Fold-Out Bed Frame

Abstract

In one embodiment, a bed framework is described which includes an upper bed frame and a lower bed frame that can fold between a usable position and a stowed position. The upper bed frame is connected to a stationary support frame so as to pivot and slide, minimizing the height of the upper bed frame in the stored position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recreational vehicles, boats and trailers (collectively, “RV's”), there is an ever present need for lifting mechanisms. While such lifting devices are rarely a necessity in RV's, they nevertheless maintain an important functional role with respect to space maximization and storage.

Generally, RV's are constrained in size by their safety to drive, ease to maneuver, and affordability to the average traveler. Further, RV manufacturing companies have strived to provide the greatest number of features in the least amount of space. Consequently, improvements have been made over the years to increase the amount of usable space within the vehicle.

Some designs attempt to maximize space by way of lifting devices. Thus, to the extent feasible, the used space can be convertible for dual or even multiple purposes by lifting furniture or other objects out of the way.

One of the largest pieces of furniture within an RV is the bed. Many designers have maximized usable space by designing a bed that lowers and raises within an RV. Examples of such designs include U.S. Publication No. 20050001444 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,557,190; 6,231,114; and 3,266,062, all herein incorporated by reference.

Some bed lift designs, such as the design of U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,404, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference, use straps and pulleys to increase or decrease the height of the bed. Lift systems such as these that use retractable straps are often desirable due to their overall low weight, inexpensive components, and lifting efficiency.

While these strap designs operate with general satisfaction, their strap supports typically allow the bed to move and swing horizontally when the vehicle is in motion or when in use by the user. In some circumstances, this horizontal movement may cause the bed to contact portions of the vehicle's interior, possibly resulting in damage. Further, the straps used to support the bed are typically fully exposed to the vehicle's interior, allowing for possible snags or damage, as well as undesirable aesthetics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a bed framework is described which includes an upper bed frame and a lower bed frame that can fold between a usable position and a stowed position. The upper bed frame is connected to a stationary support frame so as to pivot and slide, minimizing the height of the upper bed frame in the stored position. The upper bed frame is also supported by pivoting braces and a fold-out ladder, distributing the weight of the user and thereby reducing the likelihood of failure of the framework due to stress. Additionally, the various components of the bed framework can be locked into different positions, preventing movement and possible damage when the vehicle is in motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a bed frame in a folded position according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a slide plate of the bed frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the bed frame of FIG. 1 in a folded out position;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a guide channel of the bed frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates a lock pin of the bed frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 illustrates a brace hinge of the bed frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 illustrates a locking pop pin of the bed frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 illustrates a folding ladder of the bed frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 illustrates a swing down lower bed leg of the bed frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 illustrates the bed frame of FIG. 1 with the top bed frame folded for storage and the bottom bed frame folded out for use;

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of the bed frame of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged view of the bed frame of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 illustrates a locking pop pin of the ladder of the bed frame of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 illustrates sidewall receiving brackets of the bed frame of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 17 illustrates stop angle blocks of the bed frame of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-17 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a bed frame system 100 that can fold away to a lengthwise (i.e., vertical) storage position, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, to maximize space within a recreational vehicle. As seen in FIGS. 3-11, a top bed frame 106 and a bottom bed frame 104 fold down, providing two sleeping areas or, as seen in FIGS. 12-17 only one frame may be folded down (e.g., lower frame 104).

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the height of the bed frames when in its folded storage position is relatively low due to the guide channels 128, seen best in FIG. 6 and described in further detail below, which allow the end of the upper bed frame 106 to slide downwards for storage. Thus, the bed frames 104 and 106 fold for storage so that their ends are very close to each other and the vehicle's floor, thereby minimizing the overall height of the system 100.

The bed frame system 100 includes a stationary support framework 102 having two L-shaped side members connected by support members. The stationary support framework 102 preferably is secured (e.g., via bolts or screws) to a floor and wall of the vehicle, however, it may also be built into the vehicle (i.e., the surfaces of the support framework 102 may simply be part of the walls and floors of the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 1, the lower bed frame 104 is pivotally mounted at joint 134, allowing the frame 104 to pivot between an upright position (e.g., about a 90 degree position seen in FIG. 1) and a horizontal position (e.g., about a 0 degree position seen in FIG. 12).

The lower bed frame 104 is maintained in the upright position by a latch mechanism seen best in FIGS. 2 and 16. The latch mechanism includes a biased lock slide plate 132 having a latching hook portion that engages with locking pin 133 on the lower bed frame 104. The lock slide plate 132 is preferably spring biased into a locking position (i.e., a position that will lock the locking pin 133). The locking pin 133 can be released from the lock slide plate 132 by pulling on the handle 130. In this respect, the lower bed frame 104 can be releasably locked in the upright position and moved to the desired horizontal position.

A lower bed support 124 can be folded out via pivotal joints 120 to support one end of the lower bed frame 104. As seen in FIG. 17, stop angle blocks 140 are included on the bed frame 104 to support the lower bed support 124 in a desired position, thereby maintaining the support 124 and bed in a safe and secure position.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the upper bed frame 106 is pivotally connected to the guide channels 128, allowing the frame 106 to slide along the length of the guide channels 128 and pivot or rotate to between a vertical position (e.g., FIG. 1) and a horizontal position (e.g., FIG. 3). Specifically, the bed frame 106 includes a guide member 111 (i.e., one for each guide channel 128) that slides within the guide channel 128.

Additionally, the frame 106 includes a biased lock pin 113, seen best in FIGS. 6 and 7, that locks the guide member 111 at a position (e.g., an elevation) within the guide channel 128. Preferably, the lock pin 113 is a spring biased pin that moves into and out of position within locking apertures of the guide channel 128.

The frame 106 also includes a pivoting brace 108 (seen best in FIG. 8) that provides further support to the frame 106. The brace 108 is pivotally connected to the support framework 102 by pivoting joint 110 and is connected to the frame 106 by pivoting joint 112.

One end of the frame 106 is further supported by a ladder 116, seen best in FIG. 10. The ladder is connected to the frame 106 via two hinges 118 and can be locked in a storage position against the frame 106 by pin lock 120 (seen best in FIGS. 1, 9, 14 and 15). Preferably, the pin lock 120 is located on the frame 106 and is spring biased to releasably lock into an aperture near the bottom of the ladder 116.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the feet 120 of the ladder 116 are positioned into two mating cups or passages that prevent the ladder 116 from slipping out. Further, the cups 122 preferably include a spring biased pin lock (not shown) that releasably lock into apertures in the feet 120. Thus, a user can pull against the bias of the pin lock, then pull the feet 120 out of the cups 122 to remove the ladder 116.

In operation, the bed frame system 100 is expanded from a storage position seen in FIG. 1 by first pulling on the handle 130 to cause the lock slide plate 132 to release the locking pin 133 and thereby unlock the lower bed frame 104. Next, the lower bed support 124 is swung out from the bed frame 104 and the bed frame 104 is rotated to the ground (i.e., to the position seen in FIG. 12).

To fold out the upper bed frame 106, the lower end of the frame 106 is slide up along the guide channels 128 and locket by locking pin 113. Next, locking pin 120 is pulled to release the ladder 116. The ladder 116 is pivoted away from the frame 106 so that the feet 120 are placed into cups 122.

The bed frame system 100 is stored by following the reverse procedure. In other words, the ladder 116 is released and locked into a storage position, the upper frame is unlocked and slide into a vertical position, the lower frame 104 is moved to a vertical position and the lower bed support is folded to a storage position against the lower bed frame 104.

It should be understood that the bed frame system 100 can fold to a relatively compact space from the usable position (e.g., FIG. 3), especially since the upper bed frame 106 not only pivots but slide between different elevations. This allows the upper bed frame 106 to stow away so that one end of the upper bed frame 106 is positioned on or near the floor. Thus, the upper bed frame 106 does not require a relatively high ceiling as it otherwise would if the upper frame 106 only pivoted when in a stored or stowed position (e.g., the stowed position of FIG. 1). Additionally, the multiple support features of the upper frame 106 (e.g., ladder 116, brace 108 and guide channels 128) distribute the weight of a user and therefore reduce the possibility of failure.

While not depicted in the Figures, it should be understood that mattresses or cushions are specifically contemplated for use on the bed frames 104 and 106.

While the bed frame system 100 has been depicted as folding lengthwise (i.e., the bed frames 104 and 106 fold at their ends), it is also contemplated that the frames could fold or pivot along their side. In other words, the frames 104 and 106 could be oriented and hinge sideways in the stationary framework 102.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A bed support system for a vehicle comprising: a first bed frame pivotally connected to a support structure to fold upwards; anda second bed frame pivotally connected to said support structure above said first bed frame to vertically slide and thereby minimize a height in a stowed position.

2. The bed of claim 1, wherein said support structure includes a first vertical guide channel.

3. The bed of claim 2, wherein one end of said second bed frame includes a first guide member configured to slide within said first guide channel.

4. The bed of claim 3, wherein said support structure includes a second vertical guide channel and a second guide member configured to slide within said second guide channel.

5. The bed of claim 4, further comprising a ladder pivotally connected to a first end of said second bed frame.

6. The bed of claim 5, further comprising a lock disposed on said second bed frame to releasably engage an aperture of said first guide channel.

7. The bed of claim 6, further comprising support members disposed on said first bed frame to releasably engage said ladder.

8. The bed of claim 6, further comprising a locking mechanism to selectively release said first bed frame from a vertical position.

9. A bed framework for a vehicle comprising: a stationary support framework;a lower bed frame, pivotally connected to said stationary support framework; andan upper bed frame pivotally and slidably connected to said stationary support framework;wherein said upper bed frame includes a first stored position in which a first end of said upper bed frame is positioned within proximity of a floor, and a second usable position wherein said upper bed frame is generally horizontal.

10. The bed framework of claim 9, wherein said upper bed is at least partially supported by a pivoting brace.

11. The bed framework of claim 10, wherein said upper bed is at least partially supported by a ladder.

12. The bed framework of claim 11, wherein said upper bed is at least partially supported by two guide channels disposed on said stationary support framework.

13. The bed framework of claim 12, wherein said upper bed includes at least two guide members, each of said guide members positioned to slide within one of said two guide channels.

14. The bed framework of claim 13, further comprising an elevation lock disposed on said upper bed frame to maintain an elevation of said upper bed frame.

15. The bed framework of claim 14, wherein said ladder is selectively engagable with said lower bed frame.