WO2015188018A1

WO2015188018A1 - Apparatus, system, and method for leg articulation in an adjustable height bed

Info

Publication number: WO2015188018A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/034307
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeff Pearson
Original assignee: Land America Health and Fitness Co Ltd
Current assignee: Land America Health and Fitness Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-04
Filing date: 2015-06-04
Publication date: 2015-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-04
Also published as: US20150351555A1

Abstract

An adjustable height bed (100). The adjustable height bed (100) includes a deck (103) connected to a bed frame (102) and one or more leg assemblies (104). In some embodiments, the one or more leg assemblies (104) are connected to the bed frame (102) and articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame (102) relative to a floor. A leg assembly (104), in one embodiment, includes a leg (106) and a leg slide (114). The leg slide (114) may be configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame (102). The leg slide (114) articulates relative to the bed frame (102) at a linear bearing (124) in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the leg slide (114) articulates relative to the leg (106) at a rotational bearing (116) positioned below the linear bearing (124).

Description

APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR LEG ARTICULATION IN AN

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT BED CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/007,801, entitled "Apparatus, System, and Method for Leg Articulation in an Adjustable

Height Bed," which was filed on June 4, 2014, and is hereby incorporated by reference. SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention provides an adjustable height bed. The adjustable height bed includes a deck connected to a bed frame and one or more leg assemblies. In some embodiments, the one or more leg assemblies are connected to the bed frame and articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame relative to a floor. A leg assembly, in one embodiment, includes a leg and a leg slide. The leg slide may be configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame. The leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned below the linear bearing. Other embodiments of an adjustable height bed are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable height bed.

Figures 2A and 2B depict side views of one embodiment of the adjustable height bed of Figure 1 in a raised and lowered position, respectively.

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable height bed of Figure 1.

Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly of Figure

1.

Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg slide of Figure 1.

Figure 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable height bed. Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly of Figure

6.

Figure 8 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly of Figure 6.

Figure 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly of Figure

6.

Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, specific details of various embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less than all of these specific details. In other instances, certain methods, procedures, components, structures, and/or functions are described in no more detail than to enable the various embodiments of the invention, for the sake of brevity and clarity.

While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of the described embodiments provide an apparatus, system, and method for leg articulation in an adjustable height bed.

Figure 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable height bed ("bed")

100. The bed 100 includes a deck 103 connected to a bed frame 102 and one or more leg assemblies 104. The deck 103 acts as a support for a user of the bed, and in some embodiments supports a mattress (not shown). The one or more leg assemblies 104 are connected to the bed frame 102 and articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame 102 relative to the floor on which the bed 100 sits.

The leg assembly 104, in one embodiment, includes a leg 106, a leg support 108 and a wheel assembly 110. The leg assembly 104 is connected to the bed frame 102 at an upper fixed pivot point 122 and a leg slide 114. The leg assembly 104 articulates to adjust the height of the bed frame 102 relative to the floor.

In some embodiments, the leg 106 is connected at a proximal end of the leg 106 to the leg slide 114. The connection between the leg 106 and the leg slide 114 may allow the leg 106 to rotate relative to the leg slide 114. The leg 106 may rotate relative to the leg slide 114 around a leg rotation axis 116. The leg rotation axis 116, in one embodiment, moves as the leg slide 114 moves.

The connection between the leg 106 and the leg slide 114, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between the leg 106 and the leg slide 114 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

In some embodiments, the leg 106 is connected at a distal end of the leg 106 to the wheel assembly 110. The wheel assembly 110, in one embodiment, includes one or more wheels configured to interface with the floor. The connection between the leg 106 and the wheel assembly 110 may allow the wheel assembly 110 to rotate relative to the leg 106. The wheel assembly 110 may rotate relative to the leg 106 around a wheel assembly rotation axis 118. The wheel assembly rotation axis 118, in one embodiment, moves as the leg 106 moves.

The connection between the leg 106 and the wheel assembly 110, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between the leg 106 and the wheel assembly 110 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

In some embodiments, the leg 106 is connected to the leg support 108 at a support rotation axis 120 located between the leg rotation axis 116 and the wheel assembly rotation axis 118. The leg support 108 rotates relative to the leg 106 around the support rotation axis 120.

The connection between the leg 106 and the leg support 108, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between the leg 106 and the leg support 108 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

In one embodiment, the leg rotation axis 116, the support rotation axis 120, and the wheel assembly rotation axis 118 are substantially parallel, and, when viewed along their length, form three points that are substantially co-linear. In some embodiments, the leg 106 is substantially straight, and the leg rotation axis 116, the support rotation axis 120, and the wheel assembly rotation axis 118 are located along a line defined by or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the leg 106. In certain embodiments, the leg rotation axis 116, the support rotation axis 120, and the wheel assembly rotation axis 118 are all connected directly to the leg 106. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly rotation axis is connected to a brace connecting the leg 106 to another leg of the leg assembly 104.

The leg support 108, in one embodiment, is connected to the bed frame 102 at the upper fixed pivot point 122. The upper fixed pivot point 122 allows the leg support 108 to rotate relative to the bed frame 102 around the upper fixed pivot point 122. In one embodiment, the upper fixed pivot point 122 is fixed relative to the bed frame 102.

The connection between the bed frame 102 and the leg support 108, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between the bed frame 102 and the leg support 108 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

The leg slide 114, in one embodiment, is connected to the bed frame 102 and the leg 106. As described above, the leg slide 114 may be connected to the leg 106 at the leg rotation axis 116 by a joint, such as a rotational bearing, that allows the leg 106 to rotate relative to the leg slide 114.

In some embodiments, the leg slide 114 is connected to the bed frame 102 via a linear bearing 124 that allows the leg slide 114 to translate along a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame 102. As the leg slide 114 translates along the substantially linear path closer to the upper fixed pivot point 122, the leg 106 rotates around the leg axis 116 to an alignment closer to vertical. As the leg 106 rotates closer to vertical, the bed frame 102 is pushed upward, and the bed 100 rises.

In certain embodiments, the extent of translation allowed by the linear bearing 124 is restricted. This restriction may control the extent to which the bed frame 102 may be raised and/or lowered. For example, the linear bearing 124 may be restricted to a predetermined minimum distance from the upper fixed pivot point 122. When the distance between the linear bearing 124 and the upper fixed pivot point 122 is at the minimum allowed, the bed frame 102 is at the highest allowed position.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the linear bearing 124 may be restricted to a predetermined maximum distance from the upper fixed pivot point 122. When the distance between the linear bearing 124 and the upper fixed pivot point 122 is maximized, the bed frame 102 is at the lowest allowed position.

Translation of the linear bearing 124 may be restricted by a mechanical structure, an electronic control, or a software control. For example, the linear bearing 124 may be restricted by one or more mechanical stops that restrict translation of the linear bearing 124 outside of a predetermined extent. In another example, the bed 102 may incorporate one or more sensors to determine the height of the bed frame 102, and one or more electronic or software controls to restrict translation of the linear bearing 124 outside of a predetermined extent.

In some embodiments, the linear bearing 124 and the leg rotation axis 116 are separated by a distance. The linear bearing 124 may be at a first portion of the leg slide 114 and the leg rotation axis 116 may be at a second portion of the leg slide 114. In one embodiment, the leg rotation axis 116 is below the linear bearing 124. For example, the linear bearing 124 may be at substantially the same height relative to the floor as the bed frame 102, and the leg rotation axis 116 may be at a lower height relative to the floor than is the linear bearing 124.

Figures 2A and 2B depict side views of one embodiment of the adjustable height bed 100 of Figure 1 in a raised and lowered position, respectively. The bed 100 includes the deckl03 connected to the bed frame 102, the at least one leg 106, the leg slide 114, and the upper fixed pivot point 122. As described above, as the leg 106 rotates from a more vertical position, as shown in Figure 2 A, to a more horizontal position, as shown in Figure 2B, the bed frame 102 moves closer to the floor. In addition, the distance between the leg slide 114 and the upper fixed pivot point 122 is maximized as the bed frame 102 is lowered and minimized is the bed frame 102 is raised.

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable height bed 100 of Figure 1. In some embodiments, the linear bearing 124 is inside of a bed frame element 302. The linear bearing 124 may have a profile shaped to conform to an interior of the bed frame element 302. The linear bearing 124 slides along the interior of the bed frame element 302 as the leg slide 114 translates relative to the bed frame 102.

The bed frame element 302 may be any type of structure capable of supporting the rated weight of the bed 100 and interacting with the linear bearing 124. For example, the bed frame element 302 may be a rod, a bar, a tube, or a channel. The bed frame element 302 may include any material capable of performing the required functions of the bed frame element

302. For example, the bed frame element 302 may include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, a composite material, or a polymer.

The bed frame element 302, in one embodiment, has a slot 304 through which a portion of the leg slide 114 extends. The slot 304 includes stops 306, 308 that restrict the movement of the leg slide 114. A maximum height stop 306 restricts movement of the leg slide 114 toward the upper fixed pivot point 122. A minimum height stop 308 restricts movement of the leg slide 114 away from the upper fixed pivot point 122.

Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly 104 of Figure 1. The leg slide 114, in one embodiment, is rotatably connected to the leg 106 and slidably connected to the bed frame 102.

In some embodiments, the leg assembly 104 includes one leg 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg assembly 104 includes two legs 106. The legs 106 may be connected by a leg brace 402. The leg brace 402 may hold the legs 106 in a particular orientation relative to one another. For example, the leg brace 402 may hold the legs 106 in a parallel orientation relative to one another. The leg brace 402 may be connected to the legs 106 by any known connection method. For example, the leg brace 402 may be welded to the legs 106. In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 110 is attached to the leg brace 402.

Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg slide 114 of Figure 1. The leg slide 114 includes the linear bearing 124, a pivot axis flange 502, and the leg rotation axis 116. The leg slide 114 allows rotation of the leg 106 around the leg rotation axis 116 and translates along a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame 102.

The linear bearing 124, in one embodiment, has a profile that conforms to an interior of the bed frame element 302. The linear bearing 124 translates along the interior of the bed frame element 302. The geometry of the linear bearing 124 and the bed frame element 302 may restrict rotation of the linear bearing relative to the bed frame element 302. The geometry of the linear bearing 124 and the bed frame element 302 may restrict translation of the linear bearing relative to the bed frame element 302 in a direction other than the substantially linear path.

In one embodiment, the linear bearing 124 includes one or more cavities 504. The one or more cavities 504 may reduce the material required to form the linear bearing 124 while retaining the required strength. In some embodiments, the one or more cavities 504 may be configured to retain a lubricant to facilitate translation of the linear bearing 124 relative to the bed frame element 302.

The linear bearing 124 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of the linear bearing 124. For example, the linear bearing 124 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, the linear bearing 124 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the linear bearing 124 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The linear bearing 124 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask-image-projection-based stereolithography.

The pivot axis flange 502, in some embodiments, is connected to the linear bearing 124. The pivot axis flange 502 may be rigidly connected to the linear bearing 124 such that rotation or translation of the pivot axis flange 502 relative to the linear bearing 124 is restricted. In some embodiments, the pivot axis flange 502 is connected to the linear bearing

124 by one or more fasteners (not shown). In one embodiment, the pivot axis flange 502 is formed as a unitary whole with the linear bearing 124.

The pivot axis flange 502 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of the pivot axis flange 502. For example, the pivot axis flange 502 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, the pivot axis flange 502 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the pivot axis flange 502 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The pivot axis flange 502 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination,

photopolymerization, and mask- image-projection-based stereolithography.

In certain embodiments, the leg rotation axis 116 is positioned to pass through the pivot axis flange 502. The leg 106 may rotatably connect to the pivot axis flange 502 at the leg rotation axis 116. In some embodiments, the pivot axis flange 502 includes a bearing at the leg rotation axis 116 for articulation with the leg 106.

Figure 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable height bed

600. The adjustable height bed 600 includes a bearing channel 604 connected to the bed frame 102 and one or more articulating legs 106. A leg slide 602 interacts with the bearing channel 604 to allow substantially linear translation of the leg slide 602 relative to the bed frame 102. A leg assembly 608 allows articulation of the leg 106 relative to the bed frame 102.

In some embodiments, the bearing channel 604 is formed such that the geometry of the bearing channel 604 interacts with the geometry of a linear bearing 606 connected to the leg slide 602 to allow movement of the linear bearing 606 along a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame 102. The geometry of the components may restrict rotational motion or linear motion along a path other than the substantially linear path. For example, the bearing channel 604 may be a box channel or a c channel formed with a profile capable of restricting and allowing motion of the linear bearing 606 as described above.

The bearing channel 604, in one embodiment, is connected to the bed frame 102. The bearing channel 604 may be connected to the bed frame 102 using any known method. For example, the bearing channel 604 may be welded to the bed frame 102 or connected to the bed frame 102 using fasteners or an adhesive. In an alternate embodiment, the bearing channel 604 is formed as a unitary whole with a bed frame element 302. In another embodiment, the bearing channel is a bed frame element 302 that forms a part of the bed frame 102. The bearing channel 604 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of the bearing channel 604. For example, the bearing channel 604 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, the bearing channel 604 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the bearing channel 604 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The bearing channel 604 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination,

photopolymerization, and mask- image-projection-based stereolithography.

Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly 608 of Figure 6. The leg assembly 608 includes a leg 106, a leg slide 602, and a linear bearing 606. The leg assembly 608 articulates to raise and lower the bed frame 102 relative to the floor.

In one embodiment, the leg slide 602 is rotatably connected to the leg 106 and slidably connected to the bearing channel 604 via the linear bearing 606. The leg slide 602 allows rotation of the leg 106 relative to the leg slide 602 and translation of the leg slide 602 relative to the bed frame 102.

The linear bearing 606, in one embodiment, includes one or more rotating elements

702. The rotating element 702 may include any type of rotating bearing. For example, the rotating element 702 may include a plain bearing or a rolling element bearing, such as a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a needle bearing. The rotating element 702 is rotatable as the leg slide 602 translates relative to the bed frame 102. In one embodiment, the one or more rotating elements 702 are captured by the bearing channel 604 such that they are capable of rotation during translation of the leg slide 602. This rotation may reduce the force necessary to cause translation of the leg slide 602 as the bed frame 102 is raised or lowered.

The rotating element 702 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of the rotating element 702. For example, the rotating element 702 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon.

In another example, the rotating element 702 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the rotating element 702 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The rotating element 702 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination,

photopolymerization, and mask- image-projection-based stereolithography.

Figure 8 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly 608 of Figure 6. The leg assembly 608 includes a leg 106, a leg slide 602, and a linear bearing 606. The leg assembly 608 articulates to raise and lower the bed frame 102 relative to the floor.

The linear bearing 606, in one embodiment, includes a slider block 802. The slider block 802 may slide within the bearing channel 604. The slider block 802, in some embodiments, has a profile that conforms to an interior of the bearing channel 604. The slider block 802 translates along the interior of the bearing channel 604. The geometry of the slider block 802 and the bearing channel 604 may restrict rotation of the linear bearing 606 relative to the bearing channel 604. The geometry of the slider block 802 and the bearing channel 604 may restrict translation of the slider block 802 relative to the bearing channel 604 in a direction other than the substantially linear path.

The slider block 802 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of the slider block 802. For example, the slider block 802 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, the slider block 802 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the slider block 802 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene

(HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The slider block 802 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask- image-projection-based stereolithography.

In some embodiments, the slider block 802 is connected to other elements of the leg slide 602 via one or more fasteners 804. The fasteners 804 may be connected through holes in the slider block 802, each hole formed with an axis in a plane parallel to the bed frame 102. In another embodiment, the slider block 802 is connected to other elements of the leg slide 602 via welding or an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, the slider block 802 is formed integrally with the leg slide 602.

Figure 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly 608 of

Figure 6. The leg assembly 608 includes a leg 106, a leg slide 602, and a linear bearing 606. The leg assembly 608 articulates to raise and lower the bed frame 102 relative to the floor.

The linear bearing 606, in one embodiment, includes a slider block 902. The slider block 902 may slide within the bearing channel 604. The slider block 902, in some embodiments, has a profile that conforms to an interior of the bearing channel 604. The slider block 902 translates along the interior of the bearing channel 604. The geometry of the slider block 902 and the bearing channel 604 may restrict rotation of the linear bearing relative to the bearing channel 604. The geometry of the slider block 902 and the bearing channel 604 may restrict translation of the slider block 902 relative to the bearing channel 604 in a direction other than the substantially linear path.

The slider block 902 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of the slider block 902. For example, the slider block 802 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, the slider block 902 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the slider block 902 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone

(PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The slider block 902 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask- image-projection-based stereolithography.

In some embodiments, the slider block 902 includes an opening 906 through which a different element of the leg slide 602 passes. In one embodiment, the opening 906 is a slot in a plane parallel to the bed frame 102. The opening 906 may provide support to the slider block 902. For example, the slider block 902 may be a polymer, and a steel element of the leg slide 602 may pass through the opening 906 horizontally and support the slider block 902.

The slider block 902, in one embodiment, may be connected to an element of the leg slide 602 via one or more fasteners 904. The fasteners 904 may be connected through holes in the slider block 902, each hole having an axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the bed frame 102. In another embodiment, the slider block 902 is connected to other elements of the leg slide 602 via welding or an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, the slider block 902 is formed integrally with the leg slide 602.

Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

It should also be noted that at least some of the operations for the methods described herein may be implemented using software instructions stored on a computer useable storage medium for execution by a computer. Embodiments of the invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements. In one embodiment, the invention is implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable storage medium can be any apparatus that can store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

The computer-useable or computer-readable storage medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device), or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable storage medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include a compact disk with read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk with read/write (CD-RAV), and a digital video disk (DVD).

An embodiment of a data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code includes at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus such as a data, address, and/or control bus. The memory elements can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution.

Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. Additionally, network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adjustable height bed comprising:

a bed frame;

one or more leg assemblies connected to the bed frame wherein the one or more leg assemblies articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame relative to a floor, a leg assembly of the one or more leg assemblies comprising:

a leg; and

a leg slide configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame wherein the leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing and the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned below the linear bearing.

2. The adjustable height bed of claim 1, further comprising:

a leg support rotatably connected to the leg at a support rotation axis and rotatably connected to the bed frame at an upper fixed pivot point; and

a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the leg at a wheel assembly rotation axis;

wherein:

the leg is attached to the leg slide at a leg rotation axis;

the leg rotation axis, the support rotation axis, and the wheel assembly axis are substantially parallel;

the leg rotation axis, the support rotation axis, and the wheel assembly axis, when viewed along their length, form three points that are substantially co-linear.

3. The adjustable height bed of claim 2, wherein the linear bearing and the leg rotation axis are separated by a predetermined, non-zero distance.

4. The adjustable height bed of claim 3, wherein translation of the linear bearing is restricted to a predetermined translation range.

5. The adjustable height bed of claim 4, wherein:

translation of the linear bearing is restricted to a minimum allowed distance from the upper fixed pivot point at which the bed frame is in a highest allowed position;

translation of the linear bearing is restricted to a maximum allowed distance from the upper fixed pivot point at which the bed frame is in a lowest allowed position.

6. The adjustable height bed of claim 5, wherein translation of the linear bearing is restricted by one or more mechanical stops.

7. The adjustable height bed of claim 5 further comprising:

one or more sensors to determine a position of the linear bearing;

an electronic control to receive an input from the one or more sensors and restrict movement of the linear bearing in response to the linear bearing reaching a predetermined position.

8. An adjustable height bed comprising:

a bed frame;

one or more leg assemblies connected to the bed frame, wherein the one or more leg assemblies articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame relative to a floor, a leg assembly of the one or more leg assemblies comprising:

a leg; and

a leg slide configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame;

wherein the leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing and the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned the at a predetermined, non-zero distance from the linear bearing.

9. The adjustable height bed of claim 8, wherein the linear bearing is disposed substantially inside of a bed frame element of the bed frame.

10. The adjustable height bed of claim 9 wherein the linear bearing has a profile shaped to conform to an interior of the bed frame element.

11. The adjustable height bed of claim 9 wherein the bed frame element comprises a slot through which a portion of the leg slide is disposed.

12. The adjustable height bed of claim 11 , wherein the slot includes a maximum height stop and a minimum height stop.

13. The adjustable height bed of claim 8, wherein the adjustable height bed includes a channel, and the linear bearing interfaces with the channel.

14. The adjustable height bed of claim 13, wherein the channel is selected from the group consisting of a box channel and a C channel.

15. The adjustable height bed of claim 13, wherein the channel includes a maximum height stop and a minimum height stop.

16. The adjustable height bed of claim 8, wherein the linear bearing comprises a slider block.

17. The adjustable height bed of claim 8, wherein the linear bearing comprises one or more rotating elements.

18. An adjustable height bed comprising:

a bed frame;

a leg; and

a leg slide configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame, wherein the leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing and the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned below the linear bearing;

wherein:

the leg is attached to the leg slide at a leg rotation axis;

19. The adjustable height bed of claim 18, further comprising a maximum height stop configured to restrict movement of the linear bearing toward the upper fixed pivot point.

20. The adjustable height bed of claim 18, further comprising a minimum height stop configured to restrict movement of the linear bearing away from the upper fixed pivot point.