Transverse support for bedstead

Abstract

The invention relates to a cross brace for a bedstead. The cross-brace (130) has an elongate shaft (135) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and has a first end (132) and a second end (133) each including a curved portion (134a, 134b) extending transversely at an angle (alpha) relative to the longitudinal axis (A). The first curved portion (134a) forms an angle (beta) about the longitudinal axis (A) with respect to the second curved portion (134b). The invention also relates to a method of attaching a cross brace to a bed frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cross brace for a bed frame and a method for attaching the cross brace to a bed frame. Background Art

[0002] A bed typically includes a mattress held in a bed frame. The bed frame may also include a headboard and legs that are used to elevate the bed and provide storage space underneath.

[0003] To support a mattress, a bed frame typically includes four frame edges (two side beams, a head beam, and a foot beam), a center beam extending from the center of the head beam to the center of the foot beam, and at least one cross beam connecting the side beams together. Thus, the center beam and cross beams support the center of the mattress.

[0004] Bed frames known from the prior art have several drawbacks. First, the center and cross beams can deteriorate over time. Second, transporting and storing the center and cross beams is cumbersome because these components are long, take up a lot of space, and must be shipped in large packages. Furthermore, these packages are heavy, and the components can be difficult for the user assembling the bed frame. Finally, installing these components can require various tools, making assembly difficult for a single person.

[0005] Therefore, an improved bed frame is needed to alleviate the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to reduce, alleviate, eliminate or circumvent one or more of the above-mentioned defects and deficiencies in the prior art, either individually or in any combination, by providing, in a first aspect, a cross brace for a bed frame. The cross brace has an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, and has a first end with a first curved portion and a second end with a second curved portion, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion both extend transversely at a certain angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first curved portion forms a certain angle around the longitudinal axis relative to the second curved portion. The advantages of the cross brace are that it is lightweight, easy to install, and takes up little space during storage and transportation. In particular, the installation of the cross brace can be easily completed by a single person without the need for additional tools or equipment. In addition, since the cross brace can be locked into place by itself, no fastening device is required. The cross brace can also be manufactured efficiently and at low cost.

[0007] In a first embodiment, the first end is configured to engage with a side rail of the bed frame, and the second end is configured to engage with a center rail or a second side rail of the bed frame.

[0008] In a second embodiment, the first end is formed as a pin and is configured to be inserted into the opening of the side rail. The pin is easily introduced into the opening of the side rail.

[0009] In one embodiment, the pin has a kink that angles one end of the pin, thereby facilitating insertion of the pin into the opening.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the second end has a hooked end portion configured to engage with a center rail of a bed frame. The hooked end portion provides a stable engagement with the center rail.

[0011] In another embodiment, the bent portion of the second end and the upper support portion form an L-shaped member configured to abut and engage the side surfaces and the upper surface of the center sill.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, an end protrusion is provided at an outer end of the upper supporting portion, and the end protrusion extends in a direction toward the elongated shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second end is formed as a pin and is configured to be inserted into an opening in the second side rail of the bed frame. The pin is easily inserted into the opening in the side rail. In addition, a cross brace with pins at both ends is suitable for bed frames without a center rail, such as single beds.

[0014] In another embodiment, the angle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.Such an angle between the longitudinal axis and each of the first and second curved portions provides a stabilizing cross brace.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the first curved portion forms an angle relative to the second curved portion about the longitudinal axis, the angle being between 10 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 40 degrees, and most preferably approximately 30 degrees. This ensures that the cross brace is in a constant state of tension once attached to the bed frame, thereby preventing the cross brace from shifting or falling off. Furthermore, this prevents the cross brace from emitting undesirable, disruptive noise. Furthermore, the tension provided by the angle allows the cross brace to self-lock to the bed frame, without the need for any tools or fastening devices.

[0016] In another embodiment, the cross brace is made of metal, preferably steel. This provides a stable and cost-effective cross brace.

[0017] In a second aspect, a method for attaching a cross brace to a bed frame is provided. The method comprises the steps of: engaging a first end with a side rail of the bed frame, and engaging a second end with a center rail or a second side rail of the bed frame. This method has the advantages described above for the cross brace itself.

[0018] In one embodiment, engaging the first end with the side rail includes inserting a pin of the first end into an opening of the side rail.

[0019] In another embodiment, engaging the second end includes engaging the center rail with a hooked end portion of the second end, or inserting a pin of the second end into an opening of the second side rail.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, engaging the second end includes positioning the elongated shaft below the center rail, pushing the cross brace toward a side rail to which the first end is configured to attach, and rotating the second end about the axis such that the hooked end portion comes into contact with and engages the side and upper surfaces of the center rail.

[0021] Other advantageous features of the present invention will be described in detail in the embodiments disclosed herein.In addition, advantageous features of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1a depicts a bed frame according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 1b A bed frame according to another embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 2a shows a cross brace according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2b shows a cross brace according to another embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3a and 3b Shown Figure 2a Assembly of the cross braces shown;

[0028] Figure 3c and 3d Shown attached to the bed frame Figure 2a the cross braces shown; and

[0029] Figure 4a and 4b yes Figure 2a and 2b Further views of the cross brace are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Certain embodiments will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example only so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete and will fully convey to those skilled in the art the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0031] refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b , each of the figures shows a rectangular bed frame 100. Each bed frame 100 includes a head end 110 in the form of a headboard base 111. The headboard base 111 is configured to serve as a scaffold for an outer cover that provides comfort and aesthetics to the headboard. The bed frame 100 may be a conventional bed or a European-style bed. The bed frame 100 may be a bed frame such as Figure 1a The double bed frame 100 shown in FIG. 1 may also be Figure 1b A bed frame 100 for a single bed is shown.

[0032] Figure 1a and 1b The bed frame 100 in the embodiment has a foot end 115 and two side rails 116. Each bed frame 100 has four legs 114, one leg 114 disposed at each corner of the bed frame 100. The side rails 116, foot end 115, and head end 110 are connected to each other using fastening means, which may be screws, bolts, nails, dowels, or any other fastening means known in the art.

[0033] exist Figure 1a In the embodiment, a center beam 120 having a rectangular cross-section extends longitudinally along the bed frame 100 from the headboard base 110 to the footboard end 115. This cross-section can also be square or I-shaped. In another embodiment, the center beam 120 can also extend between the side beams 116. The center beam 120 has an upper surface 125 and side surfaces 126.

[0034] Preferably, the center beam 120 is made of a fiber-based material, preferably a high-density fiberboard (HDF board) or laminated veneer lumber (LVL). These materials can provide the center beam 120 with high strength.

[0035] exist Figure 1a In the embodiment, two cross braces 130 extend vertically from the center beam 120 to one of the side beams 116. Each cross brace 130 has a first end 132 and a second end 133.

[0036] The center beam 120 and the two cross braces 130 form a cross-shaped structure configured to support a mattress (not shown) placed in the bed frame 100. Since the center beam 120 and the cross braces 130 have a rigid and strong structure, it is generally not necessary to equip the bed frame 100 with centrally located support legs below the formed cross-shaped structure.

[0037] Figure 1bA single bed 100 is shown, wherein a cross brace 130 spans the bed frame 100 between two side rails 116. The cross brace 130 is attached to both side rails 116. The cross brace 130 has a first end 132 and a second end 133. Each end 132, 133 is attached to one of the side rails 116. The second end 133 is designed in the same manner as the first end 132. The second end 133 is a mirror image of the first end 132.

[0038] refer to Figure 2a , in which a cross brace 130 for a double bed is shown. Figure 2b A cross brace 130 is shown for a single bed. Figure 2a and 2b Each cross brace 130 in the embodiment includes an elongated shaft 135. The cross brace 130 extends along the longitudinal axis A. Thus, the elongated shaft 135 extends along the axis A.

[0039] Each cross brace 130 has a first curved portion 134a and a second curved portion 134b at its first end 132 and second end 133, respectively. The first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b extend at an angle α to the longitudinal axis A. The angle α is in the range of 80 to 100 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The angle α shown in FIG is substantially vertical, ie, approximately 90 degrees. The first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b extend transversely relative to the elongated axis 135. In addition, when viewed from a side perpendicular to the axis A, the overall shape of the cross brace 130 is a wide U-shape.

[0040] Figure 2a and Figures 3a-3d The cross brace 130 for a double bed frame 100 is shown, as well as the assembly of the cross brace 130 with the bed frame 100. The first end 132 and the second end 133 include curved portions 134a, 134b, respectively.

[0041] The bent portion 134a disposed at the first end 132 is formed into a pin 136a. The pin 136a also has a kink 137a. The kink 137a is an optional feature that bends the pin 136a slightly downward toward the ground once the cross brace 130a is mounted on the bed frame 100.

[0042] The kink 137a disposed on the first curved portion 134a facilitates mounting the cross brace 130 to the bed frame 100. The angle of the kink 137a facilitates engagement of the pin 136a with the opening 117 (shown in FIG. 3B ) of the side rail 116. Once in place, the cross brace 130 is continuously tensioned, thereby securely holding the cross brace 130 in place in a stable manner.

[0043] The second end 133 is provided with a hooked end portion 140 that is configured to encircle the center beam 120 when the cross brace 130 is attached to the bed frame 100 . Figure 2a and Figure 3c 3C , the hooked end portion 140 is shown in an enlarged view. More specifically, the curved portion 134b at the second end 133 extends substantially perpendicularly from the elongated shaft 135. An upper support portion 138 is provided at the upper end of the curved portion 134b. The upper support portion 138 extends centrally along the axis A toward the center of the elongated shaft 135. The upper support portion 138 extends parallel to the axis A. The upper support portion 138 is configured to cause the cross brace 130 to abut and rest against the upper surface 125 of the center beam 120, as shown in FIG. The curved portion 134b at the second end 133 is configured to abut the side surface 126 of the center beam 120, as shown in FIG. 3C .

[0044] An end protrusion 139 is provided at the outer end of the upper support portion 138. The end protrusion 139 extends downwardly in a direction toward the elongated shaft 135. Furthermore, the end protrusion 139 points in a direction opposite to the curved portion 134b, as shown in FIG3C . The end protrusion 139 is configured to engage and abut the side surface 126 of the center beam 120 opposite the side surface 126 in contact with the curved portion 134b, as shown in FIG3C .

[0045] Thus, at the second end 133 , the bent portion 134 b , the upper support portion 138 , and the end protrusion 139 collectively form a U-shaped hook feature configured to engage the center rail 120 .

[0046] 3A to 3D , the installation of the cross braces 130 will be further described. To attach two cross braces 130 to a double bed frame 100 having a center beam 120, the user holds the elongated shaft 135 beneath the center beam 120 with the second end 133 positioned on the side of the center beam 120 opposite the surface 126 facing the side edge 116 to which the first end 132 of the cross brace 130 will be attached. This is illustrated in FIG. 3A . The second curved portion 134b is then angled so that it is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the center beam 120. MHorizontal brace 130 extends vertically. Then, cross brace 130 is moved toward center beam 120, as indicated by the arrow in the enlarged view of FIG3A , until second curved portion 134b contacts surface 126 of center beam 120. Next, cross brace 130 is rotated about its axis A, causing upper support portion 138 to contact upper surface 125 of center beam 120 and end protrusion 139 to contact the other side surface 126 of center beam 120, which faces side edge 116 to which first end 132 will be attached. Therefore, the height of second curved portion 134b is greater than the height of side surface 126 of center beam 120. Once second end 133 is attached to center beam 120, hooked end portion 140 engages side surface 126 and upper surface 125 of center beam 120. Elongated shaft 1350 is positioned below center beam 120.

[0047] Figures 3B and 3D illustrate, respectively, the assembly of first end 132 with side rail 116 of bed frame 100 and the installation of first end 132 in bed frame 100. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 3B , pin 136a of first curved portion 134a at first end 132 is inserted into opening 117 of side rail 116. Kink 137a facilitates insertion of pin 136a into opening 117. Figure 3D shows the installed first end 132 and second end 133 of cross brace 130. As described above, the arrangement of cross brace 130 places cross brace 130 in a tensioned position when attached to bed frame 100.

[0048] Figure 2b A cross brace 130 for a single bed frame 100 is shown. The first end 132 and the second end 133 each include a curved portion 134a and 134b. In this embodiment, the curved portions 134a and 134b are each formed as pins 136a and 136b. The pins 136a and 136b also have kinks 137a and 137b. The kinks 137a and 137b are an optional feature that causes the pins 136a and 136b to bend slightly downward toward the ground once the cross brace 130 is mounted on the bed frame 100. The pin 136b at the second end 133 is configured to engage with an opening 117 in the side rail 116 opposite the first side rail 116 that engages the first end 132.

[0049] The kinks 137a, 137b disposed on the first and second curved portions 134a, 134b facilitate mounting the cross brace 130 to the bed frame 100. The angles of the kinks 137a, 137b facilitate engagement of the pins 136a, 136b with the openings 117 of the side rails 116. Once in place, the cross brace 130 is continuously tensioned, thereby securely holding the cross brace 130 in place in a stable manner.

[0050] The installation of the cross brace 130 in the single bed frame 100 is very simple. The pins 136a, 136b of the first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b are respectively inserted into the opposite openings 117 provided in the side beam 116, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 3D. Figure 1b The assembled cross brace 130 in a single bed frame 100 is shown.

[0051] To attach the cross brace 130 to the single bed frame 100, first engage the first end 132 within the opening 117 of the first side rail 116. Pin 136a engages and is inserted into opening 117. Next, force the second end 133 into engagement with the opening 117 in the opposite side rail 116. Insert the second pin 136b into opening 117 in the same manner as the first pin 136a. Kinks 137a, 137b help the pins 136a, 136b engage the openings 117, thereby aiding assembly. Thus, the kinks 137a, 137b guide the pins 136a, 136b as they are inserted into the openings 117.

[0052] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the figures, the cross brace 130 is shown as viewed from the second curved portion 134b of the second end 133 toward the first curved portion 134a of the first end 132. As described above, the cross brace 130 is substantially U-shaped. The angle α between the axis A and the curved portions 134a, 134b (e.g., Figure 2a and 2b Therefore, the angle α is preferably 80 to 100 degrees, and most preferably about 90 degrees.

[0053] When viewed along axis A, there is also an angle β between the first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b. Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the figure, the axis A is perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The angle β is located at Figure 4a and Figure 4b Therefore, the angle β is perpendicular to the axis A.

[0054] To further describe the angle β, it is conceivable that the angle β of the cross brace 130 can be obtained by firstly making the U-shaped cross brace 130 have a first curved portion 134a and a second curved portion 134b parallel to each other, and then rotating one of the first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b about the axis A. As a result, an angle β is formed between the first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b (e.g., Figure 4a and Figure 4b shown).

[0055] Preferably, angle β is in the range of 10 to 50 degrees, more preferably in the range of 20 to 40 degrees, and most preferably approximately 30 degrees. Thus, angle β is non-zero, meaning that first curved portion 134a and second curved portion 134b of cross brace 130 are not aligned with each other, and the imaginary vectors of first curved portion 134a and second curved portion 134b are not parallel to each other. First end 132 is slightly tilted relative to second end 133 about axis A, thereby forming angle β. Angle β places cross brace 130 in a tensioned state in its installed position, thereby holding cross brace 130 in place and preventing any undesirable movement.

[0056] Thus, the cross brace 130 includes two independent angles α and β. Angle α is the angle between the axis A and each of the curved portions 134a, 134b. Angle β is the angle between the first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b when viewed along the axis A.

[0057] The two angles α and β each form part of three separate imaginary planes. One plane corresponds to angle α at first end 132, a second plane corresponds to angle α at second end 133, and a third plane corresponds to angle β between first curved portion 134a and second curved portion 134b. Both planes corresponding to angle α are orthogonal to the third plane corresponding to angle β.

[0058] Thus, first end 132 has a first-end α imaginary plane Pα1, within which angle α lies. Second end 133 has a second-end α imaginary plane Pα2, within which angle α lies. Angle β lies within β-angle imaginary plane Pβ. β-angle imaginary plane Pβ is orthogonal to axis A. Angle β can be measured in an infinite number of planes orthogonal to axis A, and β-angle imaginary plane Pβ is one of these planes.

[0059] The first end α imaginary plane Pα1 is orthogonal to the β angle imaginary plane Pβ, and the second end α imaginary plane Pα2 is orthogonal to the β angle imaginary plane Pβ. Due to the angle β between the first curved portion 134a and the second curved portion 134b, the first end α imaginary plane Pα1 and the second end α imaginary plane Pα2 are different from each other and are not parallel.

[0060] The cross braces 130 disclosed herein are made of metal. Preferably, the metal is steel. Steel has sufficient strength to support the weight and load of the top of the bed frame 100 while providing elastic properties to the cross braces 130. Furthermore, common building metal materials (such as steel) are readily available and inexpensive.

[0061] The cross braces 130 according to the present invention provide additional stability and strength to the bed frame 100. Thus, the head end 110, side edges 116, and foot end 115 of the bed frame 100 can be made of lightweight materials and made slim and compact without weakening the overall strength of the assembled bed frame 100. The cross braces 130 according to the present invention are simple to assemble and do not require any tools.

[0062] Because the cross brace 130 is preferably formed of metal, it is flexible and strong, thereby providing leverage once the first end 132 is engaged with the first side rail 116 , which aids in the assembly process.

[0063] Optionally, a cross brace 130 is attached to the bed frame 100 between the foot end 115 and the head end 110 .

[0064] It is believed that those skilled in the art can fully utilize the present invention with the above description without further elaboration. Therefore, the above preferred specific embodiments should be understood as merely illustrative and not limiting the present disclosure.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, and other embodiments besides those described above, such as embodiments that differ from those described above, also fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] In the claims, the word "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. In addition, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0067] In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality, and the words "a", "an", "first", "second" etc. do not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A cross brace for a bed frame, the cross brace (130) having an elongated shaft (135) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and having a first end (132) with a first curved portion (134a) and a second end (133) with a second curved portion (134b), the first curved portion and the second curved portion (134a, 134b) both extending transversely at an angle (α) relative to the longitudinal axis (A), wherein: The first curved portion (134a) forms an angle (β) relative to the second curved portion (134b) about the longitudinal axis (A), and when viewed along the longitudinal axis (A), the angle (β) is located between the first curved portion (134a) and the second curved portion (134b).

2. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 1, wherein: The first end (132) is configured to engage with a side beam (116) of the bed frame (100), and the second end (133) is configured to engage with a center beam (120) or a second side beam (116) of the bed frame (100).

3. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first end (132) is shaped as a pin (136a, 136b) and is configured to be inserted into an opening (117) in the side rail (116).

4. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 3, wherein: The pin (136a, 136b) has a kinked portion (137a, 137b) that forms an inclined angle at one end of the pin (136a, 136b), thereby facilitating the insertion of the pin (136a, 136b) into the opening (117).

5. The cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second end (133) has a hooked end portion (140) configured to engage with a center beam (120) of the bed frame (100).

6. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 5, wherein: The bent portion (134b) of the second end (133) and the upper support portion (138) form an L-shaped member configured to abut and engage with the side surface (126) and the upper surface (125) of the center beam (120).

7. The cross brace for a bed frame according to claim 6, wherein: An end protrusion (139) is provided at the outer end of the upper support portion (138), and the end protrusion (139) extends in a direction toward the elongated shaft (135).

8. The cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second end (133) is formed as a pin (136b) and is configured to be inserted into an opening (117) in a second side beam (116) of the bed frame (100).

9. A cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first and second curved portions (134a, 134b) each extend transversely at a perpendicular angle (α) relative to the longitudinal axis (A).

10. A cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The angle (β) formed by the first curved portion (134a) relative to the second curved portion (134b) around the longitudinal axis (A) is between 10 degrees and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 degrees and 40 degrees, and most preferably about 30 degrees.

11. A cross brace for a bed frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cross brace (130) is made of metal, preferably steel.

12. A method of attaching a cross brace according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to a bed frame, wherein: The method comprises: - engaging the first end (132) with a side rail (116) of the bed frame (100); and - joining the second end (133) to the center beam (120) or the second side beam (116) of the bed frame (100).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Engaging the first end (132) with the side rail (116) includes inserting pins (136a, 136b) of the first end (132) into openings (117) in the side rail (116).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Engaging the second end (133) includes engaging the center rail (120) with the hooked end portion (140) of the second end (133), or inserting the pins (136a, 136b) of the second end (133) into the openings (117) in the second side rail (116).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein Engaging the second end (133) includes positioning the elongated shaft (135) below the center beam (120), pushing the cross brace (130) toward the side beam (116) to which the first end (132) is configured to attach, and rotating the second end (133) about the axis (A) so that the hooked end portion (140) comes into contact with and engages the side surface (126) and the upper surface (125) of the center beam (120).

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