Variable-height bed provided with a two-part base and method for assembling / disassembling such a bed

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable-height bed (1) comprising a frame (2), a crosspiece (3) and a base (4) in two parts (24, 25). The frame (2) comprises an end (2b) provided with accommodating means (55, 56) for bracing the first part (24) of the vertically arranged base and pivoting same at the accommodating means (55, 56). Two guide rails (48, 49) on the first part (24) of the base comprise engagement regions which accommodate connecting members (16, 17) of the crosspiece (3) when it is in a position referred to as the safety and comfort position as the first part (24) of the base pivots toward the second part (25) of the base relative to the accommodating means (55, 56). The guide rails (48, 49) comprise stop members (48b, 49b) which limit the stroke of the connecting members (16, 17) in the guide rails (48, 49) when the crosspiece (3) rises and reaches a second intermediate gripping position, such that the connecting members (16, 17) lift the first part (24) of the base and release it from the accommodating means (55, 56) when the crosspiece (3) continues to rise beyond the intermediate gripping position, thereby allowing the first part (24) of the base to be manually joined to the second part (25) of the base.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Variable-height bed with a two-part base and method of assembling / disassembling such a bed

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of variable height beds equipped with a frame, a bed base in two parts assembled together and a cross-brace structure arranged between the frame and the bed base to allow height adjustment of this bed base.

[0005] In a particular embodiment, the invention is implemented on simple medical beds for which the bed base comprises a head part equipped with a bust rest and a foot part equipped with a leg rest in one part or in two parts consisting of a thigh rest and a foot rest, so as to be able to adapt the lying position of the user on this bed base. Its implementation remains however conceivable on other height-adjustable beds, medical or not, single or double, and equipped with at least one bed base in two parts and at least one cross-brace structure receiving the two parts of at least one bed base.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] In the field of medical beds, in particular, the medical bed usually consists of a bed base, a frame on casters, feet or glides and a motorized cross-brace structure arranged between the frame and the bed base, said cross-brace structure allowing the height of said bed base to be modified. This bed base comprises a head part and a foot part, assembled together. The head part of the bed base comprises a backrest and the foot part of the bed base comprises a legrest, which can be motorized. The legrest can be in one part or in two parts consisting of a thigh rest and a footrest.

[0008] The bed is delivered to the patient on a transport trolley, disassembled into two or three parts, namely: a first part consisting of the chassis on casters on which the cross-brace structure is already mounted, a second part consisting of the head part of the bed base and a third part consisting of the foot part of the bed base. In the case of a delivery in two parts, one of the two parts - head part or foot part - of the bed base is already assembled with the cross-brace structure, only the other of said two parts being disassembled. Assembly is carried out at the patient's home by an installer who is generally also the delivery person. The handling of the bed until its assembly at the patient's home is carried out by means of the transport trolley which receives said two or three aforementioned parts in a vertical position.The installer first removes the head section of the bed base and the foot section of the bed base from the transport trolley when the bed is transported on the three-part transport trolley, or removes only the head section of the bed base or the foot section of the bed base when the bed is transported on the two-part transport trolley. The installer then tilts the frame from the vertical position to a horizontal position to place it on the floor, while the transport trolley is still assembled with the frame, the cross-brace structure and possibly one of the two parts - head section or foot section - of the bed base already being mounted on the frame. The installer then mounts the head section of the bed base and the foot section of the bed base on the cross-brace structure, or only one of these two parts - head section and foot section - of the bed base if the other is already mounted on the cross-brace structure.Then the installer joins the head section of the bed base and the foot section of the bed base together, before finalizing the bed covering by mounting a head panel and a foot panel at the ends of the bed.

[0009] A major drawback is that the installer is forced to carry the head and foot sections of the bed base at arm's length while it is being installed on the cross-brace structure. The installer is forced to bend their back during handling in order to correctly position the head and foot sections of the bed base before their final assembly. This can ultimately lead to musculoskeletal disorders for installers of such beds. These problems persist when dismantling the bed before reassembling the various parts of the bed onto the transport trolley for removal from the patient's home.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome this aforementioned drawback by designing a bed which, in addition to the aforementioned characteristics, has technical improvements allowing the installer to easily assemble or disassemble the bed, while maintaining a suitable posture.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a variable-height bed comprising a frame, a cross-shaped structure mounted on the frame and configured to be moved from a low position to a high position, and vice versa, and a bed base comprising two bed base parts configured to be assembled together at their proximal ends, i.e. their juxtaposed ends, so as to constitute said bed base when mounted on the cross-shaped structure. The cross-shaped structure comprises two structural elements mounted in a cross-shaped manner, a first of the two structural elements having a lower end mounted in a pivot connection along a first transverse axis relative to a first end of the frame. The term "first end of the frame" means the first end of the frame as such, but also the vicinity of this first end.By way of non-limiting example, the lower end of the first structural element may be mounted in a pivot connection relative to a cross member of the chassis located in an end portion of the chassis or relative to the end portions of two side members of the chassis, close to said cross member connecting the two side members. The first structural element also has an upper end comprising two first connecting members configured to be mounted respectively in two first guide rails extending longitudinally in the same plane, on the two lateral sides of a first of the two bed base parts. The first connecting members and the first guide rails are configured to constitute a pivot connection along a second transverse axis, movable in translation along the two first guide rails, between the upper end of the first structural element and the first bed base part.

[0013] According to the invention, the frame comprises a second end which comprises receiving means configured to wedge a distal end of the first bed base part placed in a vertical position and to allow the pivoting of said first bed base part about a third transverse axis located at said receiving means. In other words, the third transverse axis passes through the points of contact between the receiving means and the distal end of the first bed base part. In other words, once the distal end of the first bed base part is supported and wedged in the receiving means, it is possible to tilt said first bed base part towards the first end of the frame and, conversely, in the opposite direction to said first end of the frame. Distal end is understood to mean the end opposite the proximal end which ensures the junction with the other bed base part.

[0014] According to the invention, the first two guide rails each comprise an engagement zone, the engagement zones being configured to respectively receive the first connecting members in an intermediate safety and comfort position of the cross-shaped structure, located between the low position and the high position, during a pivoting towards the second part of the bed base (in the direction of the first end of the chassis), along the third transverse axis, of the first part of the bed base relative to the receiving means on the chassis.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the invention, the first two guide rails each comprise a stop member.The stop members are configured to delimit the travel of the first connecting members in the first guide rails when the cross-shaped structure rises and reaches an intermediate gripping position located between the intermediate safety and comfort position and the high position, so that said first connecting members lift the first bed base part and release its distal end from the receiving means on the frame when the cross-shaped structure continues to rise beyond the intermediate gripping position, thus allowing pivoting along the second transverse axis and translation along the first guide rails of the first bed base part relative to the first structural element, for manual assembly of the first bed base part with the second bed base part mounted on the second structural element.By releasing the distal end of the first part of the bed base from the receiving means on the frame, is meant the possibility of completely releasing the distal end from the receiving means, but also the possibility of partially releasing the distal end from the receiving means, sufficiently to release the distal end from the receiving means and, thus, allow pivoting along the second transverse axis and translation along the first guide rails, of the first part of the bed base relative to the first structural element.According to a preferred embodiment, when the cross-shaped structure reaches the high position, the distal end is partially released from the receiving means, sufficiently to release the distal end from the receiving means and, thus, allow pivoting along the second transverse axis and translation along the first guide rails, of the first part of the bed base relative to the first structural element.

[0016] Thanks to the aforementioned characteristics of the variable-height bed according to the invention, the installer reduces the time during which he has to carry the first part of the bed base during the assembly of said bed. In addition, the installer maintains an upright posture during the assembly of this first part of the bed base, thus avoiding injuring his back. The same applies when dismantling the bed. Indeed, once the frame is placed on the floor and the cross-brace structure is raised to the intermediate position of safety and comfort, the installer can grasp the first part of the bed base in a vertical position with its distal end placed on the floor side, then lift it slightly while maintaining an upright posture, to place the distal end in the receiving means where it is supported and wedged.Once said distal end is placed in the receiving means, the installer no longer has to carry the first part of the bed base located in a more or less vertical position; the installer simply has to tilt the first part of the bed base towards the second part of the bed base which is already placed on the cross-brace structure, either because it remains there permanently - two-part bed - or because it has been previously mounted there - three-part bed - as will be discussed in the remainder of the description. The tilting then makes it possible to place the first connecting members in abutment in the engagement zones of the first guide rails, which blocks the tilting while the distal end of the first part of the bed base remains suitably wedged in the receiving means. The installer can then release the first part of the bed base and lift the cross-brace structure.The first connecting members then move in the first guide rails and, as soon as they come into contact with the stop members on said first guide rails in the intermediate gripping position, lift the first bed base part and at least partially release its distal end from the receiving means. The first bed base part is then free to pivot around the first connecting members along the second transverse axis, which allows the installer to pivot the first bed base part along the second transverse axis to then translate it along the first guide rails and assemble it with the second bed base part.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the variable-height bed according to the invention, the chassis comprises two side members and two cross members defining a frame. In addition, the receiving means consist of two receiving members arranged at the ends of the two side members, located on the side of the second end of the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving members have a notch allowing the reception of a cross member at the distal end of the first part of the bed base. Preferably, the notch comprises a bevel which is configured to facilitate the removal from the notch and the insertion into the notch, of the cross member at the distal end of the first part of the bed base, when raising the cross-brace structure beyond the intermediate gripping position, during assembly, and when lowering the cross-brace structure to the intermediate safety and comfort position, during disassembly.Variants of receiving means remain possible within the scope of the invention, for example a crosspiece at the second end of the frame which receives a member in the form of a gutter or notch, arranged at the distal end of the first part of the bed base. According to one embodiment of the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, the first guide rails each have in a transverse section plane a U-shaped section, the branches of the U of the two first guide rails being arranged opposite each other. In addition, the engagement zone consists of a notch on a lower branch of each first guide rail, said notch being configured to allow the first connecting member to penetrate into the first guide rail.Thus, once the cross-shaped structure is placed in the intermediate safety and comfort position and the first bed base part is wedged in the receiving means on the frame, the installer tilts the first bed base part until the first connecting members penetrate through the notches into the first guide rails. This implementation of the engagement zone ensures suitable positioning between the first guide rails and the first connecting members, before actuating the cross-shaped structure upwards to finalize the assembly of the first bed base part. Variants of implementation of the engagement zone remain possible within the scope of the invention. Preferably, the notch is placed next to one end of the first guide rail, arranged closest to the distal end of the first bed base part.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the variable-height bed according to the invention, the first bed base part comprises two first side rail parts and the second bed base part comprises two second side rail parts, the first side rail parts being assembled respectively with the second side rail parts forming two side rails of the bed base. In addition, the first guide rails are fixed respectively under the first side rail parts. This makes it possible to arrange the elements of the bed base, which preferably comprises a backrest and a legrest, properly flat. Variants, however, remain possible within the scope of the invention.

[0019] According to the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, the second of the two structural elements has a lower end comprising two second connecting members mounted respectively in two second guide rails extending longitudinally in the same plane on the two lateral sides of the frame. The second connecting members and the second guide rails are configured to constitute a pivot connection along a fourth transverse axis, movable in translation along the two second guide rails, between the lower end of the second structural element and the frame. In addition, engagement means are arranged between the second part of the bed base and the upper end of the second structural element.The engagement means are configured to engage the second part of the bed base placed in a vertical position, on the upper end of the second structural element, in the intermediate safety and comfort position of the cross-brace structure, and to mount in pivot connection along a fifth transverse axis said second part of the bed base relative to the upper end of the second structural element, once said engagement has been carried out. This implementation corresponds to a bed in three parts consisting of the frame on which the cross-brace structure is already mounted, the first part of the bed base and the second part of the bed base, the two parts of the bed base being mounted at the time of installation on the cross-brace structure previously placed in its intermediate safety and comfort position, before being assembled together to constitute the bed base.The second part of the bed base is handled in a vertical position by the installer who thus maintains an upright posture and minimizes his effort during the lifting of the second part of the bed base, until the said second part of the bed base is engaged on the upper end of the second structural element.

[0020] According to a first embodiment of the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, the latter comprises locating means making it possible to define the intermediate safety and comfort position of the cross-shaped structure, when it is raised and lowered. According to a second embodiment of the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, the cross-shaped structure is actuated by means of a motorization box, said motorization box comprising a programming unit configured to automatically stop the cross-shaped structure when it reaches the intermediate safety and comfort position, when it is raised to the high position and when it is lowered to the low position.This facilitates the positioning of the cross-brace structure in the intermediate safety and comfort position, in order to ensure that the first connecting members are properly positioned relative to the engagement zones on the first guide rails, when tilting the first part of the bed base wedged in the receiving means on the frame, whether for assembly or for disassembly of the first part of the bed base. The second embodiment will be preferred to the first embodiment and, according to this second embodiment, the intermediate safety and comfort position preferably corresponds to a safety and comfort position during use of the assembled bed, according to which the cross-brace structure stops automatically when raising or lowering the bed base, once the bed is in use.This safe and comfortable position allows the user to easily get out of bed with their feet properly resting on the floor, without having to jump out of bed or, conversely, make a significant effort to get out of bed. This safe and comfortable position also allows the user to easily get into bed by sitting correctly, without having to lift their bottom or, conversely, drop their bottom, to get into the bed mattress.

[0021] According to the invention, the variable-height bed comprises locking means arranged between the two bed base parts so as to keep them assembled during the construction of the bed base. By way of non-limiting example, these locking means may be of the latch, tightening wheel or butterfly screw type. This avoids any risk of the two bed base parts becoming separated during use.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, the first part of the bed base is arranged on the headboard side and the second part of the bed base is arranged on the footboard side. An inverted design could also be envisaged within the scope of the invention, i.e. the first part of the bed base arranged on the footboard side and the second part of the bed base arranged on the headboard side.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the variable-height bed which is the subject of the invention, the frame comprises raising means, for example casters, feet or glides. In order to facilitate its handling by housekeeping staff or nursing staff, the frame will comprise casters. An alternative embodiment without casters remains possible within the scope of the invention.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, the latter comprises a motorization housing arranged between the first structural element and the second end of the frame, said motorization housing being juxtaposed with said second end. In addition, the first structural element comprises a fork whose two branches receive respectively at their ends the first connecting members, said fork being configured to release the first structural element from the motorization housing when the cross-shaped structure is lowered to the low position. This design advantageously makes it possible to lower the bed base to the lowest position in the low position of the cross-shaped structure. Variants are also possible without the presence of this fork on the first structural element, depending on the configuration of the motorization housing.

[0025] The invention also relates to the method for assembling a variable-height bed having at least the essential characteristics among those mentioned above. The method comprises at least the following steps:

[0026] - position the frame horizontally resting on the ground, - raise the cross-shaped structure until it reaches the intermediate position,

[0027] - grasping and lifting the first part of the bed base placed in a vertical position with its distal end arranged on the ground side and positioning said distal end in the receiving means at the second end of the frame,

[0028] - tilting the first part of the bed base towards the second part of the bed base (towards the first end of the chassis) by pivoting it along the third transverse axis relative to the receiving means on the chassis, until the first part of the bed base rests on the first connecting members of the first structural element, said first connecting members being positioned in the engagement zones of the first two guide rails,

[0029] - lift the cross-shaped structure again until it exceeds the intermediate gripping position and releases the distal end of the first part of the bed base from the receiving means,

[0030] - manually pivot the first part of the bed base along the second transverse axis to position it in the plane of the second part of the bed base and manually translate said first part of the bed base to join it to the second part of the bed base

[0031] - assemble the two parts of the box spring together.

[0032] By releasing the distal end of the first part of the bed base from the receiving means on the frame, is meant the possibility of completely releasing the distal end from the receiving means, but also the possibility of partially releasing the distal end from the receiving means, sufficiently to release the distal end from the receiving means and, thus, allow pivoting along the second transverse axis and translation along the first guide rails, of the first part of the bed base relative to the first structural element.According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the cross-shaped structure is raised until it reaches the high position where the distal end is partially released from the receiving means, sufficiently to release the distal end from the receiving means and, thus, allow pivoting along the second transverse axis and translation along the first guide rails, of the first part of the bed base relative to the first structural element.

[0033] According to a preferred design, the variable-height bed is equipped with a transport trolley which can be removable or, in a variant, which can remain permanently on the bed frame. The elements of the disassembled bed are arranged in a vertical position on this transport trolley. The method then comprises at least the following preliminary steps: - removing the first part of the bed base from the transport trolley by handling it in its vertical position;

[0034] - tilt the chassis from its vertical position on the transport trolley to its horizontal position resting on the ground, the transport trolley remaining attached to the chassis during tilting.

[0035] When the bed is in three parts as already mentioned previously, the method according to the invention comprises an additional preliminary step consisting of also removing the second part of the bed base from the transport trolley, by handling it in its vertical position, before tilting the chassis.When the bed has engagement means arranged between the second part of the bed base and the upper end of the second structural element, as mentioned above, the method comprises a step consisting of grasping and lifting the second part of the bed base placed in a vertical position with its distal end arranged on the ground side and engaging the second part of the bed base on the upper end of the second structural element, said cross-shaped structure being placed in the intermediate position of safety and comfort, said second part of the bed base then being mounted in a pivot connection along the fifth transverse axis on said upper end of the second structural element.The vertical position of the second part of the bed base is understood to mean a vertical position as such, as well as positions slightly inclined relative to the vertical, but not requiring a bent posture of the installer during the handling of said second part of the bed base, for its engagement on the upper end of the second structural element.

[0036] According to an embodiment where the bed is equipped with a transport trolley, the method comprises a step consisting of removing the transport trolley from the frame. Alternatively, the transport trolley could remain permanently on the frame.

[0037] The invention also relates to the method of dismantling the bed, for which the steps are reversed compared to the aforementioned assembly method.

[0038] Brief description of the figures

[0039] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description based on figures, among which:

[0040] [Fig. 1] illustrates an overall view of a medical variable height bed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; [Fig. 2] illustrates the medical variable height bed of Figure 1, disassembled into three parts arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley;

[0041] [Fig. 3] illustrates the medical height-adjustable bed of Figure 1, disassembled into two parts arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley;

[0042] [Fig. 4] illustrates the medical variable height bed of Figure 1, disassembled into three parts, the two bed base parts being each arranged at one end of the frame placed on the floor, ready to be mounted on the cross-brace structure;

[0043] [Fig. 5] illustrates a first part of the box spring consisting of the head part of the box spring;

[0044] [Fig. 6] illustrates a second part of the bed base consisting of the foot part of the bed base;

[0045] [Fig. 7] illustrates the chassis with the cross-brace structure deployed in the upper position;

[0046] [Fig. 8] illustrates a first guide rail of the first part of the bed base;

[0047] [Fig. 9] illustrates the engagement means of the second part of the bed, engaged on the upper end of the second structural element of the cross-brace structure;

[0048] [Fig. 10] partially illustrates the bed base in order to highlight the assembly of the two bed base parts by means of latch-type assembly systems;

[0049] [Fig. 11] shows the chassis with the cross-brace structure placed in the low position;

[0050] [Fig. 12] shows the chassis diagram with the cross-brace structure placed in an intermediate position for safety and comfort;

[0051] [Fig. 13] schematizes figure 12 with the addition of the second part of the bed base which has just been engaged on the upper end of the second cross-shaped structural element;

[0052] [Fig. 14] schematizes figure 13, with however the second part of the bed base which is pivoted against the second cross-shaped structural element;

[0053] [Fig. 15] schematizes figure 14, with in addition the first part of the bed base which is placed in a vertical position with its distal end housed in the receiving means on the chassis;

[0054] [Fig. 16] schematizes figure 15, with however the first part of the bed base which is pivoted towards the second part of the bed base, while remaining wedged in the receiving means on the chassis, thus making it possible to engage the first connecting members of the first cross-shaped structural element, in the engagement zone of the first part of the bed base;

[0055] [Fig. 17] schematizes figure 16, with however the cross-shaped structure which is mounted up to an intermediate gripping position where the connecting members come into abutment against the ends of the first guide rails, ready to lift said first part of the bed base;

[0056] [Fig. 18] schematizes figure 17, with however the cross-shaped structure which is mounted beyond the intermediate gripping position, in the high position, the connecting members lifting the first part of the bed base which is then partially released from the chassis receiving means;

[0057] [Fig. 19] schematizes figure 18, with however the two parts of the bed base which are pivoted and placed in the same horizontal plane, ready to be joined by fitting;

[0058] [Fig. 20] schematizes figure 19, with however the two parts of the bed base which are joined by fitting, ready to be fixed together;

[0059] [Fig. 21] schematizes figure 20, with locking means put in place to keep the two parts of the bed base fixed, thus constituting the bed base.

[0060] Detailed description

[0061] In the remainder of the description, the same references are used to describe the same characteristics in the figures, without indication in the text.

[0062] In the remainder of the description, the term bed refers to the variable height bed, unless otherwise indicated in the text.

[0063] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "lower", "upper", "longitudinal", "transverse" ... will be used in relation to the normal position of the assembled bed with its frame resting on the floor, with a person lying lengthwise on the bed, their head being placed on the head end and their feet being placed on the foot end.

[0064] With reference to Figure 1, the bed 1 is a medical bed. The invention can, however, be implemented on bed variants, medical or not and single or double, offering a possibility of adjusting the height position of the bed base and comprising one or two two-part bed bases, without departing from the scope of the invention. The bed 1 is essentially composed of three elements: a frame 2, a cross-brace structure 3 and a bed base 4. Other elements not illustrated participate in the covering of the bed 1, once the bed base 4 is mounted on the cross-brace structure 3, namely: a headboard panel and a footboard panel. These characteristics are already known on existing beds of this type.

[0065] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 7, the chassis 2 comprises two side members 5, 6 on its lateral sides and two cross members 7, 8 at its ends, the side members 5, 6 and the cross members 7, 8 being fixed to each other and substantially defining a rectangular frame. The cross-shaped structure 3 comprises two structural elements 9, 10 mounted in a cross and pivoting relative to each other along a transverse axis X0. The first structural element 9 comprises two side members 11, 12 whose lower ends 11a, 12a are mounted in pivot connection with a transverse axis X1 relative to the cross member 7 located at the first end 2a of the chassis 2, on the side of the foot of the bed 1. The upper ends 11b, 12b of the two side members 11, 12 are extended by a fork 13, the fork arms 14, 15 receiving at their upper ends 14a, 15a two first rolling rollers 16, 17 which define a transverse axis X2.The second structural element 10 also comprises two side members 18, 19 whose lower ends 18a, 19a are located on the side of the second end 2b of the chassis 2, on the side of the head of the bed, and receive two second rollers which define a transverse axis X3 illustrated in FIG. 7. The two second rollers are not visible in FIG. 7, but identical to the first rollers 16, 17 and arranged substantially in the same way as the latter. These second rollers on the second structural element 10 are mounted respectively in two guide rails 20, 21 mounted opposite each other on the internal faces 22, 23 of the two side members 5, 6 of the chassis 2.

[0066] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 4 to 6, the bed base 4 comprises a first bed base part 24 and a second bed base part 25. The first bed base part 24 constitutes the bed base head part, arranged on the head end of the bed, and the second bed base part 25 constitutes the bed base foot part, arranged on the foot end of the bed. The first bed base part 24 comprises two first side member parts 26, 27, the distal ends 26a, 27a of which are assembled with two crosspieces 28, 29 arranged parallel to one below the other. The first bed base part 24 also comprises a backrest 30 which is preferably actuated by means of a motorization box 31. The second bed base part 25 comprises two second side member parts 32, 33 which receive a legrest 34 which is preferably actuated by means of a motorization box 35.According to the embodiment illustrated in particular in Figures 1 and 6, the leg rest 34 comprises a thigh rest 34a and a foot rest 34b. The distal ends 32a, 33a of the two second spar parts 32, 33 are assembled with a crosspiece 36. When the bed base 4 is formed, the proximal ends 26b, 27b of the two first spar parts 26, 27 are joined respectively with the proximal ends 32b, 33b of the two second spar parts 32, 33 and the assembly systems 37, 38, of the latch assembly type as illustrated in Figures 1 and 10, ensure that the two first spar parts 26, 27 are held assembled with the two second spar parts 32, 33.

[0067] In Figure 2, the bed 1 can be disassembled into three parts 1a, 1b, 1c arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley 39, the three parts 1a, 1b, 1c consisting of the frame 2 with the cross-brace structure 3 in the folded position (low position), the second bed base part 25 and the first bed base part 24. Once the two bed base parts 24, 25 have been removed from the transport trolley 39 and placed in a more or less vertical position with their distal ends 24a, 25a resting on the floor, as illustrated in Figure 4, the frame 2 and the cross-brace structure 3 can be tilted horizontally while remaining mounted on the transport trolley 39, which allows the four casters 40 of the frame 2 to be placed on the floor as in Figure 4, then allowing said transport trolley 39 to be disassembled, or even to be left permanently if this choice is preferred.

[0068] Figure 3 differs from Figure 2 in that the bed 1 can be disassembled only into two parts Id, le arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley 39', the two parts Id, le consisting, on the one hand, of the frame 2 with the cross-brace structure 3 in the folded position and with the second bed base part 25 mounted on the second structural element 10 and, on the other hand, of the first bed base part 24. Once the first bed base part 24 has been removed from the transport trolley 39' and placed in a more or less vertical position with its distal end 24a resting on the floor, the frame 2, the cross-brace structure 3 and the second bed base part 25 can be tilted horizontally while remaining mounted on the transport trolley 39', which allows the four casters 40 of the frame 2 to be placed on the floor, then allowing said transport trolley to be disassembled. 39'.

[0069] The second side member parts 32, 33 of the second bed base part 25 are mounted in pivot connection with transverse axis X4 with respect to two rods 41, 42 arranged at the upper ends 60a, 61a of two fork arms 60, 61 extending the upper ends 18b, 19b of the side members 18, 19 of the second structural element 10, as in FIG. 7. When the bed 1 is in two parts 1d, 1e, the mounting in pivot connection with transverse axis X4 can be permanent between the second bed base part 25 and the second structural element 10. On the contrary, when the bed 1 is in three parts 1a, 1b, 1e, said mounting in pivot connection with transverse axis X4 must necessarily allow easy and rapid mounting and dismounting of the second bed base part 25 with respect to the second structural element 10. For this, the second spar parts 32, 33 of the second bed part 25 each comprise an engagement system 43, 44.As illustrated in Figure 9, each engagement system 43, 44 comprises a body 45 provided with a notch 46 which receives a rod 41, 42 on the second structural element 10, so as to ensure the mounting in pivot connection of transverse axis X4. According to an exemplary embodiment, a retractable locking member 47 is mounted in spring return (not shown) on the body 45 and acts as a locking pin for the rod 41, 42 positioned in the notch 46, to maintain the assembly of the second bed base part 25 with the second structural element 10. Pulling on the locking member 47 allows it to be released from the notch 46 to allow the removal of the rod 41, 42 from this notch 46.A holding system (not shown) will preferably be provided on the locking member 47 to temporarily hold it in the released position in order to facilitate the handling of the second part of the bed base 25 with both hands for simultaneous removal of the two rods 41, 42, from the respective notches 46.

[0070] With particular reference to figures 1, 5, 7 and 8, the first bed base part 24 comprises two guide rails 48, 49 which are mounted respectively on the two first side member parts 26, 27. The two guide rails 48, 49 are placed opposite each other below the first side member parts 26, 27 so as not to hinder the descent of the backrest 30 in order to position it suitably flat in the plane defined by said first side member parts 26, 27. A variant could be envisaged by placing the two guide rails 48, 49 opposite each other on the internal faces 50, 51 of the first side member parts 26, 27, according to another configuration of the first bed base part 24.The guide rails 48, 49 have a U-shaped or C-shaped section in a transverse section plane, each with a lower branch 52, 53 which comprises a notch 54 preferably arranged near the first end 48a, 49a of the guide rail 48, 49, placed on the side of the distal end 26a, 27a of the first spar part 26, 27. Figure 8 illustrates the guide rail 48; the design of the guide rail 49 is comparable and symmetrical, the two guide rails 48, 49 being arranged opposite each other. The rolling rollers 16, 17 on the first structural element 9 engage respectively in the guide rails 48, 49 by penetrating through the notches 54. The second ends 48b, 49b of the guide rails 48, 49 are closed in order to constitute stops delimiting the travel of the rolling rollers 16, 17 which move in the guide rails 48, 49.With particular reference to figures 1, 4, 5 and 7, the side members 5, 6 of the chassis 2 comprise, in the extension of their ends 5a, 6a located on the side of the second end 2b of the chassis 2, two receiving members 55, 56 which can be formed in a single piece with the side members 5, 6 or added by fitting to the ends 5a, 6a thereof. These receiving members 55, 56 each have a notch 57, 58. The notches 57, 58 allow the reception of the lower crosspiece 28 of the first bed base part 24 when it is in a vertical position as illustrated in FIG. 4. When the lower crosspiece 28 rests on the receiving members 55, 56, the contact line substantially defines a transverse axis X5 along which the first bed base part 24, resting in the notches 57, 58, can pivot in order to tilt it in the direction of the second bed base part 25, towards the foot of the bed side.

[0071] The presence on the guide rails 48, 49, on the one hand, of the notches 54 allowing the rollers 16, 17 to be engaged and, on the other hand, of the second closed ends 48b, 49b serving as stops against said rollers 16, 17, and the presence of the receiving members 55, 56 at the second end 2b of the frame 2 allowing the reception of the lower crossbar 28 on the first part of the bed base 24, facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the bed 1 while reducing musculoskeletal disorders among the installers who no longer have to adopt a bent posture during the assembly of the bed base 4 on the cross-brace structure 3 and, conversely, during its disassembly.

[0072] Figures 11 to 21 explain the different steps of assembling a bed 1 in three parts 1a, 1b, 1c as described previously. In the case of a bed 1 in two parts 1d, 1c, the steps relating to the installation of the second part of the bed base 25 on the second structural element 10 of the cross-brace structure 3 are omitted, these being already assembled.

[0073] After removing the first bed base part 25 and the second bed base part 25 from the transport trolley 39 and tilting the frame 2 with the cross-brace structure 3 onto the floor, then removing said transport trolley 39, the two bed base parts 24, 25 are placed as illustrated in FIG. 3. The first bed base part 24 is then placed in a vertical position, on the headboard side, with its distal end 24a resting on the floor, the lower crossbar 28 of the first bed base part 24 being oriented facing the frame 2. The second bed base part 25 is also stably positioned more or less in a vertical position, on the footboard side, with its distal end 25a resting on the floor, the engagement systems 43, 44 being placed facing the frame 2. The frame 2 is initially placed with the cross-brace structure 3 in the lower position, as in FIG. 11.The installer then raises the cross-shaped structure 3 to an intermediate position of safety and comfort, shown diagrammatically in Figure 12. This intermediate position of safety and comfort is determined to succeed in engaging the rollers 16, 17 in the notches 54 of the guide rails 48, 49. In order for the installer to be able to reach this intermediate position of safety and comfort without difficulty, one of the side members 5, 6 of the chassis, or even both side members 5, 6, may include a mark 59 shown diagrammatically in Figures 11 to 21, which indicates where to stop the raising of the cross-shaped structure 3, when the rollers (not shown) at the lower ends 18a, 19a of the side members 18, 19 of the second structural element 10 match said mark 59.In a preferred variant, the cross-shaped structure 3 is actuated by means of a motorization box 66 which comprises a programming unit configured to automatically stop the cross-shaped structure when it reaches the intermediate safety and comfort position, when it rises to the high position or when it descends to the low position. Thus, the installer actuates the motorization box 66 using a control keyboard to raise the cross-shaped structure 3 and, when the intermediate safety and comfort position is reached, said motorization box 66 stops automatically, thus indicating to the installer that he can proceed with the following steps of positioning the second bed base part 25 on the second structural element 10 and positioning the first bed base part 24 on the first structural element 9.

[0074] The installer then grasps the second bed base part 25 and lifts it into a vertical position, then engages the notches 46 on the engagement systems 43, 44, on the rods 41, 42 at the upper ends 60a, 61a of the fork arms 60, 61 of the second structural element 10. Once the engagement has been achieved, the second bed base part 25 is as in Figure 13 and is supported by the cross-brace structure 3, the installer then effortlessly pivots said second bed base part 25 along the transverse axis X4 to place it along the second structural element 10, as in Figure 14.

[0075] The installer then grasps the first bed base part 24 and lifts it into a vertical position, then places the lower cross member 28 in the notches 57, 58 of the receiving members 55, 56 at the second end 2b of the frame 2, as in Figure 15. The first bed base part 24 is then carried by the frame 2, the installer then being able to tilt the first bed base part 24 towards the second bed base part 25 around the transverse axis X5, without effort, which allows the rollers 16, 17 to be naturally engaged in the notches 54 on the guide rails 48, 49. The guide rails 48, 49 then bear against the rollers 16, 17 and the lower cross member 28 remains wedged in the notches 57, 58 on the frame 2, as illustrated in Figure 16. The installer can then release the first part of the box spring 24.

[0076] In the next step, illustrated in Figure 17, the installer raises the cross-shaped structure until reaching an intermediate gripping position where the rollers 16, 17 come into abutment against the closed ends 48b, 49b of the guide rails 48, 49. The installer then continues to raise the cross-shaped structure 3 until reaching the high position, which allows the first structural element 9 to lift the first bed base part 24 whose lower crosspiece 28, at the distal end 24a, comes to the edge 63a of a bevel 63 arranged on the notches 57, 58 of the frame 2, then sufficiently releasing the lower crosspiece 28 from the notches 57, 58 to allow the first bed base part 24 to pivot along the transverse axis X2 at the level of the rollers 16, 17, without being blocked. by said notches 57, 58 of the chassis 2, as illustrated in figure 18.In an alternative embodiment, it could be envisaged that, once the intermediate gripping position has been reached by the cross-shaped structure 3 which then continues to rise, the first structural element 9 lifts the first bed base part 24 until the lower cross member 28 completely leaves the notches 57, 58 of the frame 2, thus releasing the first bed base part 24 from the notches 57, 58 of the frame 2. This alternative embodiment would, however, have the effect of allowing the first bed base part 24 to pivot freely by gravity along the transverse axis X2 at the level of the rolling rollers 16, 17, to resume a more or less vertical position, before the installer grasps it to continue the assembly of the bed base 4.

[0077] The installer then places himself on one of the lateral sides of the chassis 2 and pivots the two bed base parts 24, 25 to place them in the same horizontal plane, as in Figure 19. Then the installer pulls the first bed base part 24 to fit the proximal ends 26b, 27b of the first side member parts 26, 27 with the proximal ends 32b, 33b of the second side member parts 32, 33, as in Figure 20. A beveled shape 62, illustrated in Figure 4, may be provided on the proximal ends 32b, 33b of the second side member parts 32, 33 to facilitate the fitting and also the positioning of the two bed base parts 24, 25 in the same horizontal plane. The installer then sets up the assembly systems 37, 38, of the latch type, between the distal ends 26b, 27b of the first spar parts 26, 27 and the distal ends 32b, 33b of the second spar parts 32, 33, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 21.The installer can then mount bed 1 in the high position shown in Figure 1 if the user wishes. The latch-type assembly could be replaced with a thumbwheel or a wing screw, for example.

[0078] The disassembly of the bed 1 will be carried out according to a process reversed to the assembly process, the understanding of which is obvious. The presence of the bevel 63 on the notches 57, 58 of the receiving members 55, 56, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 4, facilitates the repositioning of the lower crosspiece 28 of the first part of the bed base 24, in the notches 57, 58 of the receiving members 55, 56 on the frame 2, when the cross-brace structure 3 descends and reaches the intermediate position of safety and comfort which is either indicated by the reference 59 or is automatic due to the programming of the motorization box 66 configured for this purpose. This bevel 63 also facilitates the release of the lower crosspiece 28, from the notches 57, 58, when the first part of the bed base 24 is lifted by the first structural element 9 of the crosspiece structure 3, during the assembly method explained previously.The bevels 63 are oriented towards the ends 5a, 6a of the side members 5, 6 of the chassis 2, as shown in particular in figures 1 and 4.

[0079] Variants remain conceivable within the scope of the invention. For example, the receiving members 55, 56 could comprise rods or protruding elements receiving notches made on the lower cross member 28 or another part at the distal end 24a of the first bed base part 24. When the cross-shaped structure 3 is in its intermediate safety and comfort position, the engagement of the rolling rollers 16, 17 could be done by the first ends 48a, 49a of the guide rails 48, 49 which are open, the rolling rollers 16, 17 in this case bearing against the lower face 64, 65 of the first side member parts 26, 27 when the first bed base part 24 is tilted against the first structural element 9, as in FIG. 16.The lower ends 11a, 12a of the side members 11, 12 of the first structural element 9 could be mounted in pivot connection with transverse axis XI relative to the side members 5, 6 of the chassis, at its first end 2a, rather than on the cross member 7, according to another configuration of the chassis 2.

[0080] The cross-shaped structure 3 is actuated by means of the motorization box 66 which is placed near the crosspiece 8 at the second end 2b of the frame 2. The presence of the fork 13 extending the upper ends 11b, 12b of the side members 11, 12 facilitates the descent of the first structural element 9 without obstructing the passage of the motorization box 66 during the descent of the cross-shaped structure 3, which advantageously allows said cross-shaped structure and, thus, the bed base 4 to be lowered to the lowest position. The programming unit (not illustrated) of the motorization box 66 is programmed so that the intermediate safety and comfort position corresponds to a safety and comfort position during use of the assembled bed 1.This safety and comfort position minimizes the height to which the installer must lift the second part of the bed base 25 placed in a more or less vertical position, when engaging the engagement systems 43, 44 of the second part of the bed base 25 on the rods 41, 42 on the second structural element 10. This height is minimized as much as possible, so that the distal end 25a of the second part placed more or less vertically, is juxtaposed with the floor on which the casters 40 of the chassis 2 rest, once the engagement has been carried out. This safety and comfort position is also advantageous for the user when he wishes to get off the bed 1 or get back on the bed 1.When the user operates the motorization box 66 by means of a control keyboard (not shown) to lower or raise the bed base 4, the cross-brace structure 3 automatically stops in the safe and comfortable position in which the user can easily get off the bed with their feet properly resting on the floor. Thus, the user does not have to jump out of bed because the bed base 4 is positioned too high, nor make a significant effort to get up from the bed because the bed base 4 is positioned too low, when lowering the bed 1. Similarly, when the user wishes to take a seat in the bed 1, they do not have to lift their bottom because the bed base 4 is positioned too high or drop their bottom onto the bed base 4 because it is positioned too low.Of course, according to an alternative embodiment, the programming unit of the motorization box 66 could be programmed so that the intermediate safety and comfort position is different from the safety and comfort position during use of the bed 1 assembled and in service at the user's premises.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Variable height bed (1) comprising a frame (2), a cross-shaped structure (3) mounted on the frame (2) and configured to be moved from a low position to a high position, and vice versa, and a bed base (4) comprising two bed base parts (24, 25) configured to be assembled together at their proximal ends so as to constitute said bed base (4) when mounted on the cross-shaped structure (3), the cross-shaped structure (3) comprising two structural elements (9, 10) mounted in a cross-shaped manner, a first of the two structural elements (9) having a lower end (11a, 12a) mounted in a pivot connection along a first transverse axis (XI) relative to a first end (2a) of the frame (2) and an upper end (14a, 15a) comprising two first connecting members (16, 17) configured to be mounted respectively in two first guide rails (48, 49) extending longitudinally in the same plane,on the two lateral sides of a first (24) of the two bed base parts, the first connecting members (16, 17) and the first guide rails (48, 49) being configured to constitute a pivot connection along a second transverse axis (X2), movable in translation along the two first guide rails (48, 49), between the upper end of the first structural element (9) and the first bed base part (24), characterized in that the frame (2) comprises a second end (2b) which comprises receiving means (55, 56) configured to wedge a distal end (24a) of the first bed base part (24) placed in a vertical position and to allow the pivoting of said first bed base part (24) along a third transverse axis (X5) located at the level of said receiving means (55, 56), in that the two first guide rails (48, 49) each comprise an engagement zone (54),the engagement zones (54) being configured to respectively receive the first connecting members (16, 17) in an intermediate safety and comfort position of the cross-shaped structure (3), located between the low position and the high position, during a pivoting towards the second part of the bed base (25), along the third transverse axis (X5), of the first part of the bed base (24) relative to the receiving means (55, 56), and in that the two first guide rails (48, 49) each comprise a stop member (48b, 49b), the stop members (48b, 49b) being configured to delimit the travel of the first connecting members (16, 17) in the first guide rails (48, 49) when the cross-shaped structure (3) rises and reaches an intermediate gripping position located between the intermediate safety and comfort position and the high position, so that said first connecting members (16, 17) lift the first bed base part (24) and release its distal end (24a) from the receiving means (55, 56) on the frame (2) when the cross-shaped structure (3) continues to rise beyond said intermediate gripping position, thus allowing pivoting along the second transverse axis (X2) and translation along the first guide rails (48, 49), of the first bed base part (24) relative to the first structural element (9), for manual assembly of the first bed base part (24) with the second bed base part (25) mounted on the second structural element (10).

2. Variable height bed (1) according to claim 1, wherein the chassis (2) comprises two side members (5, 6) and two cross members (7, 8) defining a frame, the receiving means consisting of two receiving members (55, 56) arranged at the ends (5a, 6a) of the two side members (5, 6) on the side of the second end (2b) of the chassis (2).

3. Variable height bed (1) according to claim 2, wherein the receiving members (55, 56) each comprise a notch (57, 58), the notches (57, 58) preferably being provided with a bevel (63).

4. Variable height bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first guide rails (48, 49) each have in a transverse section plane a U-shaped section, the branches of the U of the two first guide rails being arranged opposite each other, the engagement zone consisting of a notch (54) on a lower branch (52, 53) of each first guide rail (48, 49), said notch (54) being configured to allow the first connecting member (16, 17) to penetrate into the first guide rail (48, 49).

5. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to claim 4, wherein the notch (54) is positioned adjacent to one end (48a, 48b) of the first guide rail (48, 49) disposed closest to the distal end (24a) of the first bed base portion (24).

6. Variable height bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first bed base part (24) comprises two first side rail parts (26, 27) and the second bed base part (25) comprises two second side rail parts (32, 33), the first side rail parts (26, 27) assembled respectively with the second side rail parts (32, 33) forming two side rails of the bed base (4), the first guide rails (48, 49) being fixed respectively under the first side rail parts (26, 27).

7. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second (10) of the two structural elements has a lower end (18a, 19a) comprising two second connecting members mounted respectively in two second guide rails (20, 21) extending longitudinally in the same plane on the two lateral sides of the frame (2), the second connecting members and the second guide rails (20, 21) being configured to constitute a pivot connection along a fourth transverse axis (X3), movable in translation along the two second guide rails (20, 21), between the lower end of the second structural element (10) and the frame (2), engagement means being arranged between the second bed base part (25) and the upper end (60a, 61a) of the second structural element (10), said engagement means being configured to engage, in the position safety and comfort intermediary,the second part of the bed base (25) placed in a vertical position, on the upper end (60a, 61a) of the second structural element (10) and for mounting in pivot connection along a fifth transverse axis (X4) said second part of the bed base (25) relative to the upper end (60a, 61a) of the second structural element (10), once said engagement has been carried out., 8. Variable height bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises locating means (59) making it possible to define the intermediate safety and comfort position of the cross-shaped structure (3), when it is raised and lowered.

9. Variable height bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises a motorization box (66) configured to actuate the cross-shaped structure (3), said motorization box (66) comprising a programming unit configured to automatically stop the cross-shaped structure (3) when it reaches the intermediate safety and comfort position, when it rises to the high position and when it descends to the low position.

10. Variable height bed (1) according to claim 9, wherein the programming unit of the motorization box (66) is configured so that the intermediate safety and comfort position corresponds to a safety and comfort position during use of the bed (1), for lowering the bed (1) and getting onto the bed (1).

11. Variable height bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises locking means (37, 38) arranged between the two bed base parts (24, 25) so as to keep them assembled during the construction of the bed base (4).

12. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first bed base part (24) is arranged on the headboard side and the second bed base part (25) is on the footboard side.

13. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the frame (2) comprises casters (40).

14. Variable height bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which comprises a motor housing (66) arranged between the first structural element (9) and the second end (2b) of the frame (2), said motor housing (66) being juxtaposed with said second end (2b), the first structural element (9) comprising a fork (13) whose two branches (14, 15) receive respectively at their ends (14a, 15a) the first connecting members (16, 17), said fork (13) being configured to release the first structural element (9) from the motor housing (66) when the cross-shaped structure (3) is lowered into the low position.

15. Method for mounting a variable height bed (1) having the characteristics of any one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises at least the following steps: - position the frame (2) horizontally resting on the ground, - lift the cross-shaped structure (3) until it reaches the intermediate safety and comfort position, - grasping and lifting the first part of the bed base (24) placed in a vertical position with its distal end (24a) arranged on the ground side and positioning said distal end (24a) in the receiving means (55, 56) at the second end (2b) of the frame (2), - tilting the first bed base part (24) towards the second bed base part by pivoting it along the third transverse axis (X5) relative to the receiving means (55, 56) on the frame (2), until the first bed base part (24) bears on the first connecting members (16, 17) of the first structural element (9), said first connecting members (16, 17) being positioned in the engagement zones of the two first guide rails (48, 49), - lifting the cross-shaped structure (3) again until it exceeds the intermediate gripping position and at least partially disengages the distal end (24a) of the first part of the bed base (24), from the receiving means (55, 56), - manually pivot the first part of the bed base (24) along the second axis (X2) to position it in the plane of the second part of the bed base (25) and translate manually said first part of the bed base (24) to join it to the second part of the bed base (25), - assemble the two parts of the box spring (24, 25) together.

16. Method according to claim 15, in which the elements of the dismantled bed are arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley (39, 39'), the method comprising at least the following preliminary steps: - remove the first part of the bed base (24) from the transport trolley (39, 39') by handling it in its vertical position; - tilting the chassis (2) from its vertical position on the transport trolley (39, 39') to its horizontal position resting on the ground, the transport trolley (39, 39') remaining secured to the chassis (2) during tilting.

17. Method according to claim 16, which comprises an additional preliminary step consisting of also removing the second part of the bed base (25) from the transport trolley (39), by handling it in its vertical position, before tilting the chassis (2).

18. Method according to claim 17, the bed having the characteristics of claim 7, said method comprising a step of grasping and lifting the second bed base part (25) placed in a vertical position with its distal end (25a) arranged on the ground and engaging the second bed base part (25) on the upper end of the second structural element (10), the cross-shaped structure (3) being placed in an intermediate position of safety and comfort, said second bed base part (25) then being mounted in a pivot connection along the fifth transverse axis (X4) on said upper end of the second structural element (10).

19. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, which comprises a step of removing the transport trolley (39, 39') from the chassis (2).

Images