Abstract:
A safety bed rail for preventing an individual from falling out of a bed including a frame of sufficient width to span a width of the bed and having left and right portions adjustably connected by a releasable latch defining a plurality of discrete frame widths corresponding to standard bed sizes. A bed rail panel is attached to one side of the frame and extends up from the frame a sufficient height to extend above a mattress placed over the frame. The frame includes side flanges that engage sides of one of the mattress and an underlying mattress support of similar width to the mattress with frame disposed between the mattress and the support. The flanges are widthwise adjustable to adjust the width of the frame over a limited distance with the latch connecting the left and right frame portions in a selected position.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to safety bed rail devices for preventing an individual from falling out of an adult bed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Removable bed rails may be attached to a bed for preventing children or others from falling to the floor and other hazards. Bed rails generally include a vertical surface or bar extending above and disposed immediately adjacent a side of the bed. To facilitate continued ingress and egress, bed rails may swing out of the way and/or be easily removable. Some children have been harmed by becoming lodged in spaces between mattresses and bed rails, such as can form when the bed rail fails to remain securely attached to the side of the bed, or when the bed rail is not properly positioned. This separation can pose a safety hazard to children under some circumstances. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a safety bed rail for preventing an individual from falling out of bed includes a frame of sufficient width to span a width of the bed and has left and right portions adjustably connected by a releasable latch. The latch defines a plurality of discrete frame widths corresponding to standard bed sizes. A bed rail panel attaches to one side of the frame and extends up from the frame a sufficient height to extend above a mattress placed over the frame. The frame includes side flanges that engage sides of one of the mattress and an underlying mattress support of similar width to the mattress with the frame disposed between the mattress and the support. The flanges are widthwise adjustable to adjust the width of the frame over a limited distance with the latch connecting the left and right frame portions in a selected position. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a safety bed rail for preventing an individual from falling out of a bed includes a frame of sufficient width to span a width of the bed and has left and right portions adjustably connected by an adjustable clamp. The adjustable clamp has at least one actuating lever extending therefrom. A bed rail panel attached to one side of the frame and extends up from the frame a sufficient height to extend above a mattress placed over the frame. The frame includes side flanges that engage sides of one of the mattress and an underlying mattress support of similar width to the mattress with frame disposed between the mattress and the support. 
     According to still another aspect of the invention, a safety rail for preventing an individual from falling out of a bed includes elongated transverse members having first and second ends, the transverse members including two telescoping members for adjusting the length thereof and adapted for placement in the space between a mattress and a foundation of the bed. An adjustment lever is pivotally attached to one of the first and second ends of the transverse members and positioning the lever upward enables relative movement of the telescoping members of the transverse members and positioning the lever downward in a substantially horizontal position locks the relative movement of the telescoping members of the transverse members. The upward position of the lever at least partially separates a portion of the mattress from a portion of the mattress foundation. 
     In various embodiment according to the aforementioned aspects of the invention, the bed rail is pivotally attached to one side of the frame and can be locatable in an upright deployed position and a lowered undeployed position. In one embodiment, a bed rail panel is attached at both ends of the widthwise direction of the frame, in other embodiments, only one bed rail panel is included. In one embodiment, side flanges are rotatably coupled to the frame and rotation of the flange adjusts the width of the frame over a limited distance. 
     In one embodiment, the bed rail panel is formed from a tubular frame and supports a fabric covering. In other embodiments, the tubular frame includes substantially clear panels sewn into a fabric mesh attached to the fabric covering along an upper portion of the bed rail panel. In some embodiments, the bed rail panel includes a sewn in perforated masonite panel attached along a lower portion of the bed rail panel. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bed rail according to one aspect of the invention, positioned on a bed with the mattress shown in phantom. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the bed rail of  FIG. 1  installed on a bed. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a bed rail according to another aspect of the invention having two rail panels. 
         FIG. 4A  is a detailed perspective view of an end bracket of the bed rail of  FIGS. 1–3  positioned for attachment to a transverse member. 
         FIG. 4B  is a detailed perspective view of an end bracket being rotated at one end of the transverse member for fine adjustment of the length of the transverse member. 
         FIG. 4C  is a detailed perspective view of one end of a bed rail panel according to a first embodiment engaging an end bracket. 
         FIG. 4D  is a detailed perspective view of one end of a bed rail panel according to a second embodiment engaging and end bracket. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side views of the bed rail of  FIG. 1  in upright and lower positions, respectively. 
         FIGS. 6A to 6C  are side views of the bed rail of  FIG. 3  in various configurational positions. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bed rail according to another aspect of the invention, positioned on a portion of bed. 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the locking bar of the bed rail of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bed rail according to another aspect of the invention with locking bar in the raised and unlocked position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a bed rail according to another aspect of the invention with locking bar in the lowered and locked position. 
         FIG. 11  is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a bed rail panel according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of a bed rail panel according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the discussion of the illustrative embodiments, like reference symbols in the various drawings generally indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a bed rail  100  includes two transverse members  105  and a side panel  110  attached to the first ends  111  of the transverse members  105  with a first set of support brackets  112 . In one embodiment, the side panel  110  is pivotally attached to the transverse member  105  at the support brackets  112 . A retention member  115  is attached to second ends  116  of transverse members  105  with a second set of support brackets  117 . The transverse members  105  are inserted between a mattress  120  (shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 1  and solid lines in  FIG. 2 ) and an underlying mattress support or foundation  125 , such as a box spring. In one embodiment, the transverse members  105  are formed from tubular steel. 
     The side panel  110  extends longitudinally a sufficient length along the mattress  120  to reduce or prevent the possibility of an individual from inadvertently falling off the bed. The side panel  110  extends in a vertical direction such that the panel  110  extends above the height of the mattress  120  when the side panel  110  is in a deployed and upright position as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In one embodiment, the transverse members  105  include a first member  130  telescopically engaging a second member  135  to permit large adjustment of the length of the transverse members  105 . Accordingly, the length of transverse members  105  may be adjusted to accommodate and securely attach to mattresses  120  and foundations  125  of varying sizes. 
     In one embodiment, the first member  130  of transverse members  105  includes a plurality of holes  140  sized to receive a spring pin  145 , such as a Valco spring pin, disposed within the second member  135 . The spring pin  145  is biased to engage one of the holes  140  when the spring pin  145  is positioned coincidentally therewith. The plurality of holes  140  are located along the first member  130  such that when the spring pin  145  is received from the second member  135  the overall length of transverse members  105  substantially corresponds to the width of the commonly available sizes of mattresses  120  and foundations  125 , including for example, king, queen, full and twin. 
       FIG. 3  shows a second embodiment of the a bed rail  100  including a second side rail panel  110  attached to the second ends  116  of the transverse members  105  in place of the retention member  115  at the second set of support brackets  117 . In one embodiment, the second side rail panel  110  is pivotally attached at the support brackets  117 . The second side rail panel  110  also extends longitudinally a sufficient length to reduce or prevent the possibility of an individual from inadvertently falling off the bed. The second side panel  110  extends in a vertical direction such that the panel  110  extends above the height of the mattress  120  when the side panel  110  is in a deployed and upright position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A–4D , the second set of support brackets  117  engage the second end  116  of the transverse member  105 . Note, that in an alternative embodiment, the first set of support brackets  112  engage the first end  111  of the transverse member  105  in the manner described below. After the large length adjustment of the transverse members  105  is set and locked with Valco pin  145 , for a particular bed size, a fine length adjustment is established as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4A . A threaded insert  150  is disposed within a horizontal prong  153  of the second set of support brackets  117  for engaging a threaded sleeve  155  affixed within the inner diameter of the second end  116  of the transverse members  105 . In one embodiment, the threaded insert  150  is molded to the horizontal prong  153 . In some embodiments, the threaded sleeve  155  may be welded or press fit within the inner diameter of the second end  116  of the transverse member  105 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , the rotation of the support bracket  117  in a first direction threads the second member  135  of the transverse member  105  into the support bracket  117 , thereby shortening the exposed length of the transverse members  105 . Rotation of the support bracket  117  in a second direction threads the second member  135  of the transverse member  105  out of the support bracket  117 , thereby lengthening the exposed distance of the transverse member  105 . In so doing, fine adjustments to the exposed length of the transverse member  105  are effected to accommodate variations in standard mattress  120  and foundation  125  sizes, thereby ensuring a proper and secure installation of the bed rail unit  100 . Alternatively, the transverse member  105  may be rotated and the support bracket  117  held stationary to effect fine adjustment of the transverse member  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , the side panel  110  is removably inserted into the first set of support brackets  112 . In one embodiment, the vertical prongs  170  of the support brackets  112  slideably receive the engagement ends  175  of the side panel  110 . Side panel Valco pins  180  are positioned at a lower portion of the engagement ends  175  and are sized and positioned to be received into a slot  190  in the vertical prong  170  of the support bracket  112 . A pair of grommets  195  are attached to an upper portion of the engagement ends  175  and are sized and positioned to be received in a corresponding pair of notches  200  disposed in the vertical prong  170  of the support bracket  112 . 
     To insert the side panel  110  into the support brackets  112 , the Valco pins  180  are compressed to permit passage of the engagement end  175  into the vertical prong  170  of the support bracket  112 . When the Valco pins  180  are positioned opposite the slot  190 , the pins  180  are released to protrude through the slot  190 , thereby attaching the engagement end  175  to the support bracket  112 . Continued downward movement of the engagement end  175  causes the grommets  195  to engage the notches  200  of the support bracket  112 . The relative diameters of the grommets  195  and the notches  200  are sized to establish a pressure fit therebetween to effect locking of the side panel  110  is a vertical, deployed position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4D , a collar  205  is pivotally attached to the support bracket  112  with a spacer  210  and a washer  215  affixed to both sides of collar  205  by a pin  220  and a fastener  225  extending through the slot  190 . The spacer  210  follows the slot  190  and the collar  205  is pivotally attached to support bracket  112  at the pin  220 . The engagement end  175  includes a taper  230  and a Valco pin  180  for cooperating with the collar hole  235  when the engagement end  175  is inserted into the collar  200 . Grommets  195  are attached on either side of the engagement end  175  for engagement with the notches  200  of the support bracket  112 . To insert the side panel  110  into the support brackets  112 , the Valco pin  180  is compressed while sliding the taper  230  into the collar  205  until the pin  180  is coincident with and protrudes from the collar hole  135  thereby releasably attaching the engagement end  175  to the collar  205 . 
     In operation, the grommets  195  slideably engage grooves  200  formed above the slots  190  of the support brackets  112  to lock the side panel  110  in the deployed and upright position. The relative diameters of the grommets  195  and the notches  200  are sized to establish a pressure fit therebetween. When sufficient upward vertical pressure is applied to the side panel  110 , the grommets  195  disengage from the notches  200  and the side panel  110  is moved upward with engagement end  175  slideably retained along the slot  190  with the spacers  210  and washers  215 . When the engagement end  175  is sufficiently raised such that the grommets  195  are clear of the notches  200  in the support brackets  112 , the side panel  110  may be rotated in the direction of arrow  240  toward a downward, undeployed position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the side panel  110  of the bed rail  100  is positioned in an upright, deployed position in  FIG. 5A  and in a downward, undeployed position as shown in  FIG. 5B . Referring now to  FIGS. 6A–6C , the two side panels  110  of the bed rail  100  can be positioned in the following configurations. Both sides panels  110  are set in the upright deployed position in  FIG. 6A . One side panel  110  is set in the upright position and one side panel is set in the downward position as shown in  FIG. 6B . Both side panels  110  are set in the downward position as shown in  FIG. 6C . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in an alternative embodiment, the transverse members  105  includes a pair of pinch clamps  250  having rotatable levers  255 . A locking bar  260  is attached to the levers  255 . In one embodiment, large adjustment of the transverse members  105  is made as described above, and including a first member  130  telescopically engaging a second member  135 . The first member  130  of transverse members  105  includes a plurality of holes  140  sized to receive a spring pin  145 , such as a Valco spring pin, disposed within the second member  135 . In the embodiment shown, a third member  275  slidably engages the first member  130  for effecting fine adjustment of the transverse member  105 . 
     With the locking bar  260  in an upright position, the pinch clamps  250  are disengaged and the third member  275  slides freely within the first member  130  for fine adjustment of the length of the transverse member  105 . The mattress  120  will not lay flat upon the foundation  125  with the locking bar  260  in the upright position and this configuration provides a readily observable indication that the bed rail  100  is not locked. 
     With the locking bar  260  in a substantially horizontal and lowered position, the levers  255  rotate (one clamp is a right-hand thread and the other clamp is a left-hand thread) in opposite directions to tighten the pinch clamps  250 , thereby locking the relative positions of the first member  130  and the third member  275  and maintaining the transverse members  105  at the desired length. With the locking bar  260  in the lower positioned, the mattress  120  can be properly positioned atop the foundation  125  and provide an indication of the locked status of the pinch clamps  250 . For additional structural support, the bed rail  100  includes longitudinal supports  280 , in one embodiment. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the side panel  110  includes a tubular frame  282 , supporting any suitable fabric covering  284 . Advantageously and in one embodiment, a fabric mesh  285  is attached to an upper region of the side panels  110 , and a perforated masonite panel  286  is attached to the lower region of the side panels  110 . The fabric mesh  285  and masonite panels  286  are sewn in along the inner periphery of the fabric covering  284 . In one embodiment, clear rigid panels  288  are sewn into the fabric mesh  285  to provide additional structural integrity to the side panels  110  without reducing visibility while in a supine position on the bed. In one embodiment, the rigid panels  288  are formed from polycarbonate plastic. Other materials having properties of sufficient resiliency and strength for retaining an infant within a bed may be attached to the tubular frame  282 . For ease of assembly, the tubular frame  282  can include a number of supports and fittings for threading through the fabric covering  284 . In this embodiment, one or more apertures  289  are provided in corners of the tubular frame  282  and other areas of the fabric covering  284  corresponding to the location of the junctures of the supports and fittings for ease of assembly. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the transverse members  105  do not include holes  140  and engaging Valco spring pins  145 . Alternatively, the pinch clamps  250  provide the large adjustment of the length of the transverse members  105  by locking the relative positions of the first and second members  130 ,  135 . In one embodiment, the fine adjustment is performed as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A–4B . The locking bar  260  is positioned in the upright and unlocked position in  FIG. 9  and lowered into the locked and substantially horizontal position in  FIG. 10 . As described above, the mattress  120  will not lay flat atop the foundation  125  when the locking bar  260  is in the upright position. The upset mattress  120  provides an indication that the transverse member  105  is not locked and the bed rail  100  is not secured to the bed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , embodiments of the side panel  110  includes a substantially rectangular tubular frame  282  having a plurality of supports  290  and fittings  295  for supporting the fabric covering  284  ( FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the supports  290  and fittings  295  are pressure-fit together. In other embodiments, the supports  290  and fittings  295  are threaded together. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the tubular frame  282  of the side panel  110  includes a center support  300  and in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the frame  282  includes a supplemental horizontal support  305 . Other configurations of the tubular frame  282  for side panel  110  are contemplated by the invention. 
     A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.