Patent Application
20210227988
The present invention concerns improvements to beds. In particular, although not exclusively, aspects of this invention concern improvements to beds which comprise a support surface defined by a plurality of individual support members. Other aspects of this invention concern improvements to bed frames. The invention also concerns methods of manufacturing such a bed.
The structure of a conventional bed is well known. Typically, a mattress is provided on a bed frame. The mattress supports a user's body and attempts to conform to the shape of the user in order to increase the contact area with the user, thereby reducing the pressure on a particular part of the user's body.
A common type of mattress is a spring mattress. Spring mattresses typically comprise a fabric case housing a plurality of vertically arranged springs which deform under the weight of the user. The audible noise generated by deformation of the springs and vibration of the springs is typically low. This is due to the presence of the outer layers of the mattress which are effective at damping these vibrations. This is especially true with modern mattresses which often include several outer layers of material. Prior art mattresses also include pocket spring mattresses, in which the springs are individually encased in their own fabric pocket. Here the fabric pockets will further help to damp the vibrations in the springs.
Mattresses suffer from various disadvantages however. Dust, dirt, moisture and other undesirable foreign matter can collect and be absorbed in the mattress. Dust mites can thrive in a used mattress, giving rise to allergic reactions to certain users of the mattress. Mattresses are typically difficult to keep clean and/or difficult to clean, when dirty.
Mattresses can suffer from the “roll together” effect, whereby two people sleeping on the same bed have a tendency to roll towards each other.
The thermal properties of mattresses, and through ventilation, are often such that users complain of being too hot in bed.
There are beds of the prior art such as, for example, water beds that do not require the provision of a conventional mattress, thereby avoiding at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages associates with such mattresses. Water beds however suffer from other disadvantages. For example, water beds can leak. Also water beds suffer from the undesirable effects of “ballooning”, that is, when one region of the bed is depressed another region rises owing to the volume of water being substantially constant and “wave motion”, where the surface of the bed can continue to move owing to wave-like motion of the water in the bed. Both ballooning and wave motion can reduce the comfort of the user or users of the bed.
The prior art also comprises beds which do not require a conventional mattress, and which do not suffer from the disadvantages often associated with water beds. An example of such a bed is described in International patent application WO00/16664. In this example, a support surface is defined by a plurality of vertically arranged support members. Unlike a mattress, which effectively surrounds the springs within the mattress with sound-insulating material such that noise associated with moving about on top of the mattress is relatively low, the internal workings of the bed described in WO00/16664 are not so well sound-insulated. Whilst the absence of such sound-insulating material around the springs and other mechanisms of the bed of WO00/16664 has significant advantages (it provides better ventilation and less of a hospitable environment of dust, dirt, moisture, dust mites and the like) it does risk an increase in the level of noise caused by the user(s) moving about on top of the bed.
Some beds are constructed with bed frames having sides which extend upwardly and around the body support surface. In the case of a bed having a mattress, the sides can prevent the mattress from moving in relation to the frame. In the case of a bed whose support surface is defined by a plurality of vertically arranged support members (such as in WO00/16664), the sides can conceal and protect the inner workings of the bed. Additionally, the sides can prevent a user from rolling out of the bed.
A problem with such sides to beds is that they can make it more difficult for a user to get in and out of such a bed. It is normal for a user to get out of a bed by sitting on the edge of the support surface, swinging their legs over the side of the bed, placing their feet on the floor, and standing up. If a user is trying to get out of a bed with sides in such a manner, the user could find themselves in a position in which they are sitting with their hips being disposed lower than the back of their knees (which may be resting on the side of the bed). In this position it can be more challenging to get out of bed as the user must essentially lift their torso over the sides of the bed.
The present invention seeks to mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems/disadvantages. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved bed.
The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members, wherein: each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface; at least some of the support members are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position by means of a spring; and a damping system is provided for damping vibrations of the spring.
The support surface of the bed may be the upper surface of the bed which supports a user's weight. The bed may comprise a frame. The frame may define the limits of the support surface. A user will typically rest upon the support surface. Of course, a user may rest on the support surface indirectly, for example, via a sheet and/or mattress topper.
The support surface could be divided up into a plurality of independently moving surface elements. Each support member may define a surface element. The support surface may thereby be defined by a plurality of adjacent support members. Preferably the bed may comprise more than 250 support members, preferably more than 500 support members, more preferably more than 1000 support members. The support members may be arranged in an array within the limits of the support surface defined by the frame.
The support members may be elongate. The support members may be substantially rigid. The support members may comprise a first end which defines a surface element. The first end may be provided with an end cap. The end cap may define a surface element. The support members may comprise a shaft, the shaft having an axis. The axis of the shaft may be substantially normal to the support surface. The support members may be mounted such that, when the support member is loaded, it moves in a direction substantially parallel to its axis. Each support member may be arranged for movement independent of adjacent support members. The support members may move relative to the frame.
The bed may comprise a support structure. The support structure may be mounted to the frame of the bed. The support structure may comprise one or more guide members for guiding the movement of the support members. The guide members may each guide at least one of the support members, preferably a multiplicity of support members is guided by one of the guide members. The arrangement of the guide members may define the arrangement of the support members.
The guide members may prevent, or substantially restrict, movement of the support members in a direction parallel to the support surface. The guide members may allow, or in other words guide, movement of the support members in a direction normal to the support surface.
The guide members may each comprise an aperture for receiving one of the support members. The guide members may be elongate. The guide members may extend substantially between one side of the bed and the other side of the bed, for example, the guide members may run the width of the bed. The guide members may each comprise a plurality of apertures.
The guide members may each comprise a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part may each comprise a recess which defines the aperture when the first part and the second part are brought together. The aperture may not be uniform. The aperture may be a slot. The aperture may have a size and shape corresponding to that of the support member so that the support member may move freely through the aperture in a direction normal to the support surface, yet the aperture may restrict the movement of the support member in directions parallel to the support surface.
Not all support members may have their movement guided by the guide members. At least some of the support members may be guided by other means. The support members may be mounted to adjacent support members and be guided by way of their mounting. The support members may be slidably mounted to adjacent support members. The support members may comprise laterally extending attachment means for mounting to adjacent support members.
At least some of the support members may be sprung by means of a spring. The sprung support members may each have one of the springs associated with them. The springs may be tension springs. The springs may be compression springs. Not all support members may be sprung support members. The support members guided by the guide members may be sprung support members.
The springs may be mounted to the guide members. Each of the springs may be retained in one of the apertures of the guide members. The apertures may each comprise a formation for retaining the spring. For example, the apertures may each comprise a projection for engaging between the coils of the spring. The engagement of the projection between two adjacent coils of the spring may retain an end of the spring in the guide member. The projection may be substantially annular and extend a majority of the way around the aperture. In the case where the guide members comprises a first part and a second part which define an aperture, the projection may be provided on one or both of the first part and the second part of the aperture.
The springs may comprise a tapered end into which an end of one of the support members is received. The support member may be retained by the tapered end of the spring without the need for the support member to be affixed to the spring.
Each support member may have an unloaded position. In the unloaded position, the support member may not be subject to loads due to the weight of an object placed directly on the support member. In the unloaded position, the support member may not be subject to loads due to the movement of adjacent support members. The sprung support members may be urged towards the unloaded position by their associated spring. The spring may still be under tension or compression when the support member is in the unloaded position.
Correspondingly, each support member may have one or more loaded positions. In the one or more loaded positions, the support member may be subject to loads due to the weight of an object placed directly on the support member. In the one or more loaded positions, the support member may be subject to loads due to the movement of one or more adjacent support members. In the one or more loaded positions, the sprung support members may be urged towards the unloaded position by their associated spring. In the one or more loaded positions, the support members which are not sprung may be urged towards the unloaded position by adjacent support members.
At least some of the springs may be provided with a damping system. Preferably, a majority of the springs may be provided with a damping system. A plurality of damping systems may be provided. The damping systems may be damping mechanisms. A single spring may be associated with a single damping system. In other words, one damping system may be provided per spring.
The damping system may damp its associated spring when the associated support member is in the unloaded position. The damping system may not damp its associated spring when the associated support member is in the one or more loaded positions.
The damping system may have an engaged state, in which the damping system is engaged with its associated spring and the spring is damped. The damping system may have a disengaged state, in which the damping system is disengaged with its associated spring and the spring is not damped. There may be a threshold load, corresponding to a threshold position of the associated support member, at which the damping system transitions from the engaged state to the disengaged state. For example, the damping system may be in an engaged state when the associated support member is in an unloaded position; the support member may be loaded and correspondingly travel a first distance to a threshold position; the damping system may disengage with the associated spring; and the support member may continue to travel a second distance to a position at which the forces on it are in equilibrium. For example, the damping system may be in an engaged state when its associated support member is within 15 mm of an unloaded position, optionally within 10 mm of an unloaded position, optionally within 5 mm of an unloaded position.
It may be advantageous to damp the springs when they have returned, or are returning, to their unloaded positions. This is because at least some of the potential energy and translational kinetic energy associated with the loaded springs dissipates as vibrational kinetic energy when the springs unload to their unloaded positions. These vibrations can manifest as audible noise.
The damping system may disengage with its associated springs under the force of gravity. Additionally or alternatively, the damping system may be resiliently urged towards a disengaged state. For example, the damping system may comprise a second spring which is arranged to urge the damping system towards a disengaged state. Each damping system may be associated with a second spring arranged to urge the damping system towards a disengaged state. In another example, the compression or extension of a resiliently deformable plastic, such as TPE, may be used to urge the damping system towards a disengaged state.
In the context of certain embodiments of the invention, a bed having a damping system for damping vibrations in or on its springs has the advantage that less audible noise is produced when the support surface is unloaded and loaded, or when the load is changed on a particular support member. It is noted that no vibrations necessarily need to be present on the spring for the damping system to operate.
The damping system may comprise a damping arm. The damping arm may be arranged to engage with an associated spring. A single damping arm may be provided to engage with a single spring. In other words, there may be one damping arm per spring. The damping arm may damp any vibrations in the associated spring when it engages with the spring. The damping arm may provide no damping when it is not engaged with the spring. The damping arm may engage with the spring by coming into contact with the spring.
The damping arm may have a particular portion which is arranged to engage with the spring. The portion arranged to engage with the spring may have an engagement surface comprising damping material. The damping material may convert the vibrational energy of the spring into heat or other energy, preferably not noise energy. The damping material may be resilient material. The damping material may, for example, include: a polymeric material, soft plastic, rubber, neoprene, foam, felt or other suitable material. A specific damping material may not necessarily be provided on the damping arm, but it is preferable.
The damping arm may be pivotally mounted to the bed. The arm may move as to engage and disengage with the associated spring by pivoting around a pivot point. The pivot point of the damping arm may be provided on one of the guide members. The damping arm may be urged away from the associated spring by means of the second spring. The damping arm may be urged away from the associated spring by means of the resiliently deformable plastic. The resiliently deformable plastic may be overmoulded onto the damping system.
The support members may each have a formation. The damping system may have a corresponding formation arranged to engage with the formation.
The formation may comprise, for example: a slot, an aperture, a recess, and/or a laterally extending protrusion. The support member may comprise a laterally extending protrusion in the form of a projection or a rim extending beyond the average width of the support member. The formation may be on the shaft of the support member. The formation may not extend around the entire circumference of the support member.
The corresponding formation may comprise, for example: a slot, an aperture, a recess and/or a laterally extending protrusion. The damping system may comprise an aperture whose radius is larger than the average width of the support member but smaller than the width of the support member at the formation, with which the corresponding formation engages.
The formation and corresponding formation may be configured to engage when the support member is in a particular position relative to the damping system. The formation and corresponding formation may be configured to engage when the support member is subject to a particular load. For example, the formation and corresponding formation may engage when the support member is in the unloaded position, the one or more loaded positions or at a threshold position. The support member and the damping system may be so arranged that engagement of the formation and the corresponding formation effects engagement of the damping system with the spring.
The damping system may comprise a damping system engagement arm. The damping system engagement arm may comprise a member comprising the corresponding formation. The damping system engagement arm may be mechanically connected to the damping arm. By way of the formation engaging with the corresponding formation when the support member is in a particular position, the damping arm may be engaged with the spring.
The engagement of the formation and corresponding formation may limit the movement of the support member in the vertical direction. The formation and corresponding formation may act as a stop preventing the support member from being pulled out of the bed. The positions of the formation in relation to the corresponding formation may therefore define the unloaded position of the support member.
At least a multiplicity of the support members may be so arranged that movement of any one of those support members in a direction substantially normal to the support surface, and beyond a threshold distance relative to an adjacent support member, causes movement in substantially the same direction of said adjacent support member. There may be substantially no movement of said adjacent support member caused by the movement of said any one of those support members when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance.
At least some of the support members may be provided with one or more laterally extending pusher members. The pusher members may comprise an engagement surface arranged to engage with adjacent support members. Particularly, the pusher members may comprise an engagement surface arranged to engage with the one or more pusher members of adjacent support members.
A plurality of the support members may be arranged such that movement of a first support member, having a laterally extending pusher member, in a direction substantially normal to the support surface and beyond a threshold distance relative to a second support member, the second support member being adjacent to said first support member, causes said laterally extending pusher member of said first support member to push said adjacent support member in substantially the same direction as said first support member.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members, wherein: each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface; and at least some of the support members are provided with a laterally extending pusher member, wherein the pusher member comprises an engagement surface arranged to engage with adjacent support members, the engagement surface comprising damping material.
Provision of damping material may reduce audible noise associated with interaction of the adjacent support members. Particularly, the audible noise associated with the interaction of pusher members may be reduced.
The damping material of the engagement surface may, for example, include: a polymeric material, soft plastic, rubber, neoprene, foam, felt or other suitable material.
The damping material may be bonded to the pusher member. For example, an adhesive may be used to bond the damping material to the pusher member.
The damping material may be a polymeric material. The damping material may be overmoulded onto the pusher member. This may be by an injection moulding process.
Additionally or alternatively, the damping material may be mechanically attached to the pusher member, for example by an interference fit or a catch.
The entire engagement surface may consist of the damping material. Alternatively, only a portion of the engagement surface may comprise the damping material. The pusher member may, in whole or in part, comprise the damping material. The pusher member may comprise an outer layer comprising the damping material and an inner layer comprising a material with significantly lower damping properties.
The first and second aspects share the feature that the bed comprises a support surface defined by a plurality of support members being mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface. Features of an example of such a bed, particularly the support members and the interrelationship thereof, are described and claimed in International patent application publication number WO00/16664 entitled “Body Support Apparatus”. The contents of that application are fully incorporated herein by reference. The claims of the present application may incorporate any of the features disclosed in that patent application. In particular, the claims of the present application may be amended to include features relating to the structure of the support members, the means by which the support members may cause movement of adjacent support members when they move beyond a threshold distance, and the support structure which supports and guides the support members.
Embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention are able to provide the advantages of a bed of the type provided in WO00/16664, and by means of a bed that exhibits less noise during use. The springs of the bed of WO00/16664 are, in comparison to a conventional mattress, not in an environment where their vibrations are readily damped. Unlike in mattresses, the springs are not surrounded by soft material which can absorb the vibrations formed in the spring when the spring is deformed. The arrangement of the springs also makes them liable to vibrate in a transverse direction as well as in a longitudinal direction. These vibrations might manifest as audible noise when the springs and support members are moved. Another potential source of noise, which is particular to the bed described in WO00/16664, is that generated by the interaction of adjacent support members when the support surface is loaded and unloaded.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members. The method may comprise the following steps. The method may comprise providing a support member comprising a shaft. The shaft may have a laterally extending protrusion. The method may comprise providing a receiving element having an aperture configured to receive the shaft and the protrusion when the support member is in a first orientation relative to the receiving element. The method may comprise orienting the support member to the first orientation relative to the receiving element.
The method may comprise inserting the shaft and protrusion into the aperture. The method may comprise rotating the support member to a second orientation relative to the receiving element, in which the shaft and protrusion cannot be freely removed from the aperture. The method may thus provide a convenient way of assembling a bed—with the support member being in the first orientation relative to the receiving element, whilst allowing a function during use—with the support member being in the second orientation relative to the receiving element—which requires, for example, positive engagement of the protrusion with the receiving element, rather than allowing free passage through the aperture.
The receiving element may be a guide member, or part thereof. The receiving element may be a damping system, or part thereof. The method may include the step of providing a spring for receiving an end of the support member. The spring may be mounted to or received by the guide member. The spring may comprise a tapered end into which the support member is received.
The method may comprise providing a support member comprising a laterally extending pusher member. The pusher member may comprise an engagement surface arranged to engage with adjacent support members. The method may comprise overmoulding a damping material onto said engagement surface.
The method may comprise providing a first part of a guide member for guiding a support member. The first part may define a first side of an aperture for receiving a support member. The first side of the aperture may comprise a first projection. The method may comprise engaging a spring with the first projection such that the first projection is engaged between two adjacent coils of the spring. The method may comprise providing a second part of the guide member onto the first part of the guide member, the second part defining a second side of the aperture. The second side of the aperture may additionally comprise a second projection for engaging between two adjacent coils of the spring.
The first part of the guide member may comprise dowels or pins. The second part of the guide member may comprise holes for receiving the dowels or pins when the first part and second part are brought together. The dowels or pins and the holes may thereby align the first part and the second part.
The method may comprise providing a damping system. The method may comprise the step of mounting the damping system to the guide member. The first part and the second part of the guide member may comprise corresponding cavities for receiving at least a part of the damping system. The damping system may combine a bore about which the system is arranged to pivot. The method may comprise the step of slotting the bore over a third projection in the first part and/or second part of the guide member. The third projection may be the dowel. The damping system may thereby pivot about the projection which acts as an axle.
The method may comprise manufacturing one or more of the above mentioned components of the bed (i.e. the support members, the damping system, the guide member, etc.). The components may be made of plastic. The components may be manufactured by injection moulding. The components may be made of metal. The components may be manufactured by fabricating metal, for example, by casting metal. The components may be one piece or may themselves be assembled from various parts. The skilled person would appreciate that other material and manufacturing processes exist which would be suitable for manufacturing such components.
The present invention provides, according to a fourth aspect, a bed frame comprising a side for bordering a body support surface of a bed, wherein: the side comprises a plurality of side elements mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the body support surface; and the side elements are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position.
An advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention, particularly an advantage of embodiments according to the fourth aspect now described, is that the bed is provided with sides, and so benefits from the aforementioned advantages thereof, whilst the movement of the sides enables a user to get in and out of the bed more easily than if the sides were of fixed height.
The bed frame may be a bed frame for a conventional bed comprising a base and a mattress disposed on the base. The bed frame a may be a bed frame for a bed comprising a plurality of body support members. The bed comprising a plurality of body support members may be a bed as substantially described herein and in International application WO00/16664.
The bed frame may be arranged to border a body support surface of the bed. The body support surface may be substantially planar and be arranged parallel to the ground when in use. The body support surface may be defined by the upper surface of the mattress. The body support surface may be defined by the plurality of body support members.
The bed frame may comprise one or more sides, any one or more of which may comprise movable side elements. The sides may be disposed along the periphery of the body support surface. The sides may retain the body support surface or components thereof. For example, the bed frame may be rectangular in shape and thus have four sides (two opposing longitudinal sides, a side corresponding to a foot of the bed and a side corresponding to a head of the bed). Any combination of these four sides may comprise movable side elements.
The movable side elements may be disposed along a substantially straight line (for example when viewed in plan).
The side may comprise more than 10 moveable side elements, preferably more than 20 moveable side elements, and preferably more than 30 moveable side elements.
Each movable side element may have a length, the length being measured in a direction along the length of the side of the bed with which the side element is associated. In the case where the body support surface is defined by a plurality of body support members, it may be that the length of each side element is longer (preferably more than twice as long) than the maximum dimension lengthwise or widthwise (along the length or width of the bed, that is) of the median size of support member of the bed.
The length of each side element may be between 20 mm and 500 mm, for example, the length of the side may be about 50 mm. The length of each side element may be between 40 mm and 400 mm, 100 mm and 300 mm, or 150 mm and 200 mm.
The moveable side elements may comprise an upper portion which defines the upper edge of the side of the bed. The upper portion may be shaped to provide an aesthetically pleasing shape and/or comfortable shape when the side of the bed is sat on.
The movable side elements may comprise a lower portion. The lower portion may be elongate. The lower portion may provide a mounting which enables the movable side element to move.
The bed frame may have a side support structure. The moveable side elements may be movably mounted to the side support structure. The movable side elements may be slidably mounted to the side support structure.
The skilled person would be familiar with various ways to provide a slidable mounting. By way of example, the movable side element may comprise a rod and the support structure may comprise a corresponding slot through which the rod slides, or vice versa. A possible advantage of this arrangement is that the moveable side element may be restricted to movement along the axis of the rod, which can be disposed in the vertical direction. In another example, the movable side element and support structure may each be provided with runners. In another example, the movable side element may be provided with a groove and the support structure may be provided with a corresponding member for sliding within the groove, or vice versa.
The side support structure may be a substantially rigid structure which substantially spans the length of a side.
Alternatively, or additionally, the side support structure may comprise a plurality of base elements. Each movable side element may be mounted to one base element. The movable side elements and base elements may thereby define a side portion, a plurality of which could be arranged to define a side in a substantially modular manner. The side portions may be linked at the base element. The base elements may be linked, for example, by being bolted together, permanently bonded during manufacture, and/or removably attached by way of corresponding formations.
The movable side element may have an unloaded position. In the unloaded position, the movable side element may not be subject to external loads due to the weight of objects placed on movable side element and/or subject to loads from adjacent movable side elements.
The moveable side element may be resiliently urged towards the unloaded position. The moveable side element may be resiliently urged towards the unloaded position by means of a spring, for example a tension spring or a compression spring. In the unloaded position the spring may be under tension or compression respectively.
The side support structure may have a stop to limit the movement of the movable side element. The moveable side element may be urged towards the stop, the arrangement of which defines the unloaded position.
In the case where the slidable mounting comprises a slot and a rod extending therethrough, a compression spring or a tension spring may be disposed on the rod such that the rod extends through the spring. This has a possible advantage of preventing the spring from bending (or at least significantly reducing the risk of the spring bending too much).
In example arrangements, the side support structure may comprise a slot, the movable side element may comprise a rod, and a spring may be provided through which the rod is received. One end of the spring may be connected near the slot and another end connected near an end of the rod. As the side support structure and the movable side element are urged towards each other the spring may extend or compress (depending on the type of spring used) thereby urging the movable side element back toward the unloaded position.
A movable side element comprising a slidable mounting and compression spring arrangement may be provided without the need for a rod. Particularly the rod may not be necessary in the case where the spring has sufficient width and/or stiffness to avoid bending during normal use.
The movable side element may be movable independently of adjacent movable side elements. Alternatively, the movement of the movable side element may have interdependence on the movement of adjacent movable side elements.
The movable side elements may be so arranged that movement of a first movable side elements in a direction substantially normal to the support surface, and beyond a threshold distance relative to a second adjacent movable side element, causes movement of said second adjacent movable side element in substantially the same direction as the first movable side element.
There may be substantially no movement of said second adjacent movable side element caused by the movement of said first movable side element when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance.
A plurality of adjacent movable side elements may be configured to have the above interdependence. By means of this interdependence, successive adjacent movable side elements may move in a cascade like manner in response to movement of any one of the movable side elements. The lateral extent of this cascade, i.e. the number of movable side elements being moved in substantially the same direction as the first movable side element, may be dependent on the number of ‘threshold distances’ the first movable side element has travelled. A maximum angle of inclination of the upper edge of the side may be predetermined by selecting an appropriate threshold distance.
The means by which the movable side elements interact may be substantially similar to the means by which the support members interact according to the preceding aspects of the invention. At least some of the movable side elements may comprise one or more laterally extending pusher members. After the first movable side element has travelled to and beyond the threshold distance its pusher member may push the second adjacent movable side element in substantially the same direction.
The pusher member of the movable side element may push against a pusher member of an adjacent movable side element.
The movable side element may be provided with a vertically extending groove. The pusher member of a first movable side element may be received within the groove of a second movable side element. The length of the groove may correspond with the threshold distance. The pusher member may be able to slide within the groove between a top of the groove and a bottom of the groove. When the first movable side element moves such that the pusher member interacts with the top of the groove or the bottom of the groove, the second movable side element may be urged in the direction of the first movable side element. Similarly, when the second movable side element moves such that the top or bottom of the groove interacts with the pusher member, the first movable side element may be urged in the direction of the second movable side element.
An alternative way of providing interdependence between adjacent first and second movable side members may be by attaching the movable side elements together with a length of rope. The rope may be so arranged that when the first movable side element moves beyond the threshold distance relative to the second movable side element the rope becomes taut and pulls the second movable side element in substantially the same direction as the first support member. Similarly, rigid puller members may be provided which work in a similar manner.
Movement of the support surface may not affect the movement of the side members. Alternatively, the movement of the support surface and the movement of the side members may be interdependent. In the case of a bed whose support surface is defined by a plurality of support members, the movable side elements may be arranged to interact with the support members.
The support members adjacent to the movable side elements may be arranged so that movement of a first movable side elements in a direction substantially normal to the support surface, and beyond a threshold distance relative to one or more adjacent support members, causes movement of said support members in substantially the same direction as the first movable side element.
The movable side elements may have formations which are configured to interact with adjacent support members. For example, the movable side elements may have formations which are configured to interact with adjacent support member's pusher members. Alternatively, the movable side elements may be fixedly attached to one or more adjacent support members. The movement of the movable side elements may therefore have an influence on the movement of the support members via the fixedly attached support member.
The support structure may include a height adjustable support arranged to receiving a mattress. The height adjustable support may extend horizontally from the support structure. The height adjustable support may enable the relative height of the mattresses body support surface to be changed. The bed frame may thereby accommodate various mattress thicknesses and give the user the ability to alter the relative height of the sides of the bed in relation to the mattress.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a bed frame comprising a side defined by a plurality of movable side elements. The method may comprise a step of providing a side support structure. The method may comprise a step of mounting the movable side elements onto the side support structure.
The side may comprise a plurality of side portions. The side portions may comprise a movable side element and a base element. The side support structure may comprise a plurality of base elements. The method may comprise a step of linking a plurality of side portions to form a side. The method may comprise a step of linking a plurality of a base elements and/or linking a plurality of movable side elements.
It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the features described in relation to the bed of the first aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into the bed of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa. Additionally, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.
In order that the advantages of certain embodiments of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. While it should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
As can be seen in
A guide member 120 is provided. The guide member 120 comprises an aperture 122 which extends vertically through the guide member 120. The shaft 112 of the sprung support member 104 is received within the aperture 122.
A tension spring 118 is mounted to the guide member 120 and extends downwardly from the aperture. One end of the spring 118 is retained by the guide member 120. The other end of the spring 118 is tapered and retains the second end 116 of the sprung support member 104.
The damping system 106 comprises a damping arm 124 which is pivotally mounted to the guide member 120 by pivot 126. The damping arm 124 has an end distal from the pivot 126 which comprises an engagement surface for engaging with the spring 118. The engagement surface is provided with damping material 130 for damping vibrations in the spring 118 when it is in contact with the spring 118.
An engagement arm 128 is connected to the damping arm 124 at the pivot 126. The engagement arm 128 projects at a right angle to the damping arm 124. (The skilled person will appreciate that in other embodiments the engagement arm and damping arm need not be at right angles to each other and that other suitable angles may be used.) The engagement arm 128 comprises a corresponding formation in the form of a key hole shaped slot 134, through which the shaft 112 of the sprung support member 104 extends.
In the loaded position, the laterally extending protrusion 114 is disposed below the guide member 120 and does not interact with the engagement arm 128.
A second spring 132 is provided between the guide member 120 and the engagement arm 128. The second spring 132 urges the engagement arm 128 downwards, and therefore the damping arm 124 is urged out of engagement with the spring 118. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second spring 132 is not provided. In that embodiment, the weight of the damping arm 124 and the engagement arm 128 brings the damping arm 124 out of engagement. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the second spring 132 is replaced by soft resiliently deformable plastic which is overmoulded onto the engagement arm. In the disengaged state, the engagement arm rests against a portion of the guide member beneath it. Damping material 135 may be provided to reduce the noise associated with the interaction between the engagement arm 128 and the guide member 120 when the damping system 106 disengages.
In the unloaded position, the laterally extending protrusion 114 is in contact with, and engages, the outer edges of the slot 134 on the engagement arm 128. As seen in
In the unloaded position the spring 118 is still under tension. The laterally extending protrusion 114 is shaped such that it cannot extend through the slot 134 in the engagement arm 128. The sprung support member 104 is thereby prevented from further upward movement.
A second embodiment of the invention also concerns a bed including an arrangement of a multiplicity of vertically extending support members, some of which are sprung and some of which are unsprung.
In the arrangement as shown in
In this arrangement, if the sprung support member 204 is loaded, it will travel a threshold distance, corresponding to the distance between the first and second pusher members 248 and 250 of the adjacent unsprung support member 240, before its pusher members engage the upper surface of the first and second pusher members 248 and 250 of the adjacent unsprung support member 240. The adjacent unsprung support member 240 will then be urged downwardly in the direction of the sprung support member 204. This interaction of adjacent support members will continue in a cascade type manner until equilibrium is reached in response to the applied load.
According to the second embodiment, the surfaces of the pusher members which may interact with adjacent pusher members (the engagement surfaces) are provided with a damping material 254 (hatched areas in
The first part 320a and the second part 320b respectively comprise a recess 322a and a corresponding recess 322b. The recess 322a and a corresponding recess 322b are both arcuate in shape. When the first part 320a and the second part 320b are brought together, the recess 322a and the corresponding recess 322b define an aperture for receiving a support member.
The first part 320a comprises alignment pins (not shown) and the second part 320b comprises corresponding alignment holes (not shown) for receiving the alignment pins. When the first part 320a and the second part 320b are brought together the alignment holes receive the alignment pins thereby aligning the first part 320a and second part 320b.
The damping system 106 according to the first embodiment is mounted onto a dowel 356. The dowel 356 acts as an axle about which the damping arm 124 and engagement arm 128 pivot. The first part 320a and second part 320b comprise a cavity which accommodates at least part of the damping system 106, including the engagement arm 128.
Within the recess 322a a projection in the form of a spring retention shelf 360 is provided. The spring retention shelf 360 projects into the recess 322a.
Correspondingly, within the corresponding recess 322b a projection in the form of a spring retention shelf 360 is also provided. The spring retention shelf 360 projects into the corresponding recess 322b. The spring retention shelf 360 of the recess 322a additionally comprises a spring catch 362 on its upper surface. According to another embodiment, the spring retention shelf 360 of the recess 322b may also comprise a spring catch 362 on its upper surface.
In use, when the first part 320a and the second part 320b are brought together, a spring is retained in the aperture formed by the recess 322a and the corresponding recess 322b by the spring retention shelf 360 projecting between two adjacent coils of the spring.
A method of manufacturing a bed will now be described, with reference to
As a first step, the components of the bed are manufactured. Particularly, a plurality of the following components, as substantially described above, are manufactured: support members 404 comprising a shaft 412 provided with pusher members and a formation 414, guide members comprising a first part 420a and a second part 420b, and damping systems 406 comprising a damping arm 424 connected at a pivot point 426 to an engagement arm 428 comprising a corresponding formation 434. The components are manufactured by injection moulding. According to other embodiments, the components are manufactured according to other appropriate manufacturing methods.
Also by way of an injection moulding process, the pusher members are overmoulded with a soft plastic material.
To assemble the bed, a first part of the guide member 420a is provided. As above, the first part 420a comprises a plurality of regularly spaced recesses 422a. The recesses 422a comprise a spring retention shelf 460. A tension spring 418 is provided into each recess 422a. For each spring 418, one end of the spring 418 is pushed into the recess 422a such that the spring retention shelf 460 is pushed between two adjacent coils of the spring 418. A small number of coils of each spring, approximately four to five coils in this embodiment, are disposed above the retention shelf 460; the coils of the rest of the spring 418 are disposed below the retention shelf 460.
The first part 420a of the guide member also comprises cavities 464a for receiving the damping systems 406. A dowel 456 is disposed in each cavity 464a adjacent to each recess 422a. A damping system 406 is provided into each cavity 464a, the pivot point 426 of the damping system 406 being slotted onto the associated dowel 456. The damping system 406 is arranged such that the corresponding formation 434 of the engagement arm 428 is provided above the spring 418. The damping arm 424 is provided approximately parallel and adjacent to the spring 418.
The second part 420b of the guide member is then provided onto the first part 420a of the guide member. The second part 420b of the guide member comprises cavities 464b, holes 458 and recesses 422b which line up with the cavities 464a, dowels 456 and recesses 422a of the first part 420a. The first part 420a and second part 420b are brought together such that the recesses define an aperture 422 and the spring 418 and damping system 406 are substantially sandwiched therebetween. When constructing a guide member comprising a more than two separate parts (as in the case shown in
The support members 404 are subsequently inserted into the guide members. As shown in
The engagement arm 428 comprises a corresponding formation which takes the form of aperture in the shape of a slot 434. The shape of the slot 434 corresponds to the profile of the shaft 412 and the laterally extending protrusion 414. The shaft 412 and laterally extending protrusion 414 may only be inserted into the slot 434 when the support member 404 is at a first orientation in relation to the damping system 406.
During the method of manufacture, the support member 404 is therefore oriented at the first orientation in relation to the damping system 406. The shaft 412 of the support member 404 is then inserted into the aperture 422, and through the slot 434, to a point where the laterally extending protrusion 414 passes the slot 434.
The support member 404 is subsequently rotated 90 degrees to a second orientation in relation to the damping system 406. The shape of the slot 434 and the protrusion 414 are such that the laterally extending protrusion 414 cannot pass back through the slot 434.
The movable side element 568 comprises an upper edge portion 572. The upper edge portion 572 defines the upper edge of the side of the bed (sometimes referred to as a side rail). The upper edge portion 572 has an arcuate shape to provide comfort when sat on by the user of the bed.
The movable side element 568 comprises a lower body portion 574. The body portion 574 is in the form of a plate which extends downwardly from the upper edge portion 572. Two runners 576a are provided on each opposing side of the body portion 574.
The movable side element 568 also comprises a rod 578 which is mounted to the body portion 574. The body portion 574 has a cut out 580 in which the rod 578 extends. The axis of the rod 578 is vertical. A compression spring 582 is provided over the rod 578. The rod 574 gives support to the compression spring 582.
The base element 570 comprises two vertically arranged columns 584 between which a plate extends. One end of each column 584 rests on the floor. A spring support member 586 is mounted to the plate. The spring support member 586 comprises a slot through which the rod 578 may extend.
Runners 576b are also provided on the columns 584. In use, the moveable side element 568 is received by the base element 570, the runners 576a of the movable side element 568 being received by the runners 576b of the base element 570, and the rod 578 being received by the slot in spring support member 586.
The movable side element 568 has an unloaded position in which it is not subject to external downward loads from an object being placed upon it and it is not subject to downward loads due to interaction with adjacent movable side elements 568. In the unloaded position an end of the rod 578 protrudes only a small way through the slot in the spring support member 586.
When a load is applied to the movable side element 568 which forces it towards the floor, the spring 582 is compressed between the body portion 574 and the spring support member 586. The movable side element 568 is therefore urged towards the unloaded position by the spring 582.
The upper edge portion 572 comprises a laterally extending pusher member 588. When the side portions 566 are arranged adjacent to each other, the pusher member 588 of a first moveable side element 568 will be received by a groove in the opposing side of the upper edge portion 572 of an adjacent second movable side element 568.
In alternative embodiments the laterally extending pusher member 588 and groove are provided at other positions on the movable side member, for example, on the body portion 574.
The groove has a length and a top and a bottom. By way of interaction of the top of the groove with the pusher member 588 and/or interaction of the bottom of the groove with the pusher member 588, the adjacent moveable side elements 568 may urge each other in a vertical direction in dependence on their respective loadings.
The groove has a length such that the first movable side element 568 may move a threshold distance from the unloaded position before the pusher member 588 interacts with the top of the groove and urges the second moveable side portion 568 in the same direction.
The movable side element 668 comprises an upper edge portion 672 having a pusher member 688 and groove, and an elongate body portion 674. A runner 676a is mounted to the rear of the body portion 674. In an alternative embodiment, the pusher member 688 and groove are instead provided on the body portion 674.
The base element 670 comprises a bottom portion 690 for sitting on the floor. A rear plate 684 extends upwardly from the bottom portion 690. The rear plate 684 comprises a corresponding runner 676b arranged to receive the runner 676a when the movable side element 668 is received by the base element 670.
A rod 678 is also mounted to the bottom portion 690 and projects vertically upwardly therefrom. A compression spring 682 is provided onto the rod 678. The rod 678 gives support to the spring 682.
The bottom of the body portion 674 comprises a vertically extending cavity 692 configured to receive the rod 678. The cavity 692 is configured such that the rod 678 can extend through the cavity 692 yet the spring is prevented from passing freely through the cavity. The spring 682 is received by a circular recess on a lower edge of the body portion 674.
In use, the moveable side element 668 is received by the base element 670, the runner 676a of the movable side element 668 being received by the runner 676b of the base element 684, and the rod 678 being received by the cavity 692.
Rear plates 684 are connected to each other, as seen in
As shown in
The lower body portion 1074 comprises an elongate slot 1075 which receives an upper edge of the side support structure 1070. Preferably runners or the like are provided to allow the lower body portion 1074 to move smoothly relative to the upper edge of the side support structure 1070.
The movable side elements 1068 also comprise a rod 1078 which is mounted to the upper edge portion 1072. The axis of the rod 1078 is vertical and extends beneath the upper edge portion 1072.
A spring support member 1086 is mounted to the side support structure 1070, in this case on the outside, that being on the opposite side of the side support structure 1070 to the mattress area (in an alternative arrangement the spring support member is mounted inside of the side support structure). The spring support member 1086 comprises a slot through which the rod 1078 extends. A tension spring 1082 is mounted to, and extends beneath, the spring support member 1086. The spring 1082 retains the lower end of the rod 1078 and acts to urge the rod, and therefore the movable side element 1068, upwards.
A plurality of the movable side elements 1068 may be mounted side by side along a side support structure 1070, as seen in
The bed frame 1002 does not comprise modular side portions as per the fourth and fifth embodiments; however it could be readily envisaged that side support structure could be divided into a plurality of base elements which can be arranged to form a side of a bed.
Similarly to the seventh embodiment, support member 1004 is fixedly mounted to the upper edge portion 1072. Support member 1004 may be connected to a plurality of other support members to define a body support surface of a bed.
Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.
Only some of the edges of the bed may be provided with the movable side elements of the fourth or fifth or eighth embodiments. It may in certain designs of bed be preferred, for example, to have the lateral edges/sides of the bed formed of such movable side elements, but have fixed/rigid edges/sides at the head and the foot of the bed.
Whilst the present invention and embodiments thereof has been described and claimed with reference to beds, it may be that the invention has application in relation to other means for supporting at least part of a living human being. For example, the advantages of the present invention could be applied not only to beds, but also to chairs and other apparatus for supporting a person, or part of a person (for example, just their legs). There may therefore be provided a body support apparatus, that is, an apparatus suitable for supporting at least part of a living human being having the features of the bed of the invention as described or claimed herein, but not necessarily being in the form of a bed. Such a body support apparatus may be a bed, a chair and another apparatus capable of supporting a living human being or an animal having a mass greater than 1 Kg, or a part of such a human being or animal.
It will be readily understood that the components of various embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.
The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, reference throughout this specification to “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiment,” “in other embodiments,” or similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
It should be noted that reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1512315.1 | Jul 2015 | GB | national |
This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/743,992 filed on Jul. 12, 2016, which claims priority to International Application No. PCT/GB2016/052100 filed on Jul. 12, 2016, which claims priority to GB Patent Application No. 1512315.1 filed on Jul. 14, 2015. The subject matter thereof is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15743992 | Jan 2018 | US |
| Child | 17232627 | US |
