METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A DEVICE COMPRISING A BED

Abstract

 A method for assembling a device comprising a bed, which device comprises a frame (105) that is provided with a bed base (360).
To provide a versatile method suitable for assembling for instance a bunk bed (100) or a tent (100') that comprises a bed, at least two frame elements (111) of the frame (105) take the form of a profile having a groove arranged to engage a thickening of an element (632) by form closure which is selected from i) a separating element (632), and ii) the bed base (360).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assembling a device comprising a bed, which device comprises a frame, and the frame comprises a frame section for the bed, which frame section for the bed comprises two parallel first frame elements extending in the longitudinal direction; and
the frame further comprises two second frame elements extending in a direction transverse to the first frame elements;
wherein the first frame elements of the frame section for the bed are provided with a bed base.

[0002] A method according to the preamble is known in the art, for instance for assembling a bed. The bed base is used for supporting a mattress, or may optionally also be used without a mattress, for instance in combination with a sleeping bag.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a versatile method for assembling a device that comprises a bed.

[0004] To this end, a method according to the preamble is characterized in that at least two frame elements of the frame have the form of a profile, which profile comprises a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile which groove is capable of engaging a thickening by form closure;
wherein the method comprises the step of affixing an element that

• is selected from i) a separating element, and ii) the bed base, and
• comprises a thickening at each of two opposing longitudinal edges of the element,

with the thickenings of the element in the grooves of the at least two frame elements.

[0005] Thus a device comprising a bed can be made by assembly efficiently. The thickened longitudinal edges may be formed by a series of local thickenings of or attached to the longitudinal edge. Preferably, the thickening is an elongated thickening that extends along the longitudinal edge of the element, thus avoiding local strains on the element.

[0006] According to a favourable embodiment, the thickened longitudinal edges of the element each comprise a tendon extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] The tendons may be shapeless tendons (eg. rope), but are preferably dimensionally stable tendons, such as resilient tendons (eg. of plastic) or rigid tendons (tubes or rods).

[0008] According to a favourable embodiment, the element comprises a body of cloth.

[0009] The cloth may be a textile such as cotton or a synthetic material (eg. nylon), but preferably is a coated cloth, such as provided with a layer of PVC as a coating. Tendons can be easily attached to the cloth, for instance into a hollow hem. Thus, thickened longitudinal edges are provided for effectively holding the element, and in case of a bed base, sturdy support of a person lying on the bed base.

[0010] According to a favourable embodiment, the bed base comprises a resilient layer having a thickness of at least 0.5 cm.

[0011] Thus, the logistic of installing the device is facilitated, since is not necessary to lug a separate mattress around. The resilient layer is for instance a foam. For added comfort the resilient layer may be thicker, such as at least 1 cm and preferably at least 2 cm. The resilient layer is preferably situated under a covering layer that is impervious to water (such as a fabric like cotton or nylon coated with a layer of PVC, wherein the fabric provides tensile strength). For a simple assembling of the bed base the resilient layer is situated in between two covering layers, wherein the tendons are sewed into the hems. The covering layer of the bed base may be provided with one or more strips of 'Velcro' halves. In that case a bed sheet provided with one or more complementary strips of 'Velcro' halves can be easily applied onto the bed base.

[0012] According to a favourable embodiment, at each corner of the frame section for the bed, the frame comprises uprights which at the ends of at least one of the first frame elements protrude above the frame section for the bed, and between and to uprights which protrude above the frame section for the bed a further frame element is provided, which further frame element comprises a further groove facing the frame section for the bed, wherein the further groove of the further frame element is provided with a curtain.

[0013] Thus, more privacy can be provided. The further frame element preferably has the same profile as the first frame elements. This facilitates the assembly of the device.

[0014] According to a favourable embodiment, the frame

• at the ends of the first frame elements of the frame section for the bed comprises uprights which protrude above the frame section for the bed, and
• comprises above the frame section for the bed a second frame section for a second bed, which second frame section for a second bed comprises two further first frame elements which extend parallel to the first frame elements of the first frame section for the first bed;

wherein for assembling the device the further first frame elements of the second frame section for the second bed are provided with a bed base.

[0015] Thus, a bunk bed is provided. Generally, the frame comprises two further frame elements extending in a direction transverse to the first frame elements. Hereby, a greater stability of the bunk bed can be obtained. Alternatively, the lowermost ends of the uprights may also be secured to the floor.

[0016] According to a favourable embodiment, the uprights for an end of a bed-section are rigidly interconnected by at least one of the second frame elements and constitute an upright frame section; wherein for assembling of the device two upright frame sections are connected by at least one pair of first frame elements.

[0017] Thus, a logistically very simple solution is provided with which a device can be built up quickly. Generally, the upright frame section will comprise two second frame elements for increased strength of the device. Connecting will in general take place after the bed base has been applied.

[0018] According to a favourable embodiment, at least two devices are interconnected by a separating element, wherein the at least two devices each at least comprise an upright having a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the upright;
wherein the thickenings of the separating element are inserted into said grooves that extend in the longitudinal direction of the upright.

[0019] According to a first possible embodiment, the two devices, such as two bunk beds, will be placed parallel to each other to provide a larger device according to the invention. Here, the second frame elements will be in line. Alternatively, the devices can also be arranged in a staggered way, thus alcoves are formed which provide privacy. The number of connected devices is preferably at least three, more preferably at least four and even more preferably at least five.

[0020] According to a favourable embodiment, at each corner of the frame section for the bed, the frame comprises uprights which at the ends of at least one of the first frame elements protrude above the frame section for the bed, wherein

• the uprights that protrude above the frame section for the bed at sides thereof that are facing each other,
  and
• two second frame elements extending in a direction transverse to the first frame elements, at the uppermost ends of the ends attached above the uprights and at sides thereof that are facing each other,
  are provided with grooves that are arranged to engage a thickening of an element by form closure,

wherein a separating element comprising two thickened longitudinal edges is inserted with the thickened longitudinal edges into said grooves of the uprights and the second frame elements.

[0021] Thus, a continuous shielding is formed which can even be a shield against water. Hereby, a tent or part thereof can be formed. That is to say, the device comprising a bed at the same time provides for supporting at least part of the roof of the tent. Besides ease of assembly the device also offers a logistic advantage.

[0022] According to a favourable embodiment, at least the first frame elements and the uprights are fashioned out of identical profiles, wherein a profile comprises a U-shaped profile section, which U-shaped profile section is composed of

• a first side provided with a first groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and is arranged to engage a thickening of an element by form closure,
• a second side transverse to the first side, which second side comprises a further groove for incorporating a further element selected from a plate and curtain runners, and
• a third side provided with a second groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and is arranged to engage a thickening of an element by form closure;

wherein the first groove and the second groove are situated at a distance of at least 4 cm from the second side.

[0023] Not only does this simplify the manufacturing of the parts of the device, but also the assembly thereof. Any holes for coupling a first frame element will be situated in the first side between the first groove and the second side.

[0024] The profile comprising the U-shaped profile section will generally have a rectangular shape, however, the fourth side does not necessarily have to be flat.

[0025] Also for the second frame element it is preferred to use the same profile, in particular when wishing to assemble a cubicle or a tent.

[0026] Depending on whether they form part of an upright, a first frame element or a second frame element, the grooves in the profiles serve a different purpose. For the upright they enable the formation of a separating element in the shape of a wall. For a first frame element they enable the attachmanet to the bed base. For a second frame element they enable the passing of a separating element as a roof, thus a good shielding against light (privacy) and, if applied as a tent, also against rain.

[0027] Preferably, the device comprises an upright at each corner of the frame section for the bed. The first frame elements preferably have a length between 1,70 m and 3 m, more preferably between 1,85 m and 2,50 m.

[0028] According to a favourable embodiment, in a sidewall thereof the uprights each comprise a hole, wherein frame elements selected from the first frame elements and the second frame elements at the ends thereof are provided with a connecting piece which comprises a hook which hook is introduced into the hole of an upright in order to suspend the relevant frame element from the upright.

[0029] In this way, optionally without the use of any tools, a device can be built up. Further, the device can also be disassembled so that it can be stored again and/or be transported to another location where it is required.

[0030] According to a favourable embodiment, an upright has the shape of a profile which comprises a U-shaped profile section, which U-shaped profile section is composed of

• a first side provided with a first groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and arranged to engage a thickening by form closure,
• a second side transverse to the first side, which second side comprises a further groove for incorporating an element selected from a plate and curtain runners, and
• a third side provided with a second groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and arranged to engage a thickening by form closure;

wherein the hole is located in the first side, and the third side situated opposite said first side is provided with a second hole, wherein the holes are situated between the first groove respectively the second groove on the one hand and the second side on the other hand;
wherein both the hole and the second hole are provided with a first frame element.

[0031] Thus, more beds, which are situated in line, can be provided with a limited number of uprights. For n beds two times n+1 uprights are necessary. This not only leads to a cost reduction but also makes it possible to transport more sleeping accommodations per unit of cargo to be transported, which is highly desirable, for instance in case of emergency shelters after a disaster. The profile will generally have a rectangular (also including a square) cross section.

[0032] The present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the drawing where

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B respectively show a first frame element and an upright frame section of which the frame of the device of Fig. 1 is built up;

Fig. 3 shows a vertical cross section of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows a horizontal cross section of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 shows a cross section in side view of a detail of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative device according to the invention, which comprises four sleeping accommodations.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a device 100 according to the invention, here a bunk bed 100. The bunk bed 100 comprises a frame 105 having a first frame section 110 for a first bed, and a second frame section 120 for a second bed.

[0034] The first frame section 110 comprises first frame elements 111 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the bed, parallel to the first frame elements 111 of the first bed.

[0035] The second frame section 120 comprises further first frame elements 121 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the bed.

[0036] The frame 105 further comprises upright frame-secties 130 which include uprights 131, and the frame elements are attached to the uprights 131.

[0037] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B respectively show a first frame element 111 and an upright frame section 130 of which the frame 105 of the device of Fig. 1 is built up.

[0038] With the embodiment as shown, each end of the first frame element 111 is provided with a connecting piece 240, which connecting piece 240 is provided with three downwardly directed hooks 241 which are incorporated into corresponding holes 231 of the uprights 131 (Fig. 2B).

[0039] The additional first frame element 121 is identical to the first frame element 111, thus simplifying the production and the logistics.

[0040] Hereby the frame 105 of the device 100 can be assembled and dissassembled without the use of any tools.

[0041] Fig. 2B shows the upright frame section 130 and reveals that the uprights 131 are interconnected by a second frame element 220, which is welded to the upper side of both uprights 131.

[0042] At the underside, the uprights 131 are provided with feet 250 with which the frame 105 can be anchored to a base such as a plywood plate, for instance by means of screws.

[0043] With the embodiment shown here the upright frame section 130 is provided with a plastic shield plate 232, as will be further elucidated hereafter. This shield plate 232 will preferably be non-translucent.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a vertical cross section of the device of Fig. 1. It can be seen that the frame elements for the bed have the form of a profile. That profile comprises a groove 311 extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile; in this preferred embodiment two at both sides of each frame element 111 for a bed. The grooves 311 are arranged to engage a bed base 360 by form closure which bed base 360 at the longitudinal edges thereof comprises tendons 361 causing the longitudinal edges to be thickened and can be held by the grooves 311 by form closure. Prior to connecting the first frame elements 111 for the bed, the bed base 360 will be fitted to the uprights 131 with the longitudinal edges thereof in the grooves 311.

[0045] In the embodiment shown here, the bed base 360 is formed by two layers of PVC cloth 362 having a resilient layer 363 of foam in between, thus providing a comfortable bed base 360 on which can be slept without a mattress. The cloth 362 is preferably impervious to moisture (having a small layer of plastic coated fabric, or a fibre reinforced foil as a cloth), as a result of which the foam will not become dirty and the bed base 360 can be cleaned easily.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows that the frame elements 111 for the bed comprise a further groove 312 which is suitable for suspending a curtain 370 by form closure.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a horizontal cross section of the device of Fig. 1. The upright frame section 130 and the frame elements 111 are preferably fashioned from the same profile. This permits sliding the shield plate 232 in the additional grooves 312.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a detail of the device of Fig. 1, and in particular shows a cross section wherein hooks 241 of the connecting piece 240, which is slided into the end of a first frame element, engage the upright 131.

[0049] Fig. 6 shows a a perspective view of an alternative device 100' according to the invention in the form of a tent 100', which provides for four sleeping accommodations and is composed of two bunk beds as previously described, in this embodiment, connected by arcuate girders 680 which are also provided with grooves for form closure.

[0050] The grooves of the uprights 131 located on the corner of the device are provided with an element 632 which in the same manner as the bed base 360 is built up of cloth and thickenings in the form of tendons applied at the longitudinal edges. This element 632 is inserted into grooves that face each other, of

• the uprights 131 of the corners of the device,
• the second frame elements 220, and
• the arcuate girders 680;

for forming upright separating walls and a roof.

[0051] Similarly, such an element may be inserted in one of the two uprights 131 of each bunk bed to provide a back panel 632'.

[0052] With the embodiment shown here the tent 100' is attached to a bottom plate 699 with the feet 250.

[0053] The tent 100' provides a space with privacy for the inhabitants, and thanks to the curtains 370 some individual privacy as well. With this in mind, the element 632 and the back panel 632' are preferably realised as non-translucent.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a device (100) comprising a bed, which device comprises a frame (105), and the frame (105) comprises a frame section for the bed, which frame section for the bed comprises two parallel first frame elements (111) extending in the longitudinal direction; and
the frame (105) further comprises two second frame elements (220) extending in a direction transverse to the first frame elements (111); wherein the first frame elements (111) of the frame section for the bed are provided with a bed base (360);
characterized in that at least two frame elements (111) of the frame (105) have the form of a profile, which profile comprises a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile which groove is capable of engaging a thickening by form closure;
wherein the method comprises the step of affixing an element that

- is selected from i) a separating element (632), and ii) the bed base (360), and

- comprises a thickening at each of two opposing longitudinal edges of the element,

with the thickenings of the element in the grooves of the at least two frame elements (111).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the thickened longitudinal edges of the element each comprise a tendon (361) extending in the longitudinal direction.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the element comprises a body of cloth (362).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bed base (360) comprises a resilient layer (363) having a thickness of at least 0.5 cm.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at each corner of the frame section for the bed, the frame (105) comprises uprights (131) which at the ends of at least one of the first frame elements (111) protrude above the frame section for the bed, and between and to uprights (131) which protrude above the frame section for the bed a further frame element is provided, which further frame element comprises a further groove (312) facing the frame section (130) for the bed, wherein the further groove (312) of the further frame element is provided with a curtain (370).

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (105)

- at the ends of the first frame elements (111) of the frame section (130) for the bed comprises uprights (131) which protrude above the frame section (130) for the bed, and

- comprises above the frame section (130) for the bed a second frame section (130) for a second bed, which second frame section (130) for a second bed comprises two further first frame elements (121) which extend parallel to the first frame elements (111) of the first frame section (130) for the first bed;

wherein for assembling the device the further first frame elements (121) of the second frame section (130) for the second bed are provided with a bed base (360).

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the uprights (131) for an end of a bed-section are rigidly interconnected by at least one of the second frame elements (220) and constitute an upright frame section (130);
wherein for assembling of the device two upright frame sections (130) are connected by at least one pair of first frame elements (111).

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two devices are interconnected by a separating element (632), wherein the at least two devices each at least comprise an upright (131) having a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the upright (131);
wherein the thickenings of the separating element (632) are inserted into said grooves (311) that extend in the longitudinal direction of the upright (131).

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at each corner of the frame section for the bed, the frame (105) comprises uprights (131) which at the ends of at least one of the first frame elements (111) protrude above the frame section for the bed, wherein

- the uprights (131) that protrude above the frame section for the bed at sides thereof that are facing each other,
and

- two second frame elements (220) extending in a direction transverse to the first frame elements (111), at the uppermost ends of the ends attached above the uprights (131) and at sides thereof that are facing each other,

are provided with grooves that are arranged to engage a thickening of an element by form closure,
wherein a separating element (632) comprising two thickened longitudinal edges is inserted with the thickened longitudinal edges into said grooves (311) of the uprights (131) and the second frame elements (220).

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first frame elements (111) and the uprights (131) are fashioned out of identical profiles, wherein a profile comprises a U-shaped profile section, which U-shaped profile section is composed of

- a first side provided with a first groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and is arranged to engage a thickening of an element by form closure,

- a second side transverse to the first side, which second side comprises a further groove (312) for incorporating a further element selected from a plate (232) and curtain runners, and

- a third side provided with a second groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and is arranged to engage a thickening of an element by form closure;

wherein the first groove and the second groove are situated at a distance of at least 4 cm from the second side.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in a sidewall thereof the uprights (131) each comprise a hole, wherein frame elements (111) selected from the first frame elements (111) and the second frame elements (220) at the ends thereof are provided with a connecting piece (240) which comprises a hook which hook is introduced into the hole of an upright (131) in order to suspend the relevant frame element from the upright (131).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein an upright (131) has the shape of a profile which comprises a U-shaped profile section, which U-shaped profile section is composed of

- a first side provided with a first groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and arranged to engage a thickening by form closure,

- a second side transverse to the first side, which second side comprises a further groove (312) for incorporating an element selected from a plate and curtain runners, and

- a third side provided with a second groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile and arranged to engage a thickening by form closure;

wherein the hole is located in the first side, and the third side situated opposite said first side is provided with a second hole, wherein the holes (231) are situated between the first groove respectively the second groove on the one hand and the second side on the other hand;
wherein both the hole and the second hole are provided with a first frame element.

Drawing