WO1997030614A1 - An adjustable bed - Google Patents

An adjustable bed Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997030614A1
WO1997030614A1 PCT/GB1997/000477 GB9700477W WO9730614A1 WO 1997030614 A1 WO1997030614 A1 WO 1997030614A1 GB 9700477 W GB9700477 W GB 9700477W WO 9730614 A1 WO9730614 A1 WO 9730614A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support portion
head support
main support
head
link bar
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/000477
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Neville Clifford Alderson
Original Assignee
Niagara Manufacturing Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Niagara Manufacturing Ltd. filed Critical Niagara Manufacturing Ltd.
Priority to AU18058/97A priority Critical patent/AU1805897A/en
Publication of WO1997030614A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997030614A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
    • A47C20/04—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination
    • A47C20/041—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination by electric motors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an adjustable bed, and in particular to a bed in which head and foot sections of the bed can be independently raised or lowered to provide a plurality of resting positions.
  • adjustable beds comprise a central support portion in connection with head and foot support portions.
  • the head and foot portions are independently pivotable about respective axes which extend in a transverse direction to a longitudinal dimension of the bed.
  • an adjustable bed comprising a base portion, a main support portion, a head support portion pivotably connected to the main support portion adjacent a first end of the main support portion, the main support portion being adapted to slide in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base portion of the bed, and means for effecting said movement of the main support portion towards the head support portion in conjunction with the head support portion being pivoted in an upward direction, the arrangement being such that a first end of the head support portion remote from the main support portion remains substantially in the same vertical plane irrespective of the angle between the head support portion and the main support portion.
  • the said means for effecting movement of the main support portion comprises a first link bar pivotably connected adjacent one end thereof to the head support portion and pivotably connected adjacent the other end thereof to the base portion of the bed.
  • the first link bar is connected to the head support portion at a location intermediate the first end of the head support portion and a second end of the head support portion remote from the first end, and the first link bar is connected to the base portion at an end of the base portion adjacent the head support portion.
  • the angle between the head support portion and a horizontal line through the point of intersection of the head support portion and the first link bar is substantially the same as the angle between the first link bar and the said horizontal line irrespective of the angle of elevation of the head support portion.
  • the said means for effecting movement of the main support portion comprises at least one first actuator adapted to effect pivotal movement of the head support portion.
  • the main support portion is provided with a first projecting member and the head support portion is provided with a second projecting member, the first actuator being pivotably connected to the fi-st and second projecting members adjacent first and second c posite ends of the first actuator respectively, and the longitudinal length of the first actuator being extensible or retractible in response to operation of the first actuator.
  • the main support portion is provided with a plurality of guide wheels adapted to cooperate with a guide track located on the base portion of the bed.
  • the head support portion comprises a second link bar pivotably connected to the first link bar and pivotably connected to the main support portion, and a mattress support portion affixed to the second link bar so as to overlie the second link bar.
  • the bed further includes a foot support portion pivotably connected to the main support portion adjacent a second end of the main support portion opposite to the first end thereof, and a second actuator adapted to effect pivotal movement of the foot support portion so as to thereby raise the foot support portion.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an adjustable bed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an adjustable bed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an adjustable bed 10 located adjacent a wall 12.
  • the bed 10 comprises a base portion 27, a main support portion 14, a head support portion 16, a foot support portion 18 and a first link bar 20.
  • the figure shows the bed 10 with the first link bar 20 and features of the main support portion 14 and the head support portion 16 in two different locations.
  • the head support portion 16 comprises a second link bar 22 and a mattress support member 24 for supporting a head portion of a mattress 26, the mattress support member 24 being affixed to the second link bar 22 so as to overlie the second link bar 22.
  • the first link bar 20 is pivotably connected to the base portion 27 of the bed at pivot A and pivotably connected to the second link bar 22 at pivot B which is located between opposite ends of the head support portion 16.
  • the second link bar 22 is pivotably connected to the main support portion 14 at pivot C.
  • the configuration of the head support portion 16 and the first link bar 20 is such that the first link bar 20 and the portion of the mattress support member 24 spaced from the second link bar 22 form an isosceles triangle.
  • the foot support portion 18 comprises third, fourth and fifth link bars 28, 30, 32 pivotably connected together and to the main support portion 14 at pivots D, E, F and G.
  • the main support portion 14 is provided with a first projection 34 extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main support portion 14.
  • the second and third link bars 22, 28 are provided with second and third projections 36, 38 respectively located adjacent pivots C and D, the second and third projections 36, 38 extending substantially perpendicular to the axes of the second and third link bars 22, 28.
  • a first actuator 40 pivotably connected at ends thereof to the first and second projections at pivots I and H respectively.
  • a second actuator 42 is provided between the first and third projections 34, 38, the second actuator 42 being connected to the first and third projections 34, 38 at pivots J and K respectively.
  • the bed 10 is also provided on the main support portion 14 with guide wheels 44 adapted to cooperate with a guide track 46 located on the base portion 27 of the bed 10.
  • the guide wheels 44 and guide track 46 facilitate movement of the main support portion 14 in a horizontal direction.
  • extension of the first actuator 40 simultaneously effects raising of the head portion of the mattress and movement of the main support portion 14 in a direction towards the wall 12.
  • the edge of the head support portion remote from the main support portion - which is adjacent the head of the occupant of the bed - remains substantially in the same vertical plane irrespective of the angle between the head support portion 16 and the main support portion 14.
  • the angle between the head support portion 16 and the horizontal is substantially the same as the angle between the horizontal and the first link bar 20.
  • the actuator 40 may be operated so as to reduce the length of the actuator. Such an operation serves to lower the head portion of the bed. Operation of the second actuator 42 causes the length of the second actuator 42 to extend. As a result, the third link bar 28 rotates about pivot D in an anticlockwise sense and the foot support portion 18 is thereby raised.
  • the first actuator is provided between the second projection 36 and a pivot connected to the base portion 27.
  • the length of the actuator 40 decreases.
  • the second projection 36 and the second link bar 22 rotate in a clockwise sense about pivot C.
  • the second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment.
  • first and second actuators 40, 42 can be operated either manually or by electronic means, such as by remote control.

Abstract

An adjustable bed (10) comprises a base portion (27), a main support portion (14) and a head support portion (16) pivotably connected to the main support portion (14) adjacent a first end of the main support portion (14). The main support portion (14) is slidable in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base portion (16) of the bed (10). The bed (10) also comprises means (20, 22, 34, 36, 40) for effecting such movement of the main support portion (14) towards the head support portion (16) when the head support portion (16) is pivoted in an upward direction. The arrangement is such that a first end of the head support portion (16) remote from the main support portion (14) remains substantially in the same vertical plane irrespective of the angle between the head support portion (16) and the main support portion (14).

Description

AN ADJUSTABLE BED
The present invention relates to an adjustable bed, and in particular to a bed in which head and foot sections of the bed can be independently raised or lowered to provide a plurality of resting positions.
Generally, such adjustable beds comprise a central support portion in connection with head and foot support portions. The head and foot portions are independently pivotable about respective axes which extend in a transverse direction to a longitudinal dimension of the bed.
However, with such adjustable beds, when the head support portion is pivoted upwardly of the central support portion, the head and shoulders of an occupant of the bed move both in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction towards the foot end of the bed. As a result, the head and shoulders of the occupant move away from any bedroom furniture or equipment which may be located adjacent the head end of the bed. This may be undesirable if, for example, a connection exists between a piece of equipment which is located adjacent the head end of the bed and the occupant's head.
According to the present invention, there is provided an adjustable bed comprising a base portion, a main support portion, a head support portion pivotably connected to the main support portion adjacent a first end of the main support portion, the main support portion being adapted to slide in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base portion of the bed, and means for effecting said movement of the main support portion towards the head support portion in conjunction with the head support portion being pivoted in an upward direction, the arrangement being such that a first end of the head support portion remote from the main support portion remains substantially in the same vertical plane irrespective of the angle between the head support portion and the main support portion.
Preferably, the said means for effecting movement of the main support portion comprises a first link bar pivotably connected adjacent one end thereof to the head support portion and pivotably connected adjacent the other end thereof to the base portion of the bed.
Preferably, the first link bar is connected to the head support portion at a location intermediate the first end of the head support portion and a second end of the head support portion remote from the first end, and the first link bar is connected to the base portion at an end of the base portion adjacent the head support portion.
Preferably, the angle between the head support portion and a horizontal line through the point of intersection of the head support portion and the first link bar is substantially the same as the angle between the first link bar and the said horizontal line irrespective of the angle of elevation of the head support portion.
Preferably, the said means for effecting movement of the main support portion comprises at least one first actuator adapted to effect pivotal movement of the head support portion.
Preferably, the main support portion is provided with a first projecting member and the head support portion is provided with a second projecting member, the first actuator being pivotably connected to the fi-st and second projecting members adjacent first and second c posite ends of the first actuator respectively, and the longitudinal length of the first actuator being extensible or retractible in response to operation of the first actuator.
Preferably, the main support portion is provided with a plurality of guide wheels adapted to cooperate with a guide track located on the base portion of the bed.
Preferably, the head support portion comprises a second link bar pivotably connected to the first link bar and pivotably connected to the main support portion, and a mattress support portion affixed to the second link bar so as to overlie the second link bar.
Preferably, the bed further includes a foot support portion pivotably connected to the main support portion adjacent a second end of the main support portion opposite to the first end thereof, and a second actuator adapted to effect pivotal movement of the foot support portion so as to thereby raise the foot support portion.
A specific embodiment of the present invention is now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an adjustable bed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an adjustable bed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an adjustable bed 10 located adjacent a wall 12.
The bed 10 comprises a base portion 27, a main support portion 14, a head support portion 16, a foot support portion 18 and a first link bar 20. The figure shows the bed 10 with the first link bar 20 and features of the main support portion 14 and the head support portion 16 in two different locations.
The head support portion 16 comprises a second link bar 22 and a mattress support member 24 for supporting a head portion of a mattress 26, the mattress support member 24 being affixed to the second link bar 22 so as to overlie the second link bar 22.
The first link bar 20 is pivotably connected to the base portion 27 of the bed at pivot A and pivotably connected to the second link bar 22 at pivot B which is located between opposite ends of the head support portion 16. The second link bar 22 is pivotably connected to the main support portion 14 at pivot C.
The configuration of the head support portion 16 and the first link bar 20 is such that the first link bar 20 and the portion of the mattress support member 24 spaced from the second link bar 22 form an isosceles triangle.
The foot support portion 18 comprises third, fourth and fifth link bars 28, 30, 32 pivotably connected together and to the main support portion 14 at pivots D, E, F and G.
The main support portion 14 is provided with a first projection 34 extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main support portion 14. The second and third link bars 22, 28 are provided with second and third projections 36, 38 respectively located adjacent pivots C and D, the second and third projections 36, 38 extending substantially perpendicular to the axes of the second and third link bars 22, 28. Between the first and second projections 34, 36 there is provided a first actuator 40 pivotably connected at ends thereof to the first and second projections at pivots I and H respectively. Likewise, a second actuator 42 is provided between the first and third projections 34, 38, the second actuator 42 being connected to the first and third projections 34, 38 at pivots J and K respectively.
The bed 10 is also provided on the main support portion 14 with guide wheels 44 adapted to cooperate with a guide track 46 located on the base portion 27 of the bed 10. The guide wheels 44 and guide track 46 facilitate movement of the main support portion 14 in a horizontal direction.
When it is desired to raise the head support portion 16 of the bed, operation of the first actuator 40 is effected, and the length of the first actuator 40 increases. As a result, the second projection 36 and the second link bar 22 rotate in a clockwise sense about pivot C, thereby raising the head portion of the mattress. This, in turn, causes the main support portion 14 to slide on the guide wheels 44 along the guide track 46 in a direction towards the wall 12, the second link bar 22 rotating about pivot B in a clockwise sense. At the same time the first link bar 20 rotates about pivot A in an anticlockwise sense.
It is apparent therefore that extension of the first actuator 40 simultaneously effects raising of the head portion of the mattress and movement of the main support portion 14 in a direction towards the wall 12.
It will be appreciated that, in this way, the edge of the head support portion remote from the main support portion - which is adjacent the head of the occupant of the bed - remains substantially in the same vertical plane irrespective of the angle between the head support portion 16 and the main support portion 14.
It will also be appreciated that the angle between the head support portion 16 and the horizontal is substantially the same as the angle between the horizontal and the first link bar 20.
It will also be appreciated that the actuator 40 may be operated so as to reduce the length of the actuator. Such an operation serves to lower the head portion of the bed. Operation of the second actuator 42 causes the length of the second actuator 42 to extend. As a result, the third link bar 28 rotates about pivot D in an anticlockwise sense and the foot support portion 18 is thereby raised.
In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first actuator is provided between the second projection 36 and a pivot connected to the base portion 27. Thus, in order to raise the head support portion 16 of the bed, the length of the actuator 40 decreases. As with the first embodiment, the second projection 36 and the second link bar 22 rotate in a clockwise sense about pivot C.
In all other respects, the second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment.
It will be appreciated that the first and second actuators 40, 42 can be operated either manually or by electronic means, such as by remote control.
It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. An adjustable bed comprising a base portion, a main support portion, a head support portion pivotably connected to the main support portion adjacent a first end of the main support portion, the main support portion being adapted to slide in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base portion of the bed, and means for effecting said movement of the main support portion towards the head support portion in conjunction with the head support portion being pivoted in an upward direction, the arrangement being such that a first end of the head support portion remote from the main support portion remains substantially in the same vertical plane irrespective of the angle between the head support portion and the main support portion.
2. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said means for effecting movement of the main support portion comprises a first link bar pivotably connected adjacent one end thereof to the head support portion and pivotably connected adjacent the other end thereof to the base portion of the bed.
3. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first link bar is connected to the head portion at a location intermediate the said first end of the head support portion and a second end of the head support portion remote from the said first end, and the first link bar is connected to the base portion at an end of the base portion adjacent the head support portion.
4. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the angle between the head support portion and a horizontal line through the point of intersection of the head support portion and the first link bar is substantially the same as the angle between the first link bar and the said horizontal line irrespective of the angle of elevation of the head support portion.
5. An adjustable bed as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said means for effecting movement of the main support portion comprises at least one first actuator adapted to effect said pivotal movement of the head support portion.
6. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 5, wherein the main support portion is provided with a first projecting member and the head support portion is provided with a second projecting member, the first actuator being pivotably connected to the first and second projecting members adjacent first and second opposite ends of the first actuator respectively, and the longitudinal length of the first actuator being extensible or retractable in response to operation of the first actuator.
7. An adjustable bed as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main support portion is provided with a plurality of guide wheels adapted to cooperate with a guide track located on the base portion of the bed.
8. An adjustable bed as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head support portion comprises a second link bar pivotably connected to the first link bar and pivotably connected to the main support portion, and a mattress support portion affixed to the second link bar so as to overlie the second link bar.
9. An adjustable bed as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a foot support portion pivotably connected to the main support portion adjacent a second end of the main support portion opposite to the first end thereof, and a second actuator adapted to effect pivotal movement of the foot support portion so as to thereby raise the foot support portion.
10. An adjustable bed assembly comprising a base portion, a head support portion and means permitting said head support portion to be pivoted in an upward direction, the arrangement being such that a first end of the head support portion remains substantially in the same vertical plane irrespective of the angle between the head support portion and the base portion.
PCT/GB1997/000477 1996-02-20 1997-02-20 An adjustable bed WO1997030614A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU18058/97A AU1805897A (en) 1996-02-20 1997-02-20 An adjustable bed

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9603583.7 1996-02-20
GBGB9603583.7A GB9603583D0 (en) 1996-02-20 1996-02-20 An adjustable bed

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997030614A1 true WO1997030614A1 (en) 1997-08-28

Family

ID=10789101

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/000477 WO1997030614A1 (en) 1996-02-20 1997-02-20 An adjustable bed

Country Status (3)

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AU (1) AU1805897A (en)
GB (1) GB9603583D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1997030614A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1013033A3 (en) * 1999-03-22 2001-08-07 Imhold Nv Bed frame
EP1428459A1 (en) 2002-12-12 2004-06-16 Stjernfjädrar AB Adjustable bed
EP1438911A2 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-07-21 Stjernfjädrar AB Adjustable bed with improved mattress connection
WO2004069006A2 (en) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-19 Ferdinand Schermel Multi-position reclining bed with desk
WO2004100723A1 (en) * 2003-05-16 2004-11-25 Hilding Anders International Ab Articulated bed
EP1676505A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-07-05 José Pardo Herrera Positional adjustment mechanism for beds
KR102096779B1 (en) * 2018-12-18 2020-04-03 (주)대우가구 Frame for Motion Bed

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9308246U1 (en) * 1993-06-02 1994-10-06 Vauth Sagel Gmbh & Co Bed, especially sick bed
EP0678261A1 (en) * 1994-04-19 1995-10-25 Oniris S.A. Pivoting and sliding articulated bed base

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9308246U1 (en) * 1993-06-02 1994-10-06 Vauth Sagel Gmbh & Co Bed, especially sick bed
EP0678261A1 (en) * 1994-04-19 1995-10-25 Oniris S.A. Pivoting and sliding articulated bed base

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1013033A3 (en) * 1999-03-22 2001-08-07 Imhold Nv Bed frame
EP1428459A1 (en) 2002-12-12 2004-06-16 Stjernfjädrar AB Adjustable bed
EP1438911A2 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-07-21 Stjernfjädrar AB Adjustable bed with improved mattress connection
WO2004069006A2 (en) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-19 Ferdinand Schermel Multi-position reclining bed with desk
WO2004069006A3 (en) * 2003-02-10 2004-12-16 Ferdinand Schermel Multi-position reclining bed with desk
US8615828B2 (en) 2003-02-10 2013-12-31 Ferdinand Schermel Multi-position reclining bed
WO2004100723A1 (en) * 2003-05-16 2004-11-25 Hilding Anders International Ab Articulated bed
US7484254B2 (en) 2003-05-16 2009-02-03 Hilding Anders International Ab Articulated bed
EP1676505A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-07-05 José Pardo Herrera Positional adjustment mechanism for beds
KR102096779B1 (en) * 2018-12-18 2020-04-03 (주)대우가구 Frame for Motion Bed

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9603583D0 (en) 1996-04-17
AU1805897A (en) 1997-09-10

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