Adjustable bed-frame

Abstract

A pair of improved adjustable cross-frame members are incorporated with a pair of side frame members to form a bed frame readily adjustable to a wide variety of widths. Each improved cross-frame member has a first and second elongated elements, each of which is pivotably connected to respective side members in a standard manner. The first element is provided with a pawl mounted near its free end and the second element is provided with a plurality of teeth. The teeth are shaped to allow for easy movement when the side frame members are moved toward each other and to allow for resistance when the side frame members are being pulled apart from each other.

I claim: 
     
       1. In an adjustable bed frame adapted to support a box spring and mattress, a pair of spaced parallel .[.horizontal.]. .Iadd.horizontally .Iaddend.disposed side frame members;   at least one horizontally disposed transverse frame member comprising two elongated elements;   one of said elements mounted by one of its ends to one of said side frame member and the other of said elements mounted by one of its ends to the other of said side frame members;   said other element having a series of teeth disposed substantially along its length;   a spring-loaded pawl mounted on said one element .[.near its free end.].;   said one element and said other element being disposed in slidable relationship to each other so that said pawl engages said teeth one at a time .Iadd., said teeth facing in a direction such that said pawl is free to ride over said teeth when said side frame members are moved inwardly toward one another, engagement between said pawl and one of said teeth preventing said side frame members from moving outwardly relative to one another. .Iaddend.   
     
     
       2. In the frame of claim 1: said teeth are shaped so that said members are locked in one direction and are free to move in the other direction.   
     
     
       3. In the frame of claim 1: said elements each has a right angle shaped cross-section;   said sleeve has a right angle shaped opening;   said sleeve is mounted to said one element so that both legs of said one element are adjacent to the interior of said sleeve;   said other element has said series of teeth formed on the lower edge of the respective leg forming the angle shape;   an arm is pivotably mounted on the side of said sleeve so that said arm pivots about an horizontal axis and extends substantially horizontal along said sleeve.   
     
     
       4. In the frame of claim 3: said sleeve has an opening formed in its lower portion  to expose said teeth;   said pawl extends into said opening to engage said teeth.   
     
     
       5. In the frame of claim 4, said teeth are shaped so that said elements move freely in one direction and are locked from moving in the other direction. 
     
     
       6. In the frame of claim 1: said elements each has a channel shaped cross-section wherein one element is of a size to slip into the other element of said same transverse frame member;   said channel elements of said same transverse frame member are disposed back-to-back to form a tubular enclosure;   said inner channel elements has a series of teeth formed thereon; and   a pawl pin-connected on said outer channel element and disposed to engage said teeth.   
     
     
       7. In the frame of claim 6: said outer channel member has an opening formed near said pawl;   a tab formed on said pawl and disposed to extend through said opening.   
     
     
       8. In the frame of claim 7, said teeth are shaped so that said elements move freely in one direction and are locked from moving in the other direction. .Iadd. 9. In the frame of claim 1, said pawl being provided near the free end of said one element. .Iaddend..Iadd. 10. In the frame of claim 1, wherein said teeth are provided along a short segment of the length of said other element. .Iaddend..Iadd. 11. In the frame of claim 1, wherein said other element includes a wall defining an opening, and said teeth are provided along the edge of said wall and project into said opening. .Iaddend..Iadd. 12. In the frame of claim 1, wherein each of said elements has a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape, and said wall is a flange on said other element and forming part of said C..Iaddend.