GB2545251A

GB2545251A - A tilt apparatus for a bed

Info

Publication number: GB2545251A
Application number: GB1521827.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Bramson Brian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-11
Filing date: 2015-12-11
Publication date: 2017-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-11
Also published as: GB201521827D0; GB2545251B

Abstract

A tilt apparatus 1 for a bed, comprises a base 2 configured to rest securely on a surface: a support means 3 configured to at least partly locate under a section of a bed, at or towards one end of the bed, and; a raising means 4 located between the support means 3 and the base 2 and configured to raise and lower the support means 3 in relation to the base 2. In another embodiment a vertical apparatus with a horizontal support bracket 103 (Fig. 4) can be used to raise the bed, either with a threaded bar that raised or lowers the plate when rotated, or with a rack and pinion system 203 (Fig. 5). An advantage of the apparatus is that it can be used to raise normal beds to a slanted position for patients suffering conditions that give rise to the need to lie in a slanted position.

Description

A tilt apparatus for a bed

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a tilt apparatus for raising a bed at one end so that the bed is titled or angled away from the horizontal during use.

Background

Although the majority of people sleep with their beds aligned horizontally, it is not unusual for some people to prefer to sleep with the bed angled away from a horizontal alignment, or for it to be medically necessary to sleep with one end of the bed raised. This is generally achieved by either by using an adjustable bed or by raising one end of the bed on blocks or similar.

In addition or the alternative sleeping on a tilted bed is one of the prescribed therapies for the treatment and alleviation of the symptoms of the medical condition GORD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: W02001/91689 describes and shows a bed, couch or trolley platform arrangement consisting of a back section, seat section, thigh section and calf section. The backrest and thigh section are pivotally connected to the bed frame for raising and lowering the back section and thigh section. The backrest and thigh section pivots are longitudinally displaceable along the frame away from each other as the back section and thigh section are raised from a horizontal to a raised position. Bridging plates cover the gaps resulting from the displacement of the back and thigh sections respectively. The back section also has an additional panel which is arranged to slide upwards along the back section as the back section is raised causing the platform surface to lengthen by the same amount as the contact path length of skin of a person during sitting thereby resulting in prevention of pelvic compression and shearing of tissue. W02005/07053 describes and shows a lift-assisted device having a patient support structure, a base, and an undercarriage. The device can be powered by a pneumatic cylinder and a compressed gas source. The undercarriage can be a scissors linkage having at least one first member being slidably connected to the patient support structure an upper end of the first member and pivotally connected to the base at a lower end of the first member, and at least one second scissors linkage member, the second scissors linkage member being pivotally connected to the first scissors linkage member. An upper end of the second member is pivotally connected to the patient support structure, and a lower end of the second member is pivotally connected to the base. The pneumatic cylinder is arranged for moving the upper end of the first member and the lower end of the second member with respect to the patient support structure. US20070000059 describes and shows a piece of furniture includes a deck or seat assembly that is supported by a base assembly. The base assembly includes a tilting actuator assembly. The base assembly is coupled to the deck or seat assembly so that the deck or seat assembly can be tilted from a prone or sitting position to an upright position. The base assembly and the deck or seat assembly are coupled so that there are no easily accessible pinch points therebetween.

In contrast the present invention provides a simple, robust and reliable mechanism that can be used with an existing bed to adjust the tilt angle of the bed.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a tilt apparatus for a bed, the apparatus comprising: a base configured to rest securely on a surface; a support means configured to at least partly be positioned in use under a section of a bed, located at or towards one end of the bed; and a raising means located between the support means and the base and configured to raise and lower the support means in relation to the base. This provides a simple and effective apparatus for use with existing beds, so that the bed is titled or angled away from the horizontal during use. In an embodiment, the base comprises a main body portion and at least one leg that extends from the main body portion so as to provide stability. This helps to ensure that the apparatus is secure during use and will not collapse.

In an embodiment, the main body is configured to receive and store the raising means when the raising means is fully lowered. This allows a user to conveniently and easily transport the apparatus or store the apparatus when not in use.

In an embodiment, the support means comprises a substantially horizontally aligned surface, for example extending transversely across the width of the bed. This allows a user to easily locate the support means under a portion of the bed, for example supporting the entire width of the bed advantageously for safety purposes.

In an embodiment, the substantially horizontally aligned surface is elongate and configured to extend substantially or entirely the width of the bed. This ensures that support is provided across the width of the bed which helps with keeping the bed stable.

In an embodiment, the surface is curved or rounded across substantially the width of the surface. This keeps the bed in good contact with the surface as it tilts.

In an embodiment, the support means comprises a support bracket having an upturned front lip. This allows the rear of a bed board or similar to be securely held on support bracket without sliding off.

In an embodiment, the support means comprises a bracket having an upwardly extending rear portion. This helps to hold the bed on the support bracket.

In an embodiment, the support bracket further comprises an upturned front lip. This allows the rear of a bed board or similar to be securely held on support bracket without sliding off.

In an embodiment, the raising means is a scissor mechanism. This is a simple and robust mechanism that allows for a wide range of height adjustment.

In an embodiment, the scissor mechanism comprises a pair of scissor arm assemblies located one towards each end of the mechanism. This is a simple and robust mechanism that allows for a wide range of height adjustment, and which provides strong and robust support.

In an embodiment, the scissor mechanism further comprises a threaded rod and handle, rotation of the rod causing the scissor mechanism to expand or contract. This assists a user in making fine adjustments to the height of the support.

In an embodiment, the raising means comprises a threaded bar aligned substantially vertically, the support means connected to the bar and configured so that rotation of the bar causes the support means to be raised and lowered. This is a simple and robust mechanism that allows for a wide range of height adjustment, and which provides strong and robust support.

In an embodiment, the raising means comprises a bar aligned substantially vertically, the bar and support means configured as a rack and pinion system so that the support means to be raised and lowered over substantially the height of the bar. This is a simple and robust mechanism that allows for a wide range of height adjustment, and which provides strong and robust support.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above, to one side and towards one end of an embodiment of the tilt apparatus of the present invention, the tilt apparatus having a base configured to rest securely on a surface; a horizontally aligned supporting surface above the base configured to at least partly locate under a section of a bed, at or towards one end of the bed, and; a pair of scissor arm assemblies located between the support means and the base and configured to raise and lower the supporting surface in relation to the base, the supporting surface shown raised away from the base.

Figure 2 shows the tilt apparatus of figure 1 with the supporting surface shown lowered so that the base and supporting surface are directly adjacent, the supporting surface and base configured so that in this position the supporting surface and base provide a casing for the tilt apparatus.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the tilt apparatus of figures 1 and 2, showing detail of the scissor arm assemblies.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the tilt apparatus, the tilt apparatus having a base configured to rest securely on a surface; a bracket configured to under a bed board at one end of the bed, the bracket connected onto a vertically aligned threaded rod so that the rod can be rotated to raise and lower the bracket on the rod. Figure 5 shows another alternative embodiment of the tilt apparatus, the tilt apparatus having a base configured to rest securely on a surface; a bracket configured to under a bed board at one end of the bed, the bracket connected onto a vertically aligned rod, the rod and bracket having a rack and pinion mechanism so that the bracket can be raises and lowered on the rod.

Detailed Description of Figures

Embodiments of the tilt apparatus will now be described with reference to the figures. A first embodiment of the tilt apparatus 1 is shown in figures 1 to 3. The tilt apparatus 1 comprises three main parts: a base 2, a support mechanism 3 and a raising mechanism 4. In use, the tilt apparatus is located at the rear of a bed, under or close to the rear side.

The base 2 is configured to rest securely on a surface in use. In this embodiment, the base 2 generally has the form of an elongate trough with a flat bottom that rests directly on a surface such as a bedroom floor. Four legs 5 extend perpendicularly from the sides of the base 2, two on each side, to provide additional stability to prevent the base from falling over sideways. The legs are connected to the base 2 by sliding them into grooves on the sides of the base 2. These grooves allow them to be moved along the length of the base 2 and removed at the ends of the base 2. Alternatively, the legs could be connected to the base 2 via hinges or similar to allow them to be folded against the sides of the base 2.

The support mechanism 3 locates and is in contact with the bed at the rear side, such as for example under the lower edge or lip of the rear bed board. In this embodiment, the support mechanism 3 comprises a member having a horizontally aligned upper surface, the member being generally the same length and width as the base 2. The underside of the bed - e.g. the frame or similar - rests on and is supported by the upper surface. The upper surface is curved or rounded across substantially the width of the surface. This keeps the bed in good contact with the surface as it tilts.

In this embodiment, the raising mechanism 4 comprises a scissor mechanism formed from a pair of scissor arm assemblies located one each of the pair towards each end of the mechanism. This is a simple and robust mechanism that allows for a wide range of height adjustment, and which provides strong and robust support. These expand and contract to raise and lower the support mechanism 3 relative to the base 2. Raising and lowering of the scissor arm assemblies is carried out by way of a threaded rod 6 and handle, rotation of the rod 6 causing the scissor arm assemblies to expand or contract.

In this embodiment, the body of the base 2 - the trough - is sized so that when the scissor arm assemblies are contracted to fully lower the support mechanism 3, the support mechanism 3 and the scissor arm assemblies fit within the base 2, for storage or transport or similar. That is, the main body is configured to receive and store the support mechanism 3 and the scissor arm assemblies. This allows a user to conveniently and easily transport the apparatus or store the apparatus when not in use.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in figure 4, the tilt apparatus 100 comprises a pair of assemblies that are used one towards each side of the bed at the rear. Each has a vertically aligned rod that extends from a base 102. A support bracket 103 is connected to each of the rods, the bracket 103 having an upwardly extending rear portion and an upturned front lip. This allows the lower rear edge of a bed board or similar to be securely held on support bracket without sliding off. The bar and bracket are mutually so that rotation of the bar causes the support bracket 103 to be raised and lowered on the bar. The base 102 in this embodiment is a unitary item connected to the lower end of the rod, with extensions that form legs extending outwards from the main part of the base.

In another variation, as shown in figure 5, the tilt apparatus 200 comprises a pair of assemblies that are used one towards each side of the bed at the rear. Each has a vertically aligned rod that extends from a base 202. A support bracket 203 is connected to each of the rods, the bracket 203 having an upwardly extending rear portion and an upturned front lip. This allows the lower rear edge of a bed board or similar to be securely held on support bracket without sliding off. The bar and bracket are mutually formed as a rack and pinion system so that the support bracket 103 can be raised and lowered on the bar. The base 102 in this embodiment is a unitary item connected to the lower end of the rod.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A tilt apparatus for a bed, comprising: a base configured to rest securely on a surface; a support means configured to at least partly be positioned in use under a section of a bed, located at or towards one end of the bed; and a raising means located between the support means and the base and configured to raise and lower the support means in relation to the base.

2. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base comprises a main body portion and at least one leg that extends from the main body portion so as to provide stability.

3. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the main body is configured to receive and store the raising means when the raising means is fully lowered.

4. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the support means comprises a substantially horizontally aligned surface.

5. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 4 wherein the substantially horizontally aligned surface is elongate and configured to extend substantially the width of the bed.

6. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 5 wherein the surface is curved or rounded across substantially the width of the surface.

7. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 4 wherein the support means comprises a support bracket having an upturned front lip.

8. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 4 wherein the support means comprises a bracket having an upwardly extending rear portion.

9. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 7 wherein the support bracket further comprises an upturned front lip.

10. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the raising means is a scissor mechanism.

11. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 10 wherein the scissor mechanism comprises a pair of scissor arm assemblies located one towards each end of the mechanism.

12. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in claim 11 wherein the scissor mechanism further comprises a threaded rod and handle, rotation of the rod causing the scissor mechanism to expand or contract.

13. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the raising means comprises a threaded bar aligned substantially vertically, the support means connected to the bar and configured so that rotation of the bar causes the support means to be raised and lowered.

14. A tilt apparatus for a bed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the raising means comprises a bar aligned substantially vertically, the bar and support means configured as a rack and pinion system so that the support means to be raised and lowered over substantially the height of the bar.

15. A tilt apparatus for a bed substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.