US3139629A - Swing bed - Google Patents

Description

July 7, 1964 E. A. KAMP ETAL SWING BED 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 q a INVENTOR.S

f 35 $72 firggefl ..%m, f4, M15024 Filed July 13, 1961 July 7, 1964 E. A. KAMP ETAL SWING BED 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 13, 1961 y 7, 1964 E. A. KAMP ETAL 3,139,629

SWING BED Filed July 13, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IIII 5 w INVENTORS.

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United States Patent 3,139,629 SWING BED Ewald A. Kamp, Chicago, and Sam Panger, Oak Lawn,

IIL, assignors to The Englander Company, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 13, 1961, Ser. No. 123,846 Claims. (Cl. 517) This invention relates to convertible bed structures.

According to one conventional practice, convertible bed structures are arranged to be repositioned between the nighttime and the daytime modes of usage by swinging the mattress-carrying member in a horizontal are generally about a front corner. Other convertible bed structures are known which are arranged to be repositioned between the nighttime and the daytime modes of usage by a sliding movement of the mattress-carrying member along a straight line generally perpendicular to a stationary backrest member. Neither of these arrangements has found universal utility. In some rooms, conversion by a swinging action is more convenient; and in others, conversion by a sliding movement is more convenient. In addition, persons possessed of one of the prior art types of convertible bed structures finds himself somewhat restricted in the other furniture that he can arrange with the convertible bed in a given room because of the mode of conversion.

Therefore, an important object of the present invention is to provide a convertible bed structure having a broad range of utility.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bed structure that is selectively convertible either by a swinging or by a sliding movement.

A more general object of the invention is to provide a new and improved convertible bed structure.

Additional objects and features of the invention pertain to the particular structure and arrangements whereby the above objects are attained.

A structure in accord with the invention includes a backrest framework adapted to take a stationary position and including a laterally extending element, a mattress framework movable relative to the backrest framework, means interacting between the frameworks to permit swinging and sliding of the mattress framework relative to the backrest framework, and means selectively locking the mattress framework means against sliding or against swinging relative to the backrest framework.

In order that the principal of the invention may be readily understood, one embodiment thereof applied to a single-bed structure, but to which the application is not to be restricted, is shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible bed structure fashioned in compliance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the mattress framework disassembled from the backrest framework, the bedding and backrest cushions being removed so as to reveal details of the structure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, end elevational view of the bed structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 3; 1

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged View taken along the line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3, illustrating the mattress frameworks locked against sliding movement;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to the showing of FIG. 7, being distinguished from FIG. 7 by illustrating the mattress framework locked against swinging movement;

3,139,629 Patented July 7, 1964 FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the principle elements illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the control knob and shaft of the locking means;

FIG. 11 is a view taken through the line 11--11 of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of one of the casters used for rollable supporting of the mattress framework.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, a convertible bed structure indicated generally by the numeral 20 will be seen to comprise a backrest assembly 22 and a mattress assembly 24. The backrest assembly 22 is arranged to be disposed in a stationary position and, as shown in FIG. 2, includes an upright framework 26 defined by a lower, horizontal channel element 28, an upper, horizontal channel element 30 and upstanding side channel members 32. The framework 26 also includes a laterally extending element 34 disposed approximately coplanar to and at right angles with the element 28. The framework 26 advantageously supports a storage cabinet structure 36 and is supported itself on vertically adjustable feet 38. Desirably the storage cabinet 36 is closured by a cushioned bolster element 40' which is mounted to the storage cabinet 36 to swing in a vertical are for convenient access to the cabinet.

With reference to FIG. 1, the mattress assembly 24 is seen to include a boxsprings unit 42 and a mattress unit 44 which are supported on a movable framework 46 best shown in FIG. 2. The framework 46 is arranged to take generally rectangular shape and is comprised of a front angle element 48, a side angle element 50, a back angle element 52 and a side angle element 54, the elements 48, 50, 52 and 54 being rigidly connected together by suitable means such as welding or bolting.

The framework 46 is arranged to be movable relative to the framework 26 and is, therefore, rollably supported adjacent each corner. Specifically, the framework 46 is provided with diagonal plates 56 bridging three of the corners. The right rear corner of the framework 46 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG- 12. There, a support member 58 will be seen to comprise a hollow cylindrical portion 60 and flared, wing-like brace portions 62, the portions 60 and 62 being welded to the plate 56 in depending relationship. For appropriate rollable support of this corner of the framework 46, a caster arrangement 64 is assembled to the support 58, the vertical pintle 66 of caster arrangement 64 being inserted in. the cylindrical portion 60 for pivotal movements therein. The pintle 66 is rigidly mounted to a frame 68 which carries an axle '70; and in compliance with the invention, a barrel-shaped roller 72 is rotatably mounted on the axle 70 as by the axle passing freely through an axial bore formed in the roller. The ellipsoidal or barrel shape of the roller 72 permits approximately point contact between the roller and an underlying floor surface 74; and it is important to point out that this relationship facilitates orientation of the caster arrangement 64 for swinging or for sliding movement of the framework 46.

Returning to FIG. 2, the front right hand corner of the framework 46 is indicated generally by the numeral 76; and this corner of the framework is supported on a roller arrangement 78 having a fixed axis of rotation disposed generally parallel to the front element 48. Arrangement 73 incorporates a barrel-shaped roller. As will be described more fully hereinafter, the framework 46 is arranged to be pivoted in a horizontal are about an axis situated in the vicinity of the front corner 76. Accordingly, the fixed roller arrangement 78 is disposed at this corner of the framework 46 and casters 64 are disposed at the remaining corners of the framework. As will also be brought out more fully hereinafter, the framework 46 is not directly connected to the fixed roller 78.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the convertible bed 20 is provided with a wooden structure 80 which serves as a headboard for the bed in the nighttime mode of use and which'serves as an armrest for the daytime mode of use. The wooden member 80 is screwed or otherwise suitably secured to a reinforcing bracket 82; and as is best shown in FIG. 9, the bracket 82 covers two adjacent sides of a bottom rail 34 of the member 80 and embraces adjacent sides of upright elements 86 and 88 in the vicinity of their respective junctures with the rail 84.

Considerin FIG. 5, the bracket s2 is joined to the side element 54 with the vertical plate portions thereof disposed in face-to-face relationship, the wooden member 80 being laterally spaced apart a small distance from the boxsprings unit 42 thereby.

Returning to FIG. 2, the element 34 of framework 26 will be seen provided with a number of guide roller units 90 upstandingly spaced along its longitudinal axis;

and as is well shown in FIG. 9, a roller unit 90 includes an inverted T-shaped mounting block 92 which is rigidly fastened to the element 34 and which carries an axle 94 generally normal to the longitudinal axis thereof. Rollers 96 fashioned in the form of disc-like elements are mounted on the axle 94 to be rotatable thereabout; and as is shown in FIG. 7, the rollers 96 extend above the upper surface of mounting block 92 in order to contact an inverted channel element 98 of an elongated guide track indicated generally by the numeral 100. The guide track 100 also includes laterally disposed angle elements 102 and 104 which are rigidly secured to the channel 98 on the opposite sides thereof to define spaced apart, underlying guides for the rollers 96. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 9, the guide track 100 will be noted further to include a bracket 106 fitted and secured to the front end of channel 98 and rigidly fastened to the frame of fixed roller arrangement 78.

A pivot-defining element 108, shown in FIG. 9, is fastened to the side of guide track 100 generally beneath the bracket 82 as is shown in FIG. 6, welding, bolting or other suitable means being employed. At its forward end, the element 108 is provided with a vertical aperture 110 which is aligned with the vertical bore of a bushing or bearing 112 that is seated in the bottom end of upright element 88 extending through the floor of bracket 82. A headed cam sleeve 114 passes through aperture 110 with its head 116 bearingly disposed between element 108 and the undersurface of bracket 82, cam sleeve 114 being non-rotatably mounted to the element 108 by means of a pin 118 upstanding from the element 108 and engaging a peripheral notch 120 fash ioned in the head 116. A shaft 122 passes slidably and rotatably through the bearing 112 and through the central bore of sleeve 114 whereby to define a vertical pivot axis for swinging movement of the mattress framework 46 relative to the framework 26.

Sliding movement of framework 46 relative to framework 26 in a straight line direction generally parallel to the lateral element 34 is facilitated by means of the interaction of roller units 90 and guide track 100; and swinging movement of the framework 46 relative to the framework 26 is occasioned by the interaction of pivotdefining element 108, bushing 112, cam sleeve 114 and shaft 122. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, means are provided for selectively locking the framework 46 against sliding movement or against swinging movement relative to the framework 26. These latter means include a tiltable arm 124 shown in FIGS. 3 and 9. The arm 124 carries a rigidly fastened pivot block 126 which is provided with a horizontal bore 128 for rotatably receiving a pin 130 that extends laterally outwardly from the guide track 100.

The arm 124 also carries a vertical pin 132 spaced longitudinally apart from the pivot block 126, the pin 132 being advantageously held in position by means of a housing 134 mounted to the arm 124. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pin 132 passes slidably through arm 124 and housing 134 and has a collar 136 fastened to it within the housing 134. A compression spring 137 acts between arm 124 and collar 136 to bias pin 132 in an upward direction, collar 136 abutting the top plate portion of housing 134 to arrest movement of pin 132 in this direction. This arrangement of pin 132 permits downward movement thereof for negotiating obstacles but normally maintains it in readiness for latching action.

The pin 132 extends from both sides of arm 124 in order to enter either an aperture 138 formed in a plate 140 or in aligned bores 142 fashioned in the bracket 82 and in the rail 84. The plate 140 is riveted or otherwise suitably mounted to the side of element 34 and, as is shown in FIG. 9, incorporates a cam surface 144 at the forward end thereof for leading the pin 132 into the aperture 138 upon rearward sliding movement of the framework 46 toward the framework 26. Similarly, a cam surface 146 is fashioned in the side of rail 84 and in the adjacent edge of bracket 82 for purposes of leading the pin 132 into the bores 142 upon swinging of the framework 46 generally toward the element 34.

Intermediate the pivot block 126 and the pin 132, the arm 124 carries a compression spring 148 that is mounted on a guide pin 150 fixed to the arm 124. Spring 148 acts between the arm 124 and the undersurface of the horizontal plate portion of pivot defining element 108, biasing the arm 124 in a downward direction in order to urge the pin 132 generally into engagement with the aperture in plate 140. If desired, a guard bracket 152 can be afiixed to the element 108 extending a vertical plate portion over the side of pivot block 126. This is shown in FIG. 5.

According to the disclosure of FIG. 9, the forward end portion 154 of the tiltable arm 124 is downwardly offset and is fashioned with an aperture 156. The threaded lower end portion 158 of shaft 122 extends freely through this aperture, and a pair of nuts 160 are assembled on the end of portion 158 in locked relationship to abut the upper surface of arm portion 154'.

An operating knob assembly indicated generally by the numeral 162 in FIG. 9 is mounted to the opposite end of shaft 122; and the knob arrangement 162 specifically includes a knob element 164 which carries a cross-pin 166. The cross-pin 166 is adapted to reside in an axial slot 168 fashioned in the end of shaft 122 non-rotatably mounting the knob 164 to the shaft. Turning to FIGS. 10 and 11, the knob 164 will be seen to include a hollow cylindrical portion 170 which slidably receives the slotted end of shaft 122 and which is itself received in a sleeve bushing 172. The cylindrical portion 170 of knob 164 is fashioned with a peripheral groove 174; and a set screw 176 progressively enters a horizontal, threaded bore formed in the wall of sleeve 172, the inner end of set screw 176 entering and riding in the groove 174.

When the bed 20 is assembled, the shaft 122 is adapted to ride in a vertical groove 178 milled in the side of upright element 88; and since the sleeve bushing 172 is fixed in the upper end ofelement 88, the set screw 176 permits rotation of knob 164 while precluding axial movement thereof. Rotation of the knob 164 is transmitted to the shaft 122 by means of the pin 166; and because of the appreciable length of slot 168; this rotational driving of the shaft 122 is capable of being simultaneously accompanied by axial movement of the shaft. The purposes for such axial movement of the shaft 122 will now be brought out.

The cam sleeve 114, describedhereinabove, is fashioned with an annular cam surface 180 at its lower end; and this cam surface cooperates with a follower pin 182 fixed transversely in the shaft 122 as is shown in FIG. 9. Thus, rotation of shaft 122 causes the follower pin 182 to traverse the cam surface 180; and because of the peaks and troughs defined by the cam surface, such rotation of the shaft 122 is accompanied by axial oscillatory movement thereof. These axial movements of the shaft 122 are transmitted to the arm 124 by means of the locked nuts 160 pressuringly engaging the offset portion 156. Tilting of the arm 124 results. Accordingly, rotation of the knob 164 is able to direct the pin 132 upwardly in opposition to the bias of spring 148 and into engageable relationship with the aligned bores 142. Similarly, rotation of knob 164 is capable of retracting the nuts 160 allowing the bias of spring 148 to direct the pin 132 into engageable relationship with the aperture 138 in plate 140. As will be recognized, this arrangement permits selective locking of the framework 46 to the element 34 of framework 26.

Advantageously, means are provided for arresting the swinging movements of framework 46 back toward the framework 26. Therefore, a stop plate 186 fashioned in the form of a right angular bracket is fastened to the undersurface of element 54 as is indicated in FIGS. 2 and 5. This stop 186 is positioned adjacent the rear elemerit S2 to engage the element 102 of guide track 100 when the convertible bed structure 20 is positioned in the daytime mode of use. This position is indicated in FIG. 5.

In addition, it is desirable tolatch the mattress framework 46 relative to the backrest framework 26 in the daytime mode. Accordingly, a vertically adjustable latch plate 188 is mounted to the lower horizontal element 28 as is shown in FIG. 2. The latch plate 188 is provided with a recess or depression 190 and a cam surface 192 forwardly thereof. A roller 194 is cooperatively mounted on the element 52 to be lead into recess 1% by the cam surface 192 upon movement of the mattress framework 46 toward the upright portion of backrest framework 26. Seating of the roller 194 in the recess 190 serves to hold the framework 46 in position fixed relative to the framework 26 in the daytime mode of use. The weight of the boxspring unit 42 and the mattress 44 and, of course, the weight of any person seated on the convertible bed structure tend to keep the roller 194 in its position in the recess 190. However, the recess 1% is arranged to be relatively shallow so that a forward manual pulling on the framework 46, as by use of a pull strap and ring arrangement 196 (shown in FIG. 1), can cause the roller 194 to ride out of the recess 190.

the aperture 138 of plate 140 and that it is desired to' convert the bed structure by a swinging movement, it is only necessary to grasp the ring of strap arrangement 196 and to pull thereon. In response, the mattress framework 46 will swing or pivot about the axis defined by eam sleeve 114 and the aperture in element 108. Side frame element 54 and the head rest supporting bracket 82 pass over the track unit 100 as the bed is swung in an are. It is to be recognized that the roller 194 will be urged out of recess 190 at the initiation of this activity. Moreover, the casters 64 will pivot about their vertical axes for movement in appropriate arcs to permit swinging action of the mattress framework 46.

This swinging action is not prevented by the locking means of the invention since the pin 132 is disposed in engagement with the plate 140; and as will be seen in FIG. 7, this arrangement permits the bottom rail 84 of the wooden member 80 to pass freely over the arm 124 and its pin 132. The pin 132, of course, is established and maintained in this condition by the bias of spring 148, unopposed by any axial relocation of the shaft 122.

Return of the convertible bed structure is readily achieved by pushing on the mattress or boxsprings causing the framework 46 to pivot backwardly toward the backrest framework 26 until the stop 186 engages the side of track unit 106 as is shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the roller 194 will have ridden up over the cam surface 192 and into the recess 190.

Thereafter, if it is desired to convert the bed structure 20 by a sliding action, it is necessary to rotate the knob 164 so as to cause the annular surface 180 to coact with the follower pin 182 resulting in an axially downward shifting of the shaft 122. This movement will be accompanied by a tilting of arm 124 about pin 130 because of the nuts 160 forcingly abutting the upper surface of the offset portion 156. This tilting of the arm 124 will raise the pin 132 out of the aperture 138 against the bias of spring 148 and into the aligned bores 142. Thereupon, manually pulling on the ring of strap arrangement 196 will result in a forward sliding of the mattress framework 46 in a straight line generally normal or perpendicular to the backrest assembly 22. Once again, roller 124 will be urged out of recess 1%; and in addition, the track will ride over the roller units 90 guiding the sliding movement of the framework 46. In the course of this sliding movement, the pivot defined by cam sleeve 114 and the aperture in element 108 will slide with the track unit 100 since the plate 188 is afiixed thereto. The casters 64 will pivot about their vertical axes and assume proper orientation to cooperate in this sliding movement of the framework 46; and it will be recognized thatthe casters 64 will be generally aligned with the fixed roller 78 for this sliding action.

Reconversion of the bed structure 20 requires only a pushing of the movable framework 46 back toward the stationary framework 26 until the roller 194 is once again repositioned in the recess 190. It is to be pointed out that, should the knob 164 have been accidentally operated or jarred so as to retract the shaft 122 and release the arm 124 to control by the spring 148, the downward tilting of the arm will not result in a shearing action between the plate 140 and the pin 132 because of the provision of cam surface 144, cam surface 144 being provided with sufficient slope to accommodate the pin 132 and to lead it into the aperture, 138.

Similarly, if the knob 164 is caused to direct tilting of the arm 124 when the mattress 46 is swung away therefrom, return ofthe movable framework will not result in shearing abutment of the member 80 and the pin 132, cam surface 146 cooperating with the spring 137 in guiding the pin 132 into the aligned bores 142.

The specific example herein shown and described should be considered illustrative only. Various changes in structure may occur to those skilled in the art; and these changes are to be understood as forming a part of this invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

' The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A convertible bed structure comprising: a backrest framework adapted to take a stationary position and including a laterally extending element; a mattress framework; a plurality of rollable support assemblies supporting said mattress frameworkfor movement relative to said backrest framework; an element juxtaposed from said laterally extending element and having a vertical aperture therethrough; a plurality of rollers fixed to one of said elements; track means fixed to the other of said elements coacting with said rollers for sliding movement of said mattress framework relative to said backrest framework; a tiltable arm; means on said track means mounting said arm to be tiltable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said track means; a generally vertical pin extending through said arm spaced apart from the tiltable axis thereof in one direction; a pair of hole-defining means each of which is fixed relative to a said framework, said pair of hole-defining means being respectively alignable with opposite ends of said pin; an upright shaft axially slidably and rotatably mounted on said mattress framework; a sleeve fixed against vertical movement relative to said mattress frame work slidably and rotatably passing said shaft therethrough, said sleeve defining an annular cam surface at one end and being received in said aperture to cooperate in defining a pivot axis for swinging movement of said mattress framework; a transverse pin on said shaft coacting with said cam surface to cause axial movement of said shaft upon rotation thereof; and means on said shaft engaging said arm at a point spaced apart from the tiltable axis thereof in the opposite direction from said vertical pin for selectively tilting said arm to cause entrance of said vertical pin in the hole of a said holedefining means, thereby locking said mattress framework against sliding or against swinging relative to said backrest framework.

2. A convertible bed structure according to claim 1 wherein each of said support assemblies includes an ellipsoidal roller.

3. In a conventible bed arrangement, the combination comprising: a stationary framework structure including a backrest and a laterally projecting formation; a movable framework structure adapted to support bed elements; a plurality of rollable support assemblies supporting said movable framework structure for movement relative to said stationary framework structure; interacting track and roller means aligned laterally of said stationary framework structure and connected individually to said laterally projecting formation and to said movable framework structure for directing sliding movement of said movable framework structure relative to said sta tionary framework structure; pivot means for said movable framework structure connected to a portion of said interacting track and roller means for sliding movement with said movable framework structure; a tiltable arm; a fulcrum for said tiltable arm fixed with respect to said pivot means to be movable therewith and for connecting said arm to said movable framework structure; a first engaging member on said arm; cooperating second engaging members on each of said stationary and movable framework structures for cooperative engagement by said first engaging member; and means on said movable framework structure for selectively tilting said arm to direct interengagement of said first engaging member witha selected second engaging member whereby to lock said movable framework structure to said stationary framework structure for preventing relative sliding movement or to said pivot means through said arm for preventing relative swinging movement.

4. The combination according to claim 3 which further comprises means defining a cam surface adjacent each of said second engaging members for leading said first engaging member into engagement therewith upon return of said movable framework structure from a position away from said backrest.

5. The combination according to claim 3 which further comprises means biasing said first engaging member toward one of said second engaging members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,899,691 Davis et al Aug. 18, 1959 2,909,789 Bailey Oct. 27, 1959 2,955,297 Bailey Oct. 11, 1960 2,964,778 Frey Dec. 20, 1960 2,986,746 Jackson June 6, 1961 3,035,277 Sproule May 22, 1962 3,049,723 Thierfelder Aug. 21, 1962 3,076,977 Maguire Feb. 12, 1963

Claims (1)

1. 3. IN A CONVERTIBLE BED ARRANGEMENT, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: A STATIONARY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE INCLUDING A BACKREST AND A LATERALLY PROJECTING FORMATION; A MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE ADAPTED TO SUPPORT BED ELEMENTS; A PLURALITY OF ROLLABLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES SUPPORTING SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE FOR MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID STATIONARY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE; INTERACTING TRACK AND ROLLER MEANS ALIGNED LATERALLY OF SAID STATIONARY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE AND CONNECTED INDIVIDUALLY TO SAID LATERALLY PROJECTING FORMATION AND TO SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE FOR DIRECTING SLIDING MOVEMENT OF SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE RELATIVE TO SAID STATIONARY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE; PIVOT MEANS FOR SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE CONNECTED TO A PORTION OF SAID INTERACTING TRACK AND ROLLER MEANS FOR SLIDING MOVEMENT WITH SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE; A TILTABLE ARM; A FULCRUM FOR SAID TILTABLE ARM FIXED WITH RESPECT TO SAID PIVOT MEANS TO BE MOVABLE THEREWITH AND FOR CONNECTING SAID ARM TO SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE; A FIRST ENGAGING MEMBER ON SAID ARM; COOPERATING SECOND ENGAGING MEMBERS ON EACH OF SAID STATIONARY AND MOV-

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