Abstract:
A variable motion rocking bed is provided that includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a frame, the frame capable of being in a rocking motion with respect to the first support structure and the second support structure. The rocking bed further includes a first pair of linkage assemblies secured between the first support structure and the frame, a second pair of linkage assemblies secured between the second support structure and the frame and at least one adjusting mechanism coupled to each of the first pair of linkage assemblies and to each of the second pair of linkage assemblies. The adjusting mechanism is operatively configured to allow the position of said first pair of linkage assemblies to vary about the width of said first support structure and configured to allow the position of said second pair of linkage assemblies to vary about the width of said second support structure to modify the shape of the rocking motion of said frame relative to said first support structure and said second support structure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/263,217 filed on Oct. 31, 2005, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     The present invention relates generally to a rocking bed and, more particularly, to an adjustable pivot linkage used to vary the displacement and type of motion of a rocking bed.  
         [0006]     2. Background Art  
         [0007]     The vast majority of people spend their sleeping hours in the prone position on a bed. It is well known that a person, while sleeping, shifts the position of their body frequently every night. While asleep, a normal healthy adult changes the position of his body every eleven and one half minutes or about 42 times during an eight hour sleep cycle. The reason for the constant position change is that most people are not able to rest comfortably due to the relatively high contact pressures between areas on their body and the bed. These pressures are the result of the bed exerting a force equal to the force exerted by the body at any particular point. People move frequently, if they can, to alleviate the pressure on their bodies. Those who are not able to move their body, such as individuals confined to their beds in a hospital, may be subject to bed sores. These are well known facts in the bed making industry that has lead to some advancements in the materials used in manufacturing beds and mattresses, yet the problems associated with constantly changing positions (such as an inadequate amount of sleep, restlessness, insomnia, etc.) still exists for the masses.  
         [0008]     Another solution for aiding individuals in the pursuit of a restful nights sleep or for those who are confined to their beds has been the introduction of the rocking bed. A rocking bed automatically varies the amount of pressure and the location of the pressure on the body. The periodic rocking motion on a resting body increases relaxation and in the case of a person confined to their bed may help reduce the number and severity of bed sores caused by the constant contact and pressure of a body part on the bed. A rocking bed may also aid those people who are dependant on sleep inducing medication to achieve a full night&#39;s sleep without the aid of medication.  
         [0009]     While rocking beds are well known in the art, many only provide for a single type of rocking motion. An example of a rocking motion that is often times replicated on a rocking bed is that of a boat gently swaying at sea. This rocking motion of a boat at sea is most notably replicated on the crib of an infant. The soothing and gentleness of the side to side motion helps to ease a restless infant into sleep. The rocking motion on a crib may be achieved by curving or arching the bottom legs of the crib that contact the floor such that the upper portion of the crib may be swayed from side to side on the curved bottom legs.  
         [0010]     Many of the adult size rocking beds have been designed with the same concept in mind. However, rather than curving the bottom legs of the bed that contact the floor, other less cumbersome means of rocking beds have been developed. For example, many rocking beds that are well known in the art employ some type of linkage that connects from the stationary bed frame to the moveable mattress frame. The linkage allows the mattress frame to be in motion relative to the stationary bed frame, thereby allowing the bed to be rocked. Electric motors have been added to the rocking beds to ensure that the beds will stay in motion for the duration of the sleep period. The linkages may also be adjusted to vary the displacement or amount of rocking motion from a very few degrees of motion that results in a small rocking motion to several degrees that creates a large rocking motion.  
         [0011]     While the displacement of the rocking motion may be changed, often times an individual may want to adjust the actual shape of the rocking motion. An individual may tire of being rocked like he was on a boat at sea and may seek a change in the shape of the motion or an individual may purchase a rocking bed thinking that he was seeking the rocking motion of a boat at sea. He may determine only after several nights of use that he desires to be rocked in an entirely different manner, such as like he was asleep on a glider or in a hammock, and in a manner that cannot be met by simply changing the displacement of rocking.  
         [0012]     Therefore, a need exists for a rocking style bed that not only allows the individual or couple to vary the displacement of the rocking motion, but also allows the individual or couple to vary the shape of the rocking motion so that the maximum benefits of a good nights sleep may be realized and the individual or couple may wake the next morning completely refreshed and recharged. Furthermore, the benefits of changing the actual rocking shape of the bed may also be realized by those who are bed ridden by helping to alleviate pressure points, improve circulation, and aiding in a faster recovery time.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     In accordance with the present invention, a variable motion rocking bed is provided that includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a frame, the frame capable of being in a rocking motion with respect to the first support structure and the second support structure. The rocking bed further includes a first pair of linkage assemblies secured between the first support structure and the frame, a second pair of linkage assemblies secured between the second support structure and the frame and at least one adjusting mechanism coupled to each of the first pair of linkage assemblies and to each of the second pair of linkage assemblies. The adjusting mechanism is operatively configured to allow the position of said first pair of linkage assemblies to vary about the width of said first support structure and configured to allow the position of said second pair of linkage assemblies to vary about the width of said second support structure to modify the shape of the rocking motion of said frame relative to said first support structure and said second support structure. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and drawings, of which the following is a brief description:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a variable motion rocking bed according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the variable motion rocking bed according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the variable motion rocking bed according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the variable motion rocking bed according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a slide assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded view of a pulley and hand wheel assembly of  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6B  is an exploded view of a pulley assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are rear views of the variable motion rocking bed according to an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the linkages in a position that results in a rocking motion that mimics a boat rocking at sea, a glider, and a hammock, respectively;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8A  is a front view of the variable motion rocking bed according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8B  is an exploded view of a slide assembly of  FIG. 8A  according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8C  is an exploded view of a centering block of  FIG. 8A  according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9A  is a front view of the variable motion rocking bed according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded view of a slide assembly of  FIG. 9A  according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9C  is an exploded view of a centering block of  FIG. 9A  according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10A  is a front view of the variable motion rocking bed according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10B  is an exploded view of a slide assembly of  FIG. 10A  according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11A  is a front view of the variable motion rocking bed according to another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 11B  is an exploded view of a slide assembly of  FIG. 11A  according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]     Referring now to the drawings, a preferred illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown in detail. Although the drawings represent an embodiment of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the present invention. Further, the embodiment set forth herein is not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise to limit or restrict the invention to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.  
         [0034]     A variable motion rocking bed  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  having a first support structure  12 , a second support structure  14 , and side rails  16   a  and  16   b  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, first support structure  12  is a headboard and second support structure  14  is a footboard. However, first and second support structures are not limited to headboard and footboard and may be any type of structures that support rocking bed  10 , such as walls or portions of a ceiling.  
         [0035]     Each of side rails  16   a  and  16   b  extend from headboard  12 , generally parallel to one another, to footboard  14 . Side rails  16   a  and  16   b  are spaced apart a distance such that a generally rectangular shape is formed by headboard  12 , side rails  16   a  and  16   b , and footboard  14 . Rocking bed  10  further includes a base  40  that extends to the outer edges of headboard  12 , footboard  14  and each of side rails  16   a  and  16   b  for support of each of the above components. Alternatively, rocking bed  10  may be supported by legs (not shown) that extend downward from each of four corners of rocking bed  10  that have been created by the intersection of side rails  16   a  and  16   b  with headboard  12  and footboard  14 .  
         [0036]     Further included in rocking bed  10  is a mattress frame  18  that may be secured to rocking bed  10  by four linkage assemblies  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and  22   d . Each of the four linkage assemblies consists of a bearing block  42 , a pivot linkage  44 , and a slide assembly  46 . Bearing blocks  42  each include a hole  43  and bearing blocks  42  may be positioned and secured (by welding, with the use of fasteners, or any other means of securement) at each of four corners of mattress frame  18 . Pivot linkages  44  each have a first end  45  that include a first hole  47  and a second end  49  that include a second hole  51 . First hole  47  of pivot linkages  44  may be aligned with hole  43  of each bearing block  42 . A pin  48  may be introduced into each of holes  43  and  47  to secure pivot linkages  44  to bearing blocks  42  and frame  18 . It should be noted that any other fastening means may be employed to secure pivot linkages  44  to bearing blocks  42  as long as the fastening means allows pivot linkages  44  to rotate freely about bearing blocks  42 .  
         [0037]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , slide assemblies  46  may be positioned at each of the four comers of rocking bed  10 . As further shown in  FIG. 5 , Slide assemblies  46  include two plates  53  of similar size and shape that each include a pair of holes  55  near a top edge for accepting fasteners  57 , such as pins or a bolt and nut assembly, to secure plates  53  to one another. Plates  53  are secured together such that the distance between the inner surfaces of plates  53  is slightly larger than the thickness of headboard  12  and footboard  14 . Plates  53  are spaced and secured to one another in this manner so that slide assemblies  46  may freely travel a horizontal distance along the top edges of headboard  12  and footboard  14  when secured to variable motion rocking bed  10 .  
         [0038]     Plates  53  further include a third hole  59  near the top edge of plates  53  for accepting and securing a shaft  61 . Shaft  61  includes a threaded hole  28  for accepting threaded rods  26  and  32  (described in further detail below). Plates  53  also include a fourth hole  63 . Fourth hole  63  of each slide assembly  46  may be aligned with second hole  51  of each pivot linkage  44 . A pin  65  may be introduced into each of holes  63  and  51  to secure pivot linkages  44  to slide assemblies  46  and rocking bed  10 . In this manner, bed  10  is now secured to frame  18 . It should be noted that any other fastening means may be employed to secure pivot linkages  44  to slide assemblies  46  as long as the fastening means allows pivot linkages  44  to rotate freely about slide assemblies  46 .  
         [0039]     Linkages  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  and  22   d  not only secure frame  18  to headboard  12  and footboard  14 , they also allow frame  18  the freedom to move laterally relative to headboard  12  and footboard  14  such that a rocking motion may be created. Plates  53 , pivot linkages  44 , bearing blocks  42 , frame  18 , and associated fasteners may be designed in any fashion that allows the linkage assemblies to move freely about the width of headboard  12  and footboard  14 . Plates  53 , pivot linkages  44 , bearing blocks  42 , frame  18 , and associated fasteners may be manufactured of any metallic, composite, or other material that allows slide assemblies  46  and pivot linkages  44  as well as bearing blocks  42  and pivot linkages  44  to rotate freely with respect to one another while maintaining a secure and supportive rocking structure. Mattress frame  18  may be structured in a manner such that a typical mattress  20  may be fully supported during any rocking motion.  
         [0040]     Slide assemblies  46  of linkages  22   a  and  22   b  may be secured to headboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and slide assemblies  46  of linkages  22   c  and  22   d  may be secured to footboard  14  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). As stated above, linkages  22   a  - 22   d  may be secured to headboard  12  and footboard  14 , respectively, in such a manner that allows slide assemblies  46  to freely travel a horizontal distance along the width of headboard  12  and footboard  14 . In this particular embodiment of the present invention, threaded rod  26  extends the width of each of headboard  12  and footboard  14 . As stated above, slide assemblies  46  each include shaft  61  having threaded hole  28  that is sized to accept and allow the threads of rod  26  to travel through the threads of hole  28  as rod  26  is rotated. A centering block  30  is positioned at the centerline and secured to headboard  12 . Centering block  30  includes a shaft that allows rod  26  to pass through and rotate freely, while generally limiting the movement of rod  26  in the axial direction. Rod  26  may be threaded in the opposite direction from centering block  30  outward toward the outer edges of headboard  12 . The rod threading is done in this manner such that when rod  26  is rotated in a first direction, slide assemblies  46  move inward toward the centerline of headboard  14  thereby allowing linkages  22   a  and  22   b  to be selectively positioned on headboard  12 . When rod  26  is rotated in the opposite direction, slide assemblies  46  move outwardly together away from the centerline of headboard  12 .  
         [0041]     Footboard  14  is configured in much the same manner as headboard  12 . Footboard  14  includes a threaded rod  32  and centering block  34  as well. Slide assemblies  46  of linkages  22   c  and  22   d  also each include shaft  61  having threaded hole  28  that is sized to accept and allow the threads of rod  32  to travel through the threads of hole  28  as rod  32  is rotated. Slide assemblies  46  may be made to move inwardly toward one another if rod  32  is rotated in a first direction or outward away from each other if rod  32  is rotated in an opposite direction, thereby allowing the selective positioning of linkages  22   c  and  22   d.    
         [0042]     Further included at the outer edges of both headboard  12  and footboard  14  are support bearing blocks  67 . Bearing blocks  67  each include a hole  69  for accepting an end of either threaded rod  26  of headboard  12  or threaded rod  32  of footboard  14 . Bearing blocks  67  are positioned at the ends of headboard  12  and footboard  14  to support rods  26  and  32  and to aid in ensuring slide assemblies  46  remain captured to rocking bed  10 .  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , rocking bed  10  also includes a motor  38  that may be connected to mattress frame  18  in such a manner that allows frame  18  to be in a constant rocking motion relative to bed  10 . Typically, motor  38  may be secured to a support frame  52  that is secured to base  40  and generally centered between side rails  16   a  and  16   b  and headboard  12  and footboard  14 . Although motor  38  is described in this particular embodiment of the present invention as being generally centered with respect to rocking bed  10 , it must be noted that motor  38  may be positioned in any location that will induce a rocking motion in frame  18  relative to the remainder of rocking bed  10 .  
         [0044]     Motor  38  may be any typical electric motor that is configured to freely rotate a shaft  54  or axle. A drive crank  56  having a crank pin  58  may be secured to shaft  54 . Crank pin  58  may be offset a distance along crank drive  56  from shaft  54  such that when shaft  54  is being rotated by motor  38 , crank pin  58  may be rotating a radial distance from shaft  54  to create a circular motion. Crank pin  58  may be secured to frame  18  by a drive linkage  60 . Frame  18  includes a pair of drive plates  62  that extend from the bottom of frame  18 . Drive plates  62  each include a hole  64  and are secured to frame  18  in such a manner that plates  62  are generally parallel to one another and each of holes  64  are aligned. Drive linkage  60  may be positioned such that it extends between motor  38  and plates  62 . Drive linkage  60  includes a first hole  66  that aligns with holes  64  in plates  62  and a second hole  68  that is sized to accept crank pin  58 . Holes  64  and  66  are sized to accept a pin  70  such that plates may be secured to linkage  60 , yet allows linkage  60  to rotate freely about plates  62 . Second hole  68  is sized to accept and secure crank pin  58  to linkage  60  and to allow crank pin  58  to rotate freely within second hole  68 . When motor  38  is energized and shaft  54  is allowed to rotate freely, shaft  54  rotates drive crank  56  in a manner that displaces crank pin  58 , drive linkage  60  and frame  18 , thereby creating a motion in frame  18  relative to variable motion rocking bed  10 .  
         [0045]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4  and  6 A, rocking bed  10  further includes a hand wheel  72  that is secured to an end of threaded rod  26  and positioned at one of the outer edges of headboard  12  such that it may be accessed easily by an individual. Hand wheel  72  may be rotated by any person. The rotating of hand wheel  72  also rotates rod  26  such that slide assemblies may be moved inward and outward about footboard  12  as described above. Also secured to rod  26  in the general vicinity of hand wheel  72  is a timing pulley  74  that rotates with rod  26  as hand wheel  72  is rotated by an individual.  FIG. 6A  illustrates the assembly of hand wheel  72  (shown with a crank for easier manipulation of hand wheel  72 ), timing pulley  74 , rod  26  and headboard  12 . Included on bed  10  near a bottom edge of headboard  12  is an outer pulley  76  that is secured to a pulley shaft  78  (see e.g.  FIG. 6B ). Pulley shaft  78  extends through and is allowed to rotate freely in a cylinder  80  positioned in a lower portion of headboard  12 . Secured to an opposite end of pulley shaft  78  is an inside pulley  82 . Outer pulley  76 , pulley shaft  78  and inside pulley  82  are secured in such a manner that as outer pulley is rotated, inside pulley  82  is rotated in the same manner and at the same time.  
         [0046]     Timing pulley  74  and outer pulley  76  are aligned in such a manner that a belt  75 , chain, or the like may be extended between timing pulley  74  and outer pulley  76  so that the rotation of timing pulley  74  induces movement in belt  75  that in turn rotates outer pulley  76 , pulley shaft  78 , and inside pulley  82 . A similar pulley system is included in footboard  14  and is illustrated in  FIG. 6B . A second inside pulley  84  is secured to a second pulley shaft  86  that extends through and is allowed to rotate freely in a cylinder  88  positioned in a lower portion of footboard  14 . Secured to an opposite end of pulley shaft  86  is a second outer pulley  90 . As described above, outer pulley  90 , pulley shaft  86  and inside pulley  84  are secured in such a manner that as outer pulley  90  is rotated, inside pulley  84  is rotated in the same manner and at the same time. Inside pulley  82  is aligned with inside pulley  84  in such a manner that a second belt  83 , chain, or the like may be extended between inside pulley  82  and inside pulley  84  so that the rotation of inside pulley  82  induces movement in belt  83  that in turn rotates inside pulley  84 , pulley shaft  86 , and outer pulley  90 .  
         [0047]     Secured to threaded rod  32  of footboard  14  is a second timing pulley  92 . Timing pulley  92  and outer pulley  90  are aligned in a manner that a third belt  94 , chain, or the like may be extended between outer pulley  90  and timing pulley  92  so that the rotation of outer pulley  90  induces movement in belt  94  that in turn rotates timing pulley  92  and threaded rod  32 . The rotation of rod  32  through threaded shafts  61  of slide assemblies  46  induces the movement in linkages  22   c  and  22   d  about the width of footboard  14 .  
         [0048]     As described above, slide assemblies  46  of linkages  22   a  - 22   d  may be positioned in a number of different positions along headboard  12  and footboard  14  to vary the displacement and the actual shape of the arc that frame  18  of rocking bed  10  will travel through. By rotating hand wheel  72  in a first direction, slide assemblies  46  may be positioned at the outer most edges of headboard  12  and foot board  14 . To aid the discussion of the motion of frame  18  with respect to headboard  12  and footboard  14 , each of the pivot points of linkages  22   a  - 22   d  are labeled A, B, C, and D as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  depending on whether one is standing at headboard  12  ( FIG. 2 ) or footboard  14  ( FIG. 3 ). Standing at footboard  14  looking at variable motion rocking bed  10 , slide assemblies  46  will be positioned to the outside of bearing blocks  42 . Pivot linkages  44  will form an outer angle between slide assemblies  46  and bearing blocks  42  as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . The distance between A and B will be greater than the distance between C and D. When motor  38  is energized, drive crank  56  will rotate drive linkage  60  about shaft  54 , thereby forcing plates  62  and frame  18  into motion. Frame  18  will rotate about pins  48  at bearing blocks  42 . Pivot linkages will rotate about pins  48  at bearing blocks  42  and pins  65  at slide linkages  46 . Frame  18  will be in a rocking motion relative to bed  10 . With slide assemblies  46  positioned in this manner, the leading edge of frame  18  will drop as the trailing edge of frame  18  rises. When the direction of the frame reverses, the new leading edge of frame  18  will drop as the new trailing edge of frame  18  rises. The path of a complete cycle as viewed from headboard  12  or footboard  14  will resemble that of a sad face. This type of rocking motion will most represent that of a boat rocking through the waves at sea.  
         [0049]     Hand wheel  72  may be rotated in a second direction such that the displacement of the rocking motion may be lessened and adjusted to suit the desires of the individual. Hand wheel may be rotated further in a second direction such that slide assemblies  46  position pivot linkages  44  in a completely vertical position when frame  18  is at rest or in a center position relative to headboard  12  and footboard  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . The distance between A and B will equal the distance between C and D. In this manner, when motor  38  is energized, drive crank  56  will rotate drive linkage  60  about shaft  54 , thereby forcing plates  62  and frame  18  into motion. Frame  18  will rotate about pins  48  at bearing blocks  42 . Pivot linkages will rotate about pins  48  at bearing blocks  42  and pins  65  at slide linkages  46 . Frame  18  will be in a rocking motion relative to rocking bed  10 . With slide assemblies  46  positioned in this manner, the leading and trailing edges of frame  18  will remain generally on the same plane and frame  18  will glide gently back and forth about rocking bed  10  in a generally flat manner. This type of rocking motion will most represent that of a glider swaying back and forth in a generally flat motion.  
         [0050]     By rotating hand wheel  72  still further in the second direction, slide assemblies  46  may be positioned such that they are close to the center line of bed  10  or to the inside of bearing blocks  42 . Pivot linkages  44  will form an inner angle between slide assemblies  46  and bearing blocks  42  when frame  18  is at rest or in a center position relative to headboard  12  and footboard  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 7C . The distance between A and B is less than the distance between C and D. When motor  38  is energized, drive crank  56  will rotate drive linkage  60  about shaft  54 , thereby forcing plates  62  and frame  18  into motion. Frame  18  will rotate about pins  48  at bearing blocks  42 . Pivot linkages will rotate about pins  48  at bearing blocks  42  and pins  65  at slide linkages  46 . Frame  18  will be in a rocking motion relative to bed  10 . With slide assemblies  46  positioned in this manner, the leading edge of frame  18  will rise as the trailing edge of frame  18  falls. When the direction of frame  18  reverses, the new leading edge of frame  18  will rise as the trailing edge of frame  18  falls. The path of a complete cycle as viewed from either headboard  12  or footboard  14  will resemble that of a smile. This type of rocking motion will most represent that of a hammock swinging from two fixed points.  
         [0051]     Footboard  14  may include a second hand wheel (not shown) to allow linkages  22   a  and  22   b  to be positioned separately and differently from linkages  22   c  and  22   d . In this particular embodiment of the present invention, second belt  83  may be removed from rocking bed  10 , thereby allowing linkages  22   a  and  22   b  to be independently adjusted with respect to linkages  22   c  and  22   d.    
         [0052]     Rather than a hand wheel, a second motor may be positioned and secured to rocking bed  10  and used to rotate rods  26  and  32 . Both motor  38  and the second motor may be wired or linked by radio frequency to a remote control. This will enable the individual to start or stop the rocking motion of frame  18  with respect to bed  10  and allow the individual to change the shape of the motion, by repositioning slide assemblies  46  without having to leave the comfort of his bed.  
         [0053]     Through the rotations of the rods and the belt and pulley system, an individual may position linkages  22   a  - 22   d  in such a manner that will allow the individual to change both the displacement as well as the shape of the rocking motion. The displacement of the rocking motion may also be varied by changing the radial distance between crank pin  58  and shaft  54  to provide the individual with even further adjustment choices. The individual will have the ability to modify rocking bed  10  and help him to quickly develop a personalized rocking motion that will provide him with all the benefits of a restful sleep that he may have lacked in the past from an ordinary bed. Also, a variable speed motor may be employed to allow for an adjustment of the speed of the rocking motion. The individual user may adjust the speed slower or faster depending on their wants and desires thereby providing the individual with still further adjustment features to maximize comfort.  
         [0054]     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8C , another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, belts  100  and  102  are used to slidably move and position linkage assemblies  122   a  and  122   b  about the width of headboard  112  of bed  110 . Belt  100  may be secured to linkage assembly  122   a  and belt  102  may be secured to linkage assembly  122   b . Centering block  130  may be positioned at the center of headboard  112  and includes an upper pulley  104  having multiple grooves for engaging belts  100  and  102 . Upper pulley  104  may be secured to centering block  130 , yet may be allowed to rotate freely about block  130 . Attached to base  140  is an anchor block  106  that includes a hole (not shown) which allows a rod  108  to pass through and rotate freely within block  106 . Attached to an end of rod  108  is a lower pulley  124  which includes a groove for engaging a belt  126  that extends from lower pulley  124  to upper pulley  104 . Positioned at each end of headboard  112  are end blocks  128  and  132 . End blocks  128  and  132  each include a pulley  134  and  136  that rotates freely about end blocks  128  and  132 . Belt  100  engages pulleys  134  and  104  and belt  102  engages pulleys  136  and  104 . An upper potion of belt  100  may be secured to linkage assembly  122   a  at point A and a lower portion of belt  102  may be secured to linkage assembly  122   b  at point B. Both a lower portion of belt  100  and an upper portion of belt  102  are allowed to pass freely through linkage assemblies  122   a  and  122   b  respectively. A footboard (not shown) is fashioned in the same manner with rod  106  connecting the lower pulley assemblies between headboard  112  and footboard.  
         [0055]     This pulley and belt assembly allows linkage assemblies  122   a  and  122   b  of headboard  112  and linkage assemblies (not shown) of footboard to be positioned in a manner that allows one to change the rocking motion of bed  110 . As rod  108  is rotated, lower pulley  124  rotates to move belt  126 , upper pulley  104 , belts  100  and  102  and linkage assemblies  122   a  and  122   b . The movement of the belts and pulleys allows the linkage assemblies to be positioned along the width of headboard  112  and the footboard in much the same manner as using the threaded rods and pulleys as described above. All of the different rocking motions illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be achieved by utilizing the belt and pulley system described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8C . Rocking bed  110  may include a hand wheel (not shown) that may be secured to any of pulleys  134  or  136  such that it may be accessed easily by an individual. The hand wheel may be rotated by any person. The rotating of the hand wheel moves the pulley and belt assembly such that slide assemblies may be moved inward and outward about headboard  112  and footboard as described above.  
         [0056]      FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, a rack and pinion system including bars (racks)  200  and  202  are used to slidably move and position linkage assemblies  222   a  and  222   b  about the width of headboard  212  of bed  210 . Bar (rack)  200  may be secured to linkage assembly  222   a  at pin  244  and bar (rack)  202  may be secured to linkage assembly  222   b  at pin  246 . Centering block  230  may be positioned at the center of headboard  212  and includes an upper pulley  204  having a groove and two pinions. The pinions engage bars (racks)  200  and  202 . Upper pulley  204  may be secured to centering block  230 , yet may be allowed to rotate freely about block  230 . An upper pin  238  and lower pin  242  are also included in block  230  and may be used capture bars (Racks)  200  and  202  to block  230  between pin  238  and pulley  204  and pin  242  and pulley  204 , respectively. While captured, bars (racks)  200  and  202  may pass freely between pin  238  and pulley  204  and pin  242  and pulley  204 , respectively. Attached to base  240  is an anchor block  206  that includes a hole (not shown) which allows a rod  208  to pass through and rotate freely within block  206 . Attached to an end of rod  208  is a lower pulley  224  which includes a groove for engaging a belt  226  that extends from lower pulley  224  to upper pulley  204 . Belt  226  engages the groove in upper pulley  204 . A footboard (not shown) is fashioned in the same manner with rod  208  connecting the lower pulley assemblies between headboard  212  and footboard.  
         [0057]     This pulley and rack and pinion assembly allows linkage assemblies  222   a  and  222   b  of headboard  212  and linkage assemblies (not shown) of the footboard to be positioned in a manner that allows one to change the rocking motion of bed  210 . As rod  208  is rotated, lower pulley  224  rotates to move belt  226 , upper pulley  204 , bars (racks)  200  and  202  and linkage assemblies  222   a  and  222   b . The movement of the bars (racks) and pulleys allows the linkage assemblies to be positioned along the width of headboard  212  and footboard in much the same manner as using the threaded rods and pulleys as described above. All of the different rocking motions illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be achieved by utilizing the bar and pulley system described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9C . Rocking bed  210  may include a hand wheel (not shown) that may be secured to any of pulley  204  such that it may be accessed easily by an individual. The hand wheel may be rotated by any person. The rotating of the hand wheel moves the pulley and rack and pinion assembly such that slide assemblies may be moved inward and outward about headboard  212  and footboard as described above.  
         [0058]     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10B , still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, headboard  312  of bed  310  is shown with linkage assembly  322   a  and linkage assembly  322   b  each including a hole  300  and  302 , respectively, for accepting pins  304  and  306  that are secured to headboard  312 . Linkage assemblies  322   a  and  322   b  further include inner plates  308  and  314 , respectively. Inner plates  308  and  314  are fashioned to align with holes  300  and  302  and to engage pins  304  and  306 . Pins  304  and  306  are located on headboard  312  such that linkage assemblies  322   a  and  322   b  may be positioned and secured to headboard  312  through holes  300  and  302 , respectively. Positioning linkage assemblies  322   a  and  322   b  at different locations about headboard  312  allows the rocking motion of bed  310  to be changed. This particular embodiment of the present invention allows one to manually change the location of the linkage assemblies by lifting the linkage assembly off a pin, sliding the assembly about the width of headboard  312  until the new pin is aligned with the hole in the linkage assembly. A footboard (not shown) is fashioned in the same manner such that each of the two linkage assemblies (not shown) of the footboard may be positioned in this manner. All of the different rocking motions illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be achieved by utilizing the hole and pin system described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-10B .  
         [0059]     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11B , yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, headboard  412  of bed  410  is shown with linkage assembly  422   a  and linkage assembly  422   b  each including a threaded pin  400  and  402  and a large circular knurled nut  404  and  406 , respectively. Large circular knurled nuts  404  and  406  allow linkage assemblies  422   a  and  422   b  to be easily moved about the width of headboard  412  such that linkage assemblies  422   a  and  422   b  may be positioned at any point along the width of headboard  412 . Once positioned, nuts  404  and  406  may be tightened about threaded pins  400  and  402 . As threaded pins  400  and  402  are tightened, the plates of linkage assemblies  422   a  and  422   b  are drawn in against headboard  412 . This causes the plates of the linkage assemblies to be laded against headboard  412 , in much the same manner as disc brakes on an automobile, and prevents further movement of the linkage assemblies about the width of headboard  412 . Markings may be added to headboard  412  and the footboard to identify positions to locate the linkage assemblies for desired rocking locations.  
         [0060]     This particular embodiment of the present invention allows one to manually change the location of the linkage assemblies by sliding the assembly about the width of headboard  412  on nuts  404  and  406  until the desired position of the linkage assembly is achieved. The footboard (not shown) is fashioned in the same manner such that each of the two linkage assemblies (not shown) of the footboard may be positioned in this manner. All of the different rocking motions illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be achieved by utilizing the pulley system described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-11C .  
         [0061]     The present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiment, which is merely illustrative of the best modes presently known for carrying out the invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiment of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. This description of the invention should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combination of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing embodiment is illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.