FOLD-UP CONVERTIBLE CAMPER BED/BENCH

Abstract

A fold-up bedding conversion system enables the creation of a larger sized bed that may be used in limited space situations, where the conversion system includes a frame that includes a substantial portion of the bed and a bench, positioned at a proximal end of the bed, that is rotational movable to enable the back section of the bench to be positioned substantially in-line with the bed.

Claims

1. A bed conversion system comprising; a bed section comprising: a bed section frame substantially horizontal to, and raised above, a floor upon which said bed section stands; a bench section positioned at a proximal end of said bed section, said bench section comprising: a seating frame; and a seat assembly comprising: a back arranged offset from a vertical to said seating frame; and a seat arranged on a top surface of said seating frame, wherein a distal end of said seat is rotationally attached to said back section and a proximal end of said seat is rotationally attached to a proximal end of said seating frame; and means to arrange said back substantially horizontally in-line with said bed section frame.

2. The bed conversion system of claim 1 comprising: a plurality of cushions removably attached to each of said bed section frame, said back and said seat.

3. The bed conversion system of claim 2, wherein said plurality of cushions are constructed from at least one: a vinyl material, a plastic material, a leather material, a fabric material and combinations thereof.

4. The bed conversion system of claim 1, wherein said bed section frame, said seating frame and said seat assembly are constructed from at least one of: aluminum, steel, wood, industrial plastic and combinations thereof.

5. The bed conversion system of claim 1, wherein said means to arrange said back comprises: a handle connected to a distal end of said seat, said handle configured to: raise said distal end of said seat.

6. The bed conversion system of claim 1, wherein said means to arrange said back comprises: at least one actuator, wherein at least one of said at least one actuator is connected between said bench and a lower surface of said seat, said at least one actuator configured to: raise said distal end of said seat.

7. The bed conversion system of claim 6, wherein at least one of said at least one actuator is connected between said frame and said back, wherein said at least one actuator is configured to: adjust said back with respect to said bed frame.

8. The bed conversion system of claim 1, wherein said seat comprises: a plurality of struts spanning from a proximal end of said seat to a distal end of said seat; and a first connector bar connected to said plurality of structs along said distal end of said seat.

9. The bed conversion system of claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of struts comprises: a proximal end hinge configured to connect said seat to said proximal end of bench; and a distal end hinge configured to connected said seat to said back.

10. The bed conversion system of claim 9, wherein said proximal end hinge is configured to: rotate at least ninety (90) degrees; and said distal end hinge is configured to: to rotate at least two-hundred seventy (270) degrees.

11. The bed conversion system of claim 9, wherein said proximal end hinge comprises: a proximal end strut passthrough positioned on said proximal end of said strut, wherein a proximal end pin inserted through said proximal end strut passthrough connects said seat to said bench; and a distal end hinge comprises: a distal end passthrough, wherein a distal end pin inserted through said distal end passthrough connects said back to said seat.

12. A bed conversion system for expanding the bedding situation within a limited space comprises: a bed frame comprising: a bed platform; and a plurality of lengths, extending vertically from a floor, said plurality of lengths supporting said bed platform a known distance above said floor; and a bench assembly positioned along a proximal end of said bed frame, said bench assembly comprising; a bench frame comprising: a plurality of upright elements connected to a plurality of connecting horizontal elements, wherein said horizontal elements form a top surface; and a seating assembly comprising: a seat positioned on said top surface; and a back arranged skewed to said seat, wherein said seat is rotationally attached to a proximal end of said top surface and rotationally attached to said back, wherein said seating assembly is configured to: rotate said seat into a substantially vertical position; and rotate said back into a congruent relationship with said bed platform.

13. The bed conversion system of claim 12, further comprising: a cushion associated with each of said back, seat and said bed platform.

14. The bed conversion system of claim 12, wherein said seat comprises: a plurality of seat struts extending from a proximal end of said seat to a distal end of said seat; and a distal end connector bar extending along a distal end of said seat, said connector bar attached to each of said plurality of seat struts.

15. The bed conversion system of claim 12, wherein a proximal end of each of said seat struts is interconnected with a corresponding one of said bench uprights, wherein said interconnection forming a proximal hinge configured to: rotatably reposition said seat with respect to said bench.

16. The bed conversion system of claim 15, wherein a distal end of each of said seat structs is interconnected with said back, wherein said interconnection forming a distal hinge configured to rotatably reposition said back with respect of said seat.

17. The bed conversion system of claim 14, further comprising: a handle connected to said distal end connector.

18. The bed conversion system of claim 12 further comprising: a first actuator attached between said bench and an underside of said seat, said first actuator configured to: raise said seat; and a second actuator attached between said bench and an underside of said bench, said second actuator configured to: adjust said back with respect to said platform.

19. The bed conversion system of claim 18, wherein said first and said second actuators may be one of: electrically powered and manually powered.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A complete understanding of the embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fold-up bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an initial position of the fold-up bed conversion system shown in FIG. 1

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of intermediate positions of the fold-up bed conversion system shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second intermediate position of the fold-up bed conversion system shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a final position of a fold-up bed conversion system shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate side views side view of an initial position of a fold-up bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0020] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a sides view of intermediate positions of a fold-up bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of final position of a fold-up bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of intermediate position of a second aspect of the fold-up bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no limitations, or inferences, as to the scope of the invention claimed are to be understood therefrom. It is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system and method of use thereof.

[0024] The present embodiments are based in part on the ability to provide for the conversion limited space (e.g., an RTV, camper, etc.) bed while removing elements that are generally required to be used to complete the larger bed configuration, which also require space to store.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the structural components of bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0026] In this illustrated view bed conversion system 100 comprises a bed section 110 and a bench section 120, wherein the bench section 120 is positioned along a proximal (i.e., foot) end of bed section 110.

[0027] Bed section 110 comprises a frame (or platform) 112 positioned, substantially horizontally with respect to, and a desired distance above, floor element 116 upon which bed section 110 is placed. Bench section 120, which is positioned along the proximal end of bed section 110 comprises an open frame box-like structure constructed of a plurality of upright elements 122, 126 and raise a top bench strut 124 a desired distance above floor 116. In this illustrated embodiment, uprights 122 are positioned on a distal end of bench section 120, adjacent proximal end of bed section 110, and uprights 126 are positioned on a proximal end of bench section 120. Further illustrated are horizontal connection members 186, 188 arranged along the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, of bench 120. Horizontal connection member 186, 188 in conjunction with top bench struts 124 form top surface 128 of bench section 120.

[0028] Positioned along top surface 128, of bench section 120, is seating section 130. Seating section 130 comprises back section 150 and seat section 160. Seat section 160 is positioned adjacent (e.g., on-top of) top surface 128, while back section 150 is positioned along a distal end of seat 160. Seat 160 is composed of a plurality of seat struts 161, which extend from a proximal end of seat 160 to a distal end of seat 160, and a distal end horizontal connector 191 to which is connected to the distal end of each of the plurality of seat struts 161.

[0029] Associated with the proximal end of each of the seat struts 161 is proximal hinge 162. Proximal hinges 162 attach a proximal end of seat 160 to a proximal end of bench section 120. Distal hinges 164, positioned at a distal end of each of seat struts 161, attaches a distal end of seat section 160 to a lower edge 189 of back section 150. Hinge 162 allows for the rotational movement of seat 160 with respect to bench section 120 and hinge 164 allows for the rotational movement of back section 150 with respect to seat 160. In the illustrated aspect of the invention, hinge 162 is formed at the intersection of seat strut 161 and upright 126, wherein seat strut 161 and upright 126 each include a passage (not shown) through which a pin or bolt 180 may be inserted. Seat strut 161, accordingly, is rotatable movable, with respect to upright 126, along an axis formed by pin or bolt 180. Similarly, hinge 164, positioned on the distal end of seat strut 161, allows for the rotational movement of back section 150 along an axis formed by pin or bolt 182. Although hinges 162 and 164 are shown as being rotatable about a central axis formed by pins or bolts 180 and 182, it would be understood that hinges 162 and 164 may comprise conventional hinges, such as a combination of door hinges or a single (or a plurality of) piano hinge(s) attached along horizontal element 191, etc. without altering the scope of the invention claimed.

[0030] In this illustrated embodiment of bed conversion system 100, bed section 110, bench section 120 and seating section 130 are shown constructed of a light weight material, such as aluminum. Although aluminum construction is shown, and discussed, it would be recognized that bed section 110, bench section 120 and seating section 130 may be constructed of materials that are known to provide sufficient structural support for the purpose shown. For example, steel, wood or industrial plastics or a combination thereof.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an initial position of a completed bed conversion system 100 in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0032] In this illustrated initial position, bedding system 100 is shown including back cushion 155 and seat cushion 165 positioned on back section 150 and seat section 160, respectively. Cushions 155 and 165 may be removably attached to back section 150 and seat section 160 to allow for their cleaning or changing of the fabric (e.g., cloth, plastic) or color. Further shown is platform cushion 114 positioned on frame 112. Platform Cushion 114, similar to bench cushion 155 and seat cushion 165, may be removably attachable to frame 112. In one aspect of the invention cushions 114, 155 and 165 may be made from one of: a vinyl material, a plastic type material, a leather material, a fabric and combinations thereof.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates prospective view of a first intermediate position of a bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0034] In this illustrated aspect of the invention, seat 160 is shown in an elevated position by the rotational movement of seat 160 about hinge 162 through pin 180. In one aspect of the invention, rotational movement of seat 160 may be performed manually, by the pulling on a strap (not shown) or electro-mechanically, by actuators (not shown). Further shown is back section 150 raised as seat 160 is raised.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second intermediate position of the bed conversion system shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] In this illustrated second perspective view, rotational movement of seat section 160 is shown further rotated with respect to pin 180 about hinge 162. In addition, back section 150 is shown still further elevated from bench 160 and rotated about hinge 164 about the axis formed by pin 182.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a final position of a bed conversion system shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] In this illustrated view seat 160 is shown rotated from a substantially horizontal position (see FIG. 2) to a substantially vertical position. Further illustrated is back 150 having been rotated from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position, such that cushion 155 is substantially within a same plane as that of cushion 114. In this illustrated example of the operation of the bed conversion system in accordance with the principle of the invention, proximal hinge 162 has allowed for a substantially ninety (90) degree change in the position of seat 160 while hinge 164 has allowed for the repositioning of back 150 by sustaining a substantially two-hundred-seventy (270) degree change.

[0039] In this illustrated view, bedding conversion system actuator is shown including storage area 530 beneath bed section 110 and storage area 540 within bench section 120. Further shown is a ledge element 510 connected to the proximal end of bedding section 110. Ledge element 510 provides a support for back section 150 when back section 150 is raised into a congruent relationship with respect to platform 112.

[0040] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of the initial position of a bed conversion system shown herein.

[0041] In this illustrated position, seat 160 is positioned on top surface 128 (represented by strut 124) and bench 120 is shown positioned along a proximal end of frame 112 adjacent ledge.

[0042] FIG. 6B illustrated a second side view of bench 120, wherein struts 122, 124 and 126 form a space 540 therebetween. Further illustrate is linear strut 610 and motor assembly 612, wherein strut 610 is attached between bench 120 and a lower surface (not shown) of seat 160. Linear strut 162 is configured to electro-mechanically raise seat 160 by sustainably ninety (90) degrees into a position as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Motor assembly 162, which may be powered by an A/C (alternating current) or a D/C (direct current) electrical source, is configured to extend an arm of linear strut 610, as is known in the art. In one aspect of the invention, a control of motor assembly 162 may further include a wireless system, wherein the wireless system (e.g., BLUETOOTH, or similar short-range communication system protocol) may be used to control motor assembly 612 to extend or contract linear strut 610. In this exemplary aspect of the invention, linear strut 610 may be activated by a dedicated remote switch. Alternatively motor assembly 612 may be activated using an application installed on a cellular telephone (e.g., IPhone) that may be used to extend or contract linear strut 610.

[0043] FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of a first intermediate position of a bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0044] n this illustrated example, linear strut 610 is shown in an extended configuration wherein seat 160 is raised off of top surface 128. Further shown is back section 130 raised with respect to platform 112.

[0045] FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of a second intermediate position of a bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0046] In this illustrate example, seat 160 is raised to substantially vertical position with respect to bench section 120. In this illustrated case, strut 610 is substantially fully extended.

Further illustrated is linear strut 710 attached to an underside of back section 150. Linear strut 710 provides control and placement of back section 150 with respect to frame 112.

[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the final position of a bed conversion system shown herein.

[0048] In this illustrated configuration, bed conversion system 100 is shown in a final position, wherein seat 160 is rotated into a substantially vertical position and back section 150 is rotated into a substantially horizontal position in-line (i.e., a congruent relationship) with frame 112. Further shown is back section 150 contacting ledge 510 to retain bench section 150 substantially horizontal.

[0049] Further illustrated are actuators 610 and 710 that may be used to mechanically or electro-mechanically position bench section 150 and seat section 160 into the illustrated final position. In one aspect of the invention, actuator 610 is rotatably attached to an undersurface of seat section 160. Thus, as actuator 610 extends from a closed position (not shown), wherein seat section 160 is positioned on top surface 128 of frame 120, to an open position (shown), seat section 160 is moved to a substantially vertical position with respect to top surface 128. Essentially concurrently, actuator 710 is extended from a closed position (not shown) as actuator 610 move seat 160, to a second position (shown) to position back section 150 in-line with frame 112. Actuator 710 provides for the adjustment of the positioning of bench section 150 with respect to frame 112. Actuators 610 and 710 may be electrically controlled by one or more motor assemblies (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) that provide for the expansion and contraction of linear actuators 610 and 710. In one aspect of the invention, actuators 610 and 710 may be powered by an alternating current electrical source. In another aspect of the invention, actuators 710 and 720 may be powered by a direct current source (not shown).

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of intermediate position of a second aspect of the fold-up bed conversion system in accordance with the principles of the invention.

In this illustrated embodiment, a strap element 910 may be connected to horizontal member 191 wherein strap element 910 may be pulled upward to cause the rotational movement of seat 160 about hinge 162.

[0051] In accordance with this aspect of the invention, actuators 610 and 710 may comprise air-struts that may be used to assist in the manual operation of bed conversion in accordance with principles of the invention.

[0052] In accordance with the principles of the invention, a fold-up bed configurations is disclosed that increases the length of a bed (e.g., twin, full, queen, king) within a confined area without requiring additional cushions increases the usable storage area as separate cushions need no longer be stored within the space.

[0053] Although the fold-up convertible bench/bed has been discussed with regard to campers and RTVs, it would be recognized that the invention disclosed is applicable to other situations where space is a premium issue. For example, limited space studio apartments or child bedrooms.

[0054] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0055] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.