ADJUSTABLE BED SYSTEMS WITH ROTATING ARTICULATING BED FRAME

SYSTEMES DE LIT REGLABLE A CADRE DE LIT ARTICULE ROTATIF

English Abstract

A rotating and articulating bed includes a fixed bed frame with a horizontal support surface, an articulating bed member and a rotating and pivoting frame mounted on the horizontal support surface and in communication with the articulating bed member. The rotating and pivoting frame includes a bearing plate and a plurality of discrete bearings disposed between the bearing plate and the horizontal support surface. Each discrete bearing comprises a housing mounted to the bearing plate, a cover attached to the housing having a circular opening and a main ball disposed between the housing and the cover and extending through the circular opening toward the horizontal support surface. The rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable with respect to the horizontal support surface on the plurality of discrete bearings around a vertical axis passing through the horizontal support surface allowing for greater movement of the bed to accommodate individuals with limited mobility.

French Abstract

Un lit rotatif et articulé comprend un cadre de lit fixe possédant une surface de support horizontale, un élément de lit articulé et un cadre rotatif et pivotant monté sur la surface de support horizontale, en communication avec l'élément de lit articulé. Le cadre rotatif et pivotant comprend une plaque d'appui et plusieurs paliers distincts placés entre la plaque d'appui et la surface de support horizontale. Chaque palier distinct comprend un logement monté sur la plaque d'appui, un couvercle attaché au logement comprenant une ouverture circulaire et une bille principale placée entre le logement et le couvercle et s'étendant dans l'ouverture circulaire, vers la surface de support horizontale. Le cadre rotatif et pivotant peut tourner par rapport à la surface de support horizontale sur la pluralité de paliers distincts, autour d'un axe vertical passant à travers la surface de support horizontale pour offrir un plus grand mouvement du lit, afin de s'adapter aux personnes à mobilité réduite.

Claims

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WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A rotating and articulating bed comprising:
a fixed bed frame comprising a horizontal support surface;
an articulating bed member; and
a rotating and pivoting frame mounted on the horizontal support surface and in
communication with the articulating bed member, the rotating and pivoting
frame
comprising:
a bearing plate; and
a plurality of discrete bearings disposed between the bearing plate and
the horizontal support surface, the rotating and pivoting frame rotatable with
respect
to the horizontal support surface on the plurality of discrete bearings around
a
vertical axis passing through the horizontal support surface.
2. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 1, wherein each discrete
bearing
comprises:
a housing mounted to the bearing plate;
a cover attached to the housing and having a circular opening; and
a main ball disposed between the housing and the cover, the main ball
extending
through the circular opening toward the horizontal support surface.
3. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 1, wherein each one of the
plurality of
discrete bearings is spaced along the bearing plate an equal distance from the
vertical axis.
4. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
discrete bearings
comprises five discrete bearings.
5. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 4, wherein the five discrete
bearings are
spaced equally around a circle centered on the vertical axis.
6. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 1, wherein the horizontal
support surface
comprises a support plate, the plurality of discrete bearings disposed between
the bearing
plate and the support plate.
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7. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 6, wherein each discrete
bearing
comprises a main ball, each main ball in contact with the support plate.
8. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 6, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises:
a rotating drive shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the

vertical axis, the rotating drive shaft comprising a mounting flange disposed
on a first end of
the rotating drive shaft, the mounting flange in contact with the bearing
plate; and
an upper bearing assembly comprising:
an upper bearing housing disposed between the mounting flange and the
support plate; and
a thrust ball bearing disposed within the housing, the rotating drive shaft
passing through the thrust ball bearing.
9. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 8, wherein the thrust ball
bearing
comprises:
an upper bearing ring in contact with the mounting flange;
a lower bearing ring in contact with the housing; and
a plurality of ball bearings disposed between the upper bearing ring and the
lower
bearing ring, the rotating drive shaft in contact with the plurality of ball
bearings.
10. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 6, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises:
a rotating drive shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the
vertical axis, the rotating drive shaft comprising:
a mounting flange disposed on a first end of the rotating drive shaft, the
mounting flange in contact with the bearing plate; and
a second end opposite the first end, the support plate disposed between the
first end and the second end; and
a lower bearing assembly comprising:

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a lower bearing housing disposed between the support plate and the second
end of the rotating drive shaft; and
a thrust ball bearing disposed within the lower bearing housing, the rotating
drive shaft passing through the thrust ball bearing.
11. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 10, wherein the thrust ball
bearing
comprises:
an upper bearing ring in contact with the housing;
a lower bearing ring; and
a plurality of ball bearings disposed between the upper bearing ring and the
lower
bearing ring, the rotating drive shaft in contact with the plurality of ball
bearings.
12. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 11, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises a threaded locking ring threaded onto the rotating drive
shaft between the
second end of the rotating drive shaft and the lower bearing assembly, the
threaded locking
ring in contact with the lower bearing ring.
13. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 6, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises:
a rotating drive shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the

vertical axis, the rotating drive shaft comprising:
a mounting flange disposed on a first end of the rotating drive shaft, the
mounting flange in contact with the bearing plate; and
a second end opposite the first end, the support plate disposed between the
first end and the second end; and
a removable drive collar disposed over the rotating drive shaft adjacent the
second
end such that rotation of the drive collar rotates the rotating drive shaft,
the drive collar
comprising a pair of arm assemblies extending out from the drive collar.
14. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 13, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises a rotation actuator in contact with the fixed frame and one
of the arm
assemblies.
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15. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 13, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises a threaded locking ring threaded onto the rotating drive
shaft at the
second end of the rotating drive shaft, the threaded locking ring in contact
with drive collar.
16. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 1, wherein:
the articulating bed member comprises:
an articulating head portion;
an articulating foot portion separate from the articulating head portion; and
an articulating center portion disposed between the articulating head portion
and the articulating foot portion;
wherein the articulating head portion, the articulating center portion and the

articulating foot portion articulate with respect to each other independent of
rotation of the
rotating and pivoting frame and of pivoting movement of the articulating bed
member with
respect to the horizontal support surface and the rotating and pivoting frame
is pivotally
connected to the articulating center to achieve pivoting movement of the
articulating bed
member with respect to the horizontal support surface.
17. A rotating and articulating bed comprising:
a fixed bed frame comprising a horizontal support surface comprising a support

plate;
an articulating bed member; and
a rotating and pivoting frame mounted on the horizontal support surface, in
communication with the articulating bed member and rotatable with respect to
the
horizontal support surface around a vertical axis passing through the
horizontal
support surface, the rotating and pivoting frame comprising:
a bearing plate; and
a plurality of discrete bearings attached to the bearing plate, each one of
the
plurality of discrete bearings spaced along the bearing plate an equal
distance from the vertical axis and the support plate and comprising a main
ball, each main ball in contact with the support plate.
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18. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 17, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises:
a rotating drive shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the
vertical axis, the rotating drive shaft comprising:
a mounting flange disposed on a first end of the rotating drive shaft, the
mounting flange in contact with the bearing plate; and
a second end opposite the first end, the support plate disposed between the
first end and the second end; and
an upper bearing assembly comprising:
an upper bearing housing disposed between the mounting flange and the
support plate; and
a thrust ball bearing disposed within the housing, the rotating drive shaft
passing through the thrust ball bearing; and
a lower bearing assembly comprising:
a lower bearing housing disposed between the support plate and the second
end of the rotating drive shaft; and
a thrust ball bearing disposed within the lower bearing housing, the rotating
drive shaft passing through the thrust ball bearing.
19. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 18, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises:
a removable drive collar disposed over the rotating drive shaft adjacent the
second
end such that rotation of the drive collar rotates the rotating drive shaft,
the drive collar
comprising a pair of arm assemblies extending out from the drive collar; and
a rotation actuator in contact with the fixed frame and one of the arm
assemblies.
20. The rotating and articulating bed of claim 19, wherein the rotating and
pivoting frame
further comprises:
a lower bearing assembly threaded locking ring threaded onto the rotating
drive
shaft between the second end of the rotating drive shaft and the lower bearing
assembly;
and
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a drive collar threaded locking ring threaded onto the rotating drive shaft at
the
second end of the rotating drive shaft, the drive collar threaded locking ring
in contact with
drive collar.
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Description

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ADJUSTABLE BED SYSTEMS WITH ROTATING ARTICULATING BED FRAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to
adjustable,
articulating bedding systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Adjustable or articulating beds provide selectable adjustment of
the lower or
foot portion and upper or head portion of a mattress from a traditional flat
or horizontal
position. Therefore, the head or foot of a user can be elevated as desired,
for example, for
comfort, to provide relief from snoring or to facilitate reading. The upper
and lower portions
are adjustable independent of each other. Adjustment is provided by an
articulating
foundation mounted on a frame and supporting a mattress.
[0003] The support members, hydraulic and pneumatic lifts and actuators
associated
with the adjustable bed are positioned underneath the sleeping surface of the
adjustable
bed, extending downward toward the floor. The adjustable bed sits on a frame
having side
rails that hide the support members, lifts and actuators. These side rails
typically extend to
the floor and define a distance to the floor or height of the sleeping surface
that is fixed.
This fixed height is at least a minimum height required to accommodate
placement of all
the support members, hydraulic and pneumatic lifts, actuators and other
electronics that
provide the desired articulation in the adjustable bed.
[0004] While living room furniture and bathroom fixtures such as showers
and tubs
have been created to accommodate individuals with limited mobility, adjustable
beds, while
providing improved comfort and customization while in bed, do not provide
accommodations for individuals that may have difficulty getting into and out
of bed. The
mattress does not rotate or tilt to assist with positioning a body in proper
alignment within
the adjustable bed. In addition, the location of the support members, lifts
and actuators
under the adjustable bed in combination with the bed frame can result in an
adjustable bed
that has a sleeping surface located higher above the floor, which can further
inhibit the
ability of an individual with limited mobility to get into and out of bed.
Therefore, an
adjustable bed system is desired that overcomes these limitations of
conventional
adjustable beds.
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SUMMARY
[0005] Exemplary embodiments are directed to adjustable bed systems and
methods
for making and using the adjustable bed systems that accommodate individuals
with limited
mobility by including a rotating and pivoting mechanism that rotates the
sleeping and
articulating surfaces of the adjustable bed around a vertical axis passing
through the
adjustable bed foundation. In one embodiment, this rotating and pivoting
mechanism can
be adjusted to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion.
Rotation by the
rotating and pivoting mechanism is accomplished in combination with the
articulation of the
head and foot portions of the adjustable bed foundation. Therefore, the
adjustable bed
foundation can be rotated while positioned in either a flat, horizontal
position or in a position
with one or more of the head and foot portions in a raised position. In
addition to rotation
about the vertical axis, the rotating and pivoting mechanism can also tilt the
adjustable bed
foundation with respect to a horizontal plane and move the adjustable bed
foundation
laterally.
[0006] Exemplary embodiments are directed to a rotating and articulating
bed having
a fixed bed frame with a horizontal support surface and an articulating bed
member. The
articulating bed member includes an articulating head portion, an articulating
foot portion
separate from the articulating foot portion and a rotating and pivoting frame
mounted on the
horizontal support surface and in communication with the articulating head
portion and the
articulating foot portion. The rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable with
respect to the
horizontal support surface around a vertical axis passing through the
horizontal support
surface. In addition, the rotating and pivoting frame provides pivoting
movement of the
articulating bed member with respect to the horizontal support surface to tilt
the articulating
bed member toward at least one of the articulating head portion and the
articulating foot
portion.
[0007] In one embodiment, the articulating head portion and articulating
foot portion
each articulate with respect to each other downward toward the horizontal
support surface
and upward away from the horizontal support surface. Articulation occurs
independent of
rotation of the rotating and pivoting frame and of pivoting movement of the
articulating bed
member with respect to the horizontal support surface. In one embodiment, the
articulating
foot portion articulates downward past a plane containing the horizontal
support surface.
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[0008] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member also includes an
articulating
center portion disposed between the articulating head portion and the
articulating foot
portion. The articulating head portion, the articulating center portion and
the articulating foot
portion articulate with respect to each other independent of rotation of the
rotating and
pivoting frame and of pivoting movement of the articulating bed member with
respect to the
horizontal support surface. In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame
is pivotally
connected to the articulating center to achieve pivoting movement of the
articulating bed
member with respect to the horizontal support surface.
[0009] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame provides
pivoting
movement of the articulating bed member with respect to the horizontal support
surface to
tilt the articulating bed member toward the articulating foot portion from a
first position with
the articulating foot portion located above the horizontal support surface to
a second
position with the articulating foot portion extending below the horizontal
support surface. In
one embodiment, the horizontal support surface is located at a given height,
and the
articulating foot portion extends below the horizontal support surface a
distance greater
than or equal to the given height when the articulating bed member is in the
second
position.
[0010] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable
around the
vertical axis through an angle up to about 900. In one embodiment, the
rotating and pivoting
frame is rotatable around the vertical axis in a first direction of rotation
through an angle up
to about 90 and in a second direction of rotation through an angle up to
about 90 . The
first direction of rotation is opposite the second direction of rotation. In
one embodiment, the
rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable around the vertical axis through an
angle up to
about 360 .
[0011] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes an
articulating
center portion disposed between the articulating head portion and the
articulating foot
portion and a pair of opposing sides extending from the articulating head
portion, through
the articulating center portion to the articulating foot portion. The
articulating center portion
has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The rotating
and
articulating bed further includes a pair of arm assemblies. Each arm assembly
is attached
to one of the opposing sides and includes an attachment frame connected to the
bottom
surface of the articulating center portion and an arm connected to the
attachment frame at
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a pivot point and rotatable with respect to the attachment frame around the
pivot point. In
one embodiment, each arm assembly includes a locking mechanism disposed
between the
arm and the attachment frame to prevent rotation of the arm with respect to
the attachment
frame. In one embodiment, the attachment frame is removably connected to the
bottom
surface of the articulating center portion or the arm is removably connected
to the
attachment frame.
[0012] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes an
articulating head
portion frame, an articulating foot portion frame, an articulating center
portion disposed
between the articulating head portion the articulating foot portion and
containing an
articulating center portion frame and at least one mattress removably attached
to the
articulating head portion frame, articulating center portion frame and
articulating foot portion
frame. In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes a plurality of
mattresses.
Each mattress is removably attached to one of the articulating head portion
frame,
articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion frame. In one
embodiment, the
mattress includes at least one first part of a two-part mechanical fastener
and at least one
of the articulating head portion frame, articulating center portion frame and
articulating foot
portion frame includes at least one second part of the two-part mechanical
fastener. In one
embodiment, the two-part mechanical fastener is a zipper, a hook and loop type
fastener, a
snap, a pin type fastener, a hook and eye type fastener, a button, a magnetic
fastener, a
buckle and strap, a clamp, a clasp or combinations thereof.
[0013] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes a mattress

disposed on at least one of the articulating head portion and the articulating
foot portion
and a mattress topper removably attached to the mattress. In one embodiment,
the rotating
and pivoting frame further provides lateral movement of the articulating bed
member along
a plane parallel to and spaced from the horizontal support surface to move the
articulating
bed member toward the articulating head portion or the articulating foot
portion.
[0014] Exemplary embodiments are also directed to a rotating and
articulating bed
having a fixed bed frame with a horizontal support surface and an articulating
bed member.
The articulating bed member includes an articulating head portion with an
articulating head
portion frame, an articulating foot portion separate from the articulating
foot portion and
containing an articulating foot portion frame and an articulating center
portion disposed
between the articulating head portion and the articulating foot portion and
containing an
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articulating center portion frame. The articulating head portion and
articulating foot portion
each articulate or pivot with respect to the articulating center portion
downward toward the
horizontal support surface and upward away from the horizontal support
surface. A rotating
and pivoting frame is mounted on the horizontal support surface and pivotally
connected to
the articulating center. The rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable with
respect to the
horizontal support surface around a vertical axis passing through the
horizontal support
surface. In addition, the rotating and pivoting frame provides pivoting
movement of the
articulating center portion with respect to the horizontal support surface to
tilt the
articulating bed member toward at least one of the articulating head portion
and the
articulating foot portion. At least one mattress is removably attached to the
articulating head
portion frame, articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion
frame.
[0015] Exemplary embodiments are also directed to a rotating and
articulating bed
having a fixed bed frame with a horizontal support surface. In one embodiment,
the
horizontal support surface includes a support plate. The rotating and
articulating bed also
includes an articulating bed member. In one embodiment, the articulating bed
member
includes an articulating head portion, an articulating foot portion separate
from the
articulating head portion and an articulating center portion disposed between
the
articulating head portion and the articulating foot portion. The articulating
head portion, the
articulating center portion and the articulating foot portion articulate with
respect to each
other independent of rotation of the rotating and pivoting frame and of
pivoting movement
of the articulating bed member with respect to the horizontal support surface.
In addition,
the rotating and pivoting frame is pivotally connected to the articulating
center to achieve
pivoting movement of the articulating bed member with respect to the
horizontal support
surface.
[0016] The rotating and articulating bed includes a rotating and pivoting
frame
mounted on the horizontal support surface. The rotating and pivoting frame is
in
communication with the articulating bed member. The rotating and pivoting
frame includes
a bearing plate and a plurality of discrete bearings disposed between the
bearing plate and
the horizontal support surface. The rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable
with respect to
the horizontal support surface on the plurality of discrete bearings around a
vertical axis
passing through the horizontal support surface.

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[0017] In one embodiment, each discrete bearing includes a housing
mounted to the
bearing plate, a cover attached to the housing and having a circular opening
and a main
ball disposed between the housing and the cover. The main ball extends through
the
circular opening toward the horizontal support surface. In one embodiment, the
plurality of
discrete bearings is disposed between the bearing plate and the support plate.
In one
embodiment, each discrete bearing contains a main ball, and each main ball is
in contact
with the support plate.
[0018] In one embodiment, each one of the plurality of discrete bearings
is spaced
along the bearing plate an equal distance from the vertical axis. In one
embodiment, the
plurality of discrete bearings includes five discrete bearings. In one
embodiment, the five
discrete bearings are spaced equally around a circle centered on the vertical
axis.
[0019] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a
rotating drive
shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the vertical axis.
The rotating
drive shaft has a mounting flange disposed on a first end of the rotating
drive shaft, and the
mounting flange is in contact with the bearing plate. In one embodiment, the
rotating and
pivoting frame includes an upper bearing assembly having an upper bearing
housing
disposed between the mounting flange and the support plate and a thrust ball
bearing
disposed within the housing. The rotating drive shaft passes through the
thrust ball bearing.
In one embodiment, the thrust ball bearing includes an upper bearing ring in
contact with
the mounting flange, a lower bearing ring in contact with the housing and a
plurality of ball
bearings disposed between the upper bearing ring and the lower bearing ring.
The rotating
drive shaft is in contact with the plurality of ball bearings.
[0020] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a
rotating drive
shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the vertical axis.
The rotating
drive shaft includes a mounting flange disposed on a first end of the rotating
drive shaft.
The mounting flange is in contact with the bearing plate. The rotating drive
shaft includes a
second end opposite the first end. The support plate is disposed between the
first end and
the second end. The rotating and pivoting frame includes a lower bearing
assembly with a
lower bearing housing disposed between the support plate and the second end of
the
rotating drive shaft and a thrust ball bearing disposed within the lower
bearing housing. The
rotating drive shaft passes through the thrust ball bearing. In one
embodiment, the thrust
ball bearing includes an upper bearing ring in contact with the housing, a
lower bearing ring
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and a plurality of ball bearings disposed between the upper bearing ring and
the lower
bearing ring. The rotating drive shaft is in contact with the plurality of
ball bearings.
[0021] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a
threaded
locking ring threaded onto the rotating drive shaft between the second end of
the rotating
drive shaft and the lower bearing assembly. The threaded locking ring is in
contact with the
lower bearing ring.
[0022] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a
rotating drive
shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the vertical axis.
The rotating
drive shaft includes a mounting flange disposed on a first end of the rotating
drive shaft.
The mounting flange is in contact with the bearing plate. The rotating drive
shaft includes a
second end opposite the first end, and the support plate is disposed between
the first end
and the second end. A removable drive collar is disposed over the rotating
drive shaft
adjacent the second end such that rotation of the drive collar rotates the
rotating drive
shaft. The drive collar has a pair of arm assemblies extending out from the
drive collar. In
one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a rotation actuator
in contact with
the fixed frame and one of the arm assemblies. In one embodiment, the rotating
and
pivoting frame includes a threaded locking ring threaded onto the rotating
drive shaft at the
second end of the rotating drive shaft. The threaded locking ring is in
contact with drive
collar.
[0023] Exemplary embodiments are also directed to a rotating and
articulating bed
having a fixed bed frame with a horizontal support surface containing a
support plate, an
articulating bed member and a rotating and pivoting frame mounted on the
horizontal
support surface, in communication with the articulating bed member and
rotatable with
respect to the horizontal support surface around a vertical axis passing
through the
horizontal support surface. The rotating and pivoting frame includes a bearing
plate and a
plurality of discrete bearings attached to the bearing plate. Each one of the
plurality of
discrete bearings is spaced along the bearing plate an equal distance from the
vertical axis
and the support plate and includes a main ball. Each main ball is in contact
with the support
plate. In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame further also
includes a rotating
drive shaft extending through the support plate and centered on the vertical
axis. The
rotating drive shaft includes a mounting flange disposed on a first end of the
rotating drive
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shaft and a second end opposite the first end. The mounting flange is in
contact with the
bearing plate, and the support plate is disposed between the first end and the
second end.
[0024] The rotating and pivoting frame includes an upper bearing assembly
with an
upper bearing housing disposed between the mounting flange and the support
plate and a
thrust ball bearing disposed within the housing. The rotating drive shaft
passes through the
thrust ball bearing. The rotating and pivoting frame includes a lower bearing
assembly with
a lower bearing housing disposed between the support plate and the second end
of the
rotating drive shaft and a thrust ball bearing disposed within the lower
bearing housing. The
rotating drive shaft passes through the thrust ball bearing.
[0025] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame also includes a
removable
drive collar disposed over the rotating drive shaft adjacent the second end
such that
rotation of the drive collar rotates the rotating drive shaft. The drive
collar includes a pair of
arm assemblies extending out from the drive collar. The rotating and pivoting
frame
includes a rotation actuator in contact with the fixed frame and one of the
arm assemblies.
In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a lower bearing
assembly
threaded locking ring threaded onto the rotating drive shaft between the
second end of the
rotating drive shaft and the lower bearing assembly and a drive collar
threaded locking ring
threaded onto the rotating drive shaft at the second end of the rotating drive
shaft. The
drive collar threaded locking ring is in contact with drive collar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part
of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with
the description,
explain these embodiments. In the drawings:
[0027] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating
and
articulating bed in a flat position;
[0028] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating
and
articulating bed in a flat position with an arm assembly raised;
[0029] Figure 3 is a is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
rotating and
articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised;
[0030] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating
and
articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised and an arm assembly
raised;
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[0031] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating
and
articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised and the
articulating foot portion
raised;
[0032] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating
and
articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised, the articulating
foot portion raised
and the articulating bed member rotated 900;
[0033] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating
and
articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised, the articulating
bed member
rotated 90 and the articulating foot portion lowered past the plane of the
horizontal support
surface;
[0034] Figure 8 is a top perspective view from a head end of an
embodiment of a
rotating and articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised, the
articulating bed
member rotated 90 , the articulating foot portion lowered past the plane of
the horizontal
support surface and the articulating bed member pivoted toward the
articulating foot
portion;
[0035] Figure 9 is a top perspective view from a side of an embodiment of
a rotating
and articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised, the
articulating bed member
rotated 90 , the articulating foot portion lowered past the plane of the
horizontal support
surface and the articulating bed member pivoted toward the articulating foot
portion until
the articulating foot portion contacts the floor;
[0036] Figure 10 is a schematic elevational representation of an
embodiment of a
rotating and articulating bed;
[0037] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an arm
assembly;
[0038] Figure 12 is a partial view of an embodiment of an arm assembly
attached to
a bottom surface of an articulating center portion of the rotating and
articulating bed;
[0039] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a rotation actuator for
rotating the
shaft and bearing plate;
[0040] Figure 14 is a schematic representation of a pivot actuator
attached to the
articulating center portion frame and with the articulating center portion
frame in an initial
flat position;
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[0041] Figure 15 is a schematic representation of a pivot actuator
attached to the
articulating center portion frame and with the articulating center portion
frame pivoted
toward the articulating foot portion;
[0042] Figure 16 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
rotating and
articulating bed with the articulating head portion raised and the
articulating foot portion
raised;
[0043] Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a
rotating and
articulating bed with the articulating bed member rotated, the articulating
head portion
raised and the articulating foot portion articulated downward;
[0044] Figure 18 is a side view of an embodiment of a portion of the
rotating and
pivoting frame and support plate;
[0045] Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the
rotating and pivoting
frame;
[0046] Figure 20 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a portion
of the
rotating and pivoting frame and support plate;
[0047] Figure 21 is a top perspective view of a portion of the rotating
and pivoting
frame;
[0048] Figure 22 is a side hidden line view of a portion of the rotating
and pivoting
frame;
[0049] Figure 23 is a bottom view of a portion of the rotating and
articulating bed with
the articulating bed member rotated, the articulating head portion raised and
the articulating
foot portion articulated downward; and
[0050] Figure 24 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the
rotating and
articulating bed with the articulating bed member rotated, the articulating
head portion
raised and the articulating foot portion articulated downward.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] The following description of the embodiments refers to the
accompanying
drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same
or similar
elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention.
Instead, the scope
of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

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[0052] Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a given feature, structure or characteristic described
in connection
with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject
matter disclosed.
Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment"
in various
places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment.
Further, the features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any
suitable manner in
one or more embodiments.
[0053] Exemplary embodiments are directed to a rotating and articulating
bed. The
rotating and articulating bed includes a first, outer, fixed bed frame having
a horizontal support
surface spaced from the floor and extending between the head end and the foot
end of the
fixed bed frame. In one embodiment, the rotating and articulating bed includes
a head board
attached to the head end of the fixed bed frame and a foot board attached to
the foot end of
the fixed bed frame opposite the head end. In one embodiment, at least one of
the head
board and foot board extends above the horizontal support surface. The
horizontal support
surface extends from the head end to the foot end of the fixed bed frame. In
addition, the
horizontal support surface extends from side to side of the fixed bed frame.
[0054] In one embodiment, the fixed bed frame has a base surface opposite
the
horizontal support surface. The fixed bed frame has a thickness between the
based surface
and the horizontal support surface. In one embodiment, the base surface is
configured to rest
directly on the floor. The thickness of the fixed bed frame defines a given
height of the
horizontal support surface from the floor when the base surface is in contact
with the floor. In
another embodiment, the fixed bed frame includes a plurality of legs extending
down from the
base surface. The legs are in contact with the floor and space the base
surface from the floor.
In another embodiment, the fixed bed frame is attached to and supported by a
wheeled,
elevating frame having a plurality of wheels. The wheeled elevating frame
extends past the
base surface and contains the framing members, motors, electronics and
controls to
selectively position the fixed bed frame in either an elevated position or a
lowered position.
The base surface of fixed bed frame in the lowered position is located at a
height above the
floor of about the height of the wheels.
[0055] The rotating and articulating bed also includes an articulating
bed member
disposed on top of or above the horizontal support surface. The articulating
bed member
includes the framing members, supports, motors, actuators, power sources,
control
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electronics, switches and remotes to provide the desired rotation,
articulating, pivoting and
sliding of the articulating bed member with respect to the horizontal support
surface. The
articulating bed member includes an articulating head portion and an
articulating foot portion
separate from the articulating head portion. The articulating head portion
articulates with
respect to the articulating foot portion. The articulating bed member includes
an articulating
center or seat portion disposed between and in contact with the articulating
head portion and
the articulating foot portion. The articulating head portion and the
articulating foot portion
articulate with respect to the articulating center portion independent of each
other. In
addition, the head and foot portions also rest on the base frame member for
positional stop in
the flat position.
[0056] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes at least
one mattress
disposed on and covering the articulating head portion, the articulating
center portion and the
articulating foot portion. In one embodiment, the articulating head portion
includes an
articulating head portion frame, and the articulating foot portion includes an
articulating foot
portion frame. In addition, the articulating center portion includes an
articulating center portion
frame. The articulating head portion frame, the articulating center portion
frame and the
articulating foot portion frame articulate with respect to each other. The at
least one mattress
is attached to at least one of the articulating head portion frame, the
articulating center portion
frame and the articulating foot portion frame. In one embodiment, the
articulating bed member
includes three separate mattresses or mattress sections, each separate
mattress is attached
to one of the articulating head portion frame, the articulating center portion
frame and the
articulating foot portion frame. In one embodiment, the mattress is releasably
attached to at
least one of the articulating head portion frame, the articulating center
portion frame and the
articulating foot portion frame. In one embodiment, the articulating bed
member includes at
least one mattress topper or mattress pad releasably attached to the mattress.
[0057] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes a rotating
and
pivoting frame mounted on the horizontal support surface and in contact with
at least one of
the articulating head portion, the articulating foot portion and the
articulating center portion. In
one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame is mounted to the horizontal
support surface.
In one embodiment, framing members, supports, motors, actuators, control
electronics, power
sources and switches are disposed among the articulating head portion, the
articulating foot
portion, the articulating center portion and the rotating and pivoting frame
to provide the
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desired articulation for the articulating head portion, the articulating foot
portion and the
articulating center portion. In one embodiment, the framing members, supports,
motors,
actuators, control electronics, power sources and switches are disposed
between the rotating
and pivoting frame and at least one of the articulating head portion, the
articulating foot portion
and the articulating center portion.
[0058] The framing members, supports, motors, actuators, control
electronics, power
sources and switches also provide for the rotation, pivoting and sliding
movement of the
articulating bed member with respect to the fixed frame and the horizontal
support surface. In
one embodiment, the articulating bed member, and in particular the rotating
and pivoting
frame, rotates with respect to the horizontal support surface in a plane
parallel to the
horizontal support surface. The articulating bed member rotates around a
vertical axis
perpendicular to and passing through the horizontal support surface. The
articulating bed
member rotates around the vertical access through an angle up to 3600

.
[0059] In addition to rotation in a plane parallel to the horizontal
support surface, the
articulating bed member pivots with respect to the plane in which it rotates
and, therefore, with
respect to the horizontal support surface. Pivoting the articulating bed
member tilts the
articulating bed member forward, i.e., towards the articulating foot portion,
or backwards, i.e.,
toward the articulating head portion. In one embodiment, pivoting motion is
provide between
the rotating and pivoting frame and the articulating center portion. In one
embodiment, in
addition to rotational and pivoting movement of the articulating bed member,
sliding or lateral
movement of the articulating bed member along the plane parallel to the
horizontal support
surface is provided. In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame
provides for lateral or
sliding movement along the plane parallel to the horizontal support surface.
Lateral or sliding
movement occurs in at least one of a direction from side to side of the
articulating head
portion, the articulating foot portion and the articulating center portion and
a direction along a
line passing through the articulating bed member from the articulating head
portion through
the articulating center portion to the foot portion.
[0060] In one embodiment, the rotating and articulating bed includes a
set or pair of
arms. In one embodiment, each arm in the set of arms is located on a side of
the articulating
bed member and in particular on one side of the articulating head portion, the
articulating foot
portion or the articulating center portion. Preferably, each arm is located on
one side of the
articulating center section. In one embodiment, each arm is attached to the
side of the
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articulating center section. Preferably, each arm is attached to the bottom
surface of the
articulating center section. Attachment to the bottom surface facilitates the
use of a removable
mattress and the attachment of mattress toppers and sheets to the mattress. In
one
embodiment, each arm is removable. In one embodiment, each arm is moveable
from a first
down position with the arm generally parallel to the top surface of the
articulating center
portion and a second up position with the arm at an angle with respect to the
top surface of
the articulating center portion. In one embodiment, each arm pivots to move
between the first
down position and the second up position. In one embodiment, each arm is
lockable in at
least one of the first down position and the second up position.
[0061] The rotating, articulating, pivoting and sliding movement of the
articulating bed
member, and if included height adjustment of the fixed bed frame, provide
access to and use
of the rotating and articulating bed by persons with limited mobility. The
articulating bed
member can be selectively positioned in a variety of arrangements between a
horizontal
position and a rotated and pivoted position. In the horizontal position, the
articulating head
portion, the articulating foot portion and the articulating center portion are
flat and parallel with
the horizontal support surface, and the articulating head portion and the
articulating foot
portion are aligned with the head end and foot end respectively of the fixed
bed frame. In the
rotated and pivoted position, the articulating bed member is rotated 900 with
respect to the
fixed bed frame and articulated and pivoted such that the articulating head
portion, the
articulating foot portion and the articulating center portion are arranged as
a seating position
with the articulating foot portion extending over the side of the fixed bed
frame and all the way
to the surface on which the base surface of the fixed bed frame rests.
[0062] In one embodiment, the fixed bed frame includes a head end support
and a foot
end support to provide support to the articulating head portion and the
articulating foot portion
in the horizontal position. One or more notches can be provided in the
articulating head
portion and the articulating foot portion to engage the head end support and
the fort end
support. From the horizontal position, the articulating head portion, the
articulating foot portion
and the articulating center portion can be adjusted as in a typical adjustable
bed.
[0063] In one embodiment, to facilitate a person with limited mobility
getting out of the
bed, the articulating center portion is rotated with respect to the horizontal
support surface
with the head portion, foot portion and center portion positioned in
accordance with a sitting or
reclining position. The articulating bed member continues to rotate while the
articulating foot
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portion is lowered past the plane of the horizontal support surface. At the
same time, the
articulating bed member is pivoted forward and can also be moved laterally so
that the foot
portion extends off the side of the horizontal support surface and extends
towards the floor.
This movement continues, until the articulating bed member has rotated about
900 and the
head portion, center portion and foot portion of the articulating bed member
are articulated,
pivoted and slid to form a chair reaching to the ground and facing the side of
the bed.
Reversing these steps provides for a person with limited mobility to get into
the articulating
bed.
[0064] Referring now to Figs. 1-10, an exemplary embodiment of a rotating
and
articulating bed 100 is illustrated. The rotating and articulating bed
includes a fixed bed frame
102 and an articulating bed member 104 mounted on the fixed bed frame. The
articulating
bed member is mounted on the fixed bed frame to provide rotating,
articulating, pivoting and
sliding movement of the articulating bed member with respect to the fixed bed
frame. Suitable
sizes for the rotating and articulating bed including the fixed bed frame and
the articulating
bed member including twin, full, queen, king and California king.
[0065] The fixed bed frame is constructed from framing materials that
include wood,
metal, composite and plastic framing materials. In addition, the fixed bed
frame is covered
with upholstery and padding. The fixed bed frame has a head end 108, a foot
end 110
opposite the head end and a pair of opposing sides 112 extending from the head
end to the
foot end. The fixed bed frame has a fixed frame length 114 from the head end
to the foot end
and a fixed frame width 116 between the pair of opposing sides.
[0066] The fixed bed frame includes a horizontal support surface 106 and
a base
surface 118 opposite the horizontal support surface. In one embodiment, the
horizontal
support surface extends the entire fixed frame length and the entire fixed
frame width. In one
embodiment, the fixed bed frame includes a head end support 122 extending up
from the
horizontal support surface and in from the head end and a foot end support 120
extending up
from the horizontal support surface and in from the foot end. In one
embodiment, the head
end support and the foot end support extend the entire fixed frame width. The
horizontal
support surface extends from the foot end support to the head end support. The
head end
support and the foot end support have a support height 124 up from the
horizontal support
surface. The support height is selected to be sufficient to accommodate
framing and
operational elements located between the fixed frame and the articulating bed
member.

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[0067] In one embodiment, the horizontal support surface is spaced from
the base
surface a given distance 126. This given distance is the height of the
horizontal support
surface from the floor when the base surface is placed in contact with the
floor. The given
distance and the support height define the overall thickness 128 of the fixed
frame. In one
embodiment, the fixed from includes a plurality of support legs 132 (Figs. 1-
9) extending down
from the base surface. For example, the fixed frame includes four support
legs, one support
leg adjacent each corner of the fixed frame. In one embodiment, the legs are
removable. In
one embodiment, the legs are extensible. When the fixed frame includes legs,
the height of
the horizontal support surface is the overall thickness plus the length of the
support legs. In
one embodiment, the fixed frame includes a plurality of wheels or rollers at
the base surface.
Suitable arrangements for wheels and rollers are known and available in the
art.
[0068] The articulating bed member 104 includes an articulating head
portion 134 and
a separate articulating foot portion 138. The articulating head portion and
articulating foot
portion articulate with respect to each other downward toward the horizontal
support surface
in the direction of arrow B and upward away from the horizontal support
surface in the
direction of arrow A. Upward and downward articulation provides for movement
and
positioning of the articulating head portion and articulating foot portion
from a flat position
illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 10, and various articulated positions
illustrated in Figs. 3-9. In one
embodiment, the articulating foot portion articulates downward past a plane
130 (Fig. 10)
containing the horizontal support surface (Fig. 7). Articulation of the
articulating head portion
and the articulating foot portion is conducted independent of other
adjustments and
movements of the articulating bed member including rotation, pivoting and
sliding movement
of the articulating bed member with respect to the fixed bed frame and the
horizontal support
surface.
[0069] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes an
articulating center
portion 136 disposed between and in communication with the articulating head
portion and the
articulating foot portion. The articulating head portion and the articulating
foot portion articulate
with respect articulating center portion. Articulation of the articulating
head portion, the
articulating center portion and the articulating foot portion with respect to
each other occurs
independent of rotational, pivoting and sliding movement of the articulating
bed member with
respect to the fixed frame. The articulating head portion, articulating center
portion and
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articulating foot portion span the fixed frame length 114 from the head end to
the foot end and
the fixed frame width 116 between the pair of opposing sides.
[0070] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes at least
one
articulating head portion frame 150 disposed in the articulating head portion
and at least one
articulating foot portion frame disposed in the articulating foot portion. In
one embodiment, the
articulating bed member includes a first articulating foot portion frame 158
and a second
articulating foot portion frame 160 pivotally attached to the first
articulating foot portion frame.
The first and second articulating foot portion frames provide for separate
positioning of the
upper leg and lower leg portions of the articulating foot portion. The
articulating bed member
includes at least one articulating center portion frame 154 disposed between
the articulating
head portion frame and the articulating foot portion frame, e.g., the first
articulating foot portion
frame 158.
[0071] The articulating center portion frame is pivotally connected to
the articulating
head portion frame and the articulating foot portion frame. A first actuator
assembly 152, i.e.,
the head portion actuator, is provided between the articulating center portion
frame and the
articulating heat portion frame. A second actuator assembly 156, i.e., the
foot portion actuator,
is provided between the articulating center portion frame and the articulating
foot portion
frame. The actuator assemblies include the actuators, motors, push rods and
frame members
to provide the desired articulation among the articulating head portion, the
articulation center
portion and the articulating foot portion.
[0072] The articulating head portion, the articulating center portion and
the articulating
foot portion includes a top surface 140 and a bottom surface 142 opposite the
top surface.
The articulating head portion, the articulating center portion and the
articulating foot portion
can be set in a flat, i.e., unarticulated position, with the articulating head
portion aligned with
the head end of the fixed frame and the articulating foot portion aligned with
the foot end of
the fixed frame (Fig. 1). The bottom surface at the articulating head portion
is aligned over the
head end support 122, and the bottom surface at the articulating foot portion
is aligned over
the foot end support 120. In one embodiment, the bottom surface is in contact
with at least
one of the head end support and the foot end support. This arrangement defines
a space or
cavity 180 between the bottom surface and the horizontal support surface that
extends from
the head end support to the foot end support.
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[0073] The articulating bed member 104 also includes at least one
mattress 176
attached to the articulating head portion frame, articulating center portion
frame and
articulating foot portion frame. In another embodiment, the articulating bed
member includes a
plurality of mattresses or mattress sections. Each one of the plurality of
mattresses is attached
to one of the articulating head portion frame, articulating center portion
frame and articulating
foot portion frame. In one embodiment, the mattress is not removable from the
articulating bed
member. In one embodiment, one or more of the articulating head portion frame,
articulating
center portion frame and articulating foot portion frame is integrated into
the mattress.
Preferably, the mattress is removably attached to the articulating head
portion frame,
articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion frame.
Removeable attachment
of the mattress is provided by at least one or a plurality of two-part
mechanical fasteners 174
disposed between the mattress and each one of the articulating head portion
frame,
articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion frame.
Suitable two-part
mechanical fasteners include, but are not limited to, a zipper, a hook and
loop type fastener, a
snap, a pin type fastener, a hook and eye type fastener, a button, a magnetic
fastener, a
buckle and strap, a clamp, a clasp and combinations thereof.
[0074] In one embodiment, the mattress, or each one of the plurality of
mattresses,
includes at least one first part of a two-part mechanical fastener. In
addition, at least one of the
articulating head portion frame, articulating center portion frame and
articulating foot portion
frame includes at least one second part of the two-part mechanical fastener.
The first and
second parts of the two-part mechanical fasteners can be located between the
bottom surface
of the mattress and the top surface of the articulating head portion frame,
articulating center
portion frame and articulating foot portion frame. Therefore, the two-part
mechanical fastener
can be hidden from view. In another embodiment, the two-part mechanical
fastener is located
between a fabric skirt or side of the mattress and the sides of the
articulating head portion
frame, articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion frame.
[0075] In one embodiment, a plurality of first parts of a mechanical
fasters, i.e., a
plurality of fist parts of snaps or hook and loop type fasteners, are attached
along a bottom
skirt area of the mattress or fabric border extending down from the bottom of
the mattress,
and a corresponding plurality of second parts of the mechanical fasteners are
attached to the
sides of one or more of the articulating head portion frame, articulating
center portion frame
and articulating foot portion frame. Therefore, the mattress is placed on top
of the articulating
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head portion frame, articulating center portion frame and articulating foot
portion frame with
the fabric skirt extending over the sides, and the first and second parts of
the two-part
mechanical fasteners are aligned. Once aligned, the first and second parts of
the two-part
mechanical fasteners are connected, securing the mattress to the articulating
head portion
frame, articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion frame.
Releasing the first
and second parts allows removal of the mattress.
[0076] In another embodiment, the first part of the two-part mechanical
fastener is
provided as a first part of a zipper running along the bottom of the mattress.
The second part
of the two-part mechanical fastener is a second part of the zipper running
along one or more
of the articulating head portion frame, articulating center portion frame and
articulating foot
portion frame. In one embodiment, the second part of the zipper is contained
in a strip of
fabric attached to one or more of the articulating head portion frame,
articulating center portion
frame and articulating foot portion frame. In another embodiment, the second
part of the
zipper is provided on a sheet of fabric that is placed under one or more of
the articulating head
portion frame, articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion
frame. Again, the
mattress is placed on the top of the articulating head portion frame,
articulating center portion
frame and articulating foot portion frame, and the first and second parts of
the zipper are
aligned. The zipper is then closed, securing the mattress to the articulating
head portion
frame, articulating center portion frame and articulating foot portion frame.
[0077] In one embodiment, articulating bed member includes at least one
mattress
topper 178 attached to the top of the mattress and disposed on at least one of
the articulating
head portion, the articulating center portion and the articulating foot
portion. In one
embodiment, the articulating bed member includes a plurality of mattress
toppers. Each
mattress topper is attached to one of a plurality of mattresses. Suitable
mattress toppers
provide protection for the mattress or impart a soft cushion surface to the
top of the surface.
While the mattress topper can be fixed to the top of the mattress, for example
using stitching,
preferably the mattress topper is removably attached to the top of the
mattress. In one
embodiment, the mattress topper includes the first part of a two-part
mechanical fastener, and
the mattress includes a second part of the two-part mechanical fastener.
Suitable two-part
mechanical fasteners include, but are not limited to, a zipper, a hook and
loop type fastener, a
snap, a pin type fastener, a hook and eye type fastener, a button, a magnetic
fastener, a
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buckle and strap, a clamp, a clasp and combinations thereof. In one
embodiment, the
mattress topper is secured to the mattress using a plurality of elastic
straps.
[0078] In one embodiment, the articulating bed frame includes a rotating
and pivoting
frame 144. The rotating and pivoting frame is disposed in the cavity 180 and
is mounted on
the horizontal support surface 106. In one embodiment, the rotating and
pivoting frame is
positioned on or above a support plate 146 mounted to the horizontal support
surface. In one
embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame is in communication with and
attached to at least
one of the articulating head portion and the articulating foot portion. In
another embodiment,
the rotating and pivoting frame is in communication with and connected to the
articulating
center portion. In one embodiment, connection to the articulating head
portion, the articulating
center portion or the articulating foot portion is connection to the
articulating head portion
frame, the articulating center portion frame or the articulating foot portion
frame.
[0079] The rotating and pivoting frame 144 is rotatable with respect to
the horizontal
support surface or the support plate around a vertical axis 148 passing
through and
perpendicular to the horizontal support surface and the support plate. The
rotating and
pivoting frame also provides pivoting movement of the articulating bed member
with respect to
the horizontal support surface to tilt the articulating bed member toward at
least one of the
articulating head portion as indicated by arrow C, and the articulating foot
portion as indicated
by arrow D. In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame pivots the
articulating center
portion or the articulating center portion frame backwards towards the
articulating head portion
or forward towards the articulating foot portion. In one embodiment, the
rotating and pivoting
frame is pivotally connected to the articulating center portion or the
articulating center portion
frame. In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame is pivotally
connected to the
articulating center portion or the articulating center portion frame at one or
more pivot points
170.
[0080] In one embodiment, the rotating and articulating bed includes a
shaft 166
passing from the fixed bed frame through the support plate and into the
rotating and pivoting
frame. The shaft is a cylindrical shaft that is concentric with vertical axis.
In one embodiment,
the rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable around the vertical axis through
an angle up to
about 90 in a single direction of rotation around the vertical axis. In
another embodiment, the
rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable around the vertical axis in a first
direction of rotation
through an angle up to about 90 and in a second direction of rotation through
an angle up to

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about 900. The first direction of rotation is opposite the second direction of
rotation. In one
embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame is rotatable around the vertical
axis through an
angle up to about 360 .
[0081] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame 144 includes a
bearing plate
169 disposed on top of the support plate 146. A bearing surface is defined
between the
bearing plate and the support plate, and the bearing plate rotates with
respect to the support
plate on the bearing surface. In one embodiment, a plastic bearing member is
included
between the bearing plate and the support plate. In another embodiment,
bearings, including
ball bearing and roller bearings are provided between the bearing plate and
the support plate,
for example, in channels or grooves in the bearing surface, to improve
rotation between the
bearing plate and the support plate.
[0082] In one embodiment, the bearing plate is fixedly attached to the
shaft 166 and
does not rotate with respect to the shaft. Therefore, rotation of the shaft
rotates the bearing
plate. Referring now to Fig. 13, in one embodiment, the rotation actuator 252,
i.e., the actuator
that provides rotation of the bearing plate, is a linear actuator that is
disposed within the fixed
frame 222 and rotationally or pivotally connected to a frame member 224 within
the fixed
frame. The extensible rod 254 of the rotation actuator is connected to an arm
258 attached to
and extending from the shaft 260 at a pivot point 256. The shaft is fixedly
connected to the
bearing plate. Therefore, when the rotation actuator is in a first position,
e.g., retracted, the
bearing plate is in a first non-rotated position 218. Extending the extensible
rod moves the
rotation actuator to a second position 262 and the arm to a second position
226. This also
rotates the shaft and moves the bearing plates to a second rotated position
220, which
represents 90 of rotation in a first direction. Rotation of the shaft and
therefore the bearing
plate through 90 degrees in a second direction opposite the first direction
can be
accomplished by having the arm in a reversed first position 264.
[0083] Returning to Figs. 1-10, in another embodiment, a motor is
provided in
communication with one end of the shaft disposed in the rotating and pivoting
frame. The
motor is fixedly attached to the shaft and to the rotating and pivoting frame,
e.g., the bearing
plate. Therefore, the motor rotates the bearing plate and therefore th
rotating and pivoting
frame around the shaft. In another embodiment, a motor 164 is disposed in the
fixed frame
and is in contact with a portion of the shaft disposed in the fixed frame. The
motor is fixedly
attached to the fixed frame and to the shaft. In addition, the portion of the
shaft extending into
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the rotating and pivoting frame is fixedly secured to the rotating and
pivoting frame, i.e., the
bearing plate. Therefore, the motor rotates the shaft around the vertical
axis, and the rotating
shaft rotates the rotating and pivoting frame around the vertical axis.
[0084] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a pair
of parallel
frames members 182 spaced from each other and extending under the articulating
center
portion and articulating center portion frame. Each frame member includes a
top 184, and the
articulating center portion frame articulates with respect to each top from an
initial position that
is in contact with or adjacent and parallel to the tops to positions in which
the articulating
center portion frame is at an angle to each top. In one embodiment, each frame
member is
connected to the articulating center portion frame, for example at a pivot
point. In one
embodiment, the articulating center portion frame is attached to each frame
member to
provide both pivoting and sliding movement of the articulating center portion
with respect to
the rotating and pivoting frame.
[0085] In one embodiment, each parallel frame member is secured to the
bearing
plate, for example, by welds or using a plurality of fasteners such as bolts.
In one
embodiment, each frame member is attached to the bearing plate using three
fasteners, one
adjacent either end of the frame member and one in the middle of the frame
member.
Therefore, rotation of the bearing plate rotates the parallel frame members.
The fasteners do
not interfere with the rotation of the bearing plate with respect to the
support plate. In one
embodiment, a pivot actuator 168 is disposed on the bearing plate between the
parallel frame
members. Preferably, the pivot actuator is a linear actuator. The pivot
actuator is disposed
between and pivotally attached to the bearing plate and the articulating
center portion frame.
Movement of the pivot actuator, and in particular the push rod of the pivot
actuator, produces
pivoting movement of the articulating center portion. Therefore, the rotating
and pivoting frame
includes four actuators, a head portion actuator, a foot portion actuator, a
rotation actuator
and a pivot actuator. In one embodiment, all four actuators are linear
actuators. In one
embodiment, all four actuators are identical actuators.
[0086] Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, in one embodiment, the pivot
actuator 308
is pivotally connected to the top of the bearing plate 306 between the
parallel frame members
304. The end of extensible rod 310 of the pivot actuator is rotationally or
pivotally connected to
the articulating center portion frame 302. In one embodiment, the extensible
rod is connected
and spaced a distance 312 from the end 314 of the articulating center portion
frame adjacent
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the articulating foot portions. In one embodiment, the distance is about 8
inches. When the
pivot actuator is in a first retracted position, the articulating center
portion frame 302 is
substantially flat and located above and parallel to the top surfaces 318 of
the parallel frame
members (Fig. 14). Extending the extensible rod pivots the articulating center
portion frame,
and therefore, the articulating bed member, toward the foot end (Fig. 15).
This lifts the
articulating center portion frame off the top surfaces of the parallel frame
members and
defines an angle 316, i.e., the pivot angle, between the articulating center
portion frame and
the top surfaces. The pivot actuator also pivots downward toward the bearing
plate. In
addition, the end 314 of the articulating center portion frame drops below the
plane of the top
surfaces 318 of the parallel frame members and toward the horizontal support
surface or floor.
Retracting the pivot actuator returns the articulating center portion frame,
and therefore, the
articulating bed member, to the position illustrated in Fig. 14.
[0087] Returning to Figs. 1-10, in one embodiment, the articulating
center portion
pivots independent of any sliding movement. For example, the rotating and
pivoting frame
member includes an actuator that pushes on the articulating center portion
frame to pivot the
articulating center portion around the pivot points. In addition, articulating
bed member can
slide with respect to the fixed bed frame either in a direction from side to
side of the fixed bed
frame as indicated by arrow E or in a direction from the head end to the foot
end of the fixed
bed frame as indicated by arrow by arrow F. The articulating bed member slides
in a plane
parallel to the plane of the horizontal support surface. In one embodiment,
the rotating and
pivoting frame member can slide with respect to the mounting plate and the
articulating center
portion frame. In another embodiment, the articulating center portion
simultaneously slides
and pivots with respect to the rotating and pivoting frame.
[0088] The rotating and articulating bed includes a control assembly 164.
Preferably,
the control assembly is located in the fixed bed frame. The control assembly
is in
communication with the motors and actuators of the rotating and articulating
bed to provide for
the desired adjustments and operation of the rotating and articulating bed.
The control
assembly includes, but is not limited to, control electronics, computers,
programmable logic
controllers, power supplies, batteries and wireless communication systems. In
one
embodiment, the rotating and articulating bed includes at least one remote
control 190 in
communication with the control assembly. Suitable remote controls include
wireless and wired
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controllers. The remote control provides for articulating, pivoting and
sliding movement of the
rotating and articulating bed.
[0089] The rotating and articulating bed further includes a pair of arm
assemblies 200.
Each arm assembly is attached to one of the opposing sides of the articulating
bed member.
Preferably, each arm assembly is connected to an opposing side of the
articulating center
portion and in particular the articulating center portion frame. Each arm
assembly can be
positioned in a first lowered position with the one or more of the
articulating head portion,
articulating center portion and articulating foot portion in either a flat
arrangement (Fig. 1) or
an articulated arrangement (Fig. 3). Each arm assembly can be positioned in a
second raised
position with the one or more of the articulating head portion, articulating
center portion and
articulating foot portion in either a flat arrangement (Fig. 2) or an
articulated arrangement (Fig.
4).
[0090] Referring now to Figs. 11 and 12, each arm assembly includes an
arm
assembly frame 204 having a plurality of parallel horizontal frame members
206. Suitable
materials for the assembly frame include tubular metals. A padded cover 202 is
attached to
the top horizontal frame member. An attachment frame 208 is connected to the
arm assembly
frame. The attachment frame includes a flange 210 attached or welded to the
bottom
horizontal frame member. A mounting plate 212 is pivotally connected to the
flange 210. A
mounting arm 214 extends from the mounting plate. The mounting arm includes a
bend or
extends downward from the mounting plate to connect the arm assembly to the
bottom
surface 142 (Fig. 10) of the articulating center portion and in particular the
articulating center
portion frame. In one embodiment, the mounting arm and therefore the
attachment frame is
removably attached to the articulating center portion. The mounting plate
pivotally connected
to the flange, providing a pivot point between the arm assembly frame and the
attachment
frame such that the arm assembly frame is rotatable respect to the attachment
frame and in
particular the mounting plate around the pivot point. In one embodiment, each
arm assembly
and in particular each attachment frame includes a locking mechanism 212
disposed between
the flange of the arm assembly frame and the mounting plate of the attachment
frame to
prevent rotation of the arm assembly with respect to the attachment frame.
Suitable locking
mechanisms include set screws and spring-loaded pins. In one embodiment, the
arm
assembly is removably connected to the attachment frame.
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[0091] In one embodiment, the different portions of the rotating and
articulating bed can
be dissembled for shipping and storage. Therefore, one or more of the fixed
bed frame, legs,
rotating and picoting frame, articulating head portion frame, articulating
center portion frame,
articulating foot portion frame, mattress, mattress topper, arm assembly and
control assembly
are constructed as separate assemblies. These separate assemblies are then
assembled into
the rotating and articulating bed.
[0092] The rotating and pivoting frame of the rotating and articulating
bed provides
pivoting movement of the articulating bed member with respect to the
horizontal support
surface to tilt the articulating bed member toward the articulating foot
portion from a first
position with the articulating foot portion located above the horizontal
support surface to a
second position with the articulating foot portion extending below the
horizontal support
surface. The horizontal support surface is located at a given height above the
floor, and the
articulating foot portion extends below the horizontal support surface a
distance greater than
or equal to the given height when the articulating bed member is in the second
position.
Therefore, the articulating foot portion extends at the way to the floor. In
one embodiment,
rotating and pivoting frame provides lateral movement of the articulating bed
member along a
plane parallel to and spaced from the horizontal support surface to move the
articulating bed
member toward the articulating head portion or the articulating foot portion.
[0093] The articulating bed member can be positioned with the
articulating head
portion, the articulating center portion and the articulating foot portion
flat and parallel to the
horizontal support surface (Fig. 1). The arm assemblies can be down to provide
side support
rails or raised (Fig. 2) to facilitate entry into the rotating and
articulating bed frame. From this
flat position, with the articulating head portion, the articulating center
portion and the
articulating foot portion aligned with the head end and foot end of the fixed
bed frame, the
rotating and articulating bed is operated as an articulating bed to raise and
lower the
articulating head portion (Fig. 3) or the articulating head portion, the
articulating center portion
and the articulating foot portion (Fig. 5). The arm assemblies can also be
raised when one or
more of the articulating head portion, the articulating center portion and the
articulating foot
portion are articulated (Fig. 4) to provide movement into and out of the
rotating and articulating
bed in the articulated position.
[0094] With the articulating head portion, the articulating center
portion and the
articulating foot portion in either a flat position or an articulated
position, the articulating bed

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member is rotated with respect to the horizontal support surface (Fig. 6). The
articulating bed
member is rotated through an angle of 900. The articulating head portion is
raised, and the
articulating foot portion, which may have been initially raised, is lowered.
The articulating foot
portion is lowered past the plane of the horizontal support surface (Fig. 7).
The articulating
bed member is then pivoted or tilted, and in one embodiment pivoted and slid,
toward to
articulating foot portion and over the side of the fixed bed frame (Fig. 8).
In one embodiment,
the articulating center portion is pivoted or pivoted and slid with respect to
the rotating and
pivoting frame. Pivoting and pivoting and sliding movement continues until the
articulating foot
portion contacts the floor (Fig. 9). As the articulating center portion pivots
with respect to the
rotating and pivoting frame, the articulating bed member not only positions
the occupant
toward the side of the rotating and articulating bed in a seated position, but
also lifts the
occupant to a standing position, as the back of the articulating center
portion adjacent the
articulating head portion lifts the hips and lower back of the occupant and
the articulating head
portion tilts forward. Therefore, a person of limited mobility can get out of
bed. Reversing
these steps allows the person with limited mobility to get into bed and to
utilize the articulating
features of the rotating and articulating bed.
[0095] Referring to Figs. 16-17, another exemplary embodiment of a
rotating and
articulating bed is illustrated. The framing and support elements of the
rotating and articulating
bed are illustrated without exterior elements such as padding, upholstery and
mattresses. The
rotating and articulating bed includes a fixed bed frame 402 and an
articulating bed member
404 mounted on the fixed bed frame. Suitable sizes and materials for the
rotating and
articulating bed include twin, full, queen, king and California king.
[0096] The fixed bed frame is constructed from framing materials that
include wood,
metal, plastics, polymers, composite materials and combinations thereof. In
addition, the fixed
bed frame is covered with skirting, panels, upholstery and padding. The fixed
bed frame has a
head end 408, a foot end 410 opposite the head end and a pair of opposing
sides 412
extending from the head end to the foot end. The fixed bed frame includes a
horizontal
support surface 406. In one embodiment, the horizontal support surface
includes a support
plate 418. The horizontal support plate is supported by the framing members of
the fixed bed
frame and extends along at least a portion of the width and the length of the
horizontal support
surface. Suitable methods for attaching the support plate to the horizontal
support surface
include, but are not limited to, using fasteners and welds. In one embodiment,
the support
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plate is disposed on top of the horizontal support surface. Alternatively, the
support plate is
integrated into and coplanar with the horizontal support surface. Suitable
materials for the
support plate include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, plastics,
polymers, composite
materials and combinations thereof.
[0097] In one embodiment, the horizontal support surface extends the
entire fixed
frame length and the entire fixed frame width. As discussed above, in one
embodiment, the
fixed frame includes a head end support and a foot end support at either end
of the horizontal
support surface. In order to provide for the head end support and the foot end
support, the first
bed frame includes one or more head end support frame members 422 attached to
the
framing of the fixed bed frame and extending up from the horizontal support
surface and one
or more foot end support frame members 420 attached to the framing of the
fixed bed frame
and extending up from the horizontal support surface. In one embodiment, the
fixed bed frame
includes a plurality of support legs 432 attached to the framing of the fixed
bed frame and
extending to the floor. For example, the fixed frame includes four support
legs, one support
leg adjacent each corner of the fixed frame. In one embodiment, the legs are
removable. In
one embodiment, the legs are extensible.
[0098] The articulating bed member 404 includes an articulating head
portion 434 and
a separate articulating foot portion 438. Suitable arrangements of the
articulating head portion
and the articulating foot portion and the relative motion, i.e., articulation,
between the portions
are described above. In general, articulation of the articulating head portion
and the
articulating foot portion is conducted independent of other adjustments and
movements of the
articulating bed member including rotation, pivoting and sliding movement of
the articulating
bed member with respect to the fixed bed frame and the horizontal support
surface.
[0099] In one embodiment, the articulating bed member includes an
articulating center
portion 436 disposed between and in communication with the articulating head
portion and the
articulating foot portion. The articulating head portion and the articulating
foot portion articulate
with respect to the articulating center portion. Articulation of the
articulating head portion, the
articulating center portion and the articulating foot portion with respect to
each other occurs
independent of rotational, pivoting and sliding movement of the articulating
bed member with
respect to the fixed frame. In one embodiment, the articulating head portion,
articulating
center portion and articulating foot portion span the fixed frame length from
the head end to
the foot end and the fixed frame width between the pair of opposing sides.
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[00100] The articulating bed member includes at least one articulating
head portion
frame 450, a first articulating foot portion frame 458 and a second
articulating foot portion
frame 460 pivotally attached to the first articulating foot portion frame. The
first and second
articulating foot portion frames provide for separate positioning of the upper
leg and lower leg
portions of the articulating foot portion. The articulating bed member
includes at least one
articulating center portion frame 454 disposed between the articulating head
portion frame
and the articulating foot portion frame, e.g., the first articulating foot
portion frame 458. All
frames include multiple individual frame members.
[00101] The articulating center portion frame is pivotally connected to
the articulating
head portion frame and the articulating foot portion frame. A first actuator
assembly 452, i.e.,
the head portion actuator, is provided between the articulating center portion
frame and the
articulating heat portion frame. A second actuator assembly 456, i.e., the
foot portion actuator,
is provided between the articulating center portion frame and the articulating
foot portion
frame. The actuator assemblies include the actuators, motors, push rods and
frame members,
e.g., cross frame members, braces and mounting brackets, to provide the
desired attachment
of the actuators, pivoting of the actuators with respect to frame members,
articulation among
the articulating head portion, the articulation center portion and the
articulating foot portion
and translation of the linear motion of the actuator into the desired range of
pivoting motion
among of the articulating head portion, the articulation center portion and
the articulating foot
portion.
[00102] In one embodiment, the articulating bed frame includes a rotating
and pivoting
frame 444 or rotating and pivoting frame assembly. The rotating and pivoting
frame is
mounted on the horizontal support surface and is in communication with the
articulating head
portion and the articulating foot portion of the articulating bed member. In
one embodiment,
the rotating and pivoting frame is attached to or in contact with the
articulating center portion
of the articulating bed member either directly or through one or more
additional frame
elements or one or more of the actuator assemblies. In general, the rotating
and pivoting
frame is in contact with the frame members of at least one of the articulating
head portion, the
articulating foot portions and the articulating center portion. In one
embodiment, the rotating
and pivoting frame is positioned on or above the support plate 418 mounted to
the horizontal
support surface.
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[00103] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame is in
communication with
and attached to at least one of the articulating head portion and the
articulating foot portion. In
another embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame is in communication with
and connected
to the articulating center portion. In one embodiment, connection to the
articulating head
portion, the articulating center portion or the articulating foot portion is
connection to the
articulating head portion frame, the articulating center portion frame or the
articulating foot
portion frame.
[00104] The rotating and pivoting frame includes a plurality of individual
frame members
482 that are connected together, for example to form square frames and a box
frame. The
individual frame members can also include "I" beams and gussets that provide
the desired
strength and rigidity to the rotating and pivoting frame. The individual frame
members provide
support for all components of the rotating and pivoting frame. In addition,
the frame members
are sufficient to support the articulating bed member. In one embodiment, one
or more frame
members in the plurality of frame members are connected to components of the
second
actuator assembly 456, i.e., the foot portion actuator. For example, one or
more frame
members are attached to a first connecting arm 424 that is in communication
with the first
articulating foot portion frame 458 and the extendable arm of the linear
actuator 425 in the
second actuator assembly. The motor or drive end of the linear actuator is
pivotally attached
to the articulating center portion frame.
[00105] In one embodiment, one or more frame members 482 of the rotating
and
pivoting frame are in communication with a second articulating foot portion
frame support
assembly 426 that is in communication with the second articulating foot
portion frame 460 and
the extendable arm of the linear actuator in the second actuator assembly. For
example, one
or more frame members 482 are pivotally attached to the second articulating
foot portion
frame support assembly 426. In addition, the second articulating foot portion
frame support
assembly 426 is pivotally or rotatably attached to the extendable arm of the
linear actuator
425, for example, at a common point of attachment with the first connecting
arm 424. In one
embodiment, the first connecting arm is not attached to the frame members 482
but is
connected to the linear actuator 425 and the second articulating foot portion
frame support
assembly 426. In one embodiment, the first connecting arm includes a slot 445
running along
the length of the first connecting arm to provide for sliding movement of the
first connecting
arm with respect to the point of attachment with the second articulating foot
portion frame
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support assembly 426 and the extendable arm of the linear actuator 425. In one
embodiment,
the slot allows the extendable arm of the linear actuator 425 to pivot the
second articulating
foot portion frame downward without moving or pivoting the first articulating
foot portion frame
458.
[00106] The actuator or motor portion of the second actuator assembly is
preferably
connected to the articulating center portion frame 454; however, this actuator
could also be
connected to the plurality of frame members of the rotating and pivoting
frame. This
arrangement provides operational support between the plurality of frame
members of the
rotating and pivoting frame and the articulating bed member as well as the
relative articulation
and positioning between the first articulating foot portion frame and the
second articulating
foot portion frame.
[00107] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes at
least one
bearing plate 469 attached to one or more of the plurality of frame member of
the rotating and
pivoting frame. In one embodiment, the frame members are secured to the
bearing plate, for
example, by welds or using a plurality of fasteners such as bolts or screws.
Suitable materials
for the bearing plate include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, plastics,
polymers, composite
materials and combinations thereof. Therefore, the bearing plate supports all
rotating and
pivoting frame members. The bearing plate is disposed between the frame member
of the
rotating and pivoting frame and the horizontal support surface. Preferably,
the bearing plate is
disposed between the frame member of the rotating and pivoting frame and the
support plate.
Therefore, the bearing plate and support plate face each other. The bearing
plate and support
plate are spaced from each other in the vertical direction to define a gap of
up to about one
inch (25.4 mm). In one embodiment, the bearing plate and support plate are the
same size.
As illustrated, the bearing plate is larger than the support plate. In one
embodiment, the
bearing plate and the support plate are constructed from the same material.
Suitable
thicknesses for the bearing plate and support plate are up to about 0.6 inches
(15 mm).
Rotation of the bearing plate with respect to the support plate rotates the
plurality of frame
members and the articulating bed member.
[00108] The rotating and pivoting frame 444 is rotatable with respect to
the horizontal
support surface or the support plate around a vertical axis 448 passing
through and
perpendicular to the horizontal support surface, the support plate and the
bearing plate. The
rotating and pivoting frame also provides pivoting movement of the
articulating bed member

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with respect to the horizontal support surface to tilt the articulating bed
member toward at
least one of the articulating head portion and the articulating foot portion.
In one embodiment,
the rotating and pivoting frame pivots the articulating center portion or the
articulating center
portion frame backwards towards the articulating head portion or forward
towards the
articulating foot portion. In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame
is pivotally
connected to the articulating center portion or the articulating center
portion frame.
[00109] To provide for pivoting movement of the articulating bed member,
the rotating
and pivoting frame includes at least one pivot actuator 468. Preferably, the
pivot actuator is a
linear actuator. In one embodiment, the pivot actuator is disposed between and
pivotally
attached to one or more of the plurality of frame members of the rotating and
pivoting frame or
mounting arms and mounting brackets attached to the frame members and the
articulating
center portion frame. Movement of the pivot actuator, and in particular the
push rod or
extendable arm of the pivot actuator, produces lifting and pivoting movement
of the
articulating center portion. In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting
frame only provides
for rotational movement and not pivoting movement. In this embodiment, the
pivot actuator
and associated structural members are not included; however, the structures
that provide for
rotational movement are included.
[00110] Referring now to Figs. 18-22, the rotating and pivoting frame
includes a rotating
drive shaft 466 extending through the support plate 418 and centered on the
vertical axis 448.
In one embodiment, the rotating drive shaft is a cylindrical shaft that is
concentric with the
vertical axis. The rotating drive shaft includes a mounting flange 470
disposed on a first end
472 of the rotating drive shaft. The rotating drive shaft also includes a
second end 474
opposite the first end. The support plate is disposed between the first end
and the second end
of the rotating drive shaft, i.e., the rotating drive shaft passes through the
support plate. In
addition, the rotating drive shaft including the mounting flange is located
below the bearing
plate 469. In one embodiment, the mounting flange is in contact with the
bearing plate and, in
particular, the bearing plate bottom surface 476. In one embodiment, the
mounting flange is
secured to the bottom surface of the bearing plate using a plurality of
fasteners 478 passing
through the bearing plate. Therefore, the fasteners in the plurality of
fasteners are accessible
from a top surface 480 of the bearing plate. As illustrated, the mounting
flange is secured to
the bearing plate using four fasteners. Suitable fasteners include, but are
not limited to,
threaded fasteners such as screws and bolts.
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[00111] In one embodiment, the rotating drive shaft is hollow and includes
a passage
482 extending completely through the rotating drive shaft from the first end
and mounting
flange to the second end. The passage at the first end of the rotating drive
shaft is aligned
with a hole 484 in the bearing plate. The passage and aligned hole in the
bearing plate
provide a conduit to route wiring including power cables and control wiring
for the actuators
and other components of the rotating and articulating bed from below or within
the fixed bed
frame into the rotating and pivoting frame and to the articulating bed member.
By passing
wiring through the passage in the rotating drive shaft, the wiring will not
rotate or twist. In
addition, the wiring does to contact or interfere with the motion of rotating
components.
[00112] The rotating and pivoting frame includes a plurality of discrete
bearings 486
disposed between the bearing plate and the horizontal support surface. The
rotating and
pivoting frame is rotatable with respect to the horizontal support surface on
the plurality of
discrete bearings around the vertical axis 448. Each discrete bearing is
separate from, spaced
from and independent of the other discrete bearings. Therefore, each discrete
bearing is
positioned on the bearing plate, attached to the bearing plate and removed
from the bearing
plate independent of all other discrete bearings. In one embodiment, each
discrete bearing
includes a housing 488 mounted to the bearing plate. In one embodiment, the
housing is
configured as a flange mounted to the bottom surface of the bearing plate.
Preferably, the
housing includes a threaded stem 490 that is inserted through or threaded into
one of a
plurality of holes 492 in the bearing plate. In one embodiment, the number of
holes and the
location of the holes in the bearing plate provide for the attachment of
additional discrete
bearings or the relocation or reconfiguration of the discrete bearings.
[00113] Each discrete bearing also includes a cover 494 attached to the
housing and
having a circular opening 496. The cover can be removable or fixed. A main
ball 498 is
disposed between and rotatable within the housing and the cover. The main ball
extends
through the circular opening toward the horizontal support surface. In one
embodiment, a
plurality of additional smaller balls is provided between the main ball and at
least one of the
housing and the cover. The additional smaller balls facilitate smoother
rotation of the main ball
within the housing and the cover. In one embodiment, the discrete bearings in
the plurality of
discrete bearings are disposed between the bearing plate and the support
plate, and each
main ball is in contact with the support plate. Therefore, each main ball
rotates as the discrete
bearing, which is attached to the bearing plate, moves along the support
plate. This provides
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for rotation between the bearing plate, i.e., the rotating and pivoting frame,
and the support
plate, i.e., the horizontal surface of the fixed frame.
[00114] The number and arrangement of discrete bearings between the
bearing plate
and the horizontal support surface are varied. Suitable numbers of discrete
bearings include
at least three discrete bearings, at least four discrete bearings, at least
five discrete bearings
and more that five discrete bearings. In one embodiment, the rotating and
pivoting frame
includes five discrete bearings. Each discrete bearing is spaced a given
distance from the
vertical axis of rotation and therefore the rotating drive shaft. In one
embodiment, this given
distance is sufficient to support the forces and loads applied to the bearing
plate from the
rotating and pivoting frame and the articulating frame member, which are
cantilevered from
the vertical axis of rotation and the rotating drive shaft. Therefore, placing
discrete bearings
between the bearing plate and support surface at the given distance prevents
tilting between
the bearing plate and the support surface.
[00115] In one embodiment, each one of the plurality of discrete bearings
is spaced
along the bearing plate an equal distance from the vertical axis.
Alternatively, the discrete
bearings in the plurality of discrete bearings are spaced at two or more
different distances
from the vertical axis. In one embodiment, the discrete bearings in the
plurality of bearings are
each spaced a unique distance from the vertical axis. In one embodiment, the
discrete
bearings in the plurality of discrete bearings are disposed along a common arc
or circle
centered on the vertical axis. The discrete bearings can be spaced evenly or
uniformly from
each other along the arc or circle. For example, the plurality of discrete
bearings can contain
five discrete bearings spaced equally around a circle centered on the vertical
axis.
Alternatively, the plurality of discrete bearings includes four discrete
bearings, each bearing
located on the corner of a square centered on the vertical axis. In one
embodiment, the
plurality of discrete bearings includes three discrete bearings arranged in
triangle, for example
an equilateral triangle, centered around the vertical axis.
[00116] In one embodiment the discrete bearings in the plurality of
discrete bearings are
arranged in two or more concentric circles centered on the vertical axis. Each
concentric circle
can contain at least one or two or more discrete bearings. In addition to
circles, the discrete
bearings can be arranged along oblong shapes. The bearings in the discrete
bearings can
also be arranged in other shapes, for example, along radial lines extending
from the vertical
axis, including straight lines and curved lines.
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[00117] As the mounting flange of the rotating drive shaft is attached to
the bearing
plate, loads placed on the bearing plate translate into axial loads along the
rotating drive shaft.
While the rotating and pivoting frame can include just the plurality of
discrete bearings
between the bearing plate and the support plate, in one embodiment one or more
thrust
bearings are included in the rotating and pivoting frame to accommodate the
axial loads along
the rotating drive shaft while providing for rotation of the rotating drive
shaft. In one
embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes an upper bearing assembly
500. The
upper bearing assembly includes an upper bearing housing 502 disposed between
the
mounting flange and the support plate. An upper bearing assembly thrust ball
bearing 504 is
disposed within the housing. The rotating drive shaft passes through the upper
bearing
assembly and the thrust ball bearing.
[00118] The thrust ball bearing includes an upper bearing ring 506 in
contact with the
mounting flange and a lower bearing ring 508 in contact with the housing.
Therefore, the
thrust ball bearing is spaced from the support plate by the housing. In one
embodiment, the
lower bearing ring is in contact with the support plate. A plurality of ball
bearings 510 is
disposed between the upper bearing ring and the lower bearing ring. The
rotating drive shaft
is in contact with the plurality of ball bearings, and the rotating drive
shaft and the mounting
flange rotate with respect to the upper bearing assembly. The support plate
does not rotate
with respect to the upper bearing assembly.
[00119] In another embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a
lower bearing
assembly 512. The rotating and pivoting frame can include only the upper
bearing assembly,
only the lower bearing assembly or both the upper bearing assembly and the
lower bearing
assembly. In one embodiment, the upper bearing assembly is identical to the
lower bearing
assembly. The lower bearing assembly includes a lower bearing housing 514
disposed
between the support plate and the second end of the rotating drive shaft.
Therefore, the lower
bearing assembly is located below the support plate and horizontal support
surface and within
the fixed frame.
[00120] The lower bearing assembly includes a lower bearing assembly
thrust ball
bearing 515 disposed within the lower bearing housing. The rotating drive
shaft passes
through the thrust ball bearing. The thrust ball bearing includes an upper
bearing ring 516 in
contact with the housing. In one embodiment, the upper bearing ring is in
contact with bottom
surface of the support plate. The thrust ball bearing also includes a lower
bearing ring 518 and
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a plurality of ball bearings 520 disposed between the upper bearing ring and
the lower bearing
ring. The rotating drive shaft is in contact with the plurality of ball
bearings.
[00121] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame further
includes a first or
upper threaded locking ring 522 threaded onto the rotating drive shaft between
the second
end of the rotating drive shaft and the lower bearing assembly. The upper
threaded locking
ring is threaded onto a first threaded portion 523 of the rotating drive
shaft. The upper
threaded locking ring is in contact with the lower bearing assembly. In one
embodiment, the
upper threaded locking ring is in contact with the lower bearing ring of the
lower bearing
assembly to provide for rotation of the rotating drive shaft within the thrust
ball bearing. The
upper threaded locking ring secures the rotating and pivoting frame to the
support plate and
holds the lower bearing assembly against the bottom surface of the support
plate. Removal of
the upper threaded locking right provides access to the bearing assemblies and
removal of
the rotating and pivoting frame from the fixed frame.
[00122] In one embodiment, a wrench such as a spanner wrench is used to
remove the
upper threaded locking ring. The upper threaded locking ring includes a pair
of exterior
notches 524 engaged by tangs in the spanner wrench to facilitate turning and
removal of the
upper threaded locking ring. In one embodiment, the spanner wrench is
configured specifically
for the arrangement of the notches to provide for easy removal of the threaded
locking ring
while preventing removal of the threaded locking ring with conventional
wrenches or tools.
[00123] In one embodiment, the rotating and pivoting frame includes a
removable drive
collar 526 disposed over the rotating drive shaft adjacent the second end. The
drive collar is
removable and can be slid onto the rotating drive shaft from the second end.
While the drive
collar can move axially along the rotating drive shaft, the drive collar and
rotating drive shaft
are configured to engage each other such that drive collar does not rotate
relative to the
rotating drive shaft. Therefore, rotation of the drive collar rotates the
rotating drive shaft. In one
embodiment, a pin can be inserted through the drive collar and rotating drive
shaft.
Alternatively, the rotating drive shaft along a portion of its length adjacent
the second end
includes a shape, grooves or ridges that engage a mating shape, ridges or
grooves on an
interior surface of the drive collar. This engagement translates rotational
motion of the drive
collar to the rotating drive shaft.
[00124] The rotating and pivoting frame also includes a second lower
threaded locking
ring 540 threaded onto the rotating drive shaft at the second end of the
rotating drive shaft.

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The lower threaded locking ring is threaded onto a second threaded portion 544
of the rotating
drive shaft that extends along a portion of the length of the rotating drive
shaft from the
second end. The lower threaded locking ring is in contact with the drive
collar. The lower
threaded locking ring holds and secures the drive collar on the rotating drive
shaft. Removal of
the lower threaded locking ring provides removal of the drive collar. In one
embodiment, a
wrench such as a spanner wrench is used to remove the lower threaded locking
ring. The
lower threaded locking ring includes a pair of exterior notches 544 engaged by
tangs in the
spanner wrench to facilitate turning and removal of the lower threaded locking
ring. In one
embodiment, the spanner wrench is configured specifically for the arrangement
of the notches
to provide for easy removal of the threaded locking ring while preventing
removal of the
threaded locking ring with conventional wrenches or tools.
[00125] In one embodiment, the drive collar includes a pair of arm
assemblies 528
extending out from the drive collar. In another embodiment, the drive collar
includes a pair of
opposing arms. Each arm assembly extends radially out from the drive collar
and vertical axis.
In one embodiment, the arm assemblies are diametrically opposed.
Alternatively, the arm
assemblies extend out from the drive collar along separate radiuses that
define an included
angle of from about 90 to about 1800. In one embodiment, each arm assembly
includes to
pair of spaced arms 530, i.e., separate arms spaced from each other axially
along the length
of the rotating drive shaft and drive collar. The spaced arms create or define
a bracket. The
rotating and pivoting frame includes a rotation actuator 532 in contact with
the fixed frame and
one of the arm assemblies. As illustrated, therefore, the rotating and
pivoting bed includes four
actuators, a head portion actuator, a foot portion actuator, a rotation
actuator and a pivot
actuator. In one embodiment, all four actuators are linear actuators. In one
embodiment, all
four actuators are identical actuators.
[00126] In one embodiment, the push rod or extensible end 534 of the
rotation actuator,
which is a linear actuator, is disposed between the spaced arms of one of the
arm
assemblies. A set pin 536 passes through holes in each one of spaced arms and,
when the
rotation actuator is attached to a given arm assembly, the end of the
extensible rod to secure
the extensible rod in the bracket formed by the spaced arms. The extensible
arm can rotate
with respect to the set pin.
[00127] Referring now to Figs. 23 and 24, the fixed drive end 548 of the
rotation actuator
532 is pivotally attached to one of two actuator mounting brackets 544
attached to vertical
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frame members 546 extending down from an internal cross frame member 542 of
the fixed
frame 402. In one embodiment, the actuator mounting bracket is a "U" shaped
bracket, and
the fixed drive or motor end of the rotation actuator is held in the bracket
with a set pin.
Therefore, the rotation actuator can rotate or pivot within the fixed frame
mounting bracket to
which it is attached. The use of set pins to secure the rotation actuator in
the fixed frame
mounting brackets and between the spaced arms of the drive collar provides for
ease of
attachment of the rotation actuator to the fixed frame and drive collar. This
attachment can be
made after the bed is assembled and set-up and can be easily changed.
Selection of the fixed
frame mounting bracket and spaced arms on which the rotation actuator is
mounted
determines the direction of rotation of the rotating and pivoting frame.
[00128] As illustrated in Fig. 23, attachment of the rotation actuator to
the fixed frame
mounting bracket and spaced arms generally to the left of the vertical axis
and rotating drive
shaft produces rotation as indicated by arrow G. Attachment of the rotation
actuator to the
other fixed frame mounting bracket and spaced arms generally to the right of
the vertical axis
and rotating drive shaft produces rotation as indicated by arrow H. Therefore,
the rotating and
pivoting frame is rotatable around the vertical axis in a first direction of
rotation (Arrow G)
through an angle up to about 90 and in a second direction of rotation (Arrow
H) through an
angle up to about 90 . The first direction of rotation is opposite the second
direction of
rotation.
[00129] In one embodiment, removal and attachment of the rotation actuator
occurs
when rotating drive shaft is in the unrotated position, i.e., the articulating
bed member is
aligned with the fixed frame. In this position, each set of spaced arms
extends from an
opposite side of the drive collar towards one of the sides of the fixed frame.
However, both
sets of spaced arms extend toward the same end of the bed. Therefore, the
position of
attachment, i.e., the location of the set pins, for both sets of spaced arms
is between the
vertical axis and rotating drive shaft and the actuator mounting brackets 544
attached to
vertical frame members 546. In one embodiment, the rotations actuator is
disposed between
the vertical axis and the foot end of the rotating and articulating bed.
[00130] Although the features and elements of the present exemplary
embodiments
are described in the embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or
element can
be used alone without the other features and elements of the embodiments or in
various
combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein. Any
methods
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or flowcharts provided in the present application may be implemented in a
computer
program, software, or firmware tangibly embodied in a computer-readable
storage medium
for execution by a dedicated computer or a processor.
[00131] This written description uses examples of the subject matter
disclosed to
enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making
and using any
devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable
scope of
the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples
that occur to
those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the
scope of the
claims.
38

Representative Drawing