Power operated separable beds and platform

A composite bedding unit comprised of adjoining single bed units adapted to be juxtaposed in the form of double bedding and separable along a median line dividing the sleeping areas of two retiring individuals having distinct sleeping requirements when lying together, the two bed units being carried by a platform to which the bed units are mechanized to be separated from said median line for single bed conditioning, provision being made for safety and for ease of assembly and disassembly within a minimum of space.

Reference is made to copending application Ser. No. 06/568,347 filed Jan. 
5, 1984, entitled POWER OPERATED SEABLE BEDS AND SUPPORT THEREFOR, 
issued June 25, 1985, as U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,471, and copending division 
application thereof Ser. No. 06/733,884 filed May 14, 1985, now U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,587,681, entitled POWER OPERATED SEABLE BEDS AND SUPPORT 
THEREFOR. 
BACKGROUND 
Bedding is comprised generally of a mattress supported upon springs by a 
bedstead and over which sheets and blankets are drawn so as to cover one 
or more persons reclining thereon. Beds vary in size or capacity and are 
referred to as "single" or "double" beds, there being various sizes 
thereof. It is customary for two persons or individuals to retire upon one 
double bed, or so-called "Queen Size" or "King Size" bed, to share the 
same bed springs and mattress. It is also customary for two persons or 
individuals to retire upon separate single beds, so that one or the other 
is not disturbed when sleeping. Although humans are biologically the same 
with respect to functional requirements and body temperatures, there are 
differences of habit, likes and dislikes, brought about by sex, body 
weight, and idiosyncrasies. Accordingly, one person may be compatable with 
another person to a point, but disturbed by the sleeping habits of the 
other person, or simply unable to cope with the transfer of body heat and 
breathing, or there can be a great difference in the preference of cover 
weight and capture of heat. 
It is a general object of this invention to provide for the selective 
positioning of separate beds by two individuals initially retiring 
together. In practice, each individual selects the time and closeness of 
bed adjacency or separation according to his or her choice, personal 
requirements and desires. In accordance with this invention, there are 
adjoining single beds carried by a common platform and separable from head 
to foot of the bed. 
It is the comfort of two individuals retiring together side by side with 
which this invention is concerned. The continued presence and closeness to 
another person can be uncomfortable and disconcerting to otherwise 
compatable individuals, all because of their particular requirements. For 
example, one person may require a heavier blanket than another, causing 
the other person to perspire while the one person is comfortably warm, or 
permitting the one person to chill while the other is kept warm. 
Generally, a female will require heavier blanketing than a male, and 
corpulent persons require less blanketing; but all in degrees of 
preference. Also, a person may disturb another by movements such as 
thrashing about, or one person may be ill which presents the problem of 
health. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide for 
selective and variable separation by either person without disturing the 
other, the beds being mechanically separated from a median line by power 
means as will be described. 
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved platform for 
separable bed units of the type under consideration that are adjacently 
related as hereinabve described. It is a bedding unit and platform that is 
provided, wherein a pair of single beds or the like are carried by a 
common platform which they coextensively overlie when brought together 
into adjacency and from which they contilever when they are separated. 
It is an object of this invention to improve the means which prevents 
overturning when in the cantilevered condition, whereby the individual 
beds are stable even when a substantial portion thereof is projected 
laterally beyond the support of the said platform It is also an object of 
this invention to provide facility of assembly and disassembly within a 
minimum of room space, whereby this double-single bedding can be readily 
moved and installed, all as circumstances require. 
It is an object of this invention to provide anti-friction stability at 
both the foot and head of a bedding unit of the type under consideration, 
wherein both the foot an headboard carry and guide the two separable 
single beds. In the preferred form of this invention there are front 
loading roller supports for the two bed units, characterized by 
installation accessibility through laterally open windows in transverse 
support rails. In the first form, the rollers operate within the rails 
with axle support through slots in the rails. In a second form, there are 
castor type roller supports enclosed within the protective confines of the 
rails. In a third form, the slotted rails capture a grooved roller, so as 
to prevent upward as well as downward displacement while confining the 
roller to rectilinear movement. In a fourth form the track opens upwardly 
for the roller. In each of these four embodiments there are windows for 
the simultaneous movement of the roller supports into and out of working 
position. In a fifth form, the roller supports ride on top of support 
rails and each bed unit is captured in working postion by retainer means. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A platform is supported upon the bedroom floor in the usual manner, with or 
without casters. In the head and foot of two like single spring and 
mattress units, there is a transverse track for rolling support, the 
single bed units being guided by both the head and foot portion of the 
platform. A feature of the track-support is the directional stability 
which it affords, and all of which is such as to facilitate assembly and 
disassembly while preventing collapse when in use. Conditioning of the 
single bed units is motorized for individual movements of either single 
bed unit by its occupant, or in unison if so desired. Motorization is 
disposed between the platform frame and each single bed unit, and the 
floor space and mechanism between is obscured by a protective floor panel 
when separation occurs. The two single bed units are conventional in every 
respect, and they are preferably identical so as to form a double bedding 
combination when brought into adjacency. 
The foregoing and other various objects and features of this invention will 
be apparent and fully understood from the following detailed description 
of the typical preferred forms and applications thereof, throughout which 
description reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawings, there is the combination of two separable 
single bed units, one disposed adjacent to the other coextensively along a 
median line a. The total area of the two single bed units equals or 
substantially exceeds the area of a usual double spring and mattress unit, 
and the blanket margins are adapted to be tucked between the springs and 
mattresses of the two units in the usual manner. As shown, in FIG. 1 of 
the drawings, the single bed units B1 and B2 are alike and preferably 
identical, each comprising half of the total double bedding combination, 
being engageable along the median line a that continues from the headboard 
to the foot of the mattress combination. Bed sheets and covers are not 
shown, for clarity in showing the single bed units and their conditioning. 
As shown, each single bed unit B1 and B2 comprises a rectangular box 
spring 10 and an overlying mattress 11 of coextensive plan configuration 
with coplanar sides and ends, and presenting a depressible upper surface 
12 upon which occupants are to recline. The construction of the springs 
and mattresses is conventional, and one or both may be employed as 
desired, the depth of units B1 and B2 being substantially the same, so 
that the planar surfaces 12 thereof are coplanar when adjacently brought 
together. 
The platform F is a base structure and is shown in the first embodiment of 
FIGS. 1 to 6 as a rectangular frame comprised of side rails 13 and 14 
joined by a head rail 15 and a foot rail 16. The rails 13 and 14 are stiff 
elongated members, preferably of rectangular tube cross section, rigidly 
joined with rails 15 and 16 at right angular corners as by welding or the 
like. The rails 13-16 are coplanar, in that they are disposed in a common 
horizontal plane at or above a supporting surface as by legs 171, as 
shown. A feature of the platform structure F is its C-section track or 
rails 15 and 16 that guide and restrict the single bed units B1 and B2, 
and that stabilize the single bed units for cantilevered positioning 
thereof from the platform F. As shown in FIG. 1, the single bed units B1 
and B2 are conditioned to be adjacent at the median line a; however as 
shown in FIG. 2 they are moved into transversely extended contilevered 
positions where they are separated and must be stabilized. Accordingly, 
the C-section rails 15 and 16 are each disposed to present a transverse 
horizontally disposed side with a slot 17, and with interior upper and 
lower or bottom walls parallel therewith, for confined rectilinear roller 
engagement. The slots 17 open at either the front sides or the back sides 
of the rails, and preferably at the front sides thereof as shown, there 
being access windows in the front sides of the rails for passage of the 
rollers into and out of working position; for assembly and disassembly. 
The head rail and foot rail track-support constructions can be and are 
shown as being alike, so that a description of one will suffice for both, 
as follows: 
The platform F is a structural base or frame of a width equal to the 
combined width of two single bed units B1 and B2 later described. In 
accordance with this invention, the rails 15 and 16 extend transversely 
the full width of the platform F between the side rails 13 and 14, and in 
the form of straight side opening C-sections with coextensive slots 17 and 
parallel top and bottom interior walls 18 and 19. As shown, the C-section 
rails 15 and 16 are front opening with the slot 17 midway between the top 
and bottom walls 18 and 19 held spaced and parallel by an integral back 
wall 20. The slot 17 is dimensioned to freely pass the axle of the roller 
support later described, and the walls 18 and 19 are spaced to have free 
antifriction rolling support for the roller later described. 
The single bed untis B1 and B2 are like right and left units, so that a 
description of one will suffice for both, as follows: Each bedding unit B1 
and B2 is comprised of a frame 25 that carries box springs 10 and 
overlying mattress 11. The frame 25 is structural and of a length and 
width to receive the single bed unit between side rails 26, and head and 
foot rails 27 and 28. The rails 26-28 are stiff elongated members, 
preferably of square tubular cross section, rigidly joined at right 
angular corners as by welding or the like. The rails 26-28 are coplanar, 
in that they are disposed in a common plane spaced above the plane of the 
platform F, with the head and foot rails 27 and 28 disposed over their 
complementary roller suppor rails 15 and 16 of the platform. Each single 
bed unit B1 and B2 overlies half the area of the underlying platform F, 
when the inner rail 26 of the frame 25 is coincidental with the median 
line a and the outer rail 26 disposed over the rail 13-14. The rails 26-28 
carry side flanges that are disposed upwardly as shown in order to receive 
and position the single bed unit, there being angular upstanding corner 
angles 29 to guide the same. The bed unit head rail 27 and upstanding 
corner angles 29 carry the head board 30, as furniture disposed against a 
bedroom wall (not shown). 
In accordance with this invention, each of the two single bed units B1 and 
B2 has two basic conditions with respect to its positions in relation to 
the underlying support platform F. There is a primary condition of 
adjacency as shown in FIG. 1, and there is a secondary condition of 
separation as shown in FIG. 2. Either or both can be so moved as 
circumstances require. Accordingly, there is anti-friction support means 
and guide means between the single bed unit (B1 and B2) and the supporting 
platform F, said means being comprised of the C-section rails 15-16 and 
supporting guide rollers 35 engaged therewith. The rollers 35 are shown 
journaled in depending brackets 36 from the frames of the single bed units 
B1 and B2. As shown, there is a depending bracket 36 and roller 35 at the 
inner side of the frame 25, and there is a bracket 36 an roller 35 spaced 
from the outer side of frame 25 a distance substantially equal to the 
transverse travel desired. A deck or panel P is carried over the platform 
and beneath the single bed units B1 and B2 and supported by the rails of 
the platform to occupy the space, between the single bed units. The two 
brackets 36 depend from the frame rails 27 and 28 to overlie the front 
opening sides of the roller support rails 15 and 16, the lower end portion 
of each bracket carrying an axle 37 that is cantilevered to pass freely 
through the slot 17 and into the C-section of the support rail. Each 
cantilevered axle is normal to the direction of travel and carries the 
roller 35 that substantially occupies the interior of the support rail to 
have rolling engagement with either the top or bottom wall 18 or 19, and 
by gravity with the bottom wall 19 in the usual manner. There being two 
bracket 36 and roller 35 supports at both the head and the foot of each 
bed unit B1 and B2, each of said units is held secure and stable by a 
captured four wheeled support. 
In accordance with this invention, access windows 21 and 22 are provided in 
the front side of the open C-section support rails 15 and 16, for entry 
and withdrawal of the rollers 35 into and out of working position. In 
practice, the windows 21 and 22 are positioned to coincide with the 
positions of the rollers 35 where they occur at the inner side of the 
frame 25 and spaced from the outer side of the frame 25, as they are 
positioned hereinabove, and when the bed units B1 and B2 are in the 
primary condition of adjacency. Accordingly, all four rollers 35 of each 
bed unit B1 and B2 register with complementary inner and outer windows 21 
and 22 for longitudinal shifting of the bed units with respect to the 
stationary platform F, for assembly and for disassembly, as may be 
required. Covers (not shown) may be applied to the upper or lower portions 
of the windows 21 and 22 to prevent accidental displacement of the rollers 
35 from working position within the rails 15 and 16. 
In accordance with this invention, there is transport means for positioning 
the two single bed units in the primary and secondary conditions, as 
described. the single bed units B1 and B2 are individually motorized to 
travel between the primary positions of adjacency and the secondary 
positions of separation. The motorization means can vary in form and is 
preferably a motor driven screw drive which is directly applied to the 
rectilinear motion established by the support rails 15 and 16 and roller 
relationship above described. As shown, each single bed unit is moved by a 
reversible electric motor M with a drive mechanism 40 that reversably 
turns a nut or drive tube 41 into which a transport screw 42 is threadedly 
engaged. The motors M and drive mechanisms 40 are mounted to the platform 
F at either side of a center beam thereof, and the nut-tube 41 and screw 
42 are disposed parallel to the support rails 15 and 16, and with the 
extended end of the screw 42 anchored to the outer rail 26 of the frame 25 
in each instance. Individual or simultaneous control of the motor or 
motors M is by means of separate dual control panels 43 that are portable 
and accessible to each occupant at the ends of flexible cords 44 carrying 
the electrical wiring thereof. There is a control box 45 from which the 
cords 44 extend and to which power is supplied by a cable 46. 
Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings and to the second form of this 
invention, the platform F and bed units (B1 and B2) remain essentially the 
same as in the first form, with modification to the support means and 
guide means incorporated therein. The rail configurations of the platform 
F and bed unit frames 25 is the same except for the location of the slot 
117 and the use of a two legged caster type support for the roller 135. As 
shown, the slot is at the top of the rail 115-116, adjacent to the top 
wall 118 that faces downwardly to restrict upward movement of a foot 137 
that extends freely through the slot. The caster 138 is confied within the 
C-section of the rail 115-116, the roller 135 bearing upon the bottom wall 
119 of the rail 115-116. The access windows are the same as above 
described, and the transverse extent of rails 115 and 116 are all as above 
described. 
Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawings and to the third form of this 
invention, the platform F and bed units (B1 and B2) remain essentially the 
same as in the first form, with modification to the support means and 
guide means incorporated therein. The rail configuration of the platform F 
and bed unit frames 25 is the same except for the size or caliper of the 
slot 217 and of the tracking configuration of the roller 235. The slot 235 
is widened so as to accomodate the roller diameter rather than the axle 
diameter, the roller 235 having spaced flanges 228 that embrace the upper 
and lower tracking edges of the slot 217. The windows 221 and 222 are open 
through the upper and downwardly projecting side 239 that forms said slot, 
and the windows are cut out to a plane that is coincidental with the inner 
face of top 218, so that the roller 235 can be lifted for removal. 
Referring now to FIG. 9 of the drawings and to the fourth form of this 
invention, the platform F and bed units (B1 and B2) remain essentially the 
same as in the first form, with modification to the support means and 
guide means incorporated therein. The rail configuration of the platform 
in this embodiment is upwardly open. That is, the slot 317 opens upwardly 
for the free passage of the bracket 336, instead of an axle, that carries 
a caster type roller support 338 confined within the C-section of the rail 
315-316. The windows 321 and 322 differ in their location at the top 318 
of the support rail 315-316, there being a closure 320 releasably secured 
by screw fasteners to prevent accidental displacement of the caster type 
roller support. 
Referring now to FIGS. 10 through 12 of the drawings and to the fifth form 
of this invention, the platform F and bed units B1 and B2 remain 
essentially the same as in the first form, with modificaiton to the 
support means and guide means incorporated therein. The rail configuration 
in this embodiment is open and in the form of an inverted T-section, in 
which case access windows are not relied upon for access, and an overlying 
retainer bar 418 cooperates with a retainer-stop 419 to prevent 
displacement of the bed units B1 and B2 from the platform F. As shown, the 
retainer bar 418 is part of the bed unit frame 425 and extends 
horizontally between the spaced support brackets 436 immediately above the 
rail 418 at both the head and foot. And, the retainer bar 418 has a lip 
that overlie the bar 418 and also engages with the two brakets 436 to 
restrict upward movement and to limit the rectilinear travel af the bed 
unit. The retainer-stop 419 is removeble and releasably secured by screw 
fasteners to prevent displacement of the bed unit. 
From the foregoing it will be seen that a stable bedding unit is provided 
wherein the platform underlies and supports the selectively moveable 
single bed units which locate between primary and secondary conditions, 
converting the bedding unit from a double bed form to a single bed form, 
all as hereinabove described. 
Having described only the typical preferred forms and applicaitons of our 
invention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific 
details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any 
modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art as 
set forth within the limits of the following claims.