Abstract:
A platform bed frame particularly adapted for hotel use is provided including a pair of slat supporting rails that have a plurality of cavities along the length of the slat supporting rails. A plurality of slats form a mattress supporting surface and span between the slat supporting rails and have end lower conforming surfaces that fit into the cavities to secure the slats to the slat supporting rails. There are side rails and end rails that snap onto the slat supporting rails so that the assembly of the platform bed frame can be accomplished without the use of tools. There are two component legs that also allow an adjustment of the height of the platform supporting platform between a high and a low position. In the low position a foundation may be included underlying the mattress and a lesser number of slats can be used.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a bed frame for supporting a mattress and, more particularly, to a platform bed frame specially designed for commercial sleeping facilities, such as hotels. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A traditional sleep surface consists of a mattress and box spring or foundation supported on a bed frame. Bed frames are usually constructed of wood or metal. Of the metal type of bed frame there are decorative and functional types. The highly ornamented types would include brass beds with head boards and foot boards. The functional types include the instamatic type, the Hollywood type and the metal bed bases. 
         [0003]    As box springs and foundations have become increasingly unnecessary and unpopular with the insurgence of no-flip one sided mattresses, the popularity of platform beds has arisen. Platform beds or beds for mattresses alone are typically taller than other bed frames in order to bring the sleep surface up to a standard height without a foundation. Also they would typically have a platform or deck that acts as the mattress support surface replacing the foundation. Platform beds can be either wood or metal and either decorative or purely functional. 
         [0004]    The hotel industry uses primarily bed bases because they are inexpensive. They are considered durable and they block the space under the bed. Because they block the space under the bed, that space doesn&#39;t need to be cleaned and guests do not have the opportunity to leave items in this location. The typical bed base consists of four rolled steel panels that are linked together at the corners and form the structure of the base. These are bisected on top by tubular steel cross rails. The ends are upturned and capped to form retaining clips that hold the bedding. It is recognized that these clips can be a hazard to people walking around the bed as they often protrude beyond the mattress and are often concealed by bedding fabrics. 
         [0005]    The current hotel bed bases are held together with bolts and nuts, thus requiring tools for the assembly. It is also recognized that the metal panels have sharp edges and can injure the assembler. In addition, the fasteners are difficult to handle and often loosen over time making the frame noisy and unstable. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a platform bed frame usable for commercial installation, such as hotels, that overcomes the disadvantages and drawbacks heretofore outlined. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention described herein is a platform type bed that uses new technology to combine the structural elements of a functional platform bed and the visual appeal of the decorative platform bed. Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art with respect to platform bed frames intended for hotel use and where the bed frame assembly is adapted to support a mattress and, in turn, is supported on a floor. 
         [0008]    Additionally, the present platform bed frame has further advantageous features, such as a tool free, drop-together assembly and two height options, that is, a regular bed height and platform bed height. As such, with the present platform bed configured in its platform height, only a mattress is needed, however, if the bed is in its regular, or lower height, a foundation as well as a mattress can be used. 
         [0009]    The product of the present invention is superior to both regular bed frames and platform type bed frames and incorporates a unique structure and use of materials. Basically, the present inventive platform bed frame has several features that make it superior to current hotel bed bases. 
         [0010]    The present platform bed frame invention includes panels to block access under the bed and it can be configured to a height in which a box spring is not required. 
         [0011]    It has a supporting deck surface that supports a mattress without the need for a box spring. This deck surface is re-enforced to allow the use of support foam mattresses, no-flip mattresses, pocketed coil mattresses and hybrid mattresses. 
         [0012]    The supporting deck surface has a consistent lip all the way around the edge to retain the mattress in a stable location. The constant lip assures that there are no sharp protruding clips to injure users. The legs are composite resin and the steel structure is entirely encased, thereby eliminating any sharp edges and makes handling for assembly safe. 
         [0013]    The frame is dropped together and the sides and ends snap in place making the assembly simple and tool free. The wedge type of construction will not loosen over time and remain free from movement that can cause noise such as squeaking. 
         [0014]    If constructed in the platform version, without privacy panels, the platform version allows for storage of household items under the bed in the area that is normally occupied by the foundation. 
         [0015]    Because the side rails are not the primary load bearing elements, the support rails support the deck in a unique way that allows the legs to be recessed under the bed. This creates the visual illusion that the bed is floating and also reduces the chances of kicking the bed and incurring potential injury. 
         [0016]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent during the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the platform bed frame of the present invention at the tall height with privacy panels installed thereon/ 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the platform bed frame of  FIG. 1  showing the privacy panels. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the platform bed frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the platform bed frame showing the surface and the slats that support the mattress. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view illustrating the main components of the platform bed frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional side view of a leg located at the foot end of the platform bed frame. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, partly in cross section, showing a leg at the foot end of the platform bed frame with a slat in position to be installed. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side cross sectional view showing the foot support end of the platform bed frame with a slat in position to be installed. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the leg at the foot end of the platform bed frame showing the separate components making up a leg. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the leg at the foot end of the platform bed frame showing the separate components making up a leg. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the leg at the foot end of the platform bed frame and shows the joining of a leg to a slat rail. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a cross section of the side rail showing the engagement thereof with the foot support end of the platform bed frame. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13 (A, B) is a perspective view of the head support end with the side panels removed. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the slat support rail  76  and illustrating the nesting of the support rail blocks in the construction of the assembled slat rail with the side panels removed. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a top view of a slat. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the entire platform bed frame illustrating the assembly thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Turning first to  FIG. 1  there is shown, a perspective view of the platform bed frame  20  constructed in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen, the platform bed frame  20  is assembled and ready for a mattress and is comprised of end rails  22  and side rails  26 . The platform bed frame  20  will be referred to as having a head end  24  and a foot end  28  simply for reference in describing the various components. 
         [0034]    The end rails  22  and side rails  26  are constructed of steel and will be explained later. As also can be seen, the end rails  22  and side rails  26  are supported by legs  30  and, in the exemplary embodiment, the legs  30  are constructed in two sections, that is, there is an upper leg  32  and a lower leg  34  and, as will be seen, the upper and lower legs  32 ,  34  are removably affixed to each other such that the lower leg  34  can be separated from the upper leg  32  by the user if desired. The platform bed frame  20  employs six legs  30 , with three legs  30  provided along each lateral side of the platform bed frame  20 , however, only  4  are shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]    As also can be seen in  FIG. 1 , there are end panels  36 , preferably comprised of extruded plastic, located at both the head end  24  and foot end  28  the platform bed frame  20  and plastic side panels  38 , it being seen that similar panels are positioned as a mirror image of the end and side panels  36 ,  38  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As will become clear, the end and side panels  36 ,  38  are optional and can be removed by the user if desired, however, when present, the panels prevent objects from going underneath the platform bed frame  20  and avoid the need for personnel to remove those objects. 
         [0036]    The end and side panels  36 ,  38  can readily be installed and removed by fastening or attaching means provided on the legs  30 . In the exemplary embodiment, the end and side panels  36 ,  38  may be provided as single panels, however, it can be seen that each of the end and side panels  36 ,  38  may be comprised of two panels or three panels or more, i.e. an upper and lower panel, or two or more side by side panels making up each of the end and side panels  36 ,  38 . he side panels  36 ,  38  may be flush with the legs  30  to prevent dust from accumulating underneath the platform bed frame  20  and prevent patrons from leaving articles such as shoes behind. Further, in  FIG. 1 , there are a plurality of slats  42  that form the supporting surface for the mattress. In the exemplary embodiment, there are eight slats  42 , however, there can be a greater or lesser number of slats  42  used in constructing the platform bed frame  20  of the present invention. To complete the supporting surface for the mattress, the slats  42  include caps that are located at the upper surface of each slat  42  and, as shown, there are two end caps  44  and one middle cap  46  on each slat  42 . The end caps  44  and middle cap  46  can preferably be injection molded plastic resin and the intermediate caps  48  also plastic resin but created in the extrusion manufacturing process. 
         [0037]    Accordingly, the upper supporting surface of the platform bed frame  20  supports a mattress and each of the end rails  22  and side rails  26  have an upper edge  50 ,  52 , respectively, that is elevated above that supporting surface so as to retain the mattress properly positioned on the supporting surface so that it cannot slide from the proper position on the platform bed frame  20 . The upper edges  50 ,  52  combine to form a continuous edge that stabilizes a mattress sitting atop of the platform bed frame  20 . 
         [0038]    Turning then to  FIG. 2 , there is a side view of the platform bed frame  20  of the present invention. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the side rail  26  is supported by the legs  30  and the underside area of the platform bed frame  20  is contained by the side panels  38  intermediate those legs  30 . As also shown, there is a corner member  54  that provides a smooth transition between the end rails  22  and the side rails  26  that will be later explained. There is a corner member  54  located at each of the four corners of the platform bed frame  20 . The legs  30  may not be centered with respect to the platform bed frame  20 . Rather the front legs  30  may be provided near to the front end so that the platform bed frame rests when positioned near to a wall to minimize or prevent vacant space. The legs  30  may be positioned so as to be inset at the foot of the bed frame  20  to provide more vacant space. In  FIG. 3 , there is an end view of the platform bed frame  20  of the present invention. Again, there can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the end rail  26  is support by the legs  30  and the underside area of the platform bed frame  20  is closed in by the end panel  38  intermediate those legs  30 . As also shown, the corner member  54  is located between the end rail  22  and the side rail  26 . The side panels  36  attach underneath the leg  30  with a fastening means  33 . 
         [0039]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , there is a top view of the present platform bed frame  20  and showing the individual slats  42  extending or spanning between the side rails  26 . A corner member  54  is provided in each of the four corners. The slats  42  may be positioned approximately one inch apart from each other. 
         [0040]    Turning next to  FIG. 5 , there is an exploded view of the platform bed frame  20  of the present invention. There can also be seen a head support end  56  and a foot support end  58  that are affixed at the opposed ends of a slat supporting rail  59 . There is also shown a plurality of support rail blocks  60  that are included in the slat supporting rail  59 , each forming a cavity  62  therein for receipt of the slats  42  in a manner to be described. The side panels  36 ,  38  may be provided in three pieces, and the side panels  36 ,  38  attach to the legs with a fastening means  33 . The side panels  36 ,  38  may be provided in a three piece construction. The fastening means  33  may be a hook that attaches to the leg  30 . Fastening means may be provided on each piece of the side panels  36 ,  38  for engaging the multiple pieces of the side panels  36 ,  38 . Each slat has 42 has downward attachment or piece  43  that fits into the cavity  62  of the supporting rail  59  to form a connection with the slat  42  and supporting rail  59 . A corner member  54  connects each end rail  22  and side rail  26  to surround the assembly. 
         [0041]    Also, there may be a down wedge present to interfit into a third support rail in the case of a king sized bed frame where additional support is needed. 
         [0042]    Taking next,  FIG. 6 , there is a cross sectional side view of a leg  30  located at the foot end  28  of the platform bed frame  20 . In this Fig, it can be seen that the foot  30  supports the slat supporting rail  59  as well as the slats  42  seated into the cavities  62  of the support rail blocks  60  of the slot supporting rail  59 . 
         [0043]    As can be seen, and will be later detailed, the slats  42  have a lower surface  64  that is shaped to seat in the complementary shaped block cavities  62  to secure the slats  42  in a stable position on the slot supporting rail  59  of the platform bed frame  10 . In addition, the foot support end  58  is affixed to the slot supporting rail  59  and supports the end rail  22 . The leg  30  is a two piece construction with an upper leg  32  and a lower leg  32  that may snap together or fasten together via a fastening means to engage and form the leg  30 . It is thereby possible to remove one piece, i.e. either the upper leg  32  or the lower leg  34  so that the leg  30  may be adjusted to different heights, for instance, about 10″ or about 16″ in total height. Thereby, space may be provided under the bed frame  20  for storage. 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, partly in cross section, showing a leg  30  at the foot end  28  of the platform bed frame  20  with a slat  42  in position to be assembled thereto. As noted, the slat  42  is in position to be lowered onto the cavity  62  of the foot support end  58 . A slat end base  66  is affixed to the slat  42  such that the end of the slat  42  is comprised of the end cap  44  and the end base  66  and the end base  66  includes a wedge  68  depending downwardly that interfits into the cavity  62  formed in the foot support end  58  to install the slat  42  into the platform bed frame  20 . The leg  30  is a two piece construction with an upper leg  32  and a lower leg  34  that may snap together or fasten together via a fastening means to engage and form the leg  30 . It is thereby possible to remove one piece, i.e. either the upper leg  32  or the lower leg  34  so that the leg  30  may be adjusted to different heights, for instance, about 10″ or about 16″ in total height. Thereby, space may be provided under the bed frame  20  for storage. 
         [0045]    A pair of angle irons  70  are used to strengthen the slats  42  and the slat end bases  66  are clam shelled to the angle irons  70  and are affixed to the angle irons  70  by means of rivets passing through slotted holes in the angle irons  70 . The affixation is carried out by the manufacturer. The middle cap  46  is snapped into place and oriented by means of molded in pins (not shown) that correspond with stamped holes in the angle iron  70 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  is a side cross sectional view showing the foot support end  58  of the platform bed frame  20  with a slat  42  in position to be installed therein. In  FIG. 8 , there can be seen the foot support end  58  having a cavity  62  formed therein with the end rail  22  affixed to the distal end of the foot support end  58 . The end of the slat  42  can also be seen and wherein the end cap  44  and the end base  66  of the slat  42  are extrusions that surround the pair of steel angle irons  70  to provide strength to the slats  42 . As such, the wedge  68  extends downwardly from the end base  66  and the lower surface  64  of the end base  66  of the slat  42  is shaped to conform to internal shape of the cavity  62 . The leg  30  is a two piece construction with an upper leg  32  and a lower leg  34  that may snap together or fasten together via a fastening means to engage and form the leg  30 . It is thereby possible to remove one piece, i.e. either the upper leg  32  or the lower leg  34  so that the leg  30  may be adjusted to different heights, for instance, about 10″ or about 16″ in total height. Thereby, space may be provided under the bed frame  20  for storage. 
         [0047]    Turning then to  FIG. 9 , there is a cross sectional view of the leg  30  at the foot end  28  of the platform bed frame  20  showing the separate components making up a leg  30 . Accordingly, as can be seen, the leg  30  is comprised of the upper leg  32  and lower leg  34  that is removable affixed to the upper leg  32 . Thus, the lower leg  34  has a projection  72  extending upwardly therefrom and which interfits into a recess  74  formed in the upper leg  32 . The upper and lower legs  32 ,  34  may be thereby affixed together by a force fit and yet separated by the user as desired in case the user wants to lower the platform bed frame  20  by removing the lower legs  34  and letting the platform bed frame  20  be supported on the floor solely by the upper legs  32 . In this way, the bed height is at the standard sleep surface with only a mattress. If the lower legs  34  are removed, the sleep surface is lower. In such case, smaller side and end panels can be installed between the legs  30 . The side and end panels may be fastened to the leg  30  by a fastening means  33  such as a hook or clamp. 
         [0048]    Accordingly, the platform bed can be oriented in a high or platform elevation or a low, regular elevation depending on whether both an upper and lower leg are used or just an upper leg is used and which then sits on the floor to put the platform bed frame  20  into its regular or lower elevation. In such case, the number of slats  42  can be reduced, that is, as an example, if the lower bed elevation is chosen, the number of slats  42  may be reduced from 9 to 3 slats. 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 10 , is a side view of the leg  30  at the foot end of the platform bed frame  20  showing the separate components making up a leg  30 . Again, there can be seen the joining of an upper leg  32  and a lower leg  34  featuring a projection  72  extending upwardly and which interfits into a recess  74  formed in the upper leg  32 . The side and end panels may be fastened to the leg  30  by a fastening means  33  such as a hook or clamp. 
         [0050]    Turning to  FIG. 11 , there is an exploded view of the leg  30  at the foot end  28  of the platform bed frame  20  and showing the joining of a leg  30  to the slat supporting rail  59 . As such, the upper leg  32  has a recess  78  forming opposed upper flanges  80  and the slat supporting rail  59  interfits into that recess  78 . As shown, the slat supporting rail  59  includes a pair of angle irons  82  and the upper leg  32  can be firmly affixed to the slat supporting rail  59  by means such as providing holes  84  in the angle irons  82  through which fasteners (not shown) can pass and secured in the holes  86  in the upper surface of the upper flanges  80  of the upper leg  32 . That securement can be carried out by the manufacturer. There may be provided an outcropping or protrusion  35  on the leg  30 , either the upper leg  32  or lower leg  34 , as a receiver for receiving a tab on the side panels so that the side panels may snap into place and engage the leg  30 . 
         [0051]    Turning then to  FIG. 12 , there a is a cross sectional view of a foot support end  58  and showing the engagement thereof with an end rail  22  of the platform bed frame  20 . The end rail  22  is comprised of an angle iron  88  that is encased within a extruded plastic housing  90  and both end rails  22  and side rails  26  are similarly constructed. Thus, the plastic housing  90  may be extruded to the desired length and the angle iron  88  slipped into that housing  90  in assembling an end rail  22 . 
         [0052]    In attaching the end rail  22  to the foot support end  58 , a lower tab  92  formed in the extruded plastic housing  90  can be affixed behind a notch  94  in the foot support end  58  to secure the lower portion of the end rail  22  to the foot support end  58  and then the upper portion of the end rail  22  can be pivoted upwardly so that a small tooth  96  engages the horizontal upper surface  98  of the foot support end  58  such that the end rail  22  can be simply manually snapped onto the foot support end  58  to affix the end rail  22  to the slat supporting rail  59  without the need for tools. Turning then to  FIG. 13A , there is a cross sectional view of a head support end  56  of the platform bed frame  20 . As can be seen, the head support end  56  is affixed to the slat support rail  59  with the legs  30  supporting that slat support rail  59  so that the head support end  56  is ready to have an end rail snapped onto or attached to the head support end  56 .  FIG. 13A  also shows the cavities  62  that are formed in the support rail blocks  60  to receive the ends of slats  42  ( FIG. 1 ) The side panels  36  are attached to the legs  30  using a fastening means  33  such as a hook or fastener. 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIG. 13B , there is a cross sectional view of a head support end  56  of the platform bed frame  20 . As can be seen, the head support end  56  is affixed to the slat support rail  59  with the legs  30  supporting that slat support rail  59  so that the head support end  56  is ready to have an end rail  22  snapped onto the head support end  56 .  FIG. 13B  also shows the cavities  62  that are formed in the support rail blocks  60  to receive the ends of slats  42  ( FIG. 1 ) The side panels  36  are attached to the legs  30  using a fastening means  33  such as a hook or fastener. 
         [0054]    Turning now to  FIG. 14 , there is an exploded view of the slat support rail  59  and illustrating the nesting of the support rail blocks  60  in the construction of the assembled slat supporting rail  59  with the side panels removed. As can be seen, the support rail blocks  60  all interfit with each other by means of having an open end  102  and a closed end  104  so that the closed end  104  of one support rail block  60  interfits into the open end  102  of an adjacent support rail block  60 . The foot support end  58  interfits into the open end  102  of the last support rail block  60 . The support rail blocks  60  are also all secured together further by means of the angle irons  82  that sandwich the support blocks  60  therebetween. There may be provided an outcropping or portrusion  35  on the leg  30 , either the upper leg  32  or lower leg  34 , as a receiver for receiving a tab on the side panels so that the side panels may snap into place and engage the leg  30 . The side and end panels may also be fastened to the leg  30  by a fastening means  33  such as a hook or clamp. The leg  30  is a two piece construction with an upper leg  32  and a lower leg  34  that may snap together or fasten together via a fastening means to engage and form the leg  30 . It is thereby possible to remove one piece, i.e. either the upper leg  32  or the lower leg  34  so that the leg  30  may be adjusted to different heights, for instance, about 10″ or about 16″ in total height. Thereby, space may be provided under the bed frame  20  for storage. 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 15 , there is a top view of a slat  42  of the platform bed frame  20  of the present invention. In this instance, the slat  42  is divided into 3 parts. Two pieces of angle iron  70  run along length of slat  42  and may be encased in a molding. 
         [0056]    Finally, in  FIG. 16 , there is an exploded view of the entire platform bed frame illustrating the assembly thereof. 
         [0057]    While the present invention has been set forth in terms of a specific embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood that the present platform bed frame herein disclosed may be modified or altered by those skilled in the art to other configurations. Accordingly, the invention is to be broadly construed and limited only by the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.