Abstract:
A collapsible mounting frame for a raised platform or a raised bed as a unitary construction with two end frame assemblies and a plurality of hinged horizontal support links. The mounting frame may be moved from a collapsed or folded position to an open, extended, operable position to support the overhead platform or bed. The space beneath the raised platform or bed may be more effectively utilized.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a mounting frame for supporting a raised platform. More particularly, the present invention relates to a foldable or collapsible frame to support an overhead bed to form what is known in the art as a loft bed. 
   As the cost per square foot of living space continues to escalate, it becomes important to be able to accommodate furniture in less space. One way to achieve this goal is to elevate a piece of furniture above floor level to make more effective use of the available volume of space above the floor. A loft bed is such a space saving device. 
   In apartments, dormitories, barracks, correctional facilities and other places having limited floor space, it is possible to raise the sleeping platform above the average height of the occupant. This allows the floor space below to be used to place a seating arrangement, desk, or other piece of furniture without interfering with the sleeping space. 
   While the present invention focuses on loft bed arrangements, it should be understood that the mounting frame of the present invention may support any raised platform which frees up floor space. The present collapsible frame employs very few separate parts, requires very little assembly time, provides a rigid, stable support for the raised platform, and is foldable into a tight, compact configuration to save space during storage. Because few separate parts are required with the present invention, there is less likelihood of parts being lost in transit or storage. When the frame subsequently is assembled there is less likelihood that will be an improper assembly thereby creating a possible safety hazard. 
   Presently existing “loft bed arrangements,” generally have at least three separated sections or elements: two separate end frames and one (or more) separate horizontal support bars. The present invention is a single unit frame assembly. The assembly has two end frames pivotally connected to hinged horizontal stabilizers which fold and unfold from a stored (collapsed) position to operable (extended) position. No tools or implements are required to place the present mounting frame into service. 
   Each fame is provided with resilient bumpers to ensure a condensed, folded arrangement may be achieved without overflexing the stabilizer hinges. A strap may be affixed to the stabilizer linkage to allow the user to secure the assembly in the folded or collapsed position during transit and during storage. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the extended frame of the present invention mounted to the underside of a raised platform bed in the operable position. 
       FIG. 2  shows an inside perspective view of the extended frame of the present invention without a supported platform. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates in a perspective view the frame of the present invention in the collapsed, folded, or storage position. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the frame of the present invention in a transition position between the collapsed and extended positions. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a raised platform bed in broken lines to show the rear side of the present invention frame in the operable or extended position. 
       FIG. 6  shows a top plan view of the present invention frame in the folded position showing the resilient bumpers on the stabilizer links. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a partial perspective view of the pivotable connection between the end frame assembly and the horizontal frame stabilizer of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the extended frame of the present invention ( 10 ) mounted to the underside ( 12 ) of a raised platform ( 14 ). The raised platform ( 14 ) in  FIG. 1  is a bed ( 15 ) having two end frame assemblies ( 16  and  18 ), each having a longitudinal axis (PL 1  and PL 2 ). A plurality of bed post support members ( 20 ,  22 , and  23 ) extend between vertical bed posts ( 24  and  26 ) of end frame assembly ( 16 ). Similarly, a plurality of bed post support members extended between the vertical bed posts ( 30  and  32 ) of the second bed end frame ( 18 ). These bed end frame assemblies are held in a rigid spaced apart, parallel orientation by bed side support rails ( 34 ) extending along opposite sides of the bed and mounted by standard hardware or brackets ( 36 ) to the end frame assemblies ( 16  and  18 ). These rails have longitudinal axes (PL 3  and PL 4 ). A mattress ( 38 ) is supported between the end frames ( 16  and  18 ) and the support rails in a well known manner. 
   The collapsible mounting frame of the present invention ( 10 ) is attached to the underside ( 12 ) of the raised platform ( 14 ) in openings ( 13 ) in the bottom of the bed posts ( 24 ,  26 ,  30 , and  32 ). As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , the frame ( 10 ) supports the bed ( 15 ) above the floor space ( 40 ) leaving an area beneath the bed for the placement of furniture or the like. As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , user access to the volume of space beneath bed is obtained through an access opening in the frame ( 10 ) formed by the three-sides (A, B, and C) of the frame ( 10 ). 
   Frame ( 10 ) as seen in  FIG. 2  has end frame assemblies ( 50  and  52 ). Assembly ( 50 ) has two vertical end posts ( 54  and  56 ) each with an end post adaptor cap ( 53  and  55 ). Posts ( 54  and  56 ) are retained in parallel and coplanar relationship by a plurality of horizontal support members ( 58 ,  59 ,  60 ). 
   In a like manner end frame assembly ( 52 ) has two vertical posts ( 62  and  64 ) with end post adaptor caps ( 63  and  65 ). Posts ( 62  and  64 ) are retained in parallel and coplanar relationship by a plurality of horizontal support members ( 66 ,  67 ,  68 ). 
   Connecting the two end frames ( 50  and  52 ) is a horizontal frame stabilizer ( 70 ). As seen in  FIG. 2 , the bed frames ( 50  and  52 ) and the stabilizer ( 70 ) form a three-sided frame ( 10 ) with an access opening (D). The stabilizer ( 70 ) is pivotally connected at a first end ( 72 ) to vertical end post ( 54 ) by two pivot members ( 71  and  73 ), described in detail below. A second end ( 76 ) of the stabilizer ( 70 ) is pivotally connected to vertical end post ( 62 ) by two pivot members ( 75  and  77 ), again to be described in detail below. 
   The stabilizer ( 70 ) has a first vertical leg member ( 80 ) and a second vertical leg member ( 82 ) spaced apart from each other, as seen in  FIG. 2 . Leg members ( 80  and  82 ) are connected to horizontal support links ( 84  and  86 ). Optionally, additional vertical leg members ( 83  and  85 ) may be used to connect links ( 84  and  86 ) and provide additional structural support. Each link ( 84  and  86 ) has two link segments. Link ( 84 ) has segments ( 84   a  and  84   b ) while link ( 86 ) has segment ( 86   a  and  86   b ). (See  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
   Links ( 84  and  86 ) are equal in length with each having a hinge ( 90  and  92 ) respectively at a midpoint along this length. Each link segment ( 84   a ,  84   b ,  86   a  and  86   b ) is of equal length. The hinges ( 90  and  92 ) allow the stabilizer ( 70 ) to move from a collapsed position ( FIG. 3 ) to an extended position ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ) as desired. 
   As may be seen in  FIG. 3 , in the collapsed position, each of the horizontal support links ( 84  and  86 ), and each separate link segment ( 84   a ,  84   b ,  86   a  and  86   b ) is parallel to the end frame assembly horizontal support members ( 58 ,  59 ,  60 ,  66 ,  67  and  68 ).  FIG. 4  shows the frame ( 10 ) in a transitional position not fully extended.  FIGS. 2 and 5  show the frame ( 10 ) in the fully operable or extended position wherein each of the horizontal support links ( 84  and  86 ) and each separate link segment ( 84   a ,  84   b ,  86   a  and  86   b ) is perpendicular to the end frame assembly horizontal support members ( 58 ,  59 ,  60 ,  66 ,  67  and  68 ). 
     FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view showing the raised platform ( 14 ) in broken lines for clarity. The bed posts have openings in the bottom to receive the adaptor caps ( 53 ,  55 ,  63 , and  65 ) of the frame assembly ( 10 ). Because the platform ( 14 ) has a rigid, rectangular structure, it holds the three-sided frame ( 10 ) in the operable position during use of the mounting frame.  FIG. 5  further illustrates that the space beneath the overhead platform (or bed) becomes available for usage by the room occupant by providing access to the volume of space through the opening (D) formed by the three-sided frame ( 10 ). 
   In the collapsed or folded position as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the frame ( 10 ) takes up very little space (for storage) and is easy to transport. A strap ( 130 ) is attached to one of the links ( 84  or  86 ) to be wrapped around the folded frame to keep it in the collapsed position ( FIG. 4 ).  FIG. 6  shows how the resilient bumpers ( 100   a – 100   d , and  101   a – 101   d ) maintain the proper special relationship between the elements of the frame without overextending the hinges ( 90  and  92 ) or allowing the folded parts to contact directly. 
   Each of the pivotal connections ( 71 ,  73 ,  75  and  77 ) is identical.  FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded perspective view of connection ( 71 ). A generally L-shaped bracket ( 110 ) is affixed by any standard fastener ( 113 ) to openings ( 124 ) in vertical post ( 54 ) along an upwardly extending leg member ( 112 ). A perpendicularly extending foot ( 114 ) supports and positions a downwardly depending lug ( 116 ). The lug ( 116  is pivotally receivable into a bushing ( 118 ) which securely fits into an aperture ( 120 ) in the link segment ( 84   b ).