WO2020079305A1

WO2020079305A1 - Self-assembly mattress base unit

Info

Publication number: WO2020079305A1
Application number: PCT/ES2019/070705
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tomas Romero Ruiz; Antonio Gutierrez Pastor; Elvira VAREA DIAZ
Original assignee: Flex Equipos De Descanso, S.A.
Priority date: 2018-10-17
Filing date: 2019-10-17
Publication date: 2020-04-23
Also published as: ES2754806A1

Abstract

The mattress base unit can be delivered and distributed to the user in the form of a kit for assembly at the destination point, having easy and convenient assembly. The mattress base unit (1) comprises: a pair of transverse beams (10) that constitute, respectively, a headboard and a footboard of the mattress base (1); a pair of longitudinal beams (20) that constitute the sides of the mattress base (1); fastening means (30) of the beams (10, 20), the fastening means (30) being located at each corner formed by a transverse beam (10) and a longitudinal beam (20); legs (40) for supporting the mattress base (1); and a unique fabric (60) into double-layered areas (110) of which a plurality of slats (50) are inserted, such that the fabric (60) can be inserted and moved along a groove (21) disposed in the upper internal face of the longitudinal beams (20).

Description

SELF-MOUNTING SOMIER ASSEMBLY

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention belongs to the industrial furniture sector, and more specifically to the manufacture of bed bases and bed frames, as well as to the manufacture of fabrics and fabrics specially oriented to furniture and rest products.

The main object of the present invention is a self-assembling bed frame assembly, which allows it to be delivered and distributed to the user in kit mode for its assembly at the destination point, presenting a simple and comfortable assembly, while avoiding large and bulky packages of considerable weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, there is a wide range of bed bases on the market, on which the mattresses that absorb and distribute the weight of the users are supported. Among the different types of bed bases, perhaps those with slats or wooden sheets are the most widespread, mainly due to the benefits they offer in terms of ergonomics, adaptability and comfort for optimal rest for users.

However, in the sector of bed frames and bed frames, technological development seems to be more focused on obtaining increasingly light and robust materials, as well as on improving aesthetic design, and there are currently several problems those who have not yet provided an effective solution and guarantees. These drawbacks include:

- The manufacturers of this type of products (bed bases), supply them in assembled situations, or at most without the legs so that they can be attached later on at the final point of installation. This represents a considerable volume of the packed product. - Due to the fact that this type of products have considerable bulky dimensions, they require a significant space during the previous storage in the factory, requiring larger industrial warehouses and therefore, assuming an increase in costs.

- In addition, during the transport phase, there are problems in its handling and manipulation to the destination point, since due to the large volume of space it occupies, shipping and transporting the current bed bases becomes a difficult and tedious task, which often affects the final cost of the product.

- Another drawback lies in the fact that once the bed frame is installed at the end point of destination, it is generally located in a fixed and immovable way, without dismantling capacity, occupying a considerable space in the room, without the possibility of being picked up, folded and / or stored for those times when the bed frame is not going to be used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By means of the present invention, the aforementioned drawbacks are solved by providing a self-assembling bed frame assembly, which allows it to be delivered and distributed to the user as a kit for its assembly and assembly at the destination point, presenting a simple and comfortable assembly that does not require professional intervention of a qualified technician, while avoiding large and bulky packages of considerable weight, substantially reducing the costs associated with shipping and transportation.

More specifically, the self-assembling bed frame assembly of the invention comprises: a pair of cross beams constituting the headboard and the footboard of the bed base respectively; a pair of longitudinal stringers that constitute the sides of the bed base; means for fixing the spars, said fixing means being located in each of the corners formed by a transverse spar and a longitudinal spar; legs for the support of the bed base; and a single fabric in which double layer zones and single layer zones are successively arranged, in which double layer areas are inserted a plurality of slats, such that said fabric with its slats inserted, is insertable and moveable along a groove provided in the upper internal face of the longitudinal stringers.

Thus, this special feature of having roller blades encapsulated within a single fabric does not constitute a trivial or random characteristic, but pursues several clearly identified objectives:

- allow the delivery and distribution of the bed frame set in kit mode for its assembly and assembly at the destination point, occupying a minimum volume;

- to endow the set with a roll-up character, like a blind, such that the slats can be rolled and unrolled, both for packaging and shipping, as well as for folding and picking up for those moments when the bed is not used;

- allow a simple and comfortable assembly, simply by inserting and sliding the lateral ends of the fabric, coinciding with the ends of the slats, inside the groove existing in the longitudinal beams;

- allow a quick disassembly and collection of the bed frame assembly, simply by rolling up the fabric that incorporates the slats encapsulated inside, the rest of the elements being easily collected due to their smaller size.

With respect to the single fabric, in which double layer zones and single layer zones are successively arranged, in whose double layer zones a plurality of slats are inserted, such that said form three different tissue zones: a first zone, defining a first hollow space between the two layers of the fabric, where said hollow space is dimensionally adapted for inserting a slat inside; a second zone, arranged on each side of the first zone; and a third zone, located between the first zone and the second zone, and which acts as an intermediate connecting element.

This unique fabric in which double layer zones and single layer zones are successively arranged, in whose double layer zones a plurality of slats are inserted, is not formed by overlapping two fabrics and sewing or gluing in different areas to form hollow spaces where to insert the slats, but this unique fabric is formed as is on the loom itself, forming two-layer areas separated in the zones that will include the slats and zones of separation between the zones of two separated layers, which constitute intermediate zones of a single layer, with which it is not a question of manufacturing two overlapping and glued or sewn fabrics whose resistance would be in question with the passage of time, but the fabric leaves the loom forming those hollow spaces and the intermediate areas that form a single layer. That is, it is a fully woven fabric that is successively formed of hollow spaces and areas without hollow spaces.

In this way, the unique fabric is formed by a succession of these areas (first, second and third), where there are as many first areas as there are slats to be inserted in each base, which will be conditioned by the dimensions (length and width) of each bed or couch.

More preferably, it has been provided that the three zones of the sole fabric mentioned above can be more or less elastic depending on the incorporation of elastane fiber threads (LYCRA®) in the weft, so that the degree of elasticity of each zone it depends on the particular meshing formed between the elastane fiber threads and the other threads that make up the weft. In this way, zones of different elasticity can be formed in the different zones to achieve the necessary dimension and adaptability to configure the surface of the fabric.

It should be noted at this point that the proposed solution of having roll-up and encapsulated slats inside a fabric, maintains all the guarantees regarding safety, stability, comfort and quality of sleep, not being affected in any way. With regard to the material of the fabric, it has been envisaged that this is a material that provides minimum properties in terms of toughness, resistance to friction and tear, which allows it to be sewn and cleaned, among others.

Preferably, the bed frame assembly described here also has a longitudinal central crossbar, the ends of which contact each of the transverse beams at their midpoint. This central crossbar provides rigidity and structural robustness, being especially indicated for double beds of greater width where it is convenient to have an additional point of support and support, also avoiding the lower bulging of the slats and / or the mattress.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the bed frame assembly additionally comprises a connection mechanism between the cross beams and the center beam. As will be explained later, this mechanism is specially designed to allow the user a direct and comfortable coupling between the central crossbar and the cross members.

On the other hand, the possibility has been contemplated that the longitudinal beams may additionally have an auxiliary strip fitted on the internal face of said longitudinal beams, in a lower position with respect to the groove, remaining flush with the latter. Said auxiliary slat has mainly support and support functions for the ends of the slats, encapsulated within the fabric, but it also provides solidity and structural robustness to the entire assembly.

Thus, one of the main advantages of the bed frame assembly of the invention lies in its self-assembling character (from the English “self-assembl and”), so that it can be assembled by the user in his own home quickly, comfortably and easily without more than following some basic indications, and without requiring qualified technical personnel for its assembly. In addition, by means of this concept of self-assembled (“self-assembl /), both the user and the manufacturing company are benefited, constituting a product whose packaging occupies a minimum volume of space, thus avoiding the problems associated with shipping and transporting current bed bases. All this ultimately means a lower total cost and therefore a more economically attractive product for the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description. where, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been represented: Figure 1.- Shows an exploded view of the different elements that make up the self-assembling bed frame assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view with all the elements assembled, except for the slats, the latter not shown.

Figure 3.- Shows a detailed view of one of the corners, where the fixing means between two spars can be seen.

Figure 4 Shows a perspective view of one of the longitudinal stringers, where an auxiliary strip is observed attached on its internal face, and a groove for inserting the encapsulated slats inside a fabric.

Figure 5.- Shows a view of one of the corners of the bed frame assembly, where the slats can be seen being installed and displaced through the groove.

Figure 6.- Shows a bottom view of one of the corners, where the insertion and fixation point of the leg can be seen, in this embodiment by means of threading.

Figure 7.- Shows a top perspective view and a side view of the fabric, according to a preferred embodiment.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment is described below with reference to the aforementioned figures, without this limiting or reducing the scope of protection of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the bed frame assembly (1) of the invention, which according to this example comprises:

- a pair of cross beams (10) constituting the headboard and the footboard of the bed base (1) respectively;

- a pair of longitudinal stringers (20) constituting the sides of the bed base (1); - means for fixing (30) the spars (10, 20), shown more clearly in Figure 3, said fastening means (30) being located in each of the four corners consisting of a transverse spar (10) and a longitudinal stringer (20);

- support legs (40) for supporting the bed base (1);

- a plurality of roller blades (50) located inside a single fabric (60), such that said single fabric (60) is insertable and movable along a groove (21), shown in the detail view of Figure 4, provided on the upper internal face of the longitudinal stringers (20), along their entire length;

- a longitudinal central crossbar (70), the ends of which contact each of the crossbars (10) at their midpoint, as reflected in Figure 2; and

- a connection mechanism (80) between the cross beams (10) and the central crossbar (70).

Regarding the perspective view of figure 1, it should be noted that the upper layer of the single fabric (60) has not been represented in it for a better visualization of the slats (50), although it is fully shown in the top detail view, each slat (50) being individually encapsulated inside the unique fabric (60).

More in particular, the connection mechanism (80) between the cross beams (10) and the central crossbar (70) comprises a first coupling part (81) fixed at both ends of the central crossbar (70) and a second coupling part (82) fixed at the internal central point of each cross member (10), as shown in figure 1. In this way, a secure, simple and quick coupling between both elements (10, 70) is made possible.

Furthermore, according to this preferred embodiment, the longitudinal stringers (20) also have an auxiliary strip (23), coupled on the internal face of said longitudinal stringers (20) and in a lower position with respect to the groove (21), such and as can be seen in figure 4. More preferably, said auxiliary strip (23) has an elongated configuration, with a length slightly less than that of the longitudinal stringers (20). Preferably, the transverse (10) and longitudinal (20) beams, the central crossbar (70) and the auxiliary strip (23) are made of wood, specifically in this example of preferred embodiment of medium density MDF fiber, with the associated advantages to said material, ease of machining, resistance, hardness, cost, etc.

In relation to the detailed view of figure 4, it can be seen the special configuration of the groove (21) of the longitudinal beams (20), shaped like a "C", with its recess (22) oriented towards center of the bed base (1). Thus, the fact that the auxiliary strip (23) is installed flush with the lower branch of the groove (21), leaving the hollow recess (22) free, will favor a comfortable insertion and displacement of the single fabric (60), with its corresponding encapsulated blades (50), along said groove (21), as reflected by the arrows (F) in figure 5.

With regard to the roll-up nature of the slats (50), in figure 5 it can be seen that each of the slats (50) is encapsulated within the single fabric (60) in a fixed position by means of a hemmed or overlocked closure throughout the single weave perimeter (60). In this way, as the slats (50) are individualized, one by one, it allows them to be rolled up as a blind for their comfortable prior packaging and subsequent deployment by the user in their home, thus avoiding complex and annoying transport tasks of the current bulky bed bases. Thus, the user only has to proceed to unfold the single fabric (60) containing the slats (50), passing the lateral ends of said single fabric (60) through the lateral grooves (21) of the longitudinal stringers (20). ). In the same way, this roll-up character of the set of slats (50) allows it to be collected and rolled into a coil, allowing the box set (1) to be removed and stored for those seasons of the year when it will not be used.

In relation to the fixing means (30) of the stringers (10, 20), they comprise a pair of corner pieces (31 A, 31 B), preferably of plastic material, of quasi-triangular configuration for each of the corners, being a first butt pad (31A) located above a second butt pad (31A) sharing the same imaginary vertical axis (E), as presented in figure 3. Furthermore, both butts (31 A, 31 B) have a plurality of holes (32) in which they are insertable screw means for its firm coupling in each of the stringers (10, 20). The fact that the material used for the butt plates (31A, 31 B) is a plastic material (thermoplastic or rigid thermoset) allows the assembly to have excellent toughness and resistance, providing greater structural robustness, while increasing its resistance against possible shocks, thus achieving a longer product life.

As mentioned above, the auxiliary strip (23) has a shorter length with respect to the longitudinal beams (20), with this it is intended to leave a free space in which to install and couple the first corner piece (31A) of the means (30), see figures 3 and 4.

More specifically, in figure 6 it can be seen that the second corner piece (31 B), located in the lower position, has an internal thread (33) in which an externally threaded protruding stud (41) is inserted, provided on the upper face of each of the legs (40). This feature allows a simple and quick coupling of the legs (40), without the need for external auxiliary tools or the intervention of qualified expert personnel. In addition, in figure 6 it can be seen that said second butt plate (31 B), which acts as a connection element with the legs (40), has a projection in "L" at its base, such that it defines a step in the which are intended to support the inner ends of the spars (10, 20), as shown in Figures 3 and 6. This provides an additional point of support and fixation of the spars (10, 20).

With respect to the single weave (60), according to a preferred embodiment, shown in figure 7, the single weave (60) is made in such a way that it comprises double layer zones and single layer zones, in which double zones layer a plurality of slats are inserted. The double layer zones comprise two overlapping fabric layers (62), and the single fabric (60) has three clearly differentiated fabric zones, namely:

- a first zone (110), which defines a first hollow space (111) between the two layers (62) of the single fabric (60), said hollow space (111) being dimensionally adapted for the insertion of a single slat (50) inside; - a second zone (120), arranged on each of the sides of the first zone (110), and preferably having a second hollow space (122); and

- a third zone (130), located between the first zone (110) and the second zone (120), and which acts as a closing and separating element, together with the second zone (120), between slat and slat (50) , also having aesthetic functions.

According to another preferred embodiment, not shown in the figures, it is provided that the second zone (120) can incorporate an additional third zone (130) to limit the elasticity of the single fabric (60), said third zone (130) being additional located in the intermediate region of the second zone (120).

The three zones (110, 120, 130) mentioned above can be elastic by incorporating elastane fiber threads (LYCRA®) in the weft, so that the degree of elasticity of each of the zones (110, 120, 130) depends on the meshing formed between the elastane fiber threads and the other threads that make up the weft. In this way, greater elasticity is achieved if these elastane fiber yarns are free, and less elasticity if said elastane fiber yarns are interwoven with the other weft and warp yarns. In this way, zones of different elasticity can be formed in the different zones (110, 120, 130) to achieve the dimension and adaptability necessary to configure the surface of the single fabric (60).

Therefore, as can be seen in figure 7, the succession of zones (110, 120, 130) of the single fabric (60) is as follows: a first elastic zone (110), a third rigid zone (130), a second elastic zone (120) and again another third rigid zone (130), and so on, as many repetitions as slats (50) are desired to be encapsulated within the single tissue (60), which will be determined by the dimensions of each type bed or couch.

With regard to the composition of the single fabric (60), according to the present example of preferred embodiment, it consists of:

- polyester synthetic fiber: 40-50%;

- cotton: 50-60%; and

- synthetic elastane fiber, LYCRA®: £ 1% This particular composition of the unique fabric (60) allows to obtain an optimal balance between the desired resistance and toughness, as it is a product destined to be subjected to frequent friction, stress and / or blows; as well as a suitable elasticity to allow a comfortable insertion of the slats (50) inside the single fabric (60), specifically inside the first zone (110) mentioned above. Thus, once the slats (50) have been inserted, the single fabric (60) is sewn and closed by its lateral edges coinciding with the ends of the slats (50), thus preventing the slats (50) from accidentally falling out.

Tests have been carried out with another composition of the unique fabric consisting of:

Synthetic polyester fiber: 10-20%

- Cotton: 80-90%

Lycra ®: £ 1%

These tests are equally satisfactory in this fabric with a higher cotton content in the composition.

Furthermore, as can be seen in figure 7, the first zone (1 10) is the one with the greatest width (W1), the width (W2) of the second zone (120) and the width (W3) of the third zone. (130) less than the width (W1) of the first zone (110). This particular width arrangement aims to allow a comfortable insertion of each of the slats (50), individually, inside the single fabric (60), as shown in the detail view of figure 1. Thus , it has been foreseen that the exact value of the widths of each one of the zones (110, 120, 130) may vary depending on the needs of support, resistance and final dimensioning of each bed or bed base.

Therefore, by means of the bed frame set described in the present invention, an efficient and self-assembling solution is provided, which, following the “self-assembl and” concept, allows it to be delivered and distributed to the user in kit mode for assembly at the destination , being able to be easily assembled by the user without requiring qualified personnel. All this allows reducing costs, both shipping and transportation and labor, positively impacting a lower cost total per unit, and therefore favoring a comfortable purchase and acquisition for users.

Claims

1.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1), comprising: a pair of cross beams (10) that constitute the headboard and footboard of the bed base (1) respectively; a pair of longitudinal stringers (20) that constitute the sides of the bed base (1); means for fixing (30) the spars (10, 20), said fastening means (30) being located in each of the corners formed by a transverse spar (10) and a longitudinal spar (20); and legs (40) for supporting the bed base (1); the bed frame assembly (1) being characterized in that it comprises a single fabric (60) in which double layer zones (110, 120) are successively arranged, followed by single layer zones (130), in which double layer zones (110) a plurality of slats (50) are inserted, such that said fabric (60) is insertable and moveable along a groove (21) provided on the upper internal face of the longitudinal stringers (20).

2.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a longitudinal central crossbar (70), the ends of which contact each of the transverse beams (10) at their midpoint.

3. Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises a connection mechanism (80) between the transverse beams (10) and the central crossbar (70).

Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection mechanism (80) comprises a first hooking piece (81) fixed on both ends of the central crossbar (70) and a second hooking piece (82) fixed at the internal central point of each crossbar (10).

5.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal stringers (20) additionally comprise an auxiliary slat (23) coupled on the internal face of said longitudinal stringers (20) and in a lower position with respect to the groove (21).

6.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the auxiliary slat (23) has an elongated configuration and a length slightly less than that of the longitudinal beam (20).

7.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claims 1, 2 and 5, characterized in that the beams (10, 20), the central crossbar (70) and the auxiliary slat (23) are made of wood.

8.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the slats (50) is encapsulated within the single fabric (60) in a fixed position by means of a hemmed or overlocked closure throughout the single weave perimeter (60).

9.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (30) of the spars (10, 20) comprise a pair of corner pieces (31 A, 31 B) for each of the corners, with a first corner piece (31 A) located above the second corner piece (31 B) sharing the same imaginary vertical axis (E), and both corner pieces (31 A, 31 B) presenting a plurality of holes (32 ) in which screw means are insertable.

10.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second butt plate (31 B), located in the lower position, has an internal thread (33) in which a protruding stud (41) is insertable. ) externally threaded provided on the upper face of each of the legs (40).

11.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the corners (31A, 31 B) have a quasi-triangular configuration and are made of plastic material.

12.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (21) of the longitudinal beams (20) has a "C" configuration, with a hollow recess (22) oriented towards the center bed base (1) ·

13.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the single fabric (60) defines successive differentiated zones:

- a first zone (110), which defines a first hollow space (111) between two layers (62) of the fabric (60), where said hollow space (111) is dimensionally adapted for the insertion of a slat (50) in its inside;

- a second zone (120), arranged on each of the sides of the first zone (110); and

- a third zone (130), located between the first zone (110) and the second zone (120), and which acts as a closing and separating element, together with the second zone (120), between slat and slat (50) .

14.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the zones (110, 120, 130) of the single fabric (60) are elastic by incorporating elastane fiber threads (LYCRA®) in the weft, such that the degree of elasticity of each of the zones (110, 120, 130) depends on the meshing formed between the elastane fiber threads and the other threads that make up the weft.

15.- Self-assembling bed frame assembly (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first zone (110) is the widest (W1), the width (W2) of the second zone (120) and the width (W3) of the third zone (130) less than the width (W1) of the first zone (110).