US3745597A

US3745597A - Bed moving device

Info

Publication number: US3745597A
Application number: US00202231A
Authority: US
Inventors: K Kurtz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-11-26
Filing date: 1971-11-26
Publication date: 1973-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 1990-07-17

Abstract

A combination bed and moving device utilizing an inclined surface supported, for example, by a steel frame or box, in combination with a rolling member, such as a ball castor, which is attached to a bed frame permitting movement of the rolling member on the inclined surface. The bed frame is moved up the inclined surface to a retention area where means are provided such as a depression or level area to retain the rolling member at the desired retention area. At the elevated retention area the bed frame can be easily rotated and moved about the axis of the attachment between the rolling member and the frame. A handle on the bed frame provides an easy means for respectively pushing and pulling the bed frame and attached rolling member up and down the inclined surface. The invention is particularly useful for raising and moving beds for purposes of cleaning under them, and also the rotation thereof to provide ease in changing the sheets.

Description

United States Patent [191 Kurtz 1 July 17, 1973 1 BED MOVING DEVICE [76] Inventor: Kenneth J. Kurtz, 3151 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, Calif.

[22] Filed: Nov. 26, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 202,231

[52] U.S. Cl. 5/328 [51] Int. Cl. A47c 19/22 [58] Field of Search 5/12, l3, l7, 18,

[56] References Cited V UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,862,213 12/1958 9/1912 Great Britain 5/328 Primary Examiner-Casmir A. Nunberg Attorney-George F. Bethel Sonnenburg et al. 5/328 [5 7 ABSTRACT A combination bed and moving device utilizing an inclined surface supported, for example, by a steel frame or box, in combination with a rolling member, such as a ball castor, which is attached to a bed frame permitting movement of the rolling member on the inclined surface. The bed frame is moved up the inclined surface to a retention area where means are provided such as a depression or level area toretain the rolling member at the desired retention area. At the elevated retention area the bed frame can be easily rotated and moved about the axis of the attachment between the rolling member and the frame. A handle on the bed frame provides an easy means for respectively pushing and pulling the bed frame and attached rolling member up and down the inclined surface. The invention is particularly useful for raising and moving beds for purposes of cleaning under them, and also the rotation thereof to provide ease in changing the sheets.

12 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 'PAIENTEYDYJULWIQYS A 3,745.59?

I NVENTOR.

KENNETH J. KURTZ GEORGE F. BETHE L F I 4 ATTORNEY BED MOVING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the bed moving and rotating devices art.

2. Description of the Prior Art It has always been a problem, particularly in hotels and motels, to quickly and easily clean under beds and change the sheets. Cleaning problems arise from the fact that beds are nromally about inches off the floor and upright vacuum cleaners require a higher clearance. The use of a tank-type of vacuum cleaner requires the operator to get down on hands and knees or lower to vacuum under a bed. Furthermore, changing of bed sheets has always been difficult because it requires one to walk around the bed at least one time for each sheet, blanket and bed spread to be put on. With the advent of king size beds, these problems have been increased. King size beds are not only larger than the double beds but also are considerably heavier and harder to move about.

It can be appreciated that if the duties of cleaning under beds and bed making could be simplified and speeded up that considerable cost savings could be had for motels and hotels, not to mention convenience and time savings for the average housewife. This invention has overcome the foregoing difficulties of cleaning and bed changing by providing an easily operated device to move beds and rotate them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above desirable aspects have now been embodied in a novel, combination device which is simple, light weight, economical and easy to install. Specifically, this 3 invention is embodied in the novel combination of a bed and a moving device comprising an inclined surface with means for supporting the inclined surface, such as, for example, a box or metal frame. A rolling member, such as a castor, designed for travel along the inclined surface is attached to the bed frame by means of a connector, such as a rod.

In operation, the bed frame and bed are rolled by means of the rolling member up the inclined surface where a retaining means, for example a level area or depression retains the rolling member by keeping it from rolling back down the inclined surface. At this point the bed and bed frame are raised sufficiently to permit cleaning thereunder as well as in its former adjacent relationship to a wall. If desired, the bed and frame can be easily rotated in either direction to permit a person to change sheets and bedding while standing in one position since access to all sides of the bed is made possible by the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a raised, perspective view of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially fragmented, cross section of the invention taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 and is a partially fragmented cross section of the invention showing the rolling member in a different position;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the invention taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a bed 10 supported in a bed frame 12 having

sides

13 and 14 and feet 15 at each corner and a handle 16. A cross-bar I7 is attached to the sides 13 of the bed frame 12 by means of screws 18 at a point approximately midway between the ends 14. In the middle of the cross-bar 16 is a castor (which is not shown in FIG. 1) attached to the crossbar by means of a connector such as a rod or tubular member 20, and a mounting means 22 formed as a collar welded to the bar 17 into which the rod 20 threads into. The mounting means can comprise a bolt, a rivet or welded securement. Enclosing the castor from view in FIG. 1 is a box 24, shown in greater detail in FIG. 2.

The box has a base 26, a front wall 28 and back wall 30. The base 26 can include a projection 27 which extends beyond the back wall 30. The function of the projection 27 is to prevent back tipping of the device during use.

An inclined surface 32 extends from the base of the front wall 28 to a point near the top of the back wall 30 where there is a depression or groove 34 which serves to hold the castor 36 in the elevated position. The retention area comprising the depression 34 can be formed alternatively as a knob to prevent the castor 36 from sliding backwardly down the inclined surface 32.

A top plate 38 having a central slot 40 extends from the top of the front wall 28 to the top of the back wall 30 and is spaced from inclined surface 32. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the top plate 38 with an underlying castor 36. The slot 40 is for guide purposes and can be of any suitable walled configuration as long as it guides the member 20 in its travel along the inclined surface.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 2, the castor 36 is shown in detail. As shown, the tubular member 20 is attached to the frame 12 by the mounting means 22. The tubular member can comprise a tube 21 which telescopes over a shank 42 providing length ad-justment. Tightening means 44 in axial relationship holds the tubular member 21 and the shank 42 in a fixed longitudinal re-lationship. It should be understood that various types of castors can be used. Furthermore, the member 20 can be rotated at its attachment point to frame member 17 or at the castor.

An alternative embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, incorporates an inclined surface having a concave or hemispherically depressed cross section. A base 64 beneath the surface 60 is utilized to hold the surface in place. A raised area or knob 66 is shown to retain the castor 36 in an elevated position after it has been rolled to the top of the surface 60.

Thus, a guide means for the castor 36 is provided by the concave cross section, which curves upwardly.

In operation, the handle 16 is grasped by the operator and pulled, causing the bed 10 and frame 12 by means of the castor 36 to roll up the

inclined surface

32 or 60. When the castor 36 reaches the retention area or depression 34, it is held from rolling back down the inclined surface 32. This position is shown in FIGS. 3, 4,

and 5. In this position, the bed is raised off the floor permitting access to the area beneath the bed, as well as any previously adjacent walls. At the same time, the bed and frame 12 can be rotated in either direction or made to revolve completely around the axis provided by member 20. Thus, access can be had to any desired part of the bed for purposes of changing linen and the like.

When it is desired to return the bed 10 to its original position, the bed 10 by means of the handle 16 is simply pushed out of the groove 34 down the inclined surface 32. The slot 40 acts as a guide means to keep the castor 36 moving in a straight direction. In lieu thereof, other guide means can be employed such as a track or groove running the length of the inclined surface 32. Also, the inclined surface itself can act as the guide means such as when the inclined surface has a generally curved cross section as that of FIGS. 6 and 7.

Similarly, while a ball castor is shown as the rolling means other types of castors can be employed as well as wheels and rollers. The ball castor is preferred because it provides ease in rolling and pivoting. Other types of castors can'be made to pivot on their rollers or wheels or as previously stated a pivot means can be provided at the point where the member 20 is joined to the roller or to the bed frame.

Other types of retaining means can be resorted to in place of the groove or depression 34 shown in FIGS. 2 through 4. For example, a level surface at the top of the inclined surface would serve to retain the rolling means in place and can be augmented, if desired, by one or more low ridges to prevent the rolling means from rolling off the inclined surface entirely.

As mentioned supra, the function of the projection 27 is to prevent the inclined surface and supporting box from the possibility of tipping over. Such a provision is not necessary to the invention as it will be apparent that many other types of support means can be resorted to. Also, it is not critical to the invention that the groove or other retention area be at the very top of the inclined surface. One or more such retention areas or depressions 34 can be placed at virtually any point along the inclined surface. The exact points will depend on the primary desired use for the device. Altemately, a series of steps formed by alternating an inclined surface with a level can also be employed within the scope of the invention.

It should also be mentioned that the exact angle of inclination of the inclined surface 32 is not critical, and will be chosen depending on factors such as the desired height to which the bed is desirably raised, the height of the bed from the floor and the like.

Also, it will be apparent that certain other complicated equivalents to those disclosed can be employed which do not provide substantial advantages over the invention as disclosed. As an example, the inclined surface can be provided with ball bearings or rollers. Furthermore, the retention area provided for retaining the rolling means from moving back down the inclined surface 32 can be provided with a circular rotating area to provide additional pivotal action.

The invention thus described provides a novel, yet

simple, economical device for the raising and rotating of beds. Various modifications are contemplated and may be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

I claim:

1. The combination of a bed and moving device comprising:

an inclined surface;

means for supporting said inclined surface; curved a rolling member designed for travel along said inclined surface;

a bed frame attachment; and,

a connector for connecting said rolling member and said bed frame at a substantially central position on said frame wherein said bed frame can be supported by said inclined surface when said rolling member is rolled therealong thereby causing said frame to be elevated and supported thereon.

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

guide means along said inclined surface; and wherein said connector comprises a rod.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said rolling member is a ball and socket.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 2 further comprising:

a telescoping tubular member for said rod; and,

means in said inclined surface to prevent the rolling member from rolling down the inclined surface.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said connector is pivotably connected to said rolling member.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said connector is pivotably connected to said bed frame attachment.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 6 wherein:

said means preventing rolling comprises a level area with a transverse ridge.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rolling prevention means comprises:

a depression in said inclined surface for retaining said rolling member.

9. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said inclined surface has a generally urved cross section across the angle of inclination.

10. The combination as claimed in claim 2 wherein:

said support means comprises a box with the inclined surface forming an upper surface thereof; and, said guide means comprises a slot substantially running the length of the inclined surface. 11. The combination as claimed in claim 10 further com-prising:

a handle on said bed frame; and wherein, said box includes a projection of the lower surface thereof beyond the side wall at the top of the inclined surface. 12. The combination as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

at least two retention surfaces on said inclined surface.

Claims

1. The combination of a bed and moving device comprising: an inclined surface; means for supporting said inclined surface; curved a rolling member designed for travel along said inclined surface; a bed frame attachment; and, a connector for connecting said rolling member and said bed frame at a substantially central position on said frame wherein said bed frame can be supported by said inclined surface when said rolling member is rolled therealong thereby causing said frame to be elevated and supported thereon.

2. The cOmbination as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: guide means along said inclined surface; and wherein said connector comprises a rod.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said rolling member is a ball and socket.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 2 further comprising: a telescoping tubular member for said rod; and, means in said inclined surface to prevent the rolling member from rolling down the inclined surface.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said connector is pivotably connected to said rolling member.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said connector is pivotably connected to said bed frame attachment.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 6 wherein: said means preventing rolling comprises a level area with a transverse ridge.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rolling prevention means comprises: a depression in said inclined surface for retaining said rolling member.

9. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said inclined surface has a generally urved cross section across the angle of inclination.

10. The combination as claimed in claim 2 wherein: said support means comprises a box with the inclined surface forming an upper surface thereof; and, said guide means comprises a slot substantially running the length of the inclined surface.

11. The combination as claimed in claim 10 further com-prising: a handle on said bed frame; and wherein, said box includes a projection of the lower surface thereof beyond the side wall at the top of the inclined surface.

12. The combination as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: at least two retention surfaces on said inclined surface.