Universally adjustable bed loft

The present invention is a bed loft comprising a pair of end assemblies and at least one support beam for receiving a support beam prong. Each end assembly comprises a first post and a second post. The first post comprises at least one support beam prong for insertion into the support beam, at least one end assembly prong for insertion into an end assembly support beam, and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost. The second post comprises at least one end assembly support beam for receiving an end assembly prong and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many advantages to lofting a bed in circumstances where floor space is scarce, such as in a dormitory situation. It is advantageous to use the same floor space for the bed and for other furniture such as a desk, couch or dresser. It is not possible, however, to loft every bed without making permanent modifications that can blemish the bedframe. Also, not every bed frame is of the exact same dimensions. Therefore, there is a need for a system for lofting a bed that can accept a broad range of existing bed styles and designs without making modifications to the bedframe.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bed loft comprising a pair of end assemblies and at least one support beam. Each end assembly comprises a first post and a second post. The first post comprises at least one support beam prong for insertion into the support beam, at least one end assembly prong for insertion into an end assembly support beam, and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost. The second post comprises at least one end assembly support beam for receiving an end assembly support prong and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost. The length and width of the bed loft is adjusted by sliding the support beam and end assembly support beam along the support prongs and end assembly prongs, respectively. Locking means fix the position of the support beam and end assembly support beam. In another embodiment of the present invention the first and second posts are further broken down into smaller sections. The height of the loft can be adjusted by adding or subtracting sections. The present invention also discloses a method for assembling an adjustable bed loft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG;1shows one embodiment of an assembled universally adjustable bed loft10holding a bed frame2(shown in phantom). The universally adjustable bed loft10comprises a first end assembly12F, a second end assembly12B, an upper support beam18U and a lower support beam18L.

End assembly12F is comprised of a first post14FL and a second post14FR. End assembly12B is comprised of a third post14BL and a fourth post14BR.

The first post14FL is comprised of a first support beam prong22A, a second support beam prong22B, a first end assembly prong17A, a second end assembly prong17B, a third end assembly prong17C, and a first receiver unit20A.

The second post14FR is comprised of a first end assembly support beam16A, a second end assembly support beam16B, a third end assembly support beam16C and a second receiver unit20B.

The third post14BL is comprised of a third support beam prong22C, a fourth support beam prong22D, a fourth end assembly prong17D, a fifth end assembly prong17E, a sixth end assembly prong17F, and a third receiver unit20C.

The fourth post14BR is comprised of a fourth end assembly support beam16D, a fifth end assembly support beam16E, a sixth end assembly support beam16F and a fourth receiver unit20D.

The support beams18U,18L and end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F also have locking means26for securing attachment to the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D and end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C,17D,17E,17F,17G, respectively. The head board or foot board6of the bed frame2rests on the end assemblies12F,12B such that the legs4A,4B,4C,4D of the bed frame2are positioned in the receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D. The receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D are located at the top ends of the posts14FL,14FR,14BL,14BR such that when the bed frame2is resting in the receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D the weight of the bed frame2is supported by the posts14FL,14FR,14BL,14BR.

FIG. 2shows an exploded view of the universally adjustable bed loft10ofFIG. 1. The universally adjustable bed loft10comprises a first end assembly12F, a second end assembly12B, an upper support beam18U and a lower support beam18L. End assembly12F is comprised of a first post14FL and a second post14FR. End assembly12B is comprised of a third post14BL and a fourth post14BR. In the embodiment shown, the end assemblies12F,12B are designed to be at opposite ends of the bed frame2. The first post14FL and third post14BL of the end assemblies12F,12B are designed to be along a wall or to form a side of the universally adjustable bed loft10that will be less accessible to the user.

The first post14FL is comprised of a first support beam prong22A, a second support beam prong22B, a first end assembly prong17A, a second end assembly prong17B, a third end assembly prong17C, and a first receiver unit20A. The support beam prongs22A,22B have one end that is rigidly attached to the first post14FL and one end that is adapted for insertion into one of the support beams18U,18L. The support beam prongs22A,22B are attached to the back side of the first post14FL so that they face the front side of the third post14BL. The end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C have one end that is rigidly attached to the first post14FL and one end that is adapted for insertion into one of the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C. The end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C are attached to the right side of the first post14FL so that they face the left side of the second post14FR.

The second post14FR is comprised of a first end assembly support beam16A, a second end assembly support beam16B, a third end assembly support beam16C and a second receiver unit20B. The end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C have one end that is rigidly attached to the second post14FR and one end that is adapted for receiving one of the end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C. The end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C are attached to the left side of the second post14FR so that they face the right side of the first post14FL.

The third post14BL is comprised of a third support beam prong22C, a fourth support beam prong22D, a fourth end assembly prong17D, a fifth end assembly prong17E, a sixth end assembly prong17F, and a third receiver unit20C. The support beam prongs22C,22D have one end that is rigidly attached to the third post14BL and one end that is adapted for insertion into one of the support beams18U,18L. The support beam prongs22C,22D are attached to the front side of the third post14BL so that they face the back side of the first post14FL. The end assembly prongs17D,17E,17F have one end that is rigidly attached to the third post14BL and one end that is adapted for insertion into one of the end assembly support beams16D,16E,16F. The end assembly prongs17D,17E,17F are attached to the right side of the third post14BL so that they face the left side of the fourth post14BR.

The fourth post14BR is comprised of a fourth end assembly support beam16D, a fifth end assembly support beam16E, a sixth end assembly support beam16F and a fourth receiver unit20D. The end assembly support beams16D,16E,16F have one end that is rigidly attached to the fourth post14BR and one end that is adapted for receiving one of the end assembly prongs17D,17E,17F. The end assembly support beams16D,16E,16F are attached to the left side of the fourth post14BR so that they face the right side of the third post14BL.

Each end of the support beam18U is adapted for receiving support beam prongs22A,22C. Each end of the support beam18L is adapted for receiving support beam prongs22B,22D.

The end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C of the first post14FL are inserted into the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C of the second post14FR. The distance that the end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C are inserted into the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C is set to match the width of the head board or footboard6of the bed frame2such that the legs4A,4B of the bed frame2will rest inside the receiver units20A,20B. The locking means26is then used to fix the position of the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C. Thus, when fully assembled the first post14FL and second post14FR are rigidly connected to each other at a distance that fits the width of a desired bed frame2.

The end assembly prongs17D,17E,17F of the third post14BL are inserted into the end assembly support beams16D,16E,16F of the fourth post14BR. The distance that the end assembly prongs17D,17E,17F are inserted into the end assembly support beams16D,16E,16F is set to match the width of the head board or footboard6of the bed frame2such that the legs4C,4D of the bed frame2will rest inside the receiver units20C,20D. The locking means26is then used to fix the position of the end assembly support beams16D,16E,16F. Thus, when fully assembled the third post14BL and fourth post14BR are rigidly connected to each other at a distance that fits the width of a desired bed frame2.

The support beam prongs22A,22B of the first post14FL are inserted into a first end of the support beams18U,18L. The support beam prongs22C,22D of the third post14BL are inserted into a second end of the support beams18U,18L. The distance that the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D are inserted into the support beams18U,18L is set to match the length of the bed frame2such that the legs4A,4B,4C,4D of the bed frame2will rest inside the receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D. The locking means26is then used to fix the position of the support beams18U,18L. Thus, when fully assembled the end assemblies12F,12B are rigidly connected to each other by the support beams18U,18L at a distance that fits the length of a desired bed frame2.

In another embodiment of the invention, the support beams18U,18L and end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F can themselves be of a telescoping construction wherein the support beam18U,18L or end assembly support beam16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F collapses inside itself. This helps with storage and assembly of the universally adjustable bed loft10. The support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D and end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C,17D,17E,17F may also be of a telescoping construction.

The receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D are affixed to the top end of each post14FL,14FR,14BL,14BR, respectively, of each end assembly12F,12B. The receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D provide a platform for the posts of the bed frame2to rest upon. The receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D also have barriers for inhibiting the movement of the legs4of the bed frame2. The operation of the receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D is shown in further detail inFIG. 5.

The posts14FL,14FR,14BL,14BR may be of square tubing as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2. However, any suitable material can be used. The posts14FL,14FR,14BL,14BR may be made of metal, wood, plastic or composite material and may have a variety of cross sections, such as round, oval, or polygonal. Materials such as angle irons, I beams, girders or steel tubing may be used in the construction of the posts14FL,14FR,14BL,14BR.

The outside diameter of the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D is smaller than the inside diameter of the support beams18U,18L such that they will fit one inside the other. The shape of the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D does not have to match the shape of the support beams18U,18L. It is only necessary that the support beam prong22A,22B,22C,22D fit securely inside the support beams18U,18L. The support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D and the support beams18U,18L can be of any suitable cross section that facilitates the desired telescoping effect, such as circular, square or rectangular. In another embodiment of the present invention, the inside diameter of the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D can larger than the outside diameter of the support beams18U,18L such that the support beams18U,18L fit inside the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D.

The end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C,17D,17E,17F and the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F operate in a manner similar to the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D and support beams18U,18L. The end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C,17D,17E,17F and end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F need not be of the same diameter or cross section as the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D and support beams18U,18L.

The end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F also serve as steps for climbing the universally adjustable bed loft10to gain access to the bed frame2. The end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F can, therefore, include features to assist climbing, such as having a flat surface for squarely placing a foot or having the surface texture enhanced to facilitate gripping.

The attachment of the support beam prongs22A,22B,22C,22D and end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C,17D,17E,17F to the fist post14FL and third post14BL, and the attachment of the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F to the second post14FR and fourth post14BR can be achieved by using any suitable method. They may be permanently attached with welding methods or removably attached with a threaded fastener system or other mechanical system.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2the universally adjustable bed loft10is described as having support beams18U,18L on only the left side of each end assembly12F,12B. This is the side of the universally adjustable bed loft10intended to be placed alongside a wall. It is also possible for this invention to include support beams on both the left and right sides of the end assemblies12F,12B. In this configuration additional support beam prongs would be attached to the back side of the second post14FR for insertion into a first end of additional support beams. Additional support beam prongs would also be attached to the front side of the fourth post14BR for insertion into a second end of the additional support beams. The support beam prongs could be positioned near the top and bottom ends of the second post14FR and fourth post14BR to facilitate easy access to the floor space below the bed frame2. Also, only one additional support beam could be used.

FIG. 3shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the universally adjustable bed loft10. In this embodiment the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F are detachable from the second post14FR and fourth post14BR, respectively. The second post14FR would then have a seventh end assembly prong17G, a eighth end assembly prong17H, and an ninth end assembly prong171for insertion into an open end of one of the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C. The fourth post14BR would then have a tenth end assembly prong17J, an eleventh end assembly prong17K, and a twelfth end assembly prong17L for insertion into an open end of one of the end assembly support beams16D,16E,16F. The end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F would also have locking means26at both ends. The receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D can also constitute a separate piece of the posts14FL,14FR,14BL,14BR.

Also, in this embodiment, the first post14FL is broken down into three sections24A,24B,24C. The second post14FR is broken down into three sections24D,24E,24F. The third post14BL is broken down into three sections24G,24H,241. The fourth post14BR is broken down into three sections24J,24K,24L. The sections24A,24B,24C,24D,24E,24F,24G,24H,241,24J,24K,24L are constructed to have a stackable interlocking means. The end units20A,20B,20C,20D can also have a necked down end to facilitate telescopic stacking on sections24A,24D,24G,24J.

Section24A carries the first end assembly prong17A and the first support beam prong22A. The top of section24A is open for receiving the first receiver unit20A. The bottom of section24A is necked down for insertion into the top of section24B.

Section24B carries the second end assembly prong17B. The top of section24B is open for receiving the bottom of section24A. The bottom of section24B is necked down for insertion into the top of section24C.

Section24C carries the third end assembly prong17C and the second support beam prong22B. The top of section24C is open for receiving the bottom of section24B.

Section24D carries the seventh end assembly prong17G. The top of section24D is open for receiving the second receiver unit20B. The bottom of section24D is necked down for insertion into the top of section24E.

Section24E carries the eighth end assembly prong17H. The top of section24E is open for receiving the bottom of section24D. The bottom of section24E is necked down for insertion into the top of section24F.

Section24F carries the ninth end assembly prong171. The top of section24F is open for receiving the bottom of section24E.

Section24G carries the fourth end assembly prong17D and the third support beam prong22C. The top of section24G is open for receiving the third receiver unit20C. The bottom of section24G is necked down for insertion into the top of section24H.

Section24H carries the fifth end assembly prong17E. The top of section24H is open for receiving the bottom of section24G. The bottom of section24H is necked down for insertion into the top of section24I.

Section241carries the sixth end assembly prong17F and the fourth support beam prong22D. The top of section241is open for receiving the bottom of section24H.

Section24J carries the tenth end assembly prong17J. The top of section24J is open for receiving the fourth receiver unit20D. The bottom of section24J is necked down for insertion into the top of section24K.

Section24K carries the eleventh end assembly prong17K. The top of section24K is open for receiving the bottom of section24J. The bottom of section24K is necked down for insertion into the top of section24L.

Section24L carries the twelfth end assembly prong17L. The top of section24L is open for receiving the bottom of section24K.

With this embodiment, the height of the universally adjustable bed loft10is adjustable. For the tallest height setting, all of the sections24A,24B,24C,24D,24E,24F,24G,24H,24I,24J,24K,24L can be used. For shorter settings, fewer sections24A,24B,24C,24D,24E,24F,24G,24H,24I,24J,24K,24L can be used.

FIG. 4shows a top view of the universally adjustable bed loft10demonstrating the adjustability the bed loft. The receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D are shown atop each post. The end assembly prongs17J,17D,17G,17A and support beam prongs22C,22A are shown inserted into an end assembly support beams16D,16A and a support beam18U. The support beam18U slides along the support beam prongs22C,22A. Therefore, the amount of adjustability of the universally adjustable bed loft10along the length of the bed frame2is directly related to the length of the support beam prongs22C,22A and the length of the support beam.18U. The end assembly support beams16D,16A slide along the end assembly prongs17J,17D,17G,17A. Therefore, the amount of adjustability of the universally adjustable bed loft10along the width of the bed frame2is directly related to the length of the end assembly prongs17J,17D,17G,17A and the length of the end assembly support beams16D,16A.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the receiver unit20A of the universally adjustable bed loft10holding a bed leg4A. A headboard or footboard6is resting on the end assembly12such that a bed leg4A rests vertically on the receiver unit20. The receiver unit20A is attached to the top end of the first post14FL. The receiver unit20A may be permanently attached or removably attached.

The receiver unit20A is comprised of a platform28and barriers30. The area of the platform28is large enough to accommodate most any sized foot of a bed leg4. In this embodiment, it is anticipated that the area of the platform28be larger than the area of the cross sectional area of the first post14FL. The platform28is also generally flat to accept most bed legs4A. The platform28may also be cupped or lipped for cradling the bed leg4A. The platform28may also be slanted or indented to bias the bed leg4A against the barrier30. The platform28may also have cushioning material or enhanced surface features to provide a better grip between the platform28and bed leg4A.

Movement of the bed leg4A is restricted by barriers30. The platform28may have barriers30that completely surround the bed leg4A, or there may only be enough barriers30such that the bed frame2is immobilized by use of all four receiver units20A,20B,20C,20D. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5, there are only two barriers30on the receiver unit20A. When used in conjunction with three other receiver units20B,20C,20D with two barriers30, the bed frame2is completely immobilized in any horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the receiver unit20A can accept bed frames2in which the head board or foot board6is placed very near the bottom of the bed leg4A. The barriers30are placed only on the exterior portion of the platform28such that the barriers30will not interfere with the headboard or footboard6.

The barriers30should be of sufficient height to ensure immobility of the bed leg4A during the normal course of usage of the universally adjustable bed loft10, such as climbing and entering of the bed by a user. The barriers30may also have grip enhancing features as the platform28does. The receiver unit20A may include additional features to further secure the bed leg4A to the receiver unit20A. For example, the barriers30may have holes to accommodate a bolt or screw to fasten the bed leg4A to the barrier30. Other clamping or banding means may also be used.

In another embodiment of the invention, the platform28is enclosed within the walls of the first post14FL. The walls of the first post14FL are then the barriers30. Portions of the walls of the first post14FL can be removed to allow for insertion of the bed leg4A. The area of the platform28is then roughly the area of the cross section of the first post14FL.

FIGS. 6A–6Dare cross-section views of various embodiments of the locking means26.FIG. 6Adepicts a threaded tension screw60that when threaded through the support beam18U and biased against the support beam prong22would secure the support beam18U to the support beam prong22A.

FIG. 6Bdepicts a hole in the support beam18U and multiple holes in the support beam prong22A. A pin61can engage one of the holes62of the support beam prong22A through the support beam18U to lock movement of the support beam18U.

FIG. 6Cdepicts the support beam18U including a spring63based detent64that would engage one of multiple indents65in the support beam prong22A to prevent the support beam18U from moving along the support beam prong22A.

FIG. 6Ddepicts a collet66that radially pinches a swaged end67of the support beam18U around the outer diameter of the support beam prong22A. The collet66and swaged end67are threaded to allow the collet66to tighten around the swaged end67.

The embodiments inFIGS. 6A and 6Bare limited to securing the support beam18U in linear increments equal to the placements of holes62or indents65. The embodiments inFIGS. 6A and 6Dwould be able to secure the support beam18U at any specific measurement desired. The locking means26described can also be used in conjunction with the end assembly support beams16A,16B,16C,16D,16E,16F and end assembly prongs17A,17B,17C,17D17E,17F,17G,17H,171,17J,17K,17L. Other locking methods may also be used.

A method for configuring the universally adjustable bed loft10to an existing bed frame2includes three basic steps. The first step is to assemble the two end assemblies12F,12B without locking them in place and then place them flat on the floor at either end of the bed frame2. The width of the end assemblies12F,12B can be adjusted to the precise distance between the bed legs4A,4B,4C,4D while the end assemblies12F,12B are lying on the floor. The locking means26can then be engaged to fix the width of the end assemblies12F,12B. The second step is to place the two end assemblies12F,12B on their sides so that the support prongs22A,22B,22C,22D are lying along the floor at the ends of the bed frame2and connect the two end assemblies12F,12B with support beam18U,18L. Similar to the end assemblies12F,12B, the support beams18U,18L can be adjusted precisely to the length of the bed frame2. The locking means26of the support beams18U,18L can then be employed to fix the length of the universally adjustable bed loft10. The last step is to place the universally adjustable bed loft10in the upright position. Finally, the bed frame2can be set atop an upright universally adjustable bed loft10.