Adjustable bed

Abstract

An adjustable bed (10) is provided that includes a frame (20) and an adjustable mattress support platform having a plurality of articulated mattress support portions (12-18) pivotally mounted for relative angular adjustment with respect to the frame. The mattress support portion comprises at least one adjustable backrest support portion (12) and at least one adjustable mattress bend support portion (13) adjacent to the backrest portion, the adjustable bed comprising actuator means (40) for effecting coordinated pivotal movement of the adjustable mattress support portion for reconstructing the bed between a flat lowered configuration and a raised configuration, to support the occupant in a flat or raised position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application filed on June 13, 2017, with application number 201780036988.9 and invention name “Adjustable Bed”.

[0002] The present invention relates to adjustable beds, and in particular to adjustable beds having one or more adjustable support sections that can be moved to adjust the configuration of the bed.

[0003] US2002 / 0174487 discloses a hospital bed having an adjustable back and thigh portion for supporting an occupant in various positions, such as in a flat horizontal position, a reclining or semi-reclining position, or simply raising the backrest. The hospital bed of US2002 / 0174487 includes: a frame having a pair of parallel and spaced-apart first and second side frame members; a mattress support table top containing an adjustable back; a fixed seat portion positioned adjacent to the back portion; and an adjustable thigh portion positioned adjacent to the seat portion. The thigh portion is longitudinally movable relative to the seat portion to increase the length of the thigh portion when the thigh portion is raised relative to the frame. The thigh portion is longitudinally movable relative to the seat portion to increase its length when the thigh portion is raised relative to the frame. A first elbow and a second elbow are coupled to respective first and second sides of the back portion. A plurality of rollers are coupled to the first and second side frame members, wherein the rollers are configured to support the first and second elbows to allow the elbows and the backrest portion to move relative to the frame. A linear actuator is disposed below the backrest portion and is coupled to the first tube and the second tube to move the backrest portion from a horizontal position to an elevated position relative to the frame. Two concentric arc tubes are disposed on each side of the bed, the two concentric arc tubes having a radius of curvature centered on a natural hip pivot point position simulating a person lying on a mattress of the bed. The tubes are secured between three rollers on each side of the bed. Two rollers are located on the bottom side of the radially outer tube (i.e., which faces radially outward), and the third roller is located on the top side of the radially inner tube. A cross member extends between the tubes. This arrangement provides a so-called shear-free pivot mechanism in which the adjustable back portion pivots around the natural hip point of a person lying on the bed.

[0004] The arrangement disclosed in US 2002 / 0174487 may be considered to be cumbersome, robust and mechanically complex.

[0005] One of the disadvantages associated with adjustable beds of the type described above is that the angle of elevation (included angle) between the seat and the raised back support portion can cause significant operational problems for the bed and the occupant. In most arrangements, the backrest will be adjustable up to 65 degrees, that is, the backrest can be raised up to 65 degrees from the imaginary horizontal plane of the bed to raise the occupant from a lying position to a raised position of up to 65 degrees. In other arrangements, the maximum tilt angle may be slightly less, such as 50 degrees, 55 degrees or 60 degrees, depending on the specific application, whether the bed is for home, nursing home or medical use.

[0006] In a modern home environment, where mattresses are typically 12-18 inches thick, and more typically 14-18 inches in the United States, the overall weight, stiffness, and hardness of the mattress can place unacceptable loads on the bed's operating mechanisms, e.g., thicker, heavier mattresses can cause the motor (actuator) to operate more difficultly and reduce the life of the motor and mechanism. This is becoming increasingly important as the market is driven by consumer demand for thicker mattresses. Motorized adjustable beds have been known to fail after short periods of use with mattresses of the aforementioned thicknesses. One way to overcome this problem is to use a specialized, more flexible "ribbed" mattress. However, this is not a practical solution for most applications.

[0007] Another problem associated with known designs is that the elevation angle between the seat and the raised back support portion is not ergonomically ideal because it does not allow the mattress to naturally fold around the user's hip joints, so the user must continually adjust their position as the backrest is raised.

[0008] There is a need for an adjustable bed that addresses the above-mentioned problems associated with known designs.

[0009] Furthermore, there is a particular need for an adjustable bed that is at least as easy to manufacture, store, transport, deliver, and assemble as non-adjustable beds of known designs.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an adjustable bed is provided, which includes a frame and an adjustable mattress support platform, the adjustable mattress support platform having a plurality of hinged mattress support portions, and a fixed seat portion, the hinged mattress support portions being pivotally mounted for relative angular adjustment relative to the frame, the mattress support portions comprising at least one adjustable backrest support portion and at least one adjustable mattress curved support portion adjacent to the backrest support portion, the adjustable bed including an actuator mechanism for achieving coordinated pivotal movement for angular adjustment of at least one adjustable backrest support portion relative to the at least one adjustable mattress curved support portion, for reconfiguring the bed between a flat lowered configuration and a raised configuration to support an occupant in a flat position or a raised position.

[0011] The above aspects of the invention provide one or more intermediate short platform sections (mattress flex support sections) between the seat and back platforms to form an approximate curve of discrete straight lines as the back and mattress flex support sections are raised. This bends the mattress more gently and does not force the mattress to conform to sharp, obtuse angles as arrangements known heretofore have done. Thus, as the bed is raised, the upper surface of the mattress is more ergonomic, curves gradually, and conforms more to the natural pivot points of the human anatomy and hip joint (and does not require the user to adjust the position as the bed is raised). Because it is easier to bend the mattress over a greater distance than to crease the mattress at a sharp point, less force is required from the actuator. This has the incidental effect of reducing wear on the operating mechanisms, including the motor / actuator of the power adjustable bed.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion is 65 degrees or less relative to the flat lowered configuration of the bed.

[0013] The combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion may be 60 degrees or less relative to the flat, lowered configuration of the bed.

[0014] In other embodiments, the combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion may be 55 degrees or less relative to the flat, lowered configuration of the bed.

[0015] In further embodiments, the combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion may be 50 degrees or less relative to the flat, lowered configuration of the bed.

[0016] Preferably, the angular adjustment range of the back support portion and the angular adjustment range of the mattress flexure support portion are substantially equal.

[0017] In other embodiments, the angular adjustment range of the back support portion is greater than the angular adjustment range of the mattress flex support portion.

[0018] The adjustable bed of the present invention may include a plurality of adjacent adjustable mattress flexure support sections. Thus, the above aspects of the present invention contemplate embodiments having a plurality of adjustable mattress flexure support sections that combine to provide an approximate curve of discrete sections to define a gentle curvature of the mattress support section on the underside of the mattress as the bed is adjusted and the mattress is raised and lowered.

[0019] The adjustable bed of the present invention may include a plurality of adjacent adjustable back support sections. Thus, the above aspects of the present invention contemplate embodiments having a plurality of adjustable back support sections that combine to provide an approximate curve of discrete sections to define a gentle curvature of the mattress support section on the underside of the mattress as the bed is adjusted and the mattress is raised and lowered.

[0020] Preferably, the adjustable bed of the present invention further comprises at least one non-adjustable support portion fixed relative to the frame.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the mattress flexure support portion is disposed between the non-adjustable mattress support portion and the backrest support portion.

[0022] In particular, the above aspects of the invention contemplate embodiments without complex and expensive actuating elements. This aspect of the invention can achieve significant weight and cost advantages without compromising performance and durability. This is of particular concern in the home furniture industry, where manufacturing costs are often very important for a product to be successful in the marketplace. A significant advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the profile of the bed, i.e., the depth dimension of the bed, can be minimized, and thereby a low-profile adjustable bed can be achieved, with attendant storage and shipping cost advantages. Particularly as compared to designs known to date, due to the smaller depth dimension of the bed and actuating system. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the depth dimension for shipping purposes is the depth of the bed minus the legs or other support means for unassembled shipping. Thus, the reduced depth dimension easily enables a greater number of units to be shipped within a given 35 space, such as an ISO container or the like.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides an adjustable bed, which includes a frame and at least one adjustable main body support portion, the adjustable main body support portion including at least one adjustable backrest support portion, the adjustable backrest support portion being pivotally mounted for angle adjustment relative to the frame. The frame includes at least two hinged portions, the at least two hinged portions including a head terminal assembly and a separate toe terminal assembly, the head terminal assembly being configured as an upper body support portion, the mattress bending and backrest support portion being mounted on the upper body support portion, and the toe terminal assembly being configured as a lower body support portion hinged relative to the upper body support portion. An actuator device is disposed within at least the upper body portion for angle adjustment of the adjustable main body support portion. The head terminal assembly and the toe terminal assembly are capable of being folded together to reduce the length dimension of the bed for transportation and / or storage purposes, and subsequently unfolded to provide a full-length adjustable bed.

[0024] The upper body portion may also include a fixed support portion adjacent the back support portion, the fixed support portion being fixed relative to the frame adjacent the hinged end of the back portion to provide at least a portion of a fixed seat portion of the bed.

[0025] The lower body portion may also include a lower body securing support portion adjacent the upper body portion.

[0026] The upper body securing support portion is preferably hingedly connected to the lower body securing support portion.

[0027] The lower body portion of the frame may be non-adjustable.

[0028] The upper body articulated portion and the lower body articulated portion of the frame may comprise two separate articulated halves of the frame.

[0029] The adjustable bed may further comprise locking means for locking the corresponding upper body hinged portion and lower body hinged portion of the frame together when the bed is unfolded for use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a frame and operating mechanism of an adjustable bed according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bed is in a semi-upright configuration for supporting an occupant in a seated position; Figure 2 is from Figure 1 A perspective view of the frame and operating mechanism of the adjustable bed from above and behind, looking at the rear quarter on the left hand side; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a bed in which the bed is viewed from below; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a bed in which the bed is in Figure 1 Semi-upright adjustment position; Figure 5 is similar to Figure 2 A perspective view of the bed in a fully upright adjustment position; Figure 6 is similar to Figure 4 A side view of a bed in which the bed is in Figure 5 Full vertical adjustment position; Figure 6a yes Figure 6 A side view of a bed in which a mattress is supported on the bed; Figure 7 is similar to Figure 2 , with the bed in a fully lowered position and a portion of the mattress support surface shown in phantom outline; Figure 8 is a side view of a bed, wherein the bed is in Figure 7 fully lowered position; Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a bed in which the bed is viewed from below in plan view; With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 9 An adjustable bed 10 is schematically shown. The bed 10 includes a mattress support platform or table 11 having a plurality of adjacent planar mattress support panels including adjustable back, neck and head (upper body) support section panels 12, mattress flexion support section panels 13, non-adjustable middle support section panels 14, non-adjustable lower body support section panels 16, adjustable thigh section panels 17, and lower extremity and foot support section panels 18. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 In all of the drawings, panels 12 - 18 are shown in phantom outline in order to reveal the detailed construction of the adjustable bed 10 . Figure 6a A bed assembly is shown, the bed assembly comprising a Figure 6 An adjustable bed 10 in a preferred position is shown with a mattress 50 supported on a table top 11. For clarity, the mattress 50 is shown as being slightly elevated above the table top 11, but it will be understood that the mattress 50 is in direct physical contact with the table top 11 during use. The panels 12-18 are mounted on a support frame 20. The upper body support panel 12 and the mattress flex support panel 13 are adjustably mounted on the support frame 20. The middle support panel 14 and the lower body support portion panel 16 are fixed relative to the frame 20. The thigh support panel 17 and the lower limb / foot support panel 18 are adjustably mounted on the support frame 20. The mattress flex support portion 13 has an upper surface 19, and the back support portion 12 has an upper surface 21. An interior angle B is defined between the upper surfaces 19, 21, and when the bed is moved toward the fully elevated configuration, the interior angle B is always less than 180 degrees, so that the back support portion 12 is always oriented in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed in a vertical direction). Figure 4 The backrest is tilted when the backrest is tilted so that the head of the occupant (not shown) is supported by the back support portion.

[0031] The frame 20 includes two half parts 20a, 20b hinged together at their respective adjacent ends. The two half parts contain the head terminal assembly 20a and the toe terminal assembly 20b. Figure 1 and Fig. 9 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the two half portions 20a, 20b are hinged together at their respective adjacent ends by hinges 24 secured to the upwardly facing surfaces of the panels 14 and 16 at their respective adjacent edges. Figures 1 to 8As shown, the hinge arrangement enables the two half subassemblies to provide a full length structural support frame when hinged apart and locked in place. The hinged subassemblies 20a, 20b allow the upper and lower halves of the bed to be folded one over the other (which will be described in more detail below) for transportation, storage, distribution and delivery purposes.

[0032] The upper body support panel 12 and the mattress flex support portion panel 13 are adjustably mounted on the head end support frame subassembly 20a. The middle support panel 14 is fixedly mounted on the head end support frame subassembly 20a adjacent to the mattress flex support panel 13. The lower body panel 16 is fixed relative to the toe end support frame subassembly 20b adjacent to the middle panel 14. The thigh support panel 17 and the lower limb / foot support panel 18 are adjustably mounted on the toe end support frame subassembly 20b adjacent to the fixed lower body support portion panel 16.

[0033] The mattress flexure support panels 13 are pivotally connected to the fixed intermediate support by hinged joints 22 extending along respective adjacent edges of the panels. Fig. 9 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the articulated joint 22 includes a plurality of hinges 22 ′ spaced apart along the edges of adjacent edges of the panels 13 and 14 in the region of the frame 20 . Figure 8 As best seen in the drawings, adjacent edges of panels 13 and 14 are provided with respective elongated hinge mounting brackets 23a, 23b, preferably of metal construction, extending on the undersides of panels 13 and 14 between the sides of frame 20a. Three hinges 22' are provided, including a centrally located hinge and a pair of hinges at respective ends of the elongated mounting brackets 23a, 23b. In the illustrated embodiment, hinges 22' are of conventional design and construction and are fixedly secured to respective mounting brackets to pivotally mount the mattress flexure support panel to the fixed intermediate support panel about the pivot axis of hinges 22.

[0034] The upper body support panel 12 is similarly pivotally connected to the mattress flexure support panel by an articulated joint 25 extending along the respective adjacent edges of the panels. The articulated joint 25 comprises a plurality of hinges 25' spaced along the edges of the adjacent edges of the panels 12 and 13 in the region of the frame 20. Figure 8As best seen in the drawings, the adjacent edges of the panels 12 and 13 are provided with respective elongated hinge mounting brackets 26a, 26b, preferably of metal construction, extending between the sides of the frame 20a on the undersides of the panels 12 and 13. Three hinges 25' are provided, including a centrally located hinge and a pair of hinges at respective ends of the elongated mounting brackets 26a, 26b. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinges 25' are of conventional design and construction and are fixedly secured to respective mounting brackets to pivotally mount the upper body support panel 12 to the mattress flexure support panel about the pivot axis of the hinges 25.

[0035] The hinges 22' and 25' may be conventional pin-and-seat type hinges or, in other embodiments, be constructed of fatigue-resistant plastic material, such as so-called "living hinges". Other types of hinges are also conceivable, comprising an extruded metal tube, such as extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy, having a d-shaped cross-section or a p-shaped cross-section, comprising a longitudinal mounting flange as an integral part of the extrusion, wherein the hinge pin passes through the extruded tube in a known manner and is optionally mounted on bearings (of the ball bearing type) located at the respective ends of the tube to support the hinge pin in a low-friction manner. In a preferred embodiment, at least the hinge 25' is provided with limited angular adjustment so that the adjustable panel 12 has limited downward angular adjustment relative to the mattress flexure support panel 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 25 is provided with an abutment stop in the form of a rectangular, preferably metallic plate 27, which is fixedly fixed or connected to the hinge mounting support 26a in the region of the hinge 25'. Plate 27 is positioned on the underside of hinge 25 and, by mutual abutment of plate 27 and the underside of mounting bracket 26b, prevents panel 12 from being lowered beyond the plane of panel 13. Thus, when panels 12 and 13 are lowered flat, they remain 180 degrees apart.

[0036] The hinges 22' and 25' are also constrained upwardly so that each platform section 12, 13 cannot exceed the angle relative to the preceding panel section to which it is hinged (typically 30 degrees, or the total combined angle of angular adjustment divided by the number of intermediate platform sections). The hinges 22' and 25' are also constrained downwardly so that each platform section cannot be lowered parallel to the preceding section to which it is hinged.

[0037] As will be described in more detail below, during adjustment of the bed, the panels 12 and 13 can be raised about their respective pivot axes by a predetermined maximum amount, such as 65 degrees (combined), from a horizontal plane defined by the flat orientation of the fixed intermediate support panels 14 and 16 of the bed. The hinges 22 and 25 are provided with stops to limit the relative degree of angular adjustment of the panels 12 and 13. Typically, the maximum combined angular adjustment of the panels is 65 degrees relative to the plane of the fixed non-adjustable panel 14. Therefore, the hinges 22 and 25 can be adapted so that they facilitate maximum angular adjustment of the panels 12 and 13 by equal or substantially equal amounts (e.g., 50 / 50 or 40 / 60), depending on the specific application and the desired maximum adjustment angle.

[0038] As previously mentioned, in embodiments of the present invention, the maximum combined adjustment angle of the backrest and mattress flexure support portion is typically 50-65 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment angle is shared between hinges 22 and 25 connecting each side of the mattress flexure support platform. Fig. 9 The hinge axes are preferably spaced 200-300 mm apart in the longitudinal direction of the bed, as best seen in the view of FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, a single mattress curved support platform having a length dimension of 250 mm is preferred.

[0039] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the bed 10 is shown in a fully articulated configuration adjusted for supporting an occupant in an elevated upright seating position. In this position, the upper body support section panel 12 and the mattress flex support section panel 13 are elevated and tilted relative to the fixed intermediate support section panel 14. The upper body support section panel 12 is elevated about its pivot axis defined by hinge 25, and the mattress flex support panel 13 is elevated about its pivot axis defined by hinge 22.

[0040] refer to Figure 6 , it can be seen that the combined angle A SB Defined in a plane P defined by the seat portion 16 S and a plane P defined by the back support portion 12 B Between, combined angle A SB At the first angle A SM and the second angle A MB The first angle A SM From the seat part plane P S and the plane P defined by the mattress curved support portion 13 M The second angle A is defined between MB The plane P defined by the mattress support portion 13 M and a plane P defined by the back support portion 12 B Limited between.

[0041] The present invention also contemplates embodiments (not shown) in which the lower body support portion or toe terminal assembly is non-adjustable, that is, non-articulated, or fixed relative to the frame 20. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide a bed having an adjustable upper body portion so that only the backrest panel 12 and mattress flex panel 13 may be raised to lift an occupant into a seated position, or a bed that additionally has an adjustable lower body support portion that may include one or more adjustable and non-adjustable mattress support panels, as shown in the illustrated embodiments.

[0042] In the lowered position ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), the adjustable support panels 12, 13 are combined with the fixed panel 14 and the fixed panel or seat portion 16 and the adjustable panels 17 and 18 to define a substantially flat planar horizontal mattress support platform or tabletop. The various support panels 12-18 can each have a mattress support pad (not shown) of a predetermined thickness, which is combined to provide a mattress foundation for supporting a suitable mattress. Alternatively, the mattress can be positioned directly on top of the panels 12-16. The panels 12-16 can be loaded with or without support pads. The present invention also contemplates an arrangement in which the frame 20 is configured to be placed within the interior space of a bed enclosure, such as is common in North America, or integrated into a divan type bed foundation structure (more common in the UK). In the illustrated embodiment, the bed frame 20 is provided with floor standing legs 28 and is therefore self-supporting. Thus, the present invention also contemplates arrangements where the frame 20 is arranged to be positioned within a separate enclosure structure, such as decorative wood or decorative surround, including a headboard and toeboard and lateral side panels therebetween. The dimensions of the bed are such that the bed has the dimensions of a double bed, but the present invention contemplates beds of a variety of different widths including standard single size beds to larger double beds.

[0043] The half-frame subassemblies 20a and 20b each include a support frame of generally rectangular structure, preferably formed from metal, but other materials in addition to or in lieu of metal may be used for the various component parts, including board materials such as engineered plastics, MDF, wood, or other fiber-type boards, for example.

[0044] The two half sections 20a and 20b each include a pair of elongated parallel transverse side frame members in the form of side beams 30a, 30b respectively. The side frame members extend longitudinally along the length of the bed on either side thereof and are joined together at their respective ends by metal, preferably steel, cross members 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b to form a rectangular box-like structural support frame 20a, 20b.

[0045] The side frame members 30a, 30b may be constructed of appropriately sized box section metal tubing (preferably steel), and the cross members 31a and 32b are constructed of similar rectangular box section metal tubing. The frame 20 is provided with legs 28, which are oriented toward each corner of the rectangular frame structure and are intermediate the ends of the toe terminal assembly 20b. The side members 30a, 30b and the corresponding cross members 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b are joined together by welding or alternatively by fixing means such as screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the legs are attachably / detachably fixed to the frame by suitable reversible fixing means (e.g., threaded fittings) known in the art.

[0046] The two half subassemblies 20a and 20b are provided with locking means for locking the frame members 30a, 30b together when the frame 20 is unfolded. The locking means comprise a metal plate 33 which is fixed to the underside of the respective side frame member 30b in the region of the hinged connection 24. The metal plate 33 extends over the underside of the adjacent side frame member 30a and is attachably / detachably fixed thereto by suitable reversible fixing means as known in the art, for example threaded fittings such as butterfly or wing-shaped 5 nut / bolt connections 35 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0047] The unfolded and locked support frame 20 forms the floor-standing base of the bed 10. The frame 20 may sit directly on legs 28, or alternatively may be provided with castors, feet, etc. at the ends of the legs, as is known in the art. Alternatively, the legs may be removed and the frame adapted to be mounted within a bed enclosure, e.g., with the side frame members resting on suitable mounts within a suitable bed enclosure.

[0048] Movement of the adjustable panels 12 and 13 is accomplished by a powered drive mechanism that includes a linear actuator 40 and a connecting device in the form of a pivoting "H-frame" 42. The H-frame 42 includes a pair of arms 44 and a cross member 46 that extends between and connects the arms 44 approximately midway along their length. The H-frame is pivotally mounted to the underside of the head terminal assembly frame 20a at a pivot point 48 located at the apex of a triangular support 50 that depends from the underside of the frame 20a in the region of the hinge 25. The arms 44 are generally straight but are bent upwardly at their distal ends with rollers in the form of bearings 52 rotatably mounted at the distal ends. The bearings 52 contact the underside of the panel 12 along wear strips 54, which may be metal, nylon, etc., along which they run as the panel 12 is lowered and raised.

[0049] The actuator 40 is a Delta drive linear actuator manufactured by Devert-Okin GmbH having a first end (motor and gearbox end) pivotally mounted to the cross member 32b and a second end (rod) pivotally connected to a mount 56 fixed to the cross member 46. The mount 56 is configured so that the connection between the output rod of the actuator and the mount 56 is in the plane of the panel 12. This is achieved by a cutout slot 58 in the panel 12 through which the ends of the mount 56 and the output rod of the actuator extend. The gearbox and motor end of the actuator 40 is connected to the cross member 32b at a position midway along the length of the cross member 32b. Due to the downwardly sloping end of the frame 20a, the cross member 32b is located in a plane lower than the general or imaginary plane of the frame 20. The side member 30a slopes downward along the last third of its length from a position just behind the legs 28 attached to the frame 20a. The side members are inclined downwardly by about 20 degrees so that the connection point between the actuator 40 and the frame 20a is below and offset from the imaginary plane of the frame 20. This arrangement ensures that when the panel 12 is in its lowered position ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), the actuator is also tilted relative to the imaginary plane of the frame and the plane of the panel 12. The other end of the actuator, which is in the plane of the panel 12, is connected through the support 56 and the cutout 58, when the panel is moved from Figure 7 and Figure 8When the panel 12 is raised from its lowered position, the actuator is able to apply a significant initial force to the panel 12. It will be appreciated that the component of the force acting on the panel 12 when moving from its lowered position depends on the angular orientation of the actuator force vector relative to the panel 12. Compared to the arrangement of the illustrated embodiment, in which the actuator 12 is oriented more or less horizontally relative to the panel, a significant initial force is required to move the panel and any load supported by the panel from its lowered position due to poor leverage, in the arrangement of the illustrated embodiment, the component of the actuator force initially acting on the panel is greater due to its relative inclination relative to the panel 12.

[0050] The rotational movement of the panel 12 is achieved by activation of a linear electric actuator 40 which is positioned on the underside of the bed within the spatial envelope of the frame. The panel 12 is thus raised and lowered by respective extension and retraction of the actuator 40. In operation, in the fully lowered configuration of the bed, the adjustable panels 12 and 13 lie flat on the side beams 30a with the output rods of the actuators 40 fully retracted towards the respective gearbox ends of the actuators. This position is Figures 7 and 8 4. To raise the panels 12 and 13, the output rod of the actuator 40 is extended away from the gearbox end of the actuator. Thus, the rotational movement of the mattress bending support panel 13 is simultaneously achieved by the activation of the linear electric actuator 40. The panels 12 and 13 are raised and lowered by the extension and retraction of the actuator 40.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum combined angular adjustment of panels 12 and 13 is 65 degrees, that is, the maximum elevation tilt angle of the backrest panel 12 relative to the imaginary flat horizontal plane of the bed is limited to 65 degrees. This adjustment angle includes the combined adjustment angle of the mattress flexure support panel 13 relative to the fixed panel 14 and the adjustment angle of the backrest panel 12 relative to the mattress flexure support panel 13. The combined angular adjustment can be smaller, such as a maximum of 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees or less, and can be caused by equal angular adjustments of panels 13 and 14. The maximum angular adjustment is determined by the geometry of the actuator mechanism, including the mounting arrangement and operating stroke of the actuator and the relative length dimensions of the corresponding adjustable panels.

[0052] It will be appreciated that a mattress of suitable thickness, for example in the range of 25-50 cm (10-20 inches), will be positioned on the mattress support platform of the bed 10 .

[0053] As previously described, the frame 20 can be manually folded and unfolded about a transverse hinge axis defined by the hinge element 24. The head end frame or the toe end frame is moved so that the two halves of the frame are brought together by relative movement about the hinge axis 10, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, panels 12 and 14 are laid flat on top of panel 16. Fig. 9 As shown, when the legs 28 are not attached, the adjustable bed 10 has a very small spatial envelope, with half the length dimension of the deployed bed traded for a modest increase in depth, approximately the additional depth of the toe half frame.

[0054] Thus, the illustrated embodiment provides a foldable adjustable bed wherein the frame is divided into at least two hinged portions, preferably two portions, more preferably two half portions. This facilitates storage, transportation, display, delivery and installation. Thus, an adjustable bed according to the present invention is more cost effective for transportation because the length dimension of the bed is reduced when packaged for transport, etc. For example. It is envisioned that up to twice as many beds of the above aspects of the present invention could be loaded into an ISO container as compared to conventional non-foldable adjustable bed designs, thereby reducing transportation and storage costs from the place of manufacture to delivery to the customer's home.

[0055] The adjustable bed described above can be assembled on site by simply unfolding the parts of the frame and placing a suitable mattress on the unfolded frame. For example, in a home environment, a compact package containing the bed can be delivered to a customer's home and easily maneuvered through a doorway and hallway hole of standard size into a room, where the bed can be unfolded end to end to provide a full-length frame on which a mattress can be placed. This is a significant improvement over the adjustable bed designs known to date, which typically include a set of components for assembly at the customer's home. This not only increases the installation time, but also requires more skilled workers to deliver and install. Utilizing the adjustable bed of the above aspects of the present invention, distribution costs can be significantly reduced, particularly because the bed frame can be transported and delivered as a single item that can be easily unfolded for use. It should be understood that the transportation of such goods by a recognized carrier is usually charged per item, so the present invention also contemplates lower distribution costs, which has particular advantages in the case of direct sales through e-commerce.

[0056] It will be understood that references to a mattress encompass both a mattress alone and a mattress integrated with a support portion or panel.

[0057] This application also involves the following: 1) An adjustable bed comprising a frame and an adjustable mattress support platform, the adjustable mattress support platform having a fixed seat portion and a plurality of hinged mattress support portions, the mattress support portions being pivotally mounted for relative angular adjustment relative to the frame, the mattress support portions including at least one adjustable back support portion and at least one adjustable mattress flex support portion adjacent to the back support portion, the bed including an actuator mechanism for effecting coordinated pivotal movement to angularly adjust the at least one adjustable back support portion relative to the at least one adjustable mattress flex support portion for reconfiguring the bed between a flat lowered configuration and a raised configuration to support an occupant in a flat position or a raised position.

[0058] 2) An adjustable bed according to 1) wherein the actuator mechanism is operable to act simultaneously on the at least one adjustable back support portion and the at least one adjustable mattress flex support portion to reconfigure the bed between the flat lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

[0059] 3) An adjustable bed according to 1) or 2), wherein the actuator mechanism has a connecting device, which is operable to drive the back support portion, and the connecting device has a distal end, and the back support portion can move linearly relative to the distal end and can pivotally move around the distal end to achieve pivotal movement of the mattress bending support portion.

[0060] 4) The adjustable bed according to 3), wherein the distal end includes rollers mounted thereon to enable linear movement of the connecting means and pivotal movement of the backrest support portion.

[0061] 5) An adjustable bed according to 3) or 4), wherein the pivotal movement of the at least one adjustable backrest support portion relative to the at least one adjustable mattress flex support portion depends on the position of the external load on the mattress support platform relative to the distal end of the connecting device.

[0062] 6) An adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 5), wherein a combined angle is defined between a plane defined by the seat portion and a plane defined by the back support portion, and the combined angle is shared between a first angle and a second angle, the first angle being defined between the plane defined by the seat portion and a plane defined by the mattress curved support portion, and the second angle being defined between the plane defined by the mattress support portion and the plane defined by the back support portion.

[0063] 7) The adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 6), wherein an angle adjustment range of the backrest support portion and an angle adjustment range of the mattress bending support portion are substantially equal.

[0064] 8) The adjustable bed according to 7), wherein the angle adjustment range of the backrest support portion is greater than the angle adjustment range of the mattress bending support portion.

[0065] 9) The adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 8), wherein the bed comprises a plurality of adjacent adjustable mattress curved support sections.

[0066] 10) An adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 9), wherein the bed comprises a plurality of adjacent adjustable back support sections.

[0067] 11) The adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 10), wherein the mattress support platform further comprises at least one non-adjustable support portion fixed relative to the frame.

[0068] 12) The adjustable bed according to 11), wherein the mattress flexure support portion is disposed between the non-adjustable mattress support portion and the backrest support portion.

[0069] 13) The adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 12), wherein the adjustment range of the backrest support portion and / or the mattress bending support portion is limited by a stop device.

[0070] 14) An adjustable bed according to 13), wherein the adjustment range of the back support part and / or the adjustment range of the mattress flex support part is limited by a stop device associated with each of the corresponding pivot connections of the back support part and / or the mattress flex support part.

[0071] 15) An adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 14), wherein the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion have a combined angle of angular adjustment of substantially 65 degrees relative to the flat lowered configuration of the bed.

[0072] 16) An adjustable bed according to any one of 6) or 7) to 15) when citing 6), wherein the combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion is 65 degrees or less relative to the flat lowered configuration of the bed.

[0073] 17) The adjustable bed of 16) wherein the combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion is 60 degrees or less relative to the flat lowered configuration of the bed.

[0074] 18) The adjustable bed of 17) wherein the combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion is 55 degrees or less relative to the flat lowered configuration of the bed.

[0075] 19) The adjustable bed of 18) wherein the combined adjustment range of the back support portion and the mattress flex support portion is 50 degrees or less relative to the flat lowered configuration of the bed.

[0076] 20) An adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 19), wherein the inner angle between the upper surface of the mattress curved support portion and the upper surface of the backrest support portion is substantially zero degrees when the bed is in the flat lowered configuration, and the inner angle is greater than 180 degrees when the bed is between the flat lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

[0077] 21) A bed assembly, comprising the adjustable bed according to any one of 1) to 20) and a mattress.

[0078] 22) The bed assembly of 21) wherein the mattress has a thickness between 6 inches and 24 inches, preferably between 12 inches and 18 inches, and most preferably between 14 inches and 18 inches.

[0079] 23) An adjustable bed comprising a frame and an adjustable mattress support platform, the adjustable mattress support platform having a plurality of hinged mattress support portions, the mattress support portions being pivotally mounted for relative angular adjustment relative to the frame, the mattress support portions including at least one adjustable backrest support portion and at least one mattress flex support portion adjacent to the backrest portion, the bed including an actuator device for effecting coordinated pivotal movement of the adjustable mattress support portions for reconfiguring the bed between a flat lowered configuration and a raised configuration to support an occupant in a flat position or a raised position, the backrest support portion and the mattress flex support portion having a combined angle of angular adjustment of substantially 65 degrees relative to the flat lowered configuration of the bed.

Claims

1. An adjustable bed (10) comprising a frame (20) and an adjustable mattress support platform (11), the adjustable mattress support platform having a fixed seat portion (16) and a plurality of hinged mattress support portions (12, 13, 14, 17, 18), the mattress support portions being pivotally mounted for relative angular adjustment relative to the frame, the mattress support portions comprising at least one adjustable backrest support portion (12) and at least one adjustable mattress flexure support portion (13) adjacent to the backrest support portion, the bed (10) further comprising a single actuator mechanism (40) and an H-shaped frame (42), the H-shaped frame (42) comprising a pair of arms (44) and a cross member (46), the cross member (46) extending between the arms (44) and connecting the arms (44), the single actuator mechanism (40) having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally mounted to the frame (2 0), the second end being pivotally connected to a support (56), the support (56) being fixed to the cross member (46) of the H-shaped frame (42), and the single actuator mechanism being configured to effect coordinated pivotal movement only to angularly adjust the at least one adjustable back support portion relative to the at least one adjustable mattress flex support portion for reconfiguring the bed between a flat lowered configuration and a raised configuration to support an occupant in a flat position or a raised position, wherein the at least one adjustable mattress flex support portion (13) is positioned between the fixed seat portion (16) and the back support portion (12) in the flat lowered configuration and the raised configuration, and the single actuator mechanism (40) being configured to extend away from the cross member (32b) to raise the back support portion (12) between the flat position and the raised position.

2. The adjustable bed according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator mechanism is operable to act simultaneously on the at least one adjustable back support portion and the at least one adjustable mattress flex support portion to reconfigure the bed between the flat lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

3. The adjustable bed according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The actuator mechanism has a connection device, which is operable to drive the back support portion, and the connection device has a distal end, and the back support portion can be linearly moved relative to the distal end and can be pivotally moved about the distal end to achieve pivotal movement of the mattress flexure support portion.

4. The adjustable bed according to claim 3, wherein: The distal end includes rollers mounted thereon to enable linear movement of the connecting device and pivotal movement of the back support portion.

5. The adjustable bed according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The pivotal movement of the at least one adjustable back support portion relative to the at least one adjustable mattress flexure support portion is dependent upon the position of an external load on the mattress support platform relative to the distal end of the attachment means.

6. An adjustable bed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A combined angle is defined between a plane defined by the seat portion and a plane defined by the back support portion, the combined angle being split between a first angle defined between the plane defined by the seat portion and a plane defined by the mattress curved support portion and a second angle defined between the plane defined by the mattress curved support portion and the plane defined by the back support portion.

7. An adjustable bed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The angle adjustment range of the backrest support portion and the angle adjustment range of the mattress flexure support portion are substantially equal.

8. The adjustable bed according to claim 7, wherein: The angle adjustment range of the backrest support portion is greater than the angle adjustment range of the mattress bending support portion.

9. An adjustable bed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bed includes a plurality of adjacent adjustable mattress flexure support sections.

10. An adjustable bed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bed includes a plurality of adjacent adjustable back support sections.

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