Object of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting mechanism for a storage bed base, specifically
provided to perform a substantially vertical lifting of the cover of the storage bed
base, the cover being maintained in a horizontal plane during the lifting, as well
as to maintain said stable cover in a lifted position, corresponding to an open position
of the storage bed base.
[0002] The object of the invention is to allow the opening of a storage bed base, the mattress
and bed linen being immovably maintained thereon, which further allows making the
bed with complete comfort. Another object of the invention is to provide a structurally
simple and functionally efficient mechanism to carry out the opening of storage bed
bases or vertical lifting of the cover, moving the latter vertically but in horizontal
arrangement.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Beds that incorporate storage bed bases are much more advantageous and practical
than conventional beds because the storage bed base forms a box in which objects,
clothes, etc. can be stored, therefore, the storage bed base today provides a solution
to various problems, among those are economic and living space problems, since a storage
bed base establishes in itself a space complementary to that of closets, but without
occupying useful space of the room where it is placed.
[0004] Nevertheless, traditional storage bed bases present a series of limitations and drawbacks
because on one hand, making the bed is uncomfortable, and on the other hand, to access
the space available in the storage bed base, i.e., the space under the upper cover
thereof on which the mattress is supported, said mattress must be removed to subsequently
open said cover, which is performed in a pivoting manner, said cover being inclined
until handling the inside of the box of the storage bed base is allowed.
[0005] These problems and drawbacks have led storage bed base manufacturers to search for
solutions so that instead of the upper cover supporting the mattress and bed linen
opening by pivoting, it is moved vertically, being maintained in a horizontal plane.
Two favorable effects are achieved with this, because on one hand it is not necessary
to remove the bed linen to open the storage bed base, and on the other hand, the task
of bed making is aided, as it will be performed comfortably and without bending over
because it allows placing the cover of the storage bed base with the mattress at an
appropriate height to carry out this work.
[0006] Although there are mechanisms which allow lifting the cover of the storage bed base
in a vertical movement, and therefore in a horizontal position, they are complex and
even questionably efficient mechanisms.
Description of the Invention
[0007] The present invention solves the existing drawbacks by means of a lifting mechanism
for a storage bed base according to claim 1 and a storage bed base according to claim
5. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
[0008] In a first aspect a lifting mechanism for a storage bed base is presented which comprises
a fixed base part to which a pair of connecting rods or arms are articulated which,
together with the base part, form three of the sides of a deformable polygon the other
three sides of which are formed by a second pair of connecting rods or arms and an
upper part known as a cantilever which closes the polygon. The arms of the first pair
are articulated to the base part that is to be integral with the box or lower fixed
structure of the storage bed base, while the arms of the second pair are articulated
to the cantilever that is to be made integral with the moveable upper cover of the
storage bed base.
[0009] The geometry and position of the points of articulation and the sides forming the
polygon are calculated such that upon deformation of the polygon formed by the arms
with the fixed base part and the moveable cantilever, the cantilever moves according
to a substantially vertical trajectory, in which the cantilever is maintained substantially
horizontal, successively occupying equipollent positions on a vertical trajectory.
[0010] The lifting mechanism can be complemented with supporting means for maintaining the
cover of the storage bed base in its open position, i.e., lifted position. These supporting
means may not by themselves open the storage bed base but collaborate by reducing
the personal force that must be made for carrying out the lifting or opening in question.
The supporting means may comprise pneumatic cylinders or springs of the gas spring
type which cars, for example, have in the door of the trunk for keeping the door lifted
once it is open.
[0011] In a second aspect, a storage bed base comprising the lifting mechanism of the invention
is presented.
[0012] In one embodiment, the storage bed base of the invention comprises a lifting mechanism
located in a substantially central longitudinal plane of the box, preferably moved
towards one end to leave as much free space as possible in the box.
[0013] In a second embodiment, the storage bed base of the invention comprises two lifting
mechanisms, located in respective opposite sides of the box of the storage bed base.
The two mechanisms will be joined by stabilizing means forcing them to move simultaneously
so that the cover of the storage bed base that they support moves up or down maintaining
a substantially horizontal position. The stabilizing means may be a substantially
horizontal bar or the like which connects the two lifting mechanisms. In an alternative
embodiment, the stabilizing means can be integrated in a single part with respective
elements of the two lifting mechanisms, for example, respective arms of the mechanism.
[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, in the case of the storage bed base with a double
lifting mechanism, the incorporation of respective complementary mechanisms the purpose
of which will be to project and lower self-orienting caster wheels to the floor is
provided, such that when the cover of the storage bed base is lifted, the assembly
rests on the floor on said wheels so that it can be easily moved from one side to
the other with little effort, thus improving the functionality of the assembly.
[0015] The proposed mechanism presents novelty features leading to complete efficiency and
operation, without any jamming problems or functional failures, and is based on a
simple solution.
Description of the Drawings
[0016] To complement the description that will be made below and for the purpose of aiding
to better understand the features of the invention according to a preferred practical
embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of this description
in which the following has been depicted with an illustrative and non-limiting character:
Figures 1A-1C show different views of an embodiment of the lifting mechanism according
to the invention.
Figures 2 and 3 schematically show the geometry of the lifting mechanism in a preferred
embodiment.
Figure 4 shows a schematic depiction of a storage bed base provided with two lifting
mechanisms in an open position.
Figure 5 shows the storage bed base of Figure 4 in a closed position.
Figure 6 shows another view of the storage bed base of Figure 4 without the cover.
Figure 7 shows an embodiment variant of the storage bed base of the invention provided
with two lifting mechanisms in an open position.
Figure 8 shows the storage bed base of Figure 7 in a closed position.
Figures 9A-9C show different views of a first embodiment of the projectable wheel
mechanism of the storage bed base.
Figure 10 shows a depiction of the double drive crank.
Figure 11 shows a depiction of the double driven crank.
Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of the projectable wheel mechanism of the storage
bed base.
Figure 13 shows an assembly of ram, splined shaft and geared sector according to the
second embodiment of the projectable wheel mechanism.
Preferred Embodiment of the Invention
[0017] Figures 1A-1C show different views of a schematic depiction of a lifting mechanism
for a storage bed base according to the invention. Said lifting mechanism is provided
for vertically lifting the upper cover of a storage bed base. It must be noted that
the elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily depicted to scale.
[0018] Said figures show a base part (4) intended to be fixed to the box or fixed part of
the storage bed base, an upper part or cantilever (1), intended to be fixed to the
lower face of the cover of the storage bed base, which cover must be opened to access
the inside of the storage bed base. A first pair of arms (3, 6) is articulated to
the base part (4), the first pair of arms articulated at their other end to a second
pair of arms (2, 5) articulated at their other end with the cantilever (1), as will
be described below.
[0019] The base part (4) is articulated with a lower arm (6), which is articulated in turn
with a higher arm (2). Furthermore, the fixed base (4) is articulated with a ram (3),
which is articulated at its other end with the higher arm (2). In addition, the lower
arm (6) is articulated with a tie rod (5) which is articulated at its other end with
the cantilever (1). Thus, the lower arm (6) and the ram (3) form the first pair of
arms articulated to the base part (4) and the higher arm (2) and the tie rod (5) form
the second pair of arms articulated to the cantilever (1). The movement of the cantilever
(1) has one degree of freedom for vertical movement, therefore if the base part (4)
is fixed, the assembly of the mechanism only has one degree of freedom and any other
part except the base part (4), which is fixed by definition, can decide the movement
of the assembly.
[0020] Figure 2 schematically shows the geometrical relationships between the different
elements for a preferred embodiment of the lifting mechanism of the invention. The
diagram depicted in Figure 2 corresponds to a substantially half stroke intermediate
position of the mechanism. The diagram defines a self-intersecting polygon. The triangular-shaped
figures represent the higher arm (2) and lower arm (6) of the mechanism. Figures of
length M correspond to the ram (3) and tie rod (5). The segments which are not drawn
depicted by the CC dimension schematize parts (1) and (4) respectively. In a compass
opening intermediate position, segments CC and dd are parallel to one another and
at the same time perpendicular to the line of length M, although this condition will
not be met when the mechanism occupies other positions.
[0021] As is observed, the lower arm (6) in this embodiment has a bent shape. One of its
ends is articulated to the base part (4), another one of its ends is articulated to
the higher arm (2) and it is articulated with the tie rod (5) at the bend, the lower
arm (6) having a length L between the articulations to the base part (4) and to the
higher arm (2) and a length dd between the bend and the articulation with the higher
arm (2).
[0022] The higher arm (2) also has a bent shape. It is articulated at one of its ends to
the cantilever (1), at its other end to the lower arm (6) and at the bend to the ram
(3). The higher arm (2) has a length L between the articulations to the cantilever
(1) and to the lower arm (6) and a length dd between the bend and the articulation
with the lower arm (6).
[0023] The lower arm (6) of length L is triangular-shaped with rounded vertexes and at the
vertex of its obtuse angle it articulates with the tie rod (5) which in turn articulates
with the upper part (1). The higher arm (2) articulates with the ram (3) which in
turn articulates with the base part (4). The lengths L of the higher arms (2) and
lower arms (6) must be equal, as must the lengths M of the tie rod and the ram. The
same condition must be met with the length dd in the higher and lower arms (2, 6)
and the distance CC in the base part (4) and the upper part (1).
[0024] Figure 3 schematically depicts how the shape and dimensions of the articulated elements
of the lifting mechanism for a storage bed base can be determined in one embodiment.
The OVA compass represents the position of the compass formed by the two pairs of
arms with the storage bed base lowered. As the compass opens upon lifting the cover
of the storage bed base, the end A of the compass will occupy positions A' and A"
while the position OV'A' corresponds to half of the lifting stroke. Quadrangle RBV'A'
is plotted in this position to determine the point B of the lower arm (6) to which
the tie rod (5) articulates. Side CC is arbitrarily fixed to plot the quadrangle RBV'A'
and depending on it, the distance dd is calculated by using the expression

where α is the angular path of the higher arm (2) between the positions A and A'.
[0025] Nevertheless, an alternative to the preceding calculation is given approximately
by the condition that dd is greater than half of CC.
[0026] The quadrangle A'RBV' is plotted once the dd value is determined, taking into account
that the sides A'R and V'B must be substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular
to RB. Once point B is established, it must be joined to the lower arm (6), the schematized
OBV' triangle thus being determined. Point B is the center of the shaft to which the
tie rod (5) articulates while its other end is point R. Points A and R are in turn
the centers of the shafts of the upper part (1) to which the lower arm (2) and the
tie rod (5) articulate, respectively. If the upper part (1) is formed such that the
cover of the storage bed base joined thereto is at that horizontal point, such cover
will be maintained substantially horizontal in other positions of its vertical stroke.
[0027] In practice, it is preferable for the dimension CC to not be greater than one-tenth
of L. However, it must be taken into account that this relationship cannot be exaggerated
because as CC decreases the stresses on all the bars, both those working under compression
and those working under traction, increase.
[0028] Since the cantilever (1) is integral with the cover of the storage bed base, when
said cover is lifted it can only be done with the single degree of freedom allowed
by the mechanism. Thus, since the mechanism is arranged forming a deformable polygon
the geometry of which is determined such that the cantilever (1) can only be moved
following a substantially vertical trajectory, while being maintained substantially
parallel thereto, the cover of the storage bed base will be moved in the same way,
i.e., it can only be vertically lifted and lowered.
[0029] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a storage bed base comprising the lifting mechanism
of the invention in its open position. In this embodiment, the storage bed base comprises
two lifting mechanisms, located on two opposite sides of the storage bed base, in
this case the longest sides of the storage bed base. The mechanisms are provided in
this embodiment with supporting means, specifically respective gas springs (12), which
allow maintaining the cover in its lifted position, in addition to facilitating the
lifting. In this embodiment, the storage bed base comprises a substantially horizontal
stabilizer bar (22) connecting the two lifting mechanisms to favor the synchronization
of their movements. Figure 5 shows the storage bed base of Figure 4 in the closed
position. Figure 6 shows the storage bed base of Figure 4 without the cover.
[0030] Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment variant of the storage bed base of the invention
provided with two lifting mechanisms. In this embodiment variant, the higher arms
(2) of the two lifting mechanisms are formed in a single part through a substantially
horizontal upper portion made from bent sheet metal, allowing the synchronization
of the movement of the mechanisms of both sides.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage bed base provided with two
lifting mechanisms incorporates a projectable wheel mechanism the purpose of which
will be to project and lower self-orienting caster wheels (13) to the floor, such
that when the cover of the storage bed base is lifted, the assembly rests on the floor
on said wheels so that it can be easily moved from one side to the other with little
effort, thus improving the functionality of the assembly.
[0032] Figures 9A-9C show a first embodiment of the projectable wheel mechanism. Said projectable
wheel mechanism can also be seen in the lifting mechanisms shown in Figures 4-6. Figures
9A-9C show how the end of the ram (3) articulated with the base part (4) is linked
with a transverse shaft (14) with which it is made integral, which is in turn articulated
with the base part (4), intended to be placed against the inner face of one side of
the box of the storage bed base to which it is fixed by conventional fixing means,
such as screws or the like. The transverse shaft (14) passing through the base part
(4) is integral at its other end with a first cam or double drive crank (10) which
is articulated with two horizontally arranged elongated parts (8, 9). The first elongated
part (9) substantially has at its ends free wheels (13) for being oriented and rolling
on the floor when the storage bed base is pushed for minor rearrangements. The wheels
can be arranged in the first elongated part (9) by any conventional means. In the
example of the figures, small pins bent at a right angle underneath which vertical
cylindrical appendages are welded to which respective small commercial wheels (13)
are coupled have been provided in a lower part of the first elongated part (9). The
length of the first elongated part (9) in relation to the dimensions of the storage
bed base will be sufficient so that the wheels coupled thereto can stably support
the storage bed base.
[0033] The base part (4), the first elongated part (9) and the second elongated part (8)
can be manufactured from sheet metal or another similar material. Said parts are related
to one another at their other end by a double driven crank (11), similar to the double
drive crank (10), from which it differs in that rather than being integrally fixed
to a transverse shaft (14), it can rotate freely on a smooth shaft (15), in turn fixed
to the other end of the base part (4). The double drive crank (10) and driven crank
(11) can be observed in Figures 10 and 11, respectively.
[0034] The transverse shaft (14) may be integral with the ram (3) by means of splining,
key slot or another equivalent mechanical resource.
[0035] When the mechanism moves by opening or closing the storage bed base, the ram (3)
rotates about and drives the transverse shaft (14) which in turn rotates the double
drive crank (10) which drives the elongated parts (8, 9) which, since they are articulated
at their other end to the double driven crank (11), are forced to perform an oscillating
movement in the vertical plane, always being maintained parallel. This movement has
a vertical component which is used so that the commercial wheels (13) can be concealed
in the box of the storage bed base or projected downwards to touch the floor and so
that the assembly remains supported on them. As a complement to the aforementioned,
this mechanism will preferably be provided with gas springs (12) that not only reduce
the force for lifting the cover of the storage bed base, but also allow the cover
to remain lifted once it has been lifted, in a manner similar to that of the hoods
of cars.
[0036] Figures 12-13 show a second embodiment of the projectable wheel mechanism, similar
to that described in the previous embodiment except that the movement of the orienting
wheels (13) is achieved from the rotating movement of the ram (3) which is joined
by means of a splined shaft (16) (or similar means, such as the means mentioned in
the previous embodiment) to a geared sector (17) meshing with a worm screw (18) which,
through a rod (19), transmits its rotation to respective geared pinions (20) which
in turn mesh with notched vertical elements in the rack (21). Commercial wheels (13)
such as those described above are vertically articulated at the lower end of these
rack elements (21). When the ram (3) rotates about the splined shaft (16) when the
lifting mechanism opens or closes the lifting mechanism makes the geared sector (17)
rotate with it and such geared sector (17), through the other meshed elements, determines
the up or down movement of the orienting wheels.
1. A lifting mechanism for a storage bed base, applicable to the type of storage bed
base comprising a box and an upper cover, the lifting mechanism comprising two pairs
of arms, first ends of the arms (6, 3) of one pair being articulated to a base part
(4) intended to be integral with the fixed structure of the box of the storage bed
base, first ends of the arms (2, 5) of the second pair of arms being articulated to
a cantilever (1) intended to be fixed to the inner face of the upper cover of the
storage bed base, there being a distance CC between the articulations of each pair
of arms to the base part (4) or to the cantilever (1), whichever applies; a first
arm (6, 2) of each pair being articulated at a second end with a first arm (2, 6)
of the other pair of arms and at an intermediate position with the second arm (5,
3) of the other pair of arms, said articulation of the first arm (6, 2) with the second
arm (5, 3) of the other pair of arms not being collinear with the articulations located
at the ends, the first arm (6, 2) of each pair of arms having a length L between the
articulations to the first arm (2, 6) of the other pair of arms and to the base part
(4) or to the cantilever (1), whichever applies, and a length dd between the articulations
to the first arm (6, 2) and to the second arm (5, 3) of the other pair of arms, there
being a distance M between the articulations of the second arm (5, 3) of each pair
to the first arm (6, 2) of the other pair of arms and to the base part (4) or to the
cantilever (1), whichever applies.
2. The lifting mechanism for a storage bed base according to claim 1,
characterized in that:
the length dd is greater than substantially half of the length CC;
the length CC is less than substantially L/10; and
in each pair of arms, in a position substantially corresponding to the vertical half
stroke of the mechanism, the segment of length CC and the segment of length dd are
substantially perpendicular to the segment of length M.
3. The lifting mechanism for a storage bed base according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises supporting means (12) for maintaining the upper cover of the storage
bed base in a lifted position.
4. The lifting mechanism for a storage bed base according to claim 3, characterized in that the supporting means (12) for maintaining the upper cover of the storage bed base
in its lifted position comprise a pneumatic spring or cylinder.
5. A storage bed base comprising at least one lifting mechanism according to any of the
preceding claims.
6. The storage bed base according to claim 5, characterized in that the lifting mechanism is located inside the storage bed base in a substantially central
area.
7. The storage bed base according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises two lifting mechanisms located in respective opposite sides inside the
box of the storage bed base and stabilizing means (22) joining the two lifting mechanisms
to one another for their synchronized movement.
8. The storage bed base according to claim 7, wherein the stabilizing means comprise
a substantially horizontal stabilizer bar.
9. The storage bed base according to claim 7, wherein the higher arms (2) of the two
lifting mechanisms are formed in a single part through a substantially horizontal
upper portion, forming the stabilizing means for synchronizing the movement of the
two lifting mechanisms.
10. The storage bed base according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the base part of each
lifting mechanism comprises a projectable wheel mechanism.
11. The storage bed base according to claim 10, wherein the projectable wheel mechanism
comprises a double drive crank (10) integral with the end of the ram (3) articulated
with the base part (4), the double drive crank (10) being articulated with a first
end of two elongated parts (8, 9), the second end of which is articulated to a double
driven crank (11), such that upon rotating the double drive crank (10) the elongated
parts (8, 9) are forced to perform an oscillating movement in the vertical plane,
and one of the elongated parts being provided with wheels substantially arranged at
its ends.
12. The storage bed base according to claim 10, wherein the projectable wheel mechanism
comprises a geared sector arranged at an end of the ram (3), meshing with a worm screw
(18), such that the rotation of the worm screw (18) caused by the movement of the
ram (3) is transmitted through a rod (19) in which the worm screw (18) is arranged
to respective rack and pinion systems arranged at the ends of the rod (19) to cause
the retraction or projection of the wheels.