Articulated bed frame

#The present invention relates to an articulating bed frame and to an adjustable bed incorporating the same. More particularly, the invention provides an articulated bed structure having an improved head support portion which automatically adjusts to a suitable position and slope as the body support portion of the bed is pivotally raised or lowered.

#Beds in use in today's hospitals are usually adjustable so that the patient can be brought to a sitting position, or inclined between a sitting and lying position. Many beds also have provision for raising the foot section. Whichever mode is chosen depends on the patient's condition and doctor's recommendation Additional head support—if needed—is usually provided by adding a pillow. Bed configuration can be adjusted by lead screws operating a suitable mechanism. The outer end of the lead screw is usually fitted with a crank handle for manual operation. In modern models the lead screws are powered electrically.

#In addition there is an increasing market for articulating and adjustable beds for private home use, wherein the bed can be changed from a horizontal orientation for sleep to a sitting position providing proper back and head support for reading, viewing television and other situations in which the user while still in bed does not wish to remain in a prone position.

#In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the bed frame according to the invention, as shown with its head portion raised;

#FIG. 2 is as FIG. 1, with the head portion lowered;

#There is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 an articulating bed frame 10.

#A stationary base frame has a head end 12, a foot end 14, and opposed longitudinal members 16 connecting the same. Four feet 18 are attached to the members 16, one near each frame corner.

#An articulated moving upper frame 20 is mounted on a carriage 22. The upper frame has leg support portions 24, 26 and upper body support portions 28, 30 articulated to each other. The carriage 22 travels in channels 32, allowing longitudinal shifting of the support portions 24-30 relative to the base frame 12-16. In the present embodiment the channels 32 are stationary and rigidly attached to the longitudinal members 16, while the carriage 22 is provided with wheels 34 which run in the channels 32. Clearly, this arrangement could be reversed if the carriage were to carry the channels and the wheels were fixed to the stationary base frame. Also, the wheels 34 could be replaced by low-friction slide pads.