3T BUNK BED SYSTEMS AND METHOD

Abstract

The multiple-tier bunk-bed system offers a safer, more convenient, and easier-to-use three-sleeper bunk bed. This third bed slides out from the bottom and locks into place. The slide-out bed can lock before it is completely removed, leaving no gap or space between the beds. Additionally, the bed can have retractable side rails, preferably made from wood, matching the material of the bed frame. When the side rails are retracted, there can be a retractable wooden flap that slips right over the rail, leaving the visual impression of a clean finish, as well as allowing the bed to be used and look attractive with or without the rails.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of beds of existing art and more specifically relates to bunk beds.

RELATED ART

Many individuals sleep in beds. While the idea of bunk beds appeals to most children, parents often think twice about buying this style of bed for their children. Traditional bunk beds can be unsafe without any type of guardrail or side rail. Bunk beds with this feature may not look as aesthetically pleasing during the day. Additionally, ladders can be awkwardly positioned around the bunk bed, making it difficult for children to get in and out of the top bunk. Some ladders may detach from the bed, but this can be a safety hazard A suitable safe solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,971,290 to Mark L. Woodhams relates to a bunk bed with reversible staircase and drawer unit. The described bunk bed with reversible staircase and drawer unit includes a bunk bed having a staircase and chest unit that can be mounted to either end of the bunk bed frame. The staircase opens to the front side of the bunk bed whereas drawers pull outwardly in a direction from the end of the bunk bed. The drawers may be mounted to either end of the bed frame with the drawers being reversible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known beds art, the present disclosure provides a novel multiple-tier bunk-bed system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a safe multiple-tier bunk-bed system for use.

The present invention allows three children to comfortably sleep within the same bunk bed. It includes a repositionable ladder that locks and unlocks into place, preventing it from falling and hurting someone or stranding a child on the top bunk. The device prevents children from rolling off of the bed with a retractable side rail that tucks away during the day for a cleaner appearance. It leaves no room for small children to slip between cracks or gaps between the beds. The present invention saves parents time and frustration configuring bedrooms to fit three beds.

Disclosed herein is a multiple-tier bunk-bed system, the multiple-tier bunk-bed system comprising: a frame including a first-bed-tier; a second-bed-tier; and a third-bed-tier; a ladder; a ladder guide; retractable side rails; retractable flaps for concealing an edge of the retractable side rails; three mattresses; a lock or latch; a latch; wherein relationally speaking the first-bed-tier is in/on a plane below the second-bed-tier, and the second-bed-tier is located below the third-bed-tier. As designed the first-bed-tier is located adjacent a floor surface when used and is able to slide in under and out from under the second-bed-tier as desired for use; wherein there is no gap between the first-bed-tier and the second-bed-tier during use. The first-bed-tier and the second-bed-tier butt adjacent to each other during use. The first-bed-tier and the second-bed-tier lock in a fixed condition when used to allow for no relative movement between them.

The lock or latch is able to be turned between an open-position and a closed-position such that the ladder can be moved and not moved respectively. The latch prevents relative movement between the ladder and the ladder guide. As designed, the latch secures the ladder to the frame to prevent unsafe unwanted movement of the ladder for safety reasons. The retractable side rails are able to rotate about an axis between a stored-angle and an in-use angle. The ladder is received by the ladder guide; wherein the ladder is repositionable to relation to the ladder guide.

A kit and method are also disclosed; the method comprising the steps of: providing a multiple-tier bunk-bed system; sliding a first-bed-tier in relation to a second-bed-tier; and locking the first-bed-tier in relation to the second-bed-tier such that there is no gap between the first-bed-tier and the second-bed-tier during use. The method may further comprise the steps of locking the ladder to the frame via a latch such that there is no relative movement of the ladder in relation to the frame and unlocking the ladder when the ladder is desired to be moved.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a multiple-tier bunk-bed system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the lower tier of the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 1A, showing section line DD, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 3A, showing the section along line DD, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 1A, showing section lines AA and BB, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is zoomed in view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 5A, showing the section along line AA, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 5A, showing the section along line AA, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system of FIG. 5A, showing the section along line BB, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a bunk bed and more particularly to a multiple-tier bunk-bed system as used to improve the safety of users.

Generally speaking, the ‘Tyler Bunk Bed’ (multiple-tier bunk-bed system) offers a safer, more convenient, and easier-to-use three-sleeper bunk bed. This innovative product may comprise a three-bed bunk bed in which the third bed slides out from the bottom and locks into place. The slide-out bed can lock before it is completely removed, leaving no gap or space between the beds. The bunk bed can have a wood frame, offered in various finishes to match virtually any décor. Additionally, the bed can have retractable side rails, also preferably made from wood, matching the material of the bed frame. When the side rails are retracted, there can be a retractable wooden flap that slips right over the rail, leaving the visual impression of a clean finish, as well as allowing the bed to be used and look attractive with or without the rails. It should be appreciated that other materials may be used in the construction of the bed such as metal, non-metal, plastic, composite or the like.

A repositionable ladder can be attached to a lock or latch at the top corner of the bunk bed. When turned (open), the ladder can move. When closed, the ladder will not be able to move. Additionally, in order to keep the ladder stable, two similar locks or latches can be used

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1A-5D, various views of a multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100.

FIG. 1A shows a multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 may be beneficial for use by user-occupants to safely sleep, ingress and egress from the bed. As illustrated, the multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 may include a frame 102, with a first-bed-tier 110; a second-bed-tier 120; and a third-bed-tier 130; a ladder 140; and a ladder guide 142. The first-bed-tier 110 is in a plane below the second-bed-tier 120, and the second-bed-tier 120 is located below the third-bed-tier 130. As shown the first-bed-tier 110 is located adjacent a floor surface when used and is able to slide in under and out from under the second-bed-tier 120 as desired for use. The ladder 140 is received by the ladder guide 142. This motion is shown by the arrows 310. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the lower tier of the system of FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 further comprises retractable side rails 104. In this figure, side rail 140 is shown in the stowed position inside of slot 320. And also shown are retractable flaps 106 for concealing an edge 1104 of the retractable side rails 104 (FIG. 5D). There are 210 in FIG. 2 illustrates this motion for first tier 110. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 further comprises a plurality of (preferably three) mattresses 108. In this way the present invention provides for sleeping means for at least three children or more as desired. For safety and novelty there is no gap between the first-bed-tier 110 and the second-bed-tier 120 during use in FIGS. 1A-2. That is, there is no gap at boundary 112 between first tier 110 and second tier 120. This feature provides that items don't become lost or wedged in behind or under first-bed-tier 110 such that first-bed-tier 110 can freely slide in and out and so that children don't get pinched between the first-bed-tier 110 and the second-bed-tier 120. To accomplish this the first-bed-tier 110 and the second-bed-tier 120 ‘butt adjacent’ to each other during use (with the top of the first-bed-tier 110 meeting the bottom of the second-bed-tier 120 at boundary 112). The gap may also be closed via the placement of the mattress 108 on the first-bed-tier 110.

In embodiments of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 the first-bed-tier 110 and the second-bed-tier 120 lock in a fixed condition (such as one extended) to allow for no relative movement between them. This further promotes safety if children are standing up on the mattress 108 on the first-bed-tier 110 for example. In certain embodiment the first-bed-tier 110 comprises tracks that slide upon rails (not shown) mounted on the frame 102.

The ladder 140 is repositionable to relation to the ladder guide 142 so top bunk third-bed-tier 130 can be reached (for ingress and egress as suitable). In this design, the third-bed-tier 130 occupant enters first and ladder 140 is moved in ladder guide 142. Then the first-bed-tier 110 is slid outwardly for use. The movement of the ladder 140 to the side as shown in FIG. 1A and indicated in the figures by arrow 720 and arrow 410. This repositioning of the ladder 140 dissuades its use so that the top bunk occupant is more likely to ‘stay in bed’ for sleeping.

The multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 may further comprise a lock or latch 150 as shown in FIGS. 5A&B among other figures. The lock or latch 150 may work as a means to provide increased or lesson frictional resistance by engagement with ladder guide 142 and is able to be turned to an open-position such that the ladder 140 can be moved. The lock or latch 150 is able to be turned to a closed-position such that the ladder 140 cannot be moved. Further, a latch 160 may be used in some embodiments; wherein the latch 160 prevents relative movement between the ladder 140 and the ladder guide 142. The latch 160 secures the ladder 140 to the frame 102 to prevent unsafe unwanted movement of the ladder 140. Such friction locks and their operation are well known in the art. Another novel feature of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 is the retractable side rails 104 are able to rotate about an axis between a stored-angle (FIG. 3A) and an in-use angle (to prevent child-occupant sleeps from rolling off of each of the first-bed-tier 110; the second-bed-tier 120; and the third-bed-tier 130 as shown in FIG. 1A). Arrow 710 of the figures shows this motion. This feature allows the retractable side rails 104 to insert into the frame 102 for concealment and for safety during non-use. The figures also show post 1102 and rail lock 2102. Various figures depict first tier 110 stowed and side rails to 140 stowed, covered by flaps 106.

A method for using the multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more components or features of the multiple-tier bunk-bed system 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method comprises the steps of: providing a multiple-tier bunk-bed system; sliding a first-bed-tier in relation to a second-bed-tier; and locking the first-bed-tier in relation to the second-bed-tier such that there is no gap between the first-bed-tier and the second-bed-tier during use. The method may further comprise the steps of locking the ladder to the frame via a latch such that there is no relative movement of the ladder in relation to the frame and unlocking the ladder when the ladder is desired to be moved. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of bed frames, mattresses as described herein, methods of relative movement between the various components (e.g., tracks/rails) will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. Other equivalent means for accomplishing this are also envisioned by the inventor.

Steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for use, are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A multiple-tier bunk-bed system comprising: a frame including a first-bed-tier;a second-bed-tier; anda third-bed-tier;a ladder; anda ladder guide;wherein said first-bed-tier is in a plane below said second-bed-tier, and said second-bed-tier is located below said third-bed-tier;wherein said first-bed-tier is located adjacent a floor surface when used and is able to slide in under and out from under said second-bed-tier as desired for use; andwherein said ladder is received by said ladder guide.

2. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 1, further comprising retractable side rails.

3. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 2, further comprising retractable flaps for concealing an edge of said retractable side rails.

4. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of mattresses.

5. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 1, wherein there is no gap between said first-bed-tier and said second-bed-tier during use.

6. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 5, wherein said first-bed-tier and said second-bed-tier butt adjacent to each other during use.

7. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 6, wherein the first-bed-tier and said second-bed-tier lock trundle in a fixed condition when used to allow for no relative movement between them.

8. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 1, wherein the first-bed-tier comprises tracks on which to slide upon.

9. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 1, wherein said ladder is repositionable to relation to said ladder guide.

10. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 9, further comprising a lock or latch.

11. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 10, wherein the lock or latch is able to be turned to an open-position such that said ladder can be moved.

12. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 10, wherein the lock or latch is able to be turned to a closed-position such that said ladder cannot be moved.

13. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 1, further comprising a latch.

14. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 13, wherein the latch prevents relative movement between said ladder and said ladder guide.

15. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 14, wherein the latch secures said ladder to said frame to prevent unsafe unwanted movement of said ladder.

16. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 2, wherein the retractable side rails are able to rotate about an axis between a stored-angle and an in-use angle.

17. A multiple-tier bunk-bed system, the multiple-tier bunk-bed system comprising: a frame including a first-bed-tier;a second-bed-tier; anda third-bed-tier;a ladder;a ladder guide;retractable side rails;retractable flaps for concealing an edge of said retractable side rails;three mattresses;a lock or latch; anda latch;wherein said first-bed-tier is in a plane below said second-bed-tier, and said second-bed-tier is located below said third-bed-tier;wherein said first-bed-tier is located adjacent a floor surface when used and is able to slide in under and out from under said second-bed-tier as desired for use;wherein there is no gap between said first-bed-tier and said second-bed-tier during use;wherein said first-bed-tier and said second-bed-tier butt adjacent to each other during use;wherein the first-bed-tier and said second-bed-tier lock in a fixed condition when used to allow for no relative movement between them;wherein the lock or latch is able to be turned between an open-position and a closed-position such that said ladder can be moved and not moved respectively;wherein the latch prevents relative movement between said ladder and said ladder guide;wherein the latch secures said ladder to said frame to prevent unsafe unwanted movement of said ladder;wherein the retractable side rails are able to rotate about an axis between a stored-angle and an in-use angle;wherein said ladder is received by said ladder guide; andwherein said ladder is repositionable to relation to said ladder guide.

18. The multiple-tier bunk-bed system of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the multiple-tier bunk-bed system is arranged as a kit.

19. A method of use for a multiple-tier bunk-bed system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a multiple-tier bunk-bed system;sliding a first-bed-tier in relation to a second-bed-tier; and locking said first-bed-tier in relation to said second-bed-tier such that there is no gap between said first-bed-tier and said second-bed-tier during use.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of locking a ladder to a frame via a latch such that there is no relative movement of said ladder in relation to said frame and unlocking said ladder when said ladder is desired moved.