A bed assembly

Abstract

A bed assembly (10) comprising a bed (12) and a bed storage assembly (14), the bed storage assembly (14) comprises a storage compartment (16), in which the storage compartment (16) ) comprises a first storage compartment (16) and a second storage compartment (18), in which the first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) are simultaneously movable in a longitudinal direction (X) relative to the bed (12), and the first storage compartment (16) is movable relative to the second storage compartment (18) in a lateral direction (Z).

Description

[0001] A BED ASSEMBLY

[0002] The present invention relates to a bed assembly and a bed assembly incorporating a bed storage assembly.

[0003] Known beds have storage compartments in the form of drawers which pull out laterally (perpendicular to a longitudinal direction defined by a sleeping direction from a head end to a foot end of a bed) from underneath and from each side (left and right) of the bed. Typically, each drawer is half the lateral width of the bed to maximise the storage space.

[0004] However, known beds are often positioned next to bedside cabinets at the head end of the bed which would prevent the drawer from opening in a lateral direction were the drawer to fully extend longitudinally from the foot end to the head end of the bed. To overcome this, known bed assemblies incorporate drawers that do not extend the full longitudinal length of the bed to the head end, but are shorter in length so they can be pulled out laterally without hitting the bedside cabinet. Whilst this enables the drawer to open, it reduces the storage space available under the bed when compared to the footprint of the bed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a bed assembly with a bed storage assembly which enables more of the space under the bed to be utilised.

[0006] Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided a bed assembly comprising a bed and a bed storage assembly, the bed storage assembly comprises a storage compartment, the storage compartment comprises a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, in which the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment are simultaneously movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the bed, and the first storage compartment is movable relative to the second storage compartment in a lateral direction.

[0007] Advantageously, the first and second storage compartments can be moved longitudinally away from any bedside cabinet or cabinets, or any other furniture positioned at the head end of the bed, and the first storage compartment can then be moved laterally without hitting the bedside cabinet(s) or other furniture positioned at the head end of the bd. As a result, the storage compartments can extend the full length of the bed, and more storage space under the bed can be utilised.

[0008] Another problem associated with known bed storage assemblies relates to accessing the storage compartments depending on how the bed is positioned in the room, for example, if the bed is against or close to a wall which prevents the storage compartments from being opened in both lateral directions.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bed assembly with a bed storage assembly which improves the flexibility of where the bed can be positioned in the room.

[0010] Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed assembly comprising a bed and a bed storage assembly, the bed storage assembly comprises a storage compartment, in which the storage compartment is movable in a first lateral direction from a closed position towards a first open position, and a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction from the closed position towards a second open position.

[0011] Advantageously, the first and second storage compartments can be moved laterally in opposite directions, thus enabling the bed to be positioned against a wall for example, and allowing access to the storage compartments by laterally moving the storage compartments away from the wall.

[0012] Another problem associated with known bed storage assemblies relates to the requirement of having to provide a guide structure underneath the bed to allow sliding lateral movement of the first and second storage compartments.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a bed assembly with an improved sliding mechanism.

[0014] Thus, according to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed assembly comprising a bed and a bed storage assembly, the bed storage assembly comprises a storage compartment, the storage compartment comprises a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, in which the first storage compartment is slidably mounted on the second storage compartment to enable relative lateral movement therebetween.

[0015] Advantageously, by mounting the first storage compartment on the second storage compartments no guide structure is required underneath the bed between the first and second storage compartments, thereby maximising the space the storage compartments can occupy under the bed.

[0016] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompany drawings in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bed assembly according to the present invention, with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal closed position and in a lateral closed position,

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second drawers in a longitudinal closed position with the left-side bedside cabinet removed,

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the bed storage assembly removed,

[0020] Figures 4 and 16 are perspective views of the bed storage assembly of the bed assembly of Figure 1 ,

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bed of Figure 1 with the side panels removed,

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mattress support platform of the bed assembly of Figure 1 ,

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the mattress support platform and the legs removed, and the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and in a lateral closed position, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and in a lateral closed position,

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and the first storage compartment between a lateral closed position and a lateral open position,

[0025] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and the first storage compartment in a lateral open position,

[0026] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and the first storage compartment between a lateral closed position and a lateral open position,

[0027] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and the first storage compartment in a lateral open position,

[0028] Figure 13 is an underside perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and the first storage compartment between a lateral closed position and a lateral open position,

[0029] Figure 14 is an underside perspective view of part of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal open position and the first storage compartment between a lateral closed position and a lateral open position,

[0030] Figure 15 is an underside perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments removed but with the end rail in a longitudinal open position,

[0031] Figure 17 is an underside perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with the first and second storage compartments removed and the headboard removed, Figure 18 is an underside perspective view of part of the bed assembly of Figure 1 with a side panel of the first storage compartment removed, and

[0032] Figure 19 is a perspective view an alternative bed assembly with the first and second storage compartments in a longitudinal closed position and in a lateral closed position,

[0033] In Figures 1 to 18, a bed assembly 10 comprises a bed 12 (shown in isolation in Figure 3) and a bed storage assembly 14 (shown in isolation in Figure 4).

[0034] The bed assembly 10 is shown next to a pair of left 70L and right 70R bedside cabinets positioned at a head end H of the bed 12. In Figure 2, the left bedside cabinet 70L is removed for a clearer view of the bed storage assembly 14 as will be described below.

[0035] In Figure 5, the bed 12 comprises a headboard 13 at the head end H of the bed 12, and two legs 15 at a foot end F of the bed 12 and a mattress support platform 17. At the head end H, the mattress support platform 17 is fixed to and supported by the headboard 13 using a headboard end bracket 19 which is fixed to the headboard 13. At the foot end F, the mattress support platform 17 is fixed to and supported by the legs 15 which are each fixed to and connected to each other using a foot end bracket 21.

[0036] The mattress support platform 17 is configured to support an associated mattress and occupant(s) (not shown). In this embodiment, the mattress support platform 17 incudes a plurality of slats 23, each slat 23 having a movable extending support section in the form of left and right slats 25 which slidably locate inside slat 23 to enable the mattress support platform 17 to be laterally adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position (shown in all Figures) having a lateral width WE greater than a lateral width WR in the retracted position (Figure 1 ).

[0037] In Figure 6, the mattress support platform 17 comprises a plurality of mattress support sections in the form of a back support section 29, a fixed seat support section 31 , a thigh support section 33 and a foot support section 35. The back support section 29 is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed seat support section 31 to enable relative angular adjustment therebetween. Similarly, the thigh support section 33 is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed seat support section 31 to enable relative angular adjustment therebetween, and the foot support section is pivotally mounted with respect to the thigh support section 33 to enable relative angular adjustment therebetween.

[0038] It will be understood therefore that the bed 12, more specifically, the mattress support sections are both adjustable in lateral width, and angularly.

[0039] In alternative embodiments, the bed need not be adjustable in width or adjustable angularly and can comprise a mattress support section or platform which can be a fixed width and not angularly adjustable (Figure 19) or adjustable in width and not angularly adjustable or adjustable angularly and not adjustable in width.

[0040] In Figure 4, the bed storage assembly 14 comprises a first storage compartment in the form of a first or head end drawer 16, and a second storage compartment in the form of a second or foot end drawer 18. The drawers 14,16 each have four side panels and a base panel to define a box-type compartment as is known in the art with an upper open section to allow access for adding and removing storage items (not shown).

[0041] In Figure 4, the bed storage assembly 14 further comprises a pair of elongated side members in the form of right and left rails 24R,24L. Each rail 24R,24L has a first section 28 positioned at or near a first free end 43 and a second section 30 positioned at or near a second free end 45.

[0042] The first section 28 is fixed to an upper panel 20 of the foot end drawer 18. The upper panel 20 extends fully laterally across the foot end drawer 18, and partially towards the foot end F of the bed 12 in the longitudinal direction but does not restrict access to the foot end drawer 18 when the foot end drawer is in a fully open position (Figures 7 and 8).

[0043] The second section 30 of the side rails 24R,24L is fixed to an end member or plate 26.

[0044] Four lateral followers in the form of rollers or bearings 32 are mounted on the end member 26 (Figure 14). A lateral guide in the form of a track 34 is mounted on a rear panel 37 of the head end drawer 16. The track 34 receives and engages with the four followers 32 to enable relative sliding lateral movement between the end plate 26 and the head end drawer 16.

[0045] Furthermore, the foot end drawer 18 is substantially fixed in the longitudinal direction X by virtue of being fixed to the side rails 24R,24L, the side rails 24R,24 being fixed to the end plate 26, and the rollers 32 being received and longitudinally retained in the track 34.

[0046] Each of the elongated side rails 24R,24L has three side member followers in the form of side member bearings or rollers 40 mounted on an outboard side of the rails 24R,24L (Figure 4). In alternative embodiments, a different number of followers can be used.

[0047] The bed 12 further comprises a pair of side rails 36L,36R which support the mattress support platform 17 (Figure 17).

[0048] Each of the side rails 36L,36R includes a longitudinal guide in the form of a lower laterally inwardly extending lip 38 (Figures 17 and 18).

[0049] The three side rollers 40 of the side rails 24R,24L engage with the lower lip 38 to enable sliding longitudinal movement of the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers relative to the bed 12.

[0050] The head end drawer 16 includes a guide in the form of track 42 (Figure 11 ).

[0051] The foot end drawer 18 includes four followers (only two of which are shown) in the form of bearings or rollers 44 (Figure 13) which engage with and slide in the track 42 of the head end drawer 16 to enable relative lateral movement between the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers. Tracks 34,42 include an upper and lower lip to vertically and longitudinally retain the respective rollers 32,44 within the tracks 34,42 during relative lateral movement between the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers and longitudinal movement of the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers relative to the side rails 36L,36R of the bed 12.

[0052] In the above embodiments, followers 44 are provided on the foot end drawer 18 and the guide 42 is provided on the head end drawer 16. In an alternative embodiment, followers can be provided on the head end drawer 16 and the guide can be provided on the foot end drawer 18, and that the number of followers need not be restricted to four. It will be further understood that the guide 42 need not be provided on the drawers but could be a recess in the drawers.

[0053] Similarly, in the above embodiments, the followers 32 are provided on the end plate 26 and the guide 34 is provided on the head end drawer 16. In an alternative embodiment, the followers can be provided on the head end drawer 16 and the guide can be provided on the end plate 26.

[0054] In the above embodiments, followers 40 are provided on the side rails 24R,24L of the bed storage assembly 14 and the guide 38 is provided on the side rails 36L,36R of the bed 12. In an alternative embodiment, the followers can be provided on the side rails 36L,36R of the bed 12 and the guide can be provided on the side rails 24R,24L of the bed storage assembly 14.

[0055] The bed 12 further comprises optional decorative side panels 41 (Figure 1 ) which are fixed to the respective headboard and foot end brackets 19,21 (shown in Figure 5 without side panels 41 attached).

[0056] In the above embodiments, the lateral guides 32,44 on the head end drawer 16 are positioned vertically below the side rails 24R,24L of the bed storage assembly 14 to enable the head end drawer 16 to move laterally without being inhibited by the side rails 24R,24L.

[0057] Operation of the storage assembly 14 of the bed assembly 10 is as follows: Figure 1 shows the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers in a lateral closed position and a longitudinal closed position.

[0058] To gain access to the foot end drawer 18, a user (not shown) pulls the foot end drawer 18 in a longitudinal direction X (defined as the direction between the head end H 16 and the foot end F along the length of the bed) using a handle or recess in the foot end drawer 18 (neither of which are shown) to move both the head end 16 and the foot end 18 drawers simultaneously together towards the longitudinal open position of Figures 7 to 13.

[0059] With both drawers 16,18 in the longitudinal open position, the head end drawer 16 has been moved forward towards the foot end F, and therefore clear of the bedside cabinets 70L,70R (Figure 7) and is able to be moved in the lateral direction Z in both directions (left to right and right to left when viewing Figure 7) between a closed lateral position and an open lateral position.

[0060] To gain access to the head end drawer 16, the user pulls the head end drawer 16 in a lateral direction Z (defined as the direction perpendicular to, and in the same plane as the longitudinal direction X, and the direction understood in the art to define the width of the bed) using a handle or recess in the head end drawer 16 (neither of which are shown) to move the head end 16 drawer towards the open lateral position (Figures 9 and 11 ) and finally to the open lateral position (Figures 10 and 12).

[0061] It will be understood that the tracks 34,42 of the head end drawer 16 are always engaged with at least two of the respective rollers 32,44 throughout the range of movement between open and closed lateral positions, thereby ensuring the head end drawer 16 is always vertically supported.

[0062] It can be seen in Figures 10 and 12 that the user has full access to both the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers. Furthermore, the head end drawer 16 has been able to move laterally in both directions (to the left in Figure 10 and to the right in Figure 12).

[0063] The head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers are closed by reversing the above procedure, firstly, by pushing the head end drawer 16 towards and to the closed lateral position, and then by pushing both drawers 16,18 towards the closed longitudinal position.

[0064] The head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers are positioned vertically below the side rails 36L,36R of the bed 12. It will be understood that given that the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers are not in contact with the ground (see Figure 5 for example), that the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers are suspended from the side rails 36L,36R of the bed 12.

[0065] It will be further understood that the foot end drawer 18 is sized such that it can fit laterally between and move longitudinally beyond the legs 15 of the bed 12 when moving from the longitudinal closed to open positions.

[0066] It will also be understood that the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers have a longitudinal length which substantially corresponds to the distance between the headboard 13 and the bed legs 15 so as to maximise the storage space.

[0067] During operation of the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers as described above, the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers are longitudinally fixed to each other they can move together or simultaneously in the longitudinal direction, and simultaneously, that is, at the same time, the head end drawer 16 can move laterally relative to the foot end drawer 18. That is, the head end 16 and foot end 18 drawers can move simultaneously together in the longitudinal direction and relative to each other in the lateral direction. In an alternative (not shown), the head end drawer 16 need not move laterally and longitudinally simultaneously, that is, the head end drawer 16 could first move in the longitudinal direction from a longitudinal closed position (Figure 1 ) to a longitudinal open position (Figure 7) where the head end drawer 16 is clear in the longitudinal direction of the bedside cabinets 70L,70R, and then the head end drawer 16 can move laterally from a lateral closed position (Figure 8) to a lateral open position (Figure 12, noting Figure 11 shows the head end drawer 16 part-way between a laterally closed and open position).

[0068] It will be understood that it is the ability of the head end 16 and foot end drawers 18 to extend between the legs 15 of the bed 12 which allows the head end drawer 16 to move longitudinally beyond the bedside cabinets 70L,70R and extend laterally between the lateral closed and open positions and at the same time maximising the storage space afforded by the head end 16 and foot end drawers 18. In an alternative aspect (not shown), the storage compartment need not be able to move longitudinally, with the invention residing in the ability to move the storage compartment in both lateral directions to enable access to the storage compartment from both sides. It will be understood the storage compartment can comprise a single first drawer, or a first and a second drawer, the first and second drawers being independently laterally movable relative to each other.

[0069] In Figure 19, an alternative bed assembly 110 is shown which is identical to and operates in the same way as the bed assembly of Figures 1 to 18 except the bed 12 has a fixed mattress support platform 117, that is, the support platform 117 cannot be adjusted angularly or laterally in width.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A bed assembly (10) comprising a bed (12) and a bed storage assembly (14), the bed storage assembly (14) comprises a storage compartment (16), in which the storage compartment (16) ) comprises a first storage compartment (16) and a second storage compartment (18), in which the first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) are simultaneously movable in a longitudinal direction (X) relative to the bed (12), and the first storage compartment (16) is movable relative to the second storage compartment (18) in a lateral direction (Z).

2. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 1 in which the first storage compartment (16) is longitudinally fixed relative to the second storage compartment (18) such that the first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) are simultaneously movable in the longitudinal direction.

3. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2 in which the first storage compartment (16) is simultaneously movable longitudinally with the second storage compartment (18) and laterally relative to the second storage compartment (18).

4. A bed assembly (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first storage compartment (16) is slidably mounted on the second storage compartment (18) to enable relative lateral movement therebetween.

5. A bed assembly (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) are slidably mounted on the bed (12) to enable the longitudinal movement of the first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) relative to the bed (12).

6. A bed assembly (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first storage compartment (16) cooperates with the second storage compartment (18) to prevent substantial relative movement in the longitudinal direction (X) to ensurethe first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) are simultaneously movable in a longitudinal direction (X).

7. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 6, the bed storage assembly (14) further includes a pair of elongated side members (24R,24L), in which each of the side members (24R,24L) engages with the second storage compartment (18) and the first storage compartment (16) to prevent substantial relative movement between the first (16) and second (18) storage compartments in the longitudinal direction (X).

8. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 7 in which a first section (28) of each of the side members (24R,24L) engages with the second storage compartment (18) and a second section (30) of each of the side members (24R,24L) engages with the first storage compartment (16) to prevent substantial relative movement between the first (16) and second (18) storage compartments in the longitudinal direction (X).

9. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 7 or 8 in which each of the side members (24R,24L) is fixed to the second storage compartment (18) and the first storage compartment (16) to prevent substantial relative movement between the first (16) and second (18) storage compartments in the longitudinal direction (X).

10. A bed assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which each of the elongated side members (24R,24L) have a longitudinal guide or a follower (40) mounted thereon.

11. A bed assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, the bed storage assembly (14) further includes an end member (26), in which the end member (26) includes one of a lateral guide or a follower (32), preferably four followers (32) mounted thereon, and the first storage compartment (16) includes the other of the lateral guide (34) or the follower mounted thereon.

12. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 8 in which the second section (30) is fixed to the end member (26), the second section(30) engages with the first storage compartment (16) due to engagement between the lateral guide (34) and the follower (32).

13. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 10 or claims 11 or 12 when dependent on claim 10, the bed (12) includes a pair of side rails (36L,36R), in which the side rails (36L,36R) engage with the elongated side members (24R,24L) to enable the longitudinal movement of the first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) relative to the bed (12).

14. A bed assembly (10) according to claim 13 in which one of a longitudinal guide (38) or a follower of the side rails (36L,36R) engages with the other of the longitudinal guide or follower (40) of the elongated side members (24R,24L) to enable the longitudinal movement of the first storage compartment (16) and the second storage compartment (18) relative to the bed (12).

15. A bed assembly (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first storage compartment (16) includes one of a guide (42) or follower mounted thereon for sliding engagement with the other of a guide or follower (44), preferably four followers (44), mounted on the second storage compartment so as to enable relative sliding movement between the first (16) and second (18) storage compartments in the lateral direction (Z).

16. A bed assembly (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first (16) and / or second (18) storage compartment is movable in a first lateral direction from a lateral closed position towards a first lateral open position, and a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction from the closed position towards a second lateral open position.

17. A bed assembly (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first (16) and / or second (18) storage compartments are positioned vertically below a or the side rails (36L,36R) of the bed (12).

18. A bed assembly (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first (16) and / or second (18) storage compartments are suspended from a or the side rails (36L,36R) of the bed (12).

19. A bed assembly (10) comprising a bed (12) and a bed storage assembly (14), the bed storage assembly comprises a storage compartment (16,18), in which the storage compartment is movable in a first lateral direction from a closed position towards a first open lateral position, and a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction from the closed position towards a second open lateral position.

20. A bed assembly according to claim 19 in which the storage compartment comprises a first storage compartment (16) and a second storage compartment(18).

21. A bed assembly (10) comprising a bed (12) and a bed storage assembly, the bed storage assembly comprises a storage compartment, the storage compartment comprises a first storage compartment (16) and a second storage compartment (18), in which the first storage compartment is slidably mounted on the second storage compartment to enable relative lateral movement therebetween.

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