Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to structures used for supporting a weight. It has particular, although not exclusive application to structures that are used to support the weight of a person and especially to such structures, when they are to be adjustable so as to alter the seating or reclining position of a subject resting on the structure. The background to the invention will therefore be described in the next section of this specification with specific reference used as a bedding support to which the invention is particularly suited.

Background to the Invention It is becoming more and more common to have adjustable beds of the type where the bedstead bottom in the longitudinal direction of the bed is divided into two or more segments, which are articulated to one another and the angle between the segments can be adjusted as desired by the user. Thus, the bed can be easily adapted for different purposes, such as sitting in, when reading, working, eating and lying on, when sleeping or resting. Beds of the type mentioned exist already in great variations. These known beds comprise two to four segments, which can be arranged at various angles relative to one another and adjusted and locked by means of manual or mechanical devices or remote controlled by means of hydraulic or pneumatic devices or fully motorized with one or more actuators. Support structures for use in hospitals and other situations, which allow altering the seating or reclining position of a subject are known (Pat. CA3054214, W02019/032830, US2017/06544 and W02005/117656).

However, one problem with these prior-art constructions is, that the construction, which allows adjustability, either requires extensive and awkward activities to achieve the desired position and angles between the articulated segments or employs complicated levers and devices if operated remotely. Furthermore, electric actuators require permanent power supply and a high degree of safety measures.

Other forms of apparatus upon which a user may be supported also demonstrate the deficiencies of known forms of support apparatus. For example, domestic sun beds or lounges have been in use for decades. They typically take the form of a foldable platform upon which a person can recline or sit in a variety of selectable positions, the platform in turn being supported by legs, which engage the ground. As in the case of apparatus used in health care facilities for supporting a seated or reclining person, known domestic sun beds or lounges suffer from the following deficiencies: they are frequently of complex construction; as a result, they can be expensive to manufacture, and in turn, they are therefore expensive for consumers; they are not easily adjusted from one support position to another, unless one or more persons (in addition to the person who is to be supported on the apparatus) assists in adjusting its position; and in some cases, all the individual surfaces that make up the foldable platform must be secured into position, making the transition from one support position (e.g., a reclining position) to another (e.g., a seating position) cumbersome and time consuming.

A need therefore exists for an adjustable support structure, which addresses one or more of these problems associated with the prior art.

The present invention aims to provide a support structure which can be operated manually (or optionally, may utilize powered means for operation) and which is relatively simpler in construction and its manner of operation than the known forms of apparatus.

The present Invention

The present invention relates to a bed support frame and particularly to a mattress support frame that is divided in five interconnected segments. These can be manually manipulated in a single synchronized, predetermined forced movement and locked infinitely at any angle between a conventional bed position having a horizontal rest surface upon which a person lies in a relaxed horizontal position and an upraised foetus position. The movement does not require any supportive levers, devices, or actuators to move the interconnected segments into various positions. In the present invention parts of the foldable deck are moving downwards and allow the person lying on top of the frame to utilize its body weight to change the angles of the interconnected segments by balancing and displacing the center of gravity of the upper body over a transverse pivotal axis in a longitudinal forward or backward movement. Simultaneously all segments change their position and angle in a single synchronized and forced movement through interconnecting hinges, so that at any angle an ergonomic posture is maintained, without re-adjustment of any part of the support frame. The critical part of the present solution are the unsupported down-folding center portions, which need to be firmly locked in the flat lying position to prevent a person sitting down on the frame from moving downward. This has been solved by employing a peg tooth catch, which engages automatically, when the frames reach an outstretched flat folded horizontal position.

The entire construction is sought to be simple, inexpensive, light and maintenance free. It is further sought to be applicable to any existing bed-box or bed structure in the market.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a mattress support is provided that includes an outer frame, a foldable deck positioned within the frame, and a mattress positioned on the deck. The deck comprises five sections configured to move synchronously between lying and sitting position relative to the outer frame. The outer frame includes a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal frame members or girders including cross-sections, configured to control a defined and forced movement of the deck sections and to carry the peg tooth catch to lock the sections in lying down position and to carry a single locking device, to lock the sections in any upper position.

Advantages of the mattress support frame in the present disclosure: a) a forced and synchronized movement of the interconnected frames; b) a perfect maintained ergonomic posture at any angle between lying position and sitting (fetus) position; c) a synchronized movement of the headrest following the articulation of the frames in an ergonomic manner; d) a catch to keep the support rigidly in flat horizontal position; e) a remote controlled locking device to block the frames infinitely at any angle between lying and sitting position while lying down or sitting on the bed; f) a frame construction, which can be manufactured in any part of the world without employing complicated machinery, devices , moulds or tooling etc.; g) a construction, which in its flat folded position has a height of maximum 50-mm, equivalent to a fixed mattress support, which can be applied without fixing to any existing bed by replacing the traditional slat support.

The deck comprises five sections, a headrest section, a backrest section, a thigh support section and a lower leg/foot support section, interconnected by means of hinges to force a synchronized motion within the outer frame. The outer frame includes a support portion to carry a locking device that controls the articulation of the pivotal mounted backrest section. The support portion is positioned under the backrest section of the deck and connects permanently through a mechanical or pneumatic locking device, which allows the deck to be locked infinitely in any desired angle. To prevent the pivotal backrest portion from moving accidentally upward in the flat lying position, f.ex, when a person sits down onto the frame in the center, a peg tooth catch holds the entire foldable deck and in particular the backrest frame down in a rigid horizontal position. The peg tooth catch is interconnected with the locking device and activated simultaneously, when the locking device is unlocked or locked.

The locking of the articulation of the portions is controlled by a linear moving mechanical frictional locking rod, or a lockable gasspring. It is also possible to employ an electrical operated actuator in the same location without modification of the construction to support the movement of the frames, in case of limited or restricted mobility of the user. The locking or unlocking is controlled by the user while lying or sitting on the bed either by means of a mechanical lever, a bowden cable or in case of an actuator by a hand held remote control. Description of the Drawings

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress support frame in accordance with the present disclosure showing a conceptual mattress support frame, comprising a one-piece outer frame (1), an interconnected foldable deck containing a head portion (12), a back portion (13), a thigh portion (15), a foot portion (16), a retaining device for the headrest portion (11) and a locking device (10) mounted between the outer frame (1) and the back portion (13), which controls the synchronized movement of the entire folding deck and contains the peck tooth catch (D) to prevent the movement of the deck in flat down folded position. Onto the back portion (13) is by means of hinges fixed a sub-support frame (14), which supports the mattress to form a smoother curve in the sitting position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the mattress support frame of Fig. 1 showing the mattress support frame in uprised seating position.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the mattress support frame of Fig. 1

Fig. 4 is a side elevation view of the mattress support frame of Fig. 1, which depicts the folding sequence of the apparatus with the individual portions connected by means of hinges in a continuous compulsory motion from flat down folded to an upraised sitting position.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation view of the mattress support frame of Fig. 1, which depicts the bedframe in a down-fold lying position and the manual up folding through f.ex. means of a forward moving "body weight" from a lying down to an up-fold sitting position.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the mattress support frame in accordance with the present disclosure showing the frame with a mattress and a human body in the lying down position, an intermediate resting position and the forward tilted seating position and the function of the sub-support frame (14) to prevent the mattress from developing a sharp fold, when the back and thigh segments (13, 15) are folding down to a 90° angle. It replaces the fixed bottom segment in conventional folding frames and serves as a support to allow the mattress to form a gentler curve and follow the natural curve of the human body without squeezing. The movement of this sub-support is equally forced and synchronized with the folding deck sections

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the Invention

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 generally depicts an apparatus for supporting a load, the apparatus taking the form of a bed or recliner structure. As will be evident from viewing Fig. 1, the bed/recliner generally comprises two elements, namely: a frame (generally demoted 1); and a support structure (folding portions), in the form of a platform, which is adapted to receive and support the weight of a load. In the illustrated apparatus, the load to be borne by the support structure is the body of a human subject who would recline on the support structure S. As shown in Figs 1, 2 and 3, the frame 1 is of generally rectilinear shape and planar configuration, so as to define a flat rectangular frame. The frame 1 acts as a mount, upon which the support structure is supported.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure is formed from a plurality of portions. The portions generally take the form of panels or like structures. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five portions which are: a head portion (denoted 12); a back portion (denoted 13); a sub support portion (denoted 14); a thigh or upper leg portion (denoted 15); - a foot (or lower leg) portion, denoted 16.

In combination, in the illustrated embodiment, these portions define a surface and structure upon which in use, a subject would rest or recline. As Fig. 3 of the drawings show, the support structure is, like the frame element 1, of generally rectangular shape, when viewed in plan. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the various portions of the support structure are connected via hinge or pivot means, so as to define a support structure that is foldable between a first position and a second position. Fig. 1 shows the support structure in a first, generally flat configuration and lies generally parallel to the plane defined by the rectilinear frame element 1. When the support structure is in this position, the apparatus can be used in order to provide a surface on which the subject can lie or recline in a generally horizontal position, such as on a conventional bed or recliner.

As shown particularly in Figs 2, 5 and 6, the apparatus is configured so that the portions of the support structure are moved to a second position, in which the panels of the support structure are disposed at an angle relative to the plane defined by the frame element. As will be evident from viewing Figs. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, such movement is possible by: providing the panels with hinge or pivoting means, to enable the panels to move relative to the other panels; and - providing the frame 1 with reciprocal means (such as hinges or slider recesses) to enable the movement of the support structure into the second position.

When the support structure is moved into a desired second position, it enables the subject supported on the structure to be moved from a relative reclining position to a relative seated position (and vice versa), or to any position along a continuum between those two extremities. The range of flexion and movement between the first and any desired second position is limited solely by the degree of movement permissible in accordance with the particular design of the apparatus in use in any particular instance.

The movement of the support structure into the second position can be achieved manually, and/or with assistance from powered means, such as electrical or electro-mechanical means of the type with whom persons of skill in the art would readily be familiar. However, in many embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that it would not be necessary to use powered means, in order to provide a suitably adjustable support apparatus at minimum expense. In the illustrated embodiment, the particular need for using powered means in order to adjust the position of the support structure is reduced, in that the configuration of the panels is such, that the subject’s own body weight (in combination, where necessary, with manual assistance from another person) would be sufficient in most instances, to achieve desired adjustments. This is shown particularly in Figs. 5 and 6, where - as can be seen - the subject’s own body weight would actuate the movement of the backrest panel (13) and the upper leg (or “thigh”) panel (15) into the desired sitting posi- tion, simply through the influence of gravity.

This is achieved due to the particular conformational details of the apparatus (such as that depicted in the accompanying drawings) constructed in accordance with the invention, and the way in which - in use - the forces actuate relative movement of the movable elements of the apparatus. By way of further explanation, and referring in particular to Fig. 5, it will be evident to ordinary persons of skill in the art from reviewing the accompanying drawings, that the part of the structure between the back portion pivot axis (PA) and the thigh section support is entirely unsupported, which allows downward movement of the back portions (13) and the thigh portion (15) so that the hinged/pivot connection between those two portions (denoted E in the accompanying drawings) is able to move downward (in the direction shown by the arrow marked “Body Weight” shown in Fig. 5). The net effect of this is that the arrangement of forces on the apparatus, when a user sits or reclines upon it, is such as for the support structure generally to assume the conformational profile of the user.

Thus, due to the way in which the apparatus is constructed in accordance with the invention, utilizes the user’s own body weight in order to achieve positional adjustments, not only is the need to provide powered or mechanized means for adjusting the support structure from one position to another dispensed with, but the user of the apparatus is able to adjust his or her seating (or reclining, as the case may be) position without the need for assistance from anyone else.

Once the support structure has been located in a desired sitting position, as shown particularly in Figs 5 and 6, the support structure can be releasable secured in that position, by the use of securement means or locking device. In the illustrated embodiment, the securement means take the form of a pair of support bars (2) fitted to the frame element (1), upon which is fitted the securement mechanism. The frame element also comprises a lock rod fitted with two peg tooth release levers (generally denoted 3) which is capable of being releasable secured via a latching mechanism onto the lock rod (3). The release lever (5), which is fitted to the frame (1), swivels the lock rod. The peg tooth release lever additionally opens and closes a valve on the gas cylinder. Thus, in use of the apparatus, once the head portion is located in a desired position, it can be secured in place by the use of this securement mechanism, and then released from that position at a later time. The gas spring therefore serves the dual purpose of: (a) damping movement (i.e., when movement is in fact desired) so as to allow the movement of the support structure to be controlled easily and safely, and (b) providing resistance to or preventing movement when not desired, by closing the valve in the spring. In addition, the damping effect of the spring allows less co -coordinated individuals or inexperienced users to release the valve in the spring before actuating a sitting or reclining movement without initiating any abrupt or dangerous movements. The gas spring in this securement assembly thus provides a “buffer” against unwanted sudden movements, especially when the support structure is being secured or released from a particular desired position. Hence, safe and smooth movement of the support structure is enhanced, in use of the apparatus. This is particularly important where the subject is a patient undergoing medical treatment or convalescence, as accidental or unwanted movements of the support structure could be detrimental to the patient’s health. This entire securement mechanism assembly can be operated manually (although if desired, aspects of it could be automated and/or powered).

A support apparatus of the kind described above could be put to many uses, including in the medical treatment context, in recliner lounges of the kind used around swimming pools, and in many other contexts. The frame and support structure elements of the apparatus of the kind described in this specification could be made from any suitable materials, such as metals, wood and other materials, the nature of which would readily be apprehended by persons of skill in the art. In addition, such apparatus could conveniently be used with a variety of accessories (such as for example, mattresses, as depicted particularly in Fig. 6, as well as other apparatus and accessories, the nature and characteristics of which would be apparent to persons of skill in the art. In addition, in many instances, support apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention could be fitted to (or even retro-fitted within) existing structures for housing beds, recliners and other support structures to which the invention is amenable.

The invention thus aims to provide a support apparatus which is of relatively simple construction, and which can be operated simply, often without the need for powered means. Indeed, the apparatus can be user operated, without the need for anyone else to adjust the position of the support structure from a first to a second position. The invention thus aims to provide an adjustable support apparatus, which can readily be operated as to provide synchronous movement between desired reclining and seating positions.

Interpretation of this specification

It will be understood that the invention could take many forms and be put to many different uses. All such forms and uses are embodied within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is to be understood as not being limited to the particular constructional details of the embodiments discussed above, but which extends to each novel feature and combination of features disclosed in or evident from this specification and the accompanying claims and drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.