Collapsible structure

A collapsible structure is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of collapsible scissor assemblies. Each scissor assembly includes a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member at a first pivot point. Frame members of adjacent scissor assemblies are coupled to a first connector assembly or a second connector assembly. A support assembly is coupled to a first scissor assembly and includes a member pivotally coupled at a first end to the first connector assembly or the first frame member and slidably coupled at an opposing second end to the second frame member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application 200720006414.0 entitled “Collapsible Structure” filed on Feb. 15, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to foldable and/or collapsible furniture and, more particularly, to a collapsible support frame or base configured to support a mattress.

Conventional collapsible beds may include an air mattress that is supported by a collapsible frame. At least one such frame includes a plurality of uprights, which are joined by pivot assemblies such that the support frame as a whole expands outwardly from a central area when a portion of the frame is pulled outwardly. With the frame expanded, the uprights support an air mattress positioned on the uprights. Additionally, the conventional frame may include telescopic pole assemblies to reinforce the collapsible structure in the expanded configuration. However, such telescopic pole assemblies may be expensive to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a collapsible structure is provided. The collapsible structure is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration and includes a plurality of collapsible scissor assemblies. Each scissor assembly of the plurality of scissor assemblies includes a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member at a first pivot point. Frame members of adjacent scissor assemblies are coupled to one of a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly. A support assembly is coupled to a first scissor assembly of the plurality of scissor assemblies. The support assembly includes a member pivotally coupled at a first end to one of the first connector assembly and the first frame member and slidably coupled at an opposing second end to the second frame member.

In another aspect, a collapsible structure is provided. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of scissor assemblies. Each scissor assembly of the plurality of scissor assemblies includes two pivotally coupled frame members. A support assembly is operatively coupled to a first scissor assembly of the plurality of scissor assemblies. The support assembly includes a sliding member pivotally coupled to one of a connector assembly and a first frame member of the first scissor assembly and slidably coupled about a second frame member of the first scissor assembly.

In another aspect, a support frame is provided. The support frame is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration for supporting a mattress. The support frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member and the second frame member have a first end, a second end and define a pivot point therebetween. A pivot member pivotally couples the first frame member to the second frame member at the pivot point to form a scissor assembly. A first connector assembly is pivotally coupled to a first end of the first frame member. A second connector assembly is pivotally coupled to a first end of the second frame member. A support assembly is operatively coupled to the scissor assembly. The support assembly includes a sliding member pivotally coupled to one of the first connector assembly and the first frame member and slidably coupled about the second frame member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a collapsible structure, such as a support frame that forms a support structure in an expanded configuration suitable for supporting a mattress, such as an inflatable mattress. The frame is configurable in a collapsed configuration for easy storage and/or transport. For example, in the collapsed configuration, the frame may be contained within a storage bag. When a sleeping area is desired, the frame is movable from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration to form a substantially planar support structure. The mattress is positioned on and supported by the frame in the expanded configuration. In one embodiment, the mattress is removably coupled to the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame includes a support assembly coupled to one or more scissor assemblies of the frame to retain the frame in an expanded configuration, as desired. In a particular embodiment, the support assembly includes a sliding member that is secured to a corresponding lower connector assembly or upper connector assembly to facilitate retaining the frame in the expanded configuration. The support assembly is integrated with or coupled to pivot joints of the frame such that the frame is moveable between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration as a unit with minimal effort by users. Further, the support assembly provides additional support for the frame in the expanded configuration and includes components that are easier and less expensive than conventional support assemblies to manufacturer and incorporate into the frame.

The present disclosure is described below in reference to its application in connection with and operation of a bed having a collapsible frame. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that the collapsible frame is likewise applicable to any suitable foldable and/or collapsible furniture piece, for example. Referring toFIGS. 1-7, a bed100includes a collapsible frame10and a mattress12, such as an inflatable mattress, shown in phantom lines inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, mattress12is removably positioned within a fabric covering that defines an enclosure having an entry that is sealed with a suitable closure mechanism or fastener, such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fastener components, such as VELCRO fastener components, and/or hook-and-eye fastener components. The fabric covering may be a plastic, cloth, or leather material, for example, and encloses at least a portion of mattress12, which is inserted into the entry.

Referring further toFIGS. 1-7, articulated frame10includes a plurality of first frame members14pivotally coupled to a corresponding second frame member16at a pivot point or joint18, such as at a midpoint19of first frame member14and second frame member16, to form a scissor assembly20. In one embodiment, a pivot member pivotally coupled first frame member14to second frame member16. Each first frame member14is pivotally coupled at or near a first end portion22to an upper connector assembly24and pivotally coupled at or near an opposing second end portion26to a lower connector assembly or foot28. Each second frame member16is pivotally coupled at or near a first end portion32to a corresponding lower connector assembly28and pivotally coupled at or near an opposing second end portion34to a corresponding upper connector assembly24. Upper connector assembly24and/or lower connector assembly28couple adjacent or cooperating first frame members14and second frame members16, so there are no loose pieces to be gathered and assembled.

Scissor assemblies20facilitate moving frame10between the expanded configuration, such as shown inFIG. 1, and the collapsed configuration, as shown inFIG. 4. More specifically, each scissor assembly20includes first frame member14pivotally coupled to corresponding second frame member16at pivot point18. Frame10is moved towards the collapsed configuration as first frame member14pivots with respect to second frame member16to urge first end22of first frame member14towards second end34of second frame member16to urge adjacent upper connector assemblies22together. Similarly, second end26of first frame member14is urged towards first end32of second frame member16to urge adjacent lower connector assemblies28together. Conversely, frame10is moved towards the expanded configuration as first frame member14pivots with respect to second frame member16to urge first end22of first frame member14away from second end34of second frame member16to urge adjacent upper connector assemblies22apart. Similarly, second end26of first frame member14is urged away from first end32of second frame member16to urge adjacent lower connector assemblies28apart.

In one embodiment, a force directed at one or more corners of frame10causes movement in other comers such that frame10moves as a whole inwardly with respect to a central reference area of frame10to facilitate moving frame10to the collapsed configuration or outwardly relative to the central reference area to facilitate moving frame10to the expanded configuration. Further, upper connector assemblies24and lower connector assemblies28, as well as pivot points18, allow frame10to move as a unit when frame10is collapsed and expanded. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that one lower connector assembly28may remain substantially fixed or stationary as frame10is collapsed or expanded, while the remaining lower connector assemblies28move inwardly or outwardly, respectively. As such, the central reference area may itself move. For example, when frame10is located within a room such that a lower connector assembly28is positioned in a corner of the room, movement of frame10is constrained. As frame10moves towards the expanded configuration, the remaining non-constrained lower connector assemblies28expand outwardly from the central reference area as the central reference area itself moves outwardly with respect to the stationary lower connector assembly28.

Frame10includes a support assembly38operatively coupled to a corresponding scissor assembly20. In one embodiment, support assembly38includes a sliding member40coupled to one or more scissor assemblies20to facilitate retaining frame10in the expanded configuration, as desired. As shown inFIGS. 1-4, in one embodiment, sliding member40is pivotally coupled to first frame member14between first end22and pivot point18. In a particular embodiment, sliding member40is pivotally coupled at a first end42to first frame member14at a pivot point44. In a further embodiment, pivot point44is positioned at a distance from first end22equal to about ⅙ of a length of first frame member14. In alternative embodiments, pivot point44is positioned at any suitable distance from first end22such that sliding member40is operable as described herein.

Referring further toFIG. 2, sliding member40is slidably coupled at an opposing second end46to corresponding second frame member16of scissor assembly20between corresponding lower connector assembly28and pivot point18. In one embodiment, second end46is pivotally coupled to a collar48that is slidably positioned about second frame member16. As frame10is moved towards the expanded configuration, first end42pivots about pivot point44and second end46of sliding member40moves along a length of second frame member16towards corresponding lower connector assembly28. With frame10in the expanded configuration, second end46is secured to lower connector assembly28to facilitate retaining frame10in the expanded configuration, as desired. In a particular embodiment, collar48is releasably secured, such as locked, into lower connector assembly28to secure second end46to lower connector assembly28. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that any suitable securing and/or locking mechanism may be incorporated to releasably secure second end46and/or collar48to lower connector assembly28. In one embodiment, collar48is releasably press-fitted into lower connector assembly28. In a further embodiment, sliding member40or collar48forms a suitable projection that is fitted into or interferes with a cooperating void formed in lower connector assembly28to secure sliding member40to lower connector assembly28.

In order to move frame10towards the collapsed configuration, second end46and/or collar48is unlocked from lower connector assembly28. First end42pivots about pivot point44and second end46of sliding member40moves along the length of second frame member16towards corresponding pivot point18as frame10is moved towards the collapsed configuration. In alternative embodiments, sliding member40is pivotally coupled to second frame member16between first end32and pivot point18and slidably coupled to corresponding first frame member14of scissor assembly20between corresponding upper connector assembly24and pivot point18.

In an alternative embodiment, sliding member40is pivotally coupled at first end42to upper connector assembly24and slidably coupled at opposing second end46to second frame member16of scissor assembly20. In one embodiment, second end46is pivotally coupled to collar48that is slidably positioned about second frame member16. As frame10is moved towards the expanded configuration, second end46of sliding member40moves along a length of second frame member16towards corresponding lower connector assembly28. With frame10in the expanded configuration, second end46is secured to lower connector assembly28to facilitate retaining frame10in the expanded configuration, as desired. In a particular embodiment, collar48is locked into lower connector assembly28to secure second end46to lower connector assembly28, such as described herein. In order to move frame10towards the collapsed configuration, second end46and/or collar48is unlocked from lower connector assembly28. Second end46of sliding member40moves along the length of second frame member16towards corresponding pivot point18as frame10is moved towards the collapsed configuration. In further alternative embodiments, sliding member40is pivotally coupled to lower connector assembly28and slidably coupled to first frame member14of scissor assembly20.

Although frame10may include any suitable number of scissor assemblies20, in one embodiment, frame10is constructed of seventeen collapsible scissor assemblies20, as shown inFIG. 1. Each scissor assembly20includes a first frame member14pivotally coupled to a second frame member16at a pivot point18. Adjacent scissor assemblies20are coupled at upper ends by a corresponding upper connector assembly24and at lower ends by a corresponding lower connector assembly or foot28. Thus, frame10is configured as an integrated unit having three longitudinal lines and four transverse lines. In an alternative embodiment, frame10is constructed of ten collapsible scissor assemblies20, as shown inFIG. 6. Each scissor assembly20includes a first frame member14pivotally coupled to a second frame member16at a pivot point18. Adjacent scissor assemblies20are coupled at upper ends by a corresponding upper connector assembly24and at lower ends by a corresponding lower connector assembly or foot28. Thus, frame10is configured as an integrated unit having two longitudinal lines and four transverse lines. In a further alternative embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7, frame10is constructed of seven collapsible scissor assemblies20. Each scissor assembly20includes a first frame member14pivotally coupled to a second frame member16at a pivot point18. Adjacent scissor assemblies20are coupled at upper ends by a corresponding upper connector assembly24and at lower ends by a corresponding lower connector assembly or foot28. Thus, frame10is configured as an integrated unit having two longitudinal lines and three transverse lines.

In one embodiment, bed100includes an inflatable mattress12coupled to a self-expanding frame10. Mattress12is permanently or removably coupled to frame10directly or indirectly, such with an enclosure. Mattress12and/or the enclosure are permanently or removably coupled to frame10using a suitable fastener component, such as buttons, snaps, and/or hook-and-loop fastener components, such as VELCRO fastener components. In a particular embodiment, mattress12is coupled, directly or indirectly, to frame10at a plurality of locations such that as mattress12is filled with air to expand, frame10is urged to move outwardly. In a particular embodiment, an air pump can be coupled to an inflation port on mattress12. The air pump may be electrically operated and powered by a wall current or by batteries. Further, the air pump may include a suitable sensor configured to detect a signal transmitted by a remote control. The remote control activates and deactivates the electric pump by transmitting a corresponding signal that is detected by the sensor. Alternatively or in addition, the air pump may have a manual on-off switch. In an alternative embodiment, mattress12is manually inflated.

In one embodiment, a collapsible bed includes an air mattress and a support frame. The support frame includes a plurality of frame members joined by pivot assemblies such that lower connector assemblies move laterally within a common horizontal plane as the support frame as a whole expands outwardly from a central reference area to expand the collapsible bed outwardly from the central reference area. The support frame is urged outwardly from the central reference area, thus causing the support frame to expand outwardly as a whole from the central reference area and the mattress is inflated. In a particular embodiment, the mattress is coupled to the support frame at a plurality of attachment points such that as the mattress is inflated and expands outwardly, the support frame also expands outwardly. The mattress may be coupled to the support frame with a fabric covering, which encloses at least a portion of the mattress. The fabric covering is coupled to the support frame at a plurality of attachment points such that as the mattress is inflated and expands outwardly, the fabric covering expands outwardly, causing the support frame to also expand outwardly.

The present disclosure provides a collapsible structure that includes collapsible scissor assemblies. A support assembly is coupled to one or more of the scissor assemblies to provide the frame with additional support for supporting a mattress and a user. Each support assembly includes a sliding member pivotally coupled to a first frame member of the scissor assembly and slidably coupled to the second frame member of the scissor assembly. In one embodiment, the support assembly is integrated with or incorporated into the construction of the scissor assembly such that the frame collapses and expands as a unit with minimal effort by users. Further, the support assembly provides a steady support for the frame such that the support structure is adequately strong to support a user, while decreasing manufacturing costs for the frame.

The above-described bed and collapsible frame facilitate providing a sleeping area quickly and efficiently. More specifically, the collapsible frame is movable between a collapsed configuration, facilitating storage and/or transportation of the bed, and an expanded configuration defining a substantially planar support structure configured to support a mattress.

Exemplary embodiments of a collapsible frame and method of constructing or making a bed are described above in detail. The apparatus and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the apparatus and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described apparatus components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus and method as described herein.