The present invention relates generally to a collapsible and portable frame apparatus for bed mattresses and, more particularly, to said frame apparatus that replaces a conventional box-spring and also comprising integral storage compartments.
In the United States, relocation ranks as the third most stressful life event. Forty-two million (42,000,000) people move each year in the U.S.—one (1) in four (4) adults. The average individual will move eleven-point-seven (11.7) times in their lifetime. With any move comes the loading and unloading of furniture. One (1) of the most cumbersome items to move is a bed. Moving a bed system comprised of a mattress and a box-spring is a challenging task even in residences with wide hallways and staircases. Attempting to move a bed set in homes with narrow hallways and staircases can be virtually impossible. This is especially true for the box-spring component with its rigid, non-conforming nature. In such instances, people resort to smaller beds, or place the mattress directly on the floor, or turn to a cobbled together system of supports which may include cinder blocks, milk crates and wooden planks. None of these are acceptable solutions.
Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which mattresses can be supported by a frame system in homes with limited access without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,761 filed by Choi discloses an inclining bed with collapsible frame. This patent does not appear to disclose a collapsible platform for a mattress which incorporates a solid platform supported by a support structure capable of conveniently folding to a flat position.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,223 filed by Wang discloses a foldable frame assembly. This patent does not appear to disclose a collapsible platform for a mattress which incorporates a solid platform supported by a support structure capable of conveniently folding to a flat configuration.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,402 filed by Ling discloses a foldable bed frame device. This patent does not appear to disclose a collapsible platform for a mattress which incorporates a solid platform supported by a support structure capable of conveniently folding to a flat configuration.
U.S. Pat. No. D 472,746 filed by Hall discloses a device for supporting bedding. This design patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus capable of supporting a mattress nor does this design patent look similar to the invention herein described.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,192 filed by Choi and Lamke discloses an air bed with elevated and self-expanding support structure. This patent does not appear to disclose a collapsible platform for a mattress which incorporates a solid platform supported by a support structure capable of conveniently folding to a flat configuration.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,913 filed by Allen and Allen discloses a bedspread holding device. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus capable of supporting a mattress.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,565 filed by Petterborg discloses a collapsible bedspread holder. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus capable of supporting a mattress.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,727 filed by Anderson discloses a collapsible base for beds. This patent does not appear to disclose a collapsible platform for mattresses which collapsible through the use of integral hinges position upon the support members.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,017 filed by Mortimer discloses a collapsible structure particularly for use as a cot or bed. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus capable of supporting a mattress nor does it appear that this apparatus is a collapsible platform capable of utilizing hinges to easily fold to a flat configuration.
The prior art appears to disclose apparatus that serve a more temporary use than the instant invention. The prior art does not appear to provide for a collapsible platform supported by a sound support system possessing integral hinges that permit the apparatus to collapse to a flat configuration.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a solid, collapsible platform for a mattress that conveniently folds to a flat configuration.
The collapsible platform for a mattress provides a compact storage means while replacing a standard box-spring. The collapsible platform for mattresses is intended for residential use or where space limitations restrict the delivery or movement of conventional box spring units.
The collapsible platform for a mattress comprises a plurality of vertical sections supporting an upper platform positioning and supporting a conventional top mattress thereupon at a typical distance above a floor surface. The support structure portion of the collapsible platform for mattresses comprises a first insert and a second insert, each located at opposing ends of the collapsible platform for mattresses. The collapsible platform for mattresses further comprises lockable furniture casters and a plurality of interior compartments for storage.
A further aspect of the collapsible platform for a mattress comprises a plurality of compartment doors, four (4) first platform boards, and a pair of second platform boards. The first platform boards comprise rectangular shapes having a single rounded corner for positioning at each corner portion of the platform having a flush edge thereto the support structure along a headboard end and having an overhanging edge portion along three (3) remaining edges. The second platform boards are positioned therebetween said first platform boards, thereby establishing a continuous flat surface having a desired length.
Still a further aspect of the collapsible platform for a mattress is to provide a plurality of models corresponding thereto standard bed sizes such as, but not limited to: single, double, queen, and king sizes. The first and second platform boards would be supplied in corresponding dimensions in order to accommodate the particular mattress size desired.
Yet still another aspect of the collapsible platform for a mattress is to provide said first and second platform boards comprising an attachment means thereto the support structure via a plurality of fasteners and an attachment means thereto an anti-skid cover via a plurality of common male snap fixtures. The male snap fixtures are located along a top perimeter region of the assembled first and second platform boards.
Another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress comprises a foldable and collapsible rectangular support structure further comprising: two (2) first box supports, four (4) second box supports, six (6) storage compartment doors, four (4) platform supports, four (4) caster boards, three (3) floorboards, four (4) first hinges, eight (8) second hinges, a first insert, and a second insert. The rectangular support structure provides a collapsible and compact assembly allowing a user to conveniently store the collapsible platform for mattresses or transport. The first box support boards comprises vertical rectangular panels being located along each side area and provide an attachment means for said plurality of storage compartment doors.
Yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress comprises said storage compartment doors to further comprise a common rectangular design with expected features such as a pair of third hinges, a knob, and a common clasp closure.
Still yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress further comprises two (2) pairs of first slots located along inward facing surfaces and providing an attachment means thereto the platform supports. The pairs of first slots are arranged so as to divide the inner surface of the first box support into three (3) equal sections.
Still yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress further comprises four (4) second slots located along inward facing surfaces and extending horizontally and located along a bottom inside edge of the first box supports. The second slots are located at each outer corner region of the first box support and at a base area of each pair of first slots and are sized so as to slidingly receive an end portion of a caster board therein.
Still yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress provides for said platform supports arranged perpendicular thereto, and spanning therebetween, opposing first box supports. The platform supports comprise rectangular shapes and are correspondingly slidingly inserted therein the first slots in a parallel arrangement and defining a set width of the support structure in a stable rectangular form.
Still yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress provides for four (4) caster boards extending therebetween opposing first box supports and further comprising a pair of locking casters, thereby allowing the collapsible platform to be easily transported along a floor surface or secured in position to avoid unwanted movement.
The casters provide an attachment means being flange-mounted thereto a lower surface of said caster boards at end portions thereof.
Still yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress provides for said two (2) first box support boards comprising major side portions of the rectangular support structure and provide a hinging attachment means at each end portion to a pair of second box support boards and said second support boards comprising minor side portions of said rectangular support structure being coincidental therewith headboard and footboard positions on conventional bedding. Each pair of second box support boards further comprise a folding and adjustable width via a pair of first hinges positioned at a footboard area of the collapsible platform providing an attachment means thereto a first insert and an additional pair of first hinges positioned at a headboard area providing an attachment means thereto a second insert.
Still yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress, provides for said inserts comprising “Z”-shaped vertical sections being inserted therebetween adjacent second box support portions and being affixed thereto along a vertical non-hinged edge.
Still yet another object of the collapsible platform for a mattress provides for said floorboards comprising a bottom horizontal surface therewithin the collapsible platform for mattresses allowing contained storage of personal items therewithin being accessed using the compartment doors. The floorboards comprise rectangular shapes forming a floor and being supported by the four (4) caster boards and being positioned therebetween the first box supports, the second box supports, and the platform supports.
The support structure is envisioned to be provided in a variety of painted colors and patterns and made using preferably wood materials; however, said support structure members may be provided using alternative materials such as aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, or the like.
A further aspect of the collapsible platform for a mattress further comprises an anti-skid cover portion, comprising a flexible sheet of high-friction materials having a perimeter edge being coincidental thereto the platform boards and a plurality of female snap fixtures affixed thereto a bottom surface along a perimeter region thereof so as to align and be engaged thereto the aforementioned male snap fixture portions mounted thereto the platform boards.
The collapsible platform for mattresses may be utilized with conventional mattress/bedding or a footboard or headboard may be added as shown to provide a decorative and aesthetic appearance based upon a user's preference.
A method for installing, erecting, and utilizing a collapsible platform for a mattress may be used by performing the following steps: procuring a particular model, or models, of the collapsible platform corresponding thereto particular desired bed sizes; procuring one (1) or more inserts having a width which also corresponds thereto said desired bed sizes, as needed; locating a desired room providing sufficient area in which to set up the collapsible platform; assembling the insert portions thereinto the second box supports using the provided fasteners, if not previously assembled; unfolding and expanding the support structure to form a rectangular periphery; lifting the first box supports from a floor surface; inserting the four (4) caster boards thereinto the second slot portions of the first box supports; inserting the platform supports downwardly thereinto the first slots until contacting the caster boards; affixing the platform boards thereto the support structure using the provided fasteners; attaching the anti-skid cover thereto the platform boards by engaging the male and female snap fixtures; placing conventional mattress/bedding thereupon the collapsible platform; placing additional foot/headboard members, if desired; and, benefiting from improved compact storage and convenient portability of a bed platform afforded a user of the present invention.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
a is a side perspective view of the collapsible platform for a mattress 10 depicting an anti-skid cover portion 60, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,
b is an environmental view of the collapsible platform for a mattress 10, depicting applied conventional mattress/bedding portions 50, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The present invention describes an apparatus and method for a collapsible platform for a mattress (herein described as the “apparatus”) 10, comprising a compact storage means while replacing a standard box-spring. The apparatus 10 is intended for residential use or where space limitations restrict the delivery or movement of conventional box-spring units. The apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of vertical sections supporting an upper platform positioning and supporting a conventional top mattress 50 thereupon at a typical distance above a floor surface. The support structure portion 20 of the apparatus 10 comprises a first insert 44 and a second insert 46, each located at opposing ends of the apparatus 10, thereby providing a variety of width dimensions corresponding thereto common standard mattress sizes 50. The apparatus 10 further comprises lockable furniture casters 48 and a plurality of interior compartments 23 for storage. The use of the apparatus 10 with a mattress 50 does not impede normal making of a bed using standard bedding elements.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The two (2) first box support boards 21 provide major side portions of the rectangular support structure 20 and provide a hinging attachment means at each end portion to a pair of second box support boards 22 via pairs of first hinges 27 along joining vertical corner regions. The second support boards 21 make up the minor sides of said rectangular support structure 20 being coincidental therewith headboard and footboard positions on conventional bedding 51 (see
The support structure 20 is envisioned to be provided in a variety of painted colors and patterns and made using preferably wood materials; however, said support structure members 20 may be provided using alternative materials such as aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, or the like.
Referring now to
Referring now to
It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus 10, it would be installed as indicated in
The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus 10 may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a particular model, or models, of the apparatus 10 corresponding thereto particular desired bed sizes such as single, double, queen, or king; procuring one (1) or more inserts 44, 46 having a width which also corresponds thereto said desired bed sizes, as needed; locating a desired room providing sufficient area in which to set up the apparatus 10; assembling the insert 44, 46 portions thereinto the second box supports 22 using the provided fasteners 42, if not previously assembled; unfolding and expanding the support structure 20 to form a rectangular periphery; lifting the first box supports 21 from a floor surface; inserting the four (4) caster boards 24 thereinto the second slot portions 32 of the first box supports 21; inserting the platform supports 25 downwardly thereinto the first slots 31 until contacting the caster boards 24; affixing the platform boards 40, 41 thereto the support structure 20 using the provided fasteners 42; attaching the anti-skid cover 60 thereto the platform boards 40, 41 by engaging the male 61 and female 62 snap fixtures; placing conventional mattress/bedding 50 thereupon the apparatus 10; placing additional foot/headboard members 51, if desired; and benefiting from improved compact storage and convenient portability of a bed platform afforded a user of the present invention 10.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/922,581 filed on Apr. 10, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4304017 | Mortimer | Dec 1981 | A |
| 4613999 | Franco et al. | Sep 1986 | A |
| 4788727 | Liu | Dec 1988 | A |
| 5231714 | Mossbeck | Aug 1993 | A |
| 5699565 | Petterborg | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5774913 | Allen et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
| 6457192 | Choi et al. | Oct 2002 | B2 |
| D472746 | Hall | Apr 2003 | S |
| 6564402 | Lin | May 2003 | B1 |
| 6581223 | Wang | Jun 2003 | B1 |
| 6711761 | Choi | Mar 2004 | B2 |
| 7376986 | Smith et al. | May 2008 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60922581 | Apr 2007 | US |