WO2018191760A1

WO2018191760A1 - Cradling bed assembly and related method

Info

Publication number: WO2018191760A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/028323
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mary Ann SCHELL
Original assignee: Schell Mary Ann
Priority date: 2017-04-12
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2018-10-18

Abstract

A cradling bed assembly includes a bed frame having a mattress supporting surface extending in a length direction between a head and a foot and in a width direction between two opposed sides. The mattress supporting surface is divided along a first axis extending in the length direction into first and second mattress support sections. The first and second mattress support sections are movable between a flat configuration, in which the first and second mattress support sections are coplanar, and a cradling configuration, in which the first and second mattress sections are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the first axis.

Description

CRADLING BED ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHOD

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 62/484,440, filed on April 12, 2017, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to beds, and more particularly, to adjustable beds.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Many people experience trouble sleeping at one time or another. Often, it is due to stress, travel, illness, other temporary interruptions of a daily routine, or a sleep disorder. Chronic sleep problems can interfere with daily life. Many different approaches to bed design have been developed to make sleep more comfortable or to help people fall asleep more easily. Still, further improvements are possible.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cradling bed and related methods of use. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bed frame having a mattress supporting surface extending in a length direction between a head and a foot and in a width direction between two opposed sides. The mattress supporting surface is divided along a first axis extending in the length direction into first and second mattress support sections. The first and second mattress support sections are movable between a flat configuration, in which the first and second mattress support sections are coplanar, and a cradling configuration, in which the first and second mattress sections are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the first axis.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of using the cradling bed assembly includes inclining at least one of the first and second mattress support sections to a respective desired angle and laying lengthwise between the respective first and second mattress sections.

[0006] These and other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better appreciated in view of the drawings and following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is a top view of a bed frame, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 is a side view of a cradling bed assembly having a mattress supported by the cradling bed frame of Figure 1 ;

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cradling bed assembly of Figure 2;

[0010] Figure 4 is a top view of a cradling bed frame, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 5 is a side view of a cradling bed assembly having a mattress supported by the cradling bed frame of Figure 4; [0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 5;

[0013] Figure 7 is a top view of a cradling bed frame, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 8 is a side view of a cradling bed assembly having a mattress supported by the cradling bed frame of Figure 7;

[0015] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 8;

[0016] Figure 10 is a top view of a cradling bed frame, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 1 1 is a side view of a cradling bed assembly having a mattress supported by the cradling bed frame of Figure 10; and

[0018] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the bed assembly of Figure 1 1.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0019] Referring to Figures 1 -3, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a bed frame 10 includes a mattress supporting surface 12 extending in a length direction between a head 14 and a foot 16 and in a width direction between two opposed sides 18 and 20. The mattress supporting surface 12 is divided along a first axis 22 extending in the length direction into first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26. The first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 are movable between a flat configuration, in which the first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 are coplanar, and a cradling configuration (shown in Figures 2 and 3), in which the first and second mattress sections 24 and 26 are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the first axis 22. The assembly 10 can further include a mattress 28 carried by the mattress supporting surface 12 and movable with the first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 between the flat and cradling configurations.

[0020] The first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 are inclinable independently of each other. Specifically, the first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 are inclinable toward each other up to respective first and second maximum inclination angles. An inclination angle is defined as an angle between a horizontal plane and a plane of a mattress support surface. The first maximum inclination angle can be greater than the second maximum inclination angle, as shown in Figures 2-3. For example, the first maximum inclination angle is between

approximately 25 degrees and approximately 35 degrees. As another example, the second maximum inclination angle is between approximately 3 degrees and

approximately 5 degrees. The configuration in Figures 1 -3 is preferably suitable for a twin or full-sized bed to accommodate one occupant.

[0021] Referring to Figures 4-6, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the mattress supporting surface 12 of Figures 1 -3 is further divided into third and fourth mattress supporting sections 32 and 34. A second axis 36 parallel with the first axis 22 extends between the third and fourth mattress supporting sections 32 and 34 and a third axis 38 parallel with the first and second axes 22 and 36 extends between the third and first mattress supporting sections 24 and 32 such that the third axis 38 is located inwardly of the first and second axes 22 and 36 and the first and third mattress supporting sections 24 and 32 are located inwardly of the second and fourth mattress supporting sections 26 and 34. The third and fourth mattress support sections 32 and 34 are also movable between a flat configuration, in which the third and fourth mattress support sections 32 and 34 are coplanar, and a cradling configuration (shown in Figures 5 and 6), in which the third and fourth mattress sections 32 and 34 are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the second axis 36.

[0022] When the first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 are in the flat configuration and the third and fourth mattress support sections 32 and 34 are in the flat configuration, the first, second, third and fourth mattress support sections are all coplanar. When the first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 are in the cradling configuration, and the third and fourth mattress support sections 32 and 34 are in the cradling configuration, the first and third mattress support sections 24 and 32 are inclined away from each other from opposite sides of the third axis 38, as shown in Figures 4-6. A mattress 28 is carried by the mattress supporting surface 12 and movable with the first, second, third and fourth mattress support sections 24, 26, 32 and 34 between the flat and cradling configurations. Respective first, second, third and fourth mattress sections 40, 42, 44 and 46 are formed in the cradling as shown in Figures 5-6.

[0023] The first and second mattress support sections 24 and 26 are inclinable toward each other up to respective first and second maximum inclination angles and the third and fourth mattress support sections 32 and 34 are inclinable toward each other up to respective third and fourth maximum inclination angles. The first and third maximum inclination angles are greater than the second and fourth maximum inclination angle, as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, as an example, the first and third maximum inclination angles are equal and the second and fourth maximum inclination angles are equal. As an example, the first and third maximum inclination angles are between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 35 degrees. The second and fourth maximum inclination angles are between approximately 3 degrees and approximately 5 degrees. The configuration in Figures 4-6 is preferably suitable for a queen- or king- sized bed to accommodate two occupants.

[0024] Referring to Figures 7-9, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a mattress supporting surface 12 of Figures 1 -3 is further divided into a first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50. In this scenario, the first axis 22 extends immediately between first mattress supporting surface 24 and the first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50 and a first intermediate axis 52 parallel with the first axis 22 extending immediately between the first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50 and the second mattress supporting surface 26, such that the first and second mattress supporting surfaces 24 and 26 are inclinable toward each other across the first axis 22, the first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50, and the first intermediate axis 52. The mattress 28 is carried by the mattress supporting surface 12 and movable with the first and second and first intermediate mattress support sections 24, 26 and 50 between the flat and cradling configurations. Respective first, second, intermediate mattress surfaces 40, 42 and 54 are formed in the cradling configuration as shown in Figures 8-9. The configuration in Figures 7-9 is preferably suitable for a twin-sized, full-sized, or queen-sized bed.

[0025] Referring to Figures 10-12, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the mattress supporting surface 12 of Figures 7-9 is further divided into a first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50 and a second intermediate mattress supporting surface 56. In this scenario, the second axis 36 parallel with the first axis 22 extends between the third and fourth mattress supporting sections 32 and 34, and a third axis 38 parallel with the first and second axes 22 and 36 extends between the third and first mattress supporting sections 24 and 32 such that the third axis 38 is located inwardly of the first and second axes 22 and 36 and the first and third mattress supporting sections 24 and 32 are located inwardly of the second and fourth mattress supporting sections 26 and 34.

[0026] The first axis 22 extends immediately between the first mattress supporting surface 24 and the first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50. The first intermediate axis 52 parallel with the first axis 22 extends immediately between the first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50 and the second mattress supporting surface 26, such that the first and second mattress supporting surfaces 24 and 26 are inclinable toward each other across the first axis 22, the first intermediate mattress supporting surface 50, and the first intermediate axis 52. Similarly, a second

intermediate axis 58 parallel with the second axis 36 extends immediately between the third mattress supporting surface 32 and the second intermediate mattress supporting surface 56, such that the third and fourth mattress supporting surfaces 32 and 34 are inclinable toward each other across the second axis 36, the second intermediate mattress supporting surface 56, and the second intermediate axis 58. The mattress 28 is carried by the mattress supporting surface 12 and movable with the first, second, third and fourth 24, 26, 32, 34 and first and second intermediate mattress support sections 50 and 56 between the flat and cradling configurations. Respective first, second, third, and fourth mattress surfaces 40, 42, 44, and 46 and first and second intermediate mattress surfaces 60 and 62 are formed in the cradling configuration as shown in Figures 1 1 -12. The configuration in Figures 10-12 is preferably suitable for a king-sized bed.

[0027] The inclination angles of mattress supporting surfaces can be adjusted separately, and preferably variably throughout the entire available range of motion of the respective axes. A motor mechanism can be used to adjust the movement of mattress supporting surfaces. As an example, an axis can be a hinge controlled by an actuator that can be extended and retracted in order to adjust and maintain an angle of a mattress support surface.

[0028] The cradling bed assembly of the present invention can accommodate head board and/or foot boards as desired. The bed frame can be configured to most standard size mattresses. The bed frame can also be disassembled for transport and storage by removing bolts, pins, or other fasteners used to maintain the desired dimensions and/or position of bed frame.

[0029] The bed frame is preferably made of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) and/or polymer material having high strength to weight ratio. The bed frame can be disassembled for transportation and storage and reassembled for use. The mattress of the cradling bed can be made of memory foam, latex, coils and/or a combination thereof that can be bent and/or adapt to different angled positions.

[0030] In use, at least one of the first and second mattress support sections of the cradling bed assembly can be inclined to a respective desired angle. A user can lie lengthwise between the respective first and second mattress sections. As such, a user can comfortably and securely rest on or between respective mattress surfaces movable with the at least one of the first and second mattress support sections, almost as if the user is being cradled by the cradling bed assembly.

[0031] The cradling bed assembly can be used for many other purposes, for example, to calm users who have stressful jobs or lifestyles, provide relaxation for an athlete with sore muscles, and sooth the emotions of persons who suffer from attention deficit disorder or trauma. The cradling bed assembly can provide comfort support regardless of sleep posture, for example, on the back, side or stomach or in a curled position. The bed assembly can also be used in homes for comfort in reading, watching television and the like. The cradling bed assembly can be also be beneficial for people with spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis and other spinal diseases.

[0032] In general, the foregoing description is provided for exemplary and illustrative purposes; the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional modifications, as well as

adaptations for particular circumstances, will fall within the scope of the invention as herein shown and described and the claims appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A cradling bed assembly comprising:

a bed frame having a mattress supporting surface extending in a length direction between a head and a foot and in a width direction between two opposed sides, the mattress supporting surface being divided along a first axis extending in the length direction into first and second mattress support sections, the first and second mattress support sections being movable between a flat configuration, in which the first and second mattress support sections are coplanar, and a cradling configuration, in which the first and second mattress sections are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the first axis.

2. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a mattress carried by the mattress supporting surface and movable with the first and second mattress support sections between the flat and cradling configurations.

3. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second mattress support sections are inclinable independently of each other.

4. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second mattress support sections are inclinable toward each other up to respective first and second maximum inclination angles, the first maximum inclination angle being greater than the second maximum inclination angle.

5. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first maximum inclination angle is between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 35 degrees.

6. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second maximum inclination angle is between approximately 3 degrees and approximately 5 degrees.

7. The cradling bed assembly of claim 6, wherein the first maximum inclination angle is between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 35 degrees.

8. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mattress supporting surface is further divided into third and fourth mattress supporting sections, a second axis parallel with the first axis extending between the third and fourth mattress supporting sections and a third axis parallel with the first and second axes extending between the third and first mattress supporting sections such that the third axis is located inwardly of the first and second axes and the first and third mattress supporting sections are located inwardly of the second and fourth mattress supporting sections, the third and fourth mattress support sections also being movable between a flat configuration, in which the third and fourth mattress support sections are coplanar, and a cradling configuration, in which the third and fourth mattress sections are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the second axis.

9. The cradling bed assembly of claim 8, wherein, with the first and second mattress support sections in the flat configuration and the third and fourth mattress support sections in the flat configuration, the first, second, third and fourth mattress support sections are all coplanar.

10. The cradling bed assembly of claim 8, wherein, with the first and second mattress support sections in the cradling configuration and the third and fourth mattress support sections in the cradling configuration, the first and third mattress support sections inclined away from each other from opposite sides of the third axis.

1 1 . The cradling bed assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second mattress support sections are inclinable toward each other up to respective first and second maximum inclination angles and the third and fourth mattress support sections are inclinable toward each other up to respective third and fourth maximum inclination angles, the first and third maximum inclination angles being greater than the second and fourth maximum inclination angle.

12. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 1 , wherein the first and third maximum inclination angles are equal and the second and fourth maximum inclination angles are equal.

13. The cradling bed assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and third maximum inclination angles are between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 35 degrees.

14. The cradling bed assembly of claim 12, wherein the second and fourth maximum inclination angles are between approximately 3 degrees and approximately 5 degrees.

15. The cradling bed assembly of claim 14, wherein the first and third maximum inclination angles are between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 35 degrees.

16. The cradling bed assembly of claim 1 , wherein mattress supporting surface is further divided into a first intermediate mattress supporting surface, the first axis extending immediately between first mattress supporting surface and the first intermediate mattress supporting surface and a first intermediate axis parallel with the first axis extending immediately between the first intermediate mattress supporting surface and the second mattress supporting surface, such that the first and second mattress supporting surfaces are inclinable toward each other across the first axis, the first intermediate mattress supporting surface and the first intermediate axis.

17. A cradling bed assembly comprising:

a bed frame having a mattress supporting surface extending in a length direction between a head and a foot and in a width direction between two opposed sides, the mattress supporting surface being divided along a first axis extending in the length direction into first and second mattress support sections, the first and second mattress support sections being movable between a flat configuration, in which the first and second mattress support sections are coplanar, and a cradling configuration, in which the first and second mattress sections are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the first axis;

a mattress carried by the mattress supporting surface and movable with the first and second mattress support sections between the flat and cradling configurations; and wherein the first and second mattress support sections are inclinable toward each other up to respective first and second maximum inclination angles, the first maximum inclination angle being greater than the second maximum inclination angle.

18. The cradling bed assembly of claim 17, wherein the first maximum inclination angle is between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 35 degrees, and the second maximum inclination angle is between approximately 3 degrees and

approximately 5 degrees.

19. The cradling bed assembly of claim 17, wherein the mattress supporting surface is further divided into third and fourth mattress supporting sections, a second axis parallel with the first axis extending between the third and fourth mattress supporting sections and a third axis parallel with the first and second axes extending between the third and second mattress supporting sections such that the third axis is located inwardly of the first and second axes and the first and third mattress supporting sections are located inwardly of the second and fourth mattress supporting sections, the third and fourth mattress support sections also being movable between a flat configuration, in which the third and fourth mattress support sections are coplanar, and a cradling configuration, in which the third and fourth mattress sections are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the second axis; and

wherein, with the first and second mattress support sections in the flat

configuration and the third and fourth mattress support sections in the flat configuration, the first, second, third and fourth mattress support sections are all coplanar.

20. A method of using a cradling bed assembly, the cradling bed assembly includes a bed frame having a mattress supporting surface extending in a length direction between a head and a foot and in a width direction between two opposed sides, the mattress supporting surface being divided along a first axis extending in the length direction into first and second mattress support sections, the first and second mattress support sections being movable between a flat configuration, in which the first and second mattress support sections are coplanar, and a cradling configuration, in which the first and second mattress sections are inclined toward each other from opposite sides of the first axis, the cradling bed assembly further includes a mattress carried by the mattress supporting surface and movable with the first and second mattress support sections between the flat and cradling configurations, the method comprising:

inclining at least one of the first and second mattress support sections to a respective desired angle; and

laying lengthwise between the respective first and second mattress sections.