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.

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.

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.