AU2019100744A4 - A portable foldable framed bedding arrangement for couples - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable bedding arrangement including a foldable frame having a collapsed storage and an expanded unfolded configuration. A sheet member supported by said foldable frame in a substantially flat horizontal configuration suitable for a couple to sleep thereupon. The foldable frame further includes a strap arrangement mountable at opposing ends of the foldable frame, and wherein the strap arrangement includes a strap located longitudinally and generally centrally along an underside of the sheet member when the sheet member is in the substantially flat horizontal configuration when said foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration, such that the strap provides a central support between the couples sleeping upon the sheet member when in use preventing and/or substantially ameliorating a tendency for the couple to roll into each other. ooo r01

Description

A PORTABLE FOLDABLE FRAMED BEDDING ARRANGEMENT FOR COUPLES

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD [001] This invention relates to portable, foldable bedding arrangements used for couples, the kinds of which one generally associates with an expandable metal framed structure that is foldable out which then supports a sheet member such as canvas, linen and/or nylon to which the occupant(s) would lay thereupon.

[002] More particularly this invention relates to these kinds of bedding arrangements that will allow couples to lie and rest more comfortably upon the sheet member without rolling into each other.

BACKGROUND ART DISCUSSION [003] Portable foldable framed bedding arrangements offer alternatives to larger, more permanent beds, particularly in places where these large permanent beds cannot be conveniently used, such as when out camping and/or in situations where additional or quickly created extra accommodation is required.

[004] One form of these portable foldable framed bedding arrangements are the kinds one generally associates with a foldable metal frame, and also in some instances wood framed configurations, that expand out from the folded position which then makes available the sheeted material such as canvas, linen or nylon which someone would thereafter be able to lie upon.

[005] These types of structures are often referred to as stretcher type portable bedding and can be used in conjunction with a swag, netting such as mosquito nets, and other auxiliary fittings into tent type fixtures to assist a person to a comfortable, hygienic, safe and/or warmer sleeping experience.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 [006] There are many instances when it would be useful to be able to provide this type of bedding accommodation for couples so that they could sleep upon the same foldable frame.

[007] One obvious problem when accommodating more than one person with these types of stretcher based portable beds is the requirement to structurally support multiple persons thereon but also maintain comfort of two independent people including preventing the couple from rolling in together.

[008] One way in which these types of foldable frames have been presented to provide a double stretcher capability for two occupants is to reinforce the structural support of the bedding by introducing as part of the foldable frame a central beam or metal support which effectively partitions each side of the sheet member into two separate sections divided by this central supported beam or the like running longitudinally along the length of the expanded out bedding structure.

[009] In these types of arrangements partitioning the couples by way of the segregated central beam or the like of the frame structure significantly reduces comfort and a satisfying sleeping experience upon the bedding arrangement as each member of the couple is restricted from any significant movement as they remain segregated and confined through the abutment of the central support beam introduced into the metal frame.

[010] Accordingly, it would be particularly advantageous if it was possible to still provide a portable foldable framed bedding arrangement for couples that is functional as a conventional stretcher type bed, making it useful for camping, quick accommodation solutions and the like and to do so in a way that will still allow a couple to rest and sleep thereupon the sheet member without having to be segregated and exposed to the discomfort one has come to expect from a segregating central beam and/or metal structural support introduced into these types of portable lightweight bedding so that couples can be accommodated.

[011] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a complete reading of the following specification.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [012] In one form of the invention there is provided a portable foldable framed bedding arrangement for couples, said portable foldable framed bedding arrangement including;

[013] a foldable frame, said foldable frame having a collapsed storage configuration and said foldable frame having an expanded unfolded configuration;

[014] a sheet member, wherein said sheet member is supported by said foldable frame in a substantially flat horizontal configuration suitable for a couple to sleep thereupon when said foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration;

[015] said foldable frame further including a strap arrangement, wherein the strap arrangement is mountable at opposing ends of said foldable frame when the foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration, wherein the strap arrangement includes a strap located longitudinally and generally centrally along an underside of the sheet member when the sheet member is in the substantially flat horizontal configuration when said foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration;

[016] such that the strap provides a central support between the couples sleeping upon the sheet member when in use preventing and/or substantially ameliorating a tendency for the couple to roll into each other.

[017] In preference the strap arrangement includes a tensioning arrangement, wherein the tensioning arrangement is adapted to provide tensioning upon the strap.

[018] Advantageously, this new arrangement will be able to provide for a portable foldable, lightweight, metal framed, stretcher type bedding wherein the supported sheet member such as canvas, linen and/or nylon, rather than being supported by additional central metal beams to be included as part of the metal frame, introduces a central strap that will provide structural support to the couple sleeping on the bedding arrangement thereby avoiding a rolling of each other without however being restricted by an uncomfortable abutment of a supporting beam and the like which one associates with more hitherto provided arrangements introduced above.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 [019] An advantage of introducing a tensioner as part of the strap arrangement means that the degree of resiliency of the strap can be adjusted depending on the weight of the couple intending to sleep upon the bedding arrangement and so forth.

[020] The tensioning of the strap can impart the required resiliency necessary for the strap to stop any sagging of the sheet member in the middle which would result in the couples rolling into each other towards the middle.

[021] As a strap rather than a metal frame structure, this will avoid any discomfort if one member of the couple lays across the strap or has an arm there across.

[022] In preference the strap arrangement is attached through the sheet member to the respective ends of the foldable frame when the foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration.

[023] An advantage of such an arrangement is that by fastening the strap arrangement to the respective ends of the frame through the sheet member is able to spread out the weight that will be imparted by the strap as it provides the necessary rigidity to maintain the generally comfortable flat configuration of the sheet member as the couples rest there upon.

[024] While it is possible to mount the strap at one location, say for example directly to an end beam of the metal frame structure when in the expanded unfolded configuration, this would mean that the beam and to an extent the entire frame to which the strap is attached would have to have significant structural integrity and strength as all the supported weight that has been placed upon the strap would need to be supportable at that one fastening location at the respective ends of the foldable frame.

[025] Advantageously, however as introduced in preferred embodiments of this invention, uniquely the strap arrangement will be mounted to the actual sheet member thereby spreading that supported weight across the breadth or ends of the metal frame structure when in the expanded unfolded configuration.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 [026] As a sharing of the weight of the strap can be made across the length of those opposing end beams of the unfolded metal frame, means that the strength and durability of the metal sections of the frame can be less than otherwise required which means the weight and cost of the metal to be used can be lowered providing frame structure with lighter weight, that once again would otherwise be required.

[027] In preference the strap arrangement has the strap connected at both ends to two further straps wherein these two further straps peel off in opposing directions to engage the respective sheet member on different sides of the main longitudinal strap member.

[028] In preference each of these respective further straps connected to the end of the strap member include an intermediate tensioning member.

[029] In preference the tensioning member is a turn buckle.

[030] In preference the strap arrangement is detachable from the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement.

[031] In instances wherein the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement is to be used by a single occupant, the strap arrangement in alternative embodiments can removed from the bedding arrangement.

[032] Alternatively, again if the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of this invention is to be used by a single occupant, the ability to adjust the tension of the strap located longitudinally and generally centrally along the underside of the sheet can be altered to still impart structural support of the person resting thereon but in such a way as not to limit lateral movement of the person across the full breadth of the sheet member that has been supported upon the foldable frame.

[033] In preference the foldable frame includes two end beams.

[034] In preference the end beams are adapted to be assembled and disassembled from the foldable frame, and wherein the end beams are each configured with at least one fold so that the respective end beams can be folded up.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 [035] In preference the foldable frame includes a leg support arrangement for each of the end beams and a central leg support wherein the leg support at the respective ends and the central leg support provide support for side beams that run along the general opposing side edges of the sheet member when the foldable frame is in the extended unfolded configuration.

[036] In preference the leg support arrangements are an assembly wherein sections of the leg supports can be separated into separate sections.

[037] As is to be appreciated when accommodating a couple, the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement needs to be bigger than the conventional bedding used for a single occupant.

[038] That means the leg support structures are inherently longer and so to be able to conveniently handle the foldable frame during storage and/or transportation, it will be advantageous to disassemble parts of the support leg arrangements, improving the compactness and handling of the foldable frame in its collapsed storage configuration.

[039] Also advantageously as the support leg arrangements can be assembled and separated into parts, there is then the opportunity of partitioning parts of the foldable frame into separate carry bags making it easy then to carry parts of the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement separately.

[040] As opposed to having one heavy bag or the like incorporating all the pieces of the bedding arrangement, by being able to disassemble the ends of the legs of the leg support arrangements as well as the end beams and then put these components in a separate storage container or bag, once again as introduced above, will make the overall portability and handling of the bedding arrangement more convenient and risk diverse by avoiding lifting too heavy items.

[041] In preference the leg support arrangement generally centrally positioned between the leg support arrangements at the opposing distal ends of the bedding arrangement includes a support strut arrangement.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 [042] As introduced above, compactness and also the weight of the foldable frame is an important consideration.

[043] This invention, in a particular preferred embodiment, has recognised that much of the weight is required to be supported centrally by the foldable frame when in the expanded unfolded configuration as the couple rests there upon the cover sheet member.

[044] Therefore instead of unnecessarily having additional support struts at the respective ends of the foldable frame when in the expanded unfolded configuration, the support struts are only introduced into that part of the bedding arrangement to which real support is required, that being the central leg support arrangement.

[045] If need be in various preferred embodiments this strut support arrangement to the leg support arrangement of the central area of the bedding arrangement can also be assembled and disassembled as required to other leg support arrangements at the distal ends.

[046] In preference the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement has the sheet member made of canvas, linen and/or nylon.

[047] In preference the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement includes a swag, netting including mosquito netting, a tent, sleeping bag, padding, cushioning included therein and/or apart.

[048] In order now to describe the invention in greater detail a series of preferred embodiments will be presented with the assistance of the following illustrations and accompanying text.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [049] Figure 1 is a generally underside perspective view of the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement for couples in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 [050] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the strap arrangement engaging one end of the folded frame through the sheet member in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[051] Figure 3 is a generally front top perspective view of the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement for couples as shown in Figure 1.

[052] Figure 4 is a generally front, side and slightly underside perspective view of the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement shown in Figure 1.

[053] Figure 5 shows a general perspective view of the strut support assembly being used in the central leg support arrangement of the foldable frame of the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement for couples in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [054] Referring to the drawings now in greater detail wherein the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of this invention is shown generally as (10).

[055] Bedding arrangement (10) includes a foldable frame which includes the leg support arrangements (12), (14) and (16) wherein leg support arrangements (12) and (16) are at the opposing distal ends of the foldable frame when the foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration as shown in the illustrations.

[056] The leg support arrangements (12), (14) and (16) provide structural support for the side beams (24) and (26) as best seen in Figure 3.

[057] The foldable frame and notably the leg support arrangements (12) and (16) support the corresponding end beams (20) and (22) such that when the foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration as illustrated in the drawings, sheet member (18), which could be made of material such as canvas, linen and/or nylon provides for a generally flat horizontal configuration.

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 [058] In the preferred embodiment the foldable frame has the end beams (20) and (22) detachable from the foldable frame when not in use and which include a fold shown as (23a) for end beam (20) and (23b) or end beam (22) to be foldable there up when withdrawn from the sheet member (18) when the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement (10) is not in use.

[059] Importantly for this invention, as part of the structural support to maintain the sheet member (18) in a generally flat horizontal configuration when supporting a couple bedding thereon, a strap arrangement is introduced into the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement (10) which includes a strap member (42).

[060] This central strap member (42) in the preferred embodiment at each distal end includes a pair of diverging straps (44a) and (44b) at end (19) and (41a) and (41b) at end (17) of the strap member (42).

[061] These respective diverging straps (44a), (44b) at end (19) of strap member (42) and straps (41a) and (41b) at end (17) of strap member (42) each connect on with corresponding turn buckles (43a), (43b), (45a) and (45b) respectively.

[062] As best seen in Figure 3, slots (35a), (35b), (35c) and (35d) on the sheet member (18) allow the turn buckles (43a), (43b), (45a) and (45b) to be adjustable when the foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration supporting the sheet member (18) in the generally flat horizontal configuration.

[063] Hence the degree of resiliency and the level of tension the strap member (42) is to impart can be adjusted for tension by the user.

[064] As best seen in Figure 2, although illustrated in the context of the end represented by the end beam (20) and support leg arrangement (12) albeit the same structure and functionality is achieved at the opposing distal end represented by end beam (22) and leg support arrangement (16), the strap (42) is ultimately mounted to the respective end beams (20) and (22) by way of the sheet member (18).

[065] Again as best seen in Figure 2, the sheet member (18) can include a hem type stitching (53) which allows the end beam (20) to be slotted there through and to

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 which the fold (23a) of end beam (20) is exposed by way of the corresponding slot (25a) on the sheet member (18).

[066] As illustrated in Figure 2, the strap extensions (47a) and (47b) are attached to turnbuckles (43a) and (43b), to which are attached to the respective diverging straps (41a) and (41b) out from the end (17) of the strap member (42).

[067] Hence the strap member (42), rather than being mounted at one location or even multiple locations directly to the foldable frame is alternatively attached to the sheeted material (18) to spread the weight that would be applied when a couple is laying thereon.

[068] The spreading of the weight and/or load being applied to the strap member (42) across the breadth of the end members (20) and (22) supported by their corresponding leg support arrangements (12) and (16) means that the metal frame can be made up of more lightweight metal than otherwise would be required.

[069] Also as best seen in Figures 4 and 5 the central leg support arrangement shown generally as (14) includes a strut support (32a) and (32b) to reinforce the strength of the leg support arrangement (14).

[070] Although leg support arrangements (12) and (16) could also include this additional strut support, the applicant has recognised that the significant weight to support the couple upon the sheet member (18) for the most part is central rather than being at the ends where the head and feet would rest thereupon.

[071] Therefore, introducing additional support to the foldable frame where required without introducing too many structural features to the foldable frame provides for rigid support but again maintaining portability, compactness and lightweight handling of the foldable frame than would be required if further structural support was required for each of the leg support arrangements (12) and (16) as well.

[072] Figure 5 also assists in illustrating a further feature of the foldable frame that improves the portability, handling and compactness of the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement (10) in a preferred embodiment wherein although only shown 10

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 for the leg support arrangement (14) would also be included into the assemblies of leg supports (12) and (16).

[073] The legs of the leg support arrangements can be disassembled into sections shown as (31) and (30) in Figure 5 as an illustrated example as to how the legs that make up the leg support arrangements (12), (14) and (16) can be disassembled and separated.

[074] By being able to disassemble the sections of the leg support arrangements (12), (14) and (16) as well as being able to separate the end beams (20) and (22) and to fold them up this allows for those additional pieces of the foldable frame, and if need be the additional support struts supporting the leg supports to be placed in a separate carry bag or container.

[075] By allowing components to be carried in separate containers/bags means that neither container/bag will be too heavy which will assist in transporting and ultimately user handling of the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement (10).

Claims (14)

1. A portable foldable framed bedding arrangement for couples, said portable foldable framed bedding arrangement including;

a foldable frame, said foldable frame having a collapsed storage configuration and said foldable frame having an expanded unfolded configuration;

a sheet member, wherein said sheet member is supported by said foldable frame in a substantially flat horizontal configuration suitable for a couple to sleep thereupon when said foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration;

said foldable frame further including a strap arrangement, wherein the strap arrangement is mountable at opposing ends of said foldable frame when the foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration, wherein the strap arrangement includes a strap located longitudinally and generally centrally along an underside of the sheet member when the sheet member is in the substantially flat horizontal configuration when said foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration;

such that the strap provides a central support between the couples sleeping upon the sheet member when in use preventing and/or substantially ameliorating a tendency for the couple to roll into each other.

2. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the strap arrangement includes a tensioning arrangement, wherein the tensioning arrangement is adapted to provide tensioning upon the strap.

3. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 2 wherein the strap arrangement is attached through the sheet member to the respective ends of the foldable frame when the foldable frame is in the expanded unfolded configuration.

4. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 3 wherein the strap arrangement has the strap connected at both ends to two further straps wherein

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 these two further straps peel off in opposing directions to engage the respective sheet member on different sides of the main longitudinal strap member.

5. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 4 wherein each of these respective further straps connected to the end of the strap member include an intermediate tensioning member.

6. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 5 wherein the tensioning member is a turn buckle.

7. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the strap arrangement is detachable from the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement.

8. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the foldable frame includes two end beams.

9. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 8 wherein the end beams are adapted to be assembled and disassembled from the foldable frame, and wherein the end beams are each configured with at least one fold so that the respective end beams can be folded up.

10. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the foldable frame includes a leg support arrangement for each of the end beams and a central leg support wherein the leg support at the respective ends and the central leg support provide support for side beams that run along the general opposing side edges of the sheet member when the foldable frame is in the extended unfolded configuration.

11. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 10 wherein the leg support arrangements are an assembly wherein sections of the leg supports can be separated into separate sections.

12. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 11 wherein the leg support arrangement generally centrally positioned between the leg support

2019100744 08 Jul 2019 arrangements at the opposing distal ends of the bedding arrangement includes a support strut arrangement.

13. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement has the sheet member made of canvas, linen and/or nylon.

14. The portable foldable framed bedding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the portable foldable framed bedding arrangement includes a swag, netting including mosquito netting, a tent, sleeping bag, padding, cushioning included therein and/or apart.