Title:
ADJUSTABLE BED FRAME MEMBER
United States Patent 3803644
Abstract:
An improved adjustable cross frame member for use in a bed frame having side frame members and another such cross frame member. The cross frame member is comprised of a pair of elongate L-shaped elements having mutually perpendicular legs. One element is provided with a collar with tabs attaching to each of the legs of the elongate element and a bridge portion across the legs of the elements carried at each end by one of the tabs, as well as a plurality of longitudinally-spaced elongated slots. The other elongate element of the pair is provided with a finger and is inserted through the collar so that like legs of both elongate elements are in face-abutting engagement, and the finger engages one of the slots for initial selection of a bed width. The elongate elements are moved longitudinally with respect to each other to complete the width adjustment desired. The collar is provided with releasable clamping means, which includes a threaded bolt having a handle at its head end threaded through the bridge portion. The bolt is tightened against the inserted elongate element, clamping both elongate elements into positive frictional engagement with each other and locking them in the selected position of longitudinal adjustment.
US Patent References:
Bed frame construction
Quintana - October 1958 - 2857602
Adjustable bed frame
Clerc - September 1952 - 2611907
Expansible bedframe and the like
Moeller - March 1951 - 2544274
Adjustable and foldable bed frame
Brandlin et al. - August 1963 - 3100304
Bed frame and clamping means therefor
Imber et al. - January 1961 - 2968051
Bed frame construction
Quintana - October 1958 - 2857602
Adjustable bed frame
Clerc - September 1952 - 2611907
Expansible bedframe and the like
Moeller - March 1951 - 2544274
Adjustable and foldable bed frame
Brandlin et al. - August 1963 - 3100304
Bed frame and clamping means therefor
Imber et al. - January 1961 - 2968051
Application Number:
05/282412
Publication Date:
04/16/1974
Filing Date:
08/21/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Harris-Hub Company, Inc. (Harvey, IL)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
5/185, 5/282.100, 5/200.100
International Classes:
A47C19/04; A47C19/00; A47C19/04
Field of Search:
5/181,184,202,282,286,176R,174,185 108/143 248/161,400,413
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Gay, Bobby R.
Assistant Examiner:
Marquette, Darrell
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. An adjustable elongated bed frame member adapted to extend transversely between a pair of horizontally disposed further bed frame members so as to hold said further bed frame members in spaced parallel relationship, said adjustable member comprising: a first elongate element having first means adjacent one end for fastening said first element to one member of said pair of further bed frame members, said element being comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs, said first leg being provided with a finger protruding outwardly from the first leg thereof; a second elongate element having second means adjacent one end for fastening said second element to the other member of said pair of further bed frame members, said second element being comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs, the first leg of said second element also including a plurality of longitudinally spaced and longitudinally elongated variable-position-defining slots adapted to receive said finger therein in slidable engagement therewith when like legs of said elongate elements are positioned in face-abutting engagement with one another; a collar secured to said second elongate element adjacent the end opposite said end carrying said second fastening means and bridging the gap between said mutually perpendicular legs of said second elongate element to join said legs, said collar permitting said first elongate element to be inserted for said face-abutting engagement with the second elongate element, said elements being movable longitudinally with respect to each other to slidably engage said finger within any selected one of said plurality of slots, said elements being further longitudinally movable to move said finger within the selected slot to achieve a selected position of adjustment for said adjustable member; clamp means carried on said collar and engagable with said first elongate element for exerting a force between said elongate elements to draw said elements into positive frictional engagement with said finger being received within one of said slots, thereby locking said second element in place with respect to said first element in said selected position of adjustment until said clamp means is released.
2. An adjustable bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said finger is generally rectangular in form and is integral with said first leg and inclined outwardly at an angle to the plane of said first leg.
3. A bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said finger and said second leg extend from said first leg of said first element in opposite directions.
4. A bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said finger is positioned generally medially of said first leg of said first element, and said slots are complementarily positioned along a line generally medially of said first leg of said second element.
5. A bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said collar is carried on said second element between said end opposite said fastening means and said slots, and in which said clamp means includes a bolt carried by said collar and movable therethrough into engagement with said elongate elements to lock said elements together in said selected position of adjustment.
1. An adjustable elongated bed frame member adapted to extend transversely between a pair of horizontally disposed further bed frame members so as to hold said further bed frame members in spaced parallel relationship, said adjustable member comprising: a first elongate element having first means adjacent one end for fastening said first element to one member of said pair of further bed frame members, said element being comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs, said first leg being provided with a finger protruding outwardly from the first leg thereof; a second elongate element having second means adjacent one end for fastening said second element to the other member of said pair of further bed frame members, said second element being comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs, the first leg of said second element also including a plurality of longitudinally spaced and longitudinally elongated variable-position-defining slots adapted to receive said finger therein in slidable engagement therewith when like legs of said elongate elements are positioned in face-abutting engagement with one another; a collar secured to said second elongate element adjacent the end opposite said end carrying said second fastening means and bridging the gap between said mutually perpendicular legs of said second elongate element to join said legs, said collar permitting said first elongate element to be inserted for said face-abutting engagement with the second elongate element, said elements being movable longitudinally with respect to each other to slidably engage said finger within any selected one of said plurality of slots, said elements being further longitudinally movable to move said finger within the selected slot to achieve a selected position of adjustment for said adjustable member; clamp means carried on said collar and engagable with said first elongate element for exerting a force between said elongate elements to draw said elements into positive frictional engagement with said finger being received within one of said slots, thereby locking said second element in place with respect to said first element in said selected position of adjustment until said clamp means is released.
2. An adjustable bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said finger is generally rectangular in form and is integral with said first leg and inclined outwardly at an angle to the plane of said first leg.
3. A bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said finger and said second leg extend from said first leg of said first element in opposite directions.
4. A bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said finger is positioned generally medially of said first leg of said first element, and said slots are complementarily positioned along a line generally medially of said first leg of said second element.
5. A bed frame member as in claim 1 in which said collar is carried on said second element between said end opposite said fastening means and said slots, and in which said clamp means includes a bolt carried by said collar and movable therethrough into engagement with said elongate elements to lock said elements together in said selected position of adjustment.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to bed frames of the knock-down type and in particular to frame members comprised of two or more elements to be fastened together.
As is detailed in the related commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,623 to A.E. Harris et al., entitled "Bed Frame Assembly," a problem has long existed in the art because conventional bed frames of the above type have not provided positive interlocking engagement between cross frame members, and have required the use of a large number of fasteners, making it time-consuming to assemble and disassemble the bed frame assembly. Furthermore, with the advent of "king size" and "queen size" bedding, bed frame manufacturers have found it necessary to stock undesirably large inventories of bed frame assemblies of a given size, because of the complete lack of an easily manipulable and reliable means for adjusting the width of the bed frame assembly. The invention of the above-referenced patent has solved such problems quite well, and have met with a very considerable degree of commercial success in so doing.
In order to further accommodate the quite evident demand for bed frames responsive to the above problems, it has also become desirable to furnish an adjustable bed frame member having the advantages of the above-mentioned patent, and which is at the same time adjustable to many widths and over a range within such widths by a single adjustment and in a manner which positively interlocks the elements of the bed frame. It has become even more desirable to accomplish the foregoing while preserving the advantages of lower cost and greatly simplified construction as compared to prior expedients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the bed frame of the present invention provides a secure but readily adjustable interlocking relationship between the elements of the cross frame member, which allows the bed frame to be adjustable to and within many widths and to be quickly and easily assembled to any desired one of such widths. The improved adjustable cross frame member of the present invention is adapted to extend transversely between a pair of horizontally disposed side bed frame members so as to hold such side members in spaced parallel relationship.
The improved cross frame member includes a first elongate element having first means at one end for fastening the first element to one of the pair of side frame members, with the first element comprising first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs. The cross frame member also includes a second elongate element which has second means at one end for fastening that second element to the other of the pair of side frame members, with the second elongate element also comprising first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs.
The cross frame member further includes means for securing the first and second elongate elements in a selected position of adjustment with like legs of the elements in face-abutting engagement with one another. The securing means includes a collar on one elongate element which has a bridge portion that extends across the gap between the mutually perpendicular legs of that one elongate element. Clamp means is carried on the bridge portion and is adjustable toward and away from the one elongate element, with the bridge portion permitting the other elongate element to be inserted between the bridge and the one elongate element so that the legs of the elements are in the just-described face-abutting engagement, and are movable longitudinally with respect to one another to a selected position of adjustment. The clamp means is engageable with the other elongate element to exert a force between the bridge portion and the other elongate element for drawing the other elongate element into positive frictional engagement with the one elongate element to thereby lock the other elongate element in place with respect to the one elongate element in the selected position of adjustment until the clamp means are released.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved bed frame member of the invention in a complete bed frame assembly of a large size having a supporting center rail;
FIG. 1A is a perspective view partially broken away, of the improved bed frame member of the invention in a complete bed frame assembly of a smaller size than that of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cross frame member of the bed frame assemblies of FIG. 1 or 1A;
FIG. 3 is an enlarge sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 4 is a top view of the bed frame member of FIG. 2 after assembly and locking of the elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings, complete bed frame assemblies are indicated at 10 in FIG. 1, a larger-sized six-legged frame, and at 10' in FIG. 1a, a smaller four-legged frame. Assembly 10 comprises a pair of like spaced parallel side frame members 6 and 6' spanned by a pair of perpendicular like cross frame members 8 and 8', while assembly 10' also comprises a pair of side frame members 7 and 7' spanned by cross frame members 9 and 9'. The bed frame assembly 10 further includes a centrally disposed support rail 5 extending between cross members 8 and 8' and positioned midway between their ends. This rail is preferably T-shaped and helps support cross member 8 and 8' upon support legs 4 and 4' as indicated in the co-pending application of W. E. Behnke entitled "Improved Central Rail Bed Frame with Connector Assembly," Ser. No. 262,607 filed June 14, 1972. The legs 4 and 4' may be of a type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,073 to C. Harris for "Legs for Hollywood Beds." The halves of the cross members 8 and 8' on either side of the central rail 5 are respectively similar to cross member 9 of the bed frame assembly 10' will be described in detail, it being understood that a cross member of assembly 10 is effectively two individually-adjustable members 9 in integral end-to-end combination.
The cross member 9 (or 9') is comprised of L-shaped elongated elements 11 and 12 (see FIG. 2). Element 11 is comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular legs 13 and 14 of similar transverse width, while element 12 is similarly comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular legs 13' and 14' of transverse width similar to the corresponding legs of element 11. As is well understood in the art, both elements 11 and 12 are respectively fastened at one end to side frame members 8 and 8' by suitable means, here a rivet inserted through holes 15 at the ends of legs 14 and 14' of elements 11 and 12 and through similar holes in the ends of the side frame members 7 and 7'. In this manner both elements 11 and 12 are positioned so that both leg portions 13 and 13' are vertically oriented, and both leg portions 14 and 14' extend outwardly horizontally from the upper edges of legs 13 and 13', respectively, and in the same direction. Thus, when the elements 11 and 12 are moved adjacent to each other, they may easily be placed in a relationship wherein legs 13 and 14 are in face-abutting relationship with legs 13' and 14', respectively.
Element 11 is provided near its end opposite that fastened to a side or central member with a finger 30 protruding outwardly from leg 13 in an opposite direction from leg 14, preferably formed by stamping methods which depress a rectangular section of leg 13 at an angle to the plane thereof. Complementing the finger 30 are a plurality of longitudinally spaced, elongated, generally rectangular slots 32, 33 and 34 (FIGS. 1 and 1a) in leg 13' of element 12. Both finger and slots lie along a line generally medially of their respective legs. Slot 32 corresponds to the widest position of adjustment, slot 33 corresponds to the medial position of adjustment, while slot 34 corresponds to the narrowest position of adjustment in the case of the double assembly 10 of FIG. 1; these positions relate to bedding of king, queen, and regular size, respectively.
Element 12 is provided with a collar assembly 16 adjacent its free end which reaches almost completely around the periphery of the element 12, and which carries on one of its members a clamp means 25; these elements in cooperation enable the elements 11 and 12 to be secured together to form the complete member 9 in a positive manner, while allowing complete freedom to adjust the width of the entire member over a range of values. Collar 16 includes planar tabs 17 and 18, respectively, attached to legs 13' and 14' on the outside surfaces thereof so as to lie flat against those surfaces; preferably the tabs are attached to the legs by a spot welding process. The tabs could likewise be made as an integral part of legs 13' and 14', respectively. Reference should be made to FIG. 3 for a better appreciation of the manner of construction of the collar and its relationship to the member 9 and its elements 11 and 12. Particularly in FIG. 3, it can be seen that each of the tabs 17 and 18 project transversely outwardly of legs 13' and 14', respectively, by a distance which is a substantial fraction of the transverse width of the legs 13' and 14'. The collar 16 further includes bridge portion 20 which extends between the outwardly projecting portions of tabs 17 and 18 and integrally therewith to bridge the gap between the legs 13' and 14' of element 12. Bridge portion 20 is provided with angular bends 22 and 23 projecting generally outwardly of the ends of tabs 17 and 18, to facilitate the assembly of members 11 and 12. Thus, the collar 16, together with legs 13' and 14', form a closed generally tubular receptable adjacent an end of element 12, of generally triangular cross section.
Clamp means 25 carried on bridge portion 20 of the collar comprises a threaded bolt 26 having a handled portion 27 at one end thereof extending perpendicularly to the threaded portion of the bolt. Bridge portion 20 has an internally threaded opening or aperture into which bolt 26 is threaded with the aid of handle 27, enabling bolt 26 to be screwed by hand toward or away from the line of intersection between legs 13' and 14' of element 12.
The cross frame member 9 is assembled by passing the end of element 11 into the tubular receptacle formed by collar 16 and the end of element 12 to which it is attached. Such placement of the element 11 through collar 16 is carried out so that legs 13 and 14 of element 11 are in face-abutting relationship with legs 13' and 14', respectively, of element 12, and so that finger 30 is received within one of the slots 32, 33 or 34 in sliding engagement therewith. In this manner, a width for the bed assembly is initially chosen. Once the element 11 has been positioned in this manner and passed through collar 16, a final adjustment of the length of the entire member 9 may be carried out simply by sliding either of the elements 11 or 12 longitudinally with respect to the other, to increase or decrease the width of the member by moving the finger 30 over any of the range of positions within the selected one of the elongated slots 32-34. It should be understood that, if necessary, bolt 26 is threaded outwardly of bridge 26 to provide sufficient clearance enabling element 11 to be inserted in element 17. When the desired width has been obtained by such relative longitudinal adjustment of the elements, they are positively locked at that position by the use of clamp means 25, that is, by turning the handle 27 to screw the bolt 26 inwardly toward the overlapping face-abutting elements 11 and 12 and toward the intersection of their respective legs, until the leading end of the bolt contacts the inside of legs 13 and 14 of element 11 and forces them firmly against the corresponding legs 13' and 14' of element 12, as is shown best in FIG. 3. The frame member 9, as finally assembled into a unit, is shown in FIG. 1, and in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. Because collar 16 is firmly attached, or indeed may be made integrally with, element 12, the tabs 16 and 17 of the collar may be thought of as forcing the legs 13' and 14' of element 12 into contact with the corresponding legs of element 11. By the same token, bolt 25 may be thought of as exerting a force between bridge portion 20 and element 11 to force it against element 12.
In any case, manipulation of the handle 27 to tighten screw 25 creates a rigid, very high strength union between the frame elements 11 and 12, with a strong positive frictional engagement between the like faces of the respective elements. Despite the strength of the joint, member 9 may be almost instantly adjusted to a new length, or indeed completely disassembled just as easily, by the simple expedient of manipulating handle 27 to loosen bolt 26, and moving the elements longitudinally with respect to each other.
Because no matter what the width adjustment, a portion of one frame element overlaps the other within collar 16, the assembled member 9 is substantially as secure from the influence of buckling forces as a continuous one-piece member would be. Similarly, the frictional engagement of at least the opposed areas on elements 11 and 12 which are congruent with collar 16, as well as the engagement of the finger 30 within a slot 32-34, guarantees against change of width adjustment, no matter what the setting. The complementary construction of the elements 11 and 12 allowing face-abutting engagement of like element legs together and the finger-slot engagement, with the action of the clamping means in locking the elements in this complementary relationship, also guarantees a very high resistance to twisting forces. These factors insure an adjustable frame member of unusual rigidity and strength, yet which is at the same time unusually easy to adjust as well as being relatively uncomplicated in construction and adaptable to economical manufacture.
This invention relates generally to bed frames of the knock-down type and in particular to frame members comprised of two or more elements to be fastened together.
As is detailed in the related commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,623 to A.E. Harris et al., entitled "Bed Frame Assembly," a problem has long existed in the art because conventional bed frames of the above type have not provided positive interlocking engagement between cross frame members, and have required the use of a large number of fasteners, making it time-consuming to assemble and disassemble the bed frame assembly. Furthermore, with the advent of "king size" and "queen size" bedding, bed frame manufacturers have found it necessary to stock undesirably large inventories of bed frame assemblies of a given size, because of the complete lack of an easily manipulable and reliable means for adjusting the width of the bed frame assembly. The invention of the above-referenced patent has solved such problems quite well, and have met with a very considerable degree of commercial success in so doing.
In order to further accommodate the quite evident demand for bed frames responsive to the above problems, it has also become desirable to furnish an adjustable bed frame member having the advantages of the above-mentioned patent, and which is at the same time adjustable to many widths and over a range within such widths by a single adjustment and in a manner which positively interlocks the elements of the bed frame. It has become even more desirable to accomplish the foregoing while preserving the advantages of lower cost and greatly simplified construction as compared to prior expedients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the bed frame of the present invention provides a secure but readily adjustable interlocking relationship between the elements of the cross frame member, which allows the bed frame to be adjustable to and within many widths and to be quickly and easily assembled to any desired one of such widths. The improved adjustable cross frame member of the present invention is adapted to extend transversely between a pair of horizontally disposed side bed frame members so as to hold such side members in spaced parallel relationship.
The improved cross frame member includes a first elongate element having first means at one end for fastening the first element to one of the pair of side frame members, with the first element comprising first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs. The cross frame member also includes a second elongate element which has second means at one end for fastening that second element to the other of the pair of side frame members, with the second elongate element also comprising first and second mutually perpendicular flat legs.
The cross frame member further includes means for securing the first and second elongate elements in a selected position of adjustment with like legs of the elements in face-abutting engagement with one another. The securing means includes a collar on one elongate element which has a bridge portion that extends across the gap between the mutually perpendicular legs of that one elongate element. Clamp means is carried on the bridge portion and is adjustable toward and away from the one elongate element, with the bridge portion permitting the other elongate element to be inserted between the bridge and the one elongate element so that the legs of the elements are in the just-described face-abutting engagement, and are movable longitudinally with respect to one another to a selected position of adjustment. The clamp means is engageable with the other elongate element to exert a force between the bridge portion and the other elongate element for drawing the other elongate element into positive frictional engagement with the one elongate element to thereby lock the other elongate element in place with respect to the one elongate element in the selected position of adjustment until the clamp means are released.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved bed frame member of the invention in a complete bed frame assembly of a large size having a supporting center rail;
FIG. 1A is a perspective view partially broken away, of the improved bed frame member of the invention in a complete bed frame assembly of a smaller size than that of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cross frame member of the bed frame assemblies of FIG. 1 or 1A;
FIG. 3 is an enlarge sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 4 is a top view of the bed frame member of FIG. 2 after assembly and locking of the elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings, complete bed frame assemblies are indicated at 10 in FIG. 1, a larger-sized six-legged frame, and at 10' in FIG. 1a, a smaller four-legged frame. Assembly 10 comprises a pair of like spaced parallel side frame members 6 and 6' spanned by a pair of perpendicular like cross frame members 8 and 8', while assembly 10' also comprises a pair of side frame members 7 and 7' spanned by cross frame members 9 and 9'. The bed frame assembly 10 further includes a centrally disposed support rail 5 extending between cross members 8 and 8' and positioned midway between their ends. This rail is preferably T-shaped and helps support cross member 8 and 8' upon support legs 4 and 4' as indicated in the co-pending application of W. E. Behnke entitled "Improved Central Rail Bed Frame with Connector Assembly," Ser. No. 262,607 filed June 14, 1972. The legs 4 and 4' may be of a type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,073 to C. Harris for "Legs for Hollywood Beds." The halves of the cross members 8 and 8' on either side of the central rail 5 are respectively similar to cross member 9 of the bed frame assembly 10' will be described in detail, it being understood that a cross member of assembly 10 is effectively two individually-adjustable members 9 in integral end-to-end combination.
The cross member 9 (or 9') is comprised of L-shaped elongated elements 11 and 12 (see FIG. 2). Element 11 is comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular legs 13 and 14 of similar transverse width, while element 12 is similarly comprised of first and second mutually perpendicular legs 13' and 14' of transverse width similar to the corresponding legs of element 11. As is well understood in the art, both elements 11 and 12 are respectively fastened at one end to side frame members 8 and 8' by suitable means, here a rivet inserted through holes 15 at the ends of legs 14 and 14' of elements 11 and 12 and through similar holes in the ends of the side frame members 7 and 7'. In this manner both elements 11 and 12 are positioned so that both leg portions 13 and 13' are vertically oriented, and both leg portions 14 and 14' extend outwardly horizontally from the upper edges of legs 13 and 13', respectively, and in the same direction. Thus, when the elements 11 and 12 are moved adjacent to each other, they may easily be placed in a relationship wherein legs 13 and 14 are in face-abutting relationship with legs 13' and 14', respectively.
Element 11 is provided near its end opposite that fastened to a side or central member with a finger 30 protruding outwardly from leg 13 in an opposite direction from leg 14, preferably formed by stamping methods which depress a rectangular section of leg 13 at an angle to the plane thereof. Complementing the finger 30 are a plurality of longitudinally spaced, elongated, generally rectangular slots 32, 33 and 34 (FIGS. 1 and 1a) in leg 13' of element 12. Both finger and slots lie along a line generally medially of their respective legs. Slot 32 corresponds to the widest position of adjustment, slot 33 corresponds to the medial position of adjustment, while slot 34 corresponds to the narrowest position of adjustment in the case of the double assembly 10 of FIG. 1; these positions relate to bedding of king, queen, and regular size, respectively.
Element 12 is provided with a collar assembly 16 adjacent its free end which reaches almost completely around the periphery of the element 12, and which carries on one of its members a clamp means 25; these elements in cooperation enable the elements 11 and 12 to be secured together to form the complete member 9 in a positive manner, while allowing complete freedom to adjust the width of the entire member over a range of values. Collar 16 includes planar tabs 17 and 18, respectively, attached to legs 13' and 14' on the outside surfaces thereof so as to lie flat against those surfaces; preferably the tabs are attached to the legs by a spot welding process. The tabs could likewise be made as an integral part of legs 13' and 14', respectively. Reference should be made to FIG. 3 for a better appreciation of the manner of construction of the collar and its relationship to the member 9 and its elements 11 and 12. Particularly in FIG. 3, it can be seen that each of the tabs 17 and 18 project transversely outwardly of legs 13' and 14', respectively, by a distance which is a substantial fraction of the transverse width of the legs 13' and 14'. The collar 16 further includes bridge portion 20 which extends between the outwardly projecting portions of tabs 17 and 18 and integrally therewith to bridge the gap between the legs 13' and 14' of element 12. Bridge portion 20 is provided with angular bends 22 and 23 projecting generally outwardly of the ends of tabs 17 and 18, to facilitate the assembly of members 11 and 12. Thus, the collar 16, together with legs 13' and 14', form a closed generally tubular receptable adjacent an end of element 12, of generally triangular cross section.
Clamp means 25 carried on bridge portion 20 of the collar comprises a threaded bolt 26 having a handled portion 27 at one end thereof extending perpendicularly to the threaded portion of the bolt. Bridge portion 20 has an internally threaded opening or aperture into which bolt 26 is threaded with the aid of handle 27, enabling bolt 26 to be screwed by hand toward or away from the line of intersection between legs 13' and 14' of element 12.
The cross frame member 9 is assembled by passing the end of element 11 into the tubular receptacle formed by collar 16 and the end of element 12 to which it is attached. Such placement of the element 11 through collar 16 is carried out so that legs 13 and 14 of element 11 are in face-abutting relationship with legs 13' and 14', respectively, of element 12, and so that finger 30 is received within one of the slots 32, 33 or 34 in sliding engagement therewith. In this manner, a width for the bed assembly is initially chosen. Once the element 11 has been positioned in this manner and passed through collar 16, a final adjustment of the length of the entire member 9 may be carried out simply by sliding either of the elements 11 or 12 longitudinally with respect to the other, to increase or decrease the width of the member by moving the finger 30 over any of the range of positions within the selected one of the elongated slots 32-34. It should be understood that, if necessary, bolt 26 is threaded outwardly of bridge 26 to provide sufficient clearance enabling element 11 to be inserted in element 17. When the desired width has been obtained by such relative longitudinal adjustment of the elements, they are positively locked at that position by the use of clamp means 25, that is, by turning the handle 27 to screw the bolt 26 inwardly toward the overlapping face-abutting elements 11 and 12 and toward the intersection of their respective legs, until the leading end of the bolt contacts the inside of legs 13 and 14 of element 11 and forces them firmly against the corresponding legs 13' and 14' of element 12, as is shown best in FIG. 3. The frame member 9, as finally assembled into a unit, is shown in FIG. 1, and in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. Because collar 16 is firmly attached, or indeed may be made integrally with, element 12, the tabs 16 and 17 of the collar may be thought of as forcing the legs 13' and 14' of element 12 into contact with the corresponding legs of element 11. By the same token, bolt 25 may be thought of as exerting a force between bridge portion 20 and element 11 to force it against element 12.
In any case, manipulation of the handle 27 to tighten screw 25 creates a rigid, very high strength union between the frame elements 11 and 12, with a strong positive frictional engagement between the like faces of the respective elements. Despite the strength of the joint, member 9 may be almost instantly adjusted to a new length, or indeed completely disassembled just as easily, by the simple expedient of manipulating handle 27 to loosen bolt 26, and moving the elements longitudinally with respect to each other.
Because no matter what the width adjustment, a portion of one frame element overlaps the other within collar 16, the assembled member 9 is substantially as secure from the influence of buckling forces as a continuous one-piece member would be. Similarly, the frictional engagement of at least the opposed areas on elements 11 and 12 which are congruent with collar 16, as well as the engagement of the finger 30 within a slot 32-34, guarantees against change of width adjustment, no matter what the setting. The complementary construction of the elements 11 and 12 allowing face-abutting engagement of like element legs together and the finger-slot engagement, with the action of the clamping means in locking the elements in this complementary relationship, also guarantees a very high resistance to twisting forces. These factors insure an adjustable frame member of unusual rigidity and strength, yet which is at the same time unusually easy to adjust as well as being relatively uncomplicated in construction and adaptable to economical manufacture.