Cardboard bed frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a bed structure comprising: at least two transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard adapted to be erected at a distance from each other; a plurality of longitudinal elements (95) made of corrugated cardboard mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said transverse supports, each of the longitudinal elements comprising a plurality of longitudinal folds (95) applied flat against each other, the longitudinal folds being oriented along a vertical plane. Each longitudinal element (95) comprises a substantially rectangular corrugated cardboard blank; and said blank has a first portion folded in an accordion fashion to form said plurality of folds and a second portion folded around said accordion-folded portion. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Cardboard bed structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a bed structure made of corrugated cardboard.

[0002] Such a bed structure is envisaged, in particular, but not exclusively, for the temporary rest or for daily sleep for a limited period.

[0003] Known structures comprise a first support corresponding to the head of the bed, and a second support corresponding to the foot, as well as at least one intermediate support arranged between the first and second supports.

[0004] Also, a first plurality of longitudinal corrugated cardboard elements is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the bed, and substantially equidistant from each other, between the first support and the intermediate support, while a second plurality of longitudinal corrugated cardboard elements is arranged between the intermediate support and the second support.

[0005] The longitudinal elements are held substantially horizontally across the supports or in notches provided in these supports, and together they constitute a base on which a mattress is placed.

[0006] Also, the longitudinal elements must be sufficiently rigid and buckling resistant to support at least one person of average weight. They must also be sufficiently elastically deformable to ensure a certain comfort.

[0007] To do this, the longitudinal elements are formed in a relatively rigid corrugated cardboard blank, and by rolling the blank on itself while making folds applied against each other. In this way, a longitudinal element of substantially rectangular section is obtained.

[0008] However, the folding of the blank is carried out manually in situ and the first folds offer significant resistance to deformation given the thickness of the blank and the weight of the paper. However, such a type of bed structure with an ephemeral character must be able to be assembled and installed quickly.

[0009] Furthermore, the longitudinal elements thus formed offer great resistance to buckling, and very little elasticity. As a result, the bed base they constitute is relatively hard and not very comfortable.

[0010] Thus, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide a bed structure which is not only comfortable, but also which can be installed easily and quickly.

[0011] In order to solve this problem, there is proposed, according to a first object, a bed structure comprising: at least two transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard adapted to be erected at a distance from each other; a plurality of longitudinal elements made of corrugated cardboard mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said transverse supports, each of the longitudinal elements comprising a plurality of longitudinal folds applied flat against each other, the longitudinal folds being oriented along a vertical plane. And, each longitudinal element comprises a substantially rectangular corrugated cardboard blank; said blank having a first portion folded in an accordion fashion to form said plurality of folds and a second portion folded around said accordion-folded portion.

[0012] Thus, a characteristic of the invention lies in the implementation of accordion folds and not rolled folds. In this way, the folds are less dependent on each other, and consequently, the possibilities of elastic deformation of the longitudinal elements are greater. Therefore, the comfort of the bed base formed by the longitudinal elements is increased.

[0013] In addition, it is easier to make accordion folds and therefore the longitudinal elements can be produced more quickly.

[0014] Furthermore, the second portion of blank folded around the accordion-folded portion makes it possible to hold the folds against each other, as will be explained in more detail later in the description.

[0015] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said blank comprises another first portion symmetrical to said first portion with respect to said second portion, said two first portions being folded in an accordion and applied against each other, while said second portion is folded around said two first portions folded in an accordion. The two portions are supported flat against each other, folds against folds. They are then held by the second folded portion.

[0016] In this way, a longitudinal element can be formed with a greater number of folds, which can be formed more quickly and easily.

[0017] Advantageously, according to the invention, said first portion of blank has slits parallel to each other and regularly spaced from each other to form fold lines. Thanks to these slits, the folding of the first portion of blank is made easier, because the folds are delimited by the slits, and in addition, the resistance of the blank to folding is much lower.

[0018] Furthermore, preferably, according to one embodiment of the invention, the slits are made alternately on one side and the other. Thus, two contiguous folds are pivoted towards each other opposite the slit. In this way, accordion folding is further facilitated.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous variant embodiment of the invention, said first portion of blank has four slits to form four fold lines delimiting five folds. In this way, the first portion of blank is folded to form five accordion folds.

[0020] Also, the first two portions symmetrical to each other with respect to the first portion of blank can also be folded accordion-style to be applied against each other. In this way, 10 folds are obtained applied against each other.

[0021] Furthermore, according to a particularly advantageous variant embodiment of the invention, said parallel slits alternately comprise first slits at mid-thickness of said blank and second through slits intersected by upsetting segments. Thus, the folds are alternately separated from each other by a continuous slit made at mid-thickness of the blank, or at "mid-flesh" and a slit crossing the blank from side to side, intersected by upsetting segments. These upsetting segments then form hinges connecting two contiguous folds. In this way, accordion folding is further facilitated.

[0022] Furthermore, said second portion comprises a middle part parallel to said longitudinal folds; two proximal parts integral with said middle part and symmetrical to each other with respect to said middle part; and two distal parts respectively integral with said two proximal parts. The second blank portion has a width identical to the second portion. Also, it comprises a middle part adapted to receive, by pressing on the edge, the accordion folds. The two proximal parts, of the same width, are raised opposite each other with respect to the middle part, and the folds applied against each other extend between these two proximal parts.

[0023] The two distal parts have a width close to half the width of the middle part and they make it possible to close the cylinder of rectangular section inside which the folds applied against each other extend.

[0024] Furthermore, according to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, said middle part and said two proximal parts are delimited respectively by two proximal upset lines, while said two distal parts are respectively delimited from said proximal parts by two distal upset lines. The proximal and distal upset lines are provided on the same face of the blank corresponding to the inner wall of the cylinder formed by the second portion.

[0025] Thanks to these repression lines, the medial, proximal and distal parts are perfectly delimited and folding is facilitated.

[0026] Preferably, according to the invention, said blank has at least one flared tab made in said first portion, along said second portion, while said second portion has, opposite said first portion, at least one corresponding slot to be able to embed said at least one tab through said at least one slot, when said second portion is folded around said accordion-folded portion. In this way, the two distal parts and thus the cylinder formed by the middle part, the two proximal parts and the two distal parts is kept locked.

[0027] Thus, and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bed structure comprises three pairs of longitudinal elements mounted at a distance from each other and resting on said transverse supports. Thus, the central pair of longitudinal elements is adapted to receive the maximum load.

[0028] Advantageously, according to the invention, the bed structure comprises two first transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard adapted to be erected at a distance from each other and two second transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard adapted to be erected at a distance from each other in the extension of said two first supports, and it comprises a first plurality of longitudinal elements made of corrugated cardboard mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said first transverse supports and a second plurality of longitudinal elements made of corrugated cardboard mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said second transverse supports, in the extension of said first plurality of longitudinal elements.

[0029] Such a bed structure is thus inexpensive and easy to implement from corrugated cardboard blanks.

[0030] According to another object, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a method for producing a bed structure as described above, comprising the following steps: at least two transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard are provided, adapted to be erected at a distance from each other; a plurality of longitudinal elements made of corrugated cardboard are provided, each comprising a plurality of longitudinal folds applied flat against each other; the longitudinal elements are mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said transverse supports, while the longitudinal folds are oriented along a vertical plane.And, for each of said longitudinal elements, a substantially rectangular blank is provided having a first portion and a second portion; and said first portion is accordion-folded to form said plurality of folds, while said second portion is folded around said accordion-folded portion.

[0031] The advantage of such a production method will be explained in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0032] Also, according to a particularly advantageous variant embodiment of the invention, a blank is provided comprising another first portion symmetrical to said first portion with respect to said second portion, said two first portions being folded in an accordion and applied against each other, while said second portion is folded around said two first portions folded in an accordion.

[0033] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] is a schematic top view of a blank according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the blank as shown in the [Fig.l] according to a first phase of implementation;

[0036] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the blank as shown in the [Fig.l] according to a second phase of implementation;

[0037] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of the blank as shown in the [Fig.l] according to a fourth phase of implementation;

[0038] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view of the blank as shown in the [Fig.l] according to a fifth phase of implementation;

[0039] [Fig.6] is a view of a bed structure according to the invention;

[0040] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bed structure, such as illustrated in [Fig.6], according to plan VII - VII; and,

[0041] [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bed structure as illustrated in [Fig.6], according to plan VIII - VIII.

[0042] [Fig.l] shows a rectangular blank 10 seen from above. It is cut from a sheet of corrugated cardboard. Here, the cardboard is double-fluted, i.e. two sheets of fluted paper sandwiched between three flat sheets of paper. The blank 10 has, depending on the embodiment presented here, a length of between 1100 mm and 900 mm, and, between two side edges 11, 13, a width of between 750 mm and 850 mm.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the embodiment presented here, two different corrugated papers are arranged one above the other. For example, a corrugated paper having an average thickness of between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm and topped with a corrugated paper whose average thickness is between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm. The two sheets of corrugated paper are separated from each other by a flat sheet. Thus the total thickness of the corrugated cardboard sheet is between 6 mm and 8 mm. It is for example close to seven millimeters.

[0044] The blank 10 has two opposite faces, a front face 15 and a rear face 17. In addition, the blank has two first portions 12, 14 symmetrical to each other with respect to a second portion 16. Thus, the two first portions 12, 14 are identical. Therefore, they will bear identical references, respectively assigned a prime sign: “'” for one of them in order to be able to distinguish them.

[0045] They each comprise a first free flap 18, 18' adjacent to a second flap 20, 20'. The two flaps 18, 20; 18', 20', are of the same width and they are delimited from each other by a first "half-flesh" cutting line 22, 22'. Said otherwise, they are delimited by a first continuous slot made substantially halfway through the thickness of the blank 10. The slot is made on the face of the blank 10 appearing in [Fig.l].

[0046] The first two portions 12, 14 each further comprise a third flap 24, 24' adjacent to the second flap 20, 20' and opposite the first flap 18, 18'. The third flap 24, 24' has a width identical to the second flap 20, 20' and they are separated from each other along a first line of slots 26, 26'.

[0047] The first line of slots 26, 26' consists of three first through slots 28, 30, 32; 28', 30', 32', passing right through the blank 10. These three collinear first through slots 28, 30, 32; 28', 30', 32' are interrupted by four first double upsetting segments 34, 36, 38, 40; 34', 36', 38', 40'. The latter are regularly spaced from each other and are aligned along the first transverse slots. The segments of each of the double segments extend on either side of the line defined by these transverse slots. Two of them extend to the two opposite edges 11, 13 of the blank 10.

[0048] The first two portions 12, 14 also each comprise a fourth flap 42, 42' adjacent to the third flap 24, 24'.

[0049] The fourth 42, 42' and third 24, 24' flaps are of the same width and they are delimited from each other by a second "half-flesh" cutting line, or slot, 44, 44'. The second cutting line 44, 44' is identical to the first cutting line 22, 22'. The slot is thus made on the face 15 of the blank 10 appearing in [Fig.l].

[0050] And, the first two portions 12, 14 each comprise a fifth flap 46, 46' adjacent to the fourth flap 42, 42'. The fifth flap 46, 46' has a width identical to the fourth flap 42, 42' and they are separated from each other by a second line of slots 48, 48'. The latter is similar to the first line of slots 26, 26'. Also, it is made up of three second through slots 50, 52, 54; 50', 52', 54', crossing the blank 10 from one side to the other. These three second through slots 50, 52, 54; 50', 52', 54' collinear, are interrupted by four second double upsetting segments 56, 58, 60, 62; 56', 58', 60', 62'.

[0051] Also, the fifth flap 46, 46' is integral with the second portion 16 of side 10 which will now be described.

[0052] Thus, the second portion comprises a median flap 64 delimited by two proximal flaps opposite one another 66, 68, by two proximal displacement lines 70, 72. The median flap 64, and the two proximal flaps 66, 68 extend transversely over a length equal to the length of the other flaps of the first portions 12, 14 of the blank 10. The median flap 64 has a width comprised, in the example presented here, between 80 mm and 90 mm.

[0053] The two proximal flaps 66, 68 here have an identical width comprised between 70 mm and 80 mm.

[0054] Furthermore, the two proximal flaps 66, 68 are connected to the two first portions 12, 14 by means of two distal flaps 74, 76, which are identical. The distal flaps 74, 76 are respectively delimited from the two proximal flaps 66, 68 by two distal displacement lines 78, 80.

[0055] Also, the distal flaps 74, 76 are respectively contiguous to the two fifth flaps 46, 46', and they are delimited therefrom by two last displacement lines 82, 84, respectively.

[0056] The distal flaps 74, 76 have an identical width close to half the width of the middle flap 64. Their width is for example between 35 mm and 45 mm.

[0057] Furthermore, one 46 of the fifth flaps comprises two flared tabs 86, 88 articulated along one 82 of the last two upsetting lines, respectively near the lateral edges 11, 13 of the blank 10.

[0058] And in correspondence, one, 76, of the distal flaps has two lights 90, 92 of a shape complementary to that of the flared tongues 86, 88 and arranged along the other 84 of the last two displacement lines.

[0059] The implementation of the blank 10 will now be described with reference to [Fig.l] and [Fig.2] to [Fig.5].

[0060] First of all, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the first two free flaps 18, 18' are folded against the rear face 17 of the blank 10 along the first two cutting lines 22, 22'. The first two free flaps 18, 18' are thus folded flat respectively against the second flaps 20, 20'. The cutting lines 22, 22' being provided on the front face 15 of the blank 10, folding against the rear face 17 offers less resistance and is therefore made easier.

[0061] Then, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the two times two folds formed by the first 18, 18' and second 20, 20' flaps, are together folded in reverse against the front face 15 along the first two lines of slits 26, 26', and come into contact respectively against the third flaps 24, 24'. It is precisely the second 20, 20' flaps which come into contact with the third flaps 24, 24'. And the only resistance to folding occurs at the level of the only first double upsetting segments 34, 36, 38, 40; 34', 36', 38', 40'. Consequently, the resistance is relatively low and folding is carried out quickly without effort.

[0062] The two times three folds applied one on top of the other in accordion and corresponding to the first 18, 18', second 20, 20' and third 24, 24' flaps, are then folded again against the rear face 17 of the blank 10 along the two second cutting lines 44, 44'. The third flaps 24, 24' then come into flat application against the fourth flaps 42, 42'.

[0063] The two times four folds applied one on top of the other and corresponding to the first 18, 18', second 20, 20', third 24, 24' and fourth flaps 42, 42', are then together folded in reverse against the front face 15 along the two second lines of slots 48, 48'. And, it is precisely the fourth flaps 42, 42' which come into contact respectively against the fifth flaps 46, 46'.

[0064] The foldings take place at the level of only the four second double upsetting segments 56, 58, 60, 62; 56', 58', 60', 62'. Consequently, the folding resistance is, here too, relatively low.

[0065] We thus find in [Fig.4] two stacks 94, 94' of five accordion folds, while the second portion 16, including the middle flap 64, the two proximal flaps 66, 68 and the distal flaps 74, 76 remain in the same plane. We also find the two proximal displacement lines 70, 72, delimiting the middle flap 64 of the two proximal flaps 66, 68, the two distal displacement lines 78, 80 delimiting the distal flaps 74, 76 of the two proximal flaps 66, 68, and the last two displacement lines 82, 84 delimiting the distal flaps 74, 76 of the two fifth flaps 46, 46'.

[0066] The two stacks 94, 94' can be driven towards each other in rotation and wrapped in the second portion 16 of blank 10.

[0067] Thus, the two stacks 94, 94' are driven to pivot towards each other around the last two displacement lines 82, 84 by 90°, and the edges of the flaps which constitute them then come to bear on the distal flaps 74, 76 respectively.

[0068] The two stacks 94, 94', respectively joined to the two distal flaps 74, 76, are driven towards each other by pivoting around the two distal displacement lines 78, 80 by 90° and the first flaps 18, 18' come respectively opposite the two proximal flaps 66, 68.

[0069] And finally, the two stacks 94, 94', respectively joined to the two distal flaps 74, 76, and to the two proximal flaps 66, 68, are driven towards each other by pivoting around the two proximal displacement lines 70, 72, as illustrated in [Fig.5]. Beforehand, the two flared tabs 86, 88 are moved away from the fifth flap 46. Thus, the edges of the flaps of one 94' of the two stacks come to bear on a first half-width of the middle flap 64, while the edges of the flaps of the other 94 of the two stacks come to bear on a second half-width of the middle flap 64 complementary to the first, and the fifth flaps 46, 46' come to bear against each other.

[0070] The two flared tabs 86, 88 can then be fitted respectively into the two complementary shaped slots 90, 92 by locking them.

[0071] In this way, the two distal flaps 74, 76 are contiguous and held together along the same plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by the median flap 64.

[0072] In this way, a longitudinal element 95 is obtained, here comprising two times five folds. accordion-shaped and applied against each other, housed in a cylinder of rectangular section. The second folded portion 16 constitutes the cylinder.

[0073] Thus, the folds held together inside the cylinder are weakly connected to each other and only by their edges. Consequently, their possibility of mobility relative to each other allows the buckling of the longitudinal element thus formed.

[0074] According to another embodiment not shown, the blank with which the longitudinal elements are produced comprises a single part capable of being folded in an accordion, and another part adapted to be folded to form a cylinder and accommodate the single part folded in an accordion.

[0075] Reference will now be made to [Fig.6], [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] showing a bed structure 96 according to the invention, including longitudinal elements 95.

[0076] The bed structure 96 has a rear part 98 and, in the extension, an identical front part 100.

[0077] Each of these parts 98, 100 comprises two transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard, a rear 102 and a front 104. The two transverse supports are erected at a distance from each other on a floor wall as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0078] Also, each of the parts 98, 100 comprises a plurality of longitudinal elements 95 as defined above, mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and bearing on the transverse supports 102, 104.

[0079] In [Fig.8], we find three pairs of longitudinal elements 95, a central pair 106 and two lateral pairs, 108, 110.

[0080] It will be observed that the longitudinal elements 95 of the three pairs 106, 108, 110 are adjusted on their transverse supports 102, 104 so that the folds are oriented vertically.

[0081] In this way, a deformation capacity of the longitudinal elements 95 and of the pairs of longitudinal elements 106, 108, 110 and a good elastic return are obtained. These characteristics allow better comfort of the bed structure 96.

Claims

Claims

1. Bed structure comprising: - at least two transverse supports (102, 104) made of corrugated cardboard adapted to be erected at a distance from each other; - a plurality of longitudinal elements (95) made of corrugated cardboard mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said transverse supports (102, 104), each of the longitudinal elements comprising a plurality of longitudinal folds (95) applied flat against each other, the longitudinal folds being oriented along a vertical plane; characterized in that each longitudinal element (95) comprises a blank (10) made of substantially rectangular corrugated cardboard; and in that said blank (10) has a first portion (12) folded in an accordion to form said plurality of folds and a second portion (16) folded around said accordion-folded portion.

2. Bed structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said blank (10) comprises another first portion (14) symmetrical to said first portion (12) with respect to said second portion (16), said two first portions being folded in an accordion and applied against each other, while said second portion is folded around said two first portions folded in an accordion.

3. Bed structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first portion (12) of blank has slots (22, 26, 44, 48) parallel to each other and regularly spaced from each other to form fold lines.

4. Bed structure according to claim 3, characterized in that said first portion (12) of blank has four slots (22, 26, 44, 48) to form four fold lines delimiting five folds.

5. Bed structure according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said parallel slots alternately comprise first slots at mid-thickness of said blank (22, 44) and second through slots intersected by upsetting segments (26, 48).

6. Bed structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said second portion comprises: - a middle part (64) parallel to said longitudinal folds; - two proximal parts (66, 68) integral with said middle part (64) and symmetrical to each other with respect to said middle part; - two distal parts (74, 76) respectively secured to said two proximal parts (66, 68).

7. Bed structure according to claim 6, characterized in that said middle part (64) and said two proximal parts (66, 68) are delimited respectively by two proximal displacement lines (70, 72), while said two distal parts (74, 76) are delimited respectively from said proximal parts by two distal displacement lines (78, 80).

8. Bed structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said blank (10) has at least one flared tongue (86, 88) made in said first portion (12), along said second portion (16), while said second portion has opposite said first portion, at least one corresponding light (90, 92) to be able to embed said at least one tongue (86, 88) through at least one light, when said second portion (16) is folded around said accordion-folded portion (12, 14).

9. Bed structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises three pairs of longitudinal elements (95) mounted at a distance from each other and resting on said transverse supports.

10. Bed structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises two first transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard (102, 104) adapted to be erected at a distance from each other and two second transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard (102, 104) adapted to be erected at a distance from each other in the extension of said two first supports, and in that it comprises a first plurality of longitudinal elements made of corrugated cardboard (95) mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said first transverse supports (102, 104) and a second plurality of longitudinal elements made of corrugated cardboard (95) mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said second transverse supports (102, 104), in the extension of said first plurality of longitudinal elements.

11. Method for producing a bed structure according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: - at least two transverse supports made of corrugated cardboard (102, 104) are provided, adapted to be erected at a distance from each other; - a plurality of longitudinal corrugated cardboard elements (95) are provided, each comprising a plurality of longitudinal folds applied flat against each other; - the longitudinal elements are mounted substantially horizontally at a distance from each other and resting on said transverse supports (102, 104), while the longitudinal folds are oriented along a vertical plane; characterized in that for each of said longitudinal elements (95), a substantially rectangular blank (10) is provided having a first portion (12) and a second portion (16); and in that said first portion (12) is accordion-folded to form said plurality of folds, while said second portion (16) is folded around said accordion-folded portion.

12. Method according to claim 11 and claim 2 for producing a bed structure, characterized in that a blank (10) is provided comprising another first portion (14) symmetrical to said first portion with respect to said second portion (16), said two first portions (12, 14) being folded in an accordion and applied against each other, while said second portion (16) is folded around said two first portions folded in an accordion.

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