Bed frame stabilisation assembly and a bracket therefore

Abstract

The present disclosure related to a bracket for stabilising a bed frame. The bracket (10) comprises a bracket base (11) having a width (W), a height (H) and lying in a bracket plane (BP); a front surface (12) and a rear surface (13); at least one protrusion (14, 22) which extends outwardly from the front surface (12) and which comprises a through hole (15, 24); and a second protrusion (18) which extends outwardly from the front surface (12), and either comprises a through hole (19) or is a solid protrusion (19'). The present disclosure further relates to a bed stabilisation assembly comprising the bracket, and a bed frame comprising the bed stabilisation assembly.

Description

[0001] BED FRAME STABILISATION ASSEMBLY AND A BRACKET THEREFORE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a bracket for stabilising a bed frame, a bed frame stabilisation assembly comprising said bracket, and a bed frame comprising said bed frame stabilisation assembly.

[0004] Bed frames are usually rectangular in shape and are assembled from four separate bed frame side panels, connected to each other. Each corner of the bed frame is typically perpendicular. During use of the bed frame, force and load are applied to the bed frame, which can cause the bed frame to lose its rectangular shape. Ultimately, if the bed frame fails to maintain its shape, it will become damaged.

[0005] To prevent bed frames from not maintaining their shape, it is possible to stabilise the bed frame for instance with crossbars or the like. However, several solutions available are difficult to assemble and make the bed frame heavy.

[0006] An object is to overcome these problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the above and other objects are achieved, in full or at least in part, by a bracket as defined by claim 1. According to this claim the above object is achieved by a bracket for stabilising a bed frame. The bracket comprises a bracket base having a width, a height and lying in a bracket plane. The bracket further comprises a front surface and a rear surface, at least one protrusion which extends outwardly from the front surface, and which comprises a through hole; and a second protrusion which extends outwardly from the front surface, and either comprises a through hole or is a solid protrusion. The bracket is advantageous in that the bracket can be attached to a bed frame panel and be connected to a cross brace through the through hole. The cross brace may then in turn at the end not connected to the bracket, be attached to another bracket attached to an opposing or adjacent bed frame panel, which stabilizes the bed frame.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the at least one protrusion extends along the height of the bracket base, or along the width of the bracket base.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the at least one protrusion extends along the width of the bracket base.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the at least one protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged at an angle relative to the bracket base. Preferably said angle is perpendicular.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the at least one protrusion and the second protrusion are both orthogonal relative the bracket plane. Preferably the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the bracket plane are all orthogonal relative to each other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one protrusion of the bracket corresponds to a first protrusion and a third protrusion extending outwardly from the front surface, and which third protrusion comprises a through hole, and wherein the extension of the third protrusion is mirrored with respect to the first protrusion.

[0013] Preferably, the third protrusion extends and an angle relative the bracket base. Preferably, said angle is perpendicular.

[0014] In one embodiment, the third protrusion is parallel with the first protrusion.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the through hole of the first protrusion and the through hole of the third protrusion are aligned and centred around a common axis. This facilitates the insertion of a wire like cross brace into the through holes.

[0016] The second protrusion may be arranged along a horizontal bottom edge of the bracket base.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first protrusion and the third protrusion are each being arranged along a lateral side edge of the bracket base. Alternatively, the first protrusion and the third protrusion are each arranged along a horizontal upper edge of the bracket base. The first protrusion and the third protrusion may be arranged laterally, opposite each other with respect to the second protrusion. The bracket may be formed in one piece. Preferably the bracket is formed from a metal, more preferably a sheet metal. Metal is abundant and provides a strong and durable bracket.

[0018] In another embodiment, the bracket base comprises a through opening configured to receive a fastening means for attaching the bracket to a bed frame. The fastening means may be a screw, a nail, a bolt, a rivet, a dowel or the like.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second protrusion comprises the through hole, and the second protrusion comprises a slit in communication with the through hole, thereby forming an insertion portion for the through hole. This facilitates the insertion of a cross brace in the form of for instance a strap or band into the through hole of the second protrusion. Since the slit is provided, the strap cross brace may be provided with a preformed loop. Hence, the assembly becomes easy and less cumbersome for the user.

[0020] In another embodiment, the through hole of the second protrusion has a longitudinal extension along the width of the bracket. This allows for various widths of a strap cross brace.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the second protrusion is a solid protrusion, and wherein the solid protrusion comprises a flange extending from the solid protrusion in parallel with the bracket base. Such a solid protrusion can be used to support a mid beam of a bed frame.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first protrusion and / or the third protrusion form(s) a side wall between the solid protrusion and the bracket base. This provides further support for a mid beam of a bed frame.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the bracket is an elongated bracket. The elongated bracket has a cross-section having an L-shape. The first and third protrusions of the L- shaped bracket are angled with respect to the bracket base. Preferably, the angle is less than 90 degrees, preferably about 45 degrees. The first and third protrusions are mirrored with respect to each other.

[0024] According to a second aspect, there is provided a bed frame stabilisation assembly, comprising at least a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is configured to be attached to a first bed frame panel of a bed frame, and the second bracket is configured to be attached to a second bed frame panel. The second bed frame panel is adjacent or opposing the first bed frame panel. The bed frame stabilisation assembly further comprises at least one cross brace. The cross brace comprises a first end having a first attachment portion, and a second end having a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion engages a through hole of at least one protrusion or a through opening of a second protrusion of the first bracket, and the second attachment portion engages a through hole of at least one protrusion or a through opening of a second protrusion of the second bracket, whereby the first and second brackets are interconnected. The bed frame stabilization assembly may stabilize the bed frame, such that it maintains its shape during exposure to weight and shear forces. Further, the bed stabilisation assembly is easy to assemble for the user, and no tools are required to attach the cross brace to the brackets. Further, the bed stabilisation assembly is light weight.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cross brace is a strap. This is beneficial since a strap is easy to use, cheap and takes up a small amount of space during storage and / or transportation.

[0026] The strap may be made of a fabric, a non-woven material, a plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0027] In another embodiment, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion is a loop formed from the strap itself, or the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion is a hook connected to the strap, or the first attachment portion is a loop formed from the strap itself and the second attachment portion is a hook connected to the strap. These attachment portions are easy to attach.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the strap comprises a plurality of loops arranged along the extension of the strap. This provides for the possibility to adjust the length of the cross brace depending on the dimensions of the bed frame.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the cross brace further comprises a tensioning device. This is beneficial since the tensioning device can tension the cross brace after being connected to the bed frame through the bracket (or directly to the bed frame). It is also advantageous since no tools are required for tensioning the cross brace. Tension brought by force of tools may often damage structures due to over-tensioning, while a hand operated tensioning device does not have this risk. The tensioning device may comprise a hook-and-loop fastener. In such case, the cross brace may be provided with a first part of the hook-and-loop fastener at an outer end portion of the cross brace and a second part of the hook-and-loop fastener on an intermediate portion of the cross brace.

[0030] The tensioning device may comprise an actuator. Preferably, such an actuator is pressed or pulled in order to be able to adjust the length of the cross brace.

[0031] In another embodiment, the cross brace is a metal wire.

[0032] In another embodiment, the first attachment portion and the second bent portion of the metal wire is a first bent portion and a second bent portion each forming a pin.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the cross brace being a metal wire has an elongate shaft extending along a longitudinal axis A and the cross brace has a first end with a first bent portion and a second end with a second bent portion, each first and second bent portion extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis A at a first angle a, and wherein the first bent portion is angled about the longitudinal axis A at a second angle P in relation to the second bent portion, the second angle P being between the first bent portion and the second bent portion when viewed along the longitudinal axis A.

[0034] In a third aspect, there is provided a bed frame. The bed frame comprises four bed frame panels and the bed frame further comprises the bed frame stabilisation assembly disclosed herein. The bed frame stabilisation assembly comprises at least a first bracket and a second bracket as described above. The first bracket is attached to a first bed frame panel, and the second bracket is attached to a second bed frame panel being adjacent or opposing the first bed frame panel. The bed frame stabilisation assembly further comprises at least one cross brace. The cross brace comprises a first end having a first attachment portion, and a second end having a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion engages a through hole of at least one protrusion or a through opening of a second protrusion of the first bracket, and the second attachment portion engages a through hole of at least one protrusion or a through opening of a second protrusion of the second bracket, whereby the first and second bed frame panels are interconnected. Hence, the bed frame is stabilised to maintain its rectangular shape. In a fourth aspect, there is provided a bed frame stabilisation assembly, comprising at least a first bracket and a second bracket each comprising a bracket base and at least a first protrusion extending from the bracket base. The at least first protrusion comprises an engagement portion. The first bracket is configured to be attached to a first bed frame panel of a bed frame, and the second bracket is configured to be attached to a second bed frame panel being adjacent to or opposing the first bed frame panel. The bed frame stabilisation assembly further comprises at least one cross brace comprising a first end having a first attachment portion, and a second end having a second attachment portion. The cross brace further comprises a tensioning device comprising a hook-and-loop fastener, and the first attachment portion engages the engagement portion of the first bracket, and the second attachment portion engages the engagement portion of the second bracket, whereby the first and second brackets are interconnected. This bed frame stabilisation assembly is beneficial since the tensioning device is easy to use and can be adapted to different dimensions of the bed frame.

[0035] In one embodiment, the cross brace is a strap having a first outer end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second outer end portion, and wherein a first part of the hook-and-loop fastener is provided at the first outer end portion of the strap and a second part of the hook-and-loop fastener is provided at the intermediate portion of the strap.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the first attachment portion comprises a hook configured to be releasably connected to the engagement portion of the first bracket and / or the second attachment portion comprises a hook configured to be releasably connected to the engagement portion of the second bracket.

[0037] In another embodiment, the at least first protrusion extends at an angle from the bracket base, said angle being 90 degrees or smaller.

[0038] In one embodiment, the engaging portion is a through hole.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the at least one protrusion is pivotable relative to the bracket base.

[0040] Other objectives, features and advantages will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached claims, as well as from the drawings. It is noted that the disclosure relates to all possible combinations of features. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

[0041] As used herein, the term “comprising” and variations of this term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0042] Brief description of the Drawings

[0043] By way of example, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figures la and lb show a bed frame provided with a bed frame stabilisation assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figures 2a-4f show brackets according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figures 5a-5e show cross braces of a bed frame stabilisation assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figures 6-8b show further embodiments of bed frames provided with a bed frame stabilisation assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Figures 9a-9c show a bed frame provided with a bed frame stabilisation assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a metallic cross brace.

[0049] Detailed

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in relation to Figures 1 to 9c.

[0051] Figs, la and lb show a bed frame 1 comprising four bed frame panels 2, 3, 4, 5. The bed frame is provided with a bed frame stabilisation assembly 100 comprising four brackets 10 and four cross braces 30. The brackets 10 are each connected to one of the bed frame panels 2, 3, 4, 5, preferably by a fastening means 17. The bracket 10 may either be a bracket 10 associated with a mid beam 6, as shown in the upper enlarged portion of Figs, la- lb, or a bracket 10 arranged on a bed frame panel 2, 4 not being associated with a mid beam 6, as shown in the lower enlarged portion of Fig. la-lb. The bed stabilisation assembly 100 stabilises the bed frame 1 such that it in a secure manner will maintain its rectangular shape.

[0052] The bracket 10 arranged on a bed frame panel 2, 4 not being associated with a mid beam 6 may be a bracket 10 as shown in Fig. la, or an elongated bracket 10 as shown in Fig. lb. Alternatively, it may be a bracket 10 as shown in Figs. 4c-4f.

[0053] Each cross brace 30 has a first end 31 having a first attachment portion 35, and a second end 32 having a second attachment portion 36. This is shown clearly in Figs 5a and 5b, and Figs. 5d and 5e. In the lower enlarged view of Figs la and lb, the first attachment portion 35 of one cross brace 30 is shown, together with the second attachment portion 36 of another cross brace 30. As shown in Figs, la-lb, the first attachment portion 35 and the second attachment portion 36 are each formed as a hook 38, which is engaged with a respective bracket 10.

[0054] Figs. 2a-4f show perspective views of examples of the brackets 10 described herein. Each bracket 10 has a bracket base 11 lying in a bracket plane BP. The brackets 10 have a front surface 12 and a rear surface 13 (not shown in Figs. 4c-4f). Further, the bracket 10 has a height H and a width W. The width W extends along a lateral extension. The height H extends along a vertical extension.

[0055] The bracket base 11 is provided with at least one through opening 16, configured to receive the fastening means 17 (as shown in for instance Fig. la). The through opening 16 may be round, elongated or key-hole shaped. A key-hole shaped through opening 16 facilitates assembly and disassembly of the bracket 10 from the bed frame side panel 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0056] With reference to Figs 2a-4b, the brackets 10 comprise protrusions 14, 22 each having a through hole 15, 24. The brackets 10 further comprise a second protrusion 18. The brackets 10 in Figs. 2a-4b have two protrusions 14, 22. The protrusions 14, 22 are a first protrusion 14 and a third protrusion 22. The first protrusion 14 extends outwardly from the bracket base 11 and has the through hole 15. The first protrusion 14 extends at an angle, preferably perpendicularly, from the bracket base 11. The second protrusion 18 extends outwardly from the bracket base 11. The second protrusion 18 either comprises a through hole 19 as shown in the bracket 10 of Figs. 2a-2b, or it is a solid protrusion 19’ as shown in Figs. 3a-3b and 4a-4b.

[0057] The second protrusion 18 of the brackets 10 shown in Figs. 2a-3b is arranged along a horizontal bottom edge of the bracket base 11. The second protrusion 18 of the bracket in Fig. 4a-4b is arranged along a horizontal upper edge of the bracket base 11. The second protrusion 18 extends along the width W of the bracket 10. Also, the second protrusion 18 is arranged at an angle, preferably perpendicularly, against the bracket base 11.

[0058] The brackets 10 in Figs. 2a-4b further comprise the third protrusion 22. The third protrusion 22 has the through hole 24. Further, the first protrusion 14 and the third protrusion 22 may extend along the height H of the bracket 10, as shown in Fig. 2a-2b and 4a-4b. Alternatively or additionally, the first protrusion 14 and the third protrusion 22 may extend along the width W of the bracket 10, as shown in Fig. 3a-3b. The extension of the third protrusion 22 is mirrored with respect to the first protrusion 14. Preferably, the first and third protrusions 14, 22 both have an extension along the height H or the width W of the bracket 10 and are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0059] The bracket 10 may further comprise guiding portions (not shown) in connection with the through opening 16 on the rear side 13 of the bracket base 11.

[0060] In Figs. 2a-2b, the first protrusion 14, the second protrusion 18 and the bracket plane BP are all orthogonal relative to each other. Furthermore, the third protrusion 22 may be aligned with the first protrusion 14, such that the third protrusion 22, the second protrusion 18 and the bracket plane BP are all orthogonal relative to each other, as shown in Figs. 2a-2b.

[0061] Further, the bracket 10 shown in Figs. 2a-2b has a slit 21 in the second protrusion 18. The slit 21 is an insertion opening for the through hole 19, connecting the through hole 19 with the outside of the protrusion 18. In other words, the second protrusion 18 is formed by two L-shaped legs extending outwardly from the bracket base 11, facing each other. With respect to Figs. 2a-2b, the first protrusion 14 and the third protrusion 22 are each arranged along a lateral side edge of the bracket base 11. As shown in Figs. 2a- 2b, the through hole 15 of the first protrusion 14 and the through hole 24 of the third protrusion 22 are aligned and centred around a common axis. This is preferable when using the bracket 10 together with a cross brace 30 in the form of a metal wire 50 (shown in Figs. 9a-9c).

[0062] The bracket 10 shown in Figs. 3a-3b comprises the solid protrusion 19’. The solid protrusion 19’ has a flange 19” extending from the solid protrusion 19’ in parallel with the bracket base 11. Preferably, as shown in Figs. 3a-3b, the flange 19” extends upwardly from the solid protrusion 19’ along the extension of the height H of the bracket 10. The flange 19” is configured to engage an underside, preferably a pre-cut recess, of the mid beam 6.

[0063] Further, the bracket 10 in Figs. 3a-3b has a first and third protrusion 14, 22 being arranged along the width W of the bracket 10. The first and third protrusions 14, 22 are mirrored with respect to each other, and are each arranged on an opposite lateral side of the solid protrusion 19’. The first and third protrusions 14, 22 extend in parallel with each other, and in parallel with the solid protrusion 19’.

[0064] The bracket 10 in Figs 3a-3b further comprises two side walls 23, which each interconnects the solid protrusion 19’ and the bracket base 11. The solid protrusion 19’ and side walls 23 together form a socket configured to house the mid beam 6 (shown for instance in Fig. 1) extending between the bed frame panels 3, 5 of the bed frame 1.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the bracket 10 shown in Figs 3a-3b (not shown herein), the bracket 10 comprises the second protrusion 18, the solid protrusion 19’ and the flange 19” as described with reference to Figs 3a-3b. However, the first protrusion 14 and / or the third protrusion 22 extend along the height H of the bracket 10. The first protrusion 14 and / or the third protrusion 22 each extends at an angle, preferably perpendicularly, from the bracket base 11. Preferably, the first and third protrusions 14, 22 are arranged in parallel and are mirrored with respect to each other. The geometry with respect to the angles between the first, second and third protrusions 14, 18, 22 in this embodiment corresponds to that of the bracket 10 shown in Figs. 2a-2b. Hence, the first and third protrusions 14, 22 are parallel with each other, and extend orthogonally with respect to the bracket plane BP and the second protrusion 18. Preferably, the first and third protrusions 14, 22 are each being arranged along a lateral side edge of the bracket base 11, and extend perpendicularly outwards from the bracket base 11. The first and third protrusions 14, 22 each comprises the through hole 15, 24 as described herein above.

[0066] In another embodiment (now shown herein), the bracket 10 comprises the second protrusion 18, the solid protrusion 19’ and the flange 19” as described with reference to Figs 3a-3b. In this embodiment, the first and / or third protrusions 14, 22 are each extending perpendicularly from the bracket base 11. The first and third protrusions 14, 22 are each forming the side wall 23 which each interconnects the solid protrusion 19’ and the bracket base 11. The solid protrusion 19’ and the first and third protrusions 14, 22 each being the side walls together form a socket configured to house the mid beam 6 (shown for instance in Fig. la) extending between the bed frame panels 2, 3, 4, 5. In this embodiment, through holes 15, 24 of the first and third protrusions 14, 22 are each arranged on a portion of the protrusions 14, 22 extending at an angle from the side walls. The angle facilitates the mounting of cross bars 30 connected between adjacent bed frame side panels 2, 3, 4, 5.

[0067] The bracket 10 shown in Figs. 4a-4b comprises the features as described above with reference to the figures 3a and 3b. In addition, the bracket 10 is elongated, and has a longitudinal extension along its width W. The bracket 10 when attached to a bed frame panel 2, 4 extends along the length of the bed frame panel 2, 4. Further, the elongated bracket 10 is parallel to the mid beam 6. The cross-section of the bracket 10 taken across the longitudinal extension is L-shaped. The second protrusion 18 of the elongated bracket 10 is configured to support a mattress (not shown) arranged in the bed frame 1. The first and third protrusions 14, 22 are arranged at an angle with respect to the bracket base 11. Preferably, the angle is smaller than 90 degrees, such as about 25 to 65 degrees, most preferred 45 degrees.

[0068] Figs. 4c-4f show further embodiments of the bracket 10. As described above, each bracket 10 in Figs. 4c-4f has the bracket base 11 lying in the bracket plane BP. The bracket base 11 is provided with the at least one through opening 16, configured to receive the fastening means 17 to attach the bracket 10 to a bed frame panel 2, 3, 4, 5. The brackets 10 in Fig. 4c and 4e further comprise a pivotable first protrusion 14. The pivotable first protrusion 14 has the trough hole 15. Since the first protrusion 14 is pivotable, it can be moved between an operative position where it extends at an angle from the bracket base 11, and a resting position in which it abuts the bracket base 11, as shown in Figs. 4c and 4e.

[0069] The bracket 10 in Fig. 4d further comprises a first protrusion 14 and a second protrusion 18. The first and second protrusions 14, 18 extend at an angle from the bracket base 11, such that they form a V-shape between the bracket base 11 and the first and second protrusions 14, 18. Hence, the angle between the first and second protrusions 14, 18 and the bracket base 11 is preferably smaller than 90 degrees. Preferably, the angle is about 25 to 65 degrees, most preferred 45 degrees. When the bracket 10 of Fig. 4d is attached to a bed frame panel 2, 3, 4, 5, it is oriented such that the first and second protrusions 14, 18 have a width extending in a horizontal direction, and the first and second protrusions 14, 18 extend upwardly at an angle from the bracket basis 11 in a vertical direction. The V-shape acts as a slot for the hook 38 of the cross brace 30. The hook 38 engages the first and second protrusions 14, 18 in the assembled state. In other words, the angled first and second protrusions 14, 18 act as a pin engaged by the hook 38 of the cross brace 30. The bracket 10 in Fig. 4d is further provided with two trough openings 16 for fastening means 17. In a further embodiment, the bracket 10 may comprise one protrusion 14, 18 only extending at an angle from the bracket base 11.

[0070] The bracket 10 in Fig. 4f further comprises a first protrusion 14 having a through hole 15. The first protrusion 14 extends outwardly from the bracket base 11 and has the through hole 15. The first protrusion 14 extends at an angle, preferably perpendicularly, from the bracket base 11. Hence, the bracket 10 in Fig. 4f has a crosssection which is substantially L-shaped.

[0071] Alternatively, the bracket 10 in Fig. 4c may comprise a first protrusion 14 only, extending at the angle from the bracket base 11.

[0072] Figs. 5a and 5b show different embodiments of a cross brace 30 according to the present disclosure. As described with reference to Fig. la, the cross brace 30 comprises the first end 31 with its first attachment portion 35, and the second end 32 with its second attachment portion 36. The first and second attachment portions 35, 36 is each a hook 38. The hooks 38 are preferably made of a slightly flexible material (such as a metal or plastic). The hooks 38 can be manipulated by the user to reveal an opening between two ends of the hook 38, which in their resting state are forced against each other to seal the opening. The cross braces 30 in Figs. 5a and 5b are straps 40. The strap 40 is made of a fabric, a non-woven material, a plastic, or a combination thereof. The straps 40 in Figs. 5a-5b comprise a tensioning device 39.

[0073] As shown in the detail view in Fig. 5c, the strap 40 comprises a ridged portion 42, which may be engaged by the tensioning device 39. Preferably, the tensioning device 39 is operated like a cable cord. The tensioning device 39 has an actuator 41, which when engaged release the grip of the strap 40, whereby the strap 40 can be tightened or released. The actuator 41 has a tooth engaging ridged portion 42 of the strap 40. When lifting the actuator 41, its tooth disengages the ridged portion 42, whereby the strap 40 can be tightened or released.

[0074] The cross brace 30 in Fig. 5a comprises a plurality of loops 37 arranged along the extension of the strap 40. The loops 37 are formed from the strap material itself. The plurality of loops 37 along the extension of the cross brace 30 shown in Fig. 5a make the cross brace adjustable to different widths of the bed frame 1. An end of the tensioning device 39 is connectable to the different loops 37. The user can thereby adjust the length of the strap 40, by attaching the tensioning device 39 to a selected loop 37. Alternatively or additionally, the cross brace 30 may comprise loops 37 attached to the cross brace 30 along its extension. The tensioning device 39 in Figs. 5a and 5c is connected to a loop 37.

[0075] Figs. 5d and 5e show a further cross brace 30 according to another example of the present disclosure. Similarly to the cross brace 30 of Figs. 5a and 5b, the cross brace 30 in Figs. 5d and 5e comprises the first end 31 with its first attachment portion 35, and the second end 32 with its second attachment portion 36. The first and second attachment portions 35, 36 are each a hook 38. The hooks 38 are preferably made of a slightly flexible material (such as metal or plastic). The hooks 38 can be manipulated by the user to reveal an opening between two ends of the hook 38, which in their resting state are forced against each other to seal the opening. Further, the cross brace 30 in Figs. 5d and 5e is a strap 40. The strap 40 is made of a fabric, a non-woven material, a plastic, or a combination thereof. The strap 40 has a first outer end portion 43, an intermediate portion 44, and a second outer end portion 48.

[0076] The strap 40 in Figs. 5d and 5e further comprises a tensioning device 39. The tensioning device 39 is made up of a hook-and-loop fastener 45. The hook-and-loop fastener 45 may be a traditional hook-and-loop system (such as Velcro), or another touch fastener such as a mushroom hook fastener (either a mushroom-hook fastener or a mushroom-mushroom fastener, such as Dual Lock or Duotec). A first part 46 of the hook-and-loop fastener is provided at the first outer end portion 43 of the strap 40. A second part 47 of the hook-and-loop fastener 45 is provided on the intermediate portion 44 of the strap 40.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 5d and 5e, the hook-and-loop fastener 45 can be released from engagement with the hook 38 at the first attachment portion 35, such that the strap 40 can be inserted or removed from an opening of the hook 38 at the first attachment portion 35. As shown in Fig. 5d, the hook 38 is fixedly attached to the second outer end portion 48 of the strap 40.

[0078] The strap 40 may be covered by the second part 47 of the hook-and-loop fastener to at least 50% of its length. In this way, the length of the cross brace 30 may be adjusted to fit various bed frame widths. The cross brace 30 of Figs. 5d and 5e may also comprise a plurality of loops 37 as shown in Fig. 5a, arranged along the extension of the strap 40. The loops 37 may be formed from the strap material itself.

[0079] The cross brace 30 shown in Figs. 5d and 5e may be used together with the bracket 10 as shown in Figs. 2a to 4b. Additionally or alternatively, the cross brace 30 of Figs. 5d and 5e may be used together with a slightly more simple bracket 10 as shown in Figs. 4c-4f.

[0080] To use the cross brace 30 comprising the hook-and-loop fastener 45, the first attachment portion 35 is connected to a first bracket 10 attached to a bed frame panel, and the second attachment portion 36 is connected to a second bracket 10 attached to an adjacent or opposite bed frame panel. The first part 46 of the hook-and-loop fastener 45 is separated from the second part 47 of the hook-and-loop fastener 45. The first outer end portion 43 of the strap 40 is inserted through an opening of the hook 38 of the first attachment portion 35, and the length of the strap 40 is adjusted to fit the measurements of the current bed frame. The first and second parts 46, 47 of the hook-and-loop fastener 45 are brought together into engagement with each other, whereby the strap 40 has been length adjusted and tensioned.

[0081] The strap 40 may also have a hook-and-loop fastener 45 provided on the second outer end portion 48. In this way, the strap 40 is releasably attached to the hooks 38 in both the first and second attachment portions 35, 36.

[0082] In one embodiment, the strap 40 may comprise a hook-and-loop fastener 45 at the first outer end 43 of the strap 40 and a hook-and-loop fastener 45 at the second outer end 48 of the strap 40, such that the strap 40 may be directly connected to the bracket 10.

[0083] The strap 40 may alternatively comprise a hook-and-loop fastener 45 at the first outer end 43 of the strap 40, and a first attachment portion 35 in the form of the hook 38; and a hook-and-loop fastener 45 at the second outer end 48 of the strap 40, such that the strap 40 may be directly connected to one bracket 10 at the second attachment portion 36 and connected to another bracket 10 through the hook 38.

[0084] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment where two brackets 10 are connected to two opposing bed frame panels 2, 4 of the bed frame 1. In this embodiment, one end of the cross brace 30 comprises a loop 37 as the first engagement portion 35. The loop 37 is inserted through the through hole 19 of the second protrusion 18 of the bracket 10. The second end 32 of the cross brace 30 comprises the second engagement portion 36 in the form of a hook 38 engaging the through hole 16 of to the first protrusion 14 of the bracket 10. The cross brace 30 extends below the mid beam 6.

[0085] When the cross brace 30 comprises the loop 37 as the first and / or second engagement portion 35, 36, the user may advantageously use the slit 21 (shown in Figs. 2a-2b) of the bracket 10 to insert the loop 37 into the through hole 19. This facilitates the assembly of the cross brace 30, since the loop 37 can be prefabricated and the user can easily insert it into the through hole 19 without having to form the loop 37 themselves. Figs. 7-8b show further embodiments of bed frames 1 comprising the bed frame stabilising assembly 100. In Fig. 7, two cross braces 30 are connected in a cross in one half of the bed frame 1. Hence, the bed frame stabilising assembly 100 in Fig. 7 comprises four brackets 10 (of which two are visible) and two cross braces 30.

[0086] In Figs. 8a-8b two cross braces 30 are each connected in one end to a bracket 10 attached to one of the ends of the bed frame panel 2, and both cross braces 30 are connected to one bracket 10 arranged at the middle of the opposing bed frame panel 4. Hence, the bed frame stabilising assembly 100 in Figs. 8a-8b comprises three brackets 10 and two cross braces 30.

[0087] Fig. 9a shows a bed frame 1 where one bracket 10 is attached to two oppositely facing bed frame panels 2, 4. The cross brace 30 in Figs. 9a-9c is a metal wire 50. The metal wire 50 comprises an elongate shaft 135, as shown in Fig. 9b. The cross brace 30 extends along a longitudinal axis A. Hence, the elongate shaft 135 extends along the axis A.

[0088] With respect to Fig. 9b, at the first end 31, and the second end 32, the metal cross brace 30 is provided with a first bent portion 51, and second bent portion 52, respectively. Hence, the first attachment portion 35 and the second attachment portion 36 of the metal wire 50 is formed from the first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52. The first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52 each form a pin 53, 54.

[0089] The metal cross brace 30 in Fig. 9a is engaged with the brackets 10. Two brackets 10 are attached to two oppositely facing bed frame panels 2, 4 as shown in Fig. 9a. The through hole 15 of the first protrusion 14 and the through hole 24 of the third protrusion 22 are aligned and centred around a common axis. This facilitates the insertion of the pin 53 of the first end 31 through both the through hole 15 and through the through hole 24 of the first bracket 10. The pin 54 of the second end 32 has been inserted through the through hole 15 of the first protrusion 14 only of the second bracket 10. Alternatively, the metal wire 50 may be connected to the elongated bracket 10 as shown in Figs. 4a-4b. Since the cross brace 30 is formed of metal, it is bendable but strong, and therefore provides leverage once the first end 31 is engaged with the through holes 15, 24 of the first bracket 10, which aids the assembly process.

[0090] As further shown in Fig. 9b, the first and second bent portions 51, 52 extend at an angle a from the longitudinal axis A. The angle a is in the range of 80 to 100 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees. The angle a shown in Fig. 9b is substantially perpendicular, i.e. about 90 degrees. The first bent portion 51 and second bent portion 52 each extends transverse in relation to the elongate shaft 135. Further, the cross brace 30 has the overall shape of a wide U when looked at from the side at an angle perpendicular to the axis A.

[0091] In Fig. 9c, the metal cross brace 30 is shown as viewed from the second bent portion 52 of the second end 32 towards the first bent portion 51 of the first end 31. As described above, the cross brace 30 is substantially U-shaped. The angle a (shown in Fig. 9b) between the axis A and the bent portions 51, 52 is substantially perpendicular. Hence, the angle a is preferably 80 to 100 degrees, most preferred about 90 degrees.

[0092] There is also an angle P between the first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52 when viewed along the axis A. In Fig. 9b, the axis A is perpendicular to a plane of the figures. The angle P lies in the plane of Fig. 9c. The angle P is thus perpendicular to the axis A.

[0093] To further describe the angle P, one can imagine that the angle P of the cross brace 30 may be obtained by starting with a U-shaped cross brace 30 having the first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52 being parallel to each other, and turning one of the first and second bent portions 51, 52 about the axis A. As a result, the angle P between the first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52 is formed (as shown in Fig. 9c).

[0094] Preferably, the angle P is in the range of between 10 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 40 degrees and most preferred about 30 degrees. Therefore, the angle P is not zero, i.e. the first and second bent portions 51, 52 of the cross brace 30 are not aligned with each other and imaginary vectors of the first and second bent portions 51, 52 are not parallel with one another. The first end 31 is angled slightly about the axis A compared to the second end 32, forming the angle p. The angle P provides for a cross brace 10 being in tension in its mounted position, such that the cross brace 30 will remain in place without any unwanted movement.

[0095] Hence, the cross brace 30 in the form of the metal wire 50 shown in Figs. 9a-9c comprises two separate angles a, p. The angle a is the angle between the axis A and each and one of the bent portions 51, 52. The angle P is the angle between the first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52 when viewed along the axis A.

[0096] The two angles a, P are each part of three separate imaginary planes. One plane for the angle a at the first end 31, a second plane for the angle a at the second end 32, and a third plane for the angle P between the first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52. Both planes for the angle a are orthogonal in relation to the third plane for angle p.

[0097] Hence, the first end 31 has a first end alpha imaginary plane Pal in which the angle a lies. The second end 32 has a second end alpha imaginary plane Pa2, in which the angle a of the second end 32 lies. The angle P lies in a beta angle imaginary plane Pp. The beta angle imaginary plane Pp is orthogonal to the axis A. The angle P may be measured in an infinite number of planes orthogonal to the axis A, of which the beta angle imaginary plane PP is one plane.

[0098] The first end alpha imaginary plane Pal is orthogonal to the beta angle imaginary plane PP, and the second end alpha imaginary plane Pa2 is orthogonal to the beta angle imaginary plane Pp. Since the angle P is present between the first bent portion 51 and the second bent portion 52, the first end alpha imaginary plane Pal and the second end alpha imaginary plane Pa2 are different from each other and are not in parallel.

[0099] The cross brace 30 formed from the metal wire 50 disclosed herein is made of a metal which is preferably a steel. The steel is abundantly strong to provide stabilisation to the bed frame 1, while providing resilient properties to the cross brace 30. Further, ordinary construction metallic materials, such as steel, is commercially available and cheap.

[0100] Preferably, the first protrusion 14, and / or the second protrusion 18, and / or the third protrusion 22 are flat elements. Further, the bracket 10 may be formed in one piece. The bracket 10 may be formed from a metal, more preferred a sheet metal. The sheet metal may for instance be a type of steel, such as galvanised steel. Ordinary construction metallic materials, such as steel, is also commercially available and cheap.

[0101] The bed frame stabilisation assembly 100 according to the present disclosure provides additional stability and strength to a bed frame 1. Hence, the bed frame panels 2, 3, 4, 5 of the bed frame 1 can be made of light-weight materials, as well as being made slim and neat. The connection of the cross braces 30 to the brackets 10 is simple and does not require any tools.

[0102] The bed stabilisation assembly 100 may comprise any number of the brackets 10 shown in Figs. 2a-4b and any number of cross braces 30 as shown in Figs. 5a-5c and / or Fig. 9b. The bed stabilisation assembly 100 may comprise one or more of the brackets 10 as shown in Figs. 2a-2b, and one or more brackets 10 as shown in Figs. 3a- 3b. The bed stabilisation assembly 100 may comprise one or more of the brackets 10 as shown in Figs. 4a-4b, and one or more brackets 10 as shown in Figs. 3a-3b. Further, the bed stabilisation assembly 100 may comprise one or more of the bracket 10 as shown in Figs. 2a-2b, one or more of the bracket 10 as shown in Figs. 3a-3b, and one or more brackets 10 as shown in Figs. 4a-4b.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bracket for stabilising a bed frame, said bracket (10) comprising: a bracket base (11) having a width (W), a height (H) and lying in a bracket plane (BP); a front surface (12) and a rear surface (13); at least one protrusion (14, 22) which extends outwardly from the front surface (12) and which comprises a through hole (15, 24); and a second protrusion (18) which extends outwardly from the front surface (12), and either comprises a through hole (19) or is a solid protrusion (19’).

2. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion (14) extends along the height (H) of the bracket base (11), or along the width (W) of the bracket base (11).

3. The bracket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second protrusion (18) extends along the width (W) of the bracket base (11).

4. The bracket according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the at least one protrusion (14, 22) and the second protrusion (18) are arranged at an angle relative to the bracket base (11), preferably said angle being perpendicular.

5. The bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one protrusion (14, 22), and the second protrusion (18) are both orthogonal relative the bracket plane (BP), preferably they are all orthogonal relative to each other.

6. The bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one protrusion (14, 22) of the bracket (10) corresponds to a first protrusion (14) and a third protrusion (22) extending outwardly from the front surface (12), and which third protrusion (22) comprises a through hole (24), and wherein the extension of the third protrusion (22) is mirrored with respect to the first protrusion (14).

7. The bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the second protrusion (18) is arranged along a horizontal bottom edge of the bracket base (11).

8. The bracket according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first protrusion (14) and the third protrusion (22) are each being arranged along a lateral side edge of the bracket base (11), or wherein the first protrusion (14) and the third protrusion (22) are each arranged along a horizontal upper edge of the bracket base (11), and wherein the first protrusion (14) and the third protrusion (22) are arranged laterally, opposite each other with respect to the second protrusion (18).

9. The bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the bracket (10) is formed in one piece, preferably wherein the bracket (10) is formed from a metal, more preferably a sheet metal.

10. The bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the bracket base (11) comprises a through opening (16) configured to receive a fastening means (17) for attaching the bracket (10) to a bed frame (1).

11. The bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the second protrusion (18) comprises the through hole (19), and wherein the second protrusion (18) comprises a slit (21) in communication with the through hole (19) thereby forming an insertion portion for the through hole (19).

12. The bracket according to claims 11, wherein the through hole (19) of the second protrusion (18) has a longitudinal extension along the width (W) of the bracket (10).

13. The bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second protrusion (18) is a solid protrusion (19’), and wherein the solid protrusion (19’)comprises a flange (19”) extending from the solid protrusion (19’) in parallel with the bracket base (11).

14. The bracket according to claim 6 and 13, wherein the first protrusion (14) and / or the third protrusion (22) form(s) a side wall (23) between the solid protrusion (19’) and the bracket base (11).

15. A bed frame stabilisation assembly, comprising: at least a first bracket (10) and a second bracket (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said first bracket (10) being configured to be attached to a first bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5) of a bed frame (1), and said second bracket (10) being configured to be attached to a second bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5) being adjacent or opposing the first bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5), and at least one cross brace (30), wherein the cross brace (30) comprises a first end (31) having a first attachment portion (35), and a second end (32) having a second attachment portion (36), wherein the first attachment portion (35) engages a through hole (15, 24) of at least one protrusion (14, 22) or a through opening (19) of a second protrusion (18) of the first bracket (10), and wherein the second attachment portion (36) engages a through hole (15, 24) of at least one protrusion (14, 22) or a through opening (19) of a second protrusion (18) of the second bracket (10), whereby the first and second brackets (10) are interconnected.

16. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 15, wherein the cross brace (30) is a strap (40).

17. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 16, wherein said strap (40) is made of a fabric, a non-woven material, a plastic, or a combination thereof.

18. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to any one of claims 15 to17, wherein the first attachment portion (35) and the second attachment portion (36) each is a loop (37) formed from the strap (40) itself, or wherein the first attachment portion (35) and the second attachment portion (36) each is a hook (38) connected to the strap (40), or wherein the first attachment portion (35) is a loop (37) formed from the strap (40) itself and the second attachment portion (36) is a hook (38) connected to the strap (40).

19. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to any one of claims 15 to18, wherein the strap (40) comprises a plurality of loops (37) arranged along the extension of the strap (40).

20. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to any one of claims 15 to19, wherein the cross brace (30) further comprises a tensioning device (39).

21. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 20, wherein the tensioning device (39) comprises a hook-and-loop fastener (45).

22. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 20, wherein the cross brace (30) is provided with a first part (46) of the hook-and-loop fastener (45) at an outer end portion (43) of the cross brace (30) and a second part (47) of the hook-and- loop fastener (45) on an intermediate portion (44) of the cross brace (30).

23. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 15, wherein the cross brace (30) is a metal wire (50).

24. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 23, wherein the first attachment portion (35) and the second bent portion (36) of the metal wire (50) is a first bent portion (51) and a second bent portion (52) each forming a pin (53, 54).

25. A bed frame, said bed frame (1) comprising four bed frame panels (2, 3, 4, 5), and a bed frame stabilisation assembly (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 22, the bed frame stabilisation assembly (100) comprising: at least a first bracket (10) and a second bracket (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said first bracket (10) being attached to a first bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5), and said second bracket (10) being attached to a second bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5) being adjacent or opposing the first bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5), and at least one cross brace (30), wherein the cross brace (30) comprises a first end (31) having a first attachment portion (35), and a second end (32) having a second attachment portion (36), wherein the first attachment portion (35) engages a through hole (15, 24) of at least one protrusion (14, 22) or a through opening (19) of a second protrusion (18) of the first bracket (10), and wherein the second attachment portion (36) engages a through hole (15, 24) of at least one protrusion (14, 22) or a through opening (19) of a second protrusion (18) of the second bracket (10), whereby the first and second bed frame panels (2, 3, 4, 5) are interconnected.

26. A bed frame stabilisation assembly, comprising: at least a first bracket (10) and a second bracket (10) each comprising a bracket base (11) and at least a first protrusion (14) extending from the bracket base (11), said at least first protrusion (14) comprising an engagement portion (15), wherein said first bracket (10) is configured to be attached to a first bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5) of a bed frame (1), and said second bracket (10) is configured to be attached to a second bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5) being adjacent to or opposing the first bed frame panel (2, 3, 4, 5), and at least one cross brace (30) comprising a first end (31) having a first attachment portion (35), and a second end (32) having a second attachment portion (36), wherein the cross brace (30) further comprises a tensioning device (39) comprising a hook-and-loop fastener (45), wherein the first attachment portion (35) is configured to engage the engagement portion (15) of the first bracket (10), andwherein the second attachment portion (36) is configured to engage the engagement portion (15) of the second bracket (10), whereby the first and second brackets (10) are interconnected.

27. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 26, wherein the cross brace (30) is a strap (40) having a first outer end portion (43), an intermediate portion (44), and a second outer end portion (48), and wherein a first part (46) of the hook-and-loop fastener (45) is provided at the first outer end portion (43) of the strap (40) and a second part (47) of the hook-and-loop fastener (45) is provided at the intermediate portion (44) of the strap (40).

28. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first attachment portion (35) comprises a hook (38) configured to be releasably connected to the engagement portion (15) of the first bracket (10) and / or the second attachment portion (36) comprises a hook (38) configured to be releasably connected to the engagement portion (15) of the second bracket (10).

29. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to any one of claim 26 to28, wherein the at least first protrusion (14) extends at an angle from the bracket base (11), said angle being 90 degrees or smaller.

30. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to any one of claim 26 to29, wherein the engaging portion (15) is a through hole (15).

31. The bed frame stabilisation assembly according to any one of claim 26 to30, wherein the at least one protrusion (14) is pivotable relative to the bracket base (11).

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