Field
This invention relates generally to the field of adjustable beds and more particularly to a structure for an articulating bed having a compact actuation system incorporating a two stage lifting mechanism in an upper body support section employing combined fixed length rotating arms and cooperating telescoping struts actuated by a wall-hugger carriage. A scissored leg portion actuating mechanism and an automatic head tilt system complete the structure.
Description of the Related Art
Articulating beds have long been used in hospital and healthcare facilities to allow positioning of a patient in a reclining position, sitting position, elevated leg position or combinations of these positions. General usage of articulating beds has been rapidly expanding due to the comfort and convenience available from adjusting the bed to desired positions for reading, general relaxation or sleeping.
The mechanical structure and drive mechanisms for such articulating beds must be able to support the weight of both a mattress and the occupant. Due to the size, weight, fabrication materials and configuration of the mattress and supporting structure, maintaining rigidity in the system may also be challenging. Typical articulating beds provide an upper body positioning element and a thigh and lower leg positioning element either individually active or with combined actuation. Articulation of the support elements requires actuators which are typically large and require significant angular orientation for leverage and to avoid “dead spots” created by zero angular leverage or overcenter conditions. These typical constructions are bulky with an outdated appearance. They also require bulky packaging which leads to transportation inefficiencies.
However, designs of modern bedding require a reduced thickness profile in side support elements that exposes the actuation system to view. The exposure of the actuation system limits the utility for the adjustable bed to be placed within a variety of bed furniture pieces and can still require bulky packaging
It is therefore desirable to provide an articulating bed having a compact profile actuation system adapted to be contained within a reduced thickness profile side support.
The embodiments disclosed herein overcome the short-comings of the prior art by providing an articulating bed incorporating a support frame with a head end, a foot end and having side frame members. A carriage having a seat support is carried by the frame, mounted with wheels engaging the side frame members to translate from a first position through a range progressing toward the head end to a fully translated position. An upper body support is rotatably connected to the carriage and carries a mattress support. At least one telescoping rotation strut is attached at a first end and rotates through an axle pivotally attached to the side frame members. The telescoping rotation strut engages at a second end the upper body support whereby translation of the carriage from the first position compressively urges the upper body support against the telescoping rotation struts thereby rotating the at least one telescoping rotation strut and upper body support during a first range of motion of the carriage. At least one fixed length rotation arms is carried at a first end by a rotating tube and pivotally attaches to the upper body support at a second end. The rotating tube is mounted on wheels constrained in a track and translates laterally in the track during the first range of motion and contacts a track end proximate the head end of the frame at a termination of the first range of motion. The telescoping struts approach a vertical orientation at a termination of the first range of motion transferring reaction forces resulting from translation of the carriage to the fixed length rotation arms, whereupon the telescoping rotations struts extend through a second range of motion of the carriage to fully articulate the upper body support section with the carriage in the fully translated position.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Embodiments shown in the drawings and described herein provide an actuation system for an articulating bed which may be implemented in a compact vertical space to present a minimum profile for modern bed designs. Referring to the drawings,
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Having now described various embodiments of the invention in detail as required by the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope and intent of the present invention as defined in the following claims.
This application is a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,463,551, issued on Nov. 5, 2019, from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/427,546, filed on Feb. 8, 2017, which claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/293,137 filed on Feb. 9, 2016 entitled ULTRA-COMPACT PROFILE ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR AN ADJUSTABLE BED, the disclosure of which isentire contents of each of the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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62293137 | Feb 2016 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15427546 | Feb 2017 | US |
Child | 17520294 | US |