Adjustable height bed with a two-part slatted base and method for assembling / disassembling such a bed

Abstract

The invention relates to a height-adjustable bed (1) comprising a frame (2), a crossbar (3), and a slatted base (4) in two parts (24, 25). The frame (2) includes an end (2b) equipped with receiving means (55, 56) for securing the first part of the slatted base (24), which is positioned vertically, and for pivoting it at the level of the receiving means (55, 56). Two guide rails (48, 49) on the first part of the slatted base 24 include engagement zones for receiving connecting elements (16, 17) of the crossbar (3) placed in a so-called safety and comfort position, during pivoting of the first part of the slatted base (24) towards the second part of the slatted base (25) relative to the receiving means (55, 56).The guide rails (48, 49) include stop members (48b, 49b) that limit the travel of the connecting members (16, 17) in the guide rails (48, 49) when the cross member (3) rises and reaches a second intermediate gripping position, so that the connecting members (16, 17) lift the first part of the bed frame (24) and release it from the receiving means (55, 56) when the cross member (3) continues to rise beyond said intermediate gripping position, thus allowing the manual assembly of the first part of the bed frame (24) with the second part of the bed frame (25). Figure 1.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Variable height bed with a base made of two parts and method of assembling / disassembling such a bed Technical field

[0001] — The present invention relates to the field of variable height beds equipped with a chassis, a bed base in two parts assembled together and a structure in crosspiece arranged between the frame and the bed base to allow height adjustment of this box spring.

[0002] In a particular embodiment, the invention is implemented on beds simple medicalized for which the bed base includes a head part equipped with a backrest and a foot section with a one-part or two-part leg rest parts consisting of a thigh rest and a foot rest, so as to be able to adapt the user's lying position on this bed base. Its implementation remains however, other height-adjustable beds, medical or not, simple, can be considered or double, and equipped with at least one two-part box spring and at least one cross-shaped structure receiving the two parts of at least one box spring. State of the art

[0003] In the field of medical beds, in particular, the medical bed is usually consists of a bed base, a frame on casters, feet or glides and of a motorized cross-shaped structure arranged between the frame and the bed base, said cross-brace structure allowing the height of the said bed base to be modified. This bed base has a head part and a foot part, assembled together. The head part of the box spring has a backrest and the foot part of the box spring has a backrest legs, which can be motorized. The leg rest can be one-part or two parts consisting of a thigh rest and a foot rest.

[0004] The bed is delivered to the patient on a transport trolley, dismantled in two or three parts, namely: a first part consisting of the chassis on rollers on which is already assembled the cross-brace structure, a second part consisting of the head part of the box spring and a third part consisting of the foot part of the box spring. In the case of a delivery in two parts, one of the two parts — head part or foot part — of the box spring is already assembled with the cross-brace structure, only the other of the said two parts being dismantled. The assembly is carried out at the patient's home by an installer who is usually also the delivery man.

[0005] — The handling of the bed until its assembly at the patient's is carried out by means of the transport trolley which receives the aforementioned two or three parts in position vertical. The installer first removes the head section of the bed base from the transport trolley and the foot part of the bed base, when the bed is transported on the three-part transport trolley, or even removes only the head part of the bed base or the foot part 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 part or foot part - of the bed base being already mounted on the frame. The installer then mounts the head part of the bed base and the foot part of the bed base on the cross-brace structure, or even only one of these two parts - head part and foot part - of the bed base if the other is already mounted on the cross-brace structure.Then the installer joins the head part of the bed base and the foot part 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. A major drawback is that the installer is forced to carry the part or parts—head part and foot part—of the bed base at arm's length during its installation on the cross-brace structure. The installer is forced to bend his back during handling, in order to correctly position the head part of the bed base and the foot part of the bed base before their final assembly. This can ultimately cause musculoskeletal disorders in installers of such beds. These problems persist when dismantling the bed before reassembling the different parts of the bed on the transport trolley, for its evacuation from the patient's home. Summary of the invention 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. 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 can 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. 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. 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. Furthermore, according to the invention, the two first 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, beyond 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 bed base part 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 bed base part 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. 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 later in 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 properly 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. 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 framework 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 according to the invention, the first guide rails each have a U-shaped section in a transverse sectional plane, 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 part of the bed base is wedged in the receiving means on the frame, the installer tilts the first part of the bed base 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 part of the bed base. 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 part of the box spring. 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, in a suitable flat position. Variants, however, remain possible within the scope of the invention. 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. According to a first embodiment of the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, it comprises identification 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 structure 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 rises to the high position and when it descends to the low position. This facilitates the positioning of the cross-shaped 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 chassis, 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 position of safety and comfort preferably corresponds to a position of safety and comfort 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 position of safety and comfort allows the user to easily get off the bed with their feet properly resting on the floor, without the need to jump out of bed or, conversely, to make a significant effort to get up from the bed. This position of safety and comfort also allows the user to easily get into bed by sitting correctly, without the need to lift their bottom or, conversely, to drop their bottom, to get onto the mattress of the bed. 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. 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. 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. According to a preferred embodiment of the variable height bed which is the subject of the invention, the latter comprises a motorization box arranged between the first element of structure and the second end of the chassis, said motorization housing being juxtaposed with said second end. In addition, the first structural element comprises a fork, the two branches of which 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. 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: - position the frame horizontally resting on the ground, - lift the cross-shaped structure until it reaches the intermediate position, - 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, - 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, - 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, - 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 - assemble the two parts of the box spring together. 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 rea- In 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. 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: - remove the first part of the box spring from the transport trolley by handling it in its vertical position; - 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. 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. 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. The invention also relates to the method of dismantling the bed, for which the steps are reversed compared to the aforementioned assembly method. Brief description of the figures The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description based on figures, among which: [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 height-adjustable bed of [Fig.1], disassembled into three parts arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley; [Fig.3] illustrates the medical height-adjustable bed of [Fig.1], disassembled into two parts arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley; [Fig.4] illustrates the medical variable height bed of [Fig.1], dismantled 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; [Fig.5] illustrates a first part of the box spring consisting of the head part of the box spring: [Fig.6] illustrates a second part of the bed base consisting of the foot part of the bed base: [Fig.7] illustrates the chassis with the cross-brace structure deployed in the high position; [Fig.8] illustrates a first guide rail of the first part of the bed base; [Fig.9] illustrates the engagement means of the second part of the bed base, engaged on the upper end of the second structural element of the cross-brace structure; [Fig.10] partially illustrates the bed base in order to highlight the assembly of the two bed base parts using latch-type assembly systems; [Fig.11] shows the chassis with the cross-brace structure placed in the low position; [Fig.12] shows the chassis with the cross-brace structure placed in an intermediate position for safety and comfort: [Fig.13] schematizes [Fig.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; [Fig.14] schematizes [Fig.13], with however the second part of the bed base which is pivoted against the second cross-shaped structural element; |Fig.15] schematizes [Fig.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; [Fig.16] schematizes [Fig.15], with however the first part of the soundboard which is pivoted towards the second part of the bed base, while remaining wedged in the receiving means on the frame, 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; [Fig.17] schematizes [Fig.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; [Fig.18] schematizes [Fig.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; [Fig.19] schematizes [Fig.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; [Fig.20] schematizes [Fig.19], with however the two parts of the bed base which are joined by fitting, ready to be fixed together; [Fig.21] schematizes [Fig.20], with locking means in place to keep the two parts of the bed base fixed, thus constituting the bed base. Detailed description In the remainder of the description, the same references are used to describe the same characteristics in the figures, without indication in the text. In the remainder of the description, the term bed designates the variable height bed, unless otherwise indicated in the text. 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 placed on the floor, with a person lying lengthwise on the bed, their head being placed on the headboard side and their feet being placed on the footboard side. With reference to [Fig. 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. With particular reference to figures | 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-braced structure 3 comprises two structural elements 9, 10 mounted in a cross and pivoting relative to each other along a transverse axis XO. 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 headboard, 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. 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 | 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 cross member 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 the assembled holding of the two first spar parts 26, 27 with the two second parts of . spar 32, 33. In [Fig. 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 [Fig. 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 [Fig. 4], then allowing said transport trolley 39 to be disassembled, or even to leave it there if this choice is preferred. [Fig. 3] differs from [Fig. 2] in that the bed 1 can be disassembled only into two parts 1d, 1e arranged in a vertical position on a transport trolley 39°, the two parts 1d, 1e 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 trolley to be disassembled 39° transport. 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, the mounting in pivot connection of transverse axis X4 can be permanent between the second part of the bed base 25 and the second structural element 10. On the contrary, when the bed 1 is in three parts 1a, 1b, 1c, said mounting in pivot connection of transverse axis X4 must necessarily allow the easy and rapid mounting and dismounting of the second part of the bed base 25 with respect to the second structural element 10. For this, the second side member parts 32, 33 of the second part of the bed base 25 each comprise an engagement system 43, 44. As illustrated in [Fig.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 mounting in pivot connection with transverse axis X4. According to an exemplary embodiment, a member of . 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 part of the bed base 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. With particular reference to figures |, 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 cross-section in a transverse sectional plane, each with a lower branch 52, 53 which comprises a notch 54 preferably arranged close to 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. Fig. 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 Sa, 6a located on the side of the second end 2b of the chassis 2, two receiving members 55, 56 which may be formed in a single piece with the side members 5, 6 or added by fitting to the ends Sa, 6a thereof. These receiving members 55, 56 each have a notch 57, 58. The notches 57, 58 allow the reception of the lower cross member 28 of the first part of the bed base 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 part of the bed base 24, resting in the notches 57, 58, can pivot in order to tilt it in direction of the second part of the box spring 25, towards the foot of the bed. 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 crosspiece 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. 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. 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 ground, 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 positioned more or less stably 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 low position, as in [Fig.11]. The installer then raises the cross-shaped structure 3 in an intermediate position of safety and comfort, shown diagrammatically in [Fig. 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 structure. crossbar 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 operates the motorization box 66 using a control keyboard to raise the crossbar 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 part of the bed base 25 on the second structural element 10 and positioning the first part of the bed base 24 on the first structural element 9. 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 carried out, the second bed base part 25 is as in [Fig. 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 [Fig. 14]. The installer then grasps the first part of the bed base 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 chassis 2, as in [Fig.15]. The first bed base part 24 is then carried by the chassis 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 rolling 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 rolling rollers 16, 17 and the lower crosspiece 28 remains wedged in the notches 57, 58 on the chassis 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 16]. The installer can then release the first bed base part 24. In the next step, illustrated [Fig. 17], the installer raises the cross-brace structure until reaching an intermediate gripping position where the rollers 16, 17 abut against the closed ends 48b, 49b of the guide rails 48, 49. The installer then continues to raise the cross-brace structure 3 until reaching the high position, which allows the first structural element 9 to lift the first bed base part 24 whose lower cross member 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 cross member 28 from the notches 57, 58 to allow the first bed base part 24 to pivot about 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 [Fig. 18]. In an alternative embodiment, it could be envisaged that, once the intermediate gripping position has been reached by the cross-brace 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 emerges from the notches 57, 58 of the chassis 2, thus releasing the first bed base part 24 from the notches 57, 58 of the chassis 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. The installer then stands on one of the lateral sides of the chassis 2 and pivots the two bed parts 24, 25 to place them in the same horizontal plane, as in [Fig. 19]. Then the installer pulls the first bed 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 [Fig. 20]. A beveled shape 62, illustrated [Fig. 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 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 [Fig.1] if the user wishes. The latch-type assembly could be replaced by a thumbwheel or a wing screw, for example. 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 cross-brace structure 3, during the assembly process explained previously.The bevels 63 are oriented towards the ends Sa, 6a of the side members 5, 6 of the chassis 2, as shown in particular in figures 1 and 4. Variations remain possible 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-brace structure 3 is in its intermediate safety and comfort position, the engagement of the rollers 16, 17 could be done by the first ends 48a, 49a of the guide rails 48, 49 which are open, the 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 X1 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. The cross-shaped structure 3 is actuated by means of the motorization box 66 which is placed near the cross member 8 at the second end 2b of the chassis 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 makes it possible to lower said cross-shaped structure as low as possible and, thus, the bed base 4. The programming unit (not shown) 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 A, the cross-brace structure 3 automatically stops in the safe and comfortable position in which the user can easily get off the bed with the 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 does he have to 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, he / she does not have to lift his / her posterior due to the bed base 4 being too high or to drop his / her posterior onto the bed base 4 due to its positioning being 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 home.

Claims

Claims

1. A height-adjustable bed (1) comprising a frame (2), a structure in cross brace (3) mounted on the chassis (2) and configured to be moved from a low position to a high position, and vice versa, and a box spring (4) comprising two bed base parts (24, 25) configured to be assembled together at their proximal ends so that to constitute said bed base (4) during assembly on the structure in crosspiece (3), the crosspiece structure (3) comprising two elements of structure (9, 10) mounted in a cross-section, a first of the two elements of structure (9) having a lower end (11a, 12a) mounted in connection pivot along a first transverse axis (X1) relative to a first end (2a) of the chassis (2) and an upper end (14a, 15a) comprising two first connecting members (16, 17) configured to to be mounted respectively in two first guide rails (48, 49) extending longitudinally in the same plane, on both sides sides of a first (24) of the two parts of the box spring, the first connecting members (16, 17) and the first guide rails (48, 49) being configured to constitute a pivot link along a second axis transverse (X2), movable in translation along the first two rails of guide (48, 49), between the upper end of the first element of structure (9) and the first part of the bed base (24), characterized in that that the frame (2) comprises a second end (2b) which comprises receiving means (55, 56) configured to wedge one end distal (24a) of the first part of the bed base (24) placed in a vertical position and to allow the pivoting of said first part of the box spring (24) along a third transverse axis (X5) located at level of said receiving means (55, 56), in that the two first guide rails (48, 49) each comprise an area engagement zones (54), the engagement zones (54) being configured to respectively receive the first connecting members (16, 17) in an intermediate position of safety and comfort of the structure in crosspiece (3), located between the low position and the high position, during a pivoting towards the second part of the box spring (25), according to the third transverse axis (X5), of the first part of the bed base (24) in relation to the receiving means (55, 56), and in that the first two rails of guide (48, 49) each comprise a stop member (48b, 49b), the stop members (48b, 49b) being configured to delimit the stroke first connecting members (16, 17) in the first rails of guide (48, 49) when the cross-shaped structure (3) rises and reaches an intermediate gripping position located between the inter- position safety and comfort mediator and high position, so that said first connecting members (16, 17) lift the first part of bed base (24) and release its distal end (24a) from the means of reception (55, 56) on the chassis (2) when the cross-shaped structure (3) continues to rise beyond said intermediate position of grip, thus allowing pivoting along the second axis transverse {X2) and the translation along the first guide rails (48, 49), of the first part of the box spring (24) in relation to the first structural element (9), for manual assembly of the first part of the box spring (24) with the second part of the box spring (25) mounted on the second structural element (10).

2. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (2) comprises two side members (5, 6) and two cross members (7, 8) defining a frame, the receiving means being made up of two organs of reception (55, 56) arranged at the ends (Sa, 6a) of the two side members {5, 6) on the side of the second end (2b) of the chassis (2).

3. A height-adjustable 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 cross-sectional plane a U-shaped section, the branches of the U of the first two guide rails being arranged in look, 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) in the first guide rail (48, 49).

5. Variable height bed (1) according to claim 4, wherein the notch (54) is placed next to one end (48a, 48b) of the first rail of guide (48, 49) arranged closest to the distal end (24a) of the first part of the box spring (24).

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

7. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 6, wherein the second (10) of the two structural elements has a lower end (18a, 19a) comprising two second members of connection mounted respectively in two second guide rails (20, 21) extending longitudinally in the same plane on both sides side of the chassis (2), the second connecting members and the second guide rails (20, 21) being configured to constitute a connection pivot along a fourth transverse axis (X3), mobile in translation along the two second guide rails (20, 21), between the in- lower part of the second structural element (10) and the chassis (2), engaging means being arranged between the second part of bed base (25) and the upper end (60a, 6la) of the second element of structure (10), said engagement means being configured to engage, in the intermediate safety and comfort position, the second part of the box spring (25) placed in a vertical position, on the upper end (60a, 6la) of the second structural element (10) and to mount in pivot connection according to a fifth transverse axis (X4) said second part of the bed base (25) relative to the su- upper (60a, 61a) of the second structural element (10), once said engagement carried out.

8. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. '7, which comprises locating means (59) making it possible to define the intermediate position of safety and comfort of the structure in crosspiece (3), during its ascent and descent.

9. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. '7, which comprises a motor housing (66) configured to operate the cross-shaped structure (3), said motorization box (66) comprising a programming unit configured to auto-stop automatically the cross-brace structure (3) when it reaches the position intermediate safety and comfort, during its ascent to the position high and when lowering to the low position.

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

11. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 10, which comprises locking means (37, 38) arranged between the two parts of the box spring (24, 25) so as to keep them assembled when making the box spring (4).

12. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16. 11, in which the first bed base part (24) is arranged on the side headboard and the second part of the bed base (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. A height-adjustable bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the frame (2) comprises casters (40). 13, which comprises a motor housing (66) arranged between the first structural element (9) and the second end (2b) of the chassis (2), said motorization 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 their ends (14a, 15a) the first connecting members (16, 17), said fork (13) being configured to release the first element from structure (9), of the motorization box (66), during the descent of the cross-shaped structure (3) in low position, |Claim 15] Method of mounting a variable height bed (1) having the charac- characteristics of any one of claims 1 to 14, which includes at least the following steps: - position the frame (2) horizontally resting on the ground, - lift the cross-shaped structure (3) until it reaches the inter-position safety and comfort mediator, - grasp and lift the first part of the box spring (24) placed in a vertical position with its distal end (24a) arranged on the side of the ground and position said distal end (24a) in the means of reception (55, 56) at the second end (2b) of the chassis (2), - tilt the first part of the box spring (24) towards the second part of box spring by rotating it along the third transverse axis (X5) by relative to the receiving means (55, 56) on the chassis (2), until that the first part of the box spring (24) rests on the first connecting members (16, 17) of the first structural element (9), said first connecting members (16, 17) being positioned in the zones engagement of the first two guide rails (48, 49), - lift the cross-braced structure (3) again until it exceeds the intermediate gripping position and at least partially release the distal end (24a) of the first bed base part (24), reception means (55, 56), - manually rotate along the second axis (X2) the first part of box spring (24) to position it in the plane of the second part of box spring (25) and manually translate said first part of box spring (24) to join it to the second part of the box spring (25), - assembling the two bed base parts (24, 25) together.

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

17. A method according to claim 16, which comprises a preliminary step additional step consisting of also removing the second part of the box spring (25) of the transport trolley (39), by manipulating it into its position vertical, before tilting the chassis (2).

18. | A method according to claim 17, the bed having the characteristics of claim 7, said method comprising a step of grasp and lift the second part of the box spring (25) placed in a vertical position with its distal end (25a) placed on the ground and snap the second part of the box spring (25) onto 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 part of the box spring (25) then being mounted in pivot connection according to the fifth transverse axis (X4) on said upper end of the second structural element (10).

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, which comprises a step of removing the transport carriage (39, 39”), of the chassis (2).