, the headboard 400 or the base 300, may include a toy box forming a storage portion in the first and second embodiments.
  • the head support 401 may be configured to encompass a toy box, and may have the footboard 101 as a pivoting lid.
  • the footer 100, footer top 200, base 300, headboard 400, shelf door 500, headboard top 600, footboard 101, and head support 401 are hollow -molded from plastic, these components may of course be manufactured from anv suitable materials, such as wood or metal.

Abstract

This invention relates generally to a multi-purpose child's furniture system including a bed, and more specifically to such a system including a child's bed that may be transformed from a bed into a three-tier bookshelf or a two-tier bookshelf and a toddler bench. Additionally, the headboard serves as a child's play area. The invention also relates to a system whereby the components of the bed may be interchangeably arranged to accommodate different configurations, thus allowing for alternate uses as well as easy storage. Another embodiment relates to a furniture system including a child's bed which may be transformed from a bed into a desk with a flip-top work surface.

Description

CHILD'S FURNITURE SYSTEM INCLUDING A BED
Background Of The Invention
This invention relates generally to a multi-purpose child's furniture svstem including a bed, and more specifically to such a system including a child's bed where components of the bed may be interchangeably arranged to accommodate different configurations, thus allowing for alternate uses as well as easy storage.
The conventional child's bed is incapable of being transformed from one piece of furniture to another, requiring the consumer to purchase additional furniture components, thus increasing the cost for the consumer. Providing the consumer with a bed which may be transformed into a useful piece of furniture when the child outgrows the bed would extend the useful life of the purchase. Furthermore, multiple furniture components occupy more space, the average child needing toy storage space, playing surface space, book storage space, a place to studv and a place to sleep. Frequently, the typical child is hard pressed to go to sleep, quite often because he or she desires more play time. By providing the child with sleeping area with which he or she associates with playing, the child may more readily entertain the thought of sleeping.
Summary Of The Invention
The invention solves the problems and avoids the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a multi-purpose furniture system, with one embodiment capable of being configured for use as a bed, as a three-tier bookshelf, or as a two-tier bookshelf and a toddler bench. Another embodiment of the invention provides for a multi-purpose furniture system which is capable of being configured for use as a bed or as a desk. The major components other than the bed frame are comprised of a colorful, hollow molded plastic.
In one aspect, the invention provides a child's furniture svstem compπsing a first support having a bench portion a second support, and a bed frame for supporting a child, wherein the system has a first configuration in which the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support and the rrame is arranged for supportmg the child, and a second configuration in which the frame is detached from the first support, and the bench portion is arranged for supporting the child In another aspect, the invention provides a child's furniture svstem comprising a first support having a storage portion, a second support, and a bed frame for supporting a child, wherein the system has a first configuration in which the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support and the frame is arranged for supporting the child and the storage portion is accessible for storing objects, and a second configuration in which the frame is detached trom the first support, and the first support is freestanding and the storage portion is accessible for storing objects
In still another aspect, the invention provides a child's furniture system comprising a first support, a second support, and a frame, wherein the svstem has a first configuration in which the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support, and a second configuration in which the first support is freestanding, and the second support is stackable on at least part ot the first support
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a child's furniture svstem comprising a first support, a second support, and a frame, whereby in a first configuration, the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support, and in a second configuration the frame is detached from the first and the second supports and the first support is detachably mounted to the second support, wherein the first support is arranged as a footboard for a bed in the first configuration and a desktop tor a desk m the second configuration and the second support serves as a headboard for a bed in the first configuration and as the support structure for a desk in the second configuration
In another aspect, the invention provides a child's furniture system comprising a footer having a first surface, a base having second and third surfaces, a
- ~> - first bench, a second bench, a headboard having a fourth and fifth surtaces, and a frame, the system having a first configuration, in which the frame is releasably secured to the first support and the second support and spans the distance therebetween, the first bench is releasablv attachable to the first surface of the first support, the fifth surtace of the headboard is releasably attached to the second surface of the second support, and the second bench is releasably attached to the fourth surtace of the headboard, the first configuration forming a child's bed, and a second configuration, in which the frame is detached from the first support and the second support, the third surface of the second support is releasablv attached to the first surface of the first support, and the fifth surtace of the headboard is releasablv attached to the second surface of the second support, the second configuration forming a three-tier storage area, and a third configuration, in which the first support is releasably attached to the first surface of the first bench to form a seat and the fifth surface of the headboard is releasably attached to the second surtace of the second support to form a two-tier storage area.
In one configuration, the invention provides for a child's bed, which includes a footer which doubles as a child's seat and a headboard which doubles as a toy storage area. The footer incorporates a contoured front bench surtace which is attached to the rooter support structure bv mating protuberances and apertures on the footer support structure with protuberances and apertures on the contoured front bench The headboard /toy storage area is attached to a lower support member by mating protuberances on the lower support member with apertures on the headboard Sandwiched between the footer support structure and the front bench surface are two side rails, which serve as the support structure for the beds' mattress. Likewise, the two side rails are sandwiched between the lower support member and the headboard. In an effort to further secure the side rails to their respective supports, the terminal ends of the side rails are equipped with flared ends which rest in cavities within the aforesaid supports Attached to the top surface of
- 3 - SUBSTlTuTE SHEET (RULE 26) the headboard /toy storage area is a decoratively contoured component which mav serve as a level surface for placing objects This contoured component is attached to the upper aspects of the headboard by mating protuberances on the contoured component with apertures on the headboard A shelf door defines the space between the decoratively contoured component and the headboard, providing an enclosed toy storage area The invention in the bed configuration also provides protective guard rails to prevent the child trom inadvertently rolling out of the bed
In another configuration, the invention provides for a three-tier bookshelf The footer serves as the first tier in the three-tier bookshelf configuration The underside of the lower support member is releasablv attached to the top ot the footer by mating apertures on the underside of the lower support member with protuberances on the top side of the footer Releasably attached to the top of the lower support component, mating with protuberances thereon, is the headboard Attached to the top surface ot the headboard /toy storage area is a decoratively contoured component which mav serve as a level surface tor placing objects This contoured component is attached to the upper aspects of the headboard bv mating protuberances on the contoured component with apertures on the headboard A shelf door defines the space between the decoratively contoured component and the headboard, providing an enclosed toy storage area In another aspect, the invention provides a child's furniture system comprising a first support, a second support, and a frame, wherein the system has a first configuration in which the frame spans a distance between the first support and the second support, and m a second configuration the frame is detached from the first and the second supports and the first support is releasably mounted to the second support, and wherein the first support is arranged as a footboard for a bed in the first configuration and a desktop for a desk in the second configuration and the second support serves as a headboard for a bed in the first configuration and as the support structure tor a desk in the second configuration In still another configuration, the invention provides for a two-tier bookshelf and a toddler bench. The lower support member serves as the first tier The headboard/toy storage area, which serves as the second tier, is attached to the
Figure imgf000007_0001
ei support member by mating protuberances on the lower support member with apertures on the headboard. As in the three-tier bookshelf configuration, attached to the top surface of the headboard /toy storage area is a decoratively contoured component which may serve as a level surtace for placing objects This contoured component is attached to the upper aspects of the headboard by mating protuberances on the contoured component with apertures on the headboard A shelf door defines the space between the decoratively contoured component and the headboard, pro\ id ing an enclosed toy storage area. The toddler bench incorporates the contoured front bench surface which is attached to the footer support structure by mating protuberances and apertures on the footer support structure with protuberances and apertures on the contoured front bench The underside of the contoured front bench includes a series ot ridges to reinforce the rigidity ot the structure, reducing bending caused by the weight of the child sitting on the contoured components' top surtace
In yet another aspect of the invention, the headboard serves as a toy storage area which includes a flip top door This toy storage area can be manipulated to take on the appearance ot a garage, a doll-house, or any other child-pleasing environment
In one configuration of another embodiment, the invention provides for a child's bed, which includes a head support having a storage valley and a footboard which doubles as a desk top in a second configuration In the bed configuration, two side rails span a distance between the head support and the footboard and are connected to both the head support and the footboard by conventional means, such as by screws The head support is comprised of two head support walls and a center valley portion The two head support walls are connected to either side of the vallev portion via sliding hooks The valley portion is equipped with two apertures for receivmg the footer in the second configuration The footboard is corresponding!) equipped with two lateral protuberances
In another configuration ot this embodiment, the invention provides tor a flip-top desk In the flip-top desk configuration, the footboard is attached to the valley portion of the head support by mating the two lateral protuberances on the footboard with the two apertures on the valley portion This connection allows for vertical rotation ot the footboard with respect to the v alley portion The v lley portion serves as a storage area in the second configuration of the third embodiment Brief Description Of The Drawings
Fig IA is a perspective view, taken trom the front-left, showing the first embodiment in the bed configuration constructed m accordance with the invention
Fig IB is a front view of the first embodiment in the three-tier bookshelf configuration constructed in accordance with the invention Fig IC is a perspective \ lew of the first embodiment of the two-tier bookshelf configuration with the toddler bench constructed in accordance with the invention
Fig ID is a perspective view, taken from the front-right, showing a second embodiment ot the bed configuration constructed in accordance with the invention, differing trom the first embodiment bv having a different decorative scheme Fig IE is a front view of the second embodiment in the three- tier bookshelf configuration constructed in accordance with the invention
Fig IF is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the two-tier bookshelf configuration with the toddler bench constructed in accordance with the invention Figs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F are perspective, front, rear, top, bottom and side views, respectively, ot the footer component constructed in accordance with the invention
- 6 - SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E are perspective, front, rear, top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the front bench constructed in accordance with the invention.
Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are perspective, front, top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the base constructed in accordance with the invention.
Figs. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E are perspective, front, rear, top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the headboard, constructed in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 6 is a front view of the rigid planar sheet portion of the base constructed in accordance with the invention.
Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C are front, rear and right-side views, respectively, of the shelf door constructed in accordance with the invention.
Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are perspective, front and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the front bench constructed in accordance with the invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the support frame constructed in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a guardrail constructed in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 11 is an exploded left-side perspective view of the first embodiment in the bed configuration constructed in accordance with the invention.
Figs. 12A and 12B illustrate the interaction between the side rails and the footer.
Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate the interaction between the side rails and the base. Fig. 14 illustrates the interaction between the footer and the front bench.
Fig. 15 illustrates the interaction between the headboard and the base.
Fig. 16 illustrates the interaction between the headboard, the base, the shelf door, the rigid planar sheet and the footer top.
- 7 - SUBSTmJTE SHEET (RULE 26 Fig. 17A illustrates the interaction between the rigid planar sheet and the headboard Fig 17B illustrates the interaction between the shelf door and the headboard
Fig 18 illustrates the interaction between the footer top and the headboard Fig 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in Figure 18 illustrating the interaction between the footer top, the headboard and the shelf door
Figs 20A and 20B illustrate the interaction between the second guard rail, the headboard, the base and the second side rail
Fig 21 is a cross-section taken along line 21-21 in Figure 1 A Fig 22 illustrates the interaction between the footer, the base and the headboard in the three-tier bookshelf conhguration
Fig 23 illustrates the interaction between the footer and the footer top in the toddler bench configuration
Fig. 24 illustrates the interaction between the base and the headboard in the two-tier bookshelf configuration
Fig 25 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention in the bed configuration
Fig 26 is a rear perspective view of the third embodiment ot the invention in the bed configuration Fig 27 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention in the flip-top desk configuration
Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28-28 in Figure 27 of the third embodiment ot the invention in the flip-top desk configuration
Detailed Description
Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in Figures 1 through 28 A first configuration ot the first and second embodiments of the invention forms a bed,
- 8 - SUBSTmJTE SHEET (RULE 26) as shown in detail in Figures IA and ID. A second configuration of the first and second embodiments of the mvention forms a three-tier bookshelf, best shown in Figures IB and IE A third configuration ot the first and second embodiments of the invention forms a two-tier bookshelf with a toddler bench, as shown in Figures IC and IF A first configuration ot the third embodiment of the invention includes a toddler bed, as shown in Figures 25 and 26. A second configuration of the third embodiment of the invention forms a flip-top desk, illustrated in Figures 27 and 28
The construction and configuration of the various components of the invention allow the user to create a structure, e.g., a bed, a bookshelf, a desk or a toddler bench, according to the needs of the individual It is envisioned that the existence of a functional yet hideable bed will be a welcome addition to those families who entertain the children of other parents on overnight stavs The first and second embodiments are functionally similar, differing only in their color schemes and decoration. 1. Components
Preferred first and second embodiments of the invention are illustrated in Figs. 1 A and ID, respectively The first and second embodiments differ only in their color scheme and decoration, as seen in more detail in Figs IA through IC for the first embodiment and ID through IF, for the second embodiment. Figs. 2A through 24 and the accompanying description illustrate and describe the first embodiment only, since the second embodiment is similar m function and construction, differing only in color and decorative scheme.
The footer 100, as illustrated in Figs. 2A through 2F, is substantially u-shaped and includes a footer center portion 102 and first and second footer walls 104, 106 The footer center portion 102 has superior and inferior footer surfaces 108, 110 The superior footer surtace 108 contains six grooves 112 parallel to the first and second footer walls 104, 106, spanning the distance therebetween. The inferior footer surface 110, shown in detail in Fig 2E, includes four footer support ndges 114
- 9 - SUBSTrrUTE SHEET (RULE 26) integrally connected thereto and laterally spanning the distance between the first and second footer walls 104, 106 The footer support ndges 114 serve to reinforce the rigidity of the structure The first and second footer walls 104, 106 are generally trapezoidal having first and second inferior footer wall surfaces 116, 118, first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122, first and second front footer wall surfaces 124, 126, first and second rear footer wall surfaces 128, 130, first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 and first and second footer protuberances 136, 138 As best illustrated in Figs 2A, 2C, and 2D, the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 occupy space cut away from the first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122 and the first and second rear footer wall surfaces 128, 130, respectiveh The first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 terminate in first and second cavities 140, 142, which reside approximately at the midpoint between the first and second front footer wall surfaces 124, 126 and the first and second rear footer wall surfaces 128, 130, respectively The first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 are shaped to receive first and second side rails 702, 704, the first and second side rails 702, 704 being generally cylindrical in shape having first, second, third and fourth flared ends 706, 708, 710, 712 (shown in Fig 9) As illustrated in Figs 2A, 2C, 2D and 2F, the first and second footer protuberances 136, 138 are generaliv trapezoidal and reside on the first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122, respectively The first and second footer protuberances are sized to connect with apertures on both the footer top 200 and the base 300, as descπbed below
The footer top 200 is illustrated m Figs 3A through 3E The footer top 200, which is releasably attachable to the footer 100, includes superior and interior footer top surfaces 202, 204, first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 and first and second footer top apertures 210, 212 As best shown m Fig 3E, integrally affixed to the inferior footer top surface 204 are the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208, sized to mate with the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, whose use will become apparent below Also existing on the inferior footer top surface 204, parallel and proximate the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208, are the first and second footer top apertures 210, 212, sized to form a connection with the first and second footer protuberances 136, 138 The inferior footer top surface 204, much like the inferior footer surtace 110, includes tour footer top support ndges 218 integrally connected thereto and laterally spanning the distance between the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 The footer top support ndges 218 serve to reinforce the rigidity of the structure
The superior footer top surface 202 will now be described In the preferred embodiment, the contours of the superior footer top surface 202 may function as both a seat and as a level area tor placement of objects Thus, the footer top 200 serves as a storage area and also as a seating surface The footer top, or seat, 200 includes first and second front ramped walls 220, 222, a footer top edge 224 and a footer top lip 226 As best shown in Figs 3A and 3D, the first and second front ramped walls 220, 222, the footer top edge 224 and the footer top lip 226 enclose a front planar region 228 on the superior front bench surtace 202
Referring now to Figs 4A through 4D, the invention includes a base 300 The base 300 is substantially u-shaped and includes a base center portion 302 and first and second base walls 304, 306 The base center portion 302 has superior and mferior base surfaces 308, 310 and front and rear base edges 312, 314 The superior base surtace 308 contains six base ndges 316 parallel to the first and second base walls 304, 306 Referring to Fig 4D, the inferior base surface 310 includes four base support ndges 318 integrally connected thereto and laterally spanning the distance between the first and second base walls 304, 306 The base support ndges 318 serve to reinforce the rigidity of the structure The first and second base walls 304, 306 are generally rectangular having first and second inferior base wall surfaces 320, 322, first and second superior base wall surfaces 324, 326, first and second front base wall surfaces 328, 330, first and second rear base wall surfaces 332, 334, third and fourth
- 11 - SUBSTtTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) side rail receiving portions 336, 338, first and second base apertures 340, 342 and first and second base protuberances 344, 346. As best illustrated in Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C, the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338 occupy space cut away from the first and second superior base wall surfaces 324, 326 and the first and second front base wall surfaces 328, 330. The third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338 terminate in third and fourth cavities 348, 350, which reside approximately at the midpoint between the first and second front base wall surfaces 328, 330 and the first and second rear base wall surfaces 332, 334, respectively. The third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338 are shaped to receive first and second side rails 702, 704, the first and second side rails 702, 704 being generally cylindrical in shape having first, second, third and fourth outwardly flared ends 706, 708, 710, 712 (shown in Fig. 9). As illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, the first and second base protuberances 344, 346, sized to mate with the third and fourth headboard apertures 476, 478, are generally trapezoidal and reside on the first and second superior base wall surfaces 324, 326. First and second base apertures 340, 342 reside on the first and second inferior base wall surfaces 320, 322, respectively.
Turning now to Figs. 5A through 5F, the invention includes a headboard 400. The headboard 400 serves both as a child's toy/storage area and as a support structure in both the bed configuration 10 and the bookshelf configurations 20, 30 of the first and second embodiments. The headboard 400 is substantiaUy u-shaped and includes first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and a headboard center portion 406. The headboard center portion 406 has superior and inferior headboard surfaces 408, 410 and front and rear headboard portions 412, 414. The superior headboard surface 408 contains six headboard ridges 416 parallel to the first and second headboard walls 402, 404. The inferior headboard surface 410, shown in detail in
Fig. 5E, includes four headboard support ridges 418 integrallv connected thereto and laterally spanning the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404. The headboard support ridges 418 serve to reinforce the rigidity of the
- 12 -
SUBSTΓΠJTE SHEET (RULE 26) structure As illustrated in Figs 5A, 5B and 5D, located proximal the midpoint ot the front headboard portion 412 is a finger cavity 420, whose use will become apparent below Located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spanning the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 is a groove 422. Nested within the groove 422 and spaced equidistant from each other are four rigid plate retaining notches 424 (not shown) which serve to maintain the rigid planar sheet 426 m an upright orientation, as descπbed below The first and second headboard walls 402, 404 include first and second inferior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430, first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434, first and second front headboard wall surfaces 484, 486, first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 436, 438, first and second inteπor wall portions 460, 462 and first and second hook holes 448, 450 As illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5D, disposed upon the first superior headboard wall surface 432 is a tirst headboard aperture 452. Likewise, disposed upon the second superior headboard wall surface 434 is a second headboard aperture 454 The first and second headboard apertures 452, 454 are sixed to mate with the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608. Existing parallel and proximate the first and second headboard apertures 452, 454 and spanning the distance between the first and second front headboard will surfaces 484, 486 and the first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 436, 438 are first and second channel portions 456, 458 The first and second channel portions 456, 458 are essentially rectangular cut-out portions existing on the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434, as best shown in Fig. 5A Referring to Figs. 5A and 5B, integrally affixed to the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and lying within the u-shaped configuration formed by the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406 are first and second interior wall portions 460, 462 The first and second interior wall portions 460, 462 are generally rectangular having first and second front interior wall surfaces 464, 466, first and second rear interior wall surfaces 468, 470 and first and second top interior wall surfaces 472, 474. As shown in Fig. 5A, the
SUBSTΠTJTE SHEET (RULE 26) first and second front interior wall surfaces 464, 466 e in a plane parallel (but not collinear) with the plane formed by the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 484, 486 and between the front headboard portion 412 and the rear headboard portion 414 For reasons which will become apparent below, the distance between the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 484, 486 and the first and second front interior wall surfaces 464, 466 is approximately equal to the width ot the shelf door 500 The first and second rear interior wall surfaces 468, 470 abut the groove 422 along the rear headboard portion 414 The first and second top interior wall surfaces 472, 474 e in a plane parallel and slightly below the plane defined bv the lower aspects of the first and second channel portions 456, 458 Existing on the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 484, 486, proximal the midpoint between the first and second interior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430 and the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434, are the first and second hook holes 448, 450. Located on the first inferior headboard wall surtace 428 is a third headboard aperture 476 Similarly, located on the second inferior headboard wall surface 430 is a fourth headboard aperture 478.
Referring to Figs. 7A through 7C, the shelf door 500 will now be described The shelf door 500 includes first, second, third and fourth door edges 502, 504, 506 508 and first and second posts 510, 512 The first door edge 502 has first front, first rear and first side contact surfaces 514, 516, 518 Similarlv, the second door edge 504 has second front, second rear and second side contact surfaces 520, 522, 524 The first and second posts 510, 512 are integrally affixed to the first and second door edges 502, 504, on the first side and second side contact surfaces 518, 524, respectively. As shown in Fig. 7C, the third door edge 506, which spans the distance between the first and second door edges 502, 504, is generally semi-cylindrical in shape having a first horizontal contact surtace 526 The fourth door edge 508 spans the distance between the first and second door edges 502, 504 and includes a second horizontal contact surface 528 As illustrated in Figs. 8A through 8C, the first and second embodiments of the invention include a headboard top 600. The headboard top 600 provides a means for trapping the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 within the first and second channel portions 456, 458. The headboard top 600 has superior and inferior headboard top surfaces 602, 604. Disposed upon the inferior headboard top surface 604 are first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608 and a headboard top lip 620.
In the preferred embodiment, the contours of the superior headboard top surface 602 function as a level area for the placement of objects. Thus, similar to the front bench 200, the headboard top 600 serves as a storage area. However, in other embodiments, the headboard top surface 602 might also serve as a seating surface similar to the footer top surface 202. The headboard top 600 includes first and second rear ramped walls 610, 612, a headboard top edge 614 and a headboard top wall 616. As best shown in Fig. 8A, the first and second rear ramped walls 610, 612, the headboard top edge 614 and the headboard top wall 616 enclose a planar region 618 on the superior headboard top surface 602.
Referring to Fig. 9, the mattress support frame 700 includes first and second side rails 702, 704, each having a diameter equal to or less than the width of the first, second, third and fourth side rail receiving portions 132, 134, 336, 338. The first side rail 702 has first and second flared ends 706, 708, sized to rest within the first and third cavities 140, 348, respectively. Similarly, the second side rail 704 has third and fourth flared ends 710, 712, sized to rest within the second and fourth cavities 348, 350, respectively- A series of six cylindrical rods 714 are rigidly affixed at right angles along the longitudinal axis of the first and second side rails 702, 704 and are spaced equidistant from each other. The generally rectangular frame formed by the interaction between the first and second side rails 702, 704 and the six cylindrical rods 714 is capable of supporting a weight therebetween. Of course, any structure capable of supporting a weight is suitable, such as a planar sheet. In the preferred embodiment, a mattress is placed on the frame when in the bed configuration. Of course, any type of support surtace, including a planar member, mav be used to support the mattress. Also, although a frame 700 is provided in the preferred embodiment, in other embodiments the footer 100 and base 300 mav be configured with attachment points accepting a standard bed or crib frame, so that the standard frame is used instead of the preferred frame 700.
In an effort to inhibit the occupant trom inadvertently rolling out of the planar region defined bv the first and second side rails 702, 704 and the six cylindrical rods 714 when the invention is in the bed configuration of the first and second embodiments, first and second guard rails 800, 802 are provided. The first guard rail 800 has a first guard rail edge 804 and a second guard rail edge 806. Located near the lower aspects of the first guard rail edge 804 is a first guard rail hole 808 Integrally affixed to the upper aspects of the second guard rail edge 806 is a first guard rail hook 810. The first guard rail hook 810 is cylindrical in shape and sized to fit within the first hook hole 448. Integrally connected along the lower aspects of the second guard rail edge 806 is a first tab 812. As shown in detail in Fig. 10, the second guard rail 802 has a third guard rail edge 814 and a fourth guard rail edge 816. Located near the lower aspects of the third guard rail edge 814 is a second guard rail hole 818. Integrally affixed to the upper aspects of the fourth guard rail edge 816 is a second guard rail hook 820. The second guard rail hook 820 is cylindrical in shape and sized to fit withm the second hook hole 450. Integrally connected along the lower aspects ot the fourth guard rail edge 816 is a second tab 822.
A preferred third embodiment of the invention in the convertible bed configuration 50, as illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, includes a footboard 101 The footboard 101 is generally rectangular in shape and includes superior and inferior footboard surfaces 103, 104, first and second vertical footboard edges 107, 109 a horizontal footboard edge 111 and a pivoting portion 113. The inferior footboard surface 105 contains nine footboard cutout portions 115, whose use will become
- 16 - SUBSTiτi ΠΈ SHEET (RULE 26) apparent below Also existing on the inferior footboard surface 105, parallel and proximate the first and second vertical footboard edges 107, 109, respectively', are first and second support rail receiving slots 117, 119 The superior footboard surtace 103, best shown in Fig 27, includes a substantially smooth center surtace 121 The pivoting portion 113, which lies in the same plane as the horizontal footboard edge 111, is essentiallv a cut-out portion having first, second and third pivoting edges 123, 125, 127 First and second footboard apertures 129, 131 reside on the first and third pivoting edges 123, 127, respectively First and second footboard notches 133, 135 reside in a plane parallel and proximate to the first and second vertical footboard edges 107, 109
The head support 401 is illustrated in Figs 25 through 28 The head support 401 includes first and second head support walls 403, 405 and a valley portion 407 The first head support wall 403 includes first superior and first inferior head support wall surfaces 409, 411 and first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth head support wall edges 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423 The first supeπor head support wall surtace 409 includes a first indention 425 Located within the first indention 425, shown best in Fig 27, are head support wall holes 427 Residing on and traversing through both the first superior head support wall surface 409 and the first inferior head support wall surtace 411 are first and second sliding hook holes 429, 431 The first inferior head support wall surtace 411 includes a first rail receiving notch 433, best shown in Fig 28 The first rail receiving notch 433 and the first indention 425 reside in approximately the same plane and are parallel to one another The second head support wall 405 includes second supeπor and second inferior head support wall surfaces 435, 437 and seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth head support wall edges 439, 441, 443, 445, 447, 449 The second superior head support wall surtace 435 includes a second indention 451 Located withm the second indention 451, shown in Fig 26, are head support wall holes 453 Residing on both the second superior head support wall surtace 435 and the second inferior head
- 17 - SUBSTTΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26) support wall surface 437 are third and fourth sliding hook holes 455, 457. The second inferior head support wall surface 437 includes a second rail receiving notch 459. The second rail receiving notch 459 and the second indention 451 reside in approximately the same plane and are parallel to one another. The valley portion 407 includes first and second valley edges 461, 463, first and second valley protuberances 477, 479 and a valley 465 having superior and inferior valley surfaces 481, 483. Integrally affixed to the first valley edge 461 are first and second sliding hooks 467, 469. Similarly, integrally affixed to the second valley edge 463 are third and fourth sliding hooks 471, 473. Residing between the first and second valley edges 461, 463 is the valley 465, as best shown by cross- sectional view in Fig. 28. The inferior valley surface 483 is contoured (as shown in Figs. 25 and 28) and includes a front valley lip 475 and a valley hinge 485. The first and second valley protuberances 477, 479 reside on opposing sides on the valley hinge 485, best shown in Fig. 26. Referring to Figs. 25 and 26, the third embodiment includes a frame 701. The frame 701 includes first and second support rails 703, 705, each having a diameter approximately equal to or slightly less than the width of the first and second support rail receiving slots 117, 119 and the first and second rail receiving notches 433, 459. Referring to Fig. 26, the first support rail 703 is generally L-shaped and has first and second support rail ends 707, 709. Similarly, the second support rail 705 is generally L-shaped having third and fourth support rail ends 711, 713. A series of six connector rods 715 are rigidly affixed at right angles along the longitudinal axis of the first and second support rails 703, 705 and are spaced equidistant from one another. The generally rectangular frame formed by the interaction between the first and second support rails 703, 705 and the six support rods 715 is capable of supporting a weight therebetween. Of course, any suitable structure capable of supporting a weight, including a planar sheet, may be used as a support frame. In the preferred embodiment, a mattress is placed on the frame when in the bed
- 18 - SUBSTΠTJTE SHEET (RULE 26) configuration. Also, although a frame 700 is provided in the preferred embodiment, in other embodiments the footboard 101 and head support 401 may be configured with attachment points accepting a standard bed or crib frame, so that the standard frame is used instead of the preferred frame 700. 2. Bed Configuration
The first and second embodiments as arranged in the bed configuration 10 will now be described in detail. The bed configuration utilizes the footer 100, the footer top 200, the base 300, the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500, the headboard top 600, the first and second side rails 702, 704, the six cylindrical rods 714 and the first and second guard rails 800, 802, as illustrated in
Fig. 11. The basic support structure for the bed frame utilizes the footer 100, the base 300 and a rectangular frame formed by the interaction between the first and second side rails 702, 704 and the six cylindrical rods 714. Referring to Figs. 12A and 12B, the first and second side rails 702, 704 are placed within the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, which are nested within the first and second footer walls 104, 106, respectively. The first flared end 706 on the first side rail 702 is inserted into the first cavity 140 located within the first side rail receiving portion 132. Similarly, the third flared end 710 on the second side rail 704 is inserted into the second cavity 142 located within the second side rail receiving portion 134. To complete the support network, the first and second side rails 702, 704 are placed within the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338, which are nested within the first and second base walls 304, 306, respectively, as shown in Figs. 13A and 13B. The second flared end 708 on the first side rail 702 is inserted into the third cavity 348 located within the third side rail receiving portion 336. In like fashion, the fourth flared end 712 on the second side rail 704 is inserted into the fourth cavity 350 located within the fourth side rail receiving portion 338.
In an effort to provide both a sitting area and /or storage area for a toddler and a means for further securing the first and second side rails 702, 704 to the footer
- 19 -
SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 100, the footer top 200 is releasably attached to the footer 100. As illustrated in Fig 14, the footer top 200 is oriented over the top ot the footer 100 such that the first and second footer protuberances 136, 138, integrally affixed to the first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122, mate with the first and second footer top apertures 210, 212, residing on the interior footer top surtace 204 Simultaneously, the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208, integrally affixed to the inferior footer top surface 204, mate with the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 As illustrated by cross-section in Fig 20, the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 are sized in length so that they do not completely describe the space defined by the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, leaving a gap large enough to accommodate the first and second side rails 702, 704. The first and second side rails 702, 704 are trapped between the lower aspects ot the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134 and the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 Additional fastening means, such as screws, mav be used to further strengthen the connection points between the footer 100 and the footer top 200 The first and third flared ends 706, 710 on the first and second side rails 706, 710 prevent the first and second side rails 702, 704 from sliding longitudinally within the footer 100 Likewise, the second and fourth flared ends 708, 712 prevent the first and second side rails 702, 704 from sliding longitudinallv within the base 300 The footer top 200 rests on the footer 100, and forms a storage area defined by the superior footer top surtace 202 of the footer 200, the first and second footer walls 104, 106 and the interior footer top surface 204 In the preferred embodiment, this storage area resembles a bookshelf, but it may take other shapes For example, the storage area may be fullv or partially enclosed from the front and /or rear by a fixed panel or a movable door Also, the superior footer top surface 202 serves as a seat and /or a storage shelf
Referring to Fig 15, the headboard 400 is releasably attached to the base 300 as follows The headboard 400 is oriented over the top of the base 300 such that the first base protuberance 344, residing on the first superior base wall surface 324, mates with the third headboard aperture 476, located on the first inferior headboard wall surface 428. Accordingly, the second base protuberance 346, residing on the second superior base wall surface 326, mates with the fourth headboard aperture 478, located on the second inferior headboard wall surface 430. The first and second inferior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430 provide a ceiling for the openings created on the first and second superior base wall surfaces 324, 326 by the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338. This configuration allows for a gap between the first and second side rails 702, 704, resting within the third and fourth side rail receiving portions 336, 338, and the first and second inferior headboard wall surfaces 428, 430. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the base 300.
Once the headboard 400 is secured to the base 300, the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 may be attached to the headboard 400 to form an enclosed storage area defined by the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500, the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406. As shown in detail in Figs. 15 and 16A, the rigid planar sheet 426 is inserted into the groove 422, which is located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spans the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404. The rigid planar sheet 426 describes the space between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406. The rigid planar sheet 426 is secured in an upright position, in part, by the four rigid plate retaining notches 424 (not shown) nested equidistant from each other within the groove 422.
Referring to Figs. 15 and 16B, the shelf door 500, which is movable between a first and a second position, is positioned such that the first and second posts 510,
512, located on the first and second door edges 502, 504, respectively, rest within the first and second channel portions 456, 458. In a first door position, shown in Fig. 17, the first and second posts 510, 512 rest within the first and second channel portions 456, 458 such that the first and second posts 510, 512 are abutting the rear aspects of the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438, respectively The first rear contact surtace 516 on the first door edge 502 lies in contact with the first front interior wall surtace 464 on the first interior wall portion 460 In a like manner, the second rear contact surface 522 lies in contact with the second front interior wall surface 466 on the second interior wall portion 462 The first and second front inteπor wall surfaces 464, 466 prevent the fourth door edge 508 from traveling from the front headboard portion 412 toward the rear headboard portion 414 Completmg the description of the first door position, the fourth door edge 414 rests along the front headboard portion 412 located on the supeπor headboard surtace 408 of the headboard center portion 406 The finger cavity 420 located on the front headboard portion 412 allows the user to reach under the door to move it from a first position to a second position, as described below
The headboard top 600 may be attached to the headboard 400 once the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 are in the position described above
Referring to Fig 17, the headboard top 600 is oriented such that the headboard top wall 616 abuts the first horizontal contact surface 526 on the shelf door 500, proximal the intersection between the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438 and the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434 The headboard top 600 is lowered onto the headboard 400 such that the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608, integrally affixed to the inferior headboard top surface 604, mate with the first and second headboard apertures 452, 454, residing on the first and second supeπor headboard wall surfaces 432, 434, respectively Additional fastening means, such as screws, mav be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the headboard top 600
In the preferred embodiment, the protuberances and apertures are sized to permit stacking of only some components into preselected other components Since the sizes of the apertures and protuberances are different on components which are
- 22 - SUBSTTTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) not intended to be stacked on each other, the stacking of components in unintended configurations is prevented. Although the system of protuberances and apertures described above are sized to fit only within the predetermined components, any or all of the footer 100, the footer top 200, the base 300, the headboard 400 and the headboard top 600 may all incorporate identically sized apertures and protuberances for ease of manufacture and versatility to permit a greater range of configurations.
The inferior headboard top surface 604 provides a ceiling for the first and second channel portions 456, 458, allowing the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 to travel in only one, linear direction, as shown in detail in Fig. 18. When moving the shelf door 500 from the first position to the second position, the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the partially enclosed ridge defined by the first and second channel portions 456, 458 and the inferior headboard top surface 604. As the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the first and second channel portions 456, 458, traversing from the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438 towards the first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 440, 442, the first rear contact surface 516 of the first door edge 502 slidingly makes contact with first top interior side wall surface 472 on the first interior wall portion 460. Likewise, the second rear contact surface 518 of the second door edge 504 slidingly makes contact with the second top interior wall surface 474 on the second interior wall portion 462. The shelf door 500 is retained in the second position (the open position) bv resting the first and second rear contact surfaces 516, 522 on the first and second top interior wall surfaces 472, 474, which effectively serve as supports for the shelf door 500. Thus in the preferred embodiment, this storage area is thus enclosed from the top, sides, and rear and further by a movable door that fully encloses the storage area. However, the storage area may take other shapes, and the movable door may be omitted.
First and second guard rails 800, 802 are provided to inhibit the occupant from inadvertently rolling out of the bed. For purposes of brevity, onlv attachment of the second guard rail 802 is described, as both the first and second guard rails 800, 802 are attached in identical fashion Referring to Figs. 10, 20A and 20B, the second guard rail 802 is attached as follows. The second guard rail hook 820, which is integrally affixed to the upper aspects of the fourth guard rail edge 816, is inserted mto the second hook hole 450, residing in the second front headboard wall surface 438. The geometry of the second guard rail hook 820 requires the second guard rail 802 to be positioned in a first orientation during insertion As shown in detail in Fig 19A, the first orientation is such that the second guard rail hole 818, located near the rear aspects of the third guard rail edge 814, lies above the second guard rail hook 820 in relation to the plane defined by the first and second side rails 702, 704 With the second guard rail hook 820 inserted into the second hook hole 450, the second guard rail 802 is pivoted to a second oπentation, forcing the second tab 822 into the gap defined bv the space between the second side rail 704 and the second inferior headboard wall surtace 430. The second guard rail 802 is further secured by releasably coupling the second guard rail 802 to the second side rail 704 This is accomplished by providing a screw or similar element through the second guard rail hole 818, wherein the screw mates with a hole in the second side rail 704 proximate the position where the second guard rail hole abuts the second side rail 704
The third embodiment, arranged in a bed configuration 50 will now be described in detail The bed configuration 50 utilizes a tootboard 101, a frame 701 and a head support 401. Referring to Fig. 26, the first and second support rails 703, 705 are placed within the first and second support rail receiving slots 117, 119, located on the inferior footboard surface 105. The first support rail end 707 of the first support rail 703 is placed within the first support rail receiving slot 117 Likewise, the third support rail end 711 of the second support rail 705 is placed within the second side rail receiving slot 119 The first and second support rails 703, 705 are held within the first and second side rail receiving slots 117, 119 by conventional means, such as screws Because the first and second footboard notches 133, 135 lie in the same parallel plane as the first and second rail receiving slots 117, 119, and thus lie in the same parallel plane as the first and second side rails 703, 705, the distance between the first and second support rails 107, 109 and the superior footboard surface 103 is reduced, facilitating the insertion of screws to secure the first and second support rails 107, 109 to the footboard 101. Pre-drilled holes on the first and second side rails 703, 705 at predetermined locations facilitates the connection to the footboard 101. To complete the support network, the first and second support rails 703, 705 are placed within the first and second rail receiving notches 433, 459, which reside on the first and second inferior head support wall surfaces 411, 437, respectively. The second support rail end 709 of the first support rail 703 is placed within the first rail receiving notch 433. In like fashion, the fourth support rail end 713 of the second support rail 705 is placed within the second rail receiving notch 459. The first and second support rails 703, 705 are held within the first and second rail receiving notches 433, 459 by inserting conventional screws through the head support wall holes 427, 453. Because the first and second indentions 425, 451 lie in the same parallel plane as the first and second rail receiving notches 433, 459, and thus lie in the same parallel plane as the first and second side rails 703, 705, the head support wall holes 427, 453 provide for direct contact with the first and second support rails 703, 705. Pre-drilled holes on the first and second side rails 703, 705 at predetermined locations where the head support wall holes 427, 453 provide direct contact with the first and second support rails 703, 705 facilitates the connection. The valley portion 407 is connected to the first head support wall 403 by mating the first and second sliding hooks 467, 469, residing on the first valley edge 461, with the first and second sliding hook holes 429, 431. In a like manner, the valley portion 407 is connected to the second head support wall 405 by mating the third and fourth sliding hooks 471, 473, residing on the second valley edge 463, with the third and fourth sliding hook holes 455, 457. In this configuration, the superior valley surface 481 serves as a storage /support area.
25 - 3. Three-Tier Bookshelf Configuration
The first and second embodiments can be arranged in a three-tier bookshelf configuration 20, which will now be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 21, this configuration utilizes the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 800, the headboard top 600, the base 300 and the looter 100 The footer 100, which is firmly placed on a level surtace, serves as the first tier in the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20.
The base 300 serves as the second tier of the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20. The base 300, which is releasably attached to the footer 100, is oriented over the footer 100 such that the first footer protuberance 136, which resides on the first superior footer wall surtace 120, mates with the second base aperture 342, located on the second inferior base wall surtace 322. Accordingly, the second footer protuberance 138, which resides on the second superior footer wall surface 122, mates with the first base aperture 340, located on the first inferior base wall surface 320. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the footer 400 and the base 300.
The headboard 400 serves as the third tier in the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20 The headboard 400, which is releasablv attached to the base 300, is oriented over the top ot the base 300 such that the first base protuberance 344, residing on the first superior base wall surtace 324, mates with the third headboard aperture 478, located on the first inferior headboard wall surface 428. Accordmgly, the second base protuberance 346, residing on the second superior base wall surface 326, mates with the fourth headboard aperture 478, located on the second inferior headboard wall surtace 430. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the base 300.
To complete the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20, the shelf door 500, the rigid planar sheet 426 and the headboard top 600 may be integrated with the
- 26 -
SUBSTΓΠJTE SHEET (RULE 26) headboard 400 Although the headboard may be utilized as a storage area, the shelf door 500 and the rigid planar sheet 426 need not be attached in this configuration If an enclosed storage area is desired, attaching the shelf door 500 and the rigid planar sheet 426 may be accomplished in the same fashion as in the bed configuration 10 Referring back to Figs 15 and 16 A, the rigid planar sheet 426 is inserted into the groove 422, which is located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spans the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 The rigid planar sheet 426 describes the space between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406 The rigid planar sheet 426 is secured in an upright position, in part, by the tour rigid plate retaining notches 424 (not shown) nested equidistant from each other within the groove 422
The shelf door 500, which is movable between a first and a second position, is positioned such that the first and second posts 510, 512, located on the first and second door edges 502, 504, respectively, rest withm the first and second channel portions 456, 458 In a first door position, shown in Fig 21, the first and second posts 510, 512 rest within their corresponding channel portions 456, 458, such that the first and second posts 510, 512 are abutting the rear aspects of the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438 The first rear contact surtace 516 on the first door edge 502 lies m contact with the first front interior wall surface 464 on the first interior wall portion 460 In a like manner, the second rear contact surface 522 lies m contact with the second front inteπor wall surface 466 on the second interior wall portion 462 Completing the description of the first door position, the fourth door edge 508 rests along the front headboard portion 412 located on the superior headboard surface 408 of the headboard center portion 406 The finger cavity 420 located on the front headboard portion 412 allows the user to reach under the door to move it from a first position to a second position, as described below
The headboard top 600 may be attached once the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 are in the position described above The headboard top 600,
- 27 - SUBSTΓΠJTE SHEET (RULE 26) which is releasably attachable to the headboard 400, is oriented such that the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608, integrally affixed to the inferior headboard top surface 604, mate with the first and second headboard apertures 452, 454, residing on the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434 As shown in Fig 21, additional fastening means, such as screws, mav be used to turther strengthen the connection points between both the headboard 400 and the headboard top 300 and the base 300 and the footer 100
The inferior headboard top surface 604 provides a ceiling for the first and second channel portions 456, 458, allowing the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 to travel in only one, linear direction When moving the shelf door 500 from the first position to the second position, the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the partially enclosed ridge defined by the first and second channel portions 456, 458 and the inferior headboard top surface 604 As the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the first and second channel portions 456, 458, traversing from the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438 towards the first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 410, 442, the first rear contact surtace 516 ot the first door edge 502 slidingly makes contact with the first top interior wall surface 472 on the first interior wall portion 460 Likewise, the second rear contact surface 518 of the second door edge 504 slidingly makes contact with the second top interior wall surtace 474 on the second interior wall portion 462 The shelf door 500 is retained in the second position (the open position) by resting the first and second rear contact surfaces 516, 522 on the first and second top interior side wall surfaces 472, 474, which effectively serve as supports for the shelf door 500
The first and second hook holes 448, 450, which have no utility in the three-tier bookshelf configuration, are concealed by conventional means, such as by first and second plugs 480, 482
- 28 -
SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 4. Two-Tier Bookshelf Configuration With Toddler Bench
The first and second embodiments which can be arranged in a two-tier bookshelf configuration 30 with a toddler bench 40, will now be described in detail. As shown in Figs. 22 and 23, this configuration utilizes the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500, the headboard top 600, the base 300, the footer top 200 and the footer 100. The footer 100, which is firmly placed on a level surface, serves as the support structure for the toddler bench 40. Referring to Fig. 22, the footer top 200 serves as the sitting surface for a toddler. The footer top 200, which is releasably attachable to the footer 100, is oriented over the top of the footer 100 such that the first and second footer protuberances 136, 138, integrally affixed to the first and second superior footer wall surfaces 120, 122, mate with the first and second front bench apertures 210, 212, residing on the inferior footer top surface 204. Simultaneously, the first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208, integrally affixed to the inferior footer top surface 204, mate with the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134. The first and second footer top protuberances 206, 208 are sized lengthwise so that they do not completely describe the space defined by the first and second side rail receiving portions 132, 134, leaving a gap, as shown by cross-sectional view in Fig. 21. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the footer 100 and the footer top 200.
The two-tier bookshelf 30 utilizes the base 300, the headboard 400, the rigid planar sheet 426, the shelf door 500 and the headboard top 600. The base 300 serves as the first tier, whereas the headboard 400 serves as the second tier in the two-tier bookshelf configuration 30. The base 300 is free-standing and can support the headboard 400 when stacked thereon. Alternatively, the base 300 can be utilized alone. Referring to Fig. 24, the headboard 400, which is releasably attached to the base 300, is oriented such that the first base protuberance 344, residing on the first superior base wall surface 324, mates with the third headboard aperture 476, located
- 29 - SUBSTTΠJTE SHEET (RULE 26) on the first inferior headboard wall surface 428. Accordingly, the second base protuberance 346, residing on the second superior base wall surface 326, mates with the fourth headboard aperture 478, located on the second inferior headboard wall surface 430. Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the base 300.
To complete the two-tier bookshelf configuration, the shelf door 500, the rigid planar sheet 426 and the headboard top 600 are integrated with the headboard 400. This is accomplished in the same fashion as both the bed configuration 10 and the three-tier bookshelf configuration 20. Referring back to Figs. 15 and 16, the rigid planar sheet 426 is inserted into the groove 422, which is located along the rear headboard portion 414 and spans the distance between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404. The rigid planar sheet 426 blocks the space between the first and second headboard walls 402, 404 and the headboard center portion 406. The rigid planar sheet 426 is secured in an upright position, in part, by the four rigid plate retaining notches 424 (not shown) nested equidistant from each other within the groove 422.
The shelf door 500, which is movable between a first and a second position, is positioned such that the first and second posts 510, 512, located on the first and second door edges 502, 504 respectively, rest within the first and second channel portions 456, 458. In a first door position, shown in Fig. 24, the first and second posts 510, 512 rest within their corresponding channel portions 456, 458 such that the first and second posts 510, 512 are abutting the rear aspects of the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438. The first rear contact surface 516 on the first door edge 502 lies in contact with the first front interior wall surface 464 on the first interior side wall portion 460. In a like manner, the second rear contact surface 522 lies in contact with the second front inteπor wall surface 466 on the second interior wall portion 462. Completing the description of the first door position, the fourth door edge 508 rests along the front headboard portion 412 located on the superior
- 30 - SUBSnTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) headboard surtace 408 of the headboard center portion 406 The linger cavity 420 located on the front headboard portion 412 allows the user to reach under the door to move it from a first position to a second position, as described below
The headboard top 600 may be attached once the rigid planar sheet 426 and the shelf door 500 are in the position described above Referring to Figs 15 and 17, the headboard top 600, which is releasably attachable to the headboard 400, is oπented such that the first and second headboard top protuberances 606, 608, integrally affixed to the inferior headboard top surface 604, mate with the first and second headboard apertures 452, 454, residing on the first and second superior headboard wall surfaces 432, 434 Additional fastening means, such as screws, may be used to further strengthen the connection points between the headboard 400 and the headboard top 600
The inferior headboard top surface 604 provides a ceiling for the first and second channel portions 456, 458, allowing the first and second posts 510, 512 on the shelf door 500 to travel in only one, linear direction When moving the shelf door from the first position to the second position, the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the completely enclosed slot defined bv the first and second channel portions 456, 458 and the inferior headboard top surface 604 As the first and second posts 510, 512 travel along the first and second channel portions 456, 458, traversing from the first and second front headboard wall surfaces 436, 438, towards the first and second rear headboard wall surfaces 440, 442, the first rear contact surface 516 ot the first door edge 502 slidingly makes contact with first top interior wall surface 472 on the first interior wall portion 460 Likewise, the second rear contact surface 518 of the second door edge 504 slidingly makes contact with the second top interior wall surface 474 on the second interior wall portion 462. The shelf door 500 is retained in the second position (the open position) by resting the first and second rear contact surfaces 516, 522 on the first and second top interior side wall surfaces 472, 474, which effectively serve as supports for the shelf door 500 The first and second hook holes 448, 450, which have no utility in the two-tier bookshelf configuration, are concealed by conventional means, such as by first and second plugs 480, 482 5. Toddler Desk Configuration The third embodiment can be arranged in a toddler desk configuration 60, which will now be described in detail As shown in Figures 27 and 28, this configuration utilizes the head support 401 and the footboard 101 The first head support wall 403 is releasably connected to the valley portion 407 by mating the third and fourth sliding hooks 467, 469, residing on the first valley edge 461, with the third and fourth sliding hook holes 455, 457, which span the distance between the second inferior head support wall surtace 411 and the second superior head support wall 409 In a like manner, the second head support wall 405 is secured to the valley portion 407 by mating the first and second sliding hooks 471, 473, residing on the second valley edge 463, with third and fourth sliding hook holes 429, 431, which span the distance between the first inferior head support wall 437 and the first superior head support wall 435 In this configuration, the inferior valley surface 483 serves as a storage area (as opposed to the superior valley surface 481 in the bed configuration 50)
The tootboard 101 is attached to the head support 401 as follows The footboard 101 is attached to the valley portion 407 of the head support 401 such that the first and second footboard apertures 129, 131, residing on the first and second pivoting edges 123, 125, respectively, mate with the first and second protuberances 477, 479, integrally affixed to opposing sides on the hinge 485, as shown in Fig 26 The connection points between the first and second footboard apertures 129, 131 and the first and second protuberances 477, 479 allow the footboard 101 (which now serves as the desk-top) to pivot from a first position, overlying the interior \ alley surface 483, shown in Fig 27, in the direction shown in arrow A, to a second raised position, providing access to the interior valley surtace 483 The nine footboard
- 32 - SUBSTTΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26) cut-out portions 115 effectively stiffen the footboard 101 to facilitate its use as a desk top. In the desk configuration 60, the inferior valley surface 483 serves as a storage area. Thus, the footboard 101 functions as a flip-top desk and a flip-top cover for the storage area underneath. As shown by cross-sectional view in Fig. 28, the front vallev lip 475 provides for an inclined surface to prevent objects stored within the valley portion 407 from inadvertently sliding out of the plane defined by the inferior valley surface 483. The first and second head support walls 403, 405 serve to enclose the area defined by the inferior footboard surface 105 and the valley portion 407.
6. Other Embodiments Other components may be used in the invention. For example, any of the components, such as, for example, the footer 100, the headboard 400 or the base 300, may include a toy box forming a storage portion in the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment the head support 401 may be configured to encompass a toy box, and may have the footboard 101 as a pivoting lid. Also, although in the preferred embodiment the footer 100, footer top 200, base 300, headboard 400, shelf door 500, headboard top 600, footboard 101, and head support 401 are hollow -molded from plastic, these components may of course be manufactured from anv suitable materials, such as wood or metal.
- 33 - SUBSTTΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

What Is Claimed Is: 1. A child's furniture system compπsing: a first support having a first bench portion; a second support; and a bed frame for supporting a child, wherein the system has a first configuration in which said frame spans a distance between said first support and said second support and said frame is arranged for supporting the child, and a second configuration in which said frame is detached from said first support, and said bench portion is arranged for supporting the child.
2. The child's furniture svstem according to claim 1, wherein said second support comprises a second bench portion; and in the second configuration, said second bench portion is arranged for supporting the child.
3. The child's turniture system according to claim 1, wherein said first support portion comprises a footer and said first bench portion is releasablv mountable on said footer to form a seat.
4. The child's furniture system according to claim 3, wherein said first bench portion is releasablv stackable on said footer.
5. The child's turniture system according to claim 3, wherein said footer is substantially u-shaped, and said footer comprises a center portion and first and second vertical walls and said first bench portion is mountable on said first and second walls.
6. The child's furniture system according to claim 1, wherein said first support portion further comprises a footer, said footer being substantially u-shaped, having a footer center portion and first and second vertical footer walls, and a said first bench portion is releasably stackable on said footer.
- 34 - €UBSTrrUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
7. A child's furniture system according to claim 1, wherein said first support is comprised of hollow, molded plastic.
8. A child's furniture system comprising: a first support having a storage portion; a second support; and a bed frame for supporting a child, wherein the svstem has a first configuration in which said frame spans a distance between said first support and said second support and said frame is arranged for supporting the child and said storage portion is accessible for storing objects, and a second configuration in which said frame is detached from said first support, and said first support is freestanding and said storage portion is accessible for storing objects.
9. The child's furniture system according to claim 8, wherein said second support has a second storage portion, and in the second configuration, said second support is freestanding and said storage portion is accessible for storing objects.
10. The child's furniture system according to claim 9, wherein said first support comprises a base and a headboard releasably mountable on said base, and one of said base and said headboard comprise said storage portion.
11. The child's furniture system according to claim 10, wherein said headboard is releasably stackable on said base.
12. The child's furniture system according to claim 10, wherein said base is substantially u-shaped, having a center base portion and first and second vertical base walls.
13. The child's furniture system according to claim 11, wherein said base is releasably mountable on said first and second walls.
- 35 - SUBSTΓTUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
14 A child's furniture system according to claim 8, wherein said first support is comprised of hollow, molded plastic
15 A child's turniture system comprising a first support, a second support, and a frame, wherein the system has a first configuration in which said frame spans a distance between said first support and said second support, and a second configuration in which said first support is freestanding, and said second support is stackable on said first support
16 A child's turniture svstem according to claim 15, wherein said first support comprises a bench portion and a footer and said second support comprises a headboard and a base, wherein in the second configuration, said base is stacked on said footer and said headboaid is stacked on said base
17 A child's turniture system comprising a first support compπsing a footboard /desktop member, a second support comprising a headboard /support member, and a trame, wherein the system has a first configuration in which said frame spans a distance between said first support and said second support to form a bed, and a second configuration in which said frame is detached from said first and said second supports and said footboard /desktop member is detachably mounted to said headboard /support member to form a desk
18 A child's furniture svstem according to claim 16 [17], wherein said first support is pivotally attached to said second support in the second configuration
19. A child's furniture system according to claim 18, wherein said headboard /support member comprises a storage shelf and said footboard /desktop member is pivotable between a first position overlying said storage shelf and a second position where said storage shelf is accessible for storing objects.
20. A child's furniture system according to claim 17, wherein said footboard /desktop member and said headboard /support member are comprised of hollow, molded plastic.
21. A child's furniture system comprising: a footer having a first surface; a base having second and third surfaces; a front bench; a rear bench; a headboard having a fourth and fifth surfaces; and a frame, said system having a first configuration, in which said frame is releasably secured to said footer and said base and spans the distance therebetween, said front bench is releasably attached to said first surface of said footer, said fifth surface of said headboard is releasably attached to said second surface of said base, and said rear bench is releasably attached to said fourth surface of said headboard; said system having a second configuration, in which said frame is detached from said first support and said base, said third surface of said base is releasably attached to said first surface of said footer, and said fifth surface of said headboard is releasably attached to said second surface of said base, to form a three-tier storage area;
- 37 - SUBSTTTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) and said system, having a third configuration, in which said front bench is releasably attached to said first surface of said footer to form a seat and said fifth surface of said headboard is releasably attached to said second surface of said base to form a two-tier storage area.
PCT/US1996/017383 1995-10-31 1996-10-31 Child's furniture system including a bed WO1997016095A1 (en)

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US08/543,859 1995-10-31

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EP0820714A2 (en) * 1996-07-24 1998-01-28 Kerstin Sack Easily convertible furniture
USD958897S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2022-07-26 Kids2, Inc. Modular toy bar
USD977865S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-14 Kids2, Inc. Modular cradle
USD978545S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-21 Kids2, Inc. Modular highchair
USD979259S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-28 Kids2, Inc. Modular swing
US11641952B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-05-09 Kids2, Inc. Modular cradle

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WO1988004904A1 (en) * 1986-12-29 1988-07-14 Garland Thomas A Reorientable support structures

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US3575465A (en) * 1969-06-25 1971-04-20 Evolutions Iv Corp Modular construction
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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0820714A2 (en) * 1996-07-24 1998-01-28 Kerstin Sack Easily convertible furniture
EP0820714A3 (en) * 1996-07-24 1998-12-09 Kerstin Sack Easily convertible furniture
US11641952B2 (en) 2019-06-21 2023-05-09 Kids2, Inc. Modular cradle
USD958897S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2022-07-26 Kids2, Inc. Modular toy bar
USD977865S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-14 Kids2, Inc. Modular cradle
USD978545S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-21 Kids2, Inc. Modular highchair
USD979259S1 (en) 2020-09-17 2023-02-28 Kids2, Inc. Modular swing

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