AU2019101415A4 - Adjustable bed - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable bed 10 includes a base 12 and an adjustable surface layer 14 disposed on the base 12. The surface layer 14 has a first end 16 and an opposed second end 18. The surface layer 14 defines an opening 20 positioned between the first end 16 and the second end 18, with a recessed portion 22 being defined between the first end 16 and the opening 20. 18 ---- . 24 10 FiL 2

Description

[0001] The present application is a Divisional Innovation Patent Application of PCT Application No. PCT/AU2018/050792, filed on 31 July 2018, which claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2017903076 filed on 3 August 2017, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field [0002] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable bed. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable bed that is inflatable and which is designed to minimise pain and discomfort experienced during pregnancy.

Background [0003] Adjustable beds of various designs and configurations for providing a comfortable and healthy resting or sleeping environment for women during pregnancy have a long history of development.

[0004] During pregnancy, women experience a heightened sense of pain. Seeking comfort and relief is paramount for the health of both the baby and the mother. The pain and discomfort can be multifactorial and is often exacerbated due to the inability for a woman to find a comfortable resting position on conventional mattresses. Pregnancy is a dynamic process; the individual resting position and posture which provides a woman with the optimum level of comfort may vary from one day to another. Therefore there is a need for a bed which is configurable to accommodate the needs of different women at various stages in their pregnancies.

[0005] In the past, this has led to the development of many types of mattresses comprising a suitably located central cavity to accommodate the distended abdomen. Earlier generations of adjustable beds have included static and dynamic features to accommodate variations in the size and orientation of the abdomen and their changes over time. However, suboptimal

2019101415 18 Nov 2019 alignment of a woman’s spine may result depending on the position in which she lies resulting in a failure to provide for a comfortable and healthy resting or sleeping environment.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary [0007] In the present disclosure, there is provided an adjustable bed which includes an adjustable base; and a surface layer disposed on the base, the surface layer having a first end and an opposed second end and defining an opening positioned between the first end and the second end, with a recessed portion being defined between the first end and the opening.

[0008] The recessed portion of the surface layer may be independently adjustable relative to the remainder of the surface layer. Further, the base may be adjustable and the recessed portion of the surface layer may be independently adjustable relative to the base.

[0009] The surface layer may be adjustable by inflation, with the recessed portion being independently inflatable relative to the remainder of the surface layer.

[0010] The adjustable base may comprise a first portion and a second portion arranged on the first portion. The base may also define a cavity arranged in register with the opening of the surface layer.

[0011] An insert may be arranged in the cavity. The insert may comprise an inflatable member positioned inside the cavity. The inflatable member may be formed as an extension of, and be attached to, the base.

[0012] The recessed portion may be adjustable independently of the insert. The recessed portion may be configured to accommodate a pillow. The recessed portion may be arranged

2019101415 18 Nov 2019 at a head end of the adjustable bed, and the pillow, in use, allows the user to elevate or lower the level of the user’s head.

[0013] An elevating member may be positioned between the surface layer and the base for elevating a part of the surface layer relative to the base. The elevating member may be arranged proximal to the second end of the surface layer and disposed on the base. Additionally, the elevating member may be an inflatable member.

[0014] The recessed portion may be independently adjustable relative to the elevating member. Also, the adjustability of the base may be provided by at least one of the first portion and the second portion being inflatable. Both the first portion and the second portion may be inflatable and the first portion and the second portion may be inflatable independently of each other. Additionally, the base, and the elevating member may be independently inflatable. Still further, the surface layer, the recessed portion of the surface layer and the insert may be inflatable independently of the base and the elevating member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first portion may comprise a flared perimeter wall to improve the stability of the base.

[0016] In an embodiment, the recessed portion may form a non-adjustable component of the surface layer.

[0017] Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings [0018] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable bed in a first configuration;

2019101415 18 Nov 2019 [0020] Fig, 2 illustrates a side view of the adjustable bed in the first configuration;

[0021] Fig. 3 illustrates a plan view of the adjustable bed in the first configuration;

[0022] Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic, sectional side view of the adjustable bed taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3;

[0023] Fig. 5 shows, on an enlarged scale, the portion of the adjustable bed shown by Detail line V-V in Fig. 4;

[0024] Fig. 6 illustrates an end view of the adjustable bed in the first configuration;

[0025] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable bed in Fig. 1 in a second configuration;

[0026] Fig. 8 illustrates a plan view of the adjustable bed in the second configuration;

[0027] Fig. 9 illustrates a side view of the adjustable bed in the second configuration;

[0028] Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic, sectional side view of the adjustable bed taken along line X-X in Fig. 8;

[0029] Fig. 11 illustrates an end view of the adjustable bed in the second configuration; and [0030] Fig, 12 illustrates an end view of another embodiment of the adjustable bed.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments [0031] Referring to the drawings, where like numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is shown an embodiment of an adjustable bed 10. The adjustable bed 10 is particularly designed to minimise pain and discomfort during pregnancy by accommodating the needs of different users as well as the changing needs of an individual user during the term of her pregnancy.

[0032] The adjustable bed 10 includes a base 12 and an adjustable surface layer 14 disposed on the base 12. The surface layer 14 has a first end 16 and an opposed, second end 18 (Fig.

2019101415 18 Nov 2019

2). The surface layer 14 defines an opening 20 positioned between the first and second ends, 16 and 18, as shown in Fig. 4. The opening 20 is centrally positioned on a longitudinal axis of the base 12, equidistant between sides of the base 12. A recessed portion 22 is disposed between the first end 16 and the opening 20. In an embodiment, the surface layer 14 is composed of a flocked material such that it is sufficiently comfortable to allow a user to rest thereon.

[0033] The surface layer 14 is adjustable by being inflatable. Further, to improve the versatility of the bed 10, the recessed portion 22 is inflatable independently of the remainder of the surface layer 14 as shown by independent filling ducts 23 and 25, respectively, in Fig. 4 the drawings. An internal gusset or baffle 27 (Fig. 5) is interposed between the recessed portion 22 and the remainder of the surface layer 14 to divide the surface layer 14 into two separate filling compartments 31 and 33 to facilitate independent inflation of the recessed portion 22 relative to the remainder of the surface layer 14. Further, at a junction 25 between an upper surface of the recessed portion 22 and an upper surface of the remainder of the surface layer 14, the material defining the upper surface is contoured to define the transition between the recessed portion 22 and the remainder of the surface layer 14.

[0034] In another embodiment, the recessed portion 22 may be a fixed structure, i.e. noninflatable, with only the remaining part of the surface layer 14 being inflatable. In other words, only the compartment 33 of the surface layer 14 is inflatable.

[0035] The recessed portion 22 is configured to accommodate a user’s pillow (not shown). Depending on the position in which the user lies, the degree of support required by the user’s head can vary. The recessed portion 22 thus permits the use of a standard pillow, as preferred by a particular user, to provide for a more comfortable spinal alignment. The height at which a user’s head is positioned may be determined by the height and configuration of the user’s pillow in the recessed portion 22.

[0036] A height, Ή’ at which an operatively upper surface of the recessed portion 22 is arranged above an operatively upper surface of the base 12, in comparison with an operatively upper surface of the remainder of the surface layer 14, is adjustable to he in a range of anywhere between about 0-100 mm. It will be appreciated that the height Ή’ will be dependent on the extent to which the recessed portion 22 is inflated relative to the remainder

2019101415 18 Nov 2019 of the surface layer 14. In an embodiment, Ή’ lies in the range of about 30 - 40 mm. In other embodiments, the range Ή’ may be anywhere between about 0-10 mm, 11-20 mm, 2130 mm, 41-50 mm, 51-60 mm, 61-70 mm, 71-80 mm, 81-90 mm and 91-100 mm. When a reference is made to any range, the range includes the end values as well.

[0037] The base 12 comprises a first portion 24 and a second portion 26 arranged on top of the first portion 24. The portions 24 and 26 combined make up the base 12 as a rectangular prism that is sufficiently wide and deep to allow a user to rest comfortably thereon. The portions 24 and 26 are interconnected via ducting (not shown), permitting fluid communication therebetween and facilitating combined inflation of the portions 24 and 26. In another embodiment, the portions 24 and 26 may be fluidly isolated from each other to facilitate independent inflation of the portions 24 and 26.Each of the portions 24 and 26 of the base 12 may be composed of any flexible and air impermeable material, such as high quality PVC, polyurethane, or any other suitable material commonly used in inflatable medical device applications.

[0038] Additionally, the base 12 defines a cavity 28. In an embodiment, the cavity 28 is oblong and is positioned centrally on the longitudinal axis of the base 12 to be equidistant from the sides of the base 12. The cavity 28 is defined by the portion 24 of the base 12 and lies in register beneath the opening 20 of the surface layer 14. The cavity 28 is positioned such that the user, lying on her stomach would find her abdomen and chest at least partially positioned within the cavity 28. The cavity 28 is sufficiently deep to permit the user, in her last trimester of her pregnancy, to position her abdomen comfortably within the cavity 28.

[0039] The bed 10 includes an insert 30 (seen most clearly in Fig. 10 of the drawings) receivable within the cavity 28 of the base 12. In an embodiment, the insert 30 is composed of the same material as the base 12 and comprises an inflatable member positioned inside the cavity 28. The insert 30 is configured such that, when inflated, it substantially fills the opening 20 and the cavity 28. Further, it will be appreciated that the insert 30 may be inflatable independently of the base 12 and has a filler 37 (Fig. 4) via which it is inflated and deflated. In an embodiment, the insert 30 is attached to an upper surface of the portion 24 of the base 12.

2019101415 18 Nov 2019 [0040] The insert 30 is used in combination with a non-inflatable member such as a cushion 31 (Fig. 10). The insert 30 is inflated or deflated to the required elevation and the noninflatable member 31 is positioned on the insert 30 within the opening 20 and/or cavity 28 at the desired position. The adjustability of the combination of the insert 30 and the noninflatable member 31 facilitates a correct/desired level of support for the user.

[0041] In other embodiments, the insert 30 may be able to be used on its own and be inflated and/or deflated to the desired level or, instead, the insert 30 may be omitted and be replaced by separate, non-inflatable articles such as a pillow or cushion.

[0042] The adjustable bed 10 thus, in use, provides that the combined alignment of opening 20 and the cavity 28 are shaped to provide for the user’s abdomen and chest to be positioned at least partially, but comfortably, therein. In addition, the inflation pressure of the insert 30 is able to be varied to vary, with the non-inflatable member 31, the size of the combined opening 20 and the cavity 28. This further improves the versatility of the bed 10 and enables the user to set the bed 10 to her comfort levels.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure, the adjustable bed 10 includes an elevating member 32 which is positioned between the surface layer 14 and the base 12 at a foot region 34 of the surface layer 14 of the bed 10. The elevating member 32 is arranged proximal to the second end 18 of the surface layer 14 and is disposed on the base 12. In an embodiment, the elevating member 32 is composed of the same material as base 12 and is inflatable. Once again, the elevating member 32, in an embodiment, may be inflatable independently of the base 12 and the insert 30.

[0044] The elevating member 32 has a wedge shaped leading-edge and platform defining portion to elevate the foot region 34 of the surface layer 14 relative to the base 12 via inflation. In use, the foot region 34 of the surface layer 14 supports the user’s legs. Thus, inflating the elevating member 32 enables the user to position her legs comfortably relative to the remainder of her body.

[0045] The adjustable bed 10 thus provides an adjustable base 12 where at least one of either the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 is inflatable. It will be appreciated that these portions 24 and 26 of the base 12 may be inflated only once and then left at the desired,

2019101415 18 Nov 2019 inflated pressure. Additionally, the base 12, the insert 30 and the elevating member 32 are independently inflatable. In an embodiment, a pump (not shown) may be positioned within the base 12 or connected to inflating valves associated with the various inflatable components,

i.e. the portions 24 and/or 26 of the base 12, the surface layer 14, the recessed portion 22 of the surface layer 14, the insert 30 and the elevating member 32. Further, the pump may be controlled by a remote control (not shown) which may control the inflation and deflation of components of the adjustable bed 10.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 12, where like numerals refer to like parts unless otherwise specified, there is shown another embodiment of an adjustable bed 10. In this embodiment, the first portion 24 comprises a flared perimeter wall 36, at least when viewed end-on. The flared perimeter wall 36 increases the overall width of the first portion 24 which increases the stability of the adjustable bed 10, in use.

[0047] It is an advantage of the described embodiment that the recessed portion 22 of the surface layer 14 provides the user lying in the prone position, using a standard pillow, with, in combination with the adjustable opening 20 and the cavity 28, better alignment of her spine. This is particularly useful in preventing improper bending and extension of the neck of the user, which can contribute to overall pain, discomfort and disturbed sleep. Therefore, the adjustable bed 10 provides improved relief from pain by comfortably accommodating the user’s upper, mid and lower regions of the body permitting a comfortable and healthy resting or sleeping environment.

[0048] The adjustable bed 10 provides a greater degree of customisation and flexibility for the user to find her optimum sleeping or resting position. Irrespective of the sleeping position, whether it be lateral, prone or supine, the level of support required by the head can be adjusted, as can the support in the mid to lower abdominal and chest region. The user is therefore able to fine tune the support across these areas to produce a greater degree of comfort during pregnancy.

[0049] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (5)

1. An adjustable bed which includes a base; and an adjustable surface layer disposed on the base, the surface layer having a first end and an opposed second end and defining an opening positioned between the first end and the second end, with a recessed portion being defined between the first end and the opening.

2. The adjustable bed according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion of the surface layer is independently adjustable relative to the remainder of the surface layer, the base also being adjustable and the recessed portion of the surface layer being independently adjustable relative to the base.

3. The adjustable bed according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base defines a cavity arranged in register with the opening of the surface layer and which includes an insert arranged in the cavity.

4. The adjustable bed according to claim 3, in which the recessed portion is adjustable independently of the insert.

5. The adjustable bed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an elevating member is positioned between the surface layer and the base for elevating a part of the surface layer relative to the base, the elevating member being arranged proximal to the second end of the surface layer and disposed on the base, and the recessed portion being independently adjustable relative to the elevating member.