BUNK BED

Abstract

A bunk bed frame includes a lower bed frame and an upper bed frame. The lower bed frame and the upper bed frame both have four corner legs and at least one pair of middle legs. A rectangular configuration is adapted for a full size mattress. The corner legs and middle legs providing support for the mattress. A middle leg lap vertical splice joint connects the pair of middle legs. The middle leg lap vertical splice joint includes a first lap connection on the upper end of the lower middle leg, a second lap connection on the lower end of the upper middle leg, and a lap interface plane connecting the first and second lap connections.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of bunk beds.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Bunk beds have been a popular choice for maximizing space and accommodating more individuals in a limited area. The current state of the art for bunk bed frames has evolved over time with advancements in technology, design, and materials. A variety of different bunk bed structures have been disclosed in the prior art.

One of the earliest patents for a bunk bed frame was filed by Robert William Hill in 1889. The patent, U.S. Pat. No. 405,687, describes a bed frame with a detachable upper bunk and a collapsible lower bunk that can be folded up to create more space during the day. This design was innovative for its time and provided a solution to the lack of space in small apartments and dormitories.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the use of metal in bunk bed frames became more prevalent. The metal frames were lightweight, durable, and could be easily assembled and disassembled, making them a popular choice for military barracks and summer camps. U.S. Pat. No. 2,387,690, filed by John P. Schell in 1945, describes a metal bunk bed frame with a hinged ladder that could be folded up when not in use.

With the advent of new materials and manufacturing processes in the 1960s and 1970s, bunk bed frames evolved again. U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,081, filed by Halsey D. Taylor in 1967, describes a bunk bed frame made from plastic that could be easily assembled and disassembled. The design featured interlocking plastic pieces that could be snapped together, eliminating the need for screws or bolts.

In recent years, safety concerns have driven innovation in bunk bed frame design. U.S. Pat. No. 9,615,449, filed by Jeffrey M. Singleton in 2015, describes a bunk bed frame with a safety mechanism that prevents the upper bunk from collapsing. The design features a locking mechanism that engages automatically when weight is applied to the upper bunk.

Another recent innovation in bunk bed frames is the use of technology to enhance functionality. U.S. Pat. No. 9,945,274, filed by Richard A. O'Hara in 2018, describes a bunk bed frame with built-in storage and charging ports for electronic devices. The design includes a retractable ladder and a built-in desk with storage compartments, making it a versatile solution for small living spaces.

Thus, bunk bed frames have evolved over time with advancements in technology, design, and materials. From the early days of detachable and collapsible frames to the use of metal and plastic, and the recent innovations in safety and technology, bunk bed frames continue to provide practical solutions for maximizing space and accommodating more individuals. These patents and their related art provide a glimpse into the rich history of bunk bed frame design and the ongoing innovations that are driving the industry forward.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact bunk bed form structure which will optimize international ocean freight furniture shipping. A bunk bed frame includes a lower bed frame and an upper bed frame. The lower bed frame and the upper bed frame both have four corner legs and at least one pair of middle legs. A rectangular configuration is adapted for a full size mattress. The corner legs and middle legs providing support for the mattress. A middle leg lap vertical splice joint connects the pair of middle legs. The middle leg lap vertical splice joint includes a first lap connection on the upper end of the lower middle leg, a second lap connection on the lower end of the upper middle leg, and a lap interface plane connecting the first and second lap connections.

The middle leg lap vertical splice joint further includes a third lap connection on the lower end of the lower middle leg; and a fourth lap connection on the upper end of the upper middle leg. The corner legs are formed as rectangular prism elongated posts having a rectangular cross-section. The corner legs have connector openings to allow connection between the vertically oriented corner legs and horizontal connecting members.

The ladder allows for accessing the upper bed frame while improving stability. Ladder legs are connected to the upper bed frame and the lower bed frame. The ladder legs having notches for connecting to the lower bed frame and to the upper bed frame. The ladder legs optionally include a lower first ladder leg notch on the lower first ladder leg; a lower middle leg notch on the lower middle leg; an upper left ladder first notch on the upper left ladder leg; a lower second ladder leg notch on the lower second ladder leg; an upper right ladder first notch on the upper right ladder leg; an upper left ladder second notch on the upper left ladder leg; an upper right ladder second notch on the upper right ladder leg; and; an upper left ladder third notch on the upper left ladder leg.

The bunk bed frame can optionally include an upper right ladder connection on an upper end of the upper right ladder leg; an upper right ladder third notch on an upper end of the upper right ladder leg; an upper left ladder connection on an upper end of the upper left ladder leg; and a lower right ladder connection and a lower left ladder connection connected to the lower bed frame.

The middle legs are asymmetrical because one of the middle legs is a straight leg and the other middle leg is formed as a ladder. The middle legs include a rear middle leg and a front middle leg. The rear middle leg has a middle leg lap vertical splice joint. The middle leg lap vertical splice joint has a lap interface plane with a lower lap end that abuts the lower middle leg, and an upper lap end that abuts the upper middle leg. The ladder legs of the upper bed frame each have a first notch, a second notch, and a third notch. The middle horizontal splice junction has a half lap horizontal splice, a first splice screw hole, and a second splice screw hole. The upper bed frame is connected to two ladder legs forming a ladder with rungs connecting between the two ladder legs. The ladder legs have notches for connecting to the upper bed frame and to the lower bed frame. The lower bed frame is connected to a first ladder leg, a second ladder leg, and a middle leg. The first ladder leg has notches for connecting to the lower bed frame and to the upper bed frame.

BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the left upper connecting board assembly.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the left upper front connection.

FIG. 5 is an expanded diagram of the left upper connecting board assembly.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the left upper front connection.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the right upper front connection.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the right upper connecting board assembly.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the left lower board assembly.

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the left lower front connection.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing assembly of the upper bed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the middle horizontal splice junction.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the assembly of the lower bed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the middle leg lap vertical splice joint.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing ladder assembly details.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the lower left ladder connection.

The following call out list of elements can be useful guide in referencing the element numbers of the drawings.

• • 10 Bunk Bed Frame
  • 20 Lower Bed Frame
  • 21 Lower First Leg
  • 23 Lower Third Leg
  • 24 Lower Fourth Leg
  • 25 Lower First Ladder Leg
  • 26 Lower Second Ladder
  • 27 Lower Middle Leg
  • 28 Lower Mattress Support
  • 30 Upper Bed Frame
  • 31 Upper First Leg
  • 32 Upper Second Leg
  • 33 Upper Third Leg
  • 34 Upper Fourth Leg
  • 35 Upper First Ladder Leg
  • 35 Upper First Ladder Leg
  • 36 Upper Second Ladder Leg
  • 36 Upper Second Ladder Leg
  • 37 Upper Middle Leg
  • 38 Upper Mattress Support
  • 41 Left Upper Connecting Board
  • 42 Left Upper Connecting Beam
  • 43 Left Upper Front Connection
  • 43 Left Upper Front Connection
  • 44 Left Upper Rear Connection
  • 45 Screw Connector
  • 46 Widthwise Screw Hole
  • 47 Board Screw Hole
  • 49 End Cap
  • 50 Middle Horizontal Splice Junction
  • 51 Half Lap Horizontal Splice
  • 52 First Splice Screw Hole
  • 53 Second Splice Screw Hole
  • 54 Upper Right Beam
  • 55 Upper Left Beam
  • 56 Middle Right Beam
  • 58 Lower Right Beam
  • 59 Middle Lower Beam
  • 60 Middle Leg Lap Vertical
  • 61 First Lap Connection
  • 62 Second Lap Connection
  • 63 Third Lap Connection
  • 64 Fourth Lap Connection
  • 65 Lap Interface Plane
  • 66 Lower Lap End
  • 67 Upper Lap End
  • 37 Upper Middle Leg
  • 80 Ladder
  • 81 Lower First Ladder Leg Notch
  • 83 Lower Middle Leg Notch
  • 84 Upper Left Ladder First Notch
  • 82 Lower 2nd Ladder Leg Notch
  • 85 Upper Right Ladder First Notch
  • 86 Upper Left Ladder 2nd Notch
  • 87 Upper Right Ladder 2nd Notch
  • 87 Upper Right Ladder 2nd Notch
  • 88 Upper Left Ladder 3rd Notch
  • 91 Upper Right Ladder Connection
  • 89 Upper Right Ladder 3rd Notch
  • 92 Upper Left Ladder Connection
  • 93 Lower Right Ladder Connection
  • 94 Lower Left Ladder Connection
  • 154 Upper Notch
  • 155 Middle Notch
  • 156 Lower Notch
  • 211 Right Rear Longitudinal Member
  • 212 Left Rear Longitudinal Member
  • 213 Right Front Longitudinal Member
  • 214 Right Rear Longitudinal Member
  • 215 Rear Longitudinal Member Connection
  • 216 Front Longitudinal Member Connection
  • 221 Right Rear Longitudinal Member Corner Connection
  • 222 Left Rear Longitudinal Member Corner Connection
  • 223 Right Front Longitudinal Member Corner Connection
  • 224 Right Rear Longitudinal Member Corner Connection

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen in FIG. 1, a bunk bed frame 10 includes a lower bed frame 20 and an upper bed frame 30. The upper bed frame 30 is mounted over the lower bed frame 20. The bunkbed has a rectangular configuration for a mattress such as a full size mattress. The rectangular configuration of the bunkbed frame includes leg supports at each corner. The lower bed frame has a lower first leg 21, a lower second leg 22, a lower third leg 23, and the lower fourth leg 24. The lower first leg 21 and the lower second leg 22 can be mounted on a right side of the bunkbed frame 10, and the lower third led 23 and the lower fourth leg 24 can be mounted on the left side of the bunkbed frame 10. Similarly, the upper first leg 31 and the upper second leg 32 can be mounted on a right side of the bunkbed frame 10. The upper third leg 33 and the upper fourth light 34 can be mounted on a left side of the bunkbed frame 10. The lower first leg 21 supports the upper first leg 31 and is parallel to the upper first light 31. The lower second leg 32 supports the upper second leg 32 and is parallel to the upper second leg 32. The lower third leg 23 supports the upper third leg 33 and is parallel to the upper third leg 33. The lower fourth leg 24 supports the upper fourth leg 34 and is parallel to the upper fourth leg 34. Each of the corner legs are preferably formed as a rectangular prism elongated post having a rectangular cross-section. Each of the corner legs preferably receive connector openings such as bolt openings or screw openings to allow connection between the vertically oriented corner legs and horizontal connecting members.

Between the corner legs, a pair of middle legs support the middle of the bunkbed to provide additional rigidity. The pair of middle legs is preferably asymmetrical such that a rear middle leg is formed as a post, whereas a front middle leg is formed as a ladder. The upper middle leg 37 is parallel to the lower middle leg 27 and preferably located generally between the uppers second leg 32 and the upper fourth leg 34. The upper middle leg preferably connects with the lower middle leg at a lap joint. The front middle leg comprises a lower first ladder leg 25 that supports an upper first letter leg 35 and a lower second ladder leg 26 that supports an upper second ladder leg 36. The vertical support structures therefore include seven lower legs supporting seven upper legs. The vertical support structures in turn support the horizontal support structures which support the upper mattress support 38 and the lower mattress support 28.

As seen in FIG. 2, the lower mattress support 28 and the upper mattress support 38 both of slats that are connected by cords, such as a pair of cords such that each of the series of slats can be rolled up into a compact member. An exploded view of the present invention bunkbed frame 10 shows the interconnection of the various members during assembly.

As seen in FIG. 3, the upper fourth leg 34 has a left upper rear connection 44 and the upper third led 33 has a left upper front connection 43. The left upper connecting Board 41 connects between the left upper front connection 43 and the left upper rear connection 44. Also, the left upper connecting beam 42 connects between the left upper front connection 43 and the left upper rear connection 44.

As seen in FIG. 4, the left upper front connection 43 can connect to the upper third leg 33 at a number of screw holes 46 that match board screw holes 47 on the left upper connecting board 41. Additionally, the left upper connecting beam 42 can connect to the left upper front connection 43 using dowels 48. Screw connectors 45 can pass through the screw holes 46 and also connect between dowels 48 to provide stability.

As seen in FIGS. 5-6, an endcap 49 can be formed to fit into an endcap opening so that a bolt or screw 45 can pass through the screw hole 46 and connect to the endcap 49. In conjunction with dowels 48, the endcap 49 can improve stability. The endcap 49 acts as a nut that is shaped to fit inside the endcap opening.

As seen in FIGS. 7-10, the right side connection has the same structure as the left side connection such that the right side connection is basically a mirror image of the left side connection.

As seen in FIGS. 11-12, the upper right beam 54 is parallel to the upper left beam 55. The upper right beam connects to the upper left beam at the middle horizontal splice junction 50.

The upper middle leg 37 has an upper notch 154, a middle notch 155, and a lower notch 156. The notches face inwardly and support the horizontally connecting beams. The upper notch 154 receives a left end of the upper right beam 54 and the right end of the upper left beam 55. The middle notch 155 receives the right end of the middle left beam 57 and the left end of the middle right beam 56. The lower notch 156 receives the left end of the lower right beam 58, and receives the right end of the lower left beam 59. The notch joins the beams. The beams further have a lap connection having a width of the width of the second upper middle leg 37. For example, a half lap horizontal splice 51 shown in the detail exploded view shows a first splice screw hole 51 aligned to a second splice screw hole 52 at the middle horizontal splice junction 50.

As seen in FIG. 13, the lower bed frame 20 has the same general construction as the upper bed frame 30. The lower bed frame 30 also has a lap connection at its middle portion. The lap connection of the longest members effectively shortens the longest member such that the longest member is now only one half of the original length. By shortening the longest member, the length of the product packaging carton can now be halved.

The lower bed frame 20 has a right rear longitudinal member 211, left rear longitudinal member 212, right front longitudinal member 213 and right rear longitudinal member 214. The longitudinal members are connected to each other at the rear longitudinal member connection 215 and the front longitudinal member connection 216. Each of the longitudinal members are connected at the corners, namely the right rear longitudinal member corner connection 221, left rear longitudinal member corner connection 222, right front longitudinal member corner connection 223, and right rear longitudinal member corner connection 224. The rear longitudinal member connection 215 incorporates the middle rear leg and the right rear longitudinal member 211 and left rear longitudinal member 212 both fit into the slot of the middle rear leg. Analogously, the front longitudinal members fit into the slot of the middle front legs. The upper frame has a similar structure with longitudinal members being connected to each other at the middle legs. The longitudinal members support the mattress supports which support the mattresses.

As seen in FIG. 14, the middle leg lap splice joint 60 joins the upper and lower portion of a middle leg and the stabilizers the lower middle leg notch 83. The lap splice joint has multiple connections that can be by bolts or screws, such as a first lap connection 61, a second lap connection 62, a third lap connection 63, and a fourth lap connection 64. The connections are preferably formed as drilled openings that can be bolted or screwed together. The connections are preferably in a rectangular pattern to stabilize the lap interface plane 65 which is formed between the upper and lower members. The upper lap end 67 preferably abuts the lower member, and the lower lap end 66 preferably abuts the upper member.

As seen in FIGS. 15-16, the ladder legs are two part with an upper portion and a lower portion. The ladder 80 has a lower first ladder leg 25 and an upper first ladder leg 35. The lower first ladder leg 25 has a lower first ladder leg notch 81. The lower first ladder leg notch 81 receives and supports the lower left ladder connection 94. The upper first ladder leg 35 supports the upper left ladder connection 92. The upper left ladder connection 92 has an upper first ladder leg 35 which has a an upper left ladder first notch 84, an upper left ladder second notch 86, and an upper left ladder third notch 88. The right upper ladder connection 91 is formed on the upper second ladder leg 36. The right upper ladder connection 91 has an upper right ladder first notch 85, an upper right ladder second notch 87, and an upper right ladder third notch 89. Rungs extend between the ladder legs. The upper right ladder connection 91 has an upper right ladder second notch 87 which receives a horizontal member.

The upper second ladder leg 36 has a lap joint with the lower second ladder leg 26. The upper first ladder leg 35 has a lap joint with the lower first ladder leg 25. Four rungs can connect the right ladder leg with the left ladder leg. The four rungs can be inset in slots or dadoes. The bed frame thus incorporates the ladder legs and middle legs as structure for supporting a middle portion of the bed. The bed frame is preferably made of wood. After bed frame assembly, a user can install a pair of mattresses.

Claims

1. A bunk bed frame comprising: a. a lower bed frame and an upper bed frame, wherein the lower bed frame and the upper bed frame both have four corner legs and at least one pair of middle legs;b. a rectangular configuration adapted for a full size mattress, the corner legs and middle legs providing support for the mattress; andc. a middle leg lap vertical splice joint connecting the pair of middle legs.

2. The bunk bed frame of claim 1, wherein the middle leg lap vertical splice joint comprises: a. a first lap connection on the upper end of the lower middle leg;b. a second lap connection on the lower end of the upper middle leg; andc. a lap interface plane connecting the first and second lap connections.

3. The bunk bed frame of claim 2, wherein the middle leg lap vertical splice joint further comprises: a. a third lap connection on the lower end of the lower middle leg; andb. a fourth lap connection on the upper end of the upper middle leg.

4. The bunk bed frame of claim 1, wherein the corner legs are formed as rectangular prism elongated posts having a rectangular cross-section.

5. The bunk bed frame of claim 1, wherein each of the corner legs has connector openings to allow connection between the vertically oriented corner legs and horizontal connecting members.

6. The bunk bed frame of claim 1, further comprising:

7. a ladder for accessing the upper bed frame; and ladder legs connected to the upper bed frame and the lower bed frame, the ladder legs having notches for connecting to the lower bed frame and to the upper bed frame.

8. The bunk bed frame of claim 6, wherein the ladder legs further comprise: a. a lower first ladder leg notch on the lower first ladder leg;b. a lower middle leg notch on the lower middle leg;c. an upper left ladder first notch on the upper left ladder leg;d. a lower second ladder leg notch on the lower second ladder leg;e. an upper right ladder first notch on the upper right ladder leg;f. an upper left ladder second notch on the upper left ladder leg;g. an upper right ladder second notch on the upper right ladder leg; and;h. an upper left ladder third notch on the upper left ladder leg.

9. The bunk bed frame of claim 6, further comprising: a. an upper right ladder connection on an upper end of the upper right ladder leg;b. an upper right ladder third notch on an upper end of the upper right ladder leg;c. an upper left ladder connection on an upper end of the upper left ladder leg; andd. a lower right ladder connection and a lower left ladder connection connected to the lower bed frame.

10. A bunk bed frame structure comprising: a lower bed frame and an upper bed frame, each of the bed frames comprising four corner legs having connector openings, and at least one pair of middle legs supporting the middle of the bunk bed, wherein the middle legs are asymmetrical and comprise a rear middle leg and a front middle leg, wherein the rear middle leg comprises a middle leg lap vertical splice joint.

11. The bunk bed frame structure of claim 10, wherein the middle leg lap vertical splice joint further comprises a lap interface plane, a lower lap end, and an upper lap end.

12. The bunk bed frame structure of claim 10, wherein the ladder legs of the upper bed frame each have a first notch, a second notch, and a third notch.

13. The bunk bed frame structure of claim 10, wherein the middle horizontal splice junction comprises a half lap horizontal splice, a first splice screw hole, and a second splice screw hole.

14. The bunk bed frame structure of claim 10, wherein the upper bed frame is connected to two ladder legs forming a ladder with rungs connecting between the two ladder legs, wherein the ladder legs have notches for connecting to the upper bed frame and to the lower bed frame.

15. The bunk bed frame structure of claim 10, wherein the lower bed frame is connected to a first ladder leg, a second ladder leg, and a middle leg, wherein the first ladder leg has a notches for connecting to the lower bed frame and to the upper bed frame.