Support frame for a mattress

Abstract

In one embodiment, a support frame for a mattress is provided that can easily be broken down for storage and is easily constructed of a number of individual support members such that the size of the frame is easily variable. The frame includes a plurality of the individual support members that are arranged in an interlocking manner to form the support frame. Each support member has one or more interlocking features that permit each support member to mate with one or more other support member in an interlocking manner, with the support members being mated together by orientating the support members in a grid-like pattern with the features aligned. The two support members are then interlocked with respect to one another by inserting one support member into features of another support member such that the two support members are effectively interlocked with respect to one another, wherein each end of the support members includes a first locking feature. The support frame also includes a locking member that is configured to mate with the first locking features so as to result in the locking member being disposed around a border of the frame for enclosing sides of the frame. The locking member has a second locking feature and a complementary receiving feature that mates therewith for securely attach the locking member around the frame.

1 . A support frame for a mattress that can easily be broken down for storage and is easily constructed of a number of individual support members such that the size of the frame is easily variable, the frame comprising: 
 a plurality of the individual support members that are arranged in an interlocking manner to form the support frame, wherein each support member has one or more interlocking features that permit each support member to mate with one or more other support member in an interlocking manner, the support members being mated together by orientating the support members in a grid-like pattern with the features aligned and then two support members are interlocked with respect to one another by inserting one support member into features of another support member such that the two support members are effectively interlocked with respect to one another, wherein each end of the support members includes a first locking feature; and    a locking member that is configured to mate with the first locking features so as to result in the locking member being disposed around a border of the frame for enclosing sides of the frame, the locking member having a second locking feature and a complementary receiving feature that mates therewith for securely attach the locking member around the frame.    
   
   
       2 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the interlocking features of each support member comprises a plurality of notches that are formed at predetermined locations along the length of each support member.  
   
   
       3 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the first locking features are in the form of locking tabs that mate with complementary openings formed through the locking member.  
   
   
       4 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the locking member is an elongated structure in an open position that is bendable about a plurality of hinge folds formed therein to define side wall sections of the locking member, the second locking feature being a second locking tab formed at one end of elongated structure and the receiving feature is in the form of a slit that frictionally receives the second locking tab.  
   
   
       5 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the locking member includes a plurality of openings formed therethrough for receiving and mating with the first locking features.  
   
   
       6 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the mattress is of an inflatable type.