Under bed security barricade |
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申请号 | US12454391 | 申请日 | 2009-05-18 | 公开(公告)号 | US07805781B1 | 公开(公告)日 | 2010-10-05 |
申请人 | Shirley K. Smith; | 发明人 | Shirley K. Smith; | ||||
摘要 | A guard-style device intended to prevent or hinder access to under bed storage areas is herein disclosed, comprising a series of interlocking panels providing an adjustable rectangular structure that is approximately the size of a bed. The device can be placed under a bed at its perimeter and is held in place to the bed frame by a plurality of connecting features. In such a position, the device reduces dust and dirt from accumulating under a bed, provides an element of increased security for objects that are stored under the bed, and prevents pets such as dogs, cats, and the like from running under the bed during storms or when seeking seclusion. The device also provides a unique visual element; however, it can easily be covered by a dust ruffle should its appearance not be desired. | ||||||
权利要求 | What is claimed is: |
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说明书全文 | The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Feb. 28, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates generally to a bed frame and, more particularly, to an under bed barricade which easily attaches to said bed frame. The area under a bed is often used as a storage area for many items such as off-season clothing, screens or storm windows, extra table leaves and the like. This area offers a conveniently accessible storage area where such articles can be out of sight and out of mind. Disadvantageously, many times these articles are often visible under the bed leading to an unattractive and cluttered appearance to an otherwise neat bedroom guestroom. Such spaces are also prone to attracting dust, dirt and “dust-bunnies”. Cleaning this under bed storage area properly is often a time consuming and tedious task which requires the removal or shifting of any stored articles. This problem often means that the cleaning tasks are generally not undertaken as often as they should. Such under bed areas area a favorite spot for pets such as dogs and cats who often hide there in response to thunder storms, fire works, or other loud noises. Pets can also hide under the bed when sick or injured making their care even more difficult. This under bed space can also create a tempting hiding or play area for toddlers and small children. Many times the dirt and dust collected in this space is unhealthy for small children and the objects stored under the bed may create a safety hazard for unaware and unfamiliar children. Various solutions to solve these problems have been attempted such as modular storage compartments, drawers, and locker devices. Each of these solutions can create their own disadvantages; including limiting the usable under bed storage area, complicated installation procedures, and heavy and obtrusive construction. Various attempts have been made in the past to overcome these disadvantages and provide an under bed storage and barricade means without the aforementioned problems. Among the relevant attempts to address these problems are several U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,082,435 and 5,095,566. U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,596, issued in the name of Copeland, describe a combined bed frame with storage compartments comprising side rails and end bars which adapt to and secure to the bed frame, lateral supports which adjustable oppose one (1) another and provide a rigid support means to a plurality of storage drawers. The Copeland device is mounted to the underside of the bed frame which creates a combined structure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,258, issued in the name of Wallace, describes a mobile under bed storage container which can be situated under the frame of a bed supported off of the ground. The Wallace container comprises a rigid body structure having a bottom, side walls, and an open top; a flexible top cover; and a plurality of caster assemblies for rolling the body structure. The dimensions of the container are less than the overall dimensions of the bed frame. Additionally, ornamental designs for under bed storage and frame devices exist, particularly, U.S. Pat. No. D 264,889; D 342,393; and D 525,790. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which access to the area under a bed can be controlled to address the situations as described above. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an under bed security barricade and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages. To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide an under bed security barricade, which provides a means for enclosing a storage area underneath a bed frame thereby providing a privacy guard to items stored under the bed having a pleasant appearance, preventing or hindering access by small animals, children, or the like and reducing the amount of dirt and dust which accumulates under the bed. Another object of the security barricade is to provide a device generally comprising four (4) sides, each of which comprising two (2) interconnecting sections which provide a means of length adjustment to the sides in order to accommodate various sizes of bed frames and a length of floor stripping which provides a more effective seal between the barricade sides and an under bed floor surface. Yet still another object of the security barricade is to provide a device comprising a first side, a second side, a head end, and a foot end. The first side comprises a first outer section and a first inner section which slidingly interconnected with one (1) another. The second side comprises a second outer section and a second inner section which slidingly interconnected with one (1) another. The head end comprises a third outer section and a third inner section which slidingly interconnected with one (1) another. The foot end comprises a fourth outer section and a fourth inner section which slidingly interconnected with one (1) another. Yet still another object of the security barricade is to provide the first side, the second side, the head end, and the foot end comprising an attachment means which provide a rectangular barricade underneath the bed frame when each side is attached to each other side. Yet still another object of the security barricade is to provide a means of adjusting the length of each side comprising a sliding interconnected outer section and inner section. Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment means comprising a plurality of fastening features which provide a means of connecting the sides of the device to one (1) another. The fastening features comprise an insertable male end having a snapping feature and a corresponding receiving female end. Yet still another object of the security barricade is to provide an attachment means comprising a plurality of connection features which provide a means of securing the device to the underside of the bed frame. The connection features comprise an adjustable connecting feature and corresponding connection aperture attached to a top surface of each outer section of each side of the device. Yet still another object of the security barricade is to provide a floor strip which is attached to the bottom surface of the each inner and outer section of each side of the device. Yet still another object of the security barricade is to provide a ventilation means to the under bed storage area comprising a vent located in the third outer section and a vent located in the third inner section which can be aligned as the length of the head end is adjusted to allow air flow and cooling to the inner area of the barricade. Yet still another object of the security barricade is to provide a method of utilizing the under bed security barricade which provides multiple protections and benefits where under bed storage areas are utilized by people or pets in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. Further objects and advantages of the security barricade will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The present invention describes an under bed security barricade (herein described as the “device”) 10, which provides a means for enclosing a storage area underneath a bed frame 100, thereby preventing or hindering access thereto by small animals, children, or the like. The device 10 generally comprises four (4) sides, each of which comprises two (2) interconnecting sections which provide a means of length adjustment thereto the sides in order to accommodate various sizes of bed frames 100. The device 10 is further secured thereto a lower surface of the bed frame 100. Referring now to Referring now to Referring now to It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device 10, it would be installed as indicated in The method of utilizing the device 10 may be achieved by performing the following steps: retrieving the four (4) outer sections 30, 32, 34 and the four (4) inner sections 31, 33, 35; inserting a first inner section 31 therein a first outer section 30 thereby making a first side 20; inserting the third inner section 35 therein the third outer section 34 thereby making the foot end 26; fastening a free end of said first inner section 31 thereto a free end of said third inner section 35 via engaging the fastening feature 40; inserting another first inner section 31 therein another first outer section 30, thereby making a second side 22; inserting the second inner section 33 therein the second outer section 32, thereby making the head end 24; fastening a free end of said first inner section 31 thereto a free end of said second inner section 33 via engaging the fastening feature 40; fastening a free end of said first outer section 30 thereto a free end of said second outer section 32 via engaging the fastening feature 40; fastening a free end of said first outer section 31 thereto a free end of said third outer section 34 via engaging the fastening feature 40; adjusting said device 10 to a desired size depending upon the size of the bed frame 100 by slidingly adjusting said inner sections 31, 33, 35 thereinside said outer sections 30, 32, 34; retrieving the appropriate type of connecting feature 50 depending on the type and material of said bed frame 100; threadingly inserting the connecting feature 50 therein a corresponding connecting feature aperture 55; engaging the connecting feature 50 thereto an underneath surface of said bed frame 100; and, benefiting from the increased safety, cleanliness, and peace of mind afforded a user of the present device 10. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. |