SE1651321A1 - Knock Down Bunk Bed - Google Patents

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a knock-down bunk bed, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a knock-down bunk bed that is assembled using releasable clips. The knock-down bunk bed includes a plurality of substantially flat panels, the panels including complementary engagement formations, and fastening clips for selectively and releasably securing the panels relative to one another.

Description

KNOCK-DOWN BUNK BED BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION THIS invention relates to a knock-down bunk bed, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a knock-down bunk bed that is assembled using releasable clips.

A bunk bed is a type of bed in which one bed frame is located on top of another. The nature of bunk beds allows two or more people to sleep in the same room while maximizing available floor space. This leads to bunk beds being used in places with limited floor space, such as onships, in army garrisons or in places where floor spaceneeds to be maximized, such as for example refugee camps.Bunk beds are normally supported by four poles or pillars,one at each corner of the bed. A ladder may be used toaccess the upper bed, which is normally surrounded by arailing to prevent the sleeper from falling out. Bunk bedscan be made from wood or steel, and are often sold and delivered in a fully assembled condition.

Ready-to-assemble furniture, also known as knock-down furniture or flat pack furniture is a form of furniturethat requires customer assembly. The furniture componentsare typically packaged iJ1 a carton which also containsassembly instructions and necessary hardware needed for thefollow furniture item buyer to in order to build the correctly. Ready-to-assemble furniture is typicallypackaged in a kit form with the pieces packaged in one ormultiple boxes. The kit may contain a number of flat parts,fasteners, and other parts that are needed to assemble the furniture. 15- Ready-to-assemble furniture is popular among consumers who wish to save money on their furniture purchases by assembling the product on their own and also by saving on delivery cost. In addition to saving the consumer money, flat pack furniture is generally simple to assemble and requires only the use of simple tools. Since the furniture does not need to be assembled in the factory, ready-to- assemble furniture is often also less expensive.

Bunk beds are available in the marketplace in a ready-to- assemble configuration, but a few disadvantages are associated with existing designs, especially where rapid manufacturing, deployment and assembly is concerned. For example: the material used are typically selected with residential use in mind, and are not sufficiently robust for deployment in a more rugged environment, for example military applications and refugee camps; the bunk beds still require a significant degree of manuallabour to erect, and for example requires the use of screws, and thus the concomitant tools, screw drivers; e.g.the pillars of the bunk beds have to carry a significant load, and are therefore usually designed to have a relatively large cross-sectional surface area, which in turns renders the collapsed bunk bed relatively bulky, which is of particular concern where bunk beds have to bedistributed in large quantities; Existing ready-to-assemble bunk beds are not designed withthe view of rapid disassembly and redeployment in mind, which is a drawback in application where large scale assembly, disassembly and redeployment is required; the mechanisms and the materials utilized_ in existing ready-to-assemble bunk beds have been designed. with a single assembly in mind, and although capable of being disassembled and redeployed, the securing mechanisms caneasily damage, for example because it relies on threadedfasteners that can easily be impaired. Also, the panelsused are often made from chipboard, which is structurallyweak, and which cannot used in applications where fasteningclips are used because the grooves / slots machined inchipboard. will not last long, and. will quickly' become unusable.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a knock-down bunk bed that will, at least partially, alleviate the above disadvantages.It is also an object of the invention to provide knock downbunk bed which will be a useful alternative to existing bunk beds.

SUMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention there is provided a knock-down bunk bed including: a plurality of flat panels, the panels includingcomplementary engagement formations; andfastening clips for selectively securing the panels relative to one another.

The plurality of panels may include a front end panel, a rear end panel, and side panels configured to extend between the front end panel and the rear end panel.Preferably four side panels may be provided, with two sidepanels in use extending from each side of one end panel towards and opposing end panel.

There is provided for the side panels to be releasably securable to the end panels by way of the fastening clips.

Rebates, suitable for engaging receiving formations provided in the side panels, may be provided in the sidesof the end panels in order to support the side panels.to be There is also provided. for receiving formations provided. in end zones of the side panels, wherein. the receiving formations are configured. and dimensioned toengage the rebates of the end panels.

The side panels and the end panels may includecomplementary engagement formations for allowing the sideto be panels secured. to the end. panels by' way' of the fastening clips.

The engagement formations may be in the form of securingapertures provided in side zones of the end panels, and inend zones of the side panels.

In one embodiment, the securing apertures may be in the form of elongate securing slots formed in the panels.

Longitudinal axes of the securing slots in the end panelsand the securing slots may be parallel relative to oneanother when the side panels and the end panels are in a position in which they are to be assembled.

Open sides of the securing slots in the end panels and thesecuring slots may be perpendicular relative to one anotherwhen the side panels and the end panels are in a position in which they are to be assembled.

In another embodiment, the engagement formations may be in the form of substantially circular securing apertures extending through side zones of the end panels, and throughend zones of the side panels.There is also provided. for the knock-down. bunk bed. to include a sleeping surface.

In one embodiment the sleeping surface may be defined by asleeping panel which is adapted to be securable to the end panels and the side panels.

There is provided for the sleeping panel to be securableto the end panels and/or the side panels using fastening clips as described above.

There is also provided for the sleeping panel to includeat least one lip formation that in use engages the sidepanels and/or the end panels.

Preferably, an end lip formation extends from an end of thesleeping panel, and protrudes into a complementary apertureprovided in the end panel.

Preferably, a side lip formation extends from a side of thesleeping panel, and protrudes into a complementary recessedzone provided in the side panel.

Preferably, a corner lip formation extends from a side of the sleeping' panel, and. protrudes into a complementary aperture provided in the side panel.In an alternative embodiment there is provided for the sleeping surface to be defined by a resilient sleeping formation, for example a hammock, which is securable to the end panels and the side panels.In this embodiment, a sleeping panel may still be provided,but will be substantially ring-like with a proximal zoneof the large opening for sleeping panel defining a receiving the resilient sleeping formation.

There is provided for each fastening clip to include twolegs extending away from one another, the two legs beingresiliently connected to one another at one end in orderfor the legs to be resiliently displaceable relative to onewith the free another; and for each leg to have a free end, ends terminating in panel engagement formations.

The clip may also include a disengagement member which is displaceably connected to one of the legs, the disengagement member being displaceable relative to said leg between a rest position in which it does not interfere with an engagement formation provided on the leg, and arelease position in which at least part of thedisengagement member exerts a release force on the engagement formation of the leg.

There is alternatively provided for each fastening clip to include two legs extending away from one another, the legs being connected at one end, with each leg having an oppositefree end that terminates in a panel engagement formation;characterized in that at least one of the panel engagementformations is an adjustable engagement formation that is adjustable between a locked position, in which the engagement formation is adapted to engage a securing aperture provided in a panel, and a release position, in which the engagement formation is adapted to be released from the securing aperture.

The clips may for example be the clips as disclosed in co-pending patent applications number PCT/IB20l4/064312 andPCT/IB20l4/064313, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A further feature of the invention provides for all the panels to be substantially flat.

There is also provided for apertures to be provided in theend panel, which apertures define a ladder for climbing onto the bed when the bunk bed is in an assembled condition.

There also provided for the panels and the clips to beconfigured and dimensioned in order for the panels to besecured to one another using the same clips when the bunk bed is in a knocked down configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention is described by way of a non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure l is a perspective view of an assembled knock-downbunk bed in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention; Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bunk bed of Figure l; Figure 3 is a close-up perspective view of part of theinterface between an end panel and a side panel showing aslightly alternative design to that of the side panel ofFigure l;Figure 4 is a close-up perspective view of part of theinterface between a sleeping panel and a side panel; Figure 5 is a close-up perspective view of part of the interface between an end panel and a sleeping panel; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of an assembled knock-downbunk bed. in accordance with another* embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the followingdrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments andof being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood. that the phraseology' and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of"including," "comprising," or "having" and variationsthereof herein. is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms"mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" andvariations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other membersinterposed therebetween and indirect connections betweenmembers in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include pluralreferents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to onethe term. “include” and. its referent. As used. herein, grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, suchthat recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusionof other like items that can be substituted or added to thelisted items.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicatelike features, a non-limiting example of a knock down bunkbed in accordance with the invention is generally indicatedThe knock down bunk bed l0 (20, 30) by reference numeral 10. includes a plurality of panels that are releasably securable to one another in order to form a collapsible frame for a bunk bed, which can then in turn receive a sleeping panel 40, alternatively a sleeping sheet 60. The panels are all substantially flat and planar, and also all of similar thickness.

Two end panels 20 are provided, and in use oppose one another when the bunk bed l0 has been assembled. Each end panel 20 is in the form of substantially flat sheet of material, and is preferably in the form of a wooden panel.

Each end panel 20 has a lower edge, which in use abuts the surface on which the bunk bed l0 is located, and an upper edge 22 at an opposite end of the panel 20. More particularly, foot formations 21.1 extend from the lower edge, which in use abuts the surface on which the bunk bed 10 is located. Each end panel 20 also has two opposite side edges 23 that are in use orientated in a vertical orientation.

The side panels 30 are secured to the side edges 23 of the end. panels 20 when the bunk bed. is erectedd In one embodiment rebates 23.1, which define tongue formations 23.2 therebetween, are provided in the side edges 23 of the end panels 20. The rebates 23.1 and corresponding tongue formations 23.2 are configured and dimensioned for engagingcomplementary receiving apertures 35 provided in end zones 31 of the side panels 30. Downwardly' directed. forces exerted on the side panels 30 are therefore transmitted to the end panels 20, with the end panels 20 serving as the primary structural supports. Apertures 25 are furthermore provided in the end.panels 20, and in use serves as landingsfor end lip formations 45 that extend from the sleeping panels 40. The apertures 25 also serve as footholds for allowing' a used. to climb on to the top level of the assembled bunk bed.

Each side panel 30 is also in the form of a substantially flat sheet of material, and is preferably in the form of a wooden panel. Two side panels 30 are provided for each sleeping surface required, and in this particular embodiment four spaced apart side panels 30 are provided,thus defining two vertically spaced apart sleeping areas.

The side panels 30 are of elongate configuration and terminate in two oppositely directed end zones 31. A receiving formation 35 is provided in each end zone 31 fordescribed. above. Each the purposes as side panel 30 furthermore includes an operatively upper side 33 and an ll operatively lower side 32. A recessed zone 34 is provided in the operatively upper side 33, and serves as a landing for receiving a side lip formation 44 that extends from a side of a sleeping panel 40. In addition, further receiving slots 37 are provides towards the end zones of the side panels, and in use receives corner lip formations 47 extending from corner zones of the sleeping panel 40. In the embodiment shown. in Figure 3, the side panel also includes a shoulder formation 38 that in use abuts against the end panel 20, and which improves the overall stability and rigidity of the bunk bed l0.

In the embodiment of Figures l to 5, the sleeping surface is defined by a sleeping panel 40 on top of which a mattress or other bedding can in use be located. The sleeping panel 40 is in the form of a flat sheet of material, having two opposite ends 42 and two opposite sides 43. Side lip formations 44 extend from the sides 43 of the panel 40, and end lip formations 45 extend from the ends 42 of the panels.Corner lip formations 47 in addition extend from sides of the sleeping panels, towards the corners of the sleeping panels.

In a second. embodiment, shown in Figure 6, a pliable sleeping sheet 60 may be used instead of a rigid sleeping panel 40. In this embodiment, the bunk bed l0 will essentially be in the form of a frame for holding hammock- like sleeping arrangements. A benefit of this design is that no mattress will be required. This embodiment will still include a sleeping panel 40, but in this case the inner, proximal area of the sleeping panel 40 will have an opening provided therethrough, thus only leaving a structural, annular rim that will provide rigidity to the l2 frame. The pliable sleeping sheet 60 will be located inside the opening in the proximal zone of the sleeping panel 40.

It will be appreciated that a force exerted on the sleepingpanel 40 or the sleeping sheet 60 will be transferred onto the end panels 20 and the side panels 30. The resultant forces exerted. on the side panels 30 will in turn. be transferred to the end panels 20, with the end panels thus forming the primary load bearing support structure.

However, instead of using discrete pillars, as is the case with prior art bunk beds, wide end panels 20 are used, which reduces the packed volume of the knock-down bunk bedbecause the panels can be thinner as a result of them being wider than conventional pillars, thus retaining a sufficient area and strength required to absorb the relevant loads.

The entire assembly is kept together by way of fastening clips 50. In one embodiment (shown in the figures) the fastening clips 50 are in the form of resilient steel clips,having end sections adapted to engage engagement slots (25, 36 and 46) formed in the end panels 20, side panels 30 and sleeping panels 40 respectively. The clips 50 are commonlyused in the field of collapsible crates, and have a proventrack record insofar as strength, durability and ease ofoperation are concerned. the fastening clips may In another embodiment (not shown) be in the form of plastic clips, in which there is providedfor each fastening clip to include two legs extending awayfrom one another, the legs being connected at one end, witheach leg having an opposite free end that terminates in apanel engagement formation; characterized in that at least one of the panel engagement formations is an adjustable l3 engagement formation that is adjustable between a locked position, in which the engagement formation is adapted to engage a securing' aperture provided. in a jpanel, and. a release position, in which. the engagement formation is adapted to be released from the securing aperture. In this embodiment, the engagement formations are in the form of apertures extending through the respective panels, with the fastening clips, and more particularly the engagement formation of the fastening clips, engaging the panels via the apertures.

The fastening clips 50 pull the various panels (20, 30 and 40) together and hold them in place, but do not have to absorb the downward forces exerted on the panels by a user of the bunk bed. Instead, those forces are taken up by the end panels 20 via the receiving apertures 35 of the side panels 30 and the lip formations (44, 45 and 47) of the sleeping panels 40.

Advantageously, the configuration is such that the entire know-down bunk bed assembly can be packed in a very small volume when not in use. This is because of the use of thin panels, instead of more bulky pillars and supports as found in the prior art. The panels typically have a thickness of about l0 to 20mm, resulting in a small packed volume.

The panels can furthermore be secured to one another in thepacked position using the same fastening clips used to assemble the bunk beds, thus rendering the packed unit simple, robust and space efficient. The panels are furthermore made from a hard wooden material, for exampleplywood, which is structurally strong and robust, and whichis also sufficiently hard for allowing engagement slots to be machined into the panels. 14 It will be appreciated that the above is only one embodimentof the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

:
1. l. A knock-down bunk bed including: a plurality of substantially flat panels, the panelsincluding complementary engagement formations; andfastening clips for selectively securing the panelsrelative to one another.
2. 2. The knock-down bunk bed of clain1 l in which the plurality of panels may include a front end panel, a rear end panel, and side panels configured to extend between the front end panel and the rear end panel
3. 3. The knock-down bunk bed of claim 2 in which the sidepanels are releasably securable to the end panels by way of the fastening clips, and in which rebates, suitable for engaging receiving formations provided in the side panels,are provided in the sides of the end panels in order to support the side panels.
4. 4. The knock-down bunk bed of claim 3 in which receivingformations are provided in end zones of the side panels, wherein the receiving formations are configured and dimensioned to engage the rebates of the end panels.
5. 5. The knock-down bunk bed of any one of claims 2 to 4 in which the side panels and the end panels include complementary engagement formations for allowing the sidepanels to be secured to the end panels by way of thefastening clips, the engagement formations preferably beingin the form of securing apertures provided in side zones of the end panels, and in end zones of the side panels. l6
6. 6. The knock-down bunk bed of any one of the preceding claims including' a sleeping surface in the form. of asleeping panel which is adapted to be securable to the endpanels and the side panels.
7. 7. The knock-down bunk bed of clain1 6 in which thesleeping panel includes at least one lip formation that in use engages the side panels and/or the end panels.
8. 8. The knock-down bunk bed of any one of the precedingclaims in which all the panels have substantially the same thickness.
9. 9. The knock-down bunk bed of any one of the precedingclaims in which the panels are releasable securable to one another by way of releasable fastener clips.