ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT FOR FOLDABLE BED FRAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0127191 filed on Sep. 20, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable support, and more particularly, to an adjustable support for a foldable bed frame, which facilitates locking and unlocking, and to a foldable bed frame comprising the same.

Discussion of Related Art

With the trend toward reduced residential space in metropolitan areas and the growth of online marketplaces, the market for foldable bed frames has been rapidly expanding. In particular, there has been increasing demand for foldable bed frames equipped with quick-release mechanisms that allow easy assembly and disassembly without tools.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a foldable bed frame 1 may include two sub-frames 2 pivotally connected to each other, legs 3 pivotally coupled to the sub-frames 2, transverse bars 4 connecting the legs 3 laterally, and supports 100 connecting the transverse bars 4 to the sub-frames 2.

The support 100 connects the transverse bar 4 and the sub-frame 2 in such a way that the length of the support 100 decreases when the legs 3 are unfolded and increases when the legs 3 are folded. The adjustable support 100 is provided with a locking and release mechanism for locking or unlocking the change in the length of the support.

However, conventional supports for foldable bed frames require a considerable amount of force to release the locking mechanism when folding the legs, which makes it difficult for users with limited strength to unlock. In addition, conventional locking mechanisms may inadvertently release when subjected to unexpected strong external forces, causing the legs to collapse. Thus, there is a need for a more stable support.

• • (Patent Document 1) US 2022-0192389 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to providing a support for a foldable bed frame that allows even users with limited strength to easily release the locking mechanism when folding the legs.

The present disclosure is directed to also providing a support with improved stability such that, even when a strong external force is applied while the legs are unfolded, the legs will not collapse.

According to one aspect of the invention, an adjustable support for a foldable bed frame is provided. The support comprises:

• • an inner tubular bar having an inner hole formed in a side wall;
  • an outer tubular bar slidably coupled to the inner tubular bar and having an outer hole formed in a side wall corresponding to the inner hole;
  • a locking mechanism disposed within the inner tubular bar, the locking mechanism including a fixing pin inserted into the inner hole and an elastic member connected to the fixing pin, wherein the fixing pin protrudes outwardly through the inner hole and, when inserted into the outer hole, restricts relative sliding movement between the inner and outer tubular bars; and
  • a release mechanism.

The release mechanism includes a sleeve fixed to one end of the outer tubular bar, a through-hole formed in an upper surface of the sleeve at a position corresponding to the outer hole, and a locking screw threadably engaged with the through-hole.

The through-hole is internally threaded to correspond to a threaded portion of the locking screw. The locking screw includes the threaded portion, a pressing protrusion extending downwardly from a lower end of the threaded portion, a knob-shaped head, and an intermediate connection portion connecting the head to the threaded portion.

The intermediate connection portion has a smaller diameter than the threaded portion. A retention member is provided on one side of an upper end of the sleeve adjacent to the through-hole to prevent disengagement of the locking screw. The retention member partially covers the through-hole from above to prevent the locking screw from moving upward beyond a predetermined distance.

By rotation of the locking screw, the pressing protrusion passes through the outer hole and pushes the fixing pin toward the inner tubular bar, thereby releasing the lock such that the inner and outer tubular bars can slide relative to each other.

In another aspect of the invention, the inner hole may include first and second inner holes disposed opposite to each other. The outer hole may include first and second outer holes disposed opposite to each other and corresponding to the first and second inner holes. The locking mechanism may include first and second fixing pins inserted into the first and second inner holes, respectively, and an elastic member connecting the two fixing pins. When the fixing pins protrude outwardly and are inserted into the corresponding outer holes, relative sliding movement between the inner and outer tubular bars is restricted.

The elastic member may be a U-shaped or V-shaped resilient metal member, with the first and second fixing pins formed symmetrically at respective ends of the member.

According to the adjustable support for the foldable bed frame of the present invention, the locking mechanism can be released with only a small force in order to fold the legs of the foldable bed frame, thereby allowing elderly or female users to easily operate the foldable bed. Furthermore, when the legs are unfolded, the locking is maintained even under strong external forces, thereby preventing accidental collapse of the bed legs and enhancing the safety of the bed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing exemplary embodiments thereof in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable bed frame.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an adjustable support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a locking and release mechanism of the adjustable support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a locking and release mechanism of the adjustable support according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can readily carry out the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For clarity of illustration, descriptions of unrelated elements are omitted, and like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the drawings. In addition, the thickness of lines and the size of elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience.

In the present specification, when a part is described as being “connected” to another part, this encompasses both direct connections and indirect connections through other intervening elements. Further, when a part is described as “including” a component, this does not exclude the possibility of including other components, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Referring first to FIG. 1, the configuration of a foldable bed frame (1) will be described. A central bar (5) extending transversely is provided at a central portion of the bed frame.

Central legs (6) are joined to both ends of the central bar (5). In addition, central hinges (7) are provided at both ends of the central bar (5), and two sub-frames (2) are pivotally connected to each other through the central hinges (7). Each sub-frame (2) is provided with legs (3) at positions spaced apart from the central bar (5). The legs (3) are pivotally connected to the sub-frame (2) such that the legs (3) can be folded toward or unfolded away from the central bar (5). Two legs (3) installed on one sub-frame (2) are coupled together by a transverse bar (4) and thus operate in unison, such that the two legs fold or unfold together.

A user generally uses the bed in a state where the legs (3) are unfolded, as shown in FIG. 1. If the legs (3) unexpectedly fold during use, the bed may suddenly collapse and cause injury to the user. To prevent this, a support (100) is required to hold the legs (3) in place.

If the legs (3) inadvertently fold during use, the bed may collapse, thereby potentially causing injury to the user The support (100), which has a bar shape with an adjustable length, is hereinafter referred to as an “adjustable support. ” One end of the support (100) is pivotally connected to the sub-frame (2), and the other end is pivotally connected to the transverse bar (4). When the legs (3) are folded, the length of the support (100) increases, and when the legs (3) are unfolded, the length of the support (100) decreases. While the legs (3) are unfolded, a locking mechanism is provided in the support (100) so that the length of the support (100) does not change. When the length of the support (100) is fixed by the locking mechanism, the legs (3) do not collapse even if an external force is applied during use of the bed.

When the user wishes to fold the bed, the locking mechanism provided in the support (100) is released, thereby allowing the support (100) to change in length and permitting the legs (3) to be folded. The present invention relates to such an adjustable support (100) and provides a support (100) that allows users with limited strength, such as elderly persons or women, to easily release the locking mechanism. The present invention further provides a support (100) with enhanced stability such that the locking is not released even under strong external forces while the support (100) is in a locked state.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of the adjustable support (100) according to the present invention will now be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable support (100), and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

An outer tubular bar (110) and an inner tubular bar (120) are elongated bar members having a tubular shape. Although the cross-sectional shape of the tubes is illustrated as rectangular in the drawings, it is not limited thereto and may be any polygonal cross-section. The inner tubular bar (120) has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the outer tubular bar (110) such that the inner tubular bar (120) can be inserted into the outer tubular bar (110). When the inner tubular bar (120) is inserted into the outer tubular bar (110), the two bars (110, 120) are slidable relative to each other. By means of such sliding movement, the overall length of the support (100) can be adjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, hinge shafts (115, 125) are provided to connect the adjustable support (100) to the sub-frame (2). One end of the outer tubular bar (110) is assembled with an outer bar hinge shaft (115), while one end of the inner tubular bar (120) is assembled with an inner bar hinge shaft (125). One of these hinge shafts (115, 125) is hingedly coupled to the sub-frame (2), while the other is hingedly coupled to the transverse bar (4). During folding and unfolding of the leg (3), rotational movement also occurs between the support (100) and the sub-frame (2) via the hinge shafts (115, 125).

Hereinafter, a locking mechanism for restricting the sliding movement between the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110), so as to prevent variation in the length of the support (100) when the leg (3) is unfolded for use of the bed, will be described. The locking mechanism prevents the leg (3) from being folded even by an external force.

As part of the locking mechanism restricting the relative movement of the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110), an outer hole (111) is formed at a predetermined position of one sidewall of the outer tubular bar (110), and an inner hole (121) is formed at a corresponding position of one sidewall of the inner tubular bar (120). The positions of the outer hole (111) and the inner hole (121) are set such that the two holes (111, 121) are aligned when the length of the support (100) is fully contracted.

Referring to the sectional view of FIG. 4, the locking mechanism will be described in more detail. An elastic member (160) is inserted inside the inner tubular bar (120). The elastic member (160) is an elastic plate, for example, a metallic spring body bent into a U-shape or a V-shape, having an elastic restoring force against bending deformation. A fixing pin (161) is formed at one end of the elastic member (160). The fixing pin (161) has a pin shape protruding outward from the elastic member. When the elastic member (160) is inserted into the inner tubular bar (120), the fixing pin (161) is fitted into the inner hole (121), thereby positioning the elastic member (160) within the inner tubular bar (120). In other words, even when the inner tubular bar (120) slides relative to the outer tubular bar (110), the elastic member (160) moves together with the inner tubular bar (120). The protrusion height of the fixing pin (161) is set sufficiently high so that when the outer hole (111) and the inner hole (121) are aligned, the fixing pin (161) can be fitted into the outer hole (111). Since the fixing pin (161) is always urged outward by the elastic force of the elastic member (160), when the outer hole (111) and the inner hole (121) are aligned, the fixing pin (161) simultaneously engages the outer hole (111) and the inner hole (121). In this state, the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110) are prevented from sliding relative to each other, thereby locking their relative movement.

When a user intends to fold the leg (3), the length of the support (100) must be allowed to increase. That is, the lock must be released so that the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110) can slide relative to each other. The unlocking mechanism will now be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the support (100) is in the locked state, if a pressing protrusion (143) presses the fixing pin (161) inward from the outside of the outer hole (111), the fixing pin (161) is disengaged from the outer hole (111). In this state, the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110) are able to slide relative to each other, thereby releasing the lock. The unlocking mechanism will now be described in more detail. A sleeve (130) is fixedly coupled to one end of the outer tubular bar (110). The sleeve (130) is a relatively short tubular body that surrounds one end of the outer tubular bar (110). The sleeve (130) may have a rectangular tubular form surrounding the outer tubular bar (110), and is fixed to one end of the outer tubular bar (110) corresponding to the position where the outer hole (111) is formed. The coupling of the sleeve (130) and the outer tubular bar (110) may be achieved by bonding, screwing, hooking, or other various means. A through-hole (131) is formed on one side of the sleeve (130) so as to correspond to the outer hole (111). The position of the through-hole (131) is set to be aligned with the outer hole (111). Threads are formed on the inner surface of the through-hole (131), and these threads are engaged with a threaded portion (142) of a locking screw (140). The head (145) of the locking screw (140) is formed as a knob-shaped handle, such that the user can apply a large torque with a small force, and the diameter of the head (145) is formed at least three times larger than that of the through-hole (131). A pressing protrusion (143) is extended from the lower end of the threaded portion (142) of the locking screw (140). The diameter of the pressing protrusion (143) is smaller than that of the outer hole (111). Accordingly, the pressing protrusion (143) can penetrate the outer hole (111) and come into contact with the fixing pin (161), thereby pressing the fixing pin (161) inward toward the inner tubular bar (120).

When the user rotates the head (145) of the locking screw (140) in the tightening direction, the threaded portion (142) rotates and moves downward by virtue of the thread engagement with the through-hole (131). At this time, the pressing protrusion (143) presses the fixing pin (161), thereby disengaging the fixing pin (161) from the outer hole (111). As a result, the inner tubular bar (120) is allowed to slide relative to the outer tubular bar (110), and the length of the support (100) can be extended, thereby releasing the lock. In the unlocked state, the leg (3) can be folded toward the central bar (5).

In the conventional adjustable support of a foldable bed frame, in order to release the lock, the user had to directly press the fixing pin (161), which was difficult for the elderly or women with relatively weak strength. In the adjustable support (100) of the present invention, however, even when the user rotates the locking screw (140) with a small force, the pressing protrusion (143) presses the fixing pin (161) with a large force generated by the screw engagement, so that even a person with weak strength can easily release the lock.

Meanwhile, in the locked state, the locking screw (140) is sufficiently rotated in the loosening direction so that the lock is established. At this time, if the thread engagement between the locking screw (140) and the sleeve (130) is completely released, the locking screw (140) may be separated from the sleeve (130) and lost. A structure for preventing the locking screw (140) from coming off will now be described.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking screw (140) is provided with an intermediate connection portion (141) connecting the head (145) and the threaded portion (142). The intermediate connection portion (141) has a smaller diameter than the threaded portion (142). A detachment-preventing member (150) is coupled at a position adjacent to the upper end of the through-hole (131) of the sleeve (130). The coupling of the detachment-preventing member (150) and the sleeve (130) may be achieved by bonding, screwing, or other various means.

The detachment-preventing member (150) comprises a fixing portion fixed to one side of the sleeve (130) adjacent to the through-hole (131), and a projection extending from the fixing portion toward the through-hole so as to partially cover the through-hole from above. The projection may take various forms, but as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one end of the projection is connected to the fixing portion, and the other end positioned above the through-hole (131) is formed concavely in a semi-circular or arc shape. The semi-circular concave projection formed at one end of the detachment-preventing member (150) partially surrounds the intermediate connection portion (141) from the outside.

The detachment-preventing member (150) covers a part of the through-hole (131) from above, such that when the locking screw (140) attempts to move upward beyond a predetermined extent, the upper end of the threaded portion (142) comes into contact with the lower end of the concave projection of the detachment-preventing member (150), thereby preventing further upward movement of the locking screw (140). That is, the threaded portion of the locking screw (140) remains engaged with the threads of the through-hole, and while the intermediate connection portion above the threaded portion is movable upward and downward relative to the concave projection of the detachment-preventing member (150), the threaded portion is restricted by the concave projection and prevented from moving upward. Consequently, the locking screw (140) cannot be completely separated from the sleeve (130), thereby eliminating the risk of loss.

In another embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 5, an adjustable support (100) having enhanced safety is illustrated, in which the locking state of the support (100) is not released even when a strong external force is applied. Descriptions that are common with the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 will be omitted, and only the differences will be described in detail.

An inner hole (121) formed in the inner tubular bar (120) includes a first inner hole (121-1) and a second inner hole (121-2), which are disposed opposite to each other with a spacing therebetween. Similarly, an outer hole (111) formed in the outer tubular bar (110) includes a first outer hole (111-1) and a second outer hole (111-2), which are disposed opposite to each other with a spacing therebetween. The first inner hole (121-1) and the second inner hole (121-2) are formed through opposing surfaces of the inner tubular bar (120), and the first outer hole (111-1) and the second outer hole (111-2) are formed through opposing surfaces of the outer tubular bar (110) corresponding to the first and second inner holes (121-1, 121-2).

A locking mechanism for restricting the sliding movement of the inner tubular bar (120) relative to the outer tubular bar (110) includes a first fixing pin (161-1) inserted into the first inner hole (121-1), a second fixing pin (161-2) inserted into the second inner hole (121-2), and an elastic member (160) connecting the first fixing pin and the second fixing pin. When the first and second fixing pins (161-1, 161-2) penetrate the first and second inner holes (121-1, 121-2) and are inserted into the corresponding first and second outer holes (111-1, 111-2), the relative movement between the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110) is restricted. Since the two fixing pins (161-1, 161-2) lock the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110) simultaneously, the locking is not released even when a strong external force acts in a direction that induces relative movement of the two bars (120, 110), thereby firmly preventing relative displacement.

The elastic member connecting the first fixing pin (161-1) and the second fixing pin (161-2) is preferably a U-shaped or V-shaped metal elastic body, in which the first and second fixing pins are symmetrically formed at both ends of the U-shaped elastic member.

A lock-release mechanism for permitting sliding movement between the inner tubular bar (120) and the outer tubular bar (110) includes two through-holes (131) formed on opposing surfaces of the sleeve (130), and two locking screws (140). The detailed configuration of the through-holes (131), the locking screws (140), and the detachment-preventing member (150) is identical to that of the embodiment described previously, and thus a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

When a user desires to release the locking of the support (100), the locking can be easily released with a weak force by rotating the two locking screws (140).