U.S. patent number 3,887,950 [Application Number 05/392,395] was granted by the patent office on 1975-06-10 for bed structure affording displacement for housekeeping and making.
Invention is credited to William P. Wachsman.
United States Patent |
3,887,950 |
Wachsman |
June 10, 1975 |
Bed structure affording displacement for housekeeping and
making
Abstract
A bed structure is disclosed for providing a sleeping platform,
e.g. by supporting a mattress and springs, that may be raised from
a conventional residual position and concurrently displaced from a
headboard to a convenient position for making up the bed. A
plurality of pivotally-mounted links are affixed between a bed
frame and a holder for the springs or the like. The pivotal links
are interconnected by a crank mechanism extending between
individual pairs of links and connected by coil springs to the bed
frame so that the bed is urged to an elevated or convenience
position. A locking mechanism is incorporated for fixing the
structure in a lower reclining position, as while using the
bed.
Inventors: |
Wachsman; William P. (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Family
ID: |
23550410 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/392,395 |
Filed: |
August 28, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
19/045 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
19/04 (20060101); A47C 19/22 (20060101); A47C
19/00 (20060101); A61g 007/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;5/11,60,63,66,100,327
;312/24,30,208,306,310 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nunberg; Casmir A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nilsson, Robbins, Bissell, Dalgarn
& Berliner
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bed structure for supporting a sleeping platform alternately
in a reclining position and in an elevated convenience position,
comprising:
a base support for receiving bed members;
a holding member for said sleeping platform;
a plurality of pivot link means affixed to extend between said base
support and said holding member, said link means including pairs of
said link means aligned on opposed sides of said holding
member;
elongated telescopically-related crank members extending between
each of said pairs of link means for controlling the motion of said
pivot link means in similar arcuate motion patterns to move said
sleeping platform horizontally and vertically between said
reclining position and said convenience position.
2. A bed structure according to claim 1 including at least four of
said pivot link means aligned in pairs at opposed sides of said
holding member and linked for common movement in said arcuate
motion patterns.
3. A bed structure according to claim 1 wherein said crank means
includes spring means for urging said pivot link means to locate
said holding member in one of said positions.
4. A bed structure according to claim 3 wherein said crank
structure further includes means for locking said holding member in
one of said positions.
5. A bed structure according to claim 1 wherein said crank means
interlocks said pivot link means.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An age-old chore involves the morning routine of making up beds. Of
course, as the term is traditionally used, "making" a bed involves
replacing or rearranging the bed sheets, straightening the blankets
and finally arranging a cover or bedspread with the pillows so that
the bed has a neat, clean appearance during the day. Generally, the
chore is tedious and time-consuming. Additionally, the conventional
height of beds, e.g., the level of the sleeping platform as
traditionally defined by the springs and mattress, is rather low,
the consequences of which vary from some inconvenience in making
the bed to back pains for certain persons performing such work.
As another consideration, it is to be recognized that the headboard
of a bed sometimes presents an obstacle to making up the bed. For
example, in changing contour sheets, it is sometimes difficult and
inconvenient to place the sheets so as to cover the mattress
without lifting the mattress away from the headboard. Recognizing
that the chore of making up beds is likely to endure as a
somewhat-tedious manual task, a need exists for a structure in
accordance with the present invention to facilitate that task.
Generally, as indicated, the structure of the present invention
supports the members defining the sleeping platform, e.g., box
springs and mattress. The operation of the combination allows the
sleeping platform to be moved from a conventional location, as for
use during sleeping, to an elevated convenience position somewhat
removed from the headboard and at a convenient working level for
making up the bed. The structure includes a frame, with a plurality
of pivotal linkages extending between the frame and a holder for
supporting the box spring or other similar structure. The pivotal
linkages are aligned in pairs located at opposite sides of the bed,
which pairs are interconnected by elongated crank members that are
in turn interconnected to provide synchronous movement. The crank
members are spring biased to actuate the pivotal linkages raising
the bed to the convenience location. A locking device is included
for holding the bed in the reclining position. Generally,
structures in accordance herewith are simple, economical to
manufacture and readily adaptable for installation in association
with beds of conventional manufacture. Thus, the apparatus
facilitates the chore of making beds to provide economies both with
regard to private residences and commercial establishments as
hotels, rest homes and so on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification,
exemplary embodiments exhibiting various objectives and features
hereof are set forth, specifically:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventionally-appearing bed
incorporating the structure of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with the sleeping
platform elevated to a convenience location;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the mechanism incorporated in
the bed of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism in the
structure of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the invention is
disclosed herein. The embodiment exemplifies the invention which
may, of course, be embodied in various other forms, some of which
may be radically different from the illustrative embodiment as
disclosed. However, the specific structural and functional details
disclosed are representative and provide a basis for the claims
herein which define the scope of the invention.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bed embodying the present
invention is illustrated in a somewhat conventional configuration.
That is, a sleeping platform S is provided by the bed at a
conventional level for a reclining person. The bed as illustrated
also incorporates a support structure T, to which a headboard H is
affixed. The unconventional element of the bed as illustrated in
FIG. 1 is a cable C which may be actuated to transform the bed from
the configuration as depicted in FIG. 1 to the configuration as
depicted in FIG. 2. Specifically, as the bed is depicted in FIG. 2
it may be seen that the sleeping platform S has been raised and
withdrawn from the headboard H so that the bed is conveniently
positioned for the handling of bed clothes and otherwise making up
the bed. As disclosed in greater detail below, the sleeping
platform S is returned to the lower or reclining position (FIG. 1)
from the elevated or convenience position (FIG. 2) simply by
applying a downward force on that platform.
Considering the bed as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 in somewhat
greater detail, the sleeping platform S is provided by a mattress
12 which is in turn supported upon a box-spring unit 14 that is
carried on the support structure T. In general, conventional units
are illustrated for the mattress 12 and the spring unit 14;
however, it is to be understood that these members are primarily
ancillary to the structure of the present invention and in that
regard virtually any form of sleep-support element or elements
might well be employed in the practice of the present
invention.
The support structure T includes a generally-rectangular, rigid
frame 16 (FIG. 2) with castors or rollers 18 affixed at the
corners. It is perhaps noteworthy here, that the rollers 18 are
ancillary, serving merely to provide mobile support and are not
active in the mechanical structure for moving the bed between
reclining and convenience positions.
The support structure T also includes a mechanism 20 (FIG. 2,
indicated generally) which includes elements for holding the
box-spring unit 14 and accommodating the motion patterns in moving
the sleeping platform S as explained above. In the illustrative
embodiment, the mechanism 20 is affixed between the box-spring unit
14 and the frame 16. The details of the mechanism 20 and the manner
in which it is cooperatively associated with the frame 16 and the
box-spring unit 14 will now be considered in greater detail.
As depicted in FIG. 3, only a fragment of the boxspring unit 14 is
illustrated (upper center) along with a fragmentary showing of the
frame 16. As illustrated, side rails 22 and 24 are the longer
elements of the frame 16 and may take the form of lengths of angle
iron or other standard stock. The end beams 26 and 28 of the frame
16 each comprise two lengths, in lapped relationship, for adjusting
the width of the frame 16 so as to accommodate beds of different
size, e.g. width. Specifically, the beam 26 includes lengths 30 and
32 which are held in lapped engagement by a locking device 34 that
is considered below in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. The
lengths 30 and 32 may simply comprise stock angle iron or other
relatively-available rigid elongated members. In a similar
arrangement, the beam 28 includes lengths 36 and 38 which are
affixed together in lapped relationship by a clamp 40 incorporating
a set screw 42. Such clamps are generally available, and a standard
form is depicted in FIG. 3.
In general, the frame 16 serves as a base support for pivoting
elements which swing to move the platform S (FIGS. 1 and 2) between
the reclining and convenience positions. Specifically, a pair of
elongated crank members 44 and 46 extend between the rails 22 and
24 at spaced-apart locations. The ends of the member 44 are rigidly
affixed to pivot links 48 and 50, and member 46 is similarly
affixed to links 52 and 54. Additionally, external of these links,
the ends of the crank members 44 and 46 are rotatably received in
the rails 22 and 24. Generally, the four linkages are similar as
illustrated in somewhat greater detail by FIG. 4 showing the pivot
link 50. The extreme end 56 (FIG. 4) of the member 46 is journaled
into the rail 22. Consequently, the crank member 46 is journaled
into the rail 22. Consequently, the crank member 46 is free to
rotate with respect to the rail 22 of the frame 16 (FIG. 3).
However, internal of the rail 22 (FIG. 4) the elongate crank member
46 receives the pivot link 50 in fixed relationship. Consequently,
as the crank member 46 revolves, the link 50 swings through an arc
that is generally aligned with the rail 22.
The upper end 58 (FIG. 4) of the link 50 is pivotally connected to
a holding beam 60 by a pivot pin 62. The holding beam 60, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, is carried on the links 48 and 50. In turn,
the holding beam 60 (along with the similar beam 66) carries the
box-spring unit 14, the members being affixed together as by screw
fasteners 64.
At the opposite side of the frame 16, e.g., above the rail 24, the
holding beam 66 is supported by the pivot links 52 and 54
mechanically related as described above with reference to the
holding beam 60. Consequently, the elongated crank members 44 and
46 fix the links (48, 50, 52 and 54) together in pairs, for uniform
motion of the support beams 60 and 66 to raise and lower the
box-spring unit 14 in a pivotal motion pattern.
An additional connection between the beams 60 and 66 is provided by
a cross beam 68. Somewhat as previously described with regard to
the end beams 26 and 28, the cross beam 68 includes lapped lengths
70 and 72, in this instance held together by a coupling 74 which
also receives a ring bolt 76 for the terminal connection of a coil
spring 78. At the opposite (lower) end, the coil spring 78 is
affixed to a clip 80 centered at the central U-shaped crank
extension 82 of the crank member 44. The extension 82 also carries
an elongate metal strap 84, the opposed end of which receives the
crank extension 86 of the crank member 46 as well as a coil spring
88, the other end of which is connected to the clamp 40.
Generally, the springs 78 and 88 are tension members and urge the
structure to the elevated position as illustrated in FIG. 3, e.g.
with the holding beams 60 and 66 in an elevated position. To
accommodate the motion toward the lower or reclining position, the
crank extensions 82 and 86 move in a clockwise direction (as
illustrated) thereby allowing the pivot links 48, 50, 52 and 54 to
swing to the right as indicated by the dashed line 89, lowering the
holding beams 60 and 66. In the course of such movement, the coil
springs 78 and 88 are elongated to stressed states; however, when
the bed is lowered to the conventional configuration, the locking
device 34 (FIG. 3 lower left) is actively engaged to resist the
forces of the springs 78 and 88.
Considering the locking device 34 in greater detail, the upper
portion includes a triangular channel 92 (FIG. 5) for receiving the
lapped lengths 30 and 32 in sliding relationship. The integral back
planar section 94 extends from the channel 92 to a
perpendicularly-extending horizontal section 96. Generally, the
section 94 carries a latch structure 98 while the section 96
carries a disengaging structure 100. Specifically, a pair of
brackets 102 are affixed on the section 94 to pivotally support the
latch mechanism 98 including an axle 104 and a U-shaped latch 106
including hooks 108 which engage the crank extension 82.
The release or disengaging structure 100 is affixed to the section
96 by a pivot pin 110 and includes release risers 112, 114 and 116
which define tapered cam surfaces for engaging the hook arms 108.
The disengaging structure 100 is moved by pull lines 120 and 122
which extend to opposed sides of the bed as in the form of the
cable C (FIG. 1). A pair of springs 123 affixed on either side of
the structure 100 return that member to a central position upon
release of the cable C.
Considering the operating sequence of the mechanical system, assume
initially that the sleeping platform S is in the elevated
convenience position (FIG. 2) with the result that the mechanism 20
is in the configuration depicted in FIG. 3. In that regard, the
crank extension 82 of the crank member 44 is noted to be remote
from the locking device 34 contrary to the locked relationship of
the elements as illustrated in FIG. 5.
With the bed in the convenience configuration, as indicated above,
the sleeping platform S is elevated to a convenient working level
and withdrawn from the headboard H so that the bed clothes can be
conveniently placed and arranged. The system is stable while in
that configuration because of the forces applied by the springs 78
and 88 (FIG. 3). Specifically, the springs apply tension forces to
hold the crank extensions 82 and 86 substantially horizontal, with
the result that the rigidly interconnected links 48, 50, 52 and 54
extend vertically or normal in relation to the frame 16.
To lower the sleeping platform S to the reclining position (FIG. 1)
a force is applied downward and to some extent toward the headboard
H. As a consequence, the holding beams 60 and 66 move down and
toward the headboard H through an arcuate path encompassing an
angle of some ninety degrees. In the course of the motion, the
links 48, 50, 52 and 54 swing through the angle (line 89) to a
horizontal position. Concurrently, the crank members 44 and 46
revolve through a similar angle swinging the crank extensions 82
and 86 to a downwardly-extending vertical position in which the
extension 82 is captured by the locking device 34. Specifically, a
length of the extension 82 (FIG. 5) simply passes under the hooks
108 which then drop into position to retain the crank extension 82
vertical. Accordingly, the bed is locked in the reclining or
lowered state in which it is used.
Moving the sleeping platform to a convenience position simply
involves pulling one of the lines 120 or 122 (FIG. 5) with the
result that the disengaging structure 100 swings to move a pair of
the risers 112, 114 or 116 under the hooks 108, lifting the hooks
108 to release the crank extension 82. Immediately upon the
occurrence of such an event, the springs 78 and 88 pull the crank
extension 82 forward (FIG. 5) along with the crank extension 86 to
return the elements to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3.
Thus, the structure embodying the present invention is simple to
operate and stable in use. Also, it is noteworthy that the
disclosed embodiment is suitable for use with beds of different
size, e.g. widths. Specifically, the crank members 44 and 46, along
with the transverse beams 26, 28 and 68 are telescopic units to
accommodate adjustment to different widths as desired. Of course,
as indicated above, the exemplary embodiment is subject to a
variety of modifications which will be obvious to those skilled in
the art. As a consequence, the scope hereof is deemed to be defined
by the claims as set forth below.
* * * * *