WO1994022349A1

WO1994022349A1 - Extensile bed

Info

Publication number: WO1994022349A1
Application number: PCT/AU1993/000395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dale Norman Walker
Original assignee: Dale Norman Walker
Priority date: 1993-03-29
Filing date: 1993-08-04
Publication date: 1994-10-13

Abstract

An extensile bed unit is disclosed. The unit is made of two or three pantograph units (1, 2, 13) to which slats (4), supporting rods (6) and castors (8) are fixed. The unit is attached to an appropriate surface by end brackets (9, 10, 11, 12). When the unit is fully extended the slats (4) are horizontal and present a well supported sleeping platform.

Description

EXTENSILE BED

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to improvements to sleeping spaces not in full time use.

BACKGROUND ART

Many people find part time beds uncomfortable due to the structure work under the mattress applying pressure to small areas of the body or making an uneven sleeping surface. The size and weight of present devices also pose difficulties when setting up or putting away the bed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION These problems are overcome by the present invention, which uses a wheeled pantograph in conjunction with slats over which a mattress may be placed thus providing a large area of support under the mattress, spreading the pressure due to a body lying on the bed more evenly.

In one form of the invention a single bed version of the pantograph/slat device is in a small table suitable as a coffee table. One side of the table consists of two doors which, when opened, allow access to the end of the bed which, when pulled, extends the pantograph on castors until it is fully extended and the slats form a large flat surface.

In other forms of the invention the dimensions of the surface area presented may differ (double bed, cot sized etc.) .

The surface slat may be made of wood, plastic or metal. Such a slat would be shaped or covered in such a way to prevent it from attaching itself to the mattress or covers. The wheels on the pantograph may be made of any suitable material such as rubber, plastic, metal or wood.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist with understanding the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show examples of the invention.

Figure 1 shows an example of a single bed version of the extensile bed unit, unattached, according to this invention. Figure 2 shows a double bed version of the extensile bed unit designed for a two seater lounge.

Figure 3 shows an alternate double bed version of the unit designed for a three seater lounge.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Fig. l it can be seen that the extensile bed according to this invention comprises of two pantograph type frames (1,2) made up of cross straps (3) , which are riveted into place.

At the top of each pantograph unit will be placed a slat (4) to fix and maintain the chosen width. These slats are attached by rivets or screws to angle brackets (5) which themselves will be affixed to the inside surfaces of the pantograph units by means of rivets, screws or welding.

At the base of each third or fourth cross connection of the pantograph unit will be rods (6) of a suitable diameter and strength spanning the width of and maintaining the distance apart of the pantograph type units.

Mounted on these rods and restricted from transverse movement by the use of suitable clips (7) will be wheels/castors (8) to assist in the extension and folding of the whole unit.

The entire unit may then be attached by end plates (9, 10, 11 and 12) to a small table or other unit as desired.

Referring to Fig. 2 it can be seen that the extensile bed according to this invention comprises of the same components as the single bed unit.

All pivot points and positioning of parts remain as previously stated with one exception, this exception being the placement of the angle brackets (5) on the pantograph arms (1, 2) . The angle bracket (5) will be lifted so as to be level and flush with the top of the pantograph units (1, 2) . This alteration enables the usage of a third pantograph unit (13) to be employed in the centre, at an equal distance from the other two pantograph units (1, 2) .

Referring to Fig. 3 it can be seen that the extensile bed according to this invention comprises the same components as the single bed unit with all pivot points and positioning of parts the same as the unit in Fig. 2 with the exception of the pantograph unit (13) which is replaced by two webbing straps (14) at a distance from each other equal to the distance from the pantograph units (1, 2) thus dividing the surface area into thirds.

The webbing straps would be made of man-made or natural fibres or a combination of both fibres.

The angles used to fasten each end of the two webbing straps would be of a material of sufficient strength to provide security for the user(s). It will be realised that the extensile bed according to this invention is not restricted to the forms shown in the examples, but may come in other suitable dimensions or may be manufactured from other suitable materials.

Claims

1. An extensile bed unit comprising of a wheeled pantograph in conjunction with slats over which a mattress may be placed, the slats providing a large area of support under the mattress. The use of the wheeled pantograph/slat device decreases the size and aids in the operation for the setting up and folding of the bed.

2. The extensile bed unit of claim 1 wherein the pantograph, angle brackets, supporting rods and endplates are manufactured from metal.

3. The extensile bed unit of claim 1 wherein the pantograph, angle brackets, supporting rods and endplates are made of plastic.

4. The extensile bed unit of claims 1 to 3 wherein the slats are made of wood.

5. The extensile bed unit of claims 1 to 3 wherein the slats are made of plastic.

6. The extensile bed unit of claims 1 to 3 wherein the slats are made of metal.

7. The extensile bed unit of claims 1 to 6 wherein the castors are made of plastic.

8. The extensile bed unit of claims 1 to 6 wherein the castors are made of metal.

9. The extensile bed unit of claims 1 to 6 wherein the castors are made of wood.

10. The extensile bed unit of claims l to 6 wherein the castors are made of rubber.

11. The extensile bed unit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.