The present disclosure relates to storage areas for beds.
A method for a storage area for a bed, wherein the bed comprises a first section and a second section coupled to each other via a hinge mechanism, the first section comprises a first surface, wherein one or more items of bedding lie on the first surface, and a constraining mechanism, and the second section comprises a storage area, the method comprising: rotating the first section about the hinge mechanism from a closed position to an open position; and constraining, by the constraining mechanism, the one or more items of bedding to lie on the first surface during the rotating of the first section.
In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism comprises one or more headboards comprising a first one or more panels, wherein the first one or more panels rotate between a first head position and a second head position, and one or more footboards comprising a second one or more panels, wherein the second one or more panels rotate between a first foot position and a second foot position; the constraining further comprising the first one or more panels rotating from the first head position to the second head position, the second one or more panels rotating from the first foot position to the second foot position, and the rotating of the first one or more panels and the second one or more panels operative to hold the one or more items of bedding to the first surface.
In some embodiments, initiating the rotating comprises using one of a key; a keypad, keyboard or touchscreen; a combination lock; a radio frequency identification (RFID)-based technique; an application running on an input device; a voice command; a near field communications (NFC)-based technique; a pushbutton, or a magnetic sensor.
In some embodiments, the storage area stores one or more contents; and the method further comprises moving one of the one or more contents either during or after the rotating of the first section is performed.
In some embodiments, the storage area is fire resistant or fire proof.
In some embodiments, the storage area is protected using a locking mechanism; and the method further comprises unlocking the locking mechanism using one of a key, a numeric or alphanumeric combination, an RFID-based technique, an application running on an input device, a voice command, an NFC-based technique, and a biometric technique.
In some embodiments, the storage area is configured to store firearms and ammunition.
In some embodiments, the constraining is performed using one or more of: a pneumatic mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a linear actuator, an electric motor, a spring, a cable, or a gas spring.
In some embodiments, either the first section or the storage area comprises a lighting subsystem.
In some embodiments, the first section comprises a second surface, and one or more items are mounted to the second surface.
A system for a storage area for a bed, wherein the bed comprises a first section and a second section coupled to each other via a hinge mechanism, the first section comprises a first surface, wherein one or more items of bedding lie on the first surface, and a constraining mechanism controlled by a constraining mechanism control unit, the second section comprises a storage area, and a sectional rotating mechanism to rotate the first section about the hinge mechanism between a closed position and an open position, wherein the sectional rotating mechanism is controlled by a sectional rotating mechanism control unit, and the sectional rotating mechanism control unit is communicatively coupled to the constraining mechanism control unit via one or more interconnections, wherein when the first section is rotated to the open position from the closed position, the constraining mechanism is controlled by the constraining mechanism control unit to constrain the one or more items of bedding to lie on the first surface during the rotating of the first section.
In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism comprises one or more headboards comprising a first one or more panels, wherein the first one or more panels rotate between a first head position and a second head position, and one or more footboards comprising a second one or more panels, wherein the second one or more panels rotate between a first foot position and a second foot position; the constraining further comprising the first one or more panels rotating from the first head position to the second head position to hold the one or more items of bedding to the first surface, the second one or more panels rotating from the first foot position to the second foot position, and the rotating of the first one or more panels and the second one or more panels operative to hold the one or more items of bedding to the first surface.
In some embodiments, initiating the rotating comprises using one of a key; a keypad, keyboard or touchscreen; a combination lock; a radio frequency identification (RFID)-based technique; an application running on an input device; a voice command; a near field communications (NFC)-based technique; a pushbutton, or a magnetic sensor.
In some embodiments, the storage area stores one or more contents; and the sectional rotating mechanism control unit controls the movement of the one or more contents either during or after the rotating.
In some embodiments, the bed further comprises a ballistic shield to enable a user to take cover in a position other than a prone position.
In some embodiments, the storage area is protected using a locking mechanism controlled by a locking mechanism control unit; and the locking mechanism is unlocked by the locking mechanism control unit using one of a key, a numeric or alphanumeric combination, an RFID-based technique, an application running on an input device, a voice command, an NFC-based technique, and a biometric technique.
In some embodiments, the storage area is bullet resistant or bullet proof.
In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism comprises one or more of: a pneumatic mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a linear actuator, an electric motor, a spring, a cable, or a gas spring.
In some embodiments, either the first section or the storage area comprises a lighting subsystem.
In some embodiments, the first section comprises a second surface, and one or more items are mounted to the second surface.
The foregoing and additional aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments and/or aspects, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided next.
The foregoing and other advantages of the disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments or implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of an invention as defined by the appended claims.
Previously, there have been works of prior art which describe storage areas or storage areas integrated into beds and other items of furniture. For example:
disclose storage areas integrated into beds.
However, the systems disclosed in each of Owens Jr., Andrews, Bowling, and Weiche suffer from limitations. For example, Owens Jr. discloses a system having an opening on the side of the bed, potentially limiting the size of the storage area.
Weiche discloses a compartment which pivots away from the bed, which means that the storage area also suffers from a size limitation.
Bowling discloses a system with one or more sliding drawers integrated into the bed. However, it may not be easy for a user to access the storage area if there is insufficient space for any of the one of more sliding drawers to slide out fully, leading to inconvenience for the user. The storage area disclosed in Andrews is small and requires space to slide out as well.
A configuration which offers more storage area without the attendant issues posed by sliding drawers is one with a rotatable hinged lid, which can be opened. An example of this configuration can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,272 to Adrain (hereinafter referred to as “Adrain”). Adrain describes a storage area integrated into a bed frame with a pivotable hinged lid. Therefore, the user does not need space to slide out a drawer to access the contents of the storage area. Furthermore, this offers the possibility of a much larger storage area.
However, for a user of the system described in Adrain, the user needs to move the bedding either fully or partially off the bed before opening the lid to the storage area to access the storage area. This is inconvenient and time-consuming for the user, as the user has to:
This may be difficult if, for example, heavier or bulkier items of bedding such as mattresses are utilized.
The BEDBUNKER product by Heracles Research, (hereinafter referred to as “BEDBUNKER”) shown on their website available online at https://heraclesresearch.com/bedbunker-safes/queen-bedbunker-safe/, retrieved on Jun. 17, 2023, has a similar issue.
Additionally, while the storage area in Adrain and BEDBUNKER may be bulletproof or bullet resistant, a user may be constrained to take cover behind the storage area in a prone position, that is, where the user is lying down.
There are furniture items described in the prior art which can be converted into ballistic shields, and allow for a user to take cover in a position other than a prone position, for example, sitting down, crouching, or partially standing up. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,295,311 to Trubacek et al, filed Nov. 27, 2018 and issued on May 21, 2019 (hereinafter referred to as “Trubacek”) describes a flip-top table which can be transformed into a ballistic shield. However, there are no such beds described in the prior art. Furthermore, it is not clear how to integrate the flip-top table described in Trubacek into a bed.
Therefore, there is a need for a bed with a storage area which can:
A system and method which achieves these objectives is described below and with reference to
Second surface 108 faces the interior of the bed when first section 102 is in a closed position. The second surface 108 acts as a lid to cover the storage area, which will be described in further detail below.
The second section 104 comprises an integrated storage area 112, which stores one or more contents. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more contents comprise firearms, such as rifles 142, and ammunition. It would be known to one of skill in the art that the one or more contents are not restricted to firearms and ammunition. The one or more contents could include, for example, documents, jewelry or other items of value.
As explained above, when the first section is in the closed position, the second surface acts as a lid to cover the storage area. For example, in the example embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, the storage area comprises one or more physical organizing elements to ensure that the one or more contents in the storage area are organized; and made available for presentation and access to a user. Examples of physical organizing elements are box 132 and mount 134 in storage area 112, as shown in
In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more contents in the storage area is moved either during or after the rotating of the first section, to ensure easier access and better presentation to a user. In some embodiments, this comprises moving one or more of the physical organizing elements. For example, in
In some embodiments, the storage area 112 is made bullet proof or bullet resistant using one or more techniques known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the storage area 112 is made fire resistant or fire proof. This is achieved by, using one or more techniques known to those of skill in the art.
In
Another example embodiment of a bed 200 is shown in
In some embodiments, the bed further comprises a sectional rotating mechanism. The sectional rotating mechanism rotates the first section such as first section 102 or first section 202 about the hinge mechanism between a closed position and an open position, and vice-versa. An example of a hinge 222 which is part of a hinge mechanism is shown in
The sectional rotating mechanism is implemented using techniques known to those of skilled in the art, such as one or more of electric motors, pneumatics, hydraulics, linear actuators. Examples of such sectional rotating mechanisms are linear actuator 214 shown in
In some embodiments, there is a ballistic shield which is rotatable. Then when the first section is rotated from closed to open position, the ballistic shield can also be rotated to an open position to enable a user to take cover. An example embodiment is shown in
Another example embodiment of a ballistic shield is shown in
In some of the embodiments where the ballistic shield is not integrated into the first section, the rotation of the ballistic shield is controlled by the sectional rotating mechanism control unit.
In some embodiments, one or more of the contents of the storage area are mounted to the second surface of the first section. Then, when the rotating is complete, these items are accessible to the user. An example embodiment is shown in
As previously explained, in some embodiments, the storage area comprises one or more physical organizing elements for organization; and better presentation and access for a user. A further example of this is shown in
In some embodiments, either the first section or the storage area comprises at least one lighting subsystem to illuminate the storage area or items mounted on the second surface of the first section. The at least one lighting subsystem comprises, for example, a set of spotlights, fluorescent lights, light emitting diodes or other suitable lighting devices. In some embodiments, the lighting subsystem is switched on either
An example embodiment of a lighting subsystem is lighting element 508 attached to the second surface 208 in
In some embodiments, the lighting subsystem is controlled by a lighting subsystem control unit, which will be explained in further detail below.
In some embodiments, the first section comprises a constraining mechanism. Then, either before rotation of the first section commences or while rotation of the first section is taking place, the constraining mechanism is employed to hold the one or more items of bedding in place, and thereby constrain the one or more items of bedding to lie on the first surface while the first section is rotated to the open position. In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism is controlled using a constraining mechanism control unit, which will be explained in further detail below.
Example embodiments of this constraining mechanism are now described with reference to
As explained previously, headboard 152 and footboard 154 in
In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism comprises at least one of one or more headboards such as headboard 152 of
In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism comprises at least one of one or more footboards such as footboard 154 of
In some embodiments, the rotating between the first and second head position; and the first and second foot position; are performed using one or more positional rotating mechanisms. Examples of positional rotating mechanisms comprise one or more of:
In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism control unit comprises a positional rotating mechanism control unit. The positional rotating mechanism control unit controls the operation of the positional rotating mechanism.
In some embodiments, the storage area is protected using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism functions to restrict access only to authorized persons. In some embodiments, this locking mechanism is implemented using one or more mechanical locking mechanisms. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism is implemented using one or more electrical locking mechanisms. In yet other embodiments, the locking mechanism is implemented using one or more hydraulic locking mechanisms. In yet other embodiments, the locking mechanism is implemented using combinations of above mentioned electrical, mechanical or hydraulic locking mechanisms.
The locking mechanism can be either locked or unlocked. In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking are performed by a locking mechanism control unit, which will be described further below.
Locking and unlocking are performed by a user using, for example, at least one input device. The input devices will be further explained below. Then examples of techniques to lock and unlock include, but are not limited to:
In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is engaged when the first section is in the closed position. This prevents unauthorized persons from accessing the storage area. In some embodiments where the locking mechanism is engaged in the closed position, prior to the first section being rotated to the open position, the locking mechanism needs to be unlocked. This is achieved using one or more of the above-described techniques.
In some embodiments, the locking mechanisms comprise a first set of mechanisms integrated into the sectional rotating mechanism, for example, into the hydraulic mechanisms or linear actuators comprising the sectional rotating mechanism. In other embodiments, the locking mechanisms comprise a second set of mechanisms separate from the sectional rotating mechanism. An example is mechanism 701 shown in
Constraining mechanism control unit 802 controls the operation of a constraining mechanism. In some embodiments, constraining mechanism control unit 802 comprises, for example, hardware such as one or more control circuits and devices such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic control and processors to control the operation of the constraining mechanism using techniques known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments, constraining mechanism control unit 802 is implemented using software. In yet other embodiments, constraining mechanism control unit 802 is implemented using a combination of hardware and software.
In some embodiments, constraining mechanism control unit 802 comprises a positional rotating mechanism control unit 803, as explained above. Positional rotating mechanism control unit 803 controls the rotation of one or more positional rotating mechanisms as described above. In some embodiments, positional rotating mechanism control unit 803 comprises, for example, hardware such as one or more control circuits and devices such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic control and processors to control the operation of the positional rotating mechanism using techniques known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments, positional rotating mechanism control unit 803 is implemented using software. In yet other embodiments, positional rotating mechanism control unit 803 is implemented using a combination of hardware and software.
Locking mechanism control unit 804 controls the operation of the previously described locking mechanism, as explained above. In some embodiments, locking mechanism control unit 804 is part of sectional rotating mechanism control unit 801. In some embodiments, locking mechanism control unit 804 comprises hardware, for example, one or more control circuits and devices such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic control and processors to control the operation of the locking mechanism using techniques known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments, locking mechanism control unit 804 is implemented using software. In yet other embodiments, locking mechanism control unit 804 is implemented using a combination of hardware and software.
Interconnection 805 communicatively couples the components of control and power subsystem 800 together. Interconnection 805 comprises, for example, cables, connectors, transmitters and receivers to enable components of subsystem 800 to communicate with each other using communication protocols known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, interconnection 805 enables at least one of wired and wireless communications between components of subsystem 800.
Lighting subsystem control unit 806 controls the operation of the previously described lighting subsystem, as explained above. In some embodiments, lighting subsystem control unit 806 is part of sectional rotating mechanism control unit 801. In some embodiments, lighting subsystem control unit 806 comprises, for example, hardware such as one or more control circuits and devices such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic control and processors to control the operation of the lighting subsystem using techniques known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments, lighting subsystem control unit 806 is implemented using software. In yet other embodiments, lighting subsystem control unit 806 is implemented using a combination of hardware and software.
The power unit 807 is coupled to the other components of subsystem 800 to supply power to these components. In some embodiments, power unit 807 comprises an alternating current (AC) adapter for connection to a mains supply. In some embodiments, power unit 807 comprises one or more batteries. In some embodiments, power unit 807 comprises an AC adapter and one or more batteries.
Communications unit 808 is responsible for receiving data and commands from, and transmitting data and commands to devices external to the bed. In one embodiment, communication unit 808 comprises specialized processors or communications circuitry to enable the operation of various communication protocols. These communications protocols comprise, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 5G, LTE or other wired and wireless communications protocols known to those of skill in the art.
Input devices were previously mentioned. In
In some of the embodiments where input devices 809 are electronic devices, input devices 809 communicate with the rest of the components of subsystem 800 via at least one of communications unit 808 or interconnection 805. In some embodiments where the input devices 809 are external to the bed, then the input device is coupled to the components of subsystem 800 via communications unit 808, as previously described. In some embodiments where the input devices 809 are part of the bed, then the input device is coupled to the components of subsystem 800 via interconnection 805, as previously described.
While
A flowchart showing the operation of rotating the first section from a closed position to an open position is described in
In step 901, the locking mechanism is unlocked by the locking mechanism control unit so that the first section can be rotated. In some embodiments, the unlocking is performed using one of the previously described techniques.
In step 902, the rotating is initiated using the previously described sectional rotating mechanism, which is controlled by the sectional rotating mechanism control unit. In some embodiments, steps 901 and 902 are performed together. In other embodiments, step 901 and step 902 are performed separately. Examples of techniques which can be used to initiate the rotating include using at least one of input devices 809 such as:
In step 903, the constraining mechanism is deployed to constrain the one or more items of bedding to lie flat on the first surface of the first section, after initiation of the rotating in step 902. In some embodiments, after the command to initiate rotating is received, the sectional rotating mechanism control unit 801 communicates with the constraining mechanism control unit 802 via interconnection 805 to deploy the constraining mechanism. In some embodiments, the deploying of the constraining mechanism comprises using the one or more positional rotating mechanisms as discussed above. As explained previously, the one or more positional rotating mechanisms are controlled by the positional rotating mechanism control unit.
In step 904, the sectional rotating mechanism rotates the first section to an open position, under the control of sectional rotating mechanism control unit 801. In some embodiments, the step 903 occurs prior to step 904. In other embodiments, steps 903 and 904 take place simultaneously, that is, the constraining mechanism is deployed while the first section is rotating. In these embodiments, the constraining mechanism is deployed before the angle of rotation such as angle 110 of
The threshold value is set by, for example constraining mechanism control unit 802 depending on one or more factors. Examples of the one of more factors comprise:
In step 905, the rotating is complete, and the first section is in an open position. The bedding is secured to the first surface.
Variations to the above process are also possible. For example, as previously described, the lighting subsystem is switched on either while the rotating of the first section is performed or when the rotating is completed. Then, for example, as part of steps 904 or 905, the sectional rotating mechanism control unit 801 sends commands or signals to lighting subsystem control unit 806 via interconnection 805 to switch on the lighting subsystem. In some embodiments, this step is performed as a separate step. In some embodiments, this step is performed by the user via input devices 809.
Also, as previously described, in some embodiments there is a ballistic shield which is not integrated into the first section, and the rotation of the ballistic shield is controlled by the sectional rotating mechanism control unit. In some embodiments, this step is performed as part of steps 904 or 905. In some embodiments, this step is performed as a separate step. In some embodiments, this step is performed by the user via input devices 809.
As previously described, in some embodiments at least one of the one or more contents in the storage area are moved either during or after the rotating of the first section, to ensure easier access and better presentation to a user. In some embodiments, this is achieved by moving one or more of the physical organizing elements. As previously described, the sectional rotating mechanism control unit facilitates this. In some embodiments, this step is performed as part of steps 904 or 905. In some embodiments, this step is performed as a separate step. In some embodiments, this step is performed by the user via input devices 809.
For the first section to rotate back to the closed position, the user initiates this process using similar mechanisms to that used to rotate the first section to the open position. As would be known to one of skill in the art, the reverse of the above process is performed. Then the constraining mechanism stops being deployed either when the rotation ends or when the angle of rotation is below a threshold value, similar to as previously explained.
The above-described embodiments resolve the problems faced in Adrain and BEDBUNKER. The combination of the constraining mechanism, sectional rotating mechanism and the control and power subsystem allow for easier and more convenient access of the storage area in an automated fashion. The above-described embodiments also allow the deployment of a ballistic shield which allows a user to take cover in both prone and positions other than prone positions, for example, standing upright or crouching.
While particular implementations and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations can be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of an invention as defined in the appended claims.
The instant application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 63/366,719, filed on Jun. 21, 2022, presently pending, the contents of which are now incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63366719 | Jun 2022 | US |