The present invention relates to adjustable beds. The present invention further provides a bed inclining system configured to be secured to an existing bed to raise and lower the head of the existing bed while supporting the mid-section of the bed to prevent a non-planar sleeping surface.
Many people who suffer from gastro-esophageal reflux, congestive heart disease, sleep apnea, chronic sinusitis, edema, among other ailments, are able to alleviate and treat these medical problems by sleeping in an inclined position having their head and chest or torso in an elevated position. Known adjustable beds are designed to allow a user to raise the head of the bed, to allow their head and torso to be raised relative to the foot end of the bed. Some beds also allow a user to raise their knees and feet by adjusting the incline of the foot of the bed relative to the head of the bed. These known adjustable beds require a specifically designed frame configured to bend or angle to a pre-allowed adjustable position, which also requires a mattress specifically designed to correspond to and align with the different positions permitted by the underlying frame. Due to the pre-configured bed frame and mattress designs, the mechanism used in these known adjustable beds is unable to be used with an existing bed having a conventional mattress supporting assembly.
Other bed lifting devices are configured to only support a single end of a bed, resulting in an unsupported mid-section of the bed. This lack of structural support can lead to a non-planar sleeping surface when the weight of the sleeper is added to the bed while in the inclined position. Additional stress to the bed frame while one end is lifted, and the remaining bed frame is unsupported can lead to deformation of the bed frame at stress points.
The present invention provides to a bed inclining system adapted to be positioned beneath an end of a bed frame or other bed structure of an existing bed, such that a user can selectively raise the head or foot of the existing bed by a desired amount via a remote or adjacent control, while simultaneously allowing the opposite end of the bed to remain on a floor surface. The present invention further provides a support assembly configured to support a mid-section of the bed to prevent the mattress from forming a non-planar sleeping surface.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a bed inclining system. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of bed inclining systems now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new bed inclining system wherein the same can be utilized for securing to an existing bed and adjusting the incline of the bed via raising or lowering a head end of the bed.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system comprising a base frame mountable to an existing bed, wherein the base frame includes an elongated bar adapted to be positioned at a head or foot of the bed.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system comprising an embodiment having a support structure mounted to a mid-section of the bed to support the mid-section in an inclined configuration.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system comprising an embodiment wherein the support structure is optional and can be removably secured to the elongated bar via brackets.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system comprising a bed support and a lifting assembly both extending from the base frame. The bed support comprises a platform configured to receive a leg of the bed thereon, wherein the lifting support is configured to raise and lower the bed support, such that the bed is moveable between a level configuration and a raised configuration.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system wherein the level configuration, the bed is in a horizontal position and in the raised configuration, the head end of the bed is raised from a floor surface, whereas a foot end of the bed remains on the floor surface.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system that is adapted to be entirely removable from the existing bed frame so that it can be mounted to either end of the bed frame or to a different bed frame.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system wherein the lifting assembly comprises an actuator disposed within a housing. The operation of the actuator from the level configuration to the raised configuration is configured to apply a lifting force to the elongated bar of the base frame resulting in the elevation of the bed support.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the bed inclining system comprising a remote device having an application configured to track user data, such as heart rate, respiration, snoring, and sleep position. The system is configured to automatically adjust a slope of the bed in response to the user data for a better sleep position.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bed inclining system that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for raising and lowering an end of a bed. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “an alternate embodiment”, “first embodiment”, “second embodiment”, or “third embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, “bed”, “bed frame”, and “mattress support structure” may be used interchangeably, and all refer to the type of pre-existing bed that the present invention is adapted to mount.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the base frame 1100 is adjustable in length so it can mount to various sized bed frames. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated bar 1115 is telescopic and comprises at least one telescoping segment 1120 to allow the base frame 1100 to fit under beds having different widths, wherein the width is measured between opposing lateral sides of a bed. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescoping segment 1120 is configured to fit within adjacent outer segments of the elongated bar 1115. In this way, the length of the bar 1115 is adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment, the base frame 1100 comprises a square shaped cross section. However, in alternate embodiments, the base frame comprises any suitable shape, such as having a circular or rectangular shaped cross section.
At least one lifting assembly 1200 is secured to the base frame 1100, wherein the lifting assembly 1200 comprises the components to raise and lower the bed. In the illustrated embodiment, the bed inclining system comprises a pair of lifting assemblies 1200 each disposed on opposing sides of the base frame 1100. However, in alternate embodiments, the bed inclining system 1000 comprises a single lifting assembly 1200 that can be positioned anywhere along the base frame 1100. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
The bed support 1400 comprises a platform 1410 adapted to receive the leg or edge of the bed frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 1410 is flat and comprises a rectangular shaped cross-section. However, in alternate embodiments, the platform comprises any suitable shape configured to receive a leg or edge of a bed thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, a sidewall 1420 is disposed along a perimeter of the platform 1410 to prevent the bed frame from sliding from the bed support 1400. In some embodiments, the sidewall 1420 extends along at least three sides of the platform 1410. In other embodiments, the bed support 1400 comprises a single sidewall extending from the outer perimeter of the platform 1410. In this way, interior sides of the platform are adapted to receive a corner of a platform style bed or bed frame as opposed to a leg. In some embodiments, the platform 1410 is absent at least one sidewall to enable it to be more easily slid beneath a bed leg or bed supporting element.
In the illustrated embodiment, each bed support 1400 is adjustably or slidably mounted to the base frame 1100 via a U-shaped plate 1450. The plate 1450 comprises a plurality of apertures 1460 that are configured to align above an aperture disposed on the base frame 1100. Once the apertures of the bed support and the base frame are aligned, a corresponding pin 1470 is disposed through each aperture to secure the bed support 1400 to the base frame 1100. In this way, a distance between the pair of bed supports is adjustable to accommodate for the legs and edges of a bed from having differing widths.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bed support 1400 comprises a fastener adapted to secure a leg of the bed frame to the base frame 1100. In the shown embodiment, the fastener is a pair of securable straps 1440 extending from the bed support 1400 and configured to form a loop around the leg. In some embodiments, the bed support does not include a fastener.
Referring now to
The actuator 1320 is configured to apply a lifting force to the base frame or directly to the bed support, wherein the force is applied when the housing 1310 is moved from the lowered or retracted position to the extended or raised position. As a result, a portion of the force is transferred to the bed frame when moved from a level or floor configuration to an inclined configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 1320 is a linear actuator configured to provide a vertical motion. The linear actuator is moved electrically by a motor (see
In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting assembly 1200 is configured to apply varying amounts of torque as the actuator 1310 is raised and lowered. For example, in some embodiments, higher torque is applied when the bed inclining system is raising the bed from the level configuration and the scissor lift is completely compressed, wherein the lifting assembly 1200 transitions to lower torque as the bed continues to move to an inclined configuration and the scissor lift becomes extended. In some embodiments, the varying torque is achieved via different thread configurations disposed on the screw. For example, the screw comprises shallower angles at a distal end, wherein the angles become steeper as the scissor lift is raised.
In some embodiments wherein the bed inclining system comprises multiple lifting assemblies, a first lifting assembly is a master unit configured to operate and/or control activation of a second lifting assembly. The first and second lifting assemblies are wirelessly connected or wired to each other, such that the second lifting assembly is adapted to provide secondary mechanical support. In some embodiments, each lifting assembly comprises a motor.
In other embodiments, the actuator comprises any suitable configuration adapted to raise and lower the housing upon actuation. In some embodiments, the bed inclining system comprises any suitable actuating mechanism, such as a mechanical, a pneumatic or a hydraulic lift mechanism, to facilitate raising and lowering a head of the bed.
Referring now to
A support foot 1620 is disposed on a distal end of each rod member 1600. Each rod member 1600 is pivotally connected to the support foot 1620 to allow an angle between the rod member 1600 and support foot 1620 to change as the lifting assembly raises and lowers the elongated bar 1115 of the base frame 1100, allowing the support foot to remain flush with a ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the support foot is adjustable in height to allow the base frame to engage with beds and bed frames having different dimensions and distances from the ground surface. In the shown embodiment, the support foot 1620 comprises a base 1630 having a screw member 1635 adjustably mounted between a distal end of a bracket 1640. The bracket 1640 extends from the rod member 1600. As the base 1630 is rotated in a first direction, the support foot 1620 is lengthened via the screw member 1635 extending from the bracket 1640 and moving downward. As the base 1630 is rotated in an opposing second direction, the support foot 1620 is shortened via the screw member 1635 retracting into the bracket 1640.
In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 1130 of the base frame 1100 comprises a pair of rigid crossbars 1700 extending perpendicularly between the pair of rod members 1600. The crossbars 1700 are substantially parallel to the elongated bar 1115 and are configured to provide additional structural support to the support structure 1130 of the base frame 1100. In some embodiments, the base frame 1100 comprises a single crossbar. In alternate embodiments, the support structure does not comprise any crossbars. In some embodiments, the crossbar 1700 is telescopic to permit adjustment of the distance between the pair of rod members 1600.
In the illustrated embodiment, each crossbar 1700 comprises an adjustment member 1750 for adjusting a height such that as the base frame is secured to the bed frame to achieve a planar position. The adjustment member 1750 comprises a U-shaped bracket positioned over a top side of the crossbar 1700. A fastener 1760 extends through an elongated aperture 1770 of the U-shaped bracket, wherein the elongated aperture 1770 permits vertical movement of the U-shaped when the fastener 1760 is loosened or unsecured. Once the U-shaped bracket is at a desired height, the fastener 1760 is secured to prevent movement of the U-shaped bracket.
Referring now to
As a result of the housing 1310 movement via the actuator and the position of the base frame 1100 at the head of the bed, the bed 6000 is configured to be moved between a level configuration and an inclined or raised configuration. In the level configuration, the bed is in a substantially horizontal position, and, in the inclined or raised configuration, the head end or foot end of the bed frame is raised from a floor and is raised relative to the opposite end of the bed frame. The bed support is adapted to support the head of the bed frame in both the level configuration and the raised configuration. In some embodiments, the lifting assembly is directly connected to the bed support such that as the lifting assembly is raised and lowered, so is the bed support.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bed inclining system 1000 is configured to mount to an end (foot or head) of a conventional or pre-existing bed or bed frame. When the bed is in either the level or raised configurations, the opposite end of the pre-existing bed remains on the ground surface and only the end of the bed with the system 1000 mounted thereto is elevated. The bed inclining system 1000 does not bend or in any way angle the pre-existing bed or bed frame, but instead maintains a planar or flat orientation of the bed at all times.
Referring now to
The remote electronic device comprises a manual lifting control 1830 or switch adapted to cause the lifting assembly 1200 to rise so long as the lifting control remains pressed or otherwise activated until the user ceases activation or applying force to the lifting control 1830. The remote electronic device 1800 further comprises a lowering control 1840 or switch that is adapted to cause the lifting assembly 1200 to lower so long as the lowering control remains pressed or otherwise activated until the user ceases activation or applying force to the lowering control 1840.
In some embodiments, the remote electronic device 1800 comprises a memory storage for allowing a user to select pre-saved raised configurations via one or more selectable memory controls. A sensory of the lifting assembly is configured to detect the position and orientation of the bed. Each memory storage control 1850 corresponds to a different elevation of the lifting assembly 1200 selected by the user. Upon finding a desired raised configuration, the user is able to store the desired raised configuration in the memory storage by pressing one of the memory storage controls 1850 in a predetermined memory storage sequence. Thereafter, when that memory control is activated, the lifting assembly 1200 will raise or lower to the configuration associated with the memory storage control 1850. The user can override the selected memory storage by pressing the predetermined sequence again. In some embodiments, the remote electronic device 1800 comprises a planar configuration control 1860 or switch configured to return the lifting assembly 1200 to the lowered position that corresponds to the bed moving to a planar configuration.
In other embodiments, the remote electronic device 1800 comprises a light source to allow a user to locate more easily the remote 1800 in a dark or dimly lit room. In some embodiments, all or parts of the controls or switches of the remote electronic device 1800 are translucent and configured to illuminate when a housing of the remote electronic device 1800 is touched by the user via a sensor disposed within the housing. In other embodiments, the housing is transparent or translucent to allow continuous illumination of the light source. In alternate embodiments, the housing comprises a sensor configured to detect light or lack thereof, such that the light source becomes illuminated upon detection of a room light being turned off. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing light source 1870 is distinct from one or more control light sources 1875.
In some embodiments, the bed inclining system 1000 comprises a secondary remote device 1900, as a smart device, having an application 1910 configured to track user data, such as heart rate, respiration, snoring, and sleep position. In other embodiments, the remote electronic device 1800 comprises the application capable of tracking user data. In some embodiments, the application is operably connected to a wearable device disposed on the user, wherein the wearable device is configured to detect the user data to be collected by the application. The application is configured to automatically adjust a slope of the bed in response to the user data for a better sleep position. In some embodiments, secondary remote device comprises a user interface 1920 that allows a user to pre-program the lifting assembly to automatically adjust to a pre-determined level or raised configuration depending on a time input.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/172,225 filed on Apr. 8, 2021. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63172225 | Apr 2021 | US |