A bed

Abstract

A bed 10 comprising a frame 12 and a mattress support platform 14 configured to support a mattress and occupant(s). The platform is laterally adjustable relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position having a lateral width (WE, Figure 9) greater than a lateral width (WR, Figure 10) in the retracted position. The mattress support platform may comprise a plurality of discrete support elements 16. Said elements may comprise a laterally fixed central support section (28, Figure 9) and an extending support section (30a,b; Figure 9) slidingly movable relative to the central section to support the mattress in the extended position. Also disclosed is an article of adjustable furniture comprising at least one support section (120,122,124,126; Figure 12), and an actuator (170, Figure 12) operable to effect movement, preferably pivotal, of the at least one section. The furniture further comprises at least a first (127e, Figure 12) and a second (127f, Figure 12) component pivotally connected by a bearing assembly (150a,b; Figure 17) having a bearing (156, Figure 21), a bush assembly (151a,b; Figure 22) and a fastener (153, Figure 24). The bearing has an inner (155, Figure 23) and an outer race (157, Figure 23).

Claims

1. A bed (10) comprising a frame (12) and a mattress support platform (14) configured to support, preferably directly support, an associated mattress and occupant(s), in which the mattress support platform (14) is laterally adjustable relative to the frame (12) between a retracted position and an extended position having a lateral width (We) greater than a lateral width (Wr) in the retracted position.

2. A bed (10) according to claim 1 in which the mattress support platform (14) comprises a plurality of discrete mattress support elements (16).

3. A bed (110) according to claim 1 or 2 in which the mattress support platform (114) comprises a plurality of mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126), in which at least one of the plurality of mattress support sections (120,122,124,126) is pivotally mounted with respect to another of the plurality of mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) for relative angular adjustment.

4. A bed (110) according to claim 3 in which at least two, preferably all adjacent mattress support sections are pivotally connected to each other.

5. A bed (110) according to claims 3 or 4 in which the mattress support sections comprise one or more of a seat support section (118), a back support section (120), a mattress bend support section (122), a thigh support section (124) and a foot support section (126).

6. A bed (110) according to claim 5 in which the seat support section (118) is fixed relative to the frame (12) or to an intermediate support carriage which is translationally moveable relative to the frame.

7. A bed (110) according to claim 5 or 6 in which the mattress bend support section (122) is positioned between the seat support section (118) and the back support section (120) or between the thigh support section (124) and the back support section (120).

8. A bed (110) according to any one of claims 3 to 7 when dependent on claim 2 in which at least one, preferably each of the plurality of mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) includes at least one of the plurality of mattress support elements (116).

9. A bed (110) according to claim 8 in which at least one of the plurality of mattress support elements (116) is independently laterally movable relative to the other mattress support elements (116).

10. A bed (110) according to claim 8 or 9, in which each of the mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) further comprise a pair of side members (127) rigidly connected to each other by one or more of the mattress support elements (116).

11. A bed (110) according to claim 10 in which adjacent side members (127a-i) are pivotally connected to each other at a pivot point (PP).

12. A bed (10,110) according to claim 2, or any one of claims 3 to 11 when dependent on claim 2, the mattress support elements (16) comprise a laterally fixed central support section (28), and an extending support section (30), in which the extending support section (30) is movable, preferably slidingly movable relative to the central support section (28) to support the mattress in the extended position.

13. A bed (10,110) according to claim 12 in which the extending support section (30) is telescopically movable relative to the central support section.

14. A bed (10,110) according to claim 12 or 13 in which the central support section (28) is defined by a non-continuous cross-sectional profile.

15. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 in which the extending support section (30) is supported by, preferably vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the central support section (28) when in the extended position, preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within the central support section (28) preferably inserted inside the central support section (28).

16. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 12 to 15 in which the extending support section (30) at least partially, preferably fully overlaps in the lateral direction (W) with the central support section (28) in the retracted position.

17. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 12 to 16 in which the extending support section (30) at least partially overlaps in the lateral direction (W) with the central support section (28) in the extended position.

18. A bed (10,110) according anyone of claims 12 to 17 in which the extending support section (30) is cantilevered when in the extended position.

19. A bed (10,110) according to claim anyone of claims 12 to 18, the extending support section (30) comprises a first extending support section (30a) and a second extending support section (30b) in which the first extending support section (30a) is movably extendable from the central support section (28) in a first direction Wi, the second extending support section is movably extendable from the central support section (28) in a second direction W2, the second direction W2 is opposite to the first direction W1, to support the mattress in the extended position.

20. A bed (10,110) according to claim 19 in which the first extending support section (30a) is supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the second extending support section (30b) when in the extended position, preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within second extending support section (30b), preferably inserted inside the second extending support section (30b) when in the extended position.

21. A bed (10,110) according to claim 19 or 20 in which the first extending support section (30a) is supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the second extending support section (30b) when in the retracted position, preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within second extending support section (30b), preferably inserted inside the second extending support section (30b) when in the retracted position.

22. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 19 to 21 in which the first (30a) and the second (30b) extending support section are supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the central support section (28), preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within the central support section (28), preferably inserted inside the central support section (28) when in the extended position.

23. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 19 to 22 in which the first (30a) and the second (30b) extending support sections are supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the central support section (28), preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within the central support section (28), preferably inserted inside the central support section when in the retracted position.

24. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 19 to 23 in which the first extending support section (30a) at least partially, preferably fully overlaps with the second extending support section (30b) in the lateral direction (W) when in the retracted position.

25. A bed (10,110) according to claim any one of claims 19 to 24 in which the first extending support section (30a), the second support extending section (30b) and the central support section (28) are arranged on a common lateral axis (Al) in both the extended and retracted positions.

26. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 19 to 25 further comprising a support section (32,132), in which the support section (32,132) and the second extending support section (30b, 130b) have a substantially identical cross-sectional profile shape and size such that the support section (32,132) and the second extending support section (30b, 130b) locate inside the central support section (28,128).

27. A bed (10,110) according to claim 26 in which the first extending support section (130a) locates inside the support section (32,132) and the second extending support section (30b, 130b) in the retracted position.

28. A bed (10,110) according claim 26 or 27 in which the first extending support section (30a) is supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the support section (32,132), preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within the support section (32,132), preferably inserted inside the support section (32,132) when in the retracted position, and the second extending support section (30b) is supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the central support section (28), preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within the central support section (28), preferably inserted inside the central support section when in the retracted position.

29. A bed (10,110) according to any one of claims 26 to 28 in which the first extending support section (30a) is supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the support section (32,132), preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within the support section (32,132), preferably inserted inside the support section (32,132) when in the extended position, and the second extending support section (30b) is supported, preferably by being vertically constrained by, preferably interlocked with the central support section (28), preferably by being at least partially, preferably fully housed within the central support section (28), preferably inserted inside the central support section when in the extended position.

30. A bed (310) according to any one of claims 19 to 29 the first extending support section (330a) comprises an inner support section (330ainner) and an outer support section (330aouter), and the second extending support section (330b) comprises an inner support section (330binner) and an outer support section (330bouter), in which the inner support sections (330ainner,330binner) are movable, preferably slidingly movable relative to the outer support sections (330aOuter, 330bouter) to support the mattress in the extended position.

31. A bed (1810) according to any preceding claim in which the frame (1812) is laterally adjustable between a frame retracted position and a frame extended position.

32. A bed according to claim 31, the frame includes a left side rail and a right side rail, in which the left and right side rails are laterally adjustable relative to each other to adjust the frame between the frame retracted position and the frame extended position.

33. A bed (1810) according to claim 31 or 32, the frame (1812) includes a head end rail (1819) and a foot end rail (1817), the head end rail (1819) and the foot end rail (1817) are laterally extendable, preferably the head end rail (1819) and the foot end rail (1817) comprise a fixed central section (1817c, 1819c) and two extending sections (1817e,1819e), in which the two extending sections (181 7e,1 81 9e) are laterally adjustable relative to the fixed central section (1817c, 1819c) to adjust the frame between the frame retracted position and the frame extended position.

34. A bed according to claim 33 in which lateral movement of the head end rail and the foot end rails moves the left side rail and the right side rail in a lateral direction.

35. A bed (410) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, the frame includes a left (415b) and a right side (415a) rail, a head end rail (41 9h) and a foot end rail (41 7f), in which in the extended position, the head end rail (41 9h) and the foot end rail (41 7f) have a lateral width (Wf / h) greater than a lateral width (Wsr) defined by a lateral distance between the left (415b) and right (415a) side rails.

36. A bed (410) according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 35 when dependent on claim 8 in which at least one of the mattress support elements (416g,i) is mounted, preferably pivotally mounted, on the support section (420) for relative support element adjustment, preferably angular and / or linear adjustment, relative to an adjacent mattress support element (416h) positioned on the at least one mattress support section (420), preferably the back support section (420), between flat and raised positions.

37. A bed (410) according to claim 36 in which the central support section (28) and the first (30a) and second (30b) extending support sections have a rounded edge which cooperates with the associated mattress when the mattress support elements (416g,i) are adjusted between flat and raised positions and / or rotatedrelative to an adjacent central support section (28) and first (30a) and second (30b) extending support sections.

38. A bed (410) according to claim 36 or 37 in which at least one of the mattress support elements (416g, i) is moveable, preferably rotatable relative to an adjacent mattress support element (416h) independently of the angular adjustment of the plurality of mattress support sections (418,420,422,424,426).

39. A bed (410) according to any one of claims 36 to 38 in which at least one of the mattress support elements (416g,i) is at least one of a neck support slat (416i)and a lumbar support slat (416g).

40. A bed (410) according to any one of claims 36 to 39 in which the support element adjustment of the neck support slat (416i) is adjustable relative to the adjacent mattress support element (416h) independently of the support element adjustment of the lumbar support slat (416g).41 .A bed (410) according to any one of claims 39 or 40, each of the mattress support sections (418,420,422,424,426) further comprise a pair of side members (427) rigidly connected to each other by one or more of the mattress support elements (416), in which at least one of the mattress support elements (416g,i) pivotally mounted on the support section (420) for support element adjustment relative to the adjacent mattress support element (416h) positioned on the at least one mattress support section (420) is pivotally mounted to the side member (427).

42. A bed (410) according to any one of claims 39 to 41, the bed (410) further comprises a neck support actuator (421) to effect support element adjustment of the neck support slat (416i) in which the neck support actuator (421) is pivotally mounted at a first end to the adjacent mattress support element (416h) and at a second to the neck support slat (416i) such that relative movement between the first and second end of the neck support actuator (421) rotates the neck support slat (416i) relative to the fixed slat (426h) between a flat and a raised position.

43. A bed (410) according to any one of claims 39 to 42 the bed (410) further comprises a lumbar support actuator (423) to effect support element angular adjustment of the lumbar support slat (416g), in which the lumbar support actuator (423) is pivotally mounted at a first end to the adjacent mattress support element (416h) and at a second to the lumbar support slat (416g) such that relative movement between the first and second end of the lumbar support actuator (423) rotates the adjustable lumbar support slat 416g relative to the fixed slat (426h) between a flat and a raised position.

44. A bed (410) according to claim 42 when dependent on claim 42 in which the first end of the lumbar support actuator (423) and the first end of the neck support actuator (421) are pivotally mounted to a common mattress support element (416h), preferably the common mattress support element (416h) is positioned between the lumbar support slat (416g) and the neck support slat (416i).45.A bed (510) according to any preceding claim, the frame further comprising a plurality of legs (513a-f) to support the frame above a surface (S) upon which the bed (510) sits, in which at least two of the plurality of legs on opposing lateral sides of the bed include outwardly and laterally extending portions positioned at their lower free end to support a load applied to the bed.46.A bed (10) according to any preceding claim, the frame further comprising a plurality of legs (13a-f) to support the frame above a surface (S) upon which the bed (10) sits, in which the plurality of legs (13a-f) remain stationary when the mattress support platform (14) moves between a retracted position and an extended position.

47. A bed (1010) according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 46 when dependent on claim 8 in which each of the first (1030a) and second (1030b) extending sections has a free outboard end, in which outboard ends of adjacent extending support sections (1030a, 1030b) are pivotally connected to each other by a linkage (1050).

48. A bed (10) according to any preceding claim in which the retracted position is one or more retracted positions and the extended position is one or more extended positions.

49. A bed according to claim 48 in which the retracted position corresponds to a first bed width which can support a mattress having a first width, preferably 3 foot, and the extended position corresponds to a second bed width which can support a 4 foot or 5 foot or 6 foot or 6 foot 4 inch mattress, or,the retracted position corresponds to a first bed width which can support a 4 foot mattress and the extended position corresponds to a second bed width which can accommodate a 5 foot or 6 foot or 6 foot 4 inch mattress, orthe retracted position corresponds to a bed width which can support a 5 foot mattress and the extended position corresponds to a second bed width which can support a 6 foot or 6 foot 4 inch mattress.50.A bed according to any preceding claim, in which the mattress support platform move rearwards towards a head end of the bed when the back support section is raised, and moves forwards towards a foot end of the bed when the back support section is lowered, preferably the mattress support platform is angularly movably mounted on an intermediate support carriage, the intermediate support carriage being movably mounted on or in relation to the frame of the bed for translational movement with respect to the frame of the bed when the back support section is raised or lowered.

51. A bed (1710) according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 50 when dependent on claim 8 in which each of the first and second extending sections has a free outboard end, the bed further comprising a cover, preferably a unitary cover (1732) secured to the free ends of each of the first and second extending sections such that the cover substantially covers the mattress support platform, in which the cover (1732) is configured to expand as the bed moves between the retracted position and the extended position, preferably the cover is folded in the retracted position and unfolded in the extended position, preferably the cover is a foam cover or a fabric cover.

52. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 51, a gap (Ds) is defined between adjacent mattress support elements (16), each of the mattress support elements (16) have a longitudinal width (Dsa), in which a total area of the mattress supportelements (16) in contact with an associated mattress (500) is equal to or greater than a total area defined by the gap (Ds) between the mattress support elements (16) and in contact with the associated mattress (500) such that the mattress support elements (16) support the associated mattress (500).

53. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 52 in which a longitudinal width (Dsa) width of each mattress support element (16) is greater than a gap (Ds) defined between adjacent mattress support elements (16).

54. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 53 , the plurality of discrete mattress support elements (16) is a number (N) of mattress support elements (16), the number (N) and longitudinal width (Dsa) of the mattress support elements (16) configured such that the gap (Ds) between adjacent mattress support elements (16) is substantially equal to or less than 100mm.

55. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 54 in which the mattress support elements (16) have a longitudinal width (Dsa) of at least 75mm, preferably at least 100mm.

56. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 55 in which the mattress support elements (16) each have a substantially equal longitudinal width (Dsa).

57. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 56 in which the gap (Ds) between each adjacent mattress support element (16) is substantially equal.

58. A bed (110) according to any one of claims 3 to 57 in which a pivotal connection point (PP) between adjacent mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) substantially coincides with a longitudinal mid-point (MP) defined half-way between adjacent mattress support elements (116) in a longitudinal direction of the bed (110), in which the mid-point PP is substantially half the gap (Ds) defined between each adjacent mattress support element (16).

59. A bed (110) according to any one of claims 3 to 58 in which a pivotal connection point (PP) between adjacent mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) is vertically positioned in an envelope (E) defined between an upper (UP) and a lower (LO) external surface of the mattress support element (16).

60. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 59 in which each side member (27) includes an aperture or cut-out (59) to enable the extending support section (30) to move laterally between retracted and extended positions.

61. An article of adjustable furniture, preferably a bed (110), comprising at least one support section (120,122,124,126), an actuator (170) operable to effect movement, preferably pivotal, of the at least one support section, and at least a first (127e) and a second (127f) component pivotally joined by a bearing assembly (150a,b), the bearing assembly (150a,b) comprising a bearing (156), a bush assembly (151a,b), and a fastener (153), the bearing (156) having an inner (155) and outer race (157) rotationally moveable relative to each other, the outer race (157) is rotationally fixed relative to the second component (127f), in which the first component (127e) is rotationally fixed relative to the inner race (155) and the bush assembly (151a,b) by the fastener (153), such that operation of the actuator (170) causes relative movement between the inner (155) and outer (157) race to cause pivotal movement between the first (127e) and second (127f) components so as to effect movement of the at least one support section (120,122,124,126).

62. An article of adjustable furniture according to claim 61 in which the first component (127e) is rotationally fixed to the inner race (155) and the bush assembly (151a,b) by axially clamping the first component (127e) to the bush assembly (151a,b) and the inner race (155), preferably axially clamping at least part of the bush assembly (151 a,b) between the first component (127e) and the inner race (155).

63. An article of adjustable furniture according to claim 61 or 62 in which the bush assembly (151 a,b) is a first bush (158).

64. An article of adjustable furniture according to claim 63 in which the bush assembly (151 a,b) is a first bush (158) and a second bush (154).

65. An article of adjustable furniture according to claim 63 or 64 in which the first (158) and / or second (154) bush includes a first axially inward projection (161 a,b) which cooperates with the second component (127f) to limit lateral movement of the second component (127f).

66. An article of adjustable furniture according to any one of claims 63 to 65 in which the first (158) and / or second (154) bush includes a second axially inward projection (163) which engages with the inner race (155) to rotationally fix the inner race (155) and the bush assembly (151 a,b) to the first component (127e).

67. An article of adjustable furniture according to claim 65 or 66 when dependent on claim 65 in which the first axially inward projection (161) is positioned radially outboard of the second axially inward projection (163).

68. An article of adjustable furniture according to one of claims 61 to 67, the fastener (153) comprises a nut (165) and a bolt (167), in which the bush assembly (151s,b) is clamped between the nut (165) and the bolt (167) and the first component (127) is clamped between the bush assembly (151) and one of the nut (165) or the bolt (167).

69. An article of adjustable furniture according to claim 68 further comprising a washer positioned between one of the nut (165) or the bolt (167) and the bush assembly (151a,b).

70. An article of adjustable furniture according to any one of claims 61 to 69 in which one of the plurality of mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) includes the first component (127ab, 127cd, 127e, 127f, 127ghi),and an adjacent support section of the plurality of mattress support sections (120,122,124,126) includes the second component (127ab, 127cd, 127e, 127f, 127ghi),or a frame (115a) of the bed includes the second component,or a first connecting means (180) connecting one of the mattress support sections (127ab) to a frame of the bed includes the second component, or a second connecting means (183) connecting the first connecting means (180) to one of the mattress support sections (127ab) includes the second component.

71. An article of adjustable furniture according to any one of claims 61 to 70 further comprising a second bearing assembly (150b), the second bearing assembly comprising a second bearing (156), and a second bush assembly (151b), thesecond bearing (156) having an inner (155b) and outer race (157b) rotationally moveable relative to each other, the outer race (157b) is rotationally fixed relative to a third component (171), in which the third component (171) is rotationally fixed to the inner race (155b) and the second bush assembly (151b) of the second bearing assembly (150b) by the fastener (153), and the bush assembly (151b) of the second bearing assembly (150b) is rotationally fixed relative to the bush assembly (151a) of the first bearing assembly (150a) by the fastener (153), such that operation of the actuator (170) causes relative movement between the inner (155a) and outer (157a) race of the first bearing assembly (150a) and relative movement between the inner (155b) and outer (157b) race of the second bearing assembly (150b) to cause pivotal movement between the first (127ghi), second (127f) and third (171) components so as to effect movement of the at least one support section (120,122,124,126).

72. An article of adjustable furniture according to any one of claims 61 to 71 further comprising a fastener washer (169b) positioned axially between the second bush assembly (151b) and the nut (165) or bolt (167) of the fastener.

73. An article of adjustable furniture according to any one of claims 61 to 72 further comprising a bearing washer (149a) positioned axially between the first bush (158) of the second bush assembly (151b) and the second bush (154) of the first bush assembly (151a).

74. A bed (110) according to any preceding claim, the frame (112) comprises a first section (112a) and a second section (112b), the first and second sections pivotally attached using a hinge (113) such that the first (112a) and second (112b) sections can be moved between an assembled position and a folded position.

75. A bed (110) according to claim 68, the first section (112a) having a lower surface, and the second section (112b) having a lower surface, in which the lower surfaces face each other, preferably engage with each other when in the folded position.

76. A bed (110) according to claim 3 and any one of claims 4 to 69 when dependent on claim 3 in which each of the mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) is releasably attachable to the frame (112).

77. A bed (110) according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 70 when dependent on claim 3 in which each of the mattress support sections (118,120,122,124,126) is releasably pivotally connectable to an adjacent mattress support section (118,120,122,124,126).

78. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 60 in which the mattress support elements (16) comprise a curved upper surface (UP) which is engageable with an associated mattress (500).

79. A bed (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 60 in which the mattress support elements (16) have a partially oval cross-section.

80. A bed (10) according to claim 12 or any one of claims 13 to 60 when dependent on 12 in which the central support section (28) is an aluminium extrusion, and the extending support section (30) is a plastic moulding.

81. A bed (10) comprising a frame (12) and a mattress support platform (14) configured to support an associated mattress and occupant(s), in which the mattress support platform (14) is laterally adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position having a lateral width (\NE) greater than a lateral width (WR) in the retracted position.Application No: GB2411100.7Examiner: Hari FletcherClaims searched: 1-60; 74-77 (in part); &78-81 Date of search: 20 January 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-60 &74-81 US 9149400 B2 (SERHAN) See figures. X 1-60 &74-81 CN 210961157 U (HOME SUN IND CO LTD) See figures. X 1-60 &74-81 CN 211154731 U (ULIFE HEALTHCARE INC) See figures. v A 1-60 &74-81 TWM629402 U (DK CITY CORP) See figures. X 1-60 &74-81 GB 2432111 A (MATHEW JAMES SHINE) See figures.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if p Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP. WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC____________A47C; A61G_______________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search reportSEARCH-PATENTInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From A47C 0019 / 04 01 / 01 / 2006 A61G 0007 / 002 01 / 01 / 2006 A61G 0007 / 015 01 / 01 / 2006

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