Патент USA US2547866

April 3, 1951
.1. L.. GoDscHALK
2,547 ,863
FOLDING BED
Filed April 7, 1949 `
vi5 Sheets-Sheet 1
INVEN TOR.
April 3, 1951
J. L. GODSCHALK
FOLDING BED
'Filed April 7,1949
'
2,547,863
`
3 Sheets-Sheet 2
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30; ' '
INVENTOR.
Patented Apr. 3, 1951
2,547,863
UNITED~ STATES PATENT OFFICE
2,547,863
FOLDING BED
Jacques L. Godsohalk, Chicago, Ill.
Application April 7, 1949, Serial No. 86,087
`5 Claims. (Cl. 5--136)
l
2
.
This invention relates to a bed which is hinged
ly mounted to swing about an axis parallel with
one of its long sides, thereby minimizing the dis
tance of projection of the bed into the room from
the proximate wall. Such a bed may be enclosed
certain of theparts by which up-folding move
ment of the bed frame is halted;
,
Fig. 8 is a detail in elevation of one corner por
tion of the bed frame, looking toward its outer
(under) side when in up-folded position; and
within a cabinet so as to be wholly concealed
when not in use. Because of the fact that the
Fig. 9 is a detail in section, taken on line 9-9
of Fig. 5.
Since the present bed is one that is well suited
bed is hinged parallel with one of its long sides,
the top of the cabinet may be disposed at a rela
for use elsewhere than in a bedroom, it is de
tively low height which is convenient for sup 10 sirable that there be an enclosing cabinet there
porting various objects. The open front of the
for whereby the presence of the bed, when not
cabinet may be closed as by doors or curtains
in use, may be concealed. For this purpose I
provide a cabinet having opposite end walls l0
when the bed is folded up to its vertical position
therewithin.
'
and a top Il. The back of the cabinet may be
The present bed utilizes a metallic frame struc
open. The cabinet front is adapted to be closed
ture made of parts which are readily available.
These include hingedly mounted front legs which
remain substantially vertical Whether the bed be
swung down or folded up. Each front leg is link
connected to the proximate rear leg, this con
by curtains or, as shown, by opposite pairs of
swinging doors I4, l5 which are hinged to each
other and to the end of the cabinet. A rail I6
desirably interconnects the two cabinet ends at
20 the floor line (see Fig. 1).
nection being pivotal with the front leg and slid
ing and pivotal with the rear leg for> a special
purpose. In addition, means is provided whereby
the various parts which are fastened to the frame
will clear each other when the bed is folded up 25
so as to occupy a minimum of space. Each front
leg is then maintained with its lower end slightly
inclined outwardly so that its pivotal connection
with the link will remain out of line with re
spect to its own hinged mounting and with the
pivotal-sliding connection of the link with the
rear leg.
A bed of this character also embodies other
numerous features of improvement as will here
inafter appear. A suggestive embodiment of the `
The bed comprises a frame which may consist
of angle irons united into a rectangle to pro
vide a front rail 20, a back rail 2|, and opposite
ends 22, 22. The front and back rails extend
along the sides of the bed, and they may be ap
propriately termed side rails. Rising from the
frame is a fence having a tubular rail of gen
erally rectangular contour to provide a back 25,
a pair of ends 26, and two aligned fronts 2T, 21
between which is a wide gap. Each front rail
near its extremity is downturned at 2B to join
with the bed frame, and elsewhere posts 30 ex
tend from the fence rail downwardly to the bed
frame to provide a means of interconnection
therebetween.
A fence of this nature deiines a space within
present bed is illustrated in the accompanying
drawings in the manner following:
which may be confined a mattress M. The fence
>gap at the front is sufficiently wide to afford
Figure l is a view in perspective of the bed
ample opening for a person to slide in and out
swung downwardly to horizontal position, the
cabinet enclosing the bed having doors at the
of the bed. If desired, straps (not shown) may
be hooked to eye ñttings 3| which upstand from
front which are opened out to permit the bed
the bed frame at front and rear, the straps be
to assume the operative position there shown;
ing passed over the mattress to hold it in place
Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the cabinet
when swung with the bed to a vertical position,
doors closed, as when the bed has been folded up
Y
between periods of use;
45 as shown best in Fig. 4.
The angle irons of the bed frame are so dis
Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the cabi
posed that a web of each depends along the out
net, taken on line 3_3 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a vertical section through the cabinet,
side thereof. On the under side of the front rail
taken on line 4_4 of Fig. 2;
20 near each end thereof is a pair of ears 35, 35,
Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail in section, taken 50 secured in place as by Welding, to provide a sup
on line 5--5 of Fig. 3;
port for a hinge pin 36 which extends there
between. This pin traverses the bifurcated up
Fig. 6 is a detail in section, taken on line 6-6
of Fig. 8;
per end 31 of a tubular leg L whose length is such
Fig. 7 is a semi-diagrammatic view in which
as to extend downwardly from the bed, when in
is clearly indicated the engaging positions oi 55 horizontal position, to the floor (see Fig. 1).
2,547,863
4
connection with the proximate rear leg. By this
Each leg L as a substantially medial point is
means provision is made for the link to shift end
provided with a pivotal connection 40 for a link
wise the slight distance that is necessary because
4I which is offset outwardly (see Fig. 8) so as to
of the different positions of the pivotal centers
connect with a leg R toward the rear of the bed,
the rear legs being disposed further toward the
46 and Ell. The front legs remain always in
slightly outwardly inclined positions (see Figs. 6
ends of the bed than the legs L at the front
thereof. A stop plate 42 which is carried by each
and '7) when the bed is upfolded to its limit,
link extends toward the proximate front leg to
here shown as slightly beyond the vertical. The
engage therewith when the bed is folded up, the
two links, however, are more nearly vertically
purpose being to thereby maintain the lower end 10 disposed, andV the points 40 of' their pivotal at
of the leg in a slightly outwardly inclined p0
tachment with the front legs remain slightly for
sition (see Figs. 6 and 7).
y
wardly of a line which extends between the pivotal
Each link 4I near its rear end is formed with
connections 36 and 46. In consequence, when
an elongated slot 45 to receive therethrough- a
the' bed is drawn downwardly from its raised
pin 46 one end of which is affixed, as by ‘welding-> 15 position, the front legs will offer no resistance to
41, to the front web 48 of the proximate leg R
such movement-an important consideration in
which is desirably made of angle iron. Eachl
a'folding bed structure of the kind under descrip
rear leg is joined to a foot having angled basesMl
tion..
and 50, extending at 90° in parallelism with the
The swinging movements of the bed frame be
long and short sides of the bed frame. The rear 20 tween~ its down and up positions involve a move
legs‘a‘re'desirably’secui‘ed to the ñoor as by screws
merit slightly in excess of 90°'. The purpose here
5I which are anchored thereto, thesescrews tra
is to have the preponderance of weight disposed
versing' the bases' 49' and 50.
A
to the rear of- a line extending vertically through
The back rail 2`| o'f the bed frame remains
the pivotal- supports 54. At the same time it is
spaced from the wallV adjacent the open back of 25 important to-prevent the bed frame from swing
the cabinet. The pivotal support of the bed’ is
ing tooY far, otherwise it would not remain clear.
inwardly of the back rail by a substantial dis
of` the wall to the rear of the cabinet.. The up
tance, at' least'eríou’g'h to permit the bed to swing
swinging. movement of the bed is halted when
through nearly 90° and in so doing, leave> ample
the rear rail- 2| of.' the bedv frame approaches- the
30 two legs R at a point-well. below its pivotal axis
clearance- between- its fence and the wall.
The legs R which contribute to support of the
54.V As shown best in Figs. 6 and 7, the web of
bed are' substantially concealed from view by the
the angled back rail 2|. which normally depends
enclosingcabinet. At the top end of each leg the
downwardly is extended forwardly when the bed
front web 48" is cut- away, leaving an upstanding
is swung to its up position, and so is free to
outer web 52 wherein is a notch 53 for' receiv
enter between thev angle> irons which constitute
ing a pin 54 which passes through the end rail
the two rear legs R, but only so far as is permitted
to establish a pivotal connection therewith.
by the upstanding webs 48. At this point the
The 4web 52ï which supports the pin 54 is inset
backl rail 2l` will engage the two webs 48 to halt
at 55 toward the bed frame, soY that the leg R
further swinging movement of the bed frame.
may be positioned close» to the end wall I0 of 40 In this final position- the center of gravity has
the cabinet while permitting the end rail 22 of
shifted slightly to beyond the line which extends
the bed frame to be disposedl further therefrom.
vertically through the pivotal supports 54. The
It will be obvious that removall of the bed frame
bed frame will accordingly remain- in its up posi
:may be accomplished easily by lifting the same
tionwithout the’ need of any latch or other hold
from off of the two rear legs R and then dis
ing device, and its retention in that positionv will
connecting. the links 4l from the pins 40. Such
bel assured indefinitely; For a downward swing
ing-movement it is necessary only that a light for
ward` pull be» exerted on the bed frame near its
upper end whereupon a down folding movement
will ensue without further effort.
The entire structure which constitutes my in
vention is one which adapts itself for accom
modation within a relatively low cabinet. This
is due tothe fact that the bed is pivotally mounted
to- swing about an axis which parallels its two
an operation is ordinarily unnecessary, but in the
event of any repairs may be» easily accomplished.
For support of theV mattress upon> thebed frame
asuitable spring structure S is provided.v The
mi)
edge portions- of the spring are suitably secured
against the underside of the bed frame- with the
side of clamping bars 56».
It will be noted that the enclosing cabinet» is
entirely disconnected from the- bed whose sup
port- is furnished by its own four legs the rear
ones of which are desirably anchored to the floor.
These rear legs are pivotally connected to the bed
frame at a point which» is substantially distant
from the wall ajacent- which the cabinet is usual
ly placed; in addition the rear side of the bed
frame is also spaced from the wall a distance
which is sufñcient to afford clearance for its up
standing fence to execute a- turning movement
of 90° or so when the bed is- folded up to vertical
position.
The construction herein described is such that
the front legs which are hingedly mounted to
the front rail of the bed frame, somewhat in
wardly of the ends thereof, are required to re
main in a substantially vertical position whether
the bed be swung to its down position or be fold
sides. The projection of the bed- outwardly into
the' room is, therefore, less than if the bed were
hinged to swing about an axis parallel with its
two ends. In addition, the parts which are re
quired in the construction of the bed frame and
its mounting are relatively few, inexpensive, and
readily assembled, and they cooperate effectively
in affording the necessary support for the bed
whether in its down or up position, and also a
' stop for the bed frame to prevent overswinging
thereof at the conclusion of a predetermined up
folding movement. These parts also provide a
stop for the front legs so that they will be main
tained out of alignment with the links which con
70 nect them with the rear legs.
In these several
respects, the present bed is advantageous and
by the two linksßl each in pivotal connection
endowed with usefulness in a high degree.
I claim:
1. A bed comprising a rectangular frame, a pair
with one of the front legs and in sliding pivotal `
of legs hinged to a long Side of the frame near
up to its raised position. This is accomplished
5
2,547,863
6
opposite ends thereof, a second pair of legs in
pivotal engagement with the short sides of the
frame at points remote from the first pair of
legs and providing a mounting whereon the irame
may swing between vertical and horizontal posi~
tions, all four pivotal axes being parallel with
the long sides of the frame, a pair of links inter~
connecting the front and rear legs, and stops on
the links for engaging with the ñrst named pair
of legs to limit the swinging movement thereof
to less than 90° when the frame is swung up
wardly through a full 90° about the pivotal axes
of the second pair of legs,
2. A bed comprising a rectangular frame, a pair
of floor-anchored legs disposed adjacent opposite
short sides of the frame and inwardly from one
long side thereof for like distances which are a
movement thereof, means connecting the remain»
ing two legs to the frame to swing about an axis
in parallelism with its long sides and at or near
the long side thereof which is remote from the
anchored legs, and a link connection between
each anchored leg and the proximate free leg
whereby swinging movement of the latter will be
controlled by the swinging position of the bed
frame upon its axis of movement.
5. A bed comprising a rectangular frame, four
legs depending from the frame, two of the legs
at opposite ends of the frame being connected
thereto to permit swinging of the frame between
vertical and horizontal positions about an axis
f in parallelism with the long sides thereof, means
for anchoring the said two legs to the floor where~
on the bed is stood, the points of connection of
minor part of the length of the short sides, and
the anchored legs with the frame being spaced
a separable pivotal connection between each leg
inwardly equidistantly and substantially from the
and the bed frame, the axes of said connections 20 proximate frame side and the anchored legs be
being in mutual alignment and parallel with the
ing provided with stop means at points substan
long sides of the bed, the two legs having an
tially below the axis of their connection with
angular cross section and so disposed as to re
the frame to be engaged by the proximate frame
ceive between them the long side of the frame
side when the frame is swung upwardly from the
which executes a down movement when the op
posite long side of the bed frame is swungT up
wardly and providing a stop to further swinging
- horizontal through a movement of approximately
90°, the anchored stop means when engaged with
the frame side acting to limit further swinging
movement thereof, means connecting the remain
upwardly to the point that its preponderance
ing two legs to the frame to swing about an axis
of weight has crossed a line extending vertically
in
parallelism with its long sides and at or near
250
from its pivotal axis.
the long side thereof which is remote from the
3. A bed according to claim 2 in which a pair
anchored legs, a link connection between each
of free legs are pivotally connected to the frame
anchored
leg and the proximate free leg whereby
at the other long side thereof to swing about
movement thereof when the bed frame has swung
swinging movement of the latter will be con
aligned axes which are parallel with the long
trolled by the swinging movement of the bed
sides of the frame, and in which a link inter
frame upon its axis of movement, and means pro
connects each anchored leg with the proximate
vidìng
for sliding movement of each link connec
free leg by pivotal means which permits sliding
tion with one of the associated legs to compensate
movement of the link relative to one leg to com
for variations in distances between the pivotal
pensate for variations in distances between the
pivotal means connecting the legs to the frame ac 40 axes of the connections b‘etween the frame and
each pair of link-connected legs according to the
cording to the swung position of the bed frame.
swung position of the bed frame.
4. A bed comprising a rectangular frame, four
JACQUES L. GODSCHAIK.
legs depending from the frame, two of the legs at
opposite ends of the frame being connected there
REFERENCES CITED
to to permit swinging of the frame between ver 45
The
following
references are of record in the
tical and horizontal positions about an axis in
ñle of this patent:
parallelism with the sides thereof, means for
anchoring the said two legs to the floor whereon
UNITED STATES PATENTS
the bed is stood, the points of connection of the
Number
Name
Date
50
anchored legs with the frame being spaced in
310,255
Cook _____________ __ Jan. 6„ 1885
wardly equidistantly and substantially from the
1,057,256
McCarry _________ __ Mar. 25, 1913
proximate frame side and the anchored legs ben
1,078,613
Corneil __________ __ Nov. 18, 1913
ing provided with stop means at points substan
1,137,402
Higgins _________ _- Apr. 27, 1915
tially below the axis of their connection with the
2,307,920
Deschamps _______ „_ Jan. 12, 1943
frame to be engaged by the proximate frame side
FOREIGN
PATENTS
when the frame is swung upwardly >from the
horizontal through a movement lof approximately
Number
Country
Date
90°, the anchored stop means when engaged with
8,361
Great Britain _____________ _- 1894
the frame side acting to limit further swinging
60