Patent Publication Number: US-9420896-B2

Title: Replaceable basecover mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/311,241, filed Jun. 21, 2014, entitled “Replaceable Basecover Mechanism,”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,089,224, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application is also related to U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/810,219, entitled “Replaceable Basecover Mechanism,”, filed on the same date as this application, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a replaceable basecover mechanism for an automated furniture item. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a replaceable basecover for removably applying an upholstery material to a portion of an automated furniture item, such as a deckboard of an adjustable bed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various components of upholstered furniture items may be covered in a number of materials, via multiple methods of attachment. In some instances, a basecover may be applied to a deckboard of an upholstered furniture item using staples, thereby making the cover non-removable and/or difficult to remove. Such basecover devices may prove challenging during product customization, either in a retail environment or a home setting, as the basecover is not intended to be removed and/or exchanged to create a different appearance. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a replaceable basecover mechanism for an automated furniture item. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a replaceable basecover for removably applying an upholstery material to a portion of an automated furniture item, such as a deckboard of an adjustable bed. 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable basecover mechanism for an adjustable furniture item is provided. The replaceable basecover mechanism includes: a basecover border comprising a plurality of border panels; a center panel coupled to the plurality of border panels; and at least one stretch panel coupled to at least one of the plurality of border panels, the at least one stretch panel comprising at least one j-shaped upholstery channel coupled to the at least one stretch panel. In embodiments, the at least one j-shaped upholstery channel is configured to removably couple the basecover border to a deckboard of an adjustable furniture item, said deckboard comprising at least one mating channel configured to removably couple to the at least one j-shaped upholstery channel. 
     In another illustrative aspect, a replaceable covering device for an adjustable bed includes a replaceable covering. In some embodiments, the replaceable covering includes: 1) a basecover border comprising a plurality of border panels, said basecover border mated to a perimeter of a deckboard of the adjustable bed, wherein the deckboard comprises a plurality of articulating portions; and 2) a center panel coupled to the plurality of border panels. Additionally, the replaceable covering device includes an elastic tightening mechanism comprising a plurality of stretch panels coupled to the plurality of border panels, and a locking mechanism coupled to each of the plurality of stretch panels, said locking mechanism configured to removably secure the replaceable covering device with respect to a bottom surface of the deckboard. In further embodiments, the locking mechanism includes: 1) at least one j-shaped upholstery channel coupled to each of the plurality of stretch panels; and 2) at least one locking channel corresponding to each of the at least one j-shaped upholstery channels, wherein the at least one locking channel is coupled to a bottom surface of each of the plurality of articulating portions of the deckboard in an orientation parallel to each corresponding j-shaped upholstery channel. 
     According to a third illustrative aspect, a replaceable basecover mechanism includes: a basecover configured to mate with at least a portion of a perimeter of a deckboard of an automated furniture item, said basecover comprising a rigid material; and a plurality of stretch panels coupled to the basecover, each of the plurality of stretch panels comprising an elastic material and a j-shaped upholstery channel coupled to the elastic material, said j-shaped upholstery channel configured to mate with a locking channel coupled to a bottom surface of the deckboard. 
     In a fourth illustrative embodiment, a replaceable basecover mechanism for covering at least a portion of an adjustable furniture item shroud includes: a covering material comprising a first edge and a second edge; a first coupling mechanism adjacent the first edge; a second coupling mechanism adjacent the second edge; and a stretch panel adjacent at least one of the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism, wherein the first coupling mechanism is configured to removably couple to the second coupling mechanism such that the covering material wraps at least a portion of the shroud. 
     In a fifth illustrative aspect, a replaceable covering device for a surround covering includes: a covering material comprising: (1) a first edge having a first coupling mechanism; and (2) a second edge having a second coupling mechanism, wherein the first coupling mechanism is configured to couple to a third coupling mechanism on an interior surface of a shroud, and further wherein the second coupling mechanism is configured to couple to a fourth coupling mechanism on an interior surface of the shroud. 
     In a sixth illustrative embodiment, a replaceable basecover mechanism for a shroud covering includes: a covering material for covering at least a portion of a shroud, said covering material having a first edge and a second edge; a first coupling mechanism coupled to the first edge; and a second coupling mechanism coupled to the second edge, said second coupling mechanism configured to overlap at least a portion of the first coupling mechanism. 
     Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom, perspective view of an exemplary adjustable bed deckboard configured to couple to a replaceable basecover mechanism, with an enlarged portion A of the deckboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially cut-away, top perspective view of a replaceable basecover mechanism, with an enlarged portion B of the replaceable basecover mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom, perspective view of a replaceable basecover mechanism, with an enlarged portion C of the replaceable basecover mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side, cross-sectional view of an exemplary replaceable basecover mechanism applied to a deckboard of an automated furniture item, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an articulated deckboard of an automated furniture item, with an exemplary replaceable basecover mechanism applied to a portion of the deckboard and a portion of the shroud, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7C  is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7D  is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary shroud for covering by a replaceable basecover mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom, perspective view of an exemplary adjustable bed deckboard configured to couple to a replaceable basecover mechanism, with an enlarged portion of the deckboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom, perspective view of a replaceable basecover mechanism applied to the deckboard of  FIG. 9 , with an enlarged portion of the replaceable basecover mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a side, cross-sectional view of an exemplary replaceable basecover mechanism applied to a deckboard of an automated furniture item, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a replaceable basecover mechanism for an automated furniture item. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a replaceable basecover for removably applying an upholstery material to a portion of an automated furniture item, such as a deckboard of an adjustable bed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , where like numerals depict like elements, various views of embodiments of a replaceable basecover mechanism are provided. In  FIG. 1 , a bottom, perspective view of a deckboard  10  for use with a replaceable basecover includes a series of adjacent, articulating deckboard panels  12 , with multiple side panels  14  extending from the panels  12  to provide a depth to the bottom side of the articulating deckboard panels  12 . As further shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the bottom side of the deckboard of the automated furniture item includes multiple z-shaped locking channels  16  configured to mate with at least a portion of the replaceable basecover mechanism, as discussed below in further detail. 
     In one embodiment, each locking channel  16  is coupled to a corresponding bottom surface  18  of one of the plurality of articulating deckboard panels  12 , such as the locking channels  16  coupled to the bottom surface  18  of the first base portion  20 , the locking channels  16  coupled to the bottom surface  22  of the second base portion  24 , and the locking channels  16  coupled to the bottom surface  26  of the third base portion  28 . In some embodiments, multiple locking channels  16  are divided among the first, second, and third base portions  20 ,  24 , and  28 , such that articulation of the plurality of base portions is not obstructed by a locking channel  16  spanning across multiple base portions. As such, according to one embodiment of the invention, a z-shaped locking channel  16  may be stapled to a bottom surface of a deckboard in segmented portions configured to allow multiple panels and/or portions of the deckboard to articulate without damage to the locking channels  16 . 
     In some embodiments, locking channels  16  may be made from any material configured to retain a shape during tensioning of the locking channel  16  against at least a portion of the replaceable basecover mechanism. In one example, the locking channels  16  are made from a thin-gauge metal and/or plastic material assembled in a particular orientation for locking to the replaceable basecover mechanism. Although depicted in the enlarged view A of  FIG. 1  as being z-shaped, one or more of the locking channels  16  may be a different shape, such as an arch-shaped, barrel-shaped, channeled, disc-shaped, spiral-shaped, j-shaped, or other shaped locking channel  16  that is configured to couple to the replaceable basecover mechanism. 
     During assembly, locking channels  16  may be coupled to a bottom surface of the deckboard using one or more fastening mechanisms, such as staples, bolts, screws, adhesives, and the like. In one embodiment, multiple z-shaped locking channels  16  are coupled to the bottom surfaces of multiple deckboard panels/portions of an automated furniture item. In the example of  FIG. 1 , multiple z-shaped locking channels  16  are coupled near a perimeter of a bottom surface of the articulating deckboard panels  12 . As such, in some embodiments, a positioning of the coupling of each of the locking channels  16  is determined based on a threshold distance from an outer edge of the articulating deckboard panels  12 . For example, each of the plurality of z-shaped locking channels  16  may be positioned at a consistent distance from an outer edge of the perimeter of the articulating deckboard panels  12 , thereby providing a consistent set-back from the edge of the bottom surfaces  18 ,  22 , and  26 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the enlarged portion A of the bottom view of deckboard  10  includes a portion of the first base portion  20  having a depth created by the side panels  14 , and a bottom edge  30  of each side panel  14 . In this view, in one embodiment, each of the z-shaped locking channels  16  coupled to the bottom surface  18  are positioned at a particular distance from the outer perimeter of the first base portion  20 , and from the bottom edges  30  of the side panels  14 . As such, in some embodiments, a covering material of the replaceable basecover mechanism applied over and/or around the side panels  14  and bottom edges  30  provides a tightening distance across which a portion of the replaceable basecover mechanism will span (e.g., the stretch panel  40  portion discussed below). 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a partially cut-away, top perspective view of a replaceable basecover mechanism  32 , with an enlarged portion B of a portion of the replaceable basecover mechanism  32 , is provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  includes a basecover border  34  having multiple border panels  36 , a center panel  38 , and multiple stretch panels  40 . In one embodiment, the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  may be a single material, having various panels and/or parts as described herein. In further embodiments, the particular portions of the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  may be made from particular materials corresponding to a position and/or function of the portions of the device. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the border panels  36  of the basecover border  34  may be made from a fitted and/or rigid basecover material that is sewn in a particular configuration to conform to a perimeter of a deckboard, such as the deckboard  10  of  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the border panels  36  are sewn from a first material that provides a fitted and/or structured body to the basecover border  34 . 
     In further embodiments of the invention, the center panel  38  may be made from a second material that is different than the first material of the border panels  36 . In one example, the center panel  38  may be a second material that is configured to contact a particular portion of an automated furniture item, such as a bottom surface of a mattress adjacent the deckboard of an adjustable bed. In another example, the second material of the center panel  38  may provide a particular function for the automated furniture item, such as a textured material configured to restrict travel of a mattress resting on top of the articulating deckboard panels  12  covered by the replaceable basecover mechanism  32 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  also includes multiple stretch panels  40  that provide a tightening function for securing the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  to a deckboard of an automated furniture item, such as an adjustable bed. In embodiments, the stretch panels  40  are made from a third material having particular elastic properties that provide resistance in a direction of pull from an applied replaceable basecover mechanism  32 . In one example, the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  may include multiple stretch panels  40  coupled to multiple border panels  36 , for securing the border panels  36  around a perimeter of a furniture item. As shown in the enlarged view B of  FIG. 2 , the stretch panels  40  may be coupled to a bottom surface of the border panels  36 , set back at a particular distance from the outer perimeter of the basecover border  34  structure. In other words, while the basecover border  34  provides a rigid “frame” fabric structure, including multiple border panels  36 , the border panels  36  may be sewn in such a way as to provide a top surface mated to center panel  38 , a bottom surface mated to a stretch panel  40 , and a side surface wrapping around a vertical perimeter. As further shown in enlarged portion B, in some embodiments of the invention, the border panels  36  form a c-shaped member around a perimeter of the deckboard, while the stretch panels  40  are coupled to the border panels  36  at a threshold distance from the outer perimeter of the vertical edge of the basecover border  34 . 
     Also shown in the enlarged detail of portion B, a j-shaped upholstery channel  42  is coupled to the stretch panels  40  of the replaceable basecover mechanism  32 , according to embodiments of the invention. In the example of  FIG. 2 , the j-shaped channels  42  are coupled to a bottom edge of the stretch panels  40 , while an opposing/top edge of the stretch panel  40  is coupled to the border panel  36 . The replaceable basecover mechanism  32  of the example of  FIG. 2  includes border panel sides  44  (i.e., the vertical sides of the c-shaped member of the basecover border  34 ). Each of the adjoining border panel sides  44  meet at a border panel corner  46 , providing a tightly wrapped appearance for the replaceable basecover mechanism  32 . In another embodiment, the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  is configured to cover a variety of different shapes and/or profiles of various upholstered members of an automated furniture item. In other words, while the example of  FIG. 2  discusses covering of a c-shaped member of the basecover border  34 , in further embodiments of the invention, the basecover border  34  may have a differently shaped profile. In one embodiment, the replaceable basecover mechanism  32  may be configured to conform against a curved, angled, and/or textured profile, or any variety of different profiles of a deckboard covered by the replaceable basecover mechanism  32 . In another example, 
     Turning next to  FIG. 3 , a bottom, perspective view of a replaceable basecover mechanism  48 , with an enlarged portion C of the replaceable basecover mechanism  48 , is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the example of  FIG. 3 , a replaceable basecover mechanism  48  is coupled to an exemplary deckboard of an automated furniture item, such as the deckboard  10  of  FIG. 1 . In coupling the replaceable basecover mechanism  48  to the articulating deckboard panels  12 , multiple coupled locking mechanisms  50  are formed between the locking channels  16  and the j-shaped upholstery channels  42 . In one embodiment of the invention, the j-shaped upholstery channels  42  are oriented along a longitudinal axis x, for coupling directly to the corresponding locking channels  16  oriented along the same axis x. 
     In embodiments of the invention, the basecover border  34 , having border panel sides  44  and border panel corners  46 , forms a series of mitered corners  52  around a perimeter of the deckboard. As such, the mitered corners  52  provide a fitted and/or secured covering for the replaceable basecover mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, an amount of stretch material is sewn into the underside corners of the basecover border  34  to remove slack in the corners of the replaceable basecover mechanism  48  during installation. 
     As viewed from the bottom side  54  of the replaceable basecover mechanism  48  in  FIG. 3 , various features of the replaceable basecover mechanism  48  are removably secured with respect to the articulating deckboard panels  12 , based on coupled locking mechanism  50 . Similarly, by virtue of the coupled locking mechanism  50 , the top side  56  of the replaceable basecover mechanism  48  includes center panel  38  adjacent the opposing top surfaces of the articulating deckboard panels  12 , according to embodiments of the invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary side, cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism  58  applied to a deckboard of an automated furniture item is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. With the top side  56  now in an upward orientation, the details of various features of the replaceable basecover mechanism  58  may be seen coupled to the bottom side  54  of the articulating deckboard panels  12 . In one embodiment of the invention, the replaceable basecover mechanism  58  may include multiple materials corresponding to different portions and/or functions of the replaceable basecover mechanism  58 , such as the first material of the border panel  36 , the second material of the center panel  38 , and the third material of the stretch panel  40 . As will be understood, while the border panel  36 , center panel  38 , and stretch panel  40  are depicted in an overlapping orientation in  FIG. 4 , the adjacent materials may be coupled in any number of seamed and/or sewn fashions, and embodiments of the invention are not limited to one particular joining mechanism. 
     In embodiments of the invention, center panel  38  may be sewn to border panel  36  at a first edge of border panel  36 , while stretch panel  40  may be sewn to a second edge of border panel  36 , such that the replaceable basecover mechanism  58  “wraps around” the articulating deckboard panels  12 , and the side panels  14 . As such, in some embodiments, a replaceable basecover mechanism  58  may be wrapped around a deckboard having a foam edge  60  (e.g., a PE foam edge) mated to at least a portion of the articulating deckboard panels  12  and/or side panels  14 . In one embodiment, a border panel top edge  62  is formed based on wrapping the replaceable basecover mechanism  58  around a top side  56 , while a border panel bottom edge  64  is formed upon wrapping around the bottom side  54 . In further embodiments, the replaceable basecover mechanism  58  may be tightened around a deckboard upon stretching the j-shaped upholstery channel  42  to meet a locking surface of the z-shaped locking channel  16 . Accordingly, the stretch panel  40  may serve, in some embodiments, to bias the j-shaped upholstery channel  42  away from the position of the z-shaped locking channel  16 . 
     Based on elongating the stretch panel  40 , and applying a tensioned contact with the j-shaped upholstery channel  42 , the replaceable basecover mechanism  58  may be removably applied to one of multiple deckboards having particular dimensions. Further, in some embodiments of the invention, a user may replace an existing basecover on a deckboard of an automated furniture item by disconnecting the j-shaped upholstery channels  42  from the corresponding locking channels  16 , around a perimeter of the bottom side  54  of the articulating deckboard panels  12 . Subsequently, the deckboard may have a different, replaceable basecover mechanism  58  applied to the exterior, thereby providing a different appearance for the deckboard. In one example, a soiled basecover may be replaced by a different basecover, based on detaching the soiled basecover from the bottom surface  54  and applying a different basecover in its place. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of an articulated deckboard  66  of an automated furniture item (i.e., an adjustable bed) is provided, having an exemplary replaceable basecover mechanism applied to a portion of the deckboard. In this embodiment, the head  68  of the articulating deckboard panels  12  has not been covered by a portion of the basecover border  34  during installation of the replaceable basecover mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, because of the fitted nature of the basecover border  34 , a replaceable basecover border mechanism may be applied to an articulated, automated furniture item based on translating a portion of the automated furniture item away from a neutral position. 
     In the example of  FIG. 5 , a replaceable basecover mechanism may first be applied to a foot of an adjustable bed, such as by draping the basecover border  34  around a bottom edge of the deckboard. The replaceable basecover mechanism may then be coupled to the foot of the adjustable bed based on securing one or more of the j-shaped upholstery channels  42  to one or more of the corresponding z-shaped locking channels  16 . Upon attaching the foot of the deckboard to the replaceable basecover mechanism, the head of the articulating bed may then be raised, as shown in  FIG. 5 , to provide for easier attachment of the head of the deckboard to the replaceable basecover mechanism. In this example, an amount of slack in the tension of the replaceable basecover mechanism is created when applying the covering to an articulated deckboard, as compared to a non-articulated deckboard. Upon applying the head of the deckboard to the replaceable basecover mechanism (i.e., mating corresponding j-shaped upholstery channels to z-shaped locking channels), the replaceable basecover mechanism is removably secured with respect to the articulating panels of the deckboard. 
     In further embodiments of the invention, a replaceable basecover mechanism may also be applied to one or more portions of the shroud  72  associated with at least a portion of the adjustable bed of  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments of the invention, a corresponding and/or coordinating replaceable basecover mechanism may be provided for covering a deckboard and a shroud of a single automated bed. As such, in some embodiments of the invention, a unified, removable exterior may be applied to one or more features of an adjustable furniture item. In the example of  FIG. 5 , side portions of the shroud  72  are configured to be covered and/or re-covered with a replaceable basecover mechanism. 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 6 , in a further embodiment of the invention, a cross-sectional view of a shroud  82  provides one example of a replaceable basecover mechanism  74  configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud  82  surrounding an automated bed. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the shroud  82  is depicted as having a c-channel form. In further embodiments of the invention, the shroud  82  may be any configuration and/or form for providing a shroud covering to at least a portion of an automated furniture item. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more portions of the shroud  82  may be a c-channel form (and/or other form of shroud profile/configuration), provided based on being extruded, vacuum formed, injection molded and/or hollow. As such, exemplary embodiments of a shroud  82  provide a lightweight surround for an automated furniture item, and may be made from one or more of the following materials: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG). 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the replaceable basecover mechanism  74  for the shroud  82  includes a covering material  76 , a first j-shaped upholstery channel  78 , and a second j-shaped channel  80 . In embodiments, the replaceable basecover mechanism  74  is configured to wrap around an upper edge  84  and a lower edge  86  of the portion of the shroud  82  covered by the covering material  76 . As such, upon securing the first and second j-shaped upholstery channels  78  and  80  to upper and lower portions of the shroud  82 , a removable and/or replaceable covering is provided to the shroud  82 . In further embodiments, a replaceable basecover mechanism may include both a deckboard covering, as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , and a shroud covering, as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . 
     Although a c-channel shroud  82  is depicted in  FIG. 6 , it will be understood that a replaceable basecover mechanism  74  may be provided to configure to a variety of different profiles of shrouding structures. Further, although j-shaped upholstery channels  78  and  80  are depicted as coupling the covering material  76  to the shroud  82 , in some embodiments of the invention, a different configuration of coupling mechanism, such as a differently shaped channel, may be included as part of the replaceable basecover mechanism  74 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , a first j-shaped upholstery channel  78  and a second j-shaped upholstery channel  80  may be positioned along upper and lower edges of the covering material  76  to provide a secured and/or tightened application of the replaceable basecover mechanism  74  to the shroud  82 . For example, as configured to mate to a particular shape of shrouding device, embodiments of the replaceable basecover mechanism include upper and lower coupling mechanisms (e.g., first and second j-shaped upholstery channels  78  and  80 ) that are positioned along edges of the covering material  76  that correspond to a fitted orientation of the covering material  76  with respect to the shroud  82 . By such positioning, the replaceable basecover mechanism  74  may be configured to provide an appearance of being a non-removable cover, as the outer and/or visible surface of the covering material  76  applied to the shroud  82  is tightened over upper and lower edges  84  and  86 . 
     Turning next to the embodiments of  FIG. 7A , a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism  90  is configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud  82  with a covering material  92  that includes a first edge  94  coupled to a stretch panel  96  and a j-shaped upholstery channel  98 , and a second edge  104  coupled to a stretch panel  102  and a j-shaped upholstery channel  100 . When wrapped around the shroud  82 , in one embodiment, the replaceable basecover mechanism  90  provides an exterior side  88  opposite an inner side  89 , and an upper side  84  opposite a lower side  86 . As the shroud  82  is shown in a vertical orientation, the cross-sectional view of the shroud depicts upper and lower sides  84  and  86  of the shroud  82  being wrapped by the covering material  92  such that, when viewed from the exterior side  88 , the inner side  89  is not visible to a user. For example, when used to wrap the shroud  72  of the adjustable bed in  FIG. 5 , the exterior side  88  may include portions of the covering material  92  without portions of the stretch panels  96  and  102  or the corresponding upholstery channels  98  and  100 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 7A , the interlocking j-shaped upholstery channels  98  and  100  are brought in closer proximity to each other based at least in part on an amount of travel of the stretch panels  96  and  102 . As such, one or both of the stretch panels  96  and  102  may be extended during joining of the upholstery channels  98  and  100  as the covering material  92  is wrapped around the upper side  84  and lower side  86 . In embodiments, the elastic properties of the stretch panels  96  and  102  maintain the covering material  92  in close proximity to an outer surface of the shroud  82 . For example, a user viewing the shroud  72  of  FIG. 5 , covered by the basecover mechanism  90  of  FIG. 7A , may be unable to detect the presence of the covering material  92  mated to an exterior of the shroud. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 7B , a cross-sectional view of a replaceable basecover mechanism  106  is configured to cover at least a portion of a shroud  82  according to an embodiment of the invention. The exemplary replaceable basecover mechanism  106  includes a covering material  92  with a first end  108 , a hook/loop closure surface  110 , a second end  112 , and a hook/loop closure surface  114 . As shown in the exemplary enlarged portion of  FIG. 7B , the overlapping portion  116  of the first end  108  and the second end  112  provides for a joining of the corresponding hooks and loops from mated surfaces of the loops on hook/loop closure surface  110  and the hooks on hook/loop closure surface  114 . In some embodiments, hook/loop closure surface  110  and hook/loop closure surface  114  may include any means for joining mated surfaces, including a hook and loop closure surface such as a Velcro® surface configured to couple to a corresponding surface structure. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 7C , the replaceable basecover mechanism  118  includes a first end  120  of the covering material  92  that adjoins a stretch panel  122  having a hook/loop closure surface  126 . The hook/loop closure surface  126  is configured to mate with the corresponding hook/loop closure surface  130  of the second end  128 . In some aspects, based on an amount of stretching of the stretch panel  122 , the stretch panel end  124  may extend all the way to a hook/loop stop point “x.” As such, based on the stretch panel  122  permitting travel of the stretch panel end  124 , the hook/loop closure surface  130  may at least be covered and/or concealed by the stretch panel  122 . In this example, without a stretch panel adjoining the second end  128  of the covering material  92  (i.e., with the hook/loop closure surface  130  applied to the second end  128  of the covering material  92 ), a replaceable basecover mechanism  118  includes a stationary second end  128  that mates with an extendable and/or moveable stretch panel end  124 . 
     Similarly, the exemplary replaceable basecover mechanism  132  of  FIG. 7D  includes a stretch panel  102  that mates to the second edge  104  of the covering material  92  and the j-shaped upholstery channel  100 . In this example, the first edge  94  of the covering material  92  includes a j-shaped upholstery channel  98  coupled directly to the covering material  92 , without a stretch panel permitting travel of the upholstery channel  98  with respect to the covering material  92 . In some embodiments, the stretch panel  102  may be moved to a different position on the replaceable basecover mechanism  132  on one or more parts of a covering for a shroud  82 . For example, in another embodiment, the j-shaped upholstery channel  100  may be coupled directly to the covering material  92 , while the stretch panel  102  may mate to the first edge  94  of the covering material  92  and the j-shaped upholstery channel  98 . As such, a single edge of the covering material  92  may remain elastic with respect to the remaining covering material wrapped around the shroud  82 , and the stretch panel  102  may be positioned adjacent an upholstery channel  100  closest to the upper side  84 , or the stretch panel  102  may be positioned adjacent an upholstery channel  98  closes to the lower side  86 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 8A , an exemplary shroud  134  for coving by a replaceable basecover mechanism may include a shroud panel  136 , a shroud top  138 , and a shroud block  140 . In one aspect, the shroud panel  136  is positioned vertically along a perimeter of an automated furniture item, such as an adjustable bed. The shroud panel  136  may be wrapped by at least a portion of a surround covering material covering an exterior side  88  and a lower side  86  of the shroud  134 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 8A , the interior side  89  of the shroud panel  136  may include a hook/loop closure surface  152 . In one embodiment, the hook/loop closure surface  152  is adjacent to a hook/loop closure surface  150  on a lower side  86  of the shroud block  140 . In one aspect, the shroud  134  includes an upper portion  142  having a shroud top  138  that covers a width of both the shroud panel  136  and the shroud block  140 , a middle portion  146  having the shroud block  140  and a portion of the shroud panel  136 , and a third portion  148  including a remaining portion of the shroud panel  136 . In the example of  FIG. 8A , the shroud  134  includes hook/loop closure surfaces  150  and  152  that meet at the corner  154  between the bottom surface of the shroud block  140  and the interior surface of the shroud panel  136 . 
     In  FIG. 8B , the cross-sectional view of the replaceable basecover mechanism  156  is configured to cover at least a portion of the shroud  134 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the replaceable basecover mechanism  156  includes a covering material first end  158  with a hook/loop closure surface  160  configured to mate to the hook/loop closure surface  152  of the shroud panel  136 . Further, the replaceable basecover mechanism  156  includes a covering material second end  162  with a hook/loop closure surface  164  configured to mate to the hook/loop closure surface  150  of the shroud block  140 . In one embodiment of the invention, based on a positioning of the hook/loop closure surface  160  with respect to the hook/loop closure surface  152 , and the hook/loop closure surface  164  with respect to the hook/loop closure surface  150 , the first end  158  and second end  162  of the replaceable basecover mechanism  156  may provide a consistent covering material that mates at the corner  154  to provide consistent coverage of the entire shroud  134 . 
     Turning next to  FIG. 9 , a bottom, perspective view of an exemplary adjustable bed deckboard  166  includes a zipper feature  168  coupled to the bottom surfaces  18 ,  22 , and  26  of the plurality of deckboard panels  12 . In the enlarged portion of  FIG. 9 , the zipper feature  168  is coupled to the bottom surface  18  of the first base portion  20  based on a zipper panel  170  and a zipper panel fastener  172 . In one embodiment, the zipper panel  170  may be joined to the bottom surface  18  by a removable or nonremovable zipper panel fastener  172 , such as an upholstery staple. As further depicted in  FIG. 10 , a replaceable basecover mechanism  174  is applied to the plurality of deckboard panels  12  of  FIG. 9 , with an enlarged portion of the replaceable basecover mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the basecover material  176  is configured to cover at least a portion of the top and side surfaces of the deckboard panels, wrap around the edges of the deckboard panels, and to be secured to the bottom surface via the zipper feature  168 . As such, in one embodiment, the basecover material  176  includes a zipper feature  178  configured to mate to the zipper feature  168  based on travel of the zipper mechanism  180  with respect to an open edge  182  of the mated zipper features  178  and  168 . In some aspects, the mated zipper features  16  and  178  provide a removable and/or replaceable basecover mechanism  174  for enclosing an upper surface and outer perimeter of an adjustable bed. 
     With reference finally to  FIG. 11 , a side, cross-sectional view of an exemplary replaceable basecover mechanism  184  applied to a deckboard of an automated furniture item is provided. Embodiments of the replaceable basecover mechanism  184  includes an upper surface  186  having a replaceable basecover material  176  that wraps from the upper surface  186 , around the border portion  190 , and down to the lower surface  188 . In one aspect, the wrapped replaceable basecover material  176  is joined at the zipper feature  178  to the zipper feature  168  at the open edge  182 . In one aspect, the zipper panel  170  may secure one or more portions of the zipper feature  168  to the bottom surface based on a zipper panel fastener  172  applied to one or more portions of the adjustable bed deckboard. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.