BED FRAME MEMBER
United States Patent 3914810
An improved bed frame member for use in a bed frame as a side member. The improved member includes a horizontal first leg having inner and outer parallel edges, and an upstanding flange of reduced height extending from the horizontal leg at the outer edge thereof to define a confining corner for retaining the lower edge of a box spring. A vertical second leg extends downwardly from the horizontal leg at the inner edge thereof so as to be recessed from the box spring edge. A resilient inverted U-shaped non-metallic runner is engaged over the flange and encloses it so that the box spring covering is protected as the box spring is prevented from shifting.
US Patent References:
Bedframe side rail end cap
Roche - September 1960 - 2951252
One-piece belt-type bedding carrier
Fredman - January 1964 - 3118151
Bedframe side rail end cap
Roche - September 1960 - 2951252
One-piece belt-type bedding carrier
Fredman - January 1964 - 3118151
Application Number:
05/399292
Publication Date:
10/28/1975
Filing Date:
09/21/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Harris-Hub Co., Inc. (Harvey, IL)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
5/200.100, 5/193
International Classes:
A47C19/00; A47C19/00
Field of Search:
5/181,193,2R,2B,201,286,207-209,309,331,238,279
Primary Examiner:
Mitchell, James C.
Claims:
I claim
1. A unitary and integral bed frame member adapted to support a box spring member comprising:
2. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said flange defines a right angle with respect to said first leg.
3. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said flange has a height which is a fraction of the width of said first leg.
4. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said second leg has a height which is at least equal to the width of said first leg.
5. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which at least a portion of second leg is offset away from said inner edge of said first leg.
6. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which at least a portion of said second leg is curved concavely away from the inner edge of said first leg.
7. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said runner has a height generally equal to said flange, whereby said flange is fully enclosed and concealed.
8. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said U-shaped runner defines a pair of facing sides, spaced so that the separation therebetween is less than the thickness of said flange at the open end of said runner, whereby said sides firmly and resiliently engage said flange on opposite faces thereof.
9. A bed frame member as in claim 8, wherein said sides of said runner define a channel having a thickness greater than said flange at the closed end of said channel, thereby defining a resilient zone about said flange.
10. A bed frame member as in claim 1, wherein said first and second leg and said flange are integrally formed of sheet metal.
11. A unitary, integral, and non-hazardous bed frame member of improved rigidity and strength adapted to support a box spring member and to prevent shifting of said spring, said frame member comprising:
12. A bed frame member as in claim 11 wherein said runner is provided with holding means for positively retaining the same on said flange.
13. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means includes an inwardly extending portion at the lower end of the inner leg of said runner, said inwardly extending portion being positioned on the upper surface of said first flat leg beneath said box spring.
14. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means includes an inwardly extending portion at the lower end of the outer leg of said runner, said inwardly extending portion being positioned on said first flat leg.
15. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means is defined by means adhesively bonding said runner to said flange.
16. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means is defined by cooperating detent means on said runner and flange.
1. A unitary and integral bed frame member adapted to support a box spring member comprising:
2. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said flange defines a right angle with respect to said first leg.
3. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said flange has a height which is a fraction of the width of said first leg.
4. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said second leg has a height which is at least equal to the width of said first leg.
5. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which at least a portion of second leg is offset away from said inner edge of said first leg.
6. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which at least a portion of said second leg is curved concavely away from the inner edge of said first leg.
7. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said runner has a height generally equal to said flange, whereby said flange is fully enclosed and concealed.
8. A bed frame member as in claim 1, in which said U-shaped runner defines a pair of facing sides, spaced so that the separation therebetween is less than the thickness of said flange at the open end of said runner, whereby said sides firmly and resiliently engage said flange on opposite faces thereof.
9. A bed frame member as in claim 8, wherein said sides of said runner define a channel having a thickness greater than said flange at the closed end of said channel, thereby defining a resilient zone about said flange.
10. A bed frame member as in claim 1, wherein said first and second leg and said flange are integrally formed of sheet metal.
11. A unitary, integral, and non-hazardous bed frame member of improved rigidity and strength adapted to support a box spring member and to prevent shifting of said spring, said frame member comprising:
12. A bed frame member as in claim 11 wherein said runner is provided with holding means for positively retaining the same on said flange.
13. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means includes an inwardly extending portion at the lower end of the inner leg of said runner, said inwardly extending portion being positioned on the upper surface of said first flat leg beneath said box spring.
14. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means includes an inwardly extending portion at the lower end of the outer leg of said runner, said inwardly extending portion being positioned on said first flat leg.
15. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means is defined by means adhesively bonding said runner to said flange.
16. A bed frame member as in claim 12 wherein said holding means is defined by cooperating detent means on said runner and flange.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to bed frames of the knock-down type, and particularly to bed frames with members which are substantially recessed within an outer edge of the box spring.
Conventional bed frames have long employed L-shaped angle irons as frame members comprising two legs of generally equal width, one of which is horizontally oriented in use, and the other of which is vertically oriented. The vertically oriented leg typically will extend upwardly to confine an outer edge of the box spring. When this typical L-shaped angle iron is employed as a side frame member, the presence of this vertical leg at the spring edge has tended to give rise to much discomfort when the limbs of the user come into accidental contact therewith, as well as to cuts and abrasions of the cover material of the box spring. Furthermore, the exposed metal, and particularly the edges, of the vertical leg, has been found to diminish the sales appeal of bedding employing such angle iron members. Understandably, they give rise to an unfinished impression and to a natural reluctance on the part of the customer to rest in proximity with such members.
In recent years various attempts at a solution to these problems have appeared. One has considered in orienting the L-shaped member with one leg extending downwardly inwardly of the box spring edge, while providing two or more brackets adjustably attached to the member and extending outwardly to embrace the adjacent box spring edge. With the aid of a plurality of openings, slots, and a carriage bolt cooperating therewith, an adjustment is selected to bring the retaining bracket into contact with the box spring edge. Of course, the use of such loose hardware, which tends to become lost, is not very satisfactory. A somewhat similar approach using fewer separable parts may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,837 to S. R. Paine, for "Foldable Bed Frame." In that patent, the box spring retaining brackets are permanently fixed to the side frame member, while the cross frame members each comprise two elements movably with respect to each other.
However, none of the foregoing structures have been fully satisfactory in obviating the disadvantages of exposed frame member metal, particularly the loss in sales appeal, as well as the hazards of uncomfortable accidental contact by the bed user, and the possibility of abrasions and tears in the cover material of the box spring. Furthermore, the need remains for a bed frame construction without the above disadvantages, and which is designed for the present day generally standardized in size box spring to eliminate cumbersome, time-consuming installation procedures. Also, the trend at present is to manufacture bed frames from lighter sheet metal stock, rather than angle iron stock, to provide lighter, more convenient, and variegated shapes for frame members. Accordingly, the need has arisen for a frame member construction combining the foregoing advantages with strength and rigidity comparable to the former heavier angleiron frame members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the bed frame of the present invention solves the problems encountered in the prior art and provides a structure of improved strength, simplicity, and attractive external appearance with a two-piece bed frame member whose minimal exposed metal has been effectively masked, and which greatly simplifies assembly of the complete bed frame.
The improved member of the present invention includes a first elongated leg which is adapted to be positioned under a box spring member adjacent and beneath one marginal portion thereof. This first leg has inner and outer generally parallel edges from which extend respectively an upstanding flange, and a second leg extending downwardly.
The flange extends upwardly so as to define a confining means adaptable to enclose a corner of the marginal portion against shifting, while at the same time only a relatively small portion of the bed frame member is exposed, the remainder being under the box spring in the case of the first leg, and recessed from the edge of the box spring in the case of the second leg. At the same time, the angled relationships defined by the flange and the two legs make for a frame member of unusual rigidity and strength.
Engaged over the flange is a resilient inverted U-shaped non-metallic runner which substantially encloses and covers the flange. In this manner the box spring is protected from the effect of contact with the edges of the flange at the same time that it is prevented from shifting, while the user of the completed bed is protected from contact with the flange and its edges. Further, an attractive appearance is imparted to the member, with the runner functioning as a trim strip to provide heretofore unobtainable decorator effects, greatly enhancing sales appeal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a complete bed frame in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of a side frame member of the bed frame of FIG. 1, showing the manner in which the side rail supports a box spring;
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2, of the side frame member of the invention; and
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the side rail of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawing 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 with particularity to the drawings, the bed frame is indicated in its entirety at 10 and comprises a pair of spaced parallel side frame members 11 spanned by perpendicular cross frame member 12. In the bed frame as illustrated, the cross frame members 12 are L-shaped metal rails having vertically-arranged legs 14, and horizontally-arranged generally co-planar legs 16. Frame members 11 and 12 cooperate to form a base for supporting a box spring unit 17 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
The bed frame assembly is supported by legs 18 having casters attached thereto, which may be of the type disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,114 to F. J. Mis for "Bed Frame Assembly." Similarly, other types of bed frame supports, and other cross rail configurations may be utilized, including rails having the configuration of side rails 12 herein. Also, cross rails adjustable to fixed standard widths for standard bedding sizes may be utilized; see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,623, to A. E. Harris for "Bed Frame Assembly."
The improved side rail members 11 both support box spring 17, as well as prevent it from shifting laterally, with a strength and dependability at least comparable to former types of bed rails. Yet each member 11 is substantially recessed from the outer corner of marginal member 20 of box spring 17, and is preferably of lighter construction than comparable L-shaped bed rails.
As is illustrated with particularity in FIGS. 2-4, each of the side rails 11 includes a horizontally disposed flat leg 24 of uniform width. Leg 24 may be considered as defining inner and outer edges 26 and 28, from which depend, respectively, a lower leg 30, and a flange 32. Lower leg 30 extends generally vertically downwardly from inner edge 26 of leg 24, and, although it may be flat, it preferably comprises offset and/or curved portions, and its height is preferably at least equal to the width of leg 24, to provide increased strength to the member.
In the preferred embodiment, as best appreciated in cross section from FIG. 3, leg 30 comprises an upper segment 34 inwardly offset, away from edges 26 and 28, making an obtuse angle with leg 24. A central segment 38 is continuous with segment 34 and extends downwardly therefrom and slightly forwardly. A lowermost segment 40 extends downwardly from segment 38 and is forwardly offset generally in the opposite and complimentary sense to upper segment 34. Central segment 38 comprises the bulk of leg 30, while the remaining offset segments are generally complimentary and of similar height, with each segment smoothly curving into its adjoining segment. It should be appreciated that this offset configuration of leg 30 presents the overall appearance of concave curve extending inwardly from inner edge 26 of leg 24, and also that it contributes an increased margin of strength and rigidity to frame member 11.
The flange 32 at the outer edge of leg 24 is flat and extends at right angles to leg 24 in the opposite sense from leg 30. Its height is a fraction of the width of leg 24, as well as being of relatively reduced height as compared to the height of lower leg 30. Thus it described a corner of minimal size, particularly as compared to typical bed rails. The outer marginal member 20 of box spring 17 is supported upon horizontal leg 24 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, while the corner defined by flange 32 constitutes an unobtrusive confining means for spring 17 to prevent it from shifting. Moreover, the corner also serves to further augment the strength and rigidity of the frame member.
It will be appreciated that the configuration of frame member 11 recesses its major load-bearing leg 30 away from the facing portion of the box spring and its lower corner 20. In this manner the danger of unpleasant accidental contact between the legs of the user of the bed and the frame member 11 is much reduced. Further, this configuration provides an appreciable improvement in rigidity and strength over conventional bed frame members, such that the improved member may be formed of sheet metal stock. This permits a substantially lighter, less cumbersome frame member, and one which may be formed more readily into various optional shapes.
Frame members 11 also include a resilient unitary inverted U-shaped runner 44 of non-metallic material, preferably plastic or hard rubber, of a height generally equal to flange 32. Runner 44 is comprised of two facing, spaced, substantially flat sides 46 and 48, with the upper ends thereof bridged by an arched closure portion 50. Runner 44 thus defines an internal channel 52 opening at the lower ends of sides 46 and 48. In the illustrated embodiment, sides 46 and 48 are inclined inwardly so that channel 52 is narrower at the lower ends of sides 46 and 48 than at the upper ends thereof. Thus, the width of the narrower open end of channel 52 is formed so as to be slightly smaller than the thickness of flange 32, while the upper end of channel 32 is wider than this flange thickness.
Frame member 11 is completed by engaging runner 44 over flange 32 so that sides 46 and 48 respectively contact opposite faces of flange 32, and the lowermost edge of inner side 48 abuts leg 24. In this manner the flange is substantially enclosed and concealed by the runner. The narrowness of channel 52 at the open end thereof causes the sides 46 and 48 near the lower ends thereof to engage flange 32 very firmly, so that substantial effort is required to remove the runner from flange 32. The presence of box spring 17 against inner side 46 of the runner causes that side to move closer to flange 32, and side 48 to bulge outwardly at its upper end.
Thus runner 44 conceals the only remaining portion of member 11 which is not recessed from the possibility of contact with a user of the bed assembly. Even if, despite the reduced profile of flange 32, the bed user contacts the flange, the configuration of the runner defines a protective resilient zone about the flange which substantially obviates any possibility of discomfort in normal use. Likewise, resilient runner 44 also has the advantage of obviating the possibility of abrasions, snags and cuts of the cover material of box spring 17.
In addition, with the minimally protruding flange 32 covered as described by runner 44, the member has no metal exposed to view to affect sales appeal adversely. Indeed, the runner functions as a trim strip to impart an attractive appearance to the member and the associated bed assembly. Thus the runner may be color or design-coordinated with the remainder of the member and the box spring, or it may be colored unobtrusively. In either case, the present bed frame member not only eliminates the unattractiveness and disadvantages of previous expedients, but permits new decorator and design combinations to be achieved which are not possible with former bed frame members. In this manner, sales appeal is greatly enhanced.
If it is desired not to rely only upon the inherent gripping forces of sides 46 and 48 as the sale means to retain the runner 44 of flange 32, additional holding means may be provided. For example, side 48 could have an inwardly extending portion at the lower end thereof that would seat flushly against the upper surface of horizontal bed frame portion 24 beneath the corner of the box spring, so that the weight of the box spring and mattress (not shown) will cooperate to retain the runner in place. Such an inwardly extending portion may be substantially coextensive in width with bed frame portion 24 or may extend inwardly only partly thereof. Alternatively (or additionally) side 46 may have an inwardly extending portion at the lower end thereof that is positioned flushly against the lower surface of horizontal bed frame portion 24, and such portion may be coextensive in width with portion 24, or may project inwardly only a fraction thereof.
Various other types of additional holding means will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, one or both of sides 46 and 48 may be adhesively bonded to flange 32. Alternatively, a detent type of holding means could be provided, such as a horizontal rib on side 46 or 48 (or both) and a corresponding recess on flange 32, or one or more ribs on flange 32 and corresponding recesses on legs 46 and 48.
Accordingly, a bed frame member has been disclosed which provides a novel structure which is at once simpler than prior art recessed frame members, yet stronger and susceptible to fabrication from lighter weight materials. Further, the member is at least as effective as prior expedients in retaining the box spring from shifting. Yet the member of the invention is non-hazardous both to the user of the bed, and to the cover material of the box spring, while at the same time being externally attractive and offering heretofore unobtainable decorator possibilities.
This invention relates generally to bed frames of the knock-down type, and particularly to bed frames with members which are substantially recessed within an outer edge of the box spring.
Conventional bed frames have long employed L-shaped angle irons as frame members comprising two legs of generally equal width, one of which is horizontally oriented in use, and the other of which is vertically oriented. The vertically oriented leg typically will extend upwardly to confine an outer edge of the box spring. When this typical L-shaped angle iron is employed as a side frame member, the presence of this vertical leg at the spring edge has tended to give rise to much discomfort when the limbs of the user come into accidental contact therewith, as well as to cuts and abrasions of the cover material of the box spring. Furthermore, the exposed metal, and particularly the edges, of the vertical leg, has been found to diminish the sales appeal of bedding employing such angle iron members. Understandably, they give rise to an unfinished impression and to a natural reluctance on the part of the customer to rest in proximity with such members.
In recent years various attempts at a solution to these problems have appeared. One has considered in orienting the L-shaped member with one leg extending downwardly inwardly of the box spring edge, while providing two or more brackets adjustably attached to the member and extending outwardly to embrace the adjacent box spring edge. With the aid of a plurality of openings, slots, and a carriage bolt cooperating therewith, an adjustment is selected to bring the retaining bracket into contact with the box spring edge. Of course, the use of such loose hardware, which tends to become lost, is not very satisfactory. A somewhat similar approach using fewer separable parts may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,837 to S. R. Paine, for "Foldable Bed Frame." In that patent, the box spring retaining brackets are permanently fixed to the side frame member, while the cross frame members each comprise two elements movably with respect to each other.
However, none of the foregoing structures have been fully satisfactory in obviating the disadvantages of exposed frame member metal, particularly the loss in sales appeal, as well as the hazards of uncomfortable accidental contact by the bed user, and the possibility of abrasions and tears in the cover material of the box spring. Furthermore, the need remains for a bed frame construction without the above disadvantages, and which is designed for the present day generally standardized in size box spring to eliminate cumbersome, time-consuming installation procedures. Also, the trend at present is to manufacture bed frames from lighter sheet metal stock, rather than angle iron stock, to provide lighter, more convenient, and variegated shapes for frame members. Accordingly, the need has arisen for a frame member construction combining the foregoing advantages with strength and rigidity comparable to the former heavier angleiron frame members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the bed frame of the present invention solves the problems encountered in the prior art and provides a structure of improved strength, simplicity, and attractive external appearance with a two-piece bed frame member whose minimal exposed metal has been effectively masked, and which greatly simplifies assembly of the complete bed frame.
The improved member of the present invention includes a first elongated leg which is adapted to be positioned under a box spring member adjacent and beneath one marginal portion thereof. This first leg has inner and outer generally parallel edges from which extend respectively an upstanding flange, and a second leg extending downwardly.
The flange extends upwardly so as to define a confining means adaptable to enclose a corner of the marginal portion against shifting, while at the same time only a relatively small portion of the bed frame member is exposed, the remainder being under the box spring in the case of the first leg, and recessed from the edge of the box spring in the case of the second leg. At the same time, the angled relationships defined by the flange and the two legs make for a frame member of unusual rigidity and strength.
Engaged over the flange is a resilient inverted U-shaped non-metallic runner which substantially encloses and covers the flange. In this manner the box spring is protected from the effect of contact with the edges of the flange at the same time that it is prevented from shifting, while the user of the completed bed is protected from contact with the flange and its edges. Further, an attractive appearance is imparted to the member, with the runner functioning as a trim strip to provide heretofore unobtainable decorator effects, greatly enhancing sales appeal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a complete bed frame in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of a side frame member of the bed frame of FIG. 1, showing the manner in which the side rail supports a box spring;
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2, of the side frame member of the invention; and
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the side rail of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawing 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 with particularity to the drawings, the bed frame is indicated in its entirety at 10 and comprises a pair of spaced parallel side frame members 11 spanned by perpendicular cross frame member 12. In the bed frame as illustrated, the cross frame members 12 are L-shaped metal rails having vertically-arranged legs 14, and horizontally-arranged generally co-planar legs 16. Frame members 11 and 12 cooperate to form a base for supporting a box spring unit 17 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
The bed frame assembly is supported by legs 18 having casters attached thereto, which may be of the type disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,114 to F. J. Mis for "Bed Frame Assembly." Similarly, other types of bed frame supports, and other cross rail configurations may be utilized, including rails having the configuration of side rails 12 herein. Also, cross rails adjustable to fixed standard widths for standard bedding sizes may be utilized; see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,623, to A. E. Harris for "Bed Frame Assembly."
The improved side rail members 11 both support box spring 17, as well as prevent it from shifting laterally, with a strength and dependability at least comparable to former types of bed rails. Yet each member 11 is substantially recessed from the outer corner of marginal member 20 of box spring 17, and is preferably of lighter construction than comparable L-shaped bed rails.
As is illustrated with particularity in FIGS. 2-4, each of the side rails 11 includes a horizontally disposed flat leg 24 of uniform width. Leg 24 may be considered as defining inner and outer edges 26 and 28, from which depend, respectively, a lower leg 30, and a flange 32. Lower leg 30 extends generally vertically downwardly from inner edge 26 of leg 24, and, although it may be flat, it preferably comprises offset and/or curved portions, and its height is preferably at least equal to the width of leg 24, to provide increased strength to the member.
In the preferred embodiment, as best appreciated in cross section from FIG. 3, leg 30 comprises an upper segment 34 inwardly offset, away from edges 26 and 28, making an obtuse angle with leg 24. A central segment 38 is continuous with segment 34 and extends downwardly therefrom and slightly forwardly. A lowermost segment 40 extends downwardly from segment 38 and is forwardly offset generally in the opposite and complimentary sense to upper segment 34. Central segment 38 comprises the bulk of leg 30, while the remaining offset segments are generally complimentary and of similar height, with each segment smoothly curving into its adjoining segment. It should be appreciated that this offset configuration of leg 30 presents the overall appearance of concave curve extending inwardly from inner edge 26 of leg 24, and also that it contributes an increased margin of strength and rigidity to frame member 11.
The flange 32 at the outer edge of leg 24 is flat and extends at right angles to leg 24 in the opposite sense from leg 30. Its height is a fraction of the width of leg 24, as well as being of relatively reduced height as compared to the height of lower leg 30. Thus it described a corner of minimal size, particularly as compared to typical bed rails. The outer marginal member 20 of box spring 17 is supported upon horizontal leg 24 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, while the corner defined by flange 32 constitutes an unobtrusive confining means for spring 17 to prevent it from shifting. Moreover, the corner also serves to further augment the strength and rigidity of the frame member.
It will be appreciated that the configuration of frame member 11 recesses its major load-bearing leg 30 away from the facing portion of the box spring and its lower corner 20. In this manner the danger of unpleasant accidental contact between the legs of the user of the bed and the frame member 11 is much reduced. Further, this configuration provides an appreciable improvement in rigidity and strength over conventional bed frame members, such that the improved member may be formed of sheet metal stock. This permits a substantially lighter, less cumbersome frame member, and one which may be formed more readily into various optional shapes.
Frame members 11 also include a resilient unitary inverted U-shaped runner 44 of non-metallic material, preferably plastic or hard rubber, of a height generally equal to flange 32. Runner 44 is comprised of two facing, spaced, substantially flat sides 46 and 48, with the upper ends thereof bridged by an arched closure portion 50. Runner 44 thus defines an internal channel 52 opening at the lower ends of sides 46 and 48. In the illustrated embodiment, sides 46 and 48 are inclined inwardly so that channel 52 is narrower at the lower ends of sides 46 and 48 than at the upper ends thereof. Thus, the width of the narrower open end of channel 52 is formed so as to be slightly smaller than the thickness of flange 32, while the upper end of channel 32 is wider than this flange thickness.
Frame member 11 is completed by engaging runner 44 over flange 32 so that sides 46 and 48 respectively contact opposite faces of flange 32, and the lowermost edge of inner side 48 abuts leg 24. In this manner the flange is substantially enclosed and concealed by the runner. The narrowness of channel 52 at the open end thereof causes the sides 46 and 48 near the lower ends thereof to engage flange 32 very firmly, so that substantial effort is required to remove the runner from flange 32. The presence of box spring 17 against inner side 46 of the runner causes that side to move closer to flange 32, and side 48 to bulge outwardly at its upper end.
Thus runner 44 conceals the only remaining portion of member 11 which is not recessed from the possibility of contact with a user of the bed assembly. Even if, despite the reduced profile of flange 32, the bed user contacts the flange, the configuration of the runner defines a protective resilient zone about the flange which substantially obviates any possibility of discomfort in normal use. Likewise, resilient runner 44 also has the advantage of obviating the possibility of abrasions, snags and cuts of the cover material of box spring 17.
In addition, with the minimally protruding flange 32 covered as described by runner 44, the member has no metal exposed to view to affect sales appeal adversely. Indeed, the runner functions as a trim strip to impart an attractive appearance to the member and the associated bed assembly. Thus the runner may be color or design-coordinated with the remainder of the member and the box spring, or it may be colored unobtrusively. In either case, the present bed frame member not only eliminates the unattractiveness and disadvantages of previous expedients, but permits new decorator and design combinations to be achieved which are not possible with former bed frame members. In this manner, sales appeal is greatly enhanced.
If it is desired not to rely only upon the inherent gripping forces of sides 46 and 48 as the sale means to retain the runner 44 of flange 32, additional holding means may be provided. For example, side 48 could have an inwardly extending portion at the lower end thereof that would seat flushly against the upper surface of horizontal bed frame portion 24 beneath the corner of the box spring, so that the weight of the box spring and mattress (not shown) will cooperate to retain the runner in place. Such an inwardly extending portion may be substantially coextensive in width with bed frame portion 24 or may extend inwardly only partly thereof. Alternatively (or additionally) side 46 may have an inwardly extending portion at the lower end thereof that is positioned flushly against the lower surface of horizontal bed frame portion 24, and such portion may be coextensive in width with portion 24, or may project inwardly only a fraction thereof.
Various other types of additional holding means will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, one or both of sides 46 and 48 may be adhesively bonded to flange 32. Alternatively, a detent type of holding means could be provided, such as a horizontal rib on side 46 or 48 (or both) and a corresponding recess on flange 32, or one or more ribs on flange 32 and corresponding recesses on legs 46 and 48.
Accordingly, a bed frame member has been disclosed which provides a novel structure which is at once simpler than prior art recessed frame members, yet stronger and susceptible to fabrication from lighter weight materials. Further, the member is at least as effective as prior expedients in retaining the box spring from shifting. Yet the member of the invention is non-hazardous both to the user of the bed, and to the cover material of the box spring, while at the same time being externally attractive and offering heretofore unobtainable decorator possibilities.