Adjustable bed

Abstract

A zero-wall adjustable bed (10) including a base, a support carriage (19) slidably movable relative to the base, an actuator (26), a back support platform (18), a lower support platform (91), and a mattress flexion support platform positioned between the back support platform (18) and the lower support platform (20), providing coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform (21) and the lower support platform (20) and between the mattress flexion support platform (21) and the back support platform (18) as the support platform (16) and the back support platform (18) move between a lowered position and a raised position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable bed, in particular an adjustable bed for use in home furniture applications. [Background technology]

[0002] An adjustable bed particularly suited for home furniture applications is described in US Pat. No. 5,399,633. The adjustable bed includes a plurality of mattress support platforms including a movable back support platform, a fixed seat support platform adjacent to the movable back support platform, a thigh support platform adjacent to the fixed seat support platform, and a movable foot or lower leg support platform adjacent to and hinged to the thigh support platform. The back support platform and the thigh support platform are mounted relative to a base to allow angular adjustment of their relative positions to change the configuration of the bed. A linear actuator is provided to move each of the movable platforms to effect angular adjustment of the bed.

[0003] One of the drawbacks associated with the aforementioned type of adjustable bed is that the elevation angle (inside angle) between the seat platform and the elevated back support platform can cause significant operational problems for both the bed and the occupant. In most configurations, the adjustment angle for the backrest is up to 70 degrees. That is, the backrest can be raised up to 70 degrees from the notional horizontal plane of the bed to raise the occupant from a flat lowered or lying position to a raised position up to 70 degrees. In other configurations, the maximum inclination angle may be slightly less, for example 50 degrees, 55 degrees or 60 degrees, depending on the particular application, whether the bed is for home use, nursing home use or medical use.

[0004] In a modern home environment, where mattress thicknesses of 12-18 inches are common, and more typically 14-18 inches in the United States, the overall weight, stiffness and rigidity of the mattress may place unacceptable loads on the bed's motion mechanism. For example, a thicker and heavier mattress may cause the motor (actuator) to struggle and shorten the life of the motor and mechanism. This is becoming increasingly important as the market is driven by customer demand for thicker mattresses. Powered adjustable beds have been known to fail after a short number of cycles using mattresses of the aforementioned thickness. One way to overcome this has been to use special, more flexible "ribbed" mattresses. However, this is not a practical solution for most applications.

[0005] A further problem associated with known designs is that the elevation angle between the seat and the raised back support platform is not ergonomically ideal because it does not allow the mattress to naturally bend around the user's hip joints, so the user must continually adjust their position as the back support platform moves between lowered and raised positions.

[0006] It is also desirable for an adjustable bed to not only be able to accommodate thicker mattresses and operate more efficiently and ergonomically, but also to have zero-wall functionality, i.e., to enable the position of a bed occupant to be maintained close to the wall against which the head end of the bed may be located. This desirable functionality ensures that the position of the occupant is maintained relative to adjacent bedside furniture and the like when the bed is raised or lowered, and ensures that the position of the occupant is maintained relative to their surroundings even when the bed is adjusted to raise the occupant.

[0007] A further problem with known adjustable beds relates to the aesthetics of the bed itself, in particular the visibility of the actuators and associated connection means required to move the back support platform between the lowered and raised positions, because in addition to needing a bed with adjustability and comfort, users further demand an adjustable bed without any negative impact on aesthetics. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved adjustable bed which overcomes or at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems associated with prior art adjustable beds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a zero wall adjustable bed (10) comprising a base (12), a support carriage (19) slidably moveable relative to the base (12), an actuator (26), a support platform (16) including a back support platform (18), a lower support platform (91), and a mattress flexion support platform (21) positioned between the back support platform (18) and the lower support platform (20), the actuator providing coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform (21) and the lower support platform (20) and between the mattress flexion support platform (21) and the back support platform (18) as the back support platform (18) moves between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0010] Preferably, the lower support platform (91) includes at least one of a seat support platform (20), a thigh support platform (22), and a foot support platform (24).

[0011] Preferably, the seat support platform is pivotally mounted to the mattress flexion support platform and the back support platform is pivotally mounted to the mattress flexion support platform, and the actuator provides coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform and the seat support platform and between the mattress flexion support platform and the back support platform as the back support platform moves between the lowered and raised positions.

[0012] Preferably, the first angle (A 1 ) is defined between the seat support platform (20) or support carriage (19) and the mattress flexion support platform (21), and a second angle (A 2 ) is defined between the mattress flexion support platform (21) and the back support platform (18), and a first angle (A 1 ) and the second angle (A 2 ) is less than 10 degrees when the back support platform (18) moves between the lowered and raised positions.

[0013] Preferably, the first angle (A 1 ) and the second angle (A 2 ) are substantially equal when the back support platform (18) moves between the lowered and raised positions.

[0014] Preferably, the third angle (A 3 ) is defined between the seat support platform (20) or the support carriage (19) and the back support platform (18), and a third angle (A 3 ) is between 0 and 70 degrees when the back support platform (18) moves between the lowered and raised positions, and preferably has a third angle (A 3 ) is less than 70 degrees when the back support platform (18) is in the raised position.

[0015] Preferably, at least a portion of the support platform (16) is slidably secured to a support carriage (19).

[0016] Preferably, the seat support platform (20) is slidably secured to the support carriage (19).

[0017] Preferably, the pivot connection between the lower support platform (681) and the mattress flexion support platform (621) is slidably secured to the support carriage (619).

[0018] Preferably, the base (12) includes one of the mattress flexion support platform guide (54) or follower and the mattress flexion support platform (21) includes the other of the mattress flexion support platform guide (54) or follower (56) such that relative movement between the mattress flexion support platform guide (54) and the mattress flexion support platform follower (56) produces coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform (21) and the lower support platform (20) and between the mattress flexion support platform (21) and the back support platform (18) as the back support platform (18) moves between its lowered and raised positions.

[0019] Preferably, the mattress flexure support platform guide (54) slopes vertically upward and rearward toward the head end of the bed.

[0020] Preferably, the mattress flexure support platform guide (54) includes a straight portion, and preferably defines only a straight portion.

[0021] Preferably, the mattress flexure support platform guide includes a curved portion, and preferably defines only a curved portion (354).

[0022] Preferably, the adjustable bed (510) further comprises a first connection means (581) acting directly on the back support platform (518) and a second connection means (583) acting directly on the mattress flexion support platform or on a pivot point (584) connecting the back support platform (581) and the mattress flexion support platform (521) such that the actuator (526) drives both support platforms (521, 526) simultaneously, the second connection means (583) being actuated by the actuator via the first connection means (581), the second connection means (583) being pivotally attached to the first connection means (581) until halfway along the first connection means (581).

[0023] Preferably, the first connection means has a first end that is pivotally attached to the support carriage (519) and a second end that is free to translate on the back support platform (518).

[0024] Preferably, the adjustable bed (510) further includes a third connection means (585) pivotally attached at a first end to the first connection means (581) and pivotally attached at a second end to the base (512).

[0025] Preferably, the actuator has a first end that is pivotally mounted to the base (212) and a second end that is pivotally mounted to the support carriage (219) such that movement of the actuator results in sliding movement between the support carriage (219) and the base (212).

[0026] Preferably, the actuator (526) has a first end pivotally mounted to the third connection means (585) and a second end pivotally mounted to the support carriage (519) such that movement of the actuator results in sliding movement between the support carriage (519) and the base (512).

[0027] Preferably, the actuator slidably drives the support carriage.

[0028] Preferably, the support carriage (19) slidably moves relative to the base (12) as the back support platform (18) moves between the lowered and raised positions.

[0029] Preferably, movement of the back support platform (18) between the lowered and raised positions causes the support carriage (19) to slide rearwardly toward the head end (H) of the bed.

[0030] Preferably, at least one, or all, of the foot support platform (24), thigh support platform (22), back support platform (18) and mattress flexion support platform (21) are pivotable relative to the seat support platform (20).

[0031] Preferably, a foot support platform or said foot support platform (24) is pivotally connected to a thigh support platform or said thigh support platform (22) and / or a thigh support platform or said thigh support platform (22) is pivotally connected to a seat support platform or said seat support platform (20) and / or a seat support platform or said seat support platform (20) is pivotally connected to a mattress flexion support platform or said mattress flexion support platform (21), and a mattress flexion support platform and / or said mattress flexion support platform is pivotally connected to a back support platform or said back support platform (18).

[0032] Preferably, the foot support platform or said foot support platform (24) is pivotally connected to said thigh support platform (22) and further includes a second actuator (44) configured to simultaneously slide and pivot the foot support platform (24) relative to the seat support platform (20) and pivot the thigh support platform (22) upwardly relative to the seat support platform (20).

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable bed (10) including a base (12), a support platform (16) including a foot support platform (24), a thigh support platform (22) pivotally connected to the foot support platform (24), and a seat support platform (20), and a second actuator (44) configured to simultaneously slide and pivot the foot support platform (24) relative to the seat support platform (20) and pivot the thigh support platform (22) upwardly relative to the seat support platform (20).

[0034] Preferably, the foot support platform (24) is slidable relative to the seat support platform (20) independent of relative movement between the support platform (19) and the base (12) to which the seat support platform (20) is slidably secured.

[0035] Preferably, rearward movement of the foot support platform (24) causes the foot support platform (24) to pivot upwardly relative to the seat support platform (20) and the thigh support platform (22) to pivot upwardly relative to the seat support platform (20).

[0036] Preferably, the bed further includes a footboard (160) slidably secured to the support carriage (119), such that movement of the support carriage (119) relative to the base (112) causes the footboard (160) to slidably move relative to the base (112).

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable bed (170) including a base (112), a footboard (160), a support platform (115) including a back support platform (118) and a lower support platform (191), an actuator (126) configured to move the support platform (116) relative to the base (112), and a support carriage (119), wherein the support carriage (119) is slidably moveable relative to the base (112), and movement of the support carriage (119) relative to the base (112) causes the footboard (60) to slidably move relative to the base (112).

[0038] Preferably, the support platform (119) further includes a mattress flexion support platform (121) positioned between the back support platform (118) and the lower support platform (191).

[0039] Preferably, the support carriage (119) slidably moves relative to the base (112) as the back support platform (118) moves between the lowered and raised positions.

[0040] Preferably, movement of the back support platform (118) between the lowered and raised positions causes the footboard (160) to slidably move between the extended and retracted positions.

[0041] Preferably, the back support platform (18) has a first end (28) adjacent to another one of the support platforms (16) and a second end (30) adjacent to the headboard (14), and the actuator (26) is pivotally connected to the back support platform (18) at a point closer to the second end (30) than to the first end (28).

[0042] Preferably, the back support platform (18) has a first end (28) adjacent to another one of the support platforms (16) and a second end (30) adjacent to the headboard (14), and the actuator (26) is pivotally connected to the back support platform (18) at or near the second end (30).

[0043] Preferably, the headboard (14) includes a front surface (32) facing the back support platform (18) and a rear surface (34) opposite the front surface (32), and the first actuator (26) is attached to the rear surface (34).

[0044] Preferably, the front surface (32) is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface (36) of the back support platform (18) when the back support platform (18) is in the lowered flat position or in said lowered flat position.

[0045] Preferably, the longitudinal axis (L) of the first actuator (26) is disposed substantially vertically.

[0046] Preferably, the first actuator (26) is substantially contained within a front surface of the headboard (14) or an envelope defined by said front surface (32) and the aftmost surface (38) of the headboard (14).

[0047] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable bed according to one aspect of the present invention with the back-support platform in a flat, lowered position and the foot-support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable bed according to one aspect of the present invention with the back-support platform in a flat, lowered position and the foot-support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable bed according to one aspect of the present invention with the back-support platform in a flat, lowered position and the foot-support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in an intermediate position and the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in an intermediate position and the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in an intermediate position and the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a raised position and the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a raised position and the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a raised position and the foot support platform in a raised position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a raised position and the foot support platform in a raised position. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a raised position and the foot support platform in a raised position. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a raised position and the foot support platform in a raised position. [Figure 12] 2 is a side view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a flat lowered position and the foot support platform in an intermediate position. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in a flat, lowered position and the foot support platform in an intermediate position. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bed of FIG. 1 with the back support platform in an intermediate position and the foot support platform in an intermediate position. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an alternative adjustable bed with the back support platform in a flat, lowered position, the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position, and the footboard in a fully extended position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in a flat, lowered position, the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position, and the footboard in a fully extended position. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in a fully raised position, the foot support platform in a flat lowered position, and the footboard in a fully retracted position. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in a fully raised position, the foot support platform in a flat lowered position, and the footboard in a fully retracted position. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in a flat, lowered position, the foot support platform in a flat, lowered position, and the footboard in a fully extended position. [Figure 20] FIG. 16 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in an intermediate position, the foot support platform in a flat lowered position, and the footboard in a partially retracted position. [Figure 21] FIG. 16 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in a fully raised position, the foot support platform in a flat lowered position, and the footboard in a partially retracted position. [Figure 22]FIG. 16 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in an intermediate position, the foot support platform in an intermediate position, and the footboard in a partially retracted position. [Figure 23] FIG. 16 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 15 with the back support platform in a fully raised position, the foot support platform in a fully raised position, and the footboard in a fully retracted position. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an alternative adjustable bed with the back support platform in a flat lowered position. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 24 with the back support platform in a raised position. [Figure 26] FIG. 25 is an underside plan view of the bed of FIG. 24 with the back support platform in the raised position. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative adjustable bed with the back support platform in an intermediate position between a flat lowered position and a raised position. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 27 with the back support platform in an intermediate position between a flat lowered position and a raised position. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an alternative adjustable bed with the back support platform in a raised position. [Diagram 30] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an alternative adjustable bed with the back support platform in a flat lowered position. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 30 with the back support platform in a raised position. [Diagram 32] FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the bed of FIG. 30 with the back support platform in a raised position. [Diagram 33] FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the bed of FIG. 30 with the back support platform in an intermediate position between a flat lowered position and a raised position. [Diagram 34] 31 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 30 with the back support platform in a flat lowered position, an intermediate position, and a fully raised position. [Diagram 35] 31 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 30 with the back support platform in a flat lowered position, an intermediate position, and a fully raised position. [Diagram 36] 31 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 30 with the back support platform in a flat lowered position, an intermediate position, and a fully raised position. [Figure 37] 31 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 30 with the back support platform in a flat lowered position, an intermediate position, and a fully raised position. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative adjustable bed with the back support platform in an intermediate position. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a side view of the bed of FIG. 38 with the back support platform in an intermediate position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] 1-14, an adjustable bed 10 includes a base 12 and a headboard 14 slidably secured relative to the base 12. The base 12 includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart side rails 13a, 13b that are secured to an outer frame 15 of the base. The headboard 14 is secured to the side rails 13a, 13b. The side rails 13a, 13b also define support carriage guides in the form of support carriage grooves 50a, 50b. The base 12 further includes legs 17 positioned at opposite ends of the bed 10 relative to the headboard 14.

[0050] The headboard 14 includes top 23a and bottom 23b substantially horizontal rails onto which a plurality of upstanding adjacent panels 90 are secured, in this embodiment four panels 90a, b, c, d. Slots 72 are seen to be formed by gaps between adjacent panels 90a & 90b and 90c & 90d, the purpose of which will be described below.

[0051] Adjacent panels 90 define a front face 32 of the headboard 18 that faces the back support platform 14 and a rear face 34 opposite the front face 32 .

[0052] Bed 10 includes a back support platform 18, a lower support platform 91, and a mattress bend support platform 21. The lower support platform 91 further includes a support platform 16 in the form of a seat support platform 20, a thigh support platform 22, and a foot support platform 24. The mattress flexion support platform 21 is disposed between and adjacent the back support platform 18 and the seat support platform 20. Each platform 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 is secured to an associated frame 18a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 24a (best seen in FIG. 6 where the support platforms 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 have been removed) by suitable fasteners such as screws.

[0053] The back support platform 18 has a first end 28 adjacent the mattress flexion support platform 21 and a second end 30 adjacent the headboard 14 .

[0054] The foot support platform 24 includes an additional frame 25 that is connected to a second actuator 44 via a connecting pull bar 27 .

[0055] The bed 10 includes a support carriage 19 on which a seat support platform 20 is slidably and pivotally fixed such that the seat support platform moves with the support carriage 19 as described below. Alternative beds may not include a fixed seat support platform, and the support carriage is slidably fixed to another portion of the support platform, for example the pivot connection between the mattress flexion support platform and the thigh support platform.

[0056] The support carriage 19 includes a pair of side brackets 25a, 25b with a support carriage follower in the form of a pair of support carriage rollers 52a, 52b mounted on each of the pair of side brackets. The support carriage rollers 52a, 52b are adapted to fit and slide within a support carriage groove 50 to allow relative sliding movement between the support carriage 19 and the base 12 in which the support carriage groove 50 fits. It will be appreciated that the seat support platform 20 is secured to the support carriage 19 and is therefore able to slide relative to the base 12.

[0057] The foot support platform 24 further includes a foot support platform follower in the form of a roller 92 that fits into and is slidable relative to the support carriage grooves 50a, 50b that are fixed to the base 12. It will be appreciated that the foot support platform 24 is able to slide within the support carriage grooves 50a, 50b as a result of actuation by the second actuator 44 via the connecting pull bar 27 or by movement of the support carriage 19 under action of the first actuator 26. That is, the foot support platform 24 is slidable relative to the seat support platform 20 independent of relative movement between the support carriage 19 and the base 12.

[0058] Each platform 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 includes a pair of laterally spaced hinges 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d which pivotally connect each platform to an adjacent platform to permit relative pivotal movement between the adjacent platforms.

[0059] The base 12 includes mattress flexure support platform guides in the form of a pair of linear, angled U-channel grooves 54 each secured to a side rail 13 a , 13 b of the base 12 .

[0060] The mattress flexion support platform followers are provided in the form of rollers 56, each secured to the mattress flexion support platform 21 via a bracket 53 and slidable within an inclined U-channel groove 54 on the base 12. The U-channel groove 54 slopes vertically upward and rearward toward the headboard 14 such that in the raised position of the back support platform 18, the mattress flexion support platform follower 56 is positioned vertically above the support platform followers 52a,b (FIG. 11).

[0061] The relative movement between the rollers 56 and the grooves 54 coordinates the movement of the mattress flexion support platform 21 as the back support platform 18 moves between the lowered and raised positions. In an alternative embodiment, coordinated movement between adjacent platforms, i.e., the seat support platform 21 and the back support platform 18, relative to the mattress flexion support platform 21 can be achieved without using the guide 56 and follower 52 configuration described above. For example, in FIG. 6, hinge 21d can be a limiting hinge that controls the relative pivoting movement between the mattress flexion support platform 21 and the back support platform 18, and hinge 21c can be a limiting hinge that controls the relative pivoting movement between the mattress flexion support platform 21 and the seat support platform 20.

[0062] The bed 10 includes a first actuator 26 having a body 29 that is attached to the top 23a and bottom 23b rails of the headboard 14. A slide block 31 is slidably mounted for movement within the body 29 of the first actuator 26. It will thus be appreciated that the first actuator 26 is attached to the rear surface 34 of the headboard 14, albeit indirectly via the top and bottom rails 23a, 23b that are attached directly to the headboard panel 90. In an alternative embodiment, the first actuator 26 can be attached directly to the headboard panel 90. The first actuator in this embodiment is a motorized linear actuator. In an alternative embodiment, the first actuator can be a gas strut.

[0063] The bed 10 includes connection means in the form of an actuator connection means in the form of a substantially horizontal actuator cross member 78, and back support platform connection means in the form of a pair of spaced apart actuator side brackets 80 secured to each end of the actuator cross member 78. The actuator side brackets 80 are pivotally connected to the back support platform 18 via fixed brackets 79. The slide block 31 is secured to the horizontal actuator cross member 78 such that movement of the first actuator 26 causes movement of the horizontal actuator cross member 78.

[0064] It can be seen in FIGS. 1-4 that each actuator side bracket 80 extends through a slot 72 and is capable of vertical movement under action of actuator 26, as described below.

[0065] It can also be seen that the first actuator 26 is pivotally connected to the back support platform 18 at a second end 30 of the back support platform 18 adjacent and proximate the headboard 14 via connection means in the form of a horizontal actuator cross member 78, actuator side brackets 80 and a fixed bracket 79. The first actuator 26 operates most efficiently when the pivot connection is at or proximate the second end 30 of the back support platform 18, although locating the pivot connection closer to the second end 30 than the first end 28 can still be advantageous from an actuator efficiency standpoint.

[0066] The bed 10 includes a track assembly in the form of a pair of U-channel track components 76 mounted to the rear surface 34 of the headboard 14. A pair of rollers (not shown) on each actuator side bracket 80 fit into and slide within the U-channel track components 76 to permit relative guided vertical sliding movement therebetween.

[0067] Connection means 78, 80 can be seen in Figures 4 and 4a which drivingly connect the first actuator 26 to the back support platform 18, as described below.

[0068] It can be seen in Figures 3 and 4 that when the back support platform 18 is in the lowered or flat position, the longitudinal axis L of the actuator body 29 is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 36 of the back support platform 18. It can further be seen that the actuator body is substantially vertical. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator can be positioned horizontally or at an angle on the headboard, providing an appropriate gear arrangement between the actuator and the actuator side brackets 80 to allow the actuator side brackets 80 to move vertically to move the back support platform 18 between the lowered and raised positions.

[0069] It can also be seen in Figure 3 that the actuator 26 is not only attached to the rear surface 34 of the headboard 14, but is also substantially contained within an envelope defined by the front surface 32 of the headboard 14 and the rearmost surface 38 of the headboard 14. This is aesthetically and functionally important because it allows the actuator 26 to be hidden when an additional rear panel (not shown) is added to the headboard or when the headboard is positioned against a wall (not shown).

[0070] The operation of the adjustable bed 10 is as follows.

[0071] 1-3, bed 10 is shown with foot support platform 24 in a flat, lowered position and back support platform 18 in a flat, lowered position.

[0072] Actuation of the actuator 26 in the upward direction causes the slide block 31 to slide vertically upward, causing the horizontal actuator cross member 78 to slide vertically upward, which is guided within the U-channel track component 76 .

[0073] As the horizontal actuator cross member 78 slides vertically upward, actuator side brackets 80, which are secured to the horizontal actuator cross member 78 and pivotally connected to the back support platform 18, move the back support platform 18 from the lowered position of Figures 1-3 to the intermediate position shown in Figures 4 and 5. It can be seen from a comparison of Figures 1 and 5 that as the back support platform 18 is raised, the support carriage 19 and the support platform 16, which is secured to the support carriage 19, are simultaneously pulled rearward in the direction of arrow R, toward the headboard 14.

[0074] Actuation of actuator 26 in the reverse downward direction simultaneously moves back support platform 18 toward a lowered, flat position and pushes support platform 16 away from the headboard in the direction opposite arrow R (FIGS. 1-3).

[0075] It will be appreciated that movement of the support platform 16 allows a user or occupant sitting or lying in bed to maintain position relative to furniture such as a bedside cabinet (not shown) as the back support platform 18 is raised or lowered. Such functionality is referred to as zero-wall functionality, or alternatively as a wall hugger bed or wall proximity bed.

[0076] Further actuation of the actuator 26 in the upward direction moves the back support platform 18 from the intermediate position of Figures 4 and 5 to the recited position of Figures 6 and 7, where it can be seen that the support carriage 19 and the support platform 16 secured to the support carriage 19 are simultaneously pulled further rearward in the direction of arrow R toward the headboard 14.

[0077] During movement of the back support platform 18 between the lowered and raised positions, the relative movement between the rollers 56 and the grooves 54 coordinates the movement of the mattress flexion support platform 21 relative to the seat support platform 20 and the back support platform 18 as the back support platform 18 moves between the lowered and raised positions. Referring to FIG. 10, the plane P defined by the seat support platform 20 is S and the plane P defined by the back support platform 18. B Angle A between 3 It can be seen that the maximum inclination angle A of the back support panel 18 relative to the seat support platform 20 in the raised position is defined in this embodiment. 3is 70 degrees. This maximum tilt angle A3 can be, for example, up to 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees or less than 50 degrees.

[0078] Importantly, the effect of this maximum inclination angle A3 on the bed, the mattress (not shown) for use on the bed (supported by the support platform) and the occupant of the bed can be mitigated by providing a mattress flexion support platform 21, in particular the plane P of the seat support platform 20. S and the plane P defined by the mattress bending support platform 21. M A first angle A defined between 1 and the plane P of the mattress bending support platform 21 M and the plane P of the back support platform 18 B A second angle A defined between 2 However, this ensures that the back support platform 18 remains substantially equal when moving in both directions between the lowered and raised positions.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the back support platform 18 moves between the lowered and raised positions at a first angle A. 1 and the second angle A 2 The difference between is kept to less than 10 degrees.

[0080] It is the provision of linear grooves 54 that coordinate the pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform 21 and the seat support platform 20 and between the mattress flexion support platform 21 and the back support platform 18 as the back support platform 18 moves between the lowered and raised positions, ensuring that the first angle A1 and the second angle A2 are substantially equal or differ by at least less than 10 degrees.

[0081] In addition to the movement of the back support platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions by the first actuator 26, and the corresponding simultaneous movement of the support carriage 19 along with the support platform 16, the second actuator 44 can slide the foot support platform 24 forward toward and backward away from the headboard 14, independent of the movement of the support carriage 19.

[0082] It can be seen in Figs. 8-11 that the second actuator 44 has pulled the foot support platform 24 backwards towards the headboard 14. As the foot support platform 24 slides backwards, the foot support platform 24 pivots upwards. At the same time, the thigh support platform 22 also pivots upwards. Both the foot support platform 24 and the thigh support platform 22 pivot upwards as the actuator 44 retracts towards the headboard 14, directly pulling the additional frame 25 of the foot support platform 24 via the connecting pull bar 27, because the thigh support platform 22 is hinged to the seat support platform 20 which fixes the second actuator 44, and the foot support platform 24 is hinged to the thigh support platform 22.

[0083] 8-11, in which the foot support platform 24 is in a raised position, to Figures 6 and 7, in which the foot support platform 24 is in a lowered, flat position, the back support platform 18 can be raised or lowered or anywhere between a raised and lowered position, regardless of the position of the foot support platform 24 and independent of the position of the foot support platform 24. That is, the back support platform 18 can be in a raised position, a lowered position, any intermediate position, or any of those positions, and the foot support platform 24 can be in a raised position, a lowered position, or any intermediate position.

[0084] As a further example, Figures 12 and 13 show bed 10 with back support platform 18 in a flat lowered position and foot support platform 24 in an intermediate position, and Figure 14 shows bed 10 with back support platform 18 in an intermediate position and foot support platform 24 in an intermediate position. It will be appreciated that the bed pf of Figures 1-14 is a zero wall bed, i.e., lifting the back support platform pulls the support carriage and therefore the seat support platform mounted thereon rearward towards the headboard.

[0085] 15-23 show an alternative adjustable bed 110 which is identical to the adjustable bed in FIGS. 1-15 except for the differences identified below.

[0086] The bed 110 includes a movable footboard 160 that slidably moves relative to the base 112 as the support carriage 119 moves relative to the base 112. Side brackets 125a, 125b extend to fixably connect the support carriage 119 to the footboard 160. The footboard 160 includes wheels 139 that allow the footboard 160 to slide across the surface on which the bed 110 stands.

[0087] The single support carriage groove 50a, 50b on each side rail 113a, 113b of the base 112 is replaced by two support carriage cams in the form of grooves 151a, 151b fixed on each guide side rail 113a, 113b of the base 112. Followers in the form of rollers 152a, 152b are fixed to the support carriage 119 and slide in their respective support carriage grooves 151a, 153a, 151b, 153b instead of the single support carriage groove 50a, 50b on each side rail 113a, 113b as the support carriage 119 slides relative to the base 112.

[0088] The operation of the bed 110 is identical to that of the bed 10, except that as the support carriage 119 slides relative to the base 112 under the action of the first actuator 126, the side brackets 125a, 125b also move relative to the base 112, which, because the base is fixed to the footboard 160, moves the footboard 160 relative to the base 112.

[0089] Operation of the first actuator 126 moves the back support platform 118 between a lowered position (FIGS. 15, 16, and 19) toward an intermediate position (FIGS. 17 and 20) and a raised position (FIGS. 18 and 21).

[0090] By comparing Figures 19, 20 and 21, it can be seen that as the back support platform 118 moves from a lowered flat position to a raised position, the footboard 160 is pulled toward the headboard 114 in the direction of arrow R because the back support platform 118 pulls on the support platform 119 which is fixably connected to the footboard 160.

[0091] In FIG. 19, the back support platform 118 is in a flat, lowered position with the footboard 160 in a fully extended position.

[0092] In FIG. 20, the back support platform 118 is in an intermediate position with the footboard 160 in a partially retracted position.

[0093] In FIG. 21, the back support platform 118 is in a fully raised position with the footboard 160 in a fully retracted position.

[0094] FIG. 22 shows the back support platform 118 in an intermediate position, the footboard 160 in a partially retracted position, and the foot support platform 118 in an intermediate position between the lowered and fully raised positions.

[0095] FIG. 23 shows the back support platform 118 in a fully raised position, the foot board 160 in a fully retracted position, and the foot support platform 124 in a fully raised position.

[0096] It will be understood that in bed 110, the back support platform 118 can be raised, lowered and in any intermediate position, and the footboard 160 can be in corresponding extended, partially retracted and fully retracted positions, and, as in bed 10 of Figures 1-14, in any of those back support platform positions, the foot support platform 124 can be raised, lowered and in any intermediate position.

[0097] 15-23, it is the back support platform 118 that is raised and lowered by the first actuator 126 pulling the footboard 160 rearward, however, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, direct actuation of the footboard itself or the support carriage may also retract the footboard and cause the back support platform to raise because it is hinged directly or indirectly to the support carriage to which the seat support platform 20 is secured. In other words, relative movement between the base and the support carriage under actuation of the actuator causes the footboard to move relative to the base.

[0098] In a further embodiment, movement of the first actuator can move a further component (not shown) between a first position and a second position. For example, the further component can be a display screen, such as a television or projector screen (not shown), housed within the footboard, and movement of the actuator can automatically or selectively move the display screen between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0099] Figure 24 (with the back support panel 218 in the lowered position) and Figures 25 and 26 (with the back support panel 218 in the raised position) show an alternative bed 210. Bed 210 is identical to bed 10 described in connection with Figures 1-14, except as described below.

[0100] The actuator 226 is not mounted vertically on the headboard, but instead is mounted substantially horizontally with a first end secured to the base 212 of the bed 210 and a second end secured to the seat-support platform 220.

[0101] Instead of actuator side brackets 80 drivingly connecting the back support panel 18 to the actuator 26 in the bed 10, the bed 210 includes a pair of arms 280 pivotally connected at each end to the back support platform 218 and the base 212, respectively, so that movement of the actuator 226 can move the back support platform 18 between lowered and raised positions.

[0102] The operation of the bed 210 is identical to the bed 10 except that an actuator 226 is attached to the base 212 of the bed to raise and lower the back support platform 218, providing relative sliding movement between the support platform 219 and the base 212.

[0103] It will be appreciated that in the bed 10,110 described above, the actuator 26,126 is directly connected to the back support platform 18,118 and therefore the actuator 26,126 directly raises and lowers the back support platform 18,118. When the back support platform 18, 118 is raised or lowered, the support carriage 19, 119 slides relative to the base 12, 112 due to the indirect connection between the support carriage 19, 119 and the back support platform 18, 118 via the pivot connection between the back support platform 18, 118, the mattress flexion support platform 21, 121, and the seat support platform 20, 120, and the seat support platform 20, 120 is slidably fixed to the support carriage 19, 119, i.e., the seat support platform 20, 120 cannot slide relative to the support carriage 19, 119 so that any sliding movement of the seat support platform 20, 120 is transmitted to the sliding movement of the support carriage 19, 119.

[0104] In contrast, the actuator 226 in the bed 210 is directly connected to the seat support platform 220, and thus the actuator 226 slides the support carriage 219 relative to the base 212. As the support carriage 219 slides relative to the base 212, the platform 218 is raised or lowered due to the indirect connection between the support carriage 219 and the back support platform 218 via the pivot connection between the back support platform 218, the mattress flexion support platform 221, and the seat support platform 220, which is slidably secured to the support carriage 219.

[0105] 27 and 28 show an alternative bed 310 that is identical to the bed 210 described above, except that the mattress flexion support platform guide 354 is fully curved rather than straight. The provision of the curved mattress flexion support platform guide 354 further enhances the coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform 321 and seat support platform 320 and the mattress flexion support platform 321 and back support platform 318 as the back support platform 318 moves between the lowered and raised positions, ensuring that the first angle and the second angle are substantially equal or differ by at least less than 10 degrees.

[0106] In alternative embodiments of the bed 10, 110, 210, 310, the mattress flexure support platform guide may include both curved and straight portions.

[0107] It will be appreciated that in any of the beds described above, whether the actuator is mounted to the headboard as in the bed of Figures 1-23, or the actuator is mounted to the base as in the bed of Figures 24-28, the mattress flexion support platform guide can be a completely curved guide or a straight guide, or can include both curved and straight portions.

[0108] Figure 29 shows an alternative bed 410 which is identical to the bed 110 of Figures 15-23 except that the actuator 426 is mounted horizontally rather than vertically and is attached to the headboard 414. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator can be mounted to the base as described in the bed 210. It will be appreciated that the actuator need not be mounted to the headboard but can be mounted to any part of the bed which moves slidably relative to the support carriage such that movement of the actuator causes the support carriage to slidably move relative to the base of the bed to raise and lower the back support platform.

[0109] 30-37 show an alternative bed 510 (with the legs removed) that uses a different mechanism to coordinate the pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform 521 and the lower support platform 520, and the mattress flexion support platform 521 and the back support platform 518 as the back support platform 518 moves between lowered and raised positions.

[0110] Bed 510 is similar to bed 210 except as described below.

[0111] The bed 510 does not use mattress flexion support platform guides and followers to coordinate the movement of the mattress flexion support platform.

[0112] Instead, the bed 510 includes first connection means in the form of a pair of first connecting arms 581, the first ends of which are pivotally connected to the support carriage 519 and the second ends of which include rollers 582 which act on and move translationally relative to the back support panel 518 to raise and lower the back support panel 518, as described below.

[0113] The bed 510 further includes second connection means in the form of second connecting arms 583, each of which is pivotally connected at a first end partially along the first connecting arm 581 and at a second end to a pivot connection or hinge point 584 between the mattress flexion support platform 521 and the sheet support platform 520 (note that the sheet support platform 520 includes two hinge parts for storage purposes, each hinge part remaining fixed relative to the other during operation of the bed).

[0114] In an alternative embodiment, the second connection means may act directly on the mattress flexion support platform rather than on a pivot point connecting the back support platform and the mattress flexion support platform.

[0115] The bed 510 further includes third connection means in the form of a pair of third connecting arms 585, a first end of each connecting arm 585 pivotally attached to the first connecting arm 581 partially along the first connecting arm 581. A second end of each third connecting arm 585 is pivotally attached to the base 512.

[0116] The actuator 526 has a first end pivotally mounted to a cross member 586 that connects a pair of third connecting arms 585 and a second end pivotally mounted to the base 512. In an alternative embodiment, the first end of the actuator 526 can be connected to the base 512 and the second end can be pivotally mounted to the support carriage 519.

[0117] The operation of the bed 510 is as follows.

[0118] Actuation of the actuator 526 toward the head end of the bed (to the left when looking at Figures 35-37) causes the third connecting arm 585 to rotate clockwise (when looking at Figures 35-37) about its pivot connection on the base 512. As the arm 585 rotates clockwise, the first connecting arm 581 rotates counterclockwise to pull the support carriage 519 rearward toward the head end of the bed. At the same time, the roller 582 moves translationally and acts on the back support platform 518 to rotate it from a lowered position to a raised position. As the support carriage 519 moves rearward as the back support panel 518 is raised, the first connecting arm 581 acts on the second connecting arm 585 to the mattress flexion support platform 521. It will therefore be understood that the actuator 526 simultaneously drives the back support platform 518 and the mattress flexion support platform 521, with the first connecting arm 581 acting directly on the back support platform 521 and the mattress flexion support platform 521 being driven by the second connecting arm 582 via the first connecting arm 581.

[0119] Actuation of the actuator 526 in the opposite direction lowers the back support platform 518 and pushes the support carriage 519 away from the head end of the bed toward the foot end of the bed.

[0120] During the movement of the back support platform 518 between the lowered and raised positions, to accommodate the movement of the mattress flexion support platform relative to the back support platform as the back support platform and the seat support platform, instead of the relative movement between the rollers 56 and the grooves 54 as described with respect to the beds 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 above, a coordinated movement is achieved via the actuators 526 driving the first connecting means 581 and the second connecting means 583. The result of this coordinated movement is the same as that described with respect to FIG. 10, and the plane P of the seat support platform 220 is moved in the same direction as the plane P of the back support platform 518. S and the plane P defined by the mattress bending support platform 221. M A first angle A defined between 1 , and the plane P of the mattress flexion support platform 221 M and the plane P of the back support platform 218 B A second angle A defined between 2 remains substantially equal as the back support platform 218 moves between the lowered and raised positions. In an alternative embodiment, the first angle A 1 and the second angle A 2 The difference between is kept to less than 10 degrees.

[0121] Figure 38 shows an alternative bed 610 (with the legs removed) which is identical to bed 510 of Figures 30-37 except that the lower support platform 691 includes only a thigh support platform 622 and a foot support platform 624, and does not include a fixed seat support platform. The pivot connection 695 between the thigh support platform 622 and the mattress flexion support platform 621 is fixed to the support carriage 619 such that the lower support panel 691 moves slidably with the support carriage 619. The bed 610 differs from the bed 510 in that the foot support platform 624 is raised by a different actuator.

[0122] The motion of the bed 610 is relative to a plane P defined by the mattress flexion support platform 621 and the support carriage 619. S Between the second A 2 It is identical to bed 510 except that an angle is defined.

[0123] It will be appreciated that in all of the beds 10-610 described above, movement of the support platform allows a user or occupant sitting or lying on the bed to maintain position relative to furniture such as a bedside cabinet (not shown) as the back support platform is raised and lowered. Such functionality is referred to as zero-wall functionality, or alternatively as a wall hugger bed or wall proximity bed.

[0124] Various configurations have been described above in connection with the bed depicted in Figures 1-39. It will be understood that some of those configurations need not be limited to the particular embodiments in which they are illustrated.

[0125] As an example, a first actuator attached to, disposed substantially vertically on, or positioned to pivotally connect to a second end of a headboard need not be limited to beds with movable footboards. Similarly, beds with movable footboards need not be limited to actuators attached to, disposed substantially vertically on, or positioned to pivotally connect to a second end of a headboard. Additionally, a sliding and pivoting foot support platform need not be limited to beds with movable footboards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0126] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 048384

Claims

1. a base, a support carriage slidably movable relative to the base, an actuator, and a support platform, the support platform including a back support platform, a lower support platform, and a mattress flexion support platform positioned between the back support platform and the lower support platform, the actuator providing coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform and the lower support platform and between the mattress flexion support platform and the back support platform as the back support platform moves between a lowered position and a raised position; Zero wall adjustable bed.

2. 10. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 1, wherein the lower support platform includes at least one of a seat support platform, a thigh support platform, and a foot support platform.

3. 3. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 2, wherein the seat support platform is pivotally mounted to the mattress flexion support platform, the back support platform is pivotally mounted to the mattress flexion support platform, and the actuator provides coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform and the seat support platform and between the mattress flexion support platform and the back support platform as the back support platform moves between a lowered position and a raised position.

4. 4. The zero wall adjustable bed of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first angle is defined between the seat support platform or the support carriage and the mattress flexion support platform, and a second angle is defined between the mattress flexion support platform and the back support platform, and the difference between the first angle and the second angle is less than 10 degrees when the back support platform moves between a lowered position and a raised position.

5. 5. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 4, wherein said first angle and said second angle are substantially equal when said back support platform moves between a lowered position and a raised position.

6. 6. The zero wall adjustable bed of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a third angle is defined between the seat support platform or the support carriage and the back support platform, the third angle being between 0 degrees and 70 degrees when the back support platform moves between the lowered position and the raised position, preferably the third angle being less than 70 degrees when the back support platform is in the raised position.

7. The zero wall adjustable bed of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the support platform is slidably secured to the support carriage such that the support platform is slidable relative to the base.

8. 8. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 7, wherein the seat support platform is slidably secured to the support carriage.

9. 8. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 7, wherein the pivot connection between said lower support platform and said mattress flexion support platform is slidably secured to said support carriage.

10. 10. The zero wall adjustable bed of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base includes one of a mattress flexion support platform guide or a mattress flexion support platform follower, and the mattress flexion support platform includes the other of a mattress flexion support platform guide or a mattress flexion support platform follower, such that relative movement between the mattress flexion support platform guide and the mattress flexion support platform follower produces coordinated pivotal movement between the mattress flexion support platform and the lower support platform and between the mattress flexion support platform and the back support platform as the back support platform moves between the lowered and raised positions.

11. 11. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 10, wherein the mattress flexion support platform guide slopes vertically upward and rearward toward a head end of the bed.

12. 12. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 10 or 11, wherein the mattress flexion support platform guide includes, and preferably defines only, a straight portion.

13. 12. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 11, wherein the mattress flexion support platform guide includes, and preferably defines only, a curved portion.

14. 10. The zero wall adjustable bed of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a first connection means acting directly on the back support platform, such that the actuator drives both support platforms simultaneously, and a second connection means acting directly on the mattress flexion support platform or on a pivot point connecting the back support platform and the mattress flexion support platform, the second connection means being driven by the actuator through the first connection means, and the second connection means being pivotally attached to the first connection means up to a point along the first connection means.

15. 15. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 14, wherein said first connection means has a first end pivotally attached to said support carriage and a second end free to translate on said back support platform.

16. 16. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 14 or 15, further comprising a third connection means, said third connection means pivotally attached to said first connection means at a first end and pivotally attached to said base at a second end.

17. 17. A zero wall adjustable bed according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the actuator has a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end pivotally mounted to the support carriage such that movement of the actuator results in sliding movement between the support carriage and the base.

18. 17. The zero wall adjustable bed of claim 16, wherein the actuator has a first end pivotally attached to the third connection means and a second end pivotally attached to the base such that movement of the actuator effects sliding movement between the support carriage and the base.

19. A zero wall adjustable bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator slidably drives the support carriage.

20. 20. The zero wall adjustable bed of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the support carriage slidably moves relative to the base as the back support platform moves between the lowered position and the raised position.

21. 21. A zero wall adjustable bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein movement of the back support platform between the lowered and raised positions causes the support carriage to slide rearwardly towards a head end of the bed.

22. 22. A zero wall adjustable bed according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least one of a foot support platform or said foot support platform, a thigh support platform or said thigh support platform, a back support platform or said back support platform, and a mattress flexion support platform or said mattress flexion support platform, preferably all of them, are pivotable relative to the seat support platform and / or relative to the support carriage.

23. 23. The zero wall adjustable bed according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein a foot support platform or said foot support platform is pivotally connected to a thigh support platform or said thigh support platform, and / or a thigh support platform or said thigh support platform is pivotally connected to a seat support platform or said seat support platform, and / or a seat support platform or said seat support platform is pivotally connected to a mattress flexion support platform or said mattress flexion support platform, and a mattress flexion support platform and / or said mattress flexion support platform is pivotally connected to a back support platform or said back support platform.

24. 24. The zero wall adjustable bed of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a footboard slidably secured to the support carriage, wherein movement of the support carriage relative to the base causes the footboard to slidably move relative to the base.

25. 1. An adjustable bed comprising: a base, a footboard, a support platform including a back support platform and a lower support platform, an actuator configured to move the support platform relative to the base, and a support carriage, the support carriage slidably moveable relative to the base, and movement of the support carriage relative to the base causes the footboard to slidably move relative to the base.

26. 26. The adjustable bed of claim 25, wherein the support platform further comprises a mattress flexion support platform positioned between the back support platform and the lower support platform.

27. An adjustable bed as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the support carriage slidably moves relative to the base as the back support platform moves between a lowered position and a raised position.

28. 28. The adjustable bed of claim 27, wherein movement of the back support platform between the lowered and raised positions causes the footboard to slidably move between an extended and a retracted position.

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