AT526446B1 - Device for adjusting the inclination of a lying surface of a bed - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for adjusting the inclination of a bed surface comprises a first intermediate piece (10.1) for resting on a frame (3) of the bed, having a first support surface (11.1a) for a support element for a mattress, and a second intermediate piece (10.2) for resting on the frame (3) of the bed, having a second support surface (11.2a) for the support element. The first intermediate piece (10.1) comprises a first support element (21.1, 22.1, 23.1) whose distance from the first support surface is adjustable for interaction with the frame (3) of the bed, and the second intermediate piece (10.2) comprises a second support element (21.2, 22.2, 23.2) whose distance from the second support surface is adjustable for interaction with the frame (3) of the bed. The use of two transversely spaced elements results in a lightweight and compact design, as well as a long service life and high flexibility in adjusting the inclination.

Description

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a device for adjusting an inclination of a lying surface of a bed.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Beds are known in which the inclination of the lying surface, either as a whole or in specific areas, can be adjusted. This allows for the individual needs of the user to be accommodated, resulting from anatomical or health reasons and/or aimed at increasing sleeping comfort. For example, an inclined lying surface, where the head is positioned higher than the legs, is said to help reduce problems with reflux and/or snoring.

[0003] Many conventional beds comprise a slatted frame with essentially dimensionally stable longitudinal elements, which are often divided into various sub-elements which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, resulting in several longitudinal sections whose inclination relative to one another is adjustable.

[0004] Beds are also known that do not have slatted frames with dimensionally stable longitudinal elements. For example, WO 87/02559 A1 (Studio Hüsler AG) shows a bed frame comprising a slatted frame (also called a "spring element") formed from a plurality of transverse slats, which is arranged on a support structure that has at least two longitudinally oriented and spaced-apart longitudinal beams as spring bodies, acting resiliently perpendicular to their load. The transverse slats of the slatted frame are formed as a structural unit with the longitudinal beams.

[0005] Devices are also known for influencing the inclination of the lying surface of beds. For example, US 3,259,921 (ADX Corp.) shows a device that allows the inclination of a surrounding frame to be adjusted using a pivoting lever mechanism, with conventional spring elements arranged on the frame and supporting the mattress. A similar device is disclosed in US 4,715,073 (W. T. Butler), but the inclination of the frame is adjusted using a linear actuator. Similar devices are also known from US 5,243,726 (R. E. Bisbee), US 5,566,412 (G. M. Arnold), and DE 10 2004 039 891 A1 (R. Möllmann).

[0006] These devices allow for flexible adjustment of the inclination. However, they require a stable slatted frame. The movable part is large, and the mechanical elements for the pivoting bearings are prone to failure. A metal-free design of these mechanisms is impossible or very difficult.

[0007] Simpler devices are also known for permanently changing the inclination of the bed surface. For example, US 2011/0173751 A1 (N. Beaton, D. Beaton) shows elements extending transversely across the bed, which can be placed on a bed base to influence the inclination of a mattress or slatted frame. However, these elements require a stable mattress or slatted frame.

[0008] US 9,504,336 B2 (J. Dodd) describes longitudinally extending elements, e.g., made of plastic, metal, or wood, which are shaped according to the individual needs of a user and define the shape of the lying surface formed by a flexible slatted frame. These elements require an individual customization process with subsequent manufacturing and allow only very limited subsequent adjustments.

[0009] US 9,993,089 B1 (A. S. Tavares) discloses wedge-shaped elements that can be attached to bed side panels to permanently change the inclination. The elements require screwing and permanently fix the changed inclination.

x hes AT 526 446 B1 2025-04-15

8 m above sea level

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a device belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset for adjusting the inclination of a lying surface of a bed, which device is of simple construction and allows flexible adjustment of the inclination.

[0011] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the device comprises

[0012] a) a first intermediate piece for resting on a frame of the bed, with a first support surface for a support element for a mattress, and

[0013] b) a second intermediate piece for resting on the frame of the bed, with a second support surface for the support element,

[0014] The first intermediate piece comprises a first support element, the distance from which is adjustable to the first support surface, for interacting with the frame of the bed, and the second intermediate piece comprises a second support element, the distance from which is adjustable to the second support surface, for interacting with the bed frame.

[0015] The bed frame may be the bed frame itself, including any permanently attached elements. It may also be an insert frame placed on top of the bed frame.

[0016] The support element for the mattress is, in particular, a slatted frame. The geometry of the intermediate pieces is such that they can be placed on the bed frame. In particular, they have support surfaces that can interact with mating surfaces of the frame.

[0017] The intermediate pieces are designed in particular to extend substantially over the entire length of the bed. Thus, they are particularly suitable for flexible slatted frames that are not dimensionally stable in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] In general, devices according to the invention can be used in beds with support beams, with rigid insert frames or with insert frames with seat elevation and/or foot elevation.

[0019] More than two spacers may be used, depending on the width of the bed or mattress and the number of longitudinal elements of the bed frame on which the spacers are placed. If two (or more) support elements are arranged next to each other in a bed, it is advantageous to use at least two spacers per support element so that the inclination of the individual support elements can be adjusted independently of each other.

[0020] The longitudinal elements can be arranged directly at the side edge of the bed, also as part of the bed frame, and/or at a lateral distance from the respective edge of the bed. In beds with a flexible slatted frame, these longitudinal elements generally extend continuously along the entire length of the bed.

[0021] As a rule, the distance between the first intermediate piece and the first support surface and the distance between the second intermediate piece and the second support surface should be the same, so that the support surface is not inclined in the transverse direction. The distance can be adjusted, in particular, by at least 5 cm, preferably by at least 7 cm, i.e., the difference in distance from the bed frame from a nearest to a farthest position is at least 5 cm or at least 7 cm, respectively.

[0022] The use of at least two transversely spaced elements results in a lightweight and compact design and a long service life - compared, for example, to systems with a surrounding frame. Nevertheless, different distances and, in particular, different inclinations can be adjusted if the support elements only partially interact with the intermediate piece or the frame of the bed.

x hes AT 526 446 B1 2025-04-15

8 m above sea level

[0023] Due to the easy adjustment of the inclination, the user can determine the optimal inclination setting iteratively through trial and error after positioning the device in their bed. It is not necessary to have different spacers for different inclinations. Subsequent adjustments are also easily possible.

[0024] Preferably, the first intermediate piece and the second intermediate piece each have lateral lower cheeks extending from the support surface for cooperating with lateral surfaces of a respective longitudinal member of the frame of the bed.

[0025] This positions the intermediate pieces in the transverse direction and secures them against slipping. The lower lateral cheeks extend, in particular, at a right angle from the support surface. Securing can be achieved in another way, e.g., by a connection (e.g., a Velcro connection) between the underside of the intermediate piece and the longitudinal member. In this case, such lower cheeks can be dispensed with.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the lower cheeks have recesses for cross elements of the frame of the bed.

[0027] This ensures that the inclination of the intermediate pieces can be achieved without being impaired by the transverse elements of the bed frame, in particular transverse support slats. The recesses result, in particular, from a partially reduced expansion of the cheeks starting from the support surface of the intermediate piece.

[0028] The lower cheeks are particularly formed on both sides (i.e., on both long sides). For intermediate pieces intended to be placed on the edge of longitudinal beams adjacent to the outside of a bed frame, the lower cheeks can also be formed on only one side (the inner side).

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the first intermediate piece and the second intermediate piece each have lateral upper cheeks extending from the support surface for cooperating with side surfaces of the support element.

[0030] The upper cheeks secure the respective support element against slipping in the transverse direction. The side surfaces of the support element can, in particular, be formed by side surfaces of a spring body, via which the support element is supported on the frame of the bed or—when using the device according to the invention—on the intermediate pieces.

[0031] The securing can be achieved in other ways, e.g., by a surrounding bed frame or a connection between the underside of the support element and the intermediate piece (e.g., a Velcro connection). In this case, such upper cheeks can be dispensed with.

[0032] Advantageously, the first support element can be selectively fixed in one of several positions in the first intermediate piece, and the second support element can be selectively fixed in one of several positions in the second intermediate piece.

[0033] This allows for easy selection between a plurality of predefined positions, whereby the same distance can be reliably set by selecting corresponding positions on both intermediate pieces. At least two positions are available, preferably at least three positions.

[0034] Preferably, the first intermediate piece and the second intermediate piece each have a plurality of bores, and the first support element and the second support element are each formed by a pin which can be inserted into one of the plurality of bores of the respective intermediate piece.

[0035] This allows for easy positioning. The pins, as support elements, rest on mating surfaces of the bed frame. The distance is adjusted by selecting the appropriate hole. The holes can be marked, e.g., with a letter, a number, or a distance value.

x hes AT 526 446 B1 2025-04-15

8 m above sea level

[0036] Advantageously, the plurality of bores are formed in the lower cheeks of the respective intermediate piece.

[0037] In particular, pairs of aligned bores are formed opposite each other in both lower cheeks, the pin being guided through the two bores of one of the pairs.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the pins comprise a pin core made of wood, which is in particular surrounded at least in regions by a sheath made of a compressible material, wherein in particular axial stop elements for interacting with the respective intermediate piece are pushed onto the pins.

[0039] The casing serves as a cushion between the intermediate piece and the bed frame. It is typically formed by a tube made of natural latex. However, it can also be formed by a coating made of this or another material. The axial stop elements can be formed by O-rings made of a rubber material. They prevent the respective pin from falling out sideways. This can also be supported by the casing material and its external dimensions.

[0040] The device according to the invention can be manufactured completely metal-free. In particular, the intermediate pieces are made of a wood-based material. This can absorb and release any condensation.

[0041] Instead of using holes, the multiple positions can also be specified, for example, by a detent.

[0042] Alternatively, the distance can be continuously adjusted within a range. A scale can be provided to assist in the appropriate adjustment of both spacers.

[0043] Advantageously, the first intermediate piece and the second intermediate piece each have a plurality of support elements arranged at a distance from one another along their longitudinal extent and adjustable in their distance from the respective intermediate piece.

[0044] This allows for greater flexibility in adjusting the inclination and/or improved support of the respective intermediate piece on the bed frame or the corresponding longitudinal element. In particular, each of the intermediate pieces comprises two support elements, preferably three support elements, with a first of the support elements being arranged in a first edge region (head-side) and a second of the support elements being arranged in a central region.

[0045] If one of the support elements can also be positioned in a foot-side edge area, in certain configurations, its positioning can be omitted, and the respective intermediate piece can interact directly with the mating surface of the bed frame. For example, the positioning of a pin in a pair of holes is omitted, and instead, the intermediate piece rests with one end section directly on a longitudinal beam.

[0046] Advantageously, the distances between the plurality of support elements of each intermediate piece are adjustable in such a way that a constant change in the distance of the support surface from the frame of the bed is achieved over a longitudinal extent of the support surface.

[0047] This is particularly advantageous when a bed with several adjacent support elements does not require the same inclination throughout, especially when not all support elements are to be inclined. By vertically raising certain support elements, the best possible alignment of the sleeping surfaces can be achieved in this case as well. Other applications include, for example, adjusting adjacent sleeping surfaces for different mattress heights.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, three support elements can be placed on each of the intermediate pieces: A first support element is positioned in the head-end edge area. Its position ultimately defines the inclination of the lying surface. A second support element is positioned in a central area. It serves to improve the force distribution between the intermediate piece and the bed frame. The third support element is optionally placed in the foot-

positioned at the end area on the side. It is generally omitted in the case of an inclined lying surface; however, it can be used if a general elevation of the lying surface is desired. The three support elements, or the first and second support elements, and the end section of the intermediate piece resting on them lie essentially in one line, although the second support element can be positioned slightly above this line so that the intermediate piece rests securely and any rocking movement around the second support element is prevented. When the lying surface is loaded, the second support element also transmits forces due to the resulting slight bending of the intermediate piece.

[0049] Preferably, the intermediate pieces have holding holes for wedge elements in the region of their support surfaces.

[0050] It is known to mount fixed wedge elements on longitudinal beams on commercially available beds in order to achieve a fixed inclination of the bed surface. These wedge elements often include pins for axially securing the respective wedge element in the longitudinal and transverse directions. If corresponding retaining holes are provided on the top side of the intermediate pieces, the fixed wedge elements of the prior art can be used to further influence the inclination.

[0051] Thus, higher inclinations can be achieved by using a solid material wedge extending across the entire length of the bed, while in a bed with a flexible slatted frame, individual elevations in the head or foot area can easily be defined using shorter wedge elements. Accordingly, the intermediate pieces particularly preferably comprise groups of holes in both the head and foot areas.

[0052] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

[0054] Fig. 1A, B top views of a bed frame without and with mounted device according to the invention for adjusting the inclination of the lying surface;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate piece of the device according to the invention;

[0056] Fig. 3A, B a side view and a top view of the intermediate piece;

[0057] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device mounted on the bed frame; [0058] Fig. 5A, B are detailed views of the holes for the support pins; and

[0059] Fig. 6A-E show side views of the adjustable configurations of the device. [0060] In principle, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals in the figures.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0061] Figures 1A and 1B are plan views of a bed frame with and without the device according to the invention for adjusting the inclination of the lying surface mounted. The bed frame 1 comprises a bed frame 2, shown only schematically here. An insert frame 3 is inserted into this in a conventional manner. This insert frame 3 comprises three parallel cross bars 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. A first cross bar 4.1 rests with both ends on support surfaces of the bed frame 2 in the head area of the bed. A second cross bar 4.2 rests with both ends on support surfaces of the bed frame 2 in a central area of the bed. A third cross bar 4.3 rests with both ends on support surfaces of the bed frame 2 in the foot area of the bed. Two parallel longitudinal beams 5.1, 5.2 are attached to the cross bars 4.1...4.3. These extend in the longitudinal direction of the bed frame 1, each in an area close to the side walls of the bed frame 2.

[0062] The device according to the invention for adjusting the inclination of the lying surface comprises

two identically designed intermediate pieces 10.1, 10.2. These are arranged on the longitudinal beams 5.1, 5.2. In Figure 1B, the support surfaces 11.1a, 11.2a of the intermediate pieces 10.1, 10.2 are visible. Also indicated are the support pins 21.1, 22.1, 23.1; 21.2, 22.2, 23.2, described below, which are mounted in the intermediate pieces 10.1, 10.2 and via which the intermediate pieces 10.1, 10.2 are supported on the longitudinal beams 5.1, 5.2. A first support pin 21.1; 21.2 is arranged in the head area, a second support pin 22.1; 22.2 in a middle area, and a third support pin 23.1; 23.2 in the foot area.

[0063] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate piece of the device according to the invention, in a vertical plane along the line A-A in Figure 1B. Figures 3A and 3B show a side view and a top view of the intermediate piece. The intermediate piece 10 is formed by a central part 11 and two side cheeks 12, 13. The central part 11 is a rectangular, flat board made of glued wood with a thickness of 9 mm. The side cheeks 12, 13 are also made of glued wood and have a thickness of 15 mm. They extend vertically downwards and upwards from the central part 11, resulting in an asymmetrical H-shaped cross-section with lower cheeks 12a, 13a and upper cheeks 12b, 13b. The side panels 12, 13 have longitudinal grooves on their inner sides that accommodate the lateral edge areas of the center section 11 and into which the center section 11 is glued to the side panels 12, 13. All edges and corners of the elements of the intermediate pieces 10 are chamfered or rounded to prevent injuries or damage to other components.

[0064] Figure 2 shows an inserted central support pin 22. This is made of wood and has a circular cross-section with a diameter of 15 mm. It is mounted in through-holes in the side walls 12, 13 and is axially secured to the intermediate piece 10 by means of two O-rings 24, 25 made of a rubber material that are pushed onto the outside of the support pins 22.

[0065] Two pairs of holes are arranged in the central part 11, which are visible in Figure 3A. The holes pierce the main surfaces of the central part 11 perpendicularly. Two holes 41a, 41b are located in the head section of the intermediate piece 10; they are arranged next to each other in the same longitudinal position. Two further holes 42a, 42b are located in the foot section of the intermediate piece 10; they are again arranged next to each other in the same longitudinal position. The holes 41a, 41b; 42a, 42b serve to attach solid material wedges, which allow additional adjustment of the lying surface. Both wedges that extend over the entire length of the bed and interact with all holes 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, and wedges that extend only over partial areas (e.g., the head or foot area) and each interact with a pair of holes can be used.

[0066] The side panels 12, 13 are identically constructed. Their height decreases from the head area toward the foot area. A first recess 12c is provided in the head-end area, a second recess 12d in a central area, and a third recess 12e in the foot-end area. The position and shape of the recesses 12c, 12d, 12e are adapted to the positioning of the crossbars 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 of the insert frame 3 and enable the adjustment of several inclinations, as explained below, unhindered by the crossbars 4.1...3.

[0067] For inserting the support pins 21.1, 22.1, 23.1; 22.1, 22.2, 23.2, several pairs of aligned through holes are provided in the side walls 12, 13. Five pairs of holes 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e are located in the head region, five further pairs of holes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e are located in a central region, and a further opening 33 is located in the base region of the intermediate piece 10. The arrangement of the holes and their use for adjusting various inclinations is described in more detail below, in connection with Figures 5 and 6.

[0068] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device mounted on the bed frame. It shows the area surrounding one of the intermediate pieces 10, again in the plane A-A according to Figure 1B. The intermediate piece 10 rests with the support pin 22 on the upper main surface of the longitudinal beam 5.1 of the insert frame 3. The lower cheeks 12a, 13a of the side cheeks 12, 13

interact with the side surfaces of the longitudinal member 5.1 and secure the intermediate piece 10 against displacement in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal member 5.1 and thus to the insert frame 3.

[0069] The spring body 7 of a spring element 6 rests on the upper main surface of the central part 11, which forms the support surface 11a of the intermediate piece 10. The spring body 7 is secured against displacement in the transverse direction relative to the intermediate piece 10 by the upper cheeks 12b, 13b.

[0070] The spring element 6 forms a known slatted frame with shape-changing longitudinal beams. It comprises a composite with two layers of slats 8.1, 8.2, each held together at its end by an end composite 9. The composite is attached to two spring bodies 7 running parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. Typically, the spring bodies 7 rest on the longitudinal beams 5.1, 5.2. When using the device according to the invention, however, the spring bodies 7 are supported over their entire surface by the support surfaces 11a, 11.1a, 11.2a.

[0071] Figures 5A and 5B are detailed views of the holes for the support pins, also showing the markings on the side walls adjacent to the holes («3», «3.5», «5», «7», «9» for the holes in the head and middle areas, «3» for the hole in the foot area). By inserting the support pins 21.1, 22.1, 23.1; 22.1, 22.2, 23.2, different inclinations of the support surface 11a; 11.1a; 11.2a can be adjusted. The following configurations are provided; they are shown in Figures 6A-6E:

Fig. | Bore elevation | Bore Bore Remarks Head end | Head area Middle | Foot area 5A 3 cm 31e 32e 33 | horizontal support surface raised by 3 cm 5B 3.5 cm 31d 32d 5C 5.0 cm 31c 32c - | directly in the foot area 5D 7.0 cm 31b 32b - | supported on the middle section 5E 9.0 cm 31a 32a -

[0072] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the geometry of the intermediate pieces can be adapted to other bed frames and therefore can be designed differently, for example, with regard to the external dimensions, the arrangement of the holes, and the shape and arrangement of the cutouts. The number and type of possible inclination configurations can also differ from the illustrated embodiment.

[0073] In summary, it can be stated that the invention provides a device for adjusting an inclination of a lying surface of a bed, which is of simple construction and allows a flexible adjustment of the inclination.

Claims (1)

Patent claims 1. A device for adjusting the inclination of a lying surface of a bed, comprising: a) a first intermediate piece (10; 10.1) for resting on a frame (3) of the bed, with a first support surface (11a; 11.1a) for a support element (6) for a mattress, b) a second intermediate piece (10; 10.2) for resting on the frame (3) of the bed, with a second support surface (11a; 11.2a) for the support element (6), wherein the first intermediate piece (10; 10.1) comprises a first support element (21; 21.1; 22; 22.1; 23; 23.1) whose distance from the first support surface (11a; 11.1a) is adjustable for cooperation with the frame (3) of the bed, and wherein the second intermediate piece (10; 10.2) comprises a second support element (21; 21.2; 22; 22.2; 23; 23.2) whose distance from the second support surface (11a; 11.2a) is adjustable for cooperation with the frame (3) of the bed. 2, Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first intermediate piece (10; 10.1) and the second intermediate piece (10; 10.2) each have lateral lower cheeks (13a) starting from the support surface (11a; 11.1a, 11.2a) for interacting with lateral surfaces of a respective longitudinal member (5.1, 5.2) of the frame (3) of the bed. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower cheeks (13a) have recesses (12c, 12d, 12e) for transverse elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) of the frame (3) of the bed. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first intermediate piece (10; 10.1) and the second intermediate piece (10; 10.2) each have lateral upper cheeks (12b) starting from the support surface (11a; 11.1a, 11.2a) for interacting with side surfaces of the support element (6). 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first support element (21; 21.1; 22; 22.1) can be selectively fixed in one of several positions in the first intermediate piece (10; 10.1) and that the second support element (21; 21.2; 22; 22.2) can be selectively fixed in one of several positions in the second intermediate piece (10; 10.2). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first intermediate piece (10; 10.1) and the second intermediate piece (10; 10.2) each have a plurality of bores (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e; 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) and that the first support element (21; 21.1; 22; 22.1) and the second support element (21; 21.2; 22; 22.2) are each formed by a pin which can be inserted into one of the plurality of bores (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e; 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) of the respective intermediate piece (10; 10.1; 10.2). 7. Device according to claims 2 and 6, characterized in that the plurality of bores (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e; 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) are formed in the lower cheeks (13a) of the respective intermediate piece (10; 10.1; 10.2). 8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the pins comprise a pin core made of wood, which is surrounded in particular at least in regions by a sheath made of a compressible material, wherein in particular axial stop elements (24, 25) for interaction with the respective intermediate piece are pushed onto the pins. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first intermediate piece (10; 10.1) and the second intermediate piece (10; 10.2) each have, along their longitudinal extent, a plurality of support elements (21, 22, 23; 21.1, 22.1, 23.1; 21.2, 22.2, 23.2) which are arranged at a distance from one another and whose distance from the respective intermediate piece (10; 10.1; 10.2) is adjustable. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the distances between the plurality of support elements (21, 22, 23; 21.1, 22.1, 23.1; 21.2, 22.2, 23.2) of each intermediate piece (10; 10.1; 10.2) are adjustable in such a way that a longitudinal extension of the support surface (11a; 11.1a; 11.2a) constant change of a distance of the support surface (11a; 11.1a; 11.2a) from the frame (3) of the bed is achieved. 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the intermediate pieces (10; 10.1; 10.2) have holding holes (41a, 41b; 42a, 42b) for wedge elements in the region of their support surfaces (11a; 11.1a; 11.2a). 4 sheets of drawings