Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a bed system according to the preamble of the first
claim, as well as the use of such a bed system.
State of the art
[0002] WO2010037415 also describes a bed system. This bed system comprises a mattress supporting structure.
The mattress supporting structure in turn comprises an upper surface for receiving
a mattress, a chassis and an intermediate layer between the upper surface and the
chassis. The intermediate layer is arranged for resiliently supporting the mattress
on the upper surface, and for that purpose is provided with at least one spring means,
in this case a plurality of springs mounted with their spring direction pointing up.
The chassis is arranged to support the entirety of the intermediate layer and the
mattress on the upper surface on a floor. Such a mattress supporting structure is
sometimes referred to as a box spring.
[0003] In the mattress supporting structure according to
WO2010037415, the circumference of the chassis is delimited by first and second longitudinal sides
and first and second transverse sides, wherein the first longitudinal side is mounted
opposite the second longitudinal side and the longitudinal sides are connected to
each other by the transverse sides, wherein the first transverse side is mounted opposite
the second transverse side. The chassis further comprises at least one transverse
beam. The transverse beam is mounted between the first and second longitudinal sides,
with a first transverse end of the transverse beam at the first longitudinal side
and a second transverse end of the transverse beam at the second longitudinal side.
The transverse beam is mounted rotatably about a rotational axis according to the
lengthwise direction of the transverse beam. Thus, the transverse beam can be rotated
between different rotational positions, of which at least a first and a second differ
from each other.
[0004] The spring means according to
WO2010037415, the plurality of springs, are arranged on the chassis in such a way that they are
supported at their bottom side by the transverse beam, and they extend according to
their spring direction to the upper surface. The transverse beam, in particular the
circumference of the transverse beam in the circumferential direction of the transverse
beam, is delimited by at least one longitudinal face and a second longitudinal face
which are mutually different. Here, the first longitudinal face constitutes a first
supporting face for at least one spring and the second longitudinal face constitutes
a second supporting face for the same spring. In this way, the first supporting face
supports the spring means in the first rotational position of the transverse beam,
and the second supporting face supports the spring means in the second rotational
position of the transverse beam. Due to the rotational axis of the transverse beam
being arranged eccentrically in the transverse beam, the first and second supporting
faces are at different distances from the rotational axis, allowing the height of
the bottom of the spring to be adjusted relative to the chassis. This adjustment of
the bottom of the spring allows the supporting characteristics of the upper surface
to be adjusted for the mattress, and thus allows the support for a person lying on
the mattress to be adjusted. This adjustment allows the support for a person on a
mattress to be individualized, offering the person a better support during sleep.
Thus, for instance, back problems, sleeping problems etc. can be taken care of.
[0005] However, the rotation of the transverse beam according to
WO2010037415 is not limited. The transverse beam can therefore be rotated several times clockwise
or counter-clockwise. As such, the entire circumference in the circumferential direction
of the transverse beam has to be provided to support the spring, and the transverse
beam also has to be suspended in a freely rotatable way in the chassis. It was found
that as a result of this, specific requirements were made of the suspension of the
transverse beam in the rest of the chassis, and for instance to the shape of the transverse
beam. The transverse beam and the suspension for instance have to be able to resist
bending forces when the transverse beam, suspended in a freely rotatable way, has
a load placed on it by a person on a mattress on the upper surface. Specific demands
are also made of the circumference of the transverse beam in the circumferential direction,
at least in the places where a spring means is supported.
Description of the invention
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a bed system wherein
the transverse beam and and/or its suspension can be simplified.
[0007] This object is achieved by means of a bed system with a mattress supporting structure.
The mattress supporting structure comprises
- a. an upper surface for receiving a mattress,
- b. a chassis,
- c. an intermediate layer between the upper surface and the chassis.
[0008] The intermediate layer is arranged for at least partly resiliently supporting the
mattress on the upper surface. The chassis is arranged to support the entirety of
the intermediate layer and the mattress on the upper surface, resiliently supported
by the intermediate layer, on a floor. The chassis comprises at least one transverse
beam. The transverse beam is mounted between two opposing sides of the circumference
of the chassis. The transverse beam is rotatable about a rotational axis according
to the lengthwise direction of the transverse beam mounted between the two opposing
sides of the circumference of the chassis. The transverse beam is furthermore rotatable
between a first rotational position and a second rotational position different from
the first rotational position. The rotational positions are characterized, for instance,
by a position of the transverse beam around the rotational axis that can be expressed
in degrees or radials relative to a reference point. The reference point may be freely
chosen.
[0009] The intermediate layer comprises at least one spring means which extends, supported
at its bottom by the transverse beam, along the spring direction between the transverse
beam and the upper surface. The spring means is for instance a spring, in particular
a pocket spring, where the spring is housed in a pocket.
[0010] The transverse beam, preferably the circumference of the transverse beam, more preferably
the circumference of the transverse beam in the circumferential direction of the transverse
beam, is delimited by at least a first face and a second face different from the first
face. Preferably, the first and second faces are longitudinal faces.
[0011] The first face constitutes a first supporting face and the second face constitutes
a second supporting face, wherein the first supporting face supports the spring means
in the first rotational position of the transverse beam and the second supporting
face supports the spring means in the second rotational position of the transverse
beam. The first and second supporting faces are at different distances from the rotational
axis, so that the height of the bottom of the spring means relative to the chassis
can be adjusted.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second rotational
positions are terminal rotational positions.
[0013] Because the first and second rotational positions are terminal rotational positions,
and moreover the first and second rotational positions are also different, a rotational
range of positions that cannot be taken up by the transverse beam is created between
the two rotational positions. As a result, at least a part of the beam does not need
to be adapted to support the at least one spring means, allowing, for instance, means
that strengthen the transverse beam to be provided in that location, so that the transverse
beam can resist the bending forces caused by stress.
[0014] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transverse beam
comprises retaining means to prevent the rotation of the transverse beam beyond the
first and second positions. These retaining means help to ensure that the transverse
beam cannot be rotated beyond the terminal rotational positions.
[0015] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the retaining means
comprise first and second blocking parts. The first blocking part prevents rotation
of the transverse beam beyond the first rotational position by abutting against a
third blocking part of the chassis. The second blocking part prevents rotation of
the transverse beam beyond the second rotational position by abutting against a fourth
blocking part of the chassis.
[0016] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transverse beam
is further delimited, more preferably in the circumferential direction, by a third,
preferably longitudinal, and a fourth, preferably longitudinal, face. The first blocking
part preferably comprises the third face and the second blocking part preferably comprises
the fourth face. Such third and fourth longitudinal faces allow the first and second
blocking parts to be integrated into the shape of the transverse beam, further simplifying
the assembly of the transverse beam in the chassis.
[0017] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first and/or second
blocking parts comprise at least one protrusion that extends relative to the respective
third and/or fourth faces. Such blocking parts can further prevent the transverse
beam from rotating beyond the terminal rotational positions.
[0018] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the rotational positions
of the transverse beam are discrete rotational positions. Although the rotational
positions can also be set in a continuous rather than a discrete manner, it was found
that opting for discrete positions can further simplify the shape of the transverse
beam and even of the suspension. The specific rotational position of the transverse
beam can be maintained more easily in discrete positions than when a continuous positioning
of the rotational beam is allowed.
[0019] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transverse beam
can only be rotated to two discrete rotational positions, namely the first and second
rotational positions. It was found that by providing only two possible discrete rotational
positions of the rotational beam, the construction of the rotational beam and also
of the suspension is further simplified.
[0020] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first supporting
face is located opposite the first blocking part and the second supporting face is
located opposite the second blocking part. The first and second supporting faces are
adjacent. It was found that such a shape of the transverse beam is easy to manufacture.
[0021] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transverse beam
comprises a curved surface, wherein, more preferably, the first and second blocking
parts, if present, are for instance connected by the curved surface, wherein the curved
surface is provided at a substantially uniform distance from the rotational axis.
[0022] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the chassis comprises
a supporting face. The supporting face may for instance be formed by a series of slats,
a grid, a plate, preferably a substantially solid plate or a solid plate, or a combination
of more than one of these. The supporting face can for instance be made of wood, although
other materials, such as for instance plastic, metal, etc. are also possible.
[0023] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the curved surface is
provided to slide over the supporting face when rotating the transverse beam. Providing
such a configuration allows support of the transverse beam to be provided by the supporting
face, as a result of which the transverse beam will be less subject to bending stresses,
as the transverse beam will be subjected more to compression stresses. More preferably,
the transverse beam is provided with the curved surface over substantially its entire
length, and the transverse beam is thus supported by the supporting face over substantially
its entire length, allowing the bending load of the transverse beam to be further
reduced. It should be noted that because the transverse beam is less subjected to
bending stresses, the suspension of the transverse beam can also further be simplified.
This, for instance, a simple snap connection can be provided, both in the longitudinal
direction and to for instance maintain the transverse beam in discrete rotational
positions, as this connection is subjected to fewer forces.
[0024] If the first and second rotational positions are terminal rotational positions, and
moreover the first and second rotational positions are also different, a rotational
range of positions that cannot be taken up by the transverse beam is created between
the two rotational positions. This range can for instance be taken up by the curved
surface.
[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, the chassis comprises respective
first and second bearings for rotatably receiving a first end of the transverse beam
and a second end of the transverse beam, respectively. Such bearings are easily provided
and further simplify the construction. The first and/or second bearings are for instance
gliding bearings or a roller bearing, for instance a ball bearing.
[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the bearings and the transverse
beam are mounted onto the supporting face. The supporting face thereby forms the third
and fourth blocking parts. Such a configuration further simplifies the construction
of the chassis.
[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first and second ends of the
transverse beam are received in the first and second bearings, respectively, by means
of a snap connection. Such snap connections are simple and yet offer sufficient operational
reliability.
[0028] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the discrete rotational
positions are determined by a snap connection. Such a snap connection is simple and
yet offers sufficient operational reliability, particularly now that the transverse
beam is no longer suspended in a freely rotatable way. Moreover, such snap connections
often provide audible and/or tactile feedback to the user to indicate that the transverse
beam has taken up one of the discrete rotational positions.
[0029] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the bed system comprises
means for providing a visual indication of the rotational position of the transverse
beam. The visual indication shows the user in a simple manner that a particular rotational
position has been reached.
[0030] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the circumference of
the chassis is delimited by first and second longitudinal sides and first and second
transverse sides. The first longitudinal side is mounted opposite the second longitudinal
side and the longitudinal sides are connected to each other by the transverse sides,
wherein the first transverse side is mounted opposite the second transverse side.
It was found that the transverse beam according to the invention can easily be provided
in such a configuration.
[0031] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transverse beam
is mounted between the first and second longitudinal sides with a first transverse
end of the transverse beam at the first longitudinal side and a second transverse
end of the transverse beam at the second longitudinal side. It was found that the
transverse beam according to the invention can easily be provided in such a configuration.
[0032] The rotational positions taken up by the transverse beam are preferably predetermined
rotational positions of the transverse beam corresponding to a particular setting
of the spring means on the transverse beam in relation to the position of a person
lying on the mattress on the upper surface.
[0033] Preferably, the rotational position of the transverse beam is set by means of a tool,
preferably provided with a handle, that is provided on the transverse beam. The tool
is preferably removably mountable onto the transverse beam, for instance by means
of a snap connection.
[0034] The invention further relates to a bed with a mattress and the bed system according
to the invention, wherein the mattress is received on the upper surface.
[0035] The invention also relates to the use of the bed system according to the invention,
wherein the transverse beam is rotated into a rotational position, preferably corresponding
to predetermined characteristics of a person.
Brief description of the drawings
[0036] The invention will be elucidated in further detail below by means of the following
description and in reference to the appended figures.
Figure 1 shows an overview of an embodiment of the bed system according to the present
invention.
Figure 2 shows the bed system of figure 1 in a cut-away view.
Figure 3 shows a first view in exploded perspective of an embodiment of the transverse
beam according to the present invention.
Figure 4 shows the transverse beam of figure 3 in a second view in exploded perspective.
Figure 5 shows the transverse beam of figure 3 in the first view in the first rotational
position.
Figure 6 shows the transverse beam in a mirrored embodiment in the second view of
figure 4 in the second rotational position.
Figure 7A-7C shows different views of a bearing of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8A-8N shows different views of an end of the transverse beam according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 shows a cross section of the end received in the bearing.
Figure 10 shows a detail of the end received in the bearing with a tool.
Embodiments of the invention
[0037] The present invention will be described below with respect to particular embodiments
and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto,
and is only limited by the claims. The drawings shown here are merely schematic depictions
and are nonlimiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated,
meaning that they are not drawn to scale, and only for illustrative purposes. The
dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions
to practice of the invention.
[0038] Although certain aspects of the present invention are described in reference to specific
embodiments, it should be clear that these aspects may be implemented in other forms.
[0039] Figure 1 shows an overview of an embodiment of the bed system according to the present
invention. Figure 2 shows the bed system of figure 1 in a cut-away view. The bed system
1 comprises a mattress supporting structure 2. The mattress supporting structure 2
comprises
- a. an upper surface 3 for receiving a mattress,
- b. a chassis 4 and
- c. an intermediate layer 5 between the upper surface 3 and the chassis 4.
[0040] Although the mattress is not shown in the figures, any mattress known to the person
skilled in the art can be used. Preferably, the mattress is adapted to the support
offered by the mattress supporting structure 2. Such a mattress supporting structure
2 is often referred to as a box spring.
[0041] Figure 1 and 2 show that the chassis 4 and the intermediate layer 5 are wrapped in
a web, for instance a piece of woven fabric 18 or a non-woven material, to finish
the assembly. The piece of fabric 18 thus forms the upper surface on which the mattress
can be received.
[0042] The intermediate layer 5 is arranged for at least partly, preferably entirely, resiliently
supporting the mattress on the upper surface 3.
[0043] The chassis 4 is arranged to support the entirety of the intermediate layer 5 and
the mattress on the upper surface 3, resiliently supported by the intermediate layer
5, on a floor, by means of legs or otherwise. In order to at least partly resiliently
support the mattress, the intermediate layer 5 is provided with at least one spring
means 10. This spring means 10 is for instance a spring 19, for instance a spring
19 in a pocket, for instance a pocket spring. Furthermore, the spring means 10 can
for instance comprise other means as well, such as for instance layers of foam 20.
Figure 2 shows for instance the combination of a number of springs, in particular
pocket springs, placed onto a few layers of foam or otherwise.
[0044] The circumference 7, shown in figure 2, of the chassis 4 is rectangular and is delimited
by first and second longitudinal sides 71, 72 and first and second transverse sides
73, 74. The first longitudinal side 71 is mounted opposite the second longitudinal
side 72 and the longitudinal sides 71, 72 are connected to each other by the transverse
sides 73, 74. The first transverse side 73 is mounted opposite the second transverse
side 74. However, such a configuration is not necessary for the present invention,
and circumferences 7 having a different shape are also possible. Thus, for instance,
the circumference may also adopt any other geometrical shape, such as for instance
round, heart-shaped, etc.
[0045] Figure 2 further shows that the chassis 4 comprises at least one transverse beam
6. The transverse beam 6 is mounted between two opposing sides of the circumference
7 of the chassis 4. The transverse beam 6 is rotatable about a rotational axis 8 according
to the lengthwise direction 9 of the transverse beam 6 mounted between the two opposing
sides of the circumference 7 of the chassis 4. Figure 2 more specifically shows that
the transverse beam 6 is mounted between the first and second longitudinal sides 71,
72 with a first transverse end 61 of the transverse beam 6 at the first longitudinal
side 71 and a second transverse end 62 of the transverse beam 6 at the second longitudinal
side 72. The first and second transverse ends are shown in figure 3.
[0046] Figure 2 further shows that preferably, a plurality of transverse beams 6 are provided,
extending in an analogous manner between opposing sides of the circumference 7. Here,
the transverse beams 6 are preferably mounted parallel to each other, so that a homogenous
support of the mattress, and especially of the person who will eventually lie on the
mattress, may be achieved.
[0047] Although transverse beams 6 may be provided so that substantially the entire mattress
is supported by transverse beams 6, for instance by providing transverse beams 6 along
substantially the entire length of the first and second longitudinal sides 71, 72,
this is not necessary for the present invention. It is also possible for transverse
beams 6 to be provided only in one or more regions along the longitudinal sides 71,
72. Thus, for instance, figure 2 shows that transverse beams 6 are only provided in
a specific region. In particular, five transverse beams 6 are provided, intended to
offer support mainly to the back and the hips of a person lying on the mattress supported
by the mattress supporting structure 2.
[0048] Although the transverse beams 6 according to figure 2 are all identical, this is
not necessary for the present invention, and the transverse beams 6 may also be different.
However, by providing identical transverse beams 6, the construction of the chassis
4 is simplified, and moreover a more homogenous support of a person lying on the mattress
supported by the mattress supporting structure 2 is provided.
[0049] Figure 2 specifically shows that the chassis 4 comprises a supporting face 16. The
supporting face 16 shown in figure 2 is constituted by a solid plate. In the embodiment
shown in figure 2, the at least one transverse beam 6 is mounted onto the supporting
face 16.
[0050] Figure 2 further shows that in addition to the transverse beams 6, a number of foam
layers 20 are also provided. The transverse beams 6 together with the layers of foam
20 form a plane on which a plurality of springs 19, in particular pocket springs,
are mounted. However, the plane on which the plurality of springs 19 are mounted does
not need to be entirely resilient, and may for instance also be constructed from hard
materials such as for instance wood, metal, etc.
[0051] At least one spring means 10 is supported by the transverse beam 6 at its bottom
side 12. The spring means 10 extends along the spring direction 11 between the transverse
beam 6 and the upper surface 3. Figure 2 further shows that a plurality of spring
means 10, in this specific case pocket springs, are supported by each transverse beam
6.
[0052] The at least one transverse beam 6 is rotatable about the rotational axis 8 according
to the lengthwise direction 9 of the transverse beam 6 mounted. Here, the transverse
beam 6 is rotated between a first rotational position and a second rotational position
different from the first rotational position.
[0053] Figure 2 shows that the rotational position of the transverse beam 6 can be set by
means of a tool 25 that is provided on the transverse beam 6. The tool 25 is preferably
removably mountable onto the transverse beam 6, for instance by means of a snap connection.
Thus, figure 2 for instance shows that a single tool 25 is sufficient for rotating
the different transverse beams 6 by providing the tool 25 on the respective transverse
beams 6. The tool 25 is shown in more detail in figure 10. The tool 25 may be made
from any material deemed suitable by the person skilled in the art, such as for instance
wood, metal, plastic, etc.
[0054] Figures 3 through 6 show the transverse beam 6 in more detail.
[0055] Thus, these figures show that the transverse beam 6 is delimited by at least a first,
preferably longitudinal, face 21 and a second, preferably longitudinal, face 22 different
from the first face 21, wherein the first face 21 constitutes a first supporting face
31 and the second face 22 constitutes a second supporting face 32. The first supporting
face 31 supports the spring means 10 in the first rotational position of the transverse
beam 6 and the second supporting face supports the spring means 10 in the second rotational
position of the transverse beam 6. The first and second supporting faces 31, 32 are
at different distances from the rotational axis 8, so that the height of the bottom
of the spring means 10 relative to the chassis 4 can be adjusted. Adjusting the height
of the bottom 12 for instance allows the compression of the spring means to be adjusted,
or the spring to be moved in the spring direction, so that an adjusted support of
the mattress, and thus of the person who will position themselves onto the mattress,
can be achieved.
[0056] Figures 2 through 6 show that the transverse beam 6 comprises retaining means 13
to prevent the rotation of the transverse beam 6 beyond the first and second positions.
[0057] In particular, these figures show that the retaining means 13 comprise first and
second blocking parts 41, 42. Here, the first blocking part 41 prevents rotation of
the transverse beam 6 beyond the first rotational position by abutting against a third
blocking part 43 of the chassis 4, and the second blocking part 42 prevents rotation
of the transverse beam 6 beyond the second rotational position by abutting against
a fourth 44 blocking part of the chassis 4.
[0058] In figures 5 and 6, the transverse beam 6 is shown in the first and second rotational
positions, and it is clearly shown how the supporting face 16 forms the third and
fourth blocking parts 43, 44 and abuts against respectively the first and second blocking
parts 41, 42.
[0059] Figures 2 through 6 further show that the transverse beam 6 is further delimited
by third and fourth faces 23, 24. The first blocking part 41 comprises the third face
23 and the second blocking part 42 comprises the fourth face 24.
[0060] The figures further show that the first supporting face 31 is located opposite the
first blocking part 41 and the second supporting face 32 is located opposite the second
blocking part 42, and that the first and second supporting faces 31, 32 are adjacent.
Furthermore, the first and second blocking parts 41, 42 are connected by a curved
surface 15, wherein the curved surface 15 is provided at a substantially uniform distance
from the rotational axis 8. Here, the curved surface 15 is arranged to slide over
the supporting face 16 when rotating the transverse beam 6.
[0061] The cross section of the transverse beam 6 may however be determined in accordance
with the desired heights for the bottom 12 of the spring means 10. Thus, the transverse
beam 6 may be provided with a plurality of supporting faces corresponding to different
rotational positions, and also to different heights of the bottom 12 of the spring
means.
[0062] Preferably, the cross sections of the transverse beam 6 have in common that the curved
surface 15 is arranged in such a way that when rotating the transverse beam 6, it
slides over the supporting face 16, so as to support the transverse beam when the
transverse beam 6 supports the bottom 12 of the spring means with one of its supporting
faces. Thus, the cross section of the transverse beam 6, where it supports the bottom
of the at least one spring means 10, is preferably substantially divided into two
regions: a first region where the curved surface 15 is provided and a second region
where at least two supporting faces are provided, wherein elk of the supporting faces
corresponds to a predetermined rotational position of the transverse beam 6. Although
preferably a discrete number of supporting faces are provided, corresponding to discrete
rotational positions of the transverse beam 6, the transverse beam 6 may also be arranged
to be rotated between continuous rotational positions, each corresponding to a different
height of the bottom of the spring means 10. This may be achieved by for instance
using a curved supporting face that is arranged spirally around the rotational axis
8.
[0063] Preferably, the first and second rotational positions are terminal rotational positions
due to the presence of the retaining means 13. The figures further show 3 - 6 that
the first and/or second blocking parts 41, 42 comprise at least one protrusion 14
that extends relative to the third 23 and/or fourth 24 faces, respectively, so as
to further ensure the terminal rotational positions of the transverse beam 6.
[0064] The figures further show that the transverse beam 6 can only be rotated to two discrete
rotational positions, namely the first and second rotational positions. However, it
is also possible for the transverse beam 6 to be rotatable to a plurality of rotational
positions, as explained above.
[0065] Figures 7 and 8 show a number of preferred embodiments of details of the specific
construction and mounting of the transverse beam 6.
[0066] Figure 7 more specifically shows a bearing 51 of the chassis 4. Figure 3 and 4 show
that such a bearing 51 is mounted on either sides of the transverse beam 6, so that
respective first and second bearings 51, 52 are provided for rotatably receiving a
first end 61 of the transverse beam 6 and a second end 62 of the transverse beam 6,
respectively. Although this bearing 51 is preferably made from plastic, for instance
by molding, this is in no way necessary for the present invention, and other compositions
or production methods may for instance be used for the bearing 51.
[0067] As shown in figures 3 and 4, the bearings 51, 52 are preferably mounted onto the
supporting face 16 together with the transverse beam 6. For instance, figure 4 shows
that the bearings 51, 52 are screwed onto the supporting face 16. This is of course
not necessary for the present invention, and other fastening means may also be provided,
such as for instance glue, nails, etc.
[0068] Figure 8 shows in more detail an end 61 of the transverse beam 6 received in, for
instance, the bearing 51. Again, these elements are preferably made from plastic,
for instance by molding. Again, this is in no way necessary for the present invention
and other compositions or production methods may for instance be used for the end
61.
[0069] Located between the two ends 61, 62 is the rest of the transverse beam. Although
the entire transverse beam 6 may be constructed from a single material, figure 4 for
instance shows that this central part 40 of the transverse beam 6 comprises a separate
part. This central part 40 is for instance hollow, so that the ends 61, 62 can be
slid into it, as shown in figure 4. The hollow central part 40 may then for instance
by be an extruded piece of aluminum, which can easily be manufactured, although of
course other materials are also possible. The central part 40 may be attached in,
for instance further, different ways to the ends 61, 62, if these are constructed
from separate parts. It can for instance be glued, screwed, nailed, etc.
[0070] In figures 7 and 8, a number of cams 35 and openings 36 can be seen that cooperate
if the end 61 is received in its corresponding bearing 51 as shown in figure 9. These
cooperating cams 35 and openings 36 form a snap connection 17 that is able to removably
snap the transverse beam 6 into the different discrete rotational positions.
[0071] Also provided are further cams 37 and openings 38 destined to snap fix the end 61
when inserting the end 61 into the corresponding bearing 51 so as to create a snap
connection that is to prevent the transverse beam from being pulled out of the bearing
too easily. This snap connection, however, allows an easy mounting of the transverse
beam 6 into the bearings 51, 52.
[0072] Figure 10 shows that the bed system 1 comprises means 39 for providing a visual indication
of the rotational position of the transverse beam 6. Figure 10 further shows the terminal
first and second rotational positions, indicated with a triangle. It can be seen that
the terminal positions are about 90° apart. Although this configuration offers advantages,
the terminal positions may also be positioned apart differently, for instance at a
smaller or larger angle.
[0073] The invention can be summarized in the following summarizing points:
- 1. A bed system 1 comprising a mattress supporting structure 2 comprising
- a. an upper surface 3 for receiving a mattress,
- b. a chassis 4,
- c. an intermediate layer 5 between the upper surface 3 and the chassis 4 for at least
partly resiliently supporting the mattress on the upper surface 3, wherein the chassis
4 is arranged to support the entirety of the intermediate layer 5 and the mattress
on the upper surface 3, resiliently supported by the intermediate layer 5, on a floor,
wherein the chassis 4 comprises at least one transverse beam 6, mounted between two
opposing sides of the circumference 7 of the chassis 4, wherein the transverse beam
6 is mounted to be rotatable about a rotational axis 8 according to the lengthwise
direction 9 of the transverse beam 6 between the two opposing sides of the circumference
7 of the chassis 4, between a first rotational position and a second rotational position
different from the first rotational position, wherein the intermediate layer 5 comprises
at least one spring means 10 that extends, at its bottom side 12 supported by the
transverse beam 6, along the spring direction 11 between the transverse beam 6 and
the upper surface 3, wherein the transverse beam 6 is delimited by at least a first
face 21 and a second face 22 different from the first face 21, wherein the first face
21 constitutes a first supporting face 31 and the second face 22 constitutes a second
supporting face 32, wherein the first supporting face 31 supports the spring means
10 in the first rotational position of the transverse beam 6 and the second supporting
face supports the spring means 10 in the second rotational position of the transverse
beam 6, wherein the first and second supporting faces 31, 32 are located at different
distances from the rotational axis 8, so that the height of the bottom of the spring
means 10 relative to the chassis 4 can be adjusted.
- 2. The bed system according to the preceding point, characterized in that the first
and second rotational positions are terminal rotational positions.
- 3. The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, wherein the transverse beam
6 comprises retaining means 13 to prevent the rotation of the transverse beam 6 beyond
the first and second positions.
- 4. The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, wherein the retaining means
13 comprise first and second blocking parts 41, 42, wherein the first blocking part
41 prevents rotation of the transverse beam 6 beyond the first rotational position
by abutting against a third blocking part 43 of the chassis 4, and wherein the second
blocking part 42 prevents rotation of the transverse beam 6 beyond the second rotational
position by abutting against a fourth 44 blocking part of the chassis 4.
- 5. The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, wherein the transverse beam
6 is further delimited by third and fourth faces 23, 24, wherein the first blocking
part 41 comprises the third face 23 and the second blocking part 42 comprises the
fourth face 24.
- 6. The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, wherein the first and/or second
blocking parts 41, 42 comprise at least one protrusion 14 that extends relative to
the third 23 and/or fourth 24 faces, respectively.
- 7. The bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points 1 - 6, wherein the rotational
positions of the transverse beam (6) are discrete rotational positions.
- 8. The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, wherein the transverse beam
6 can only be rotated to two discrete rotational positions, namely the first and second
rotational positions.
- 9. The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, at least combined with point
0, wherein the first supporting face 31 is located opposite the first blocking part
41 and the second supporting face 32 is located opposite the second blocking part
42, and wherein the first and second supporting faces 31, 32 are adjacent.
- 10.The bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points 1 - 9, wherein the transverse
beam 6 comprises a curved surface 15, wherein the curved surface 15 is provided at
a substantially uniform distance from the rotational axis 8.
- 11.The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, at least combined with point
4 and preferably combined with point 9, wherein the first and second blocking parts
41, 42 are connected by the curved surface 15.
- 12.The bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points 1 - 11, wherein the chassis
4 comprises a supporting face 16.
- 13.The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, at least combined with point
10, wherein the curved surface 15 is arranged to slide over the supporting face 16
when rotating the transverse beam 6.
- 14.The bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points, wherein the chassis
4 comprises respective first and second bearings 51, 52 for rotatably receiving a
first end 61 of the transverse beam 6 and a second end 62 of the transverse beam 6,
respectively.
- 15.The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, at least combined with points
4 and 8, wherein the bearings 51, 52 and the transverse beam 6 are mounted on the
supporting face 16, wherein the supporting face 16 constitutes the third and fourth
blocking parts 43, 44.
- 16.The bed system 1 according to any of the points 11 or 15, wherein the first and
second ends 61, 62 of the transverse beam 6 are received in the first and second bearings,
respectively, 51, 52 by means of a snap connection.
- 17.The bed system 1 according to any of the points 11 - 16, at least combined with
point 4 or 8, wherein the discrete rotational positions are determined by a snap connection
17.
- 18.The bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points, wherein the bed system
1 comprises means for providing a visual indication of the rotational position of
the transverse beam 6.
- 19.The bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points, wherein the circumference
7 of the chassis 4 is delimited by first and second longitudinal sides 71, 72 and
first and second transverse sides 73, 74, wherein the first longitudinal side 71 is
mounted opposite the second longitudinal side 72 and the longitudinal sides 71, 72
are connected to each other by the transverse sides 73, 74, wherein the first transverse
side 73 is mounted opposite the second transverse side 74.
- 20.The bed system 1 according to the preceding point, wherein the transverse beam
6 is mounted between the first and second longitudinal sides 71, 72 with a first transverse
end 61 of the transverse beam 6 at the first longitudinal side 71 and a second transverse
end 62 of the transverse beam 6 at the second longitudinal side 72.
- 21. Bed with a mattress and the bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points,
wherein the mattress is received on the upper surface 3.
- 22.Use of the bed system 1 according to any of the preceding points, wherein the transverse
beam 6 is rotated into a rotational position.
1. Bed system (1) comprising a mattress supporting structure (2) comprising
a. an upper surface (3) for receiving a mattress,
b. a chassis (4),
c. an intermediate layer (5) between the upper surface (3) and the chassis (4) for
at least partly resiliently supporting the mattress on the upper surface (3), wherein
the chassis (4) is arranged to support the entirety of the intermediate layer (5)
and the mattress on the upper surface (3), resiliently supported by the intermediate
layer (5), on a floor,
wherein the chassis (4) comprises at least one transverse beam (6), mounted between
two opposing sides of the circumference (7) of the chassis (4), wherein the transverse
beam (6) is mounted to be rotatable about a rotational axis (8) according to the lengthwise
direction (9) of the transverse beam (6), between the two opposing sides of the circumference
(7) of the chassis (4), between a first rotational position and a second rotational
position different from the first rotational position, wherein the intermediate layer
(5) comprises at least one spring means (10) that extends, at its bottom side (12)
supported by the transverse beam (6), along the spring direction (11) between the
transverse beam (6) and the upper surface (3), wherein the transverse beam (6) is
delimited by at least a first face (21) and a second face (22) different from the
first face (21), wherein the first face (21) constitutes a first supporting face (31)
and the second face (22) constitutes a second supporting face (32), wherein the first
supporting face (31) supports the spring means (10) in the first rotational position
of the transverse beam (6) and the second supporting face supports the spring means
(10) in the second rotational position of the transverse beam (6), wherein the first
and second supporting faces (31, 32) are located at different distances from the rotational
axis (8), so that the height of the bottom of the spring means (10) relative to the
chassis (4) can be adjusted,
characterized in that the first and second rotational positions are terminal rotational positions, wherein
the transverse beam (6) comprises retaining means (13) to prevent the rotation of
the transverse beam (6) beyond the first and second positions, wherein the retaining
means (13) comprise first and second blocking parts (41, 42), wherein the first blocking
part (41) prevents rotation of the transverse beam (6) beyond the first rotational
position by abutting against a third blocking part (43) of the chassis (4), and wherein
the second blocking part (42) prevents rotation of the transverse beam (6) beyond
the second rotational position by abutting against a fourth (44) blocking part of
the chassis (4), and wherein the transverse beam (6) is further delimited by third
and fourth faces (23, 24), wherein the first blocking part (41) comprises the third
face (23) and the second blocking part (42) comprises the fourth face (24).
2. The bed system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second
blocking parts (41, 42) comprise at least one protrusion (14) that extends relative
to the third (23) and/or fourth (24) faces, respectively.
3. The bed system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational
positions of the transverse beam (6) are discrete rotational positions.
4. The bed system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the transverse beam (6)
can only be rotated to two discrete rotational positions, namely the first and second
rotational positions.
5. The bed system (1) according to the preceding claim, at least combined with claim
0, wherein the first supporting face (31) is located opposite the first blocking part
(41) and the second supporting face (32) is located opposite the second blocking part
(42), and wherein the first and second supporting faces (31, 32) are adjacent.
6. The bed system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse
beam (6) comprises a curved surface (15), wherein the curved surface (15) is provided
at a substantially uniform distance from the rotational axis (8).
7. The bed system (1) according to the preceding claim and preferably combined with claim
5, wherein the first and second blocking parts 41, 42 are connected by the curved
surface 15.
8. The bed system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis (4)
comprises a supporting face (16).
9. The bed system (1) according to the preceding claim, at least combined with claim
6, wherein the curved surface (15) is arranged to slide over the supporting face (16)
when rotating the transverse beam (6).
10. The bed system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis (4)
comprises respective first and second bearings (51, 52) for rotatably receiving a
first end (61) of the transverse beam (6) and a second end (62) of the transverse
beam (6), respectively.
11. The bed system (1) according to the preceding claim, at least combined with claim
8, wherein the bearings (51, 52) and the transverse beam (6) are mounted on the supporting
face (16), wherein the supporting face (16) constitutes the third and fourth blocking
parts (43, 44).
12. The bed system (1) according to any of the claims 10 or 11, wherein the first and
second ends (61, 62) of the transverse beam (6) are received in the first and second
bearings (51, 52), respectively, by means of a snap connection.
13. The bed system (1) according to any of the claims 10 - 12, at least combined with
claim 3 or 4, wherein the discrete rotational positions are determined by a snap connection
(17).
14. Bed with a mattress and the bed system (1) according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the mattress is received on the upper surface (3).
15. Use of the bed system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse
beam (6) is rotated into a rotational position.