GB2356134A

GB2356134A - Bed

Info

Publication number: GB2356134A
Application number: GB9926635A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Conor Mcmenemie
Original assignee: Vivid Engineering Ltd
Current assignee: Vivid Engineering Ltd
Priority date: 1999-11-10
Filing date: 1999-11-10
Publication date: 2001-05-16
Also published as: GB9926635D0

Abstract

A bed (1) comprises a frame (2) and a sleeping platform (3). The sleeping platform (3) is suspended from the frame (2) by non-rigid connecting means (4). The frame comprises a plurality of legs (2) in structural communication with each other and at least partially projecting over the area of the sleeping platform (3). The connecting means (4) may be adjustable and are preferably wires, cords or chains. The sleeping platform may be oval and cupped. There may be four arcuate legs which meet to define an apex of the frame. A cover may be provided.

Description

2356134 BED The invention relates, in general, to beds.

According to the invention there is provided a bed comprising a frame and a sleeping platform suspended therefrom by non-rigid connecting means, the frame comprising a plurality of legs in structural communication with each other, and at least partially projecting over the area of the sleeping platform.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the sleeping platform io is oval in shape, and the frame is a dome like shape.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame is fitted with a tent like cover.

The invention will now be fin-ther described, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure I illustrates one embodiment of a bed according to the invention in perspective view; Figure 2 illustrates the same embodiment from in an alternative perspective view; and Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate the same embodiment in plan and front and side elevations respectively.

2 In the illustrated embodiment of the bed of the invention, the bed (1) comprises a frame (2) is attached to a sleeping platform (3) by nonrigid connecting means (4). By non-rigid connecting means it is meant those means which allow for a degree of relative motion between the sleeping platform and the frame, such that the platform can 'rock' or sway. Conveniently the non-rigid connecting members are wire or cord. Alternatively springs, chains, Cardan shafts and the like can be used. It is desirable that the connecting members have an adjustable effective length so users can themselves determine how far off the floor the io sleeping platform will be supported. This can be easily accomplished by providing pulley wheels and excess lengths of cord to be fied off.

Alternatively the height of the sleeping platform above the floor can be changed by providing a fixed length connecting member held in a movable fixture.

The sleeping platform is oval in plan view, and preferably elliptical. The platform (3) may have a skirting piece (5) to provide rigidity, and to allow the connecting members (4) to be easily attached. In a preferred embodiment the skirting piece also provides a raised lip (6) around the sleeping area. Other embodiments of the invention may include a sleeping platform that is circular.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sleeping area is a partial 3 ovoid (7). This shape may be achieved by forming the sleeping area from a moulded plastics material, or from a hammock-type construction.

This combination of oval platform, lip and cupped sleeping area allows or - if the platform is small enough - encourages, the occupant to sleep in the so-called Toetal position'. The sleeping area need not be cupped however.

The illustrated embodiment has a frame (2) comprising a plurality of legs (8) in structural communication with each other, and at least partially extending over the area of the sleeping platform (3).

The frame conveniently consists of four legs which meet above the platform. The legs may each be arcuate, for instance one of the quarter sections of an ellipse divided at its major and minor axes, and affixed to a saltire cruciform bracket defming the apex of the frame. Such a construction allows the legs (8) to stand substantially vertically at the floor and he substantially horizontally where they meet. It is preferred that the frame (2) can be dismantled for storage in or on the sleeping platform as a space-saving feature where the bed is not in continuous use.

It is advantageous for the bed (1) to be constructed from lightweight material. Solid or laminated wood, aluminium, steel veneered MDF, plastics, or a combination thereof will readily suggest 4 themselves as suitable. Wood is at present the preferred material where the bed is for use in the home. A wooden bed appears less intrusive to the home, and the material connotes warmth and a homely enviro nment.

The bed is further provided with a tent-like textile cover, 5 provided with an opening to allow access to the sleeping platform. The thickness, weave and colour of the cover can be chosen to substantially exclude light from reaching the sleeping platform, or for example to substantially exclude shorter wavelength visible light. It may also be desirable to reduce or muffle external noise.

The swaying motion of the sleeping platform coupled with the sense of confinement and absence or reduction of external visual and aural cues creates a comfortable relaxing environment which can conduce sleep.

Claims

1. A bed comprising a frame and a sleeping platform suspended therefrom by non-rigid connecting means, the frame comprising a plurality of legs in structural communication with each other, and at least partially projecting over the area of the sleeping platform.

2. A bed according to claim 1, wherein the height at which the sleeping platform rests above the floor may be adjusted by manipulation io of the connecting means.

3. A bed according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the non-rigid connecting means are wires, cords or chains.

4. A bed according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the sleeping platform is oval in plan view.

5. A bed according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the sleeping platform is oval in plan view.

6. A bed according to any one of claims I to 5 wherein the sleepi g 6 area is cupped.

7. A bed according to any one of claims I to 5 wherein the sleeping area is substantially planar.

8. A bed according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame comprises three to eight legs.

9. A bed according to claim 8 wherein the frame comprises four io legs.

10. A bed according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the legs meet to define the apex of the frame.

11. A bed according to claims 8, 9 or 10 wherein the legs are arcuate.

12. A bed according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the nonrigid connecting means are attached to the frame at each of the legs.

13. A bed according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a tent-like cover supported by the frame.

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14. A bed according to claim 13 wherein the cover is made of a textile material.

15. A bed according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the cover is provided with an opening to allow access to the sleeping platform.

16. A bed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. 10