Abstract:
A loft bed readily configured into expanded assembled and collapsed disassembled positions to facilitate shipping, transport, and/or storage. The loft bed includes a mattress support having a plurality of separable supports for supporting a mattress, a frame including a plurality of multi-piece, bed support rails assemblable into a frame for supporting the mattress support, and a plurality of legs for supporting the mattress support above a floor or ground, each leg including separate upper and lower leg portions. The legs and the bed support rails are attachable to form an expanded assembled position capable of supporting a user and detachable to form a collapsed disassembled position for shipping, transporting, and/or storage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/598,874, filed on Aug. 4, 2004, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention is directed generally to a loft bed and, more particularly, to a loft bed usable in a dorm or similar location that may benefit from more efficient use of space. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an easily collapsible and easily transportable bed, such as a loft bed, which may have greatly reduced dimensions in its collapsed position to facilitate shipping and/or storage and is usable in a dorm or similar location.  
         [0004]     2. Related Art  
         [0005]     Many conventional beds, such as loft beds or dorm beds have long rails, long legs, and long mattress support structures that make it difficult for the loft bed to be transported from one location to another and/or stored in small spaces. Moreover, many loft beds are very unattractive and do not provide an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance and are not designed to be integrated with wired technology.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved loft bed that collapses into a compact position to facilitate transportation, shipping, and/or storage, and is easy to assemble. Moreover, there is a need for a loft bed that is attractive and that readily accommodates wired technology.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The invention meets the foregoing need by providing a construction of a loft bed that may be easily collapsed into a compact position, and is small enough such that it may be easily transported in a car, car trunk and/or elevator or stored. Moreover, the bed is easy to assemble while being aesthetically pleasing.  
         [0008]     In this regard, the loft bed of the invention may be configured such that it is easily transported in the back seat or trunk of a car, for example, a 2-door Sedan. In particular, the loft bed may have a size equivalent to a large golf bag. Moreover, the loft bed of the invention has an intuitive, easy, and quick assembly. In particular, the loft bed is constructed in such a way that it is fun to assemble, and has an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance. Moreover, the loft bed has a stable construction, without requiring a support or attachments for sidewalls, floors, or ceilings. Furthermore, the loft bed of the invention allows for the use of standard mattresses, such as 72″ or 80″ mattress lengths. Additionally, the loft bed of the invention has a limited number of fasteners for assembly. In particular, it is desired to be limited to two types of fasteners for assembly and disassembly of the loft bed. Moreover, the loft bed may have an integrated ladder built into the structure of the bed so that a user can get into the bed easier and includes the ability to integrate with current and future wired technology.  
         [0009]     The invention may be implemented in a number of ways. According to one aspect of the invention a loft bed having expanded assembled and collapsed disassembled positions includes a mattress support that includes a plurality of separable supports for supporting a mattress, a frame including a plurality of multi-piece bed support rails for supporting the mattress support, and a plurality of legs for supporting the mattress support above a floor or ground, each leg including an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, the upper leg portion being separable from the lower leg portion. The legs and the bed support rails are attachable to form an expanded assembled position capable of supporting a user and detachable to form a collapsed disassembled position for shipping, transporting, and/or storage.  
         [0010]     According to another aspect of the invention a disassembled loft bed includes a mattress support that includes a plurality of supports for supporting a mattress, a plurality of bed support rails configurable to form a frame for supporting the mattress support and at least one of the bed support rails including multiple pieces, and a plurality of legs for supporting the mattress support above a floor or ground, each leg including an upper leg portion and a separate lower leg portion, the upper leg portion being connectable to the lower leg portion. The loft may include a container holding the mattress support, the bed support rails, and the legs in a compact position for shipping, transport and/or storage.  
         [0011]     In yet another aspect of the invention a method of assembling a loft bed includes the steps of forming a frame by connecting a plurality of disassembled, multi-pieces together to form at least two bed support rails and connecting the bed support rails together, connecting a plurality of upper leg portions and lower leg portions together to form a plurality of legs, connecting the legs to the frame, and combining a plurality of separable supports to form a mattress support for supporting a mattress on the frame.  
         [0012]     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a loft bed constructed according to the principles of the invention;  
         [0015]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show lower leg assemblies constructed according to the principles of the invention for use with the loft bed of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show upper leg assemblies constructed according to the principles of the invention for use with the loft bed of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show rail assemblies constructed according to the principles of the invention for use with the loft bed of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of a corner connecting assembly constructed according to the principles of the invention for use with the loft bed of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a leg cover constructed according to the principles of the invention, which may be used with the leg assemblies of  FIGS. 2A, 2B ,  3 A, and  3 B;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a mattress support constructed according to the principles of the invention; and  
         [0021]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are schematic diagrams showing accessories and a transport device constructed according to the principles of the invention, which may be used with the loft bed of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a loft bed  100  constructed according to the principles of the invention. In particular, the loft bed  100  includes four leg assemblies for supporting the upper portion of the bed, including bed rail support assemblies and mattress supports described subsequently, on a support surface such as a floor. Each leg assembly includes a lower leg assembly  200  and an upper leg assembly  300 . In  FIG. 1 , only the interior of one of the four leg assemblies  200 ,  300  is shown, as the leg assemblies are covered with leg covers  600 , discussed below, which cover the lower legs  200  and the upper legs  300  to provide an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance.  
         [0024]     The loft bed  100  also includes cross members  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  for providing lateral support and bracing to the loft bed by connecting the short dimension between the adjacent legs together. Cross member  114  opposite cross member  112  is not visible in  FIG. 1 . Cross members  112  and  114  connect the top portions of adjacent leg assemblies together along the short dimension, while member  102 ,  104 ,  106 , and  1   10  are spaced intermediate the top and bottom of the legs. The cross members  102 ,  104 ,  106 , and  108 , in particular, also form a ladder assembly that is built into the loft bed  100 . In particular, the user or sleeper can climb up into the loft bed  100  by utilizing the cross members  102 ,  104 , 106 , and  108  as a ladder. Although a particular number of cross members  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and  112  are shown, any number of cross members may be used. Moreover, any number of cross members, and/or any type of cross member structure(s) may be used to connect the four legs of loft bed  100  as long as it provides a horizontal connection, or connecting strength between the four leg assemblies  200  and  300  to increase stability of the loft bed  100 . In particular, the cross members  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  may be mechanically fastened to the upper and lower leg assemblies of the loft bed  100 . In this regard, any type of mechanical fastener may be used including nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, key-hole slots, for example only.  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  also shows a plurality of bed support rail assemblies  402 ,  404  for connecting the long dimension between adjacent legs at the top of the bed&#39;s leg assemblies. In the loft bed  100 , there are at least two bed support rail assemblies  402 ,  404 , as the rail assembly at the upper back of the bed is not visible in  FIG. 1 . The two rail assemblies are at each long side of the bed and the cross members  112 ,  114  form an upper frame for supporting the bed. A mattress support  700 , described below in more detail, may rest upon or be connected to the rail assemblies  404 ,  402  and cross members  112 , 114  of the loft bed  100  for supporting a mattress on the bed. Intermediate the top and bottom of the leg assemblies along the long dimension of one side (back) of the bed, longitudinal support members  103 , 105  are provided. The structure of  103 ,  105  may be similar to rail assemblies  402 ,  404  described above.  
         [0026]     The loft bed  100  may further include one or more guard rail assemblies  120 ,  122 , 124 ,  126 , 128 , 130 , and  132 , which provide a structural fence around the loft bed  100  so that the user, or sleeper, will not roll out of the bed accidentally. Although, a particular number of rail structures  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 , and  132  are shown, any number of rail structures may be utilized to provide a safety structure for the user or sleeper of the loft bed  100 . Alternatively, cross members  112 ,  114 , together with bed support rails  402 ,  404  may further be modified to be taller and provide the same function.  
         [0027]     In one particular embodiment, guard rail assemblies  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 , and  132  may be constructed from 0.75 inch diameter 20 gauge cold rolled steel tubing that are, for example only, welded to one another. The guard rail assemblies  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 , and  132  may moreover be powder coated in order to reduce corrosion thereof and create a more attractive appearance. Any metallic, synthetic man-made, and/or natural material may be used to construct guard rails  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 , and  132 . In particular, the guard rails  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 , and  132  are shown in  FIG. 1  with only an exemplary outward appearance. Any aesthetically pleasing appearance, together with a construction that safely restrains a sleeper in the sleeping area of the loft bed  100  is contemplated by the invention.  
         [0028]     Additionally, the guard rail assemblies  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  and  130  can further include rail clips that interconnect each of the respective rails to one another. In particular, such rail clips can be formed of nylon 6 or any other known plastic, synthetic man-made, metallic, or natural material. The rail clips preferably are structured and arranged such that they keep the rails at a consistent distance from one another.  
         [0029]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show one embodiment of a lower leg assembly that may be used with the loft bed  100 . In particular, lower leg assembly  200  includes a first cylindrical section  206  and a second cylindrical leg section  208 . The cylindrical leg sections  206 ,  208  provide a reinforcing structure and increase the rigidity of the lower leg  200  while minimizing sharp corners. Furthermore, cylindrical leg sections  206  and  208  are connected with an angled intermediate section  210 , which also increases rigidity and strength of the lower leg assembly  200 . The lower leg assembly  200  additionally includes protruding leg connectors  202 ,  204 . The leg connectors  202 ,  204  have a reduced diameter and are used to connect to recesses provided in the upper leg assembly  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B .  
         [0030]     In a preferred embodiment of the lower leg assembly  200 , the cylindrical sections  206 ,  208  and the intermediate section  210  may be formed of a metallic material. In particular, the leg sections  208 ,  206 , and intermediate section  210  may be extruded from a material, such as steel or aluminum. Alternatively, and preferably, the leg sections  208 ,  206  and intermediate section  210  can be formed of 16 gauge cold rolled steel. However, any particular metallic, man-made or natural material that provides sufficient rigidity and thickness to support the loft bed  100  may be employed.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show an upper leg assembly  300  that may be used in conjunction with the loft bed  100  of  FIG. 1  and matingly fit with the lower leg assembly  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . In particular, the upper leg assembly  300  has a substantially similar construction to the lower leg assembly  200 . The upper leg assembly  300  includes a cylindrical section  306  and a second cylindrical section  308 . The cylindrical sections  306 ,  308  are connected with an angled intermediate section  310 . In particular, the cylindrical sections  306 ,  308  and intermediate section  310  can be constructed of a single piece of metallic material that is formed therefrom. The cylindrical sections  306 ,  308  form a recess that receives the leg connectors  202 ,  204  of the lower leg assembly  200  shown in  FIG. 2B . The upper leg assembly  300  and the lower leg assembly  200  are fitted together snugly such that leg connectors  202 ,  204  are inserted into cylindrical sections  308 ,  306 , so that a single full length leg assembly is constructed. This constructed leg assembly is shown as leg assembly  200 ,  300  in  FIG. 1 . Any type of engagement between  202 ,  204  and  308 ,  306  that provides a secure, but easily detachable connection may be employed.  
         [0032]     The upper leg assembly  300  may be constructed of any known material providing strength to support the loft bed  100  and the user sleeping in the loft bed  100 . In particular, the upper leg assembly  300  can be formed of metallic materials, such as 16 gauge cold rolled steel. The upper leg assembly  300  can be formed of steel or some other metallic materials through extrusion. Again, however, it should be understood that any material, including metal, natural material, or any other synthetic man-made material, may be used and constructed with any configuration and thickness such that it provides a strong support for the loft bed  100  that may be separated for ease of transport.  
         [0033]     The leg assemblies  200 ,  300  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are formed as two separate sections in order to allow for a complete disassembly of the leg assemblies thereof. In particular, by configuring the leg assembly  200  to separate from leg assembly  300 , the legs, and, in particular the loft bed  100 , can be easily transported, shipped, and/or stored in a smaller space than a normal bed.  
         [0034]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show one embodiment of the bed support rail assemblies  402  and  404  of the invention. In particular, the bed support rail assembly  402 ,  404  is a two-part assembly. This two-part assembly allows for the easy transportation, storage, and/or shipping of the loft bed  100  because the bed support rail assemblies  402 ,  404  can be disassembled into shorter lengths than that of a typical bed support rail. In particular, bed support rail assembly  400  includes a first rail assembly  402  and a second rail assembly  404  connected to one another through rail connectors  406 ,  408 . The rail assemblies  402 ,  404 , together with rail connectors  406 ,  408 , are assembled and connected with a series of mechanical fasteners. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 4B , mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, key-hole slots, for example only, that provide for a strong inter-connection between rail assembly  402 ,  404  and rail connectors  406  and  408  may be used. It should be noted that although a specific arrangement of fasteners is shown, any combination of fasteners may be used and any type of fastener is contemplated for use in the invention to facilitate assembly and disassembly. It is however, preferred that only two types of sizes of fasteners be used. Moreover, any number or type of rail connectors  406 ,  408  may be used in connecting bed support rails  402 ,  404  as long as the two bed rail assemblies  402 ,  404  safely support the mattress and hold a user of the bed.  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a corner connection assembly  500  for use with the loft bed of  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 5  shows the upper leg assembly  300  extending vertically up to be connected to bed support rail  402 ,  404  and to connect to cross member  112 ,  114 . Additionally shown in  FIG. 5  is connector assembly  508 . Connector assembly  508  is used to strengthen the connection between bed support rail  402 ,  404 , cross member  112 ,  114  and upper leg assembly  300 . Together the  FIG. 5  construction creates a corner connection assembly  500 . The corner connection assembly  500  uses a series of mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, key-hole slots, for example only, in order to connect upper leg assembly  300 , to connector assembly  508 , to bed support rail  402 ,  404 , and to cross member  112 ,  114 . In the  FIG. 5  embodiment, the bed support rail  402 ,  404  and cross member  112 , include bolts extending therefrom that are inserted in holes of the upper leg assembly  300  and are bolted thereto with nuts. The connector assembly  508  extends below and is bolted to the bed support rail  402 ,  404  and the cross member  112 . It should be noted, however, that any type and number of mechanical fasteners with any arrangement thereof is within the scope of the invention.  
         [0036]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show one embodiment of the cover  600  that may be used in conjunction with the leg assemblies  200 ,  300  of the loft bed  100 . In particular, the cover  600  includes an attachment section  610 . The attachment section  610  is structured and arranged such that it will snap attach to the leg assemblies  200 ,  300  of the loft bed  100  without mechanical fasteners. However, mechanical fasteners may be used instead of or in addition to in order to form a stronger attachment. The cover  600  further includes an outer covering  620 . C-shaped channels  640  at ends of the outer covering  620  also may be employed to snap/connect the covers to suitable structure on the legs. The outer covering  620  may include any sort of texture, color, or other aesthetically pleasing outer arrangement. In particular, it is within the scope of the invention to have any number of ribs, colors, and/or textures that may result in an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance. Moreover, the cover  600  includes a channel or an area  630  between the attachment section  610  and the outer covering  620 . This area  630  between the connection  610  and the outer covering  620  allows for wires, such as electrical wires, internet connection wires, telephone wires, conduits, etc. to be routed up and down the loft bed  100 . This allows for a more aesthetically pleasing outward appearance, while allowing the user of the loft bed  100  to use electrically connected equipment in one manner or another in bed. In a particular embodiment, the cover  600  may be formed of plastic and the cover is sized such that each leg assembly  200 ,  300  of loft bed  100  will require two covers  600 .  
         [0037]     As noted above, the loft bed  100  includes a mattress support assembly  700  to support a mattress. In addition to the mattress support assembly  700 , additional central supports  750 ,  752  and other structural supports can be included in the loft bed  100  to support the mattress and/or support assembly  700  in or above the upper rail assemblies  402 ,  404  as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0038]     In particular, mattress support assembly  700  includes four separate sub-support assemblies  712 ,  714 ,  716 , and  718 . The separate support assemblies allow for easier transport, shipping and/or storage thereof. Each of the mattresses support assemblies  712 ,  714 ,  716 , and  718  may be constructed of a frame assembly  722 ,  724 ,  726 , or  728 . The frame assemblies  722 ,  724 ,  726 , and  728  are used to support the mattress in the loft bed  100 , and may include internal mattress supports  702 ,  704 ,  706 , and  708 . The internal supports  702 ,  704 ,  706 , and  708  in one particular exemplary embodiment include a mesh screen. However, any suitable material to form the mattress support assemblies may be used.  
         [0039]     The mattress support assemblies  712 ,  714 ,  716 , and  718  are supported on the bed support rails  402 ,  404  with the supports  750  and  752 . The supports  750  are bar shaped and extend from one set of longitudinally extending (long dimension) bedrails  402 ,  404  to the other set of bedrails  402 ,  404 . The other support  752  extends from a first transversely extending (short dimension) cross member  112  to the opposite cross member  114 . Accordingly, the mattress support assemblies  712 ,  714 ,  716 , and  718  may be easily and quickly disassembled. Moreover, their size allows for easy transport, shipping and/or storage thereof.  
         [0040]     Further in the invention, it is contemplated that the loft bed  100  can further include various accessories that will enable the loft bed  100  to be more useful in, for example, the college dorm setting as shown in  FIG. 8A . In particular, it is contemplated that the space below mattress support  700  can include any various tables having substantially horizontal surfaces  810  which can form a desk for the user of loft bed  100 . Moreover, it is additionally or alternatively contemplated that various horizontal surfaces can be added to the mattress support area  700 , or bed support rails  402 ,  404  to support additional desk-like horizontal surfaces  820 ,  825 . Each of the surfaces  810 ,  820 , and  825  may further include support structure and suitable fasteners to maintain or allow storage thereof. Moreover, storage devices can be included in loft bed  100  including hooks  830  and laundry baskets/bags  840 .  
         [0041]     In addition to the particular arrangement of the bed  100  being easily assembled, disassembled and transportable, loft bed  100  may also further include a transport vehicle, container, or structure. As shown in  FIG. 8B , one such exemplary transport structure or containment structure  800  is shown. Such a transport structure  800  may be formed with soft or hard material sides  800 . Additionally, a handle or handles  850  may be formed on the container  800  together with wheels  870  to transport loft bed  100  which may be easily maneuvered and transported in and out a user location.  
         [0042]     Additionally, the transport vehicle, container or structure  800  is contemplated to have additional uses to that of transporting loft bed  100 . In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, the transport container  800  may also double as a laundry bag  840  shown in  FIG. 8A , or other type of storage device that can be associated with loft bed  100 . Additionally, the transport vehicle  800  may include components which also form the loft bed  100 . In particular, the wheels  870  may form the bottom of the leg structure, the sides  860  of the container of the vehicle  800  may form part of the legs  200 ,  300  or other structure of loft bed  100 .  
         [0043]     It should be noted that although the description of the invention is directed to a loft bed, the invention is equally applicable to a non-loft bed configuration.  
         [0044]     As described above, the loft bed  100  fulfils the need of allowing a typical bed to be more easily assemblable, transportable and, in particular, disassembled into a compact position, such that it may be easily moved in and out of living quarters, transported in vehicles for shipping, storage or the like. Moreover, loft bed  100  includes further aesthetically pleasing features, together with features that increase the efficiency of the use of space such that a smaller space can be more effectively used, such as for example, college dorms.  
         [0045]     While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention.