ADJUSTABLE BED

Abstract

An adjustable bed provides a selective rocking motion. The bed has a plurality of body support sections mounted in relation to a moveable cradle. The body support sections include at least an adjustable back section and a fixed middle section adjacent to the back section, and optionally an adjustable upper leg section adjacent to the middle section and an adjustable lower leg/foot section pivotally connected with respect to the upper leg section. The body support sections are mounted with respect to the cradle to allow angular adjustment of their relative positions to alter the configuration of the bed. The cradle is movably mounted on or in relation to an intermediate support carriage for fore and aft rocking movement with respect thereto. The intermediate support carriage is movably mounted on or in relation to a fixed base for translational movement with respect thereto in response to angular adjustment of the back section and/or rocking movement of the cradle.

Description

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

FIG. 1

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an adjustable bed having adjustable body-support sections which can be moved to adjust the configuration of the bed. In particular the invention concerns an adjustable bed with selective rocking motion functionality.

2. Description of the Related Art

An adjustable bed particularly suitable for domestic furniture applications is described in WO2011/048384. This bed comprises a mattress support deck having a plurality of mattress support sections, including a movable backrest support section, a fixed seat section adjacent to the backrest support section, a movable thigh support section adjacent the seat section and a movable foot or lower leg support section adjacent and hinged to the thigh support section. The back and thigh support sections are mounted with respect to the base to allow angular adjustment of their relative positions to alter the configuration of the bed. Linear actuators are provided for moving each of the movable sections to effect angular adjustment of the bed. A pair of load-bearing arcuate members are spaced apart on opposite lateral sides of both the back and thigh sections. The bearing members project from the underside of the respective support sections and are each provided with bearings arranged to run on a respective curved support provided in or on a respective side panel of the base. The bearing members are rigidly connected together by a suitable cross-member on the underside of the respective support sections. Each cross member provides a suitable attachment point for one end of a linear actuator. The arrangement provides a robust box-section type construction, the four sides of which are provided by the support section, typically a panel of board material, the two bearing members on opposite sides of the support section and the cross-member. This construction provides for rigidity that resits twisting of the structure and hence maintains alignment of the bearings and respective curved support guides in the side panels of the base.

Another adjustable bed having a selective rocking function is disclosed in US2013/007955. The adjustable bed disclosed in this patent publication is mounted on a see-saw type pivot for selectively rocking the bed back and forth. Many of the health benefits associated with rocking motion on the resting human body are discussed in this document.

The arrangement disclosed in US2013/007955 may be considered heavy, robust and mechanically complex. This structure does not readily provide an arrangement suitable for lightly used domestic furniture, where design considerations, such as weight and cost, come into play.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a requirement for an adjustable bed having a selective rocking function that is mechanically less complicated than hitherto known designs and which has attendant weight and cost advantages.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable bed comprising a plurality of body support sections mounted on or in relation to a moveable cradle, said body support sections including at least an adjustable back section and a fixed middle section adjacent to the back section, and optionally an adjustable upper leg section adjacent to the middle section and an adjustable lower leg/foot section pivotally connected with respect to the upper leg section, the said body support sections being mounted with respect to the cradle to allow angular adjustment of their relative positions to alter the configuration of the bed; the cradle being movably mounted on or in relation to an intermediate support carriage for fore and aft rocking movement with respect to said intermediate support carriage; the intermediate support carriage being movably mounted on or in relation to a fixed base for translational movement with respect thereto in response to angular adjustment of the said back section and/or said rocking movement of the cradle.

The above aspect of the present invention readily enables an adjustable bed of the type having an adjustable backrest and optionally adjustable leg support sections to be provided with rocking functionality integrated into the main structure of the bed. Rocking movement of the cradle is compensated for by simultaneous movement of the intermediate support carriage with respect to the base so that zero wall clearance is maintained at the headboard end of the bed when the cradle is rocked back and forth, independently of the adjustment position of the adjustable support section(s) of the bed.

The above aspect of the invention contemplates so called “zero wall” or “wall-hugger” embodiments is which the support sections move rearwards with the movable intermediate support carriage when the backrest support section is raised, and forwards when the back section is lowered towards its horizontal position, with the angular adjustment of the backrest section being co-ordinated with the translational movement of the intermediate support carriage of the frame. This feature is particularly advantageous in adjustable beds of the aforementioned type as it permits the user to remain close to other bedside items such as a bedside table or cabinet when the back rest is raised, which would otherwise move the user forward and away from the headboard end of the bed.

Preferably, the cradle comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate parallel side panels. This provides a suitable mounting for bearing means for mounting the adjustable support section(s) as described in more detail below.

In preferred embodiments, the elongate parallel side panels of the cradle are fixedly connected together. This provides a robust rigid structure,

Preferably, the parallel side panels comprise part of a sub-assembly moveably mounted with respect to the intermediate support carriage.

The cradle is preferably movably mounted with respect to the intermediate support carriage by guide means.

The guide means preferably comprises bearing means associated with one of the cradle and intermediate support carriage and a guide associated with the other of the cradle and intermediate support carriage.

Preferably the guide is arcuate, more preferably the guide extends circumferentially. In embodiments having a circumferential guide the cradle pivots relative to the intermediate support carriage about a pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of the curved guide, which centre of curvature is typically located above the upper surface of the bed. The guide may have a different shape instead of purely circumferential so long as the guide provides the required fore and aft rocking movement of the cradle with respect to the intermediate support carriage.

The bearing means is preferably carried by the side panels and the guide is carried by the intermediate support carriage. The present invention also contemplates embodiments where the bearing means is carried by the intermediate support carriage and the guide by the side panels of the cradle.

In preferred embodiments, the intermediate support carriage comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate parallel side panels. This provides a suitable mounting for receiving bearing means for mounting the intermediate support carriage on the fixed base support frame.

The elongate parallel side panels of the intermediate support are preferably fixedly connected together.

The respective side panels of the cradle and intermediate support carriage may lie adjacent one another on opposing lateral sides of the bed. This provides for a compact mounting arrangement on the sides of the bed, leaving sufficient space in the interior region of the space for powered actuator means or the like.

Preferably, the parallel side panels of the cradle comprise part of a first sub-assembly and the parallel side panels of the intermediate support comprise part of a second sub-assembly movably mounted with respect to the first sub assembly.

Preferably, the parallel side panels of the said cradle are movably mounted with respect to and nest with the side panels of the intermediate support carriage.

An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 13 wherein: said parallel side panels of the said cradle are movably mounted and nest within the side panels of the intermediate support carriage. This provides for space efficiency with one movable sub-assembly nesting within the other.

In preferred embodiments, the floor standing base comprises a generally rectangular frame having a pair of spaced apart elongate parallel side panels. This provides for a robust construction which preferably is in the form of a rectangular structural frame.

Preferably, the respective side panels of the intermediate support carriage and base lie adjacent one another on opposing lateral sides of the bed. This provides for improved space efficiency.

In preferred embodiments, the parallel side panels of the intermediate support carriage are movably mounted and nest with the side panels of the base, preferably within the side panels of the base.

The side panels of the base may provide a guard on respective sides of the bed. In this way potential entrapment points within the structure of the bed can be guarded from access from the sides of the bed.

Preferably, the intermediate support carriage is movavbly mounted with respect to the base by guide means.

In preferred embodiments the guide means comprises bearing means carried by the base and a guide provided on or in (preferably a slot in) the intermediate support carriage. Preferably this guide is linear.

In preferred embodiments the guide is linear and inclined so that the intermediate support carriage moves rearwards and upwards with respect to the base in one direction and forwards and downward in the other (reverse) direction.

Preferably, the intermediate support carriage moves rearwards and upwards with respect to the base in response to the adjustable backrest being raised, and forwards and downwards with respect to the base when the backrest is lowered.

Preferably, the or each adjustable body support section comprises a pair of curved guides connected to respective opposite lateral sides of the movable support section, with bearing means being connected to respective opposite lateral sides of the cradle. The curved guides are arranged to run on the bearing means to permit angular adjustment of the respective adjustable section about a pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of the curved guides.

In preferred embodiments the adjustable bed may further comprise captivating means for maintaining engagement of the curved guides on the bearing means through the range of angular adjustment. Engagement of the curved guides and bearing means is readily maintained by the captivating means in all adjustment configurations. This can reduce weight and cost in such arrangements as less complex structures may be implemented. In particular the above aspect of the invention contemplates embodiments without stiffening elements such as cross-members, etc, This can achieve significant weight and cost advantages without compromising performance and durability. This is a particular consideration in the domestic furniture industry where manufacturing cost is often critical to a product's success in the marketplace.

Preferably, the captivating means comprises, on each lateral side of the cradle, means for resisting sideways lateral movement of the respective curved guide with respect to the cradle. In this way sideways movement, due to say over or uneven loading, can be avoided ensuring the curved guides and associated bearing means are maintained in engagement in all adjustment configurations of the item of furniture

The captivating means may comprise, on each lateral side of the cradle, at least one roller fixed in relation to the cradle and arranged to bear on the respective curved guide to maintain the curved guide in the plane of the bearing means associated with the guide. Conveniently, the fixed roller or rollers provide support for the weight of the adjustable sections and the body weight of the user when supported on the article of furniture. The rollers maintain low friction contact between the movable parts which readily provides for smooth adjustment and efficient load transfer to the frame in use.

The curved guides may comprise a channel, preferably a U-section channel, with the bearings means are arranged to run in said channel. In this way the channels conveniently provide a guide track for the bearings in which the bearings are encapsulated and thereby shielded in the article of furniture.

Preferably, on each side of the frame, the bearing means comprises a pair of spaced apart rollers arranged to run in the curved channel. This provides for even load distribution and load transfer between the curved guides and the bearings at two spaced apart locations along the path of the guides. The two bearings may also provide respective end limits or stops for limiting the travel of the guides at each end of the range of adjustment.

Preferably, the captivating means is positioned between the pair of rollers. In this way any applied loads which would otherwise cause the guides to twist or distort can be resisted in an equal and balanced way since the distance between the captivating means and the respective rollers may be substantially the same. In more preferred embodiments the captivating means is positioned substantially mid-way between the pair of rollers.

The above aspect of the invention readily enables the weight of the user to be supported by the bed with the load bearing structure of the bed being integrated in such a way that the weight carried by the bed is readily transferred to the base.

The arrangement of the bearing means and curved supports readily enables the adjustable body-support sections to be moved, independently if necessary, about their respective pivot axis which may be offset from the base and positioned appropriately to avoid compression of adjacent soft cushion parts carried by the body support sections.

In preferred embodiments the pivot axis of the or each movable body-support section is positioned above the base in a plane offset from the top edge thereof. Preferably the pivot axis or axes is/are positioned in a plane offset from the base by an amount substantially corresponding to the thickness of the body support sections such that the offset plane is substantially coincident with an upper support surface of the body support sections when in a flat horizontal position. The offset nature of the pivot axis or axes can substantially eliminate interference of the respective body support sections when they move with respect to one another as the pivot axis may be positioned at a common hinge position between adjacent body support portions. In preferred arrangements where the body support sections include a compressible cushion or other compressible support means interference at the respective adjacent ends can be readily avoided.

This arrangement readily provides for a compact arrangement in which the curved guides are positioned closely adjacent to the respective lateral side panels of the cradle away from other moving parts of the bed, including the actuator means which may preferably be located and substantially enclosed within the structure of the base.

The bearing means carried by the bearing member may be of any appropriate kind, for example roller bearings mounted on a pin or shaft.

In preferred embodiments the actuator means is arranged to apply the adjustment force substantially to the underside of the moveable body support section to which it is attached. In this way the actuator loads may be minimised by increasing the perpendicular distance between the pivot axis of the respective body support section and the point of application of the actuator load.

In preferred embodiments the actuator means comprises of at least one electric motor driving an extended threaded spindle. In preferred embodiments, actuator means, preferably a single actuator, is associated with each of the relatively moveable body support sections so that each may be operated independently.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of an adjustable bed according to an embodiment of the invention, with the bed adjusted to a fully raised upright position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with the mattress support deck panels shown in ghost outline;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the rear of the bed of FIG. 1 with the mattress support deck panels shown in ghost outline;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 from below;

FIG. 5 is a similar perspective view of the bed of FIGS. 1 from below, with various parts shown in ghost outline;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view from the rear of the bed of FIG. 1, with an end panel of the base shown in ghost outline;

FIG. 8 is a plan view from below of the bed of FIGS. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with an outer frame side panel removed;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with an outer frame side panel and an intermediate frame side panel removed;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with an outer frame side panel, an intermediate frame side panel and associated guide removed;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1, similar to that of FIG. 6, with an outer frame side panel, an intermediate frame side panel and associated guide removed as in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1 with the mattress support deck panels shown in ghost outline, as in FIG. 2, and rocked rearwards;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1, similar to that in FIG. 6, with the mattress support deck panels rocked rearwards;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with the mattress support deck panels shown in ghost outline, as in FIG. 2, and rocked forwards;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1, similar to that in FIG. 6, with the mattress support deck panels rocked forwards;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with the bed in a lowered configuration with the mattress support deck panels shown in ghost outline, as in FIG. 2, and adjusted so that the lie flat;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1, similar to that in FIG. 6, with the bed in a lowered configuration with the mattress support deck panels adjusted so that the lie flat as in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with the bed in a lowered configuration with the mattress support deck panels shown in ghost outline, as in FIG. 2, and rocked rearwards from the position of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1, similar to that in FIG. 6, with the bed in a lowered configuration with the mattress support deck panels rocked rearwards as in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 1 with the bed in a lowered configuration with the mattress support deck panels shown in ghost outline, as in FIG. 2, and rocked forwards from the position of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 1, similar to that in FIG. 6, with the bed in a lowered configuration with the mattress support deck panels rocked forwards as in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 22 show, schematically, an adjustable bed 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drawings of FIGS. 1 to 22 show the same bed in various adjustment positions. In the drawings of FIGS. 9 to 12 various components have been removed from view for the purpose of illustration only, that is to say to reveal detail of the bed construction that would otherwise be obscured from view. Where appropriate various components are also shown in “ghost outline”, that is to say there are shown as transparent components in the drawings, also for the purpose of illustration only.

The bed 10 comprises a mattress support deck having four adjacent mattress support section panels including an adjustable backrest/head support section panel 12, a fixed seat or mid-section support panel 14, an upper leg or thigh section support panel 16 and a foot and lower leg section support panel 18. The panels 12, 16 and 18 are adjustably mounted on top of a structural support frame 20.

The support frame 20 includes an outer frame 22 in the form of a fixed floor standing base section frame, an intermediate frame 24 in the form of a movable intermediate support carriage which is movable longitudinally with respect to the fixed outer frame 22, and an inner frame 25 in the form of a movable cradle which is movable fore and aft (back and forth) in a rocking motion with respect to the intermediate support carriage. The adjustable support section panels 12, 16 and 18 are mounted on the inner frame 25, in a manner which will be described in more detail below, for adjustment of their relative positions relative to the frame to alter the configuration of the bed. The seat section 14 is fixed in relation to the inner frame 25. The panels may include upholstered cushions/pads or the like for supporting a mattress (not shown) positioned on top of the cushions or pads, alternatively a mattress may be positioned directly on top of the panels 12-18.

In FIGS. 1 to 16 the bed 10 is shown in an upright configuration with the back support section panel 12 raised and inclined with respect to the fixed seat section panel 14. The adjustable support section panels 16 and 18 are also raised with respect to the adjacent seat section panel 14. In this position the bed is configured to support a person in a raised seated position. In their lowered position, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 the panels lie substantially flat on top of the frame 20 to support the user horizontally in a lying position. In the lowered position the adjustable support panels 1216 and 18 combine with the seat section panel 14 to define a substantially flat horizontal platform.

As mentioned above, the various support panels may each be provided with a mattress support cushion (not shown), in which case cushions combine to provide a mattress foundation for supporting a suitable mattress to provide a so called “soft edge” adjustable bed. The present invention also contemplates arrangements where the support panels are integrated in a divan type bed foundation structure. In the illustrated embodiment the bed 10 is a double bed, but the present invention contemplates beds of many different widths including standard single size beds to much larger doubles.

The outer frame 22 comprises a generally rectangular frame constructed of a board type material, for example an engineering plastic, wood, MDF or other fiberboard material. The frame 20 includes a pair of elongate parallel lateral side panels 26, 28, on respective opposite sides of the bed. The panels 26, 28 are joined together at the respective ends by end panels 30, 32 to form a rectangular box type structural support frame.

The side panels 26, 28 are substantially identical, each having a pair of rollers in the form of bearings 80, 82 as will be described in greater detail below. The outer frame 22 is provided with upstanding legs (not shown) at each of the corners of the frame. The outer base support frame 22 thereby constitutes the floor standing part of the bed 10 and in this respect the outer frame 22 may stand directly on the floor or be provided with castors, feet or the like at the base of the respective legs as is well known in the art.

The movable intermediate support carriage 24 is mounted within the interior region of the base support frame 22 on the underside of the mattress support section panels 12, 14, 16 and 18. The intermediate support carriage 24 can best be seen in the drawings of FIGS. 2 and 9, where the panels 12, 14, 16 and 18 are shown in ghost outline only. The intermediate support carriage 24 comprises a pair of elongate parallel side panels 34, 36 disposed adjacent respective left and right hand side frame panels 26 and 28 of the outer base support frame 22.

The panels 34 and 36 are symmetrically identical such that the mounting arrangement on one side of the bed is the same as the other. The panels 34, 36 are joined together by a pair of parallel tie bar cross-members 38, 40 which are spaced apart longitudinally along the length of the bed. The panels 34 and 36 are preferably constructed from a board type material, for example an engineering plastic, wood, MDF or other fiberboard material. Alternatively, the panels 34, 36 may be constructed from metal sheet, preferably sheet steel material of an appropriate gauge.

The side panels 34, 36 are substantially identical, each having a pair of linear guide slots 58, 59 for accommodating respective support bearings 80, 82 provided on the inward facing side of the respective side panels 26, 28, as will be more fully described below. A first guide slot 58 is provided in the forward half of the side panels 34. 36, towards the toe end of the bed, and a second slot 59 in the rearward half of the panels, towards the head end of the bed. The guide slots 58, 59 are formed in the respective panels and provided with respective wear resistant inserts 58′, 59′ which may be of a suitable polymeric material such as nylon.

The guide slots 58, 59 are inclined rearwards and each receive a respective roller bearing 80, 82 fixed to the respective side panels 26, 28 at corresponding locations on the inward facing sides thereof. The bearings 80, 82 thus movably mount the intermediate support carriage 24 on the outer frame for limited longitudinal translational movement of the carriage 24 with respect to the outer frame 22. The inclined nature of the slots 58, 59 provides an upwards component to the rearward longitudinal movement of the carriage 24 and a downward component to the forward movement of the carriage with respect to the fixed base frame 22. The movement is limited in both longitudinal directions by the length of the slots 58, 59.

As can best be seen in the drawing of FIG. 9, where the outer side panel 26 is removed for the purpose of illustration, an arcuate guide slot 94 is provided in each of the side panels 34, 36. The guide slots 94 are formed in the respective inward facing surface of the panels, facing the inner frame 25, and are provided with respective inserts 94′ (FIG. 10) which may be of a suitable wear resistant polymeric material such as nylon. The slots are positioned approximately mid-way along the length of the panels 34, 36, have a centre of curvature which is above the bed, and extend over an arc which is approximately, clockwise, from a 5 o'clock position to a 7 o'clock position.

The movable inner cradle frame 25 is mounted within the interior region of both the outer base support frame 22 and the intermediate support carriage 24 on the underside of the support section panels 12, 14, 16 and 18. The inner cradle frame may therefore be considered to nest within the intermediate support carriage frame 24 which itself may be considered to nest within the outer base support frame 22. The three frames, inner, intermediate and outer may therefore be considered to be arranged in a nesting configuration, one inside the other, with the three frames 22, 24 and 25 positioned substantially centrally with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the bed when in the lowered configuration shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The inner cradle frame 25 can best be seen in the drawings of FIG. 11, where the panels 12, 14, 16 and 18 are shown in ghost outline only, and the side panels 26 and 34 are removed for the purpose of illustration. The inner cradle frame 25 comprises a pair of elongate parallel side panels 84, 86 disposed adjacent respective left and right hand side frame panels 34 and 36 of the intermediate support carriage frame 24.

The panels 84 and 86 are symmetrically identical such that the mounting arrangement on one side of the bed is the same as the other. The panels 84, 86 are joined together by a cross-member tie bar 88, orthogonal to the panels 84, 86 at a midpoint along their length and positioned towards a lower (bottom) edge thereof. The lower (bottom) edge of the panels 84, 86 is curved such that the width dimension of the respective panels 84, 86 tapers along their length from a maximum at the mid-point to a minimum at the respective longitudinal ends. The top edge of the panels is straight so that the panels have a generally truncated arcuate profile, with the rearward end of the panels 84, 86 being slightly shorter than the forward end.

The panels 84 and 86 are preferably constructed from a board type material, for example an engineering plastic, wood, MDF or other fibreboard material. Alternatively, the panels 84, 86 may be constructed from metal sheet, preferably sheet steel material of an appropriate gauge.

The side panels 84, 86 are substantially identical each having a pair of respective support bearings 90, 92 provided on the outward facing side of the panels. The bearings 90, 92 are spaced apart along the length of the panels and are positioned lengthwise at points corresponding to the respective ends of the mid-section support panel 14 which is secured to the top edges of the respective panels 84, 86. That is to say, a first bearing 90 is positioned on at a point corresponding to the longitudinal position of the forward edge of the panel 14 adjacent panel 16, and the second bearing 92 is positioned at a point corresponding to the longitudinal position of the rearward edge of the panel adjacent panel 12.

The bearings 90, 92 are accommodated in respective arcuate slots 94 in panels 34, 36 such that the inner support cradle is pivotally mounted within, and with respect to, the intermediate support carriage 24 about a pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of the respective slots 94. The spacing of the bearings 90, 92 and the circumferential length of the slots is such that the inner support cradle 25 can rock fore and aft in the slots 94 to provide the bed with limited selective rocking movement when the cradle is pivoted back and forth with respect to the intermediate support carriage. The range of the movement is determined by the length of the slots 94 and the separation of the bearings 90, 92 which abut the respective ends of the slots 94 when at the extreme end of their travel within the slots.

As can best be seen in FIG. 5 each fore and aft section of the panels 84, 86 includes bearings means on which the respective adjustable support section panels are mounted. A pair of roller bearings 46, 48 are mounted on bearing pins 46″, 48′ at circumferentially spaced locations on both fore and aft sections of the of the side panels 84, 86. Bearing 46 and the associated pin 46′ is positioned at the 6 o'clock position on both fore and aft sections and bearing and pin 48, 48′ at a forward position (e.g. 7 o'clock) on the forward section and at a rearward position (e.g. 5 o'clock) on the rearward section, thus the bearings 46, 48 are spaced approximately 30 to 45 degrees apart on a circumference centred on the centre of the natural hip position of a person positioned on the bed. The roller bearings 46, 48 are located on the inward facing side of the respective side panels 84, 86, that is to say the side of the side panels facing the interior of the underside of the bed.

The back support section panel 12 is pivotally mounted to the cradle 25 by a pair of load bearing support members in the form of curved arcuate U-section guides or radial arms 42, 44 connected to and extending from the underside of the panel 12 on respective opposite lateral sides thereof. In the drawing of FIG. 5 the radial arms 42, 44 are shown in ghost outline to reveal the bearings 46, 48. The load bearing support members or curved guides 42, 44 are spaced apart and located at laterally spaced positions on the panel 12 so that they lie substantially adjacent to the respective side panels 84, 86. The open sides of the U-section guide channels face the respective inward facing sides of the adjacent side panels 84, 86 and accommodate respective roller bearings 46, 48. The curved guides have the same radius of curvature and lie on the same circumference as the respective bearings 46, 48 so that the bearings locate, and are held captive in, the respective open U-section channels of the curved guides and thereby provide a suitable rotational mounting for the back support section panel about a respective pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of the respective curved guides 42, 44. This can best been seen in the drawing of FIG. 5 where the respective curved guides 42, 44 are shown in ghost outline only to reveal the roller bearings 46, 48 located in the open channels of the curved guides.

The thigh section support panel 16 is similarly pivotally mounted to the cradle 25 by a pair of load bearing support members in the form of curved arcuate U-section guides or radial arms 42, 44 connected to and extending from the underside of the panel 16 on respective opposite lateral sides thereof The load bearing support members or curved guides 42, 44 are spaced apart and located at laterally spaced positions on the panel 16 so that they lie substantially adjacent to the respective side panels 84, 86. The open sides of the U-section guide channels face the respective inward facing sides of the adjacent side panels 84, 86 and accommodate the respective roller bearings 46, 48. The curved guides have the same radius of curvature and lie on the same circumference as the respective bearings 46, 48 so that the bearings locate, and are held captive in, the respective open U-section channels of the curved guides and thereby provide a suitable rotational mounting for the thigh support section panel about a respective pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of the respective curved guides 42, 44.

The seat section support panel 14 is fixed with respect to the cradle 25 immediately between the back and thigh support panels 12 and 16. The lower leg section support panel 18 is pivotally connected to the thigh support panel 16 along their respective adjoining edges by hinges 50. A pair of so called knee-break angled brackets 52 are attached to the underside of the panel 16 at the edge adjacent to the lower leg/foot rest panel 18 so that the panel 18 has a maximum degree of angular adjustment with respect to the panel 16 when the panel 16 is raised. The angled face of the bracket 52 acts as an abutment stop when it comes into engagement with the underside of the panel 18 when panel 16 is raised to a position where engagement occurs. Thus, further raising of the panel 16 causes the panel 18 to lift completely above the frame 25 and remain at a pre-determined angle relative to the panel 16.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 captivating means 54 are provided at the location of each curved guide 42, 44 for maintaining engagement of the curved guide on the respective roller bearings 46, 48. The captivating means 54 comprises a roller bearing 56 mounted on a bracket that is fixed to the respective side panel 34, 36. The roller bearing 56 bears against the inward facing surface of the respective guide 42, 44 to maintain the curved guide in the plane of the bearings 46, 48 and thereby prevent sideways lateral movement of the curved guide with respect to the adjacent side panel 34, 36. Each bearing 56 is mounted between the bearings 46, 48 at each respective location. In particular the bearing 56 is positioned midway between the respective bearings 46, 48 so that a substantially equal force is applied to the curved guide at the location of the bearings 46, 48. This is beneficial in terms of preventing distortion of the curved guide in use due to uneven loading or weight distribution on the respective movable panels 12, 16 and 18. Each bearing 56 is mounted in a plane that is perpendicular and tangential to the respective guide so that it runs freely along the radial face of the curved guide facing the interior of the frame on the underside of the bed.

A pair of straps 99 (shown schematically in FIGS. 9-22 only), are fixed at one end to the respective intermediate support carriage and at the other to the panel 12 and are looped through apertures 96 in the rear panel 32 of the base support frame so that when the back support section panel 12 is moved from its horizontal position to a raised position, tensioning of the straps cause the movable intermediate support carriage 24 to move rearward with respect to the outer frame 22, and forwards when the panel 12 is lowered, thereby providing the bed with “zero-wall” or “wall-hugger” functionality. The same effect occurs when the cradle is rocked about its pivot axis with respect to the intermediate support carriage as this has the effect of raising and lowering the panel 12 with respect to the base support so that the “zero-wall” or “wall-hugger” functionality is maintained when the cradle 25 is rocked fore and aft. In the drawings of FIGS. 9-22 the straps 98 are shown having an unconnected free end 100 which is to be attached to the panel 12, preferably towards a rear end of the panel nearest the head end of the bed, to provide the necessary zero-wall functionality.

Movement of the panels 12, 16 and 18 is effected by linear electrical actuators 60, 62 mounted on the underside of the bed within the space envelope of the inner frame. Linear actuator 60 has a first end secured to a bracket 64 on the underside of the panel 14 substantially at a mid-point along the length of the panel 14, and a second end secured to a bracket 66 depending from the underside of the panel 12. Similarly linear actuator 62 has a first end also secured to the bracket 64, and a second end secured to a bracket 68 depending from the underside of the panel 16. Thus panel 12 is raised and lowered by respective extension and retraction of actuator 60 and panel 16, with attached panel 18, is raised and lowered by respective extension and retraction of actuator 62. Actuators 60, 62 are retracted in the flat configuration of the bed in FIGS. 17 and 18 and extended in the raised configuration of FIGS. 1 to 16

Movement of the cradle 25 with respect to the intermediate support carriage 24 is effected by electrical linear actuator 98 mounted on the underside of the bed within the space envelope of the inner frame. Linear actuator 98 has a first end secured to cross-member 88 on the underside of the panel 14 substantially at a mid-point along the length of the panel 14, and a second end secured to cross-member 38 fixed to and extending between panels 34, 36 of the intermediate support carriage 24. Thus cradle 25 is rocked fore and aft by respective retraction and extension of actuator 98. This is best appreciated in the drawings of FIGS. 13 to 16 with the bed in the raised configuration and the drawings of FIGS. 19 to 22 with the bed in the lowered configuration.

It will be understood that while the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 221 concerns a bed the present invention also contemplates embodiments wherein the article of furniture is an adjustable rocking chair, for example a chair having a recliner function in which the back rest is angularly adjustable relative to a seat section and adjustment is achieved in a similar manner as hereinbefore described.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1-34. (canceled)

35. An adjustable bed, comprising: a plurality of body support sections, a moveable cradle, a movable intermediate support carriage and a stationary fixed base,said body support sections including at least an adjustable back section and a non-adjustable middle section adjacent to the back section; said middle section being fixed in relation to the cradle, the said at least one adjustable body support section being movably mounted with respect to the cradle to allow angular adjustment of its relative position to alter the configuration of the bed;the cradle being mounted for movement relative to the intermediate support carriage for fore and aft rocking movement with respect thereto;the intermediate support carriage being mounted for movement relative to the stationary fixed base for translational movement with respect thereto in response to angular adjustment of the said back section and/or said rocking movement of the cradle.

36. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 35, wherein: the said cradle comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate parallel side panels.

37. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 36, wherein: the said elongate parallel side panels are fixedly connected together.

38. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 36, wherein: said parallel side panels comprise part of a sub-assembly moveably mounted with respect to the said intermediate support carriage.

39. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 38, wherein: said cradle is movably mounted with respect to said intermediate support carriage by guide means.

40. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein: said guide means comprises bearing means associated with one of the said cradle and said intermediate support carriage and a guide associated with the other of the said cradle and intermediate support carriage.

41. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 40, wherein: said guide is arcuate.

42. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 40, wherein: said bearing means is carried by the said side panels and the guide is carried by said intermediate support carriage.

43. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 35, wherein: the said intermediate support carriage comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate parallel side panels.

44. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 43, wherein: the said elongate parallel side panels of the intermediate support are fixedly connected together.

45. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 43, wherein: respective side panels of said cradle and intermediate support carriage lie adjacent one another on opposing lateral sides of the bed.

46. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 45, wherein: said parallel side panels of the said cradle comprise part of a first sub-assembly and said parallel side panels of the said intermediate support comprise part of a second sub-assembly movably mounted with respect to the first sub assembly.

47. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 46, wherein: said parallel side panels of the said cradle are movably mounted and nest with the side panels of the intermediate support carriage.

48. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 47, wherein: said parallel side panels of the said cradle are movably mounted and nest within the side panels of the intermediate support carriage.

49. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 43, wherein: the said base comprises a generally rectangular frame having a pair of spaced apart elongate parallel side panels.

50. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 49, wherein: respective side panels of the intermediate support carriage and base lie adjacent one another on opposing lateral sides of the bed.

51. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 50, wherein: the said parallel side panels of the said intermediate support carriage are movably mounted and nest with the side panels of the base.

52. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 51, wherein: said parallel side panels of the intermediate support carriage are movably mounted and nest within the side panels of the base.

53. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 49, wherein: the side panels of the base provide a guard on respective sides of the bed.

54. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 35, wherein: said intermediate support carriage is movably mounted with respect to said base by guide means.

55. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 54, wherein: said guide means comprises bearing means carried by the said base and a guide provided on or in the said intermediate support carriage.

56. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 55, wherein: said guide is linear.

57. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 56, wherein: said linear guide is inclined so that the intermediate support carriage moves rearwards and upwards with respect to the base in one direction and forwards and downward in the other direction.

58. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein: the intermediate support carriage moves rearwards and upwards with respect to the base in response to the adjustable backrest being raised, and forwards and downwards with respect to the base when the backrest is lowered.

59. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 35, wherein: the or each adjustable body support section comprises a pair of curved guides connected to respective opposite lateral sides thereof, bearing means being connected to respective opposite lateral sides of the cradle, said curved guides being arranged to run on said bearing means to permit said angular adjustment about a pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of said curved guides.

60. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 59, further comprising restraining means for maintaining engagement of said curved guides on said bearing means through said angular adjustment.

61. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 60, wherein: said restraining means comprises, on each lateral side of the cradle, means for resisting sideways lateral movement of the respective curved guide with respect to the cradle.

62. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 61, wherein: said restraining means comprises, on each lateral side of the cradle, at least one roller fixed in relation to the cradle and arranged to bear on the respective said curved guide to maintain the said curved guide in the plane of the said bearing means associated with the said guide.

63. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 61, wherein: said curved guides comprise a channel and said bearings means are arranged to run in said channel.

64. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 63, wherein: said channel is a U-section channel.

65. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 63, wherein: on each side of said frame, said bearing means comprises a pair of spaced apart rollers arranged to run in said curved channel.

66. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 65, wherein: said restraining means is positioned between said pair of rollers.

67. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 66, wherein: said restraining means is positioned substantially mid-way between said pair of rollers.

68. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 43, wherein: each adjustable body support section comprises a pair of bearing members which lie substantially parallel with the respective lateral side panels of the said cradle.

69. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 35, further comprising: an adjustable upper leg section adjacent to the middle section and an adjustable lower leg/foot section pivotally connected with respect to the upper leg section.

70. An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 55, wherein: said guide means comprises bearing means carried by the said base and a guide slot provided on or in the said intermediate support carriage.