US3919727A

US3919727A - Hidden adjustment means for a bed

Info

Publication number: US3919727A
Application number: US496512A
Authority: US
Inventors: G William Paine
Original assignee: JOERNS FURNITURE Co
Current assignee: Joerns Healthcare Inc
Priority date: 1974-08-12
Filing date: 1974-08-12
Publication date: 1975-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-18

Abstract

A bed with adjustable articulated spring surfaces utilizes actuator assemblies concealed in the bed frame and which are connected to movable sections of the articulated surfaces to provide adjustment thereof. The spring surfaces are also vertically adjustable through bed frame corner support brackets that mask a cable and pulley assembly which raises and lowers the bed frame.

Description

United States Patent [191 Paine HIDDEN ADJUSTMENT MEANS FOR A BED [75] Inventor: G. William Paine, Manistee, Mich.

[731 Assignee: Joerns Furniture Company, Stevens Point, Wis.

22]v Filed: Aug. 12, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 496,512

[52] US. Cl 5/63; 5/66 [51] Int. Cl. A61G 07/10 [58] Field of Search 5/63, 66-68 [56] v References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,191,195 6/1965 Schlackman et al 5/63 3,281,872 11/1966 Dewey 5/63 [45] Nov. 18, 1975 Kerwit 5/66 Helton 5/63 Primary Examiner-Casmir A. Nunberg Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Price, Heneveld, Huizenga & Cooper [57] ABSTRACT A bed with adjustable articulated spring surfaces utilizes actuator assemblies concealed in the bed frame and which are connected to movable sections of the articulated surfaces to provide adjustment thereof. The spring surfaces are also vertically adjustable through bed frame corner support brackets that mask a cable and pulley assembly which raises and lowers the bed frame.

15 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet 1 of3 3,919,727

Patent US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet 3 of3 Nb an vm. mm 06 Q0.

wq mow Um qh uh Gm om N0 N0 HIDDEN ADJUSTMENT MEANS FOR A BED BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to hospital beds and the like and in particular to such beds having an articulated spring surface and means for adjusting the same to various positions.

Various means for adjusting bedsprings in beds have been developed. Many of these adjustment means involve complicated assemblies that are clamped onto the frame of the bed. Such assemblies act to vertically raise and lower the bed with respect to the floor and also to articulate sections of the spring surface with respect to one another.

Since attachment of the adjustment means to the bed frame detracts from the appearance of the bed and also decreases the amount of unobstructed area around the bed, it is desirable to combine the bed adjustment structure with the already existing support structure of the bed.

Some prior art beds have attempted to place the adjustment components in the frame structure itself, but only have been able to do so by using relatively complex adjustment means. In particular, the adjustment means for articulating the spring surface have been complex and not readily suited for placement in the spring frame. Also, difficulties have resulted when attaching the spring frame to the bed legs so as to allow ready vertical movement of the bedsprings up and down along the bed support legs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bed frame with an adjustment means for the spring surface which is relatively simple in operation and easily constructed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide adjustment means of the type described which are highly compatible with conventional bed frames and easily integrated therewith and hidden therein.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a comer bracket which attaches the spring frame to the bed legs and conceals the cable means which allows ready vertical movement of the spring surface with respect thereto.

These and other objects are accomplished in the present invention by a bed with a spring surface having at least one movable spring section with adjustment means for the spring surface concealed in the frame and further optionally including comer support brackets integrated with bed frame leg members and which conceal a means for vertical adjustment of the spring surface.

Preferably, the spring surface includes an intermedi ate or seat section rigidly secured to the bed frame, a head section pivotally connected to the knee section, a knee section pivotally connected to the seat section and a foot section pivotally connected to the knee section. A pair of actuator assemblies mounted in the side frame elements are accessible for operation at the foot end of the bed. Each of the actuator assemblies preferably includes an integral stud thereon which provides a means for securing the actuator within the bed frame element and for securing the frame element to a comer bracket affixed to the bed leg.

In the preferred embodiment, the bed is vertically adjustable by means of a cable assembly that extends through the bed frame support structure to operate telescoping bed legs adjustably attached to the bed frame. The cables extend through corner support brackets at the head end of the bed and around a pulley concealed therein and into internal telescoping elements of the bed legs.

When it is desired to move the head or knee sections of the articulated spring, the appropriate actuator assembly is used to move the respective head or knee section of the bed frame attached thereto into the desired position. When it is desired to vertically adjust the bed frame, cables running through the bed frame support structure are either extended to lower the bed frame or tightened to raise the bed frame on the internal telescoping member of the bed leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable bed incorporating the present invention; I

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the bed of FIG. 1 showing the adjustment means for the articulated spring surfaces and the adjustment means for vertical movement of the bed frame;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a typical corner support bracket at the head end of the bed frame;

FIG. 4 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the actuator assembly, side frame, and corner support bracket positioned at the foot end of the bed;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the bed showing the adjustment means for the head section of the spring surface;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the bed showing the adjustment means for the knee and foot section of the spring surface;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the bed frame and actuator assembly for the head section as viewed along plane VII-VII of FIG. 5 with details omitted for clarity;

FIG. 8 is a side view taken along the plane VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 with portions of the structure broken away for clarity;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view similar to FIG. 7 as viewed along the plane IX--IX of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 taken along the plane X--X of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is an end view of a typical actuator assembly as viewed along the plane XI-XI of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an adjustable bed embodying the features of the invention is illustrated as comprising a main framework indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The frame is supported at each end in a well-known manner by means of leg members 12 secured to the framework and telescopically engaging inner floor supported legs 14. The main frame supports a normally horizontally disposed articulated spring surface 16 which comprises an intermediate or seat section 18 rigidly secured to the frame, a head section 20 pivotally connected to the intermediate section at 21, a knee section 22 pivoted to the rigid seat section 18 at 23 and a foot section 24 pivotally connected at 25 to the knee section 22. The

3 spring support framework to which seat section 18 is secured includes side rails 26, a transversely extending head frame assembly 28 and a foot frame assembly 30 which are interconnected by means of comer brackets 32-32a fixed on legs 12 and to the side rails 26 to form an integral assembly.

Corner brackets 3232a serve a dual purpose. Corner brackets 32-32a attached to leg members 12 at the head and

foot frame assemblies

28 and 30, respectively, provide both a convenient mounting means for the side rails with respect to the head frame 28 and the foot frame 30. Corner bracket 32 at the head end of the bed also serves to conceal a cable 34 and a pulley 36 positioned in brackets 32 operably interconnecting the cable 36 to the telescopic legs 14 at the head end of the bed. A typical cable and pulley assembly at the head of the bed is shown in FIG. 3 wherein connecting cable 34 passing over a pulley wheel 36 extends into leg member 12 where it is attached to the upper portion of telescopic legs 14. With reference to FIG. 2, the operative elements of the cable and pulley assembly are of fairly conventional construction and may be of the type as disclosed for example in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,281,872, issued Nov. 1, 1966 to Ronald D. Dewey entitled HOSPITAL BED and incorporated herein by reference.

The main frame is vertically adjusted by means of cables 34 and pulleys 36-36a mounted and concealed at the head and foot ends of the bed by means of a gear and pulley assembly 38 mounted on the base or footboard 40 in a convenient manner. Each cable 34 is operably connected to gear and pulley assembly 38 and extends via pulleys 36 in corner brackets 32 at the head frame assembly 28 into legs 12 where the cables 34 are connected to the top portion of telescoping legs 14. Pulleys 36a are concealed with the foot frame assembly in a manner similar to that disclosed in the above identified U.S. Pat. No. 3,281,872. As crank arm 42 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is rotated, cables 34 are either extended or retracted lowering or raising legs 12 over the telescopic legs .14 causing the bed frame to raise or lower as required. As will be apparent in the drawings, each corner bracket 32 and the footboard 40 act to mask the gear and pulley assembly 38, cables 34 and pulleys 36-36a from view, so that the bed assembly resembles a conventional bed.

Movement of various sections of the articulated spring surface 16 is accomplished by means of a pair of actuating

elements

44 and 46 positioned in side rails 26 on each side of the main frame 10 and accessible at the footboard end of the bed.

Actuators

44 and 46 are essentially identical in construction and are operated by folding crank arms 48 extending from the footboard end of the bed. Referring to FIGS. and 6, the articulated spring surface is mounted on frame by means of side frame support brackets 50 which rigidly support and form the intermediate section 18 between head and knee sections and 22, respectively. Support brackets 50 are rigidly attached to side frame members 26 in a conventional manner. Head section 20 is operably connected by means of a cable 52 (FIGS. 2 and 5) connected to a link arm 54 at one end and passing over a pulley 56 where the opposite end of the cable is connected to actuator 44 concealed in side rail 26. Link arm 54 is rigidly fixed to head section 20 for movement therewith and operation by actuator 44 as will be hereinafter described.

Actuator 46 is similarly concealed in the opposite side rail 26a and is operatively connected to operate the knee and foot portions of the articulated spring surface by means of a rigid connecting rod 56 and a rigid linking arm 58 connected to knee section 22 proximate its pivotal connection 23 with intermediate section 18.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 3 and 4, side rails 26 are generally U-shaped in configuration and when positioned to form the main frame 10 are oriented such that the opening 61 to the inner portion of the channel faces downwardly.

Corner brackets 32-32a, as previously discussed are utilized to rigidly secure side rails 26 to the head and

foot frame assemblies

28 and 30 in rigid spaced relationship. Comer brackets 32-32a are similar in construction and are each fixed as by welding to leg members 12. Corner bracket 32 fixed on head frame assembly 28 serves to conceal the previously mentioned pulley 36 and cable 34 passing thereover. Comer bracket 32a at the foot frame assembly 30 receives and secures rails 26-26a and

actuators

44 and 46 as will be discussed hereinafter. Similar reference numerals are therefore utilized in the following description to delineate similar features thereof with additional reference to FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 3, the corner brackets at head frame 28 are relatively thin in cross section and somewhat triangular in shape. The base 33 is welded to leg 12 and the top or apex 35 of the bracket extends outwardly from the leg. A channel portion 37 is formed by a pair of parallel flange like walls 41 extending generally perpendicular to leg 12 from base 33 to apex 35. An opening 68 extends laterally through the side of the bracket opening through the back wall of channel 37. An arm 39 on bracket 32 at the head frame assembly extends downwardly from the lower wall of channel 37 to support pulley 36 over which cable 34 is passed to the adjustable legs.

An elongated slot 64 is formed along one side of rail 26 and is adapted to receive a stud member 66 which extends outwardly from one side of the actuator outer housing 62. As the outer housing 62 of the actuator and the components supported therein are positioned within rail 26 stud 66 extends through slot 64. As the frame is assembled, rails 26 are positioned in channel 37 formed in corner brackets 32a. At the foot end of the bed stud 66 is positioned through opening 68 in corner bracket 32a associated with foot section 24 where suitable fastening means as a nut 70 and lock washer 71 secure rails 26 to the corner brackets and the actuator within the rail. The opposite end of rails 26 is secured to corner brackets 32 associated with head frame 28 by similarly positioning the rail end in channel 37 and securing in a conventional manner as by suitable nut and bolt fastening means 43. Similar fastening means as a bolt 45 passing through the side rail of corner bracket 32 and arm 39 forms a shaft upon which pulley 36 is rotatably mounted.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 7-11, the construction and operation of the

actuator assemblies

44 and 46 will be described in detail. The actuators are essentially identical in construction and in operation and are concealed within side rails 26 and 26a. The actuator assemblies include an elongated lead screw 60 to which crank arms 48 are attached to effect relative rotation thereof. Lead screw 60 is fixed for rotation by crank arm 48 within an elongated fixed or outer housing member 62. The outer housing is generally rectangular in cross-sectional configuration and is adapted to fit into the foot end of side rails 26.

The outer housing 62 is the relatively fixed portion of the actuator assembly and includes a trunnion collar 72 fixed in the inner housing. The trunnion collar serves as a support means for the lead screw. A locking pin 74 extends transversely through the lead screw at one side of the trunnion collar while a bearing 76 positioned around the lead screw abuts the opposite side of the trunnion collar to fix the lead screw in place. Bearing 76 is retained on lead screw 60 by an elongated crank collar 78 secured to the lead screw by a locking pin 80 extending transversely through aligned openings in the crank collar and the lead screw. Collar 78-is adapted to receive one end of crank arm 48 and is slotted in a conventional manner to cooperate with an elongated slot (not shown) provided in the end of crank arm 48 to slide and pivot about a pin 82 to pivot downwardly for storage when not in use.

A follower member 84 is mounted for movement along the axial length of lead screw 60 within outer housing 62 in response to turning of crank 48 (and lead screw 30). The follower member is mounted for sliding movement along the length of lead screw 60 within outer housing 62. The follower member is generally channel-shaped corresponding closely to the inner surfaces of the outer housing member 30. An elongated threaded block 86 is fixed at one end of the follower to move along lead screw with turning thereof to urge the follower 84 axially along the length of the rail. Preferably, the threaded block 86 is molded of a lubricious material as for example nylon and is fixed with the follower member 84 in a convenient manner as by tabs 88 bent inwardly from the side walls of the follower member.

The opposite end of the follower is formed with a wall 90 to which the cable assembly 52 (FIGS. 7 and 8) or the rigid connecting rod 56 (FIGS. 9 and are connected. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cable assembly is secured at one end by a clip 94 engaging a ferrule 96 fixed at the end of the cable to abut wall 90. Tabs 98 formed inwardly and toward wall 90 engage and hold clip 94 in position.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, connecting rod 56 which operates the combined knee and

foot sections

22 and 24, respectively, of the articulated spring surface is secured to the follower member 84 at end wall 90 by means of a washer 100 and a pin 102 extending transversely through connecting rod 56.

The outermost end of lead screw 60 (the end opposite crank arm 48) is equipped with a stop collar 104 fixed to screw 60 to prevent inadvertent disconnection of follower 84 from screw 60 when in its extended position.

The opposite end of cable 62 is equipped with a suitable fitting 106 which is secured to the linking arm 54 associated with head section of the articulated spring surface (FIG. 5). The outermost end of rod 56 has a turned end portion 108 by which the rod 56 is pivotally secured to linking arm 58 associated with the knee section 22 of the articulated spring surface 60 (FIG. 6). As will be appreciated, as knee section 22 is raised, the end of foot section 24 which is pivoted at to the knee section will also be raised since the end of foot section 24 is supported by pivot arms 110 (FIG. 1) which are adjustably connected to stud members 112 extending inwardly from the side wall of the side rails 26. i

OPERATION When it is desired to vertically raise or lower the bed and its supporting framework, crank arm 42 is operated. Gear and pulley assembly 48 acting in conjunction with cables 34 causes a relative movement be

tween leg sections

12 and 14 to thereby raise or lower the framework.

When it is desired to move head section 20 of the articulated spring surface 16, actuator 44 is operated by turning handle 48. Rotation of handle 48 causes a corresponding rotation of lead screw 60 contained within actuator 44 causing follower member 84 to move therealong thereby either shortening or lengthening cable 52 passing over pulley 56 which in turn moves rigid arm 54 to raise or lower the head section. Similarly, rotation of the handle 48 associated with actuator 46 causing the follower 84 to extend or retract along the length of the actuator moves rod 56 causing a corresponding movement in linking arm 58 connected to knee section 22. As knee section 22 moves up or down depending on the rotation of handle 48, the end of foot section 24 hinged thereto will also be raised and follow therealong by pivoting at 25 as previously described.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, all of the above adjustment assemblies are concealed in the frame structure of the hospital bed so as to provide a compact and uncluttered appearance. Each side frame 26 is secured to corner brackets 32-32a and each side rail houses an actuator assembly. When the comer brackets are secured to the side frames with the actuators secured therein a stable integral adjustable bed frame structure is formed which resembles a conventional bed.

Those skilled in the art will of course readily appreciate the many advantages of the present invention over that shown in the prior art. Those so skilled will also recognize that many modifications may be made and it is intended that the equivalent arrangements be covered unless the following claims by their wording expressly state otherwise.

The embodimnts of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as fol-'- lows.

1. In an adjustable bed having a supportive framework including a pair of generally parallel horizontal rail members; head and foot members having legs for supporting said rail members; an articulated surface having at least one adjustable section supported on said rail members; and actuating means for pivotally moving said adjustable section relative to said rail members; the improvement comprising: at least one of said rail members forming a channel extending along the length of the bed; said actuating means including a first member positioned in said channel and a second member also positioned in said channel and engaging and being extendible and retractable with respect to said first member along at least a portion of the length of said channel, means for extending and retracting said second member within said channel with respect to said first member; and connecting means extending through at least a portion of said channel for connecting said second member to said adjustable section to pivot said section with respect to said rail members.

2. The adjustable bed of claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes a lead screw fixed for rotation with respect to said first member; means for rotating said lead screw; and means connecting said second member to said lead screw for axial movement along said lead screw with rotation thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adjustable section of said articulated surface is pivotally mounted to said rail members for movement with respect thereto proximate said head member and further including a linking arm fixed on said adjustable section adapted for connection to said connecting means; said connecting means including a flexible cable member connected to said second member of said actuating means and extending along said channel, said cable member being connected to said linking arm whereby movement of said second member with respect to said first member along said lead screw exerts a force on said linking arm urging said adjustable section to pivot with respect to said rail members.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said actuating means is positioned in said rail member adjacent said foot member and further including pulley means concealed in said rail member intermediate said linking arm and said head member, and wherein said cable means extends along said channel toward said head member, passing around said pulley for connection to said linking arm whereby rotation of said lead screw retracting said second member urges said adjustable section to pivot upwardly at said head member.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adjustable section of said articulated surface is pivotally mounted to said rail members for movement with respect thereto proximate said foot member and further including a linking arm on said adjustable section adapted for connection to said connecting means; said connecting means including a rigid member having one end connected to said second member of said actuating means; the other end of said rigid member extending outwardly from said channel and pivotally connected to said linking arm on said adjustable section whereby movement of said second member with respect to said outer frame along said lead screw exerts a force on said linking arm urging said adjustable section to pivot with respect to said rail members.

6. The bed of claim 1 and further including means for vertically adjusting said bed, said adjusting means including said legs having vertically movable portions thereon; cable means having one end connected to said movable portions; a means positioned at one end of said bed connected to the other end of said cable means for operating said cable means to extend and retract said movable portions; means for guiding said cable means, said guide means including bracket members securing said rail members to at least one of said head and foot members, and pulley means concealed in said bracket members, said cable means passing over said pulley means and into operative engagement with said movable portion, said bracket members concealing said pulley and cable means from view.

7. In an adjustable bed having a framework including a pair of generally parallel horizontal rail members; head and foot members having legs for supporting said rail members; an articulated surface having a seat support section fixed to said rail members; adjustable head and foot support sections pivotally connected to said seat support and said rails; and actuating means for moving said adjustable head and foot support sections relative to said rail members; the improvement comprising: said rail members each having a channel formed therein extending along the length of the bed; actuator means concealed in said channels in each of 8 said rails; each of said actuator means including a first member positioned in one of said channels and a second member also positioned within'said channel and engaging and being extendible and retractable with respect to said first member along at least a portion of the length of said respective channel; means for extending and retracting each of said second members with respect to said respective first members within said channels; and separate connecting means for engaging each of said second members, each of said connecting means extending at least partially through one of said channels; one of said connecting means which engages one of said second members being operatively connected to said head support section and the other of said connecting means which engages the other of said second members being connected to said foot support section.

8. The adjustable bed of claim 7 wherein each of said actuating means includes a lead screw rotatably fixed for rotation with respect to said first member; means for rotating said lead screw; and means connecting said second member to said lead screw for axial movement along said lead screw with rotation thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 and further including a linking arm on said head support section, said one connecting means including flexible means extending along and within said channel and connecting said one second member with said linking ann whereby movement of said one second member with respect to its respective first member along said lead screw with said means for extending and retracting said second member exerts a force on said linking arm urging said head section to pivot about said seat support section with respect to said rail members.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said other connecting means includes a rigid member having one end connected to said other second member and having its other end extending outwardly from said channel and pivotally connected to said foot section.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein at least said actuator means including said one second member is positioned in one of said channels adjacent said foot member and further includes pulley means concealed in said rail member intermediate said linking arm and said head member; said flexible cable means extending along said channel toward said head member and passing around said pulley for connection to said linking arm whereby retraction of said one second member of said one actuator means urges said head support section to pivot about said seat support section and upwardly adjacent said head member.

12. The bed of claim 7 and further including means for vertically adjusting said bed, said adjusting means including said legs having vertically movable portions thereon; cable means having one end connected to said movable portions; a means positioned at one end of said bed connected to the other end of said cable means for operating said cable means to extend and retract said movable portions; means for guiding said cable means, said guide means including bracket members securing said rail members to at least one of said head and foot members and pulley means concealed in said bracket members; said cable means passing over said pulley means and into operative engagement with said movable portion, said bracket members concealing said pulley and cable means from view.

13. The adjustable bed of claim 2 wherein said first member includes an elongated housing secured within said channel and having a pair of opposing open ends;

extending from one end of said channel through one of said open ends of said housing; said second member in-' cluding a channel member having two ends and means for attaching said connecting means to one of said ends, said channel member being telescoped within the other of said ends of said housing; said means connecting said second member and lead screw including a threaded block secured within said channel member adjacent the other of said two channel member ends and receiving said lead screw whereby rotation of said lead screw moves said threaded block, channel member and connecting means axially in said channel with respect to said lead screw.

14. The adjustable bed of claim 8 wherein said first member of each actuator means includes an elongated housing secured within said channel and having a pair of opposing open ends; collar means within said housing for rotatably supporting said lead screw in a fixed position within said housing; said means for rotating said lead screw including a crank handle secured to one end of said lead screw and extending from one end of said channel through one of said open ends of said housing; said second member of each actuator means including a channel member having two ends and means for attaching said connecting means to one of said ends, said channel member being telescoped within the other of said ends of said housing; said means connecting said second member and lead screw including a threaded block secured within said channel member adjacent the other of said two channel member ends and receiving said lead screw whereby rotation of said lead screw moves said threaded block, channel member and connecting means axially in said channel with respect to said lead screw.

15. The adjustable bed of claim 11 wherein said actuator means including said other second member is positioned in the other of said channels adjacent said foot member; said other connecting means including a rigid member having one end connected to said other second member and having its other end extending outwardly from said other channel and pivotally connected to said foot section.

Claims

7. In an adjustable bed having a framework including a pair of generalLy parallel horizontal rail members; head and foot members having legs for supporting said rail members; an articulated surface having a seat support section fixed to said rail members; adjustable head and foot support sections pivotally connected to said seat support and said rails; and actuating means for moving said adjustable head and foot support sections relative to said rail members; the improvement comprising: said rail members each having a channel formed therein extending along the length of the bed; actuator means concealed in said channels in each of said rails; each of said actuator means including a first member positioned in one of said channels and a second member also positioned within said channel and engaging and being extendible and retractable with respect to said first member along at least a portion of the length of said respective channel; means for extending and retracting each of said second members with respect to said respective first members within said channels; and separate connecting means for engaging each of said second members, each of said connecting means extending at least partially through one of said channels; one of said connecting means which engages one of said second members being operatively connected to said head support section and the other of said connecting means which engages the other of said second members being connected to said foot support section.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 and further including a linking arm on said head support section, said one connecting means including flexible means extending along and within said channel and connecting said one second member with said linking arm whereby movement of said one second member with respect to its respective first member along said lead screw with said means for extending and retracting said second member exerts a force on said linking arm urging said head section to pivot about said seat support section with respect to said rail members.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein at least said actuator means including said one second member is positioned in one of said channels adjacent said foot member and further includes pulley means concealed in said rail member intermediate said linking arm and said head member; said flexible cable means extending along said channel toward said head member and passing around said pulley for connection to said linking arm whereby retraction of said one second member of said one actuator means urges said head support section to pivot about said seat support section and upwardly adjacent said head member.

13. The adjustable bed of claim 2 wherein said first member includes an elongated Housing secured within said channel and having a pair of opposing open ends; collar means within said housing for rotatably supporting said lead screw in a fixed position within said housing; said means for rotating said lead screw including a crank handle secured to one end of said lead screw and extending from one end of said channel through one of said open ends of said housing; said second member including a channel member having two ends and means for attaching said connecting means to one of said ends, said channel member being telescoped within the other of said ends of said housing; said means connecting said second member and lead screw including a threaded block secured within said channel member adjacent the other of said two channel member ends and receiving said lead screw whereby rotation of said lead screw moves said threaded block, channel member and connecting means axially in said channel with respect to said lead screw.