Abstrict An adjustable bed including a stationary frame is supported above
a floor. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot
deck boards hingedly joined together is spaced above the frame with
connectors. The connectors include generally inverted U-shaped tubes
pivotally secured to the frame and secured to the deck boards. A
gas spring is operatively coupled to the head deck board and pivotally
secured to the frame. Activation of the gas spring in cooperation
with the operator moves the deck boards.
Claims 1. An adjustable bed comprising: a stationary frame; a pair of
generally inverted U-shaped foot tubes pivotally secured to said
frame; a pair of generally inverted U-shaped seat tubes pivotally
secured to said frame; a deck comprising a head deck board, a seat
deck board secured to said seat tubes and hingedly secured to said
head deck board; a leg deck board hingedly secured to said seat
deck board; a foot deck board hingedly secured to said leg deck
board and secured to said foot tubes, an inverted U-shaped head
tube pivotally secured to said frame and secured to said head deck
board; and a driver secured to head deck board and said frame and
extending therebetween for moving said deck between a first horizontal
position and a second fully inclined position.
2. The adjustable bed of claim 1 wherein said driver is a gas
spring.
3. The adjustable bed of claim 1 further comprising supports extending
downwardly from said frame.
4. The adjustable bed of claim 1 wherein said driver is remotely
controlled.
5. The adjustable bed of claim 1 wherein said seat deck board moves
between a forward position and a rear position upon movement of
said head deck board.
6. The adjustable bed of claim 1 further comprising clips secured
to said head, seat and foot deck boards, said head, foot and seat
tubes being secured to said clips.
7. The adjustable bed of claim 1 wherein said seat deck board moves
towards a head end rail of said frame and lowers when said head
deck board is inclined.
8. The adjustable bed of claim 1 wherein said seat deck board,
said leg deck board and said foot deck board each move towards a
head end rail of said frame when said head deck board is inclined.
9. An adjustable bed comprising: a stationary frame; a pair of
generally inverted U-shaped foot tubes pivotally secured to said
frame; a pair of generally inverted U-shaped seat tubes pivotally
secured to said frame; a seat deck board secured to said seat tubes;
a foot deck board secured to said foot tubes, a leg deck board hingedly
secured to said seat deck board and said foot deck board therebetween;
a head deck board hingedly secured to said seat deck board; an inverted
U-shaped head tube pivotally secured to said frame and secured to
said head deck board; and a gas spring pivotally joined to said
head deck board and said frame, wherein activation of said gas spring
moves said head deck board between an inclined position and a flat
position.
10. The adjustable bed of claim 9 wherein said seat deck board,
said leg deck board and said foot deck board each move when said
head deck board is inclined.
11. An adjustable bed comprising: a stationary frame having a pair
of opposed side rails, a head end rail and a foot end rail; an articulated
deck spaced above said stationary frame with connectors, said articulated
deck comprising a head deck board, a seat deck board, a leg deck
board and a foot deck board hingedly joined to each other, said
connectors being pivotally secured to said side rails of said frame
and secured to said head, seat and foot deck boards; and a gas spring
operatively coupled to said head deck board, wherein activation
of said gas spring causes said seat deck board to move vertically
and horizontally.
12. The adjustable bed of claim 11 wherein said frame is supported
by legs secured to said frame.
13. The adjustable bed of claim 11 wherein said connectors are
inverted U-shaped tubes.
14. The adjustable bed of claim 11 wherein said gas spring is remotely
controlled.
Description CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/910061 entitled "Single Motor Adjustable
Bed" filed Aug. 3 2004 which is fully incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to adjustable beds and,
more particularly, to an adjustable bed having a drive assembly
incorporating a gas spring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A well known type of bedding product comprises a motorized
adjustable bed in which an articulated frame supports a mattress.
These motorized adjustable beds have traditionally been used in
hospitals but more and more are being installed and used in residential
homes. Motorized articulated beds have conventionally had an upper
body support movable between an inclined position in which it supports
the patient in a sitting position and a prone position in which
the patient lies down in a generally horizontal position. In addition,
a leg support is movable between positions and may be adjusted to
a desired degree of inclination. An actuating mechanism, commonly
two or more electric motors, raises and lowers the head and leg
supports of the articulated bed frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5640730 discloses
such an articulated bed. Disadvantages of adjustable beds incorporating
two electric motors over adjustable beds having only one electric
motor include 1) the odds of at least one of the motors malfunctioning
increases and 2) increased manufacturing costs.
[0004] In order to reduce the manufacturing costs of an adjustable
bed, adjustable beds have been made with a single motor. U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4385410 and 4559655 discloses such adjustable beds powered
by a single motor. Known adjustable beds powered by a single motor
require a great deal of power to raise and lower the bed sections
to their desired positions due to the weight of the person lying
on the bed.
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6499162 and 6640365 disclose adjustable
beds comprising a plurality of bedplates pivotally secured together
for supporting a mattress. Connecting elements or links pivotally
connect a base to the bed plates. Activation of a power source such
as an electric motor causes movement of the bed plates. One disadvantage
with the adjustable beds is that the bedplate above the seat of
the user does not lower. Consequently, the weight of the person
using the bed is not used to move the bedplates.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an articulated bed powered
by a driver which utilizes a person's weight to help activate the
bed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] This invention comprises an adjustable bed having an adjustable
deck for supporting a mattress. The adjustable bed is powered in
part by a driver which preferably is a gas spring. However, any
other driver or drive assembly, such as a solenoid, may be used
in accordance with the present invention.
[0008] The adjustable bed comprises a base comprising a stationary
frame and legs extending downwardly from the stationary frame to
support the frame a fixed distance above the floor or supporting
surface. Although legs are preferable, other types of supports may
be used in accordance with the present invention to raise the frame
off the supporting surface. The frame is generally rectangular having
a pair of side rails and a pair of opposed end rails including a
head rail and a foot rail at the head and foot ends of the adjustable
bed, respectively.
[0009] An articulated deck for supporting a mattress is spaced
above the frame with a plurality of connectors. The articulated
deck comprises a head deck board, a seat deck board, a leg deck
board and a foot deck board hingedly joined to each other. In accordance
with the present invention, the articulated deck may comprise any
number of deck boards.
[0010] The connectors are pivotally secured to the side rails of
the frame. More specifically, a pair of generally inverted U-shaped
seat tubes or connectors pivotally secured to the side rails of
the frame are secured to the seat deck board of the articulated
deck. Similarly, a pair of generally inverted U-shaped foot tubes
or connectors pivotally secured to the side rails of the frame are
secured to the foot deck board of the articulated deck. Lastly,
a head tube having an inverted U-shape is pivotally secured to the
side rails of the frame and secured to the head deck board. However,
any number of connectors of any suitable form may be used in accordance
with the present invention.
[0011] A driver in the form of a gas spring is operatively coupled
to the head deck board of the articulated deck. The driver, used
in conjunction with the weight of the user, functions to move the
articulated deck between a first horizontal position in which all
of the deck boards are co-planar in a horizontal position and a
second fully inclined position in which the head deck board is inclined,
the seat deck board generally horizontal, the leg deck board inclined
and the foot deck board slightly inclined.
[0012] The driver preferably comprises a gas spring pivotally secured
to the frame of the articulated bed at one end and pivotally secured
to a mounting bracket at the other end, the mounting bracket being
secured to the head deck board. Activation of the gas spring moves
the head deck board between its first horizontal position and its
second inclined position.
[0013] In operation, starting from the first position of the articulated
bed in which the articulated deck is generally horizontal, an operator
activates the driver. The driver extends a piston rod from the cylinder
of the gas spring. The piston rod of the driver rotates or pivots
about a horizontal axis at the lower end of the piston rod i.e.
where the piston rod is pivotally secured to the frame. Upon extension
of the piston rod, the head deck board moves from its first horizontal
position to its second inclined position. As the head deck board
inclines, the seat deck board moves horizontally towards the head
end of the bed and also lowers due in part to the connectors and
more particularly, the tubes pivoting about horizontal pivot axes.
The user or operator leans forward using his or her weight to help
move the seat deck board downwardly and towards the head end of
the bed. As the seat deck board moves downwardly and towards the
head end of the bed, the leg deck board moves from its first horizontal
position to its second inclined position. This movement of the leg
deck board causes the foot deck board to move towards the head end
of the bed as the connectors and in particular the foot tubes are
pivoted about horizontal pivot axes.
[0014] The configuration of the articulated bed of the present
invention allows a user to use his or her weight to move the articulated
bed between a first horizontal or prone position to a second inclined
position with the assistance of the driver of the articulated bed.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention
will be more readily apparent from the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable bed made in
accordance with this invention in a fully inclined position supporting
a mattress shown in phantom;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the adjustable bed
of FIG. 1 without the articulated deck in a horizontal position;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the adjustable bed
of FIG. 1 without the articulated deck in a fully inclined position;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the adjustable
bed of FIG. 1 without the mattress;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a portion of the adjustable
bed of FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adjustable mounting
assembly of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 there
is illustrated an adjustable bed 10 including a mattress 12. The
present invention may be used to support any type of mattress including
an air mattress, a coil spring mattress or any other type of mattress.
The mattress 12 does not form a part of the present invention.
[0023] The adjustable bed 10 is movable between a first horizontal
position shown in FIG. 2 and a fully inclined position as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 3. Typically, an operator or user sleeps with the
adjustable bed in its first horizontal position and reads or watches
television with the adjustable bed in its fully inclined position.
[0024] The adjustable bed 10 comprises a base 14 including a generally
rectangular stationary frame 16 and four legs 18 supporting the
frame 16 a fixed distance about a floor or supporting surface 20.
See FIG. 1. The stationary frame 16 comprises a pair of opposed
side rails 22 and a pair of opposed end rails 24 extending between
the side rails 22 at the ends thereof. The end rails 24 include
a head rail 26 and a foot rail 28. The legs 18 are preferably secured
to the end rails 24 but may be secured to the side rails 22 if desired.
Any other desired configuration of frame may be used, if desired.
[0025] An articulated deck 30 is spaced above the stationary frame
16 with a plurality of connectors 32. The articulated deck 30 comprises
a head deck board 34 a seat deck board 36 a leg deck board 38
and a foot deck board 40. Each of the deck boards is preferably
the same width but any two boards may be different widths, if desired.
Deck boards 34 36 38 and 40 have upper surfaces 35 37 39 and
41 respectively, and lower surfaces 43 45 47 and 49 respectively.
[0026] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 the head deck board
34 is hingedly secured to the seat deck board 36 with hinges 42
secured to the lower surfaces 43 45 of the head and seat deck boards
34 36 respectively. Similarly, seat deck board 36 is hingedly
secured to leg deck board 38 with hinges 44 secured to the lower
surfaces 45 47 of the seat and leg deck boards 36 38 respectively.
Leg deck board 38 is hingedly secured to foot deck board 40 with
hinges 46 secured to the lower surfaces 47 49 of the leg and foot
deck boards 38 40 respectively. Although, two hinges 42 are shown
in FIGS. 1 and 4 securing the head deck board 34 to the seat deck
board 36 any number of hinges may be used including one continuous
hinge. The same applies to hinges 44 and 46 connecting the other
deck boards.
[0027] The deck boards 34 36 38 and 40 are preferably made of
plywood but may be made of plastic, oriented strand board or any
other material.
[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 the head deck board 34
has a rectangular hole 50 therein which may be used as a handle.
[0029] The adjustable bed 10 further comprises connectors 32 in
the form of inverted U-shaped foot tubes 52. As shown in FIG. 4
the adjustable bed 10 has two foot tubes 52 pivotally secured to
the side rails 22 of the stationary frame 16 with fasteners 53 so
that each pivots about a horizontal pivot axis 54. Each foot tube
52 has a center portion 56 and a pair of leg portions 58 extending
downwardly from opposed ends of the center portion 56. The center
portion 56 of each of the foot tubes 52 is secured to the foot deck
board 40 with clips 60. As shown in FIG. 4 a pair of clips 60 are
secured to the lower surface 49 of the foot deck board 40. Although
each foot tube 52 is illustrated being secured to two clips 60
any other means of securing the foot tubes 52 to the foot deck board
40 may be used.
[0030] Similarly, two seat tubes or connectors 62 are pivotally
secured to the side rails 22 of the stationary frame 16 with fasteners
63 so that each pivots about a horizontal pivot axis 64. Each seat
tube 62 has a center portion 66 and a pair of leg portions 68 extending
downwardly from opposed ends of the center portion 66. The center
portion 66 of each of the foot tubes 62 is secured to the seat deck
board 36 with clips 70. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 a pair of clips
70 are secured to the lower surface 45 of the seat deck board 36.
Although each seat tube 62 is illustrated being secured to two clips
70 any other means of securing the seat tubes 62 to the seat deck
board 36 may be used.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 4 a pair of stops 72 are secured
to the inside surfaces of the side rails 22 of the frame 16 to prevent
the seat tubes 62 from moving too far forward i.e. towards the head
end of the bed. Similarly, a pair of stops 74 are secured to the
inside surfaces of the side rails 22 of the frame 16 to prevent
the foot tubes 52 from moving too far rearward i.e. towards the
foot end of the bed.
[0032] A head tube or connector 76 is pivotally secured to the
side rails 22 of the stationary frame 16 with fasteners 78 so that
each pivots about a horizontal pivot axis 80. As seen in FIGS. 1
and 4 the head tube 76 like the seat and foot tubes, has a center
portion 82 and a pair of leg portions 84 extending downwardly from
opposed ends of the center portion 82. The center portion 82 of
the head tube 76 is secured to the head deck board 34 with clips
86. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 a pair of clips 86 are secured to
the lower surface 43 of the head deck board 34. Although the head
tube 76 is illustrated being secured to two clips 86 any other
means of securing the head tube 76 to the head deck board 34 may
be used.
[0033] The articulated deck 30 is moved by a driver in the form
of a gas spring, in conjunction with the weight of the user, between
a first retracted position shown in FIG. 2 in which the deck boards
34 36 38 and 40 are generally co-planar in a horizontal position
or orientation and a second position shown in FIG. 3. In the second
position, the head deck board 34 is inclined, the seat deck board
36 is substantially horizontal, the leg deck board 36 inclined and
the foot deck board 40 slightly inclined.
[0034] When the articulated deck 30 is in its first horizontal
position shown in FIG. 2 a pair of braces 8 secured to the head
rail 26 of the frame 18 and extending upwardly therefrom support
the head deck board 34 of the articulated deck 30. See FIG. 2.
[0035] The driver in the form a gas spring 88 shown assembled
in FIG. 1 and disassembled in FIG. 4 comprises a cylinder 90 pivotally
secured at its upper end 92 to a mounting bracket 94 which is secured
to the lower surface 43 of the head deck board 34. Moveable inside
the cylinder 90 is a piston rod 96 which has a lower end 98 which
is pivotally secured to a vertically adjustable bracket 99. The
vertically adjustable bracket 99 is part of an adjustable mounting
assembly 114 shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. The adjustable mounting
assembly 114 is fixed to the head end rail 24 of the stationary
frame 16 such that the piston rod 96 pivots about a horizontal pivot
axis 100. See FIGS. 2 and 3. Due to movement of the piston rod 96
inside the cylinder 90 the gas spring 88 is movable between a retracted
position shown in FIG. 2 and an extended position shown in FIG.
3.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 6 the adjustable mounting assembly 114
comprises a pair of mounting brackets 116 secured to top and bottom
surfaces 118 120 respectively, of the head end rail 24. Each of
the mounting brackets 116 has a hole 122 therein through which passes
a threaded rod 124. At the lower end of the threaded rod 124 is
a rotatable hand wheel 126 which rotates the threaded rod 124 when
rotated. A movable bracket 99 is movable between the mounting brackets
116 via rotation of the threaded rod 124. More specifically, the
movable bracket 99 has a threaded hole 128 through which the threaded
rod 124 passes. When the threaded rod 124 is rotated via the hand
wheel 26 or any other means such as a lever or handle, for example,
the movable bracket 99 moves up or down depending upon the direction
of rotation of the threaded rod 124.
[0037] In this manner, the pivot point along horizontal axis 100
may be adjusted upwardly or downwardly as desired. When the pivot
axis 100 is up, a light weight person can more easily push the bed
down to the horizontal position. When the pivot axis 100 is down,
a heavier person can use his or her weight to more easily tilt the
bed from a horizontal position to a fully inclined position. See
FIG. 5. Thus, for a heavier person, it is advantageous to adjust
the pivot axis 100 downwardly and for a lighter person it is advantageous
to adjust the pivot axis 100 upwardly. If desired, the pivot axis
100 may be fixed at one location rather than being adjustable.
[0038] Although any gas spring may be used in accordance with the
present invention, one which has proven suitable is available from
McMaster-Carr Supply Company (www.mcmaster.com) under the model
number 2692K1. Such a gas spring is able to provide 100 pounds of
force to assist an operator move the articulated bed to a desired
position.
[0039] The gas spring 88 may be controlled by an actuator such
as a lever (not shown), hydraulic means (not shown) or a cable 102
at the end of which is a cable release 104. Although any cable release
may be used in accordance with the present invention, one which
has proven suitable is available from McMaster-Carr Supply Company
(www.mcmaster.com) under the model number 9684K15.
[0040] In operation, starting from the first position of the articulated
bed 10 shown in FIG. 2 in which the articulated deck 30 is generally
horizontal, an operator (not shown) activates gas spring 88 by pushing
the cable release 104. Activation of the gas spring 88 extends the
piston rod 96 from its retracted position inside the cylinder 90
which causes the head tube 76 to pivot about horizontal pivot axis
80 i.e. where the head tube 76 is secured to the side rails 22
of the stationary frame 18. At the same time the operator leans
forwardly helping the head deck board 34 move from its first horizontal
position shown in FIG. 2 to its second inclined position shown in
FIG. 3 in which the head edge 102 of the head deck board 34 is above
the rear edge 104 of the head deck board 34.
[0041] As the head deck board 30 inclines, the rear edge of the
head deck board 30 moves towards the head end of the bed, causing
or pulling the seat deck board 36 horizontally towards the head
end of the bed. The seat deck board 36 also lowers due to the connectors
and more particularly, the seat tubes 62 pivoting about horizontal
pivot axes 64 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIGS.
2 and 3. The weight of the operator assists the seat deck board
move downwardly also. As the seat deck board moves downwardly and
towards the head end of the bed, the leg deck board 38 moves or
is pulled from its first horizontal position shown in FIG. 2 to
its second inclined position shown in FIG. 3. In this inclined position,
the front edge 106 of the leg deck board 38 is lower than the rear
edge 108 of the leg deck board 38. This movement of the leg deck
board 38 causes or pulls the foot deck board 40 towards the head
end of the bed as the connectors and in particular the foot tubes
52 are pivoted about horizontal pivot axes 54 in a counterclockwise
direction as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3. In its inclined position shown
in FIG. 3 the front edge 110 of the foot deck board 40 is higher
than the rear edge 112 of the foot deck board 40.
[0042] As desired, the articulated bed 10 may be moved from its
fully inclined position shown in FIG. 3 back to its horizontal position
shown in FIG. 2 upon activation of the gas spring 88 and the operator
leaning back to assist the head deck board 34 towards its horizontal
position.
[0043] Although I have described one preferred embodiment of the
invention, I do not intend to be limited except by the scope of
the following claims.
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