BED COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE RIGID CROSSBAR

Abstract

A bed (1) comprising at least one rigid crossbar (2000) supported by a main frame (100), wherein the at least one rigid crossbar is attached to the main frame at its ends (2200), said rigid crossbar supporting a series of point elastic support elements (200), characterized in that the rigid crossbar is connected to the main frame at each end by means of a connecting piece (1000) and in that each connecting piece partially receives one of said ends of said rigid crossbar, said connecting piece (1000) also having means for connecting to said main frame, such that the connecting piece is detachable from the main frame and from the end of the at least one crossbar.

Description

Bed comprising at least one rigid crossbar The present invention relates to a bed. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bed that may comprise at least one rigid crossbar. Even more specifically, it relates to a bed comprising at least one rigid crossbar on which point elastic support elements ("plots") for damping are distributed. In the sleep sector, bed frames and bases with metal structures designed to support a corresponding bed cushioning system are widely known, such as elastic slat systems or support systems using elastic point elements, commonly called plots. In conventional solutions based on slat systems, the slats are arranged transversely to the base structure and are supported by fastening pieces, usually made of plastic, which receive the ends of the slats. These fastening pieces are fixed to the metal structure of the base, typically in accordance with holes or recesses provided in its longitudinal profiles. On the other hand, support systems using plots require a different structural configuration. In these systems, the elastic point elements are placed on rigid crossbeams attached to the structure, extending transversely between the sides of the base. These crossbeams are typically made of wood or metal. To ensure the rigidity and stability of the assembly, these crossbeams are permanently fixed to the metal structure of the base. Irreversible manufacturing processes, such as welding, are commonly used to join the crossbeams to the structural profiles. As a result, existing systems exhibit a clear structural distinction between bases designed to support slats and those designed to support supports. Specifically, a base designed for a slat system is not directly compatible with a support system without substantially modifying its structure, and vice versa. This necessitates maintaining two separate storage references. Furthermore, it significantly hinders the marketing of beds that combine, in a customized manner, areas with slat cushioning and areas with support supports. Likewise, in the case of articulated beds, this differentiation is accentuated, since the mechanical and geometric requirements of the different articulated sections require defining specific configurations of crossbars and support points depending on the type of damping system used. Consequently, the known state of the art forces manufacturers to design and manufacture different metal structures for each type of bed support system, or to perform additional manufacturing operations, such as welding or machining, to adapt an existing structure to a different system. However, the need to use permanent manufacturing operations, such as welding connecting pieces between crossbeams and the base structure, increases production costs, limits the flexibility of the industrial process, and makes it difficult to customize or modify the product later. Furthermore, the lack of compatibility between structures intended for slat systems and structures intended for plot systems requires multiple base designs, which increases logistical complexity, the number of references, and storage costs. Additionally, the applicant is unaware of solutions that allow, in a simple way and without additional manufacturing operations, the configuration of the same base metal structure to alternately support a slat system or a plot system, maintaining the required mechanical and functional performance, especially in the case of articulated beds. Therefore, it is necessary to find a solution to this problem. That is why the present invention aims to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem. More specifically, the present invention discloses a bed comprising at least one rigid crossbar supported by a main frame, wherein the at least one rigid crossbar is attached to the main frame at both ends, said rigid crossbar supporting a series of point elastic support elements. The crossbar is connected to the main frame at each end by a connecting piece, and each connecting piece partially receives one of the ends of said at least one rigid crossbar. The connecting piece has means for connecting to said main frame. The connecting piece is detachable from the main frame and from the end of the at least one crossbar. Preferably, the connecting piece has a recess that receives the rigid crossbar. Preferably, the connecting piece receives the end of the rigid crossbar so that its outermost portion, preferably with a reduced cross-section (a protruding tongue or wing), rests on the main frame. This distributes stresses and forces more evenly between the crossbar and the connecting pieces, resulting in greater overall strength. The connecting piece can also be used to secure the rigid crossbar to the frame and prevent longitudinal movement relative to it. For this purpose, the connecting piece preferably has a portion supported from above by the frame and a portion positioned laterally and internally with respect to the frame. The lateral and lower portion preferably receives one end of the rigid crossbar, surrounding it to prevent movement. The fact that the connecting piece is detachable from the main frame and the end of at least one crossbar makes it easy to replace the connecting piece with a new one if necessary. Preferably, the means for connecting the connecting piece to the main frame comprise a tenon configured to fit into a hole in the main frame. This allows the connecting piece to be more securely fixed to the main frame and prevents movement relative to the frame. More preferably, the free end of the tenon comprises a rounded portion. Also preferably, the free end of the tenon comprises a chamfered portion. Both the rounded shape and the chamfered portion facilitate insertion of the tenon by allowing it some play during insertion. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting piece is made of plastic. The use of plastic simplifies and reduces manufacturing costs, but other materials can be used, such as metal, wood, etc. Preferably, the ends of at least one rigid crossmember have a shape that matches the recess of the connecting piece. This facilitates the even distribution of stresses and forces across the crossmember and the connecting pieces. Preferably, the ends of at least one rigid cross member have tabs that fit into the connecting piece and rest on the frame. Preferably, the tabs are sections of the rigid cross member with a reduced cross-section. It is preferable that at least one rigid cross member have a series of holes configured to receive the point elastic bearings. Other methods of fixing besides point elastic bearings may be used, such as screws or welding, depending on the type of point elastic bearing used. The rigid crossbar that supports the plots is usually made of metal. However, other materials are also possible. Preferably, the bed also comprises at least one transverse slat connected to the frame and fixed to it in holes in the main frame that are the same size and arrangement as the holes through which the rigid crossbar is connected. Therefore, the present invention and its preferred embodiments allow for the simple and, where applicable, reversible connection of a bed support system to a bed base, without welding or complex manufacturing operations. This also allows for the use of existing structural elements, such as holes or recesses provided for slat fastening components. Furthermore, the present invention allows a single metal structure to adopt at least two different configurations: one with a slat system and another with a system of point elastic support elements (plots). All of this is achieved without compromising the strength, stability, and functionality of the assembly. The present invention is particularly advantageous in articulated beds, where modularity and compatibility between different bed support systems allow for reduced manufacturing costs, simplified assembly, and improved versatility of the final product. For a better understanding of the description and characteristics of the present invention, drawings of an example embodiment of the present invention are attached as an explanatory, but not limiting, example. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bed according to the present invention, in particular an articulated bed. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting piece according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the connecting piece. Figure 4 shows a side view of the connecting piece. Figure 5 shows a sectioned front view of the connection of a rigid crossbar, by means of the connecting piece, to the main frame of a bed according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a rigid crossbar being joined, by means of a connecting piece, to the main frame of a bed according to the present invention. Figure 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the joint shown in the previous figure. Figure 1 shows a bed (1) according to the present invention comprising a main frame (100) to which a plurality of slats (300) and a plurality of rigid crossbars (2000) are attached. A plurality of point elastic support elements (200), also called cushioning elements or "plots," are arranged on these rigid crossbars (2000). The point elastic support elements (200) are designed to improve the comfort of a user of the bed (1) by adapting to the position adopted during use. In the example shown, the point elastic support elements (200) can have different stiffnesses, allowing for the definition of distinct support zones on the bed (1), such as lumbar, dorsal, or leg zones. The stiffness of each element can be adjusted. The bed in the example is an adjustable bed comprising a plurality of movable sections, the main frame (100) being divided into sections articulated to each other. The different sections have different damping systems, by means of slats (300) or point elastic support elements (200). Figures 2, 3 and 4 show in more detail a connecting piece (1000) configured to join the main frame (100) and, simultaneously, receive one end of a rigid crossbar (2000), establishing a mechanical connection between the two without the need for permanent manufacturing operations. The connecting pieces (1000) comprise a recess (1300) with a recess (1400), the geometry of which is adapted to match the corresponding shape of the ends of the rigid crossbars (2000). The connecting pieces also comprise a projection (1100) which, in turn, incorporates the aforementioned recess (1400). The projection (1100) rests on the main frame (100). In this way, the stresses to which the rigid crossbars (2000) are subjected when weight is applied to the bed are reduced and distributed. The projection (1100) of the connecting piece (1000) rests on the frame. The recess (1300) is open laterally to allow the insertion of the rigid crossbar (2000). In the embodiment of the figures, the connecting pieces (1000) further comprise a fixing pin (1200) configured to be inserted into a hole provided in the main frame (100), thus allowing the connection of the connecting piece (1000) to said main frame (100). In the example shown, said pin is inserted laterally into the main frame (100). The fixing pin (1200) or locking stud has a smooth portion (1210) and a rounded portion (1220) at its free end. The smooth portion (1210) is also beveled. The end of the pin (1200) has this shape to facilitate insertion into the hole in the main frame (100) with the rigid crossbar (2000) inserted into the connecting piece (1000). The rounded shape allows for a greater range of positioning during assembly, simplifying the complete insertion of the dowel (1200) compared to a dowel with a completely smooth geometry.This connection allows for easy assembly and disassembly. For assembly, the rigid crossbar (2000) is inserted into two connecting pieces (1000). The connecting piece (1000) can be inserted with an up-and-down motion, flexing the pin (1200) inwards into the connecting piece (1000) to allow it to reach its position, where the pin (1200) is inserted into its corresponding hole. Although not shown in the figures, other embodiments of the connecting piece (1000) are possible. For example, the connecting piece (1000) could fully or partially enclose the main frame (100) and be fixed to it by means of one or more dowels (1200) or other equivalent means, so as to ensure a proper connection between the two elements. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting piece (1000) is made of a plastic material, for example a thermoplastic. Depending on the applications and variants, the connecting piece could also be made of an engineering plastic, composite material, or metal, or a combination thereof, so as to ensure adequate mechanical strength and durability against the loads transmitted by the rigid crossmember (2000). Figures 5, 6 and 7 show in more detail the connection between the rigid crossbar (2000), the connecting piece (1000) and the main frame (100). In particular, Figure 5 shows how the tenon (1200) is located within the main frame (100), completely covering the hole in the main frame, which is hollow, allowing for a secure fit with minimal play. It can also be seen how one end of the rigid crossbar (2000) is inserted into the opening (1300) of the connecting piece (1000), and how this end includes a tongue- or wing-shaped projection (2200) that engages with the recess (1400) of the connecting piece (1000). In this way, the projection (2200) also rests on the main frame (100). By having part of the crossbar supported on the frame, bending and shear stresses on the connecting piece are reduced and / or eliminated, which facilitates its manufacture in materials without high resistance, such as thermoplastics, while transmitting the high stresses that occur in the rigid crossbar (2000). In the section shown in Figure 6, it can be observed that the tenon (1200) is inserted into the profile that forms the main frame (100) of the bed, ensuring that the joint does not move horizontally. The weight of the rigid crossbar assembly (2000) and the elastic point support elements (200) is supported by the tongue-shaped projection (2200), while the connecting piece (1000), and in particular the tenon (1200), restrict the movement of the assembly. Additionally, the rigid crossbar (2000) comprises a plurality of holes (2100) configured to each receive a corresponding point elastic support element (200), allowing the element to be fixed to the rigid crossbar. One hole (2100) is visible in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 1, the use of the connecting piece (1000) allows each section to be used interchangeably for slats (300) or point elastic support elements (200), since the slat connectors can also be attached to the frame using the same holes into which the dowels (1200) are inserted. Advantageously, the connecting piece (1000) is designed to be detachable without tools, allowing the bed (1) to be quickly and reversibly converted between a configuration with slats (300) and a configuration with point elastic support elements (200). The described system allows the same main metal frame structure (100) to be used interchangeably in configurations with slats (300), rigid crossbars (2000), and point elastic support elements (200), or with a combination of both systems. In this way, the invention allows the bed (1) to be selectively configured by zone, first with a slat system and then with a support system using point elastic support elements, without the need to structurally modify the main frame (100) or perform welding or machining operations. Although the invention has been described with respect to examples of preferred embodiments, these should not be considered limiting to the invention, which will be defined by the broadest interpretation of the following claims.

Claims

1. A bed (1) comprising at least one rigid crossbar (2000) supporting a main frame (100), wherein the at least one rigid crossbar is attached to the main frame at its two ends (2200), said rigid crossbar supporting a series of point elastic support elements (200), characterized in that the rigid crossbar is connected to the main frame at each end by means of a connecting piece (1000) and in that each connecting piece partially receives one of said ends of said rigid crossbar, said connecting piece (1000) also having means for connecting to said main frame, such that the connecting piece is detachable from the main frame and from the end of the at least one crossbar. 2.A bed according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting piece has a portion supported superiorly on the frame and at least one portion positioned laterally and internally with respect to the frame.

3. A bed according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting piece (1000) has a recess (1400) that receives the rigid crossbar.

4. A bed according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for connecting the connecting piece to the main frame comprise a tenon (1200) configured to be inserted into a hole located in the main frame.

5. A bed according to the preceding claim and claim 2, characterized in that the tenon is located in the portion positioned laterally and internally with respect to the frame.

6. A bed according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the free end of the tenon comprises a rounded portion (1220) to facilitate its insertion into the hole. 7.A bed, according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the free end of the tenon also has a beveled cut to facilitate its insertion into the hole.

8. A bed according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting piece is made of plastic material.

9. A bed according to any of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the ends of the at least one rigid crossbar have a shape that matches the recess of the connecting piece.

10. A bed, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ends of the at least one rigid crossbar have respective tabs that are inserted into the connecting piece and rest on the frame.

11. A bed, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tabs are areas of the rigid crossbar with a reduced cross-section. 12.A bed according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one rigid crossbar has a series of holes (2100) configured to receive the point elastic support elements.

13. A bed according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rigid crossbar is made of a metallic material.

14. A bed according to any of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises at least one transverse slat connected to the frame and fixed thereto in holes in the main frame that are the same size and arrangement as the holes through which the rigid crossbar is connected.

15. A bed according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is an articulated bed.