Patent Publication Number: US-2003229940-A1

Title: Modular bedroom furniture, including bunk beds and the like, having glow-in-the-dark members

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/353,504, filed Jan. 31, 2002, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This invention relates generally to modular bedroom furniture and, in particular, to bunk beds and the like constructed from knock-down assemblies, certain of which may include glow-in-the-dark features.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] There are many modular furniture designs, including modular bunk beds. U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,234, for example, teaches bunk bed structure having a vertically movable upper bunk. A main frame having two spaced corner posts at each end is interconnected by end cross pieces in their upper extensions, with a side support interconnecting the upper portions of each end post on one side of the main frame. A lower bunk frame having a depending medial portion to support a bed board and bedding is carried by four tubular corner collars on the lower portions of each of the corner posts.  
       [0004] A similar upper bunk frame is slidably carried by four tubular corner collars on the corner posts for vertical motion above the lower bunk frame. Each upper bunk corner collar has associated fastening pins that releasably fasten and positionally maintain the collar on its associated corner post. The bunk structure frames are formed of tubular pipe elements interconnected by fixtures commonly used to join such elements and the pipe elements, especially if formed of plastic, may carry more rigid rods or tubes in their medial channels to increase strength and rigidity.  
       [0005] There are also bunk beds with elements that glow. U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,363 discloses a bunk bed assembly that includes a plurality of generally vertically extending elongate columns that are spaced apart and oriented in a generally rectangular configuration. Each of the columns has upper and lower ends and a transparent peripheral sidewall extending between the ends. The peripheral sidewall of each of the columns defines a bore through the column. A pair of spaced apart upper and lower bunks extend between the columns. Preferably, an elongate bunk rail extends between the upper ends of a pair of the columns adjacent one of the sides of the upper bunk. More preferably, the bunk rail is wavy. Ideally, the bunk rail has a resiliently deformable rubber coating for safety.  
       [0006] A plurality of translucent light housings each have a top panel and a perimeter sidewall downwardly extending from the top panel. The perimeter sidewalls are detachably coupled such as by being threadedly or frictionally coupled to the upper ends of the columns. Each of the light housings has a light bulb  44  disposed therein. Each of the light bulbs is in communication with the switch of the associated light housing. Alternatively, each of the light bulbs is electrically connected to a single switch. Most ideally, each of the light bulbs comprises a fluorescent light so that the light passing through the light housings appears to glow.  
       [0007] However, these designs are deficient in several ways. Although the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,234 appears to use modular components, plastic elements are used separately from metal tubes. Furthermore, although the system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,363 has glowing components, electricity is required, which could present a hazard.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] This invention improves upon the existing art by providing modular bedroom furniture constructed using a plurality of elongated members, each comprising an inner rigid core covered by a plastic/polymeric sleeves. A plurality of corner and “t-joints,” as appropriate, are used to connect the sleeved members to form the furniture. In different embodiments, the elements and elbows form a bunk bed, loft bed, or the like. Particularly for younger children, some or all of the polymeric/plastic sleeves may glow in the dark. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0009]FIG. 1 is a copy of a digital photograph showing a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
     [0010]FIG. 2A is a drawing of one type of connector applicable to the invention;  
     [0011]FIG. 2B is a drawing of a different type of connector applicable to the invention;  
     [0012]FIG. 3 is a drawing of an alternative ladder system according to the invention;  
     [0013]FIG. 4 is a drawing of a preferred storage cabinet according to the invention;  
     [0014]FIG. 5 is a drawing which shows the way in which baby crib components may be fabricated according to the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0015] Now making reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a two-tier bunk bed. In this and the other embodiments discloses herein, all of the members are composed of inner metal tubular elements, such as aluminum, steel, magnesium, or other materials, covered with polymeric sleeves, which are preferably in the form of plastic material such as polyethylene, PVC, vinyl, polypropylene, and the like.  
     [0016] Particularly for children&#39;s applications, these outer sheaths are colorful, including the use of different colors in the same structure, or may include a phosphorescent or other material, enabling them to glow in the dark. Particularly with younger children, this will allow their bedroom “furniture” to glow for several minutes after a light is turned off, thereby giving them a sense of pleasure and freedom from fear.  
     [0017] The connectors according to the invention may be of any appropriate style, including a type shown in FIG. 2A wherein the outer sheath  206  covering an inner tubular member  204  is flush with the elbow  210 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the connector  220  may be larger than the polymeric sheath  216  covering tubular member  214  such that a portion of the member  214 , sheath  216 , or both, extend into the connector  220  as by broken line region  221 . Any appropriate type of fastener may be used, though Allen screws such as  222  are preferred for ease at-home assembly.  
     [0018] Whereas the side rails of the structure shown in FIG. 1 would be used as a ladder, alternatively, a separate ladder of the type shown in FIG. 3 may be used, again, using different colors as appropriate or as desired. In addition, although the upper and lower “bunks” are shown the same size, they may be different in size. For example, the lower bunk may be made larger, to double as a couch/futon, and drawers may be included, particularly below the lower bunk.  
     [0019] In addition to the bunk bed shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, other forms of bedroom furniture are appropriate to the invention, including drawer assembly. FIG. 4, which would include panels such as  402  on the top and at each level enabling the drawers to slide in and out. In addition to bunk beds, cribs are possible, in which case horizontal members  508  would preferably be larger, enabling vertical members  506  to fit thereinto. In each case, however, the preferred assembly would include a tubular metal member surrounded by a polymeric sheath.  
     [0020] In other embodiments, the lower bunk may be eliminated entirely, enabling the space under the upper bunk to be used for other purposes, such as a desk, as part of a loft bed configuration. Such a configuration might be ideal for college dorms and other cramped quarters. As with the other furniture described herein, such a desk would be constructed from plastic-sleeved metal tubing, perhaps using a sheet of glass, acrylic, or laminate-covered panel for the desk top.