EP0891732A2 - A mounting device for the slats of a slatted bed base - Google Patents

Abstract

The slats (12) of a mattress base are fixed to the longitudinal bars of the base by caps (16). Each cap has a body (18) that is fixed to the bar and has a part (17) that holds the end of the slat. Each body has two opposite fixing feet (18a) that are staggered laterally and are parallel. Each foot has a transversal hole that engages on a transversal axle (25). The two feet of successive bodies engage on the same axle to form a continuous chain of caps.

Description

The present invention relates to a device intended for fixing of transverse slats of a bed base.

The invention applies in particular to box springs with liftable user's backrest and leg support manually or by a motorized mechanism controlled by distance using an appropriate control unit.

Such box springs generally include a chassis on which at least two parts are articulated can be lifted respectively from the file and support legs of a user, each shaped like a frame with slats. The fixing device slats to each of these frames includes end caps attached to the two side members of each frame and intended to receive and support the corresponding ends of the slats. Each end piece includes a fixing body thereof to the corresponding spar and at least part in cap in the form of a receiving cap of one end of a slat. Each upper part is fixed to the body of the nozzle by a connecting part relatively flexible and of a height such that the part hood is raised relative to the top edge of the corresponding spar.

Such a design of slat support end pieces has for the disadvantage of leading to a floating mounting of slats so that these can move along of their longitudinal axes with the end pieces, ending thus to an unstable fixing of these slats. In addition, the slat support ends are fixed to their corresponding spar independently of each other so it's hard to stick to distances between strictly equal tips. In addition, fixing end caps to the corresponding beam are made usually by fixing screws, thus causing a waste of time during their assembly in the factory at stringers. Finally, this known device for fixing transverse slats is characterized by the absence systematic of at least one transverse slat between two consecutive frames articulated with respect to each other of the box spring.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above disadvantages of known devices.

To this end, the invention provides a device intended for fixing transverse slats of a box spring bedding which includes a frame on which are articulated at least two liftable parts respectively backrest and leg support of a user, each in general frame form comprising slats, of the type comprising end caps slat support fixed to each of the frame rails of each lifting part, each end piece comprising a body for fixing it to the corresponding spar and a part for receiving the end of a batten, and which is characterized in that the tip bodies are attached to the corresponding spar so as to form a continuous chain of tips spaced equidistantly from each other along the spar.

Continuous chains of end pieces of frame rails on the same side are located in the same vertical plane longitudinal.

Each bit body includes two fixing lugs opposite opposite extremes pierced transversely from so as to allow their engagement respectively on two transverse support axes integral with the spar corresponding, the two fixing lugs respectively of two bodies of successive bits engaging on an axis of common transverse support to form the chain continues to tip.

The fixing lugs of each bit body are laterally offset from each other by so that by engaging the body fixing lugs successive bits of a continuous chain on their axes respective common support, the tip bodies and their slat end receiving parts extend the same distance from the internal face of the corresponding spar.

Preferably, the distances between holes in the legs tips are equal.

The receiving parts of the ends of the slats are fixed on their respective bodies by feet relatively rigid transversely ensuring stability of the slats in their directions longitudinal.

The bit bodies are fixed to the corresponding spar so that their ends receiving parts slats are at approximately the same level as the upper edge of this spar.

Advantageously, the receiving parts of the ends slats have their bottoms located near the face internal part of the spar or in contact with it.

Preferably, the receiving parts of the ends slats are each in the form of a sectional cap transverse rectangular and transverse to the beam corresponding.

The lifting leg support part includes two frames hinged together around a transverse axis located at the user's knee and two, consecutive, bit bodies of each chain continuous two successive beams of the two frames are connected in common to the articulation axis in the manner a track so as to follow the movements of this axis when raising or lowering the two frames.

The two frames of the lifting support part of the legs are interconnected by two joints lateral compass with each articulation axis includes a transverse support axis common to two fixing lugs of the two bodies respectively consecutive bits.

The frame of the lifting part of the backrest is articulated pivotally to the sides of the bed frame by two transverse axes and two, consecutive, bodies end caps of each continuous chain of the frame spar the backrest and an adjacent side member of the fixed frame defining with the backrest frame the gluteal region are connected in common to the articulation axis matching the folder frame so that the body end cap associated with the backrest frame can pivot around this axis when moving the frame of the folder.

Each axis of articulation of the backrest frame is extended by a transverse support axis of two legs fixing the two bit bodies respectively consecutive associated respectively with the framework of the file and the adjacent fixed frame.

The part of the liftable backrest is produced in the form a double headrest that can be telescopically elongated in its longitudinal direction during lifting of the part of the file and including a first frame of slat support provided with spars articulated so pivoting at one end to the sides of the box spring frame, a continuous chain of slat support end pieces being attached to each side member of the first frame and a second support frame with longitudinal slats mounted on the first frame pivotally and telescopically movable with respect to the latter when the part of the backrest, a continuous chain of end caps being attached to each side member of the second frame, and part of retractable backrest with at least one slat is provided for automatically occupy the space between first and second frames when the back part is raised, the slat of the retractable part being supported at each of its ends by a plate lateral by means of a foot end fixing mounted on two transverse support pins of the side plate arranged relative to the chassis of the box spring so that the end cap it supports and the ends of the continuous side chains respectively first and second frames are in the same plane longitudinal vertical.

Advantageously, each of the adjacent pairs of rails respectively of the two articulated frames of the liftable leg support part is provided with a cover covering the free space between the two ends vis-à-vis respectively of two adjacent side members.

Preferably, the cover comprises two shells articulated with respect to each other and fixed by interlocking respectively on the two ends of the longitudinal members, one of the shells comprising a part male end engaging an end portion female from the other shell so as to constantly obscure the space between adjacent side members when raising or lowering of the two articulated frames of the liftable leg support part.

The tips are made of a material based on rubber or flexible plastic and are mounted each removably on their respective support axes by their fixing lugs elastically engaged on these support axes.

The invention will be better understood and other aims, features details and benefits of it will appear more clearly in the description explanatory which will follow made with reference to the drawings attached diagrams given only by way of example illustrating two embodiments of the invention and wherein :

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a box spring bedding in different positions of use.

Figure 2 is a top elevational view of a part of a box spring with articulated frames without the slats support cross sections of a user and showing different transverse axes of bit holder support the invention to the side members of these frames.

Figure 3 is a front view of a support tip a slat according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a top view along arrow IV of the tip of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line V-V of Figure 3.

Figure 6 shows the tip of Figure 2 in one configuration corresponding to an applied load vertically on it by the corresponding slat.

Figure 7 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the two frames of the liftable back part of the box spring and forming a double headrest.

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the joint part, at the knees of a user, between two adjacent side members respectively of the two articulated support frames for user's legs.

Figure 9 shows in perspective the two beams of the two articulated frames of FIG. 8 in position noted.

Figure 10 is a front view along arrow X of the two side members raised in Figure 9 with the chain continuous slat support end caps formed on these stringers.

Figure 11 is a partial side view in perspective and enlarged representing the part of a frame spar of the box spring file articulated to the corresponding section of the chassis thereof with two end caps of the invention respectively of this frame and an adjacent fixed frame mounted jointly on the hinge axis of the side member of the part of the file.

Figure 12 is a front view along arrow XII of Figure 10 and showing the continuous chain of tips of the invention mounted on the two side members of the frame of the backrest and fixed frame in the gluteal region.

Figure 13 is a top view along arrow XIII in Figure 12.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the bed base represented is of the type comprising a chassis 1 in the form frame with side members 2 and cross members 3, on which are articulated several liftable parts located on one side and on the other side of a fixed part 4 corresponding to the area user's buttocks and including a portion backrest lift 5 on which the back can rest and the user's head and two lifting parts hinged together 6, 7 corresponding to the legs of use. The lifting part of file 5 is constituted by a frame with side members 8 and cross members 9, each spar 8 having its end situated towards the zone buttock pivotally attached to the side members or sides 2 of the box spring on a hinge pin 10 integral with the spar 2. As is clear from FIG. 7, the part of liftable backrest 5 is in fact carried out under form of a double headrest which can be telescopically elongated in its longitudinal direction during lifting of part 5 and which includes a first frame 11 of slat support 12, only two of which are partially shown, provided with side members 8 pivoted to the side members 2 of the bed base, a second frame 13 for supporting the slats 12 with longitudinal members 8, mounted on the first frame 11 pivotally and telescopically movable relative to the latter when raising the back part 5. An arm mechanism swivels and rods, generally referenced 14 in Figure 7, allows the lifting of the two frames 11, 13 at desired back and head support positions the user and part of the support file 15 at least one batten, automatically retractable and movable between a retracted position under the area buttocks when the backrest part 5 is not raised and a position at which the slat occupies the space between the two frames 11 and 13 when the file part 5 is raised. The backrest part 5 with double headrest and its associated lifting mechanism are described so detailed in French patent application N ° 9510108 filed August 25, 1995 in the name of the plaintiff. he So just refer to the description of this French patent application which is incorporated here as reference. The transverse slats 12 are supported between the side members 8 of the frames 11 and 13 of the part of file 5 by end pieces 16 fixed to the internal wall of each spar 8 and each comprising at least one cap-shaped part 17, into which a corresponding end of a slat, integral with a body 18 of the end piece 16 fixed to the side member 8. The end pieces 16 are made from a material based on rubber or flexible plastic and are fully molded.

The two liftable parts 6, 7 for supporting the legs are each constituted by a frame with longitudinal members 19 between which are supported slats (not shown), each side member 19 of the frame 6 having its end located near the fixed frame 4 pivotally articulated around a transverse axis 20 integral with the spar 2 of the box spring, while each spar 19 of the other frame 7 at its end opposite the frame 6 also hinged pivotally about a transverse axis 21 integral the side member 2. The slats of the frames 6, 7 are supported at their ends by end pieces 16 identical to end caps 16 of FIG. 7 and fixed to the internal face of the longitudinal members 19 of these frames.

The longitudinal members 22 of the fixed frame 4 are secured to the side members 2 of the bed base by fixing screws 23 and the slats (not shown) of this frame are also supported at their ends by end caps 16 fixed to the internal face of each beam 22 and identical to end caps 16 of FIG. 7.

The frames 6, 7 can be raised or lowered by a pivoting arm and link mechanism 24, known in itself, and which does not have to be more detailed because not part of the invention.

A motorized assembly (not shown) makes it possible to control the lifting mechanisms of parts 5, 6 and 7 of the box spring using a control box.

According to the invention, the end pieces 16 are fixed to the beam correspondent for each of frames 4, 6, 7, 11 and 13 of so as to form a continuous chain of tips spaced from evenly along each other along the spar, with chains of end pieces on the same side different fixed and liftable frames located in a same longitudinal vertical plane.

To this end, as shown in particular in the figures 3 to 6, the body 18 of each endpiece 16 comprises two parallel opposite end fixing lugs 18a having each a transverse bore 18b so as to allow their commitment respectively on two support axes transverse 25 integral with the corresponding spar of the frame 4, 6, 7, 11 and 13 and on which the continuous chain of bits 16. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 7 and 11, the two legs of fixing 18a respectively of two successive ends 16 are mounted on a common transverse support pin 25 to form the continuous chain of tips. Figure 4 shows that the two fixing lugs 18a of each end piece 16 are offset laterally one relative to the other so that once the end fittings 16 are fitted onto their respective support axes 25 to form the chain continues, their receiving portions 17 of ends of slats and their bodies 18 extend the same distance of the internal face of the corresponding spar of the frame 4, 6, 7, 11 or 13. Since the end pieces 16 are made of a rubber-based material, each of them is everything simply mounted by fitting their fixing lugs 18a on the respective support axes 25 and these lugs are held resiliently and removably on the axes 25 without the need to provide other means for preventing the end pieces 16 from escaping laterally from their support axes 25. The latter are of course fixed to the side members of the frames 4, 6, 7, 11 and 13 at equal distances along these.

The parts 17 for receiving the ends of the slats 12 are fixed to their respective bodies 18 by feet 18c which are relatively rigid transversely for ensure stability of the slats in their directions longitudinal. The bodies 18 of the end pieces 16 are fixed to the corresponding side members so that their parts receiving 17 of the ends of the slats 12 are approximately at the same level as the upper edge of this spar and, preferably, the receiving parts 18 have their bottoms located near the internal face of the spar or in contact with it.

Figures 4 and 5 show the hooded shape of each of the receiving portions 17 of the ends of the slats and having a cross section substantially rectangular in shape combined with that of ends of the slats. Figure 6 shows a nozzle 16 whose receiving part 17 is supported by its edges lateral on the body 18 by elastic deformation in compression of the foot 18c resulting from a vertical load applied by the corresponding end of a slat when a user is lying on the slats of the bedspring.

The holes 18b of the legs 18a of the end pieces 16 located on the side of the inner face of the corresponding spar emerge on either side of these legs, but the other holes in the legs 18a remote from the spar are blind holes as shown in Figure 4 so that hide the ends of the corresponding support pins 25 when the bit chains are formed.

The continuity of each side chain of bits 16 can be secured between the two adjacent side members 19 respectively of the two hinged frames 6 and 7 at a user's knee. Figures 8 to 10 represent an achievement that ensures such continuity of the bit chain 16. Thus, the longitudinal members 19 of the two frames 6, 7 of the lifting part of the leg support are interconnected by two side joints in compass. Each joint in compass comprises two arms 26, substantially in the form of rectangular plate, fixed respectively to the two faces internal verticals of the two adjacent longitudinal members 19 of the frames 6, 7 by fixing screws 27 or other means equivalent fasteners. The articulation axis of the arms 26 of the compass is extended by a transverse axis 25 on which can engage two fixing lugs 18a respectively of two consecutive bits 16. When these two consecutive end pieces 16 are mounted on their respective support axes 25 to form the chain continuous end caps, the two adjacent end caps 16 mounted on the hinge axis of the compass can follow, at the way of a caterpillar, the displacements of this articulation during lifting movements or lowering each pair of side members 19 of the frames articulated 6, 7.

Figures 8 and 9 also show that each pair of adjacent side members 19 of the frames 6, 7 is provided with a cover 28 intended to cover by obscuring the space free between the two opposite ends respectively of the two adjacent side members 19. This cover includes two shells 29 mounted by interlocking respectively on the two ends of the side members adjacent 19, one 29 of the shells comprising a male end part 30 engaging in a part female end 31 of the other shell 29, the shapes male 30 and female 31 end portions of shells 29 being arranged so as to allow the times the joint between the two shells 29 and the constant concealment of the space between the side members 19 when raising or lowering these beams.

Figures 11 to 13 show the continuity of a chain end caps 16 between the side member 8 of the part frame backrest lift 5 and the side member 22 of the fixed frame 4. For this, each pivot axis 10 of the frame of the backrest is extended by a transverse support axis 25 on which are engaged the two fixing lugs 18a respectively of two consecutive end pieces 16 one of which has its other fixing lug 18a engaged on the axis transverse end support 25 of the frame member 22 4 and the other of which has its fixing lug 18a opposite to the pivot axis engaged on a support axis 25 of the spar 8 of the frame of the backrest part 5. It is note that the two extreme axes 25 of each beam 22 of frame 4 respectively extend the two axes of fixing 23 of this beam to the beam 2 of the bed base. Thus, the last end piece 16 of each frame member of the backrest part 5 located in the gluteal region can pivot around axis 10 during movement of raising or lowering this frame.

Referring again to Figure 7, the portion of automatically retractable backrest 15 includes each side of the bed base a plate 32 connected to the pivot 14 and having two transverse axes 25 integral with its upper part on which are mounted the two fixing lugs 18a of a nozzle 16. Each plate 32 for supporting a nozzle 16 is located at near the beam 2 of the bed base so that the end piece 16 that it supports is located in the same vertical plane longitudinal end pieces 16 integral with the side members 8 first and second frames 11, 13 of the part forming folder 5. In this way, when the folder part 5 is raised, the backrest part 15 occupies its position in the space between the first and second frames 11, 13 so that each endpiece 16 supported by the plate 32 either located between the two end caps respectively of the two longitudinal members 8 of these frames to ensure visually the continuity of each side chain continuous end caps on these beams.

The invention thus makes it possible to produce a continuous chain bits along practically the entire length of each bed rail so that the transverse slats are almost all located at an equal distance each other. In addition, the design of the end caps as well that, if necessary, their fixing close to the face internal of the corresponding spar of each frame, avoids the phenomenon of floating slats in their longitudinal directions. Finally, the fitting of the end caps on their respective support axes is extremely easy and does not require special tools and the replacing a defective tip can be easily performed even by the user of the box spring.

Claims (17)

Device for fixing slats transverse (12) of a bed base which includes a chassis (1) on which are articulated at least two liftable parts of the backrest (5) and support (6, 7) of the legs of a user, each in general form of frame comprising slats (12), type comprising end caps (16) for supporting the slats (12) attached to each of the frame members of each lifting part (5, 6, 7), each end piece (16) comprising a body (18) for fixing the latter to the spar correspondent and a receiving part (17) of the end of a slat (12), characterized in that the body (18) of the end caps (16) are fixed to the beam corresponding so as to form a continuous chain tips (16) spaced equidistant from each other others along the spar. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that that the continuous chains of end caps (16) of side members frames on the same side are located in the same plane longitudinal vertical. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each end piece body (17) comprises two legs opposite extreme parallel fixing (18a) drilled transversely so as to allow their engagement respectively on two transverse support axes (25) integral with the corresponding spar, the two legs fixing (18a) respectively of two bodies (18) successive tips (16) engaging on an axis of common transverse support (25) to form the chain continuous tips. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that that the fixing lugs (18a) of each tip body (17) are offset laterally with respect to the other so that by engaging the fixing lugs (18a) of successive bit bodies (16) of a chain continues on their respective common support axes (25), the bodies (18) of end pieces (16) and their parts receiving (17) of slat ends extend from same distance from the inner face of the spar corresponding. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the distances between holes (18b) legs (18a) of end pieces (16) are equal. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving parts (17) of the ends of the slats (12) are fixed on their bodies respective (18) by relatively rigid feet (18c) transversely, ensuring stability of the slats (12) in their longitudinal directions. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that that the bodies (18) of end caps (16) are fixed to the beam corresponding so that their receiving parts (17) of the ends of the slats (12) are approximately at the same level as the upper edge of this spar. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that that the aforementioned receiving parts (17) have their bottoms located near the inner face of the spar or in contact with it. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receiving parts (17) of the ends of the slats (12) are each in the form of rectangular cross-section cap and transverse to the corresponding spar. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the liftable support part of the legs includes two frames (6, 7) hinged together around a transverse axis located at the knees of the use and two consecutive bodies (17) end caps (16) of each continuous chain of two successive beams of the two frames (6, 7) are connected in common with the axis of articulation in the manner of a track so as to follow the movements of this axis when raising or lowering the two frames (6, 7). Device according to claim 10, when considered in combination with any of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that both frames (6, 7) of the lifting support part of the legs are interconnected by two joints lateral compass with each articulation axis comprises a transverse support axis (25) common to two fixing lugs (18a) respectively of the two bodies consecutive end pieces (16). Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the frame of the lifting part of the backrest (5) is pivotally hinged to the sides (2) of the frame (1) of the bed base by two transverse axes (10) and two, consecutive, tip bodies (16) of each continuous chain of the frame frame spar and a adjacent spar of the fixed frame (4) defining with the back frame the gluteal area are connected in common to the corresponding articulation axis (10) of the frame of the backrest so that the tip body (16) associated with the backrest frame can pivot around the axis (10) when displacement of the frame. Device according to claim 12 when considered in combination with any of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that each axis hinge (10) of the backrest frame is extended by a transverse axis (25) for supporting two tabs of fixing (18a) respectively of the two bodies (17) consecutive tips (16) associated respectively with back frame and adjacent fixed frame (4). Device according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the liftable back part (5) is made in the form of a double headrest which can be telescopically elongated in its longitudinal direction when raising the back part (5) and comprising a first frame (11) for supporting slats (12) provided with longitudinal members (8) pivotally articulated at one end to the sides (2) of the frame (1) of the bed base, a continuous chain of end pieces (16) for supporting the slats (12) being fixed to each side member (8) of the first frame (11) and a second frame (13) for supporting the slats (12) side rails (8) mounted on the first frame (11) so swivel and telescopically movable relative thereto when raising the back part (5), a continuous chain of end pieces (16) being fixed to each side member (8) of the second frame (13) and in that a part retractable backrest (15) with at least one slat (12) is scheduled to automatically occupy existing space between the first and second frames (11, 13) when the back part (5) is raised, the slat (12) of the retractable part (15) being supported at each of its ends by a side plate (32) by via an end piece (16) with fixing lugs (18a) mounted on two transverse support axes (25) of the side plate (32) disposed relative to the bed frame so that the end piece (16) it supports and end caps (16) of the side chains of the first and second frames respectively (11, 13) are in the same longitudinal vertical plane. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that each of the adjacent pairs of rails respectively of the two articulated frames (6, 7) the lifting leg support part is provided a cover (28) covering the free space between the two ends opposite two rails respectively adjacent (19); Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the cover (28) includes two shells (29) articulated with respect to each other and fixed by interlocking respectively on the two ends of the longitudinal members (19), one of the shells (29) comprising a male end part (30) engaging a part female end (31) of the other shell (29) of so as to constantly obscure the space between beams adjacent (19) when raising or lowering the two articulated frames (6, 7). Device according to one of claims 2 to 16, characterized in that the end pieces (16) are in one rubber or plastic material flexible and are each removably mounted on their axes respective support (25) by their fixing lugs (18a) engaged elastically on these axes (25).

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