Abstract:
A retractable bed is disclosed which can be raised and lowered in a vertical fashion. The retractable bed includes a frame for holding a mattress; and a counterbalance system to raise and lower the bed through vertical displacement. When the bed is in the lowered configuration it will come into contact with the floor thereby permitting a person to sleep on the bed. When the bed is in the raised configuration it will be near the ceiling thereby permitting a person to pass under the bed. The counterbalance system provides a convenient way to take the bed down and to put it away.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/543,306, filed on Jan. 26, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/351,515, filed on Jan. 27, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,791, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     INVENTIVE FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to furniture structures and, more particularly, to a mechanically retractable furniture unit. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The trend of so-called urban flight has reversed itself in the last twenty years, with individuals and families moving back into urban areas from the suburbs and beyond. Most major cities have enjoyed something of a renaissance as long-neglected downtown districts have been revitalized and commercialized. In short, the American city is being celebrated with great vigor by those who only a few decades ago were fleeing it in droves. Washington, D.C., for example, has seen its “old downtown” area redeveloped and its population has spiked over the last decade. New York City, the jurisdiction some considered “ungovernable” only twenty years ago, has enjoyed a spectacular resurgence as the financial and cultural capital of urban America. 
         [0004]    The back-to-the-city trend has been facilitated by redevelopment to accommodate new residents--some individuals, some couples, and some families. In some cases, former commercial districts have been mixed with residential construction. In some cases, manufacturing or similar commercial structures have been converted into trendy apartments, condominiums, or co-opts. That being said, space is still a premium in urban environments and many residents find it a challenge to comfortably furnish their dwellings with the space available. This issue can be critical in small apartments, such as studio apartments. 
         [0005]    A variety of design trends and systems have been developed as a result of the space issue in urban residential dwellings. For example, lofts which provide an elevated area for a bed or couch are found in some apartments. Futons function as a (typically uncomfortable) bed when folded out and as a (typically unglamorous) couch when folded up. Convertible sofas provide improved functionality and aesthetics by also providing a bed in one configuration and a sofa in another. The prior art has also produced beds which fold up into the wall. 
         [0006]    Each of these prior art approaches to the space problem has its drawbacks. Typical lofts obviously require special construction. This can entail significant cost. Also, many average sized rooms are simply not big enough to accommodate a loft. 
         [0007]    Futons provide limited functionality and comfort as a bed. As the typical person who has spent more than a few weeks sleeping on a futon can attest, sleeping on a futon is simply not the same experience as sleeping on a standard construction full-size bed. 
         [0008]    Beds that fold up or pivot into the wall are an improvement, but a fair amount of horizontal space is sacrificed. The two or three feet that must be given up may be significant, even intolerable, in apartments have rooms with tight dimensions. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,989 to Garcia discloses a retractable bed that folds up into a false ceiling. The Garcia approach requires a complex folding structure with at least two pivot points that requires the use of a non-standard bed. Also, because the Garcia system requires rotation about two axes to open the bed, it is not readily amenable to an automated mechanism for opening and closing this complex structure. 
         [0010]    Other drawbacks and disadvantages exist in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    According to one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a retractable bed that can be automatically raised and lowered in a vertical fashion. The retractable bed includes a frame for holding a mattress; and mechanism for raising and lowering the bed through vertical displacement, such as one or more motors. When the bed is in the lowered configuration it will come into contact with the floor thereby permitting a person to sleep on the bed. When the bed is in the raised configuration it will be near the ceiling thereby permitting a person to pass under the bed. The mechanism for raising and lowering the bed, such as one or more motors, provides an automated and convenient way to take the bed down and to put it away. 
         [0012]    According to one further aspect of the invention, the retractable bed uses a motor that is fixably situated away from the bed. In this embodiment, the motor is controlled to move the bed up and down while the motor remains stationary. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the invention, the retractable bed uses a motor, preferably two motors, that are integrated with or coupled to the bed/frame. In this embodiment, the motor(s) is controlled to move the bed up and down, the motor(s) moving with the bed. 
         [0014]    In another disclosed embodiment, a retractable bed includes a bed including a frame adapted to accommodate a mattress and legs, support lines secured at one end to the frame at the four support points, a first block assembly disposed away from the frame and a second block assembly disposed above the frame, the second block assembly guiding the support lines from above the frame to the first block assembly, and a counterweight system neutrally weighted to the weight supported at a distal end by the support lines. The counterweight is disposed separately from the bed and moves the bed through vertical displacement. The counterweight system includes a drive cable mechanically driven by a crank, an adjustable weight connected to the support lines through the first block assembly and connected to the drive cable, and vertical rails confining the weight to translate along the vertical rails when the drive cable is driven by the crank. 
         [0015]    Other embodiments, variations, and enhancements are disclosed. 
         [0016]    The advantages of the present invention are numerous. The invention greatly mitigates the space problem in dwellings with small rooms, allowing the resident to take full advantage of the available area of the room during the day. The invention does not require complex, non-standard structures. In fact, standard frames/mattresses can accommodate the invention. The solution provided by the invention is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye. 
         [0017]    Accordingly, it is one object of the invention to address the space problem presented by dwellings with small rooms. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the invention to provide a bed that can be automatically taken out when it is needed and put away when it is not needed. 
         [0019]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a retractable bed that readily accommodates standard frames and bed sizes. 
         [0020]    These and other objects of the invention are addressed by the written description and figures contained herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    To facilitate a fuller understanding of the disclosed embodiments, reference is now made to the accompanying figures. These figures should not be construed as limiting, but are intended to be exemplary only. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a retractable bed system in the lowered configuration according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a retractable bed system in the raised configuration according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a retractable bed system in the raised configuration with the legs removed according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of blocks and support lines which can be employed according to an embodiment of the retractable bed system; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system employing a raising/lowering device(s) that moves with the bed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a diagram providing a sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a diagram providing a top view and front view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a diagram providing a front view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a diagram providing a sectional front view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a retractable bed configuration; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a retractable bed configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a retractable bed configuration; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of an embodiment of a retractable bed configuration; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating of an embodiment of a counterbalance system including a crank; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a crank with an undeployed handle; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a crank with a deployed handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a retractable bed system  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. Retractable bed system  100  includes frame  110 ; support lines  120 ; first blocks  130 ; double block  132 ; raising/lowering mechanism  140 ; remote control unit  145 ; second blocks  150 ; eye hooks  155 ; internal blocking  160 ; flange  162 ; and legs or support blocks  165 . 
         [0039]    Generally, the operation of retractable bed system is as follows. Raising/lowering mechanism  140  is operated or controlled using remote control unit  145  in order to raise or lower frame  110 . A block structure comprising first blocks  130 , double block  132 , second blocks  150 , and support lines  120  is used to transfer the load of the frame (and related structure) to raising/lowering mechanism  140 . Accordingly, when raising/lowering mechanism  140  is operated to raise the bed the support lines  120  are drawn in or pulled in order to raise frame  110  from the floor to a position adjacent to the ceiling (not shown). When raising/lowering mechanism  140  is operated to lower the bed the support lines  120  are extended or paid out in order to lower frame  110  from a position adjacent to the ceiling down to the floor. In either instance, the frame  110  is vertically displaced up or down to place the bed in the desired position. 
         [0040]    Raising/lowering mechanism  140  preferably comprises a electric motor that pays out or takes in support lines  120 . According to one embodiment, raising/lowering mechanism  140  is a step-type motor that precisely controls movement of frame  110 , although most compact commercial grade motors will suffice. According to one embodiment, raising/lowering mechanism  140  is an electric hoist manufactured by Central Machinery (Item # 44006 listed as 12SB). 
         [0041]    Raising/lowering mechanism  140  is fixably attached separate from the bed, such as to the floor or a wall. Raising/lowering mechanism  140  will be stationary as the frame  110  is being raised/lowered. 
         [0042]    Remote control unit  145  comprises a device for remotely controlling raising/lowering mechanism  140 . Remote control unit  145  may be connected to raising/lowering mechanism  140  by a cord or line, although preferably it is not physically attached. Thus, preferably remote control unit communicates with raising/lowering mechanism  145  through radio signals, infrared signals, or acoustic signals that obviate the need for a physical connection. Remote control unit  145  could also be a conventional electrical switch, such as one mounted on the wall. 
         [0043]    Support lines  120  support the load of frame  110  and associated components. Support lines  120  can be any wire, cable, tether or the like with sufficient strength and reliability to support the load. According to one embodiment, support lines  120  are nautical structure lines, for example, nautical nylon line by West Marine (⅝; inch diameter) or aircraft wire (⅛inch diameter). 
         [0044]    Frame  110  is the structural component of the bed. According to one embodiment, frame  110  is a standard-type bed frame (e.g., twin, king, queen, or other standard size) that has been adapted for the various embodiments. According to another embodiment, frame  110  is specially designed for the various embodiments. For example, frame  110  may be built using light material, such as a light wood, aluminum, plastic or other synthetic, in order to reduce the load on the system. According to one approach, frame  110  is custom built from plywood and pine wood. According to another approach, frame  110  is built using light weight metal plates and metal wire structure covered in polyurethane foam mold. According to this latter approach, the frame may be built in two sections that allow for easy transportation and then assembly on-site using a simple lock system. The frame would be bolted at the width (rather than the length) so that the motors are not affected (see  FIG. 5  embodiment). 
         [0045]    First blocks  130  and second blocks  150  comprise blocks for transferring the load between raising/lowering mechanism  140  and frame  110 . Preferably, first blocks  130  are double blocks mounted on eye hooks (attached to the ceiling), while second blocks  150  are single blocks mounted on eye hooks (attached to the ceiling). According to one approach, first blocks  130  and second blocks  150  are West Marine nautical blocks at ⅝″ diameter. Note that the term “blocks” comprises pulleys as commonly understood. 
         [0046]    Double block  132  transfers the load from the single line emanating from raising/lowering mechanism  140  to a pair of lines routed to frame  110 . According to one approach, double block  132  is a West Marine nautical block at ⅝″ diameter. 
         [0047]    Eye hooks  155  are standard eye hooks which in this application are used to couple blocks to the ceiling or wall, or to couple lines to the bed frame. Other suitable mechanisms for connecting blocks or the lines could be employed. 
         [0048]    It should be understood by the skilled artisan that alternative configurations of the block arrangement are readily accommodated, and do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. For example, multiple lines could emanate from raising/lowering mechanism  140 , rather than a single line. 
         [0049]    Internal blocking  160  and flange  162  provide structure within the frame  110  for coupling the lines to the frame and for coupling legs or support blocks  165  to the frame. Preferably, internal blocking  160  is constructed of wood, although other materials, such as metal, plastic, or other synthetics could be used. 
         [0050]    Legs or support blocks  165  provide the interface between the frame  110  and the floor (not shown). Preferably, legs or support blocks  165  are legs as commonly understood, although rectangular support blocks providing similar functionality and a modern aesthetic could be employed. Legs or support blocks  165  can be removable. For example, they may be threaded so that they can be inserted and removed by screwing/unscrewing. Other mechanisms for permitting easy insertion/removal of legs or support blocks  165 , while reliably holding them while in place, can be employed, such as fixed mechanical legs that are in threaded sockets that lock into place in the open and closed positions. Ideally, the four legs for the bed would be mechanical and would go up and down (open and close) with the motor. 
         [0051]    Legs or support blocks  165  can also be extendable/retractable. For example, there may be one or more motors, such as one motor for each leg, for causing the legs/support blocks  165  to extend (for when the bed is to be in the lowered configuration) and for causing legs/support blocks  165  to retract (for when the bed is in the raised configuration). According to one aspect, remote control device  145  can be used to control the extension/retraction of legs/support blocks  165 . According to another aspect, legs/support blocks can be automatically caused to extend/retract when the frame  110  is being lowered/raised. For example, remote control device  145  may automatically cause the legs/support blocks  165  to retract when the user initiates raising, and to extend when the user initiates lowering. This would prevent inadvertent damage to the frame/floor in certain scenarios. 
         [0052]    Whether the legs/support blocks  165  are removable or retractable, a covering for an exposed orifice when the legs are removed/retracted may be provided. For example, covers of the appropriate geometry could be inserted over the holes. These covers could be manually inserted by the user or they could be automatically inserted (e.g., slid over the hole under the control of a small motor). 
         [0053]    According to another aspect, mechanism for raising and lowering  140  may be adapted to allow a maximum amount of displacement so as to avoid damage to the ceiling or the floor. For example, such mechanism may comprise a motor  140  that is programmable, or which otherwise can be set, so that the frame  110  is not raised beyond the point where it should be raised (thereby avoiding damage to the ceiling), and/or so that the frame is not lowered beyond the point where it should be lowered (thereby avoiding support lines  120  sagging and/or the frame  110  not fully resting on the floor). 
         [0054]    To accommodate the aforementioned, the retractable bed may include at least one sensor for determining when the bed is in the lowered configuration. There may be at least one sensor for determining when the bed is in the raised configuration. Such sensors may be mechanical devices or optical devices (laser sensors, well understood in the art) or electrical devices (e.g., switches) for measuring displacement of the unit. Additionally, the unit may also include an output device for outputting a visual or acoustic indicia that the bed is in the lowered configuration. The unit may include an output device for outputting a visual or acoustic indicia that the bed is in the raised configuration. The aforementioned output devices may provide an output (visual indicia or acoustic “beep”) to indicate that the bed has arrived at the raised/lowered configuration, and/or provide an output (e. g., an emphasized visual indicia or a louder beep) to indicate when raising/lowering mechanism  140  is attempting to raise/lower the frame  110  beyond the point at which it should be raised/lowered. 
         [0055]    According to yet another aspect, one or more light fixtures may be attached for use when the unit is in the raised configuration. For example, such a light fixture can be inserted into the orifice exposed when a leg/support block  165  is removed. Alternatively, a light fixture may simply be removably attached (e. g., through a clamp) to the frame when the bed is in the raised position. Or the light fixture may be permanently attached to or integrated into the bottom of the frame. 
         [0056]    It should be understood that the variations and enhancements discussed above regarding legs/support blocks  165  (e. g., removable or retractable), control over displacement, sensors regarding displacement, output devices regarding displacement, and integration of light fixtures, can be employed for the various embodiments of the retractable bed discussed herein. In particular, such enhancements and variations can be readily employed in connection with the alternative configuration discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 5-9 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of the retractable bed system  100  in the raised position. Legs  165  are not removed or retracted in this illustration. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of retractable bed system  100  in the raised configuration with the legs  165  removed or retracted. The reader should comprehend from this illustration that the result harmonizes beautifully with a modern design aesthetic. 
         [0059]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a portion of the block assembly including double blocks  130  mounted to the ceiling (e.g. using eye hooks). 
         [0060]      FIG. 5  provides an alternative embodiment of a retractable bed system  500  using raising and lowering mechanism that are integrated into, and which move with, the frame. According to this embodiment, retractable bed system  500  includes frame  510 ; at least one raising/lowering mechanism  550 ; support lines  520 ; internal blocks  555 ; power line  560 ; eye hooks  530 ; self-winding power cord  540 ; remote control unit  545 ; plug  547 ; and outlet  549 . 
         [0061]    The general operation of retractable bed system  500  is as follows. Raising/lowering mechanism  550 , under the control of remote control device  545 , takes in or extends support lines  520  in order to raise or lower frame  110 . Raising/lowering mechanism  550  is attached to and integrated with frame  510  such that it moves with frame  110  as it is raised/lowered. The load associated with frame  110  and associate structure is maintained using support lines  520  routed to raising/lowering mechanism  550  using a block structure comprising blocks  555  which are integrated with, and which therefore move with, frame  110  as it is raised/lowered. Power is fed to raising/lowering mechanism  550  using power line  560 . Power line  560  may be paid out/retracted using a self-winding power cord  540  device. 
         [0062]    Frame  510 , like frame  110  of  FIG. 1 , may be a conventional frame that is adapted for the various embodiments. Preferably, however, frame  510  has an internal cavity designed to accommodate the internally integrated raising/lowering mechanism  550 , blocks  555 , and power line  560 , of this embodiment. Frame  510  may have oval -shaped ends that readily accommodate the internally-integrated components and which provide an attractive design feature. Frame  510  may be a custom built frame designed to be light weight and to support a specific manufactured mattress. 
         [0063]    Raising/lowering mechanism  550  may comprise electric motors. Preferably, raising/lowering mechanism  550  comprises two motors, one for each end of the frame  510 , which are synchronized to ensure the frame  510  is raised or lowered uniformly. According to another approach, a single motor  550  could be employed with a drive shaft (not shown) that would extend the length of the frame. This would ensure synchronized raising/lowering of the ends of the bed and would be cost effective and light weight. 
         [0064]    Blocks  555  may comprise single blocks as discussed above for the single blocks of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0065]    Support lines  520  may comprise any of the lines discussed above for  FIG. 1 . Preferably, support lines  520  comprise high strength nautical lines constructed of metal. 
         [0066]    Eye hooks  530  may comprise the eye hooks or similar mechanism for coupling support lines to the ceiling as discussed for  FIG. 1 . 
         [0067]    Self-winding power cord  540  pays out and takes in the power line  560  as the bed is being lowered or raised. According to another approach, the power could be tied into (integrated with) lines  520  so that the power cord  540  functionality would be integrated into the frame  510  rather than being outside of it. 
         [0068]    Plug  547  provides power to the system by connection to electrical outlet  549 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  is a diagram providing a sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system.  FIG. 6  includes raising/lowering mechanism  550 , which may comprise an electric winch; power line  560  (which may be fed to raising/lowering mechanism  550  through an orifice in frame  510 ); support lines  520 ; and flush mated blocks  610  for routing the support lines  520  to blocks  555 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 7  is a diagram providing a top view and front view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system, including rectangular frame  700  and legs  710 . Legs  710  may be removable or retractable (or even fixably attached) , as discussed above regarding  FIG. 1 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 8  is a diagram providing a front view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system, including bed (mattress)  800 ; a frame  810  comprising side supports  840  and bottom support  830 ; and legs  820 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  is a diagram providing a sectional front view of the alternative embodiment of the retractable bed system, including some of the aforementioned components. 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a retractable bed configuration. The retractable bed system  1000  includes a frame  1010 , legs  1065 , support lines  1020 , first blocks  1030 , second blocks  1050 , and a counterbalance system  1040 . Optionally, the frame  1010  is primarily comprised of sustainable materials such as certified sustainable wood, bamboo or recycled plastic or metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the counterbalance system  1040  includes a weight  1039 , a base  1038 , a top plate  1036 , rails  1037 , a first pulley  1031 , a second pulley  1033 , a drive cable  1035  and a crank  1036 . In the illustrated embodiment, the crank  1036  is a turn-crank wheel. The crank  1036  is configured to drive the drive cable  1035  in a controlled fashion clockwise or counterclockwise about the first and second pulleys  1031 ,  1033 . In one embodiment, the pulleys  1031 ,  1033  are sprockets or gears with teeth that engage and drive the drive cable  1035 , which in one embodiment, is a chain loop with holes engaging the teeth on the sprockets. In another embodiment, the drive cable is durable rubber or plastic that is moved about the pulleys  1031 ,  1033  through friction with little to no slippage. In the illustrated embodiment, the rails  1037  are fixedly secured to the base  1038  and the top plate  1036 . In another embodiment, the rails  1037  are instead secured directly into the floor, the ceiling or both. The support lines  1020  are attached to the weight  1039  and the weight is configured to slide along the rails  1037 . The controlled, guided counterbalance weight  1039  is also attached to the drive cable  1035 . 
         [0074]    In operation, the counterbalance system  1040  is operated to raise or lower the frame  1010 . The block structure including the first blocks  1030 , second blocks  1050  and the support lines  1020  are used to transfer the load of the frame and other structural elements to the counterbalance system  1040 . Accordingly, when the counterbalance system  1040  is operated to raise the bed, the support lines  1020  are drawn or pulled in to raise the frame  1010  from the floor to a position adjacent to the ceiling. When the counterbalance system  1040  is operated to lower the bed, for example, by turning the crank  1036  to drive the drive cable  1035 , the support lines  1020  are extended or paid out to lower the frame  1010  from a position adjacent to the ceiling down to the floor. In either instance, the frame  1010  is vertically displaced up or down to place the bed in the desired position. In one embodiment, when the turn crank wheel  1036  is rotated clockwise, it raises the counterbalance weight  1039  up towards the ceiling, thereby lowering the bed. When the turn crank wheel is rotated counter-clockwise, it lowers the counter balance weight towards the floor, thereby raising the bed. In an alternate embodiment, the crank  1036  is turned clockwise to raise the bed and vice-versa. By providing a counterbalance system in which the weight neutrally or close-to-neutrally balances the bed frame and other structural elements attached to the lines, the embodiment incorporating the counterbalance system advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for a powered motor for raising or lowering the bed. Additionally, safety is also improved, as there is no or less need for a motor inside the bed and a failure of the counterbalance system located away from the bed is less likely to cause injury to those using the bed while it is resting on the floor. 
         [0075]      FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a retractable bed configuration. The retractable bed system  1100  includes a frame  1110 , legs  1165 , support lines  1120 , first blocks  1130 , second blocks  1150  (only one pair of which is viewable), and a counterbalance system  1140 . The counterbalance system  1140  includes a weight  1139 , a base  1138 , a top plate  1136 , rails  1137 , a first pulley  1131 , a second pulley  1133 , a drive cable  1135  and a crank  1136 . The support lines  1120  are attached to the weight  1139  and the weight is configured to slide along the rails  1137 . The weight  1139  is also attached to the drive cable  1135 . In the illustrated embodiment, struts  1134  run parallel to the length of the drive cable  1135  and are connected to the top plate  1136  and base  1138 . The weight includes a standard section  1139   a  connected to the support lines  1120  and an auxiliary section  1139   b  secured to the standard section  1139   a.  In one embodiment, the auxiliary section  1139   b  is reversibly secured to the standard section  1139   a  and also allows for affixation of additional auxiliary sections as required to balance the weight of the frame  1110 , a mattress and other structures on the other side of the support lines  1120  as the weight  1139 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a retractable bed configuration. The retractable bed system  1200  includes a frame  1210 , legs  1265 , support lines  1220 , first blocks  1230 , second blocks  1250  (only one pair of which is viewable), and a counterbalance system  1240 . The counterbalance system  1240  includes a weight  1239 , a base  1238 , a top plate  1236 , rails  1237 , and a crank  1236 . The support lines  1220  are attached to the weight  1239  and the weight is configured to slide along the rails  1237 . The weight  1239  is also attached to the drive cable disposed between struts  1234 . In the illustrated embodiment, the counterbalance system  1240  is disposed away from the frame  1210  behind a wall  1299 . The wall optionally includes a cutout  1297  or viewing window allowing viewing of the counterbalance system  1240 , which cutout  1297  may optionally include a transparent or translucent viewing window such as glass or plastic. The wall  1299  or viewing window may include a cutout for accommodating the crank  1236 , or the crank may be mounted outside of the wall  1299  or cutout or viewing window  1297 . In one embodiment, lights  1290  disposed in or under the frame  1210  are powered through an electrical feed or power line as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 6 . In another embodiment, the frame  1210  houses a battery  1292  for powering the lights  1290 . Optionally, the battery may be charged by way of an electrical connection  1291 ,  1293  made when the bed is raised to or near the ceiling. Optionally, an assist motor  1295  is provided to assist in the raising or lowering of the weight  1239  to move the bed. Optionally, the assist motor  1295  is activated only when the crank  1236  is being turned and provides help in addition to the manual operation of the crank  1236  to raise or lower the bed. Alternatively, the assist motor  1295  acts on the drive cable with sufficient power to raise or lower the bed on its own. Optionally, the assist motor is operated through the use of a remote control. Although the assist motor is shown to drive the first pulley  1231 , it is understood that the assist motor can drive the second pulley or the crank itself. Additionally, an assist motor can act on the support lines  1220  themselves. In an alternative embodiment, multiple assist motors are provided. 
         [0077]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of an embodiment of a retractable bed configuration. The retractable bed system  1300  includes a frame  1310 , legs  1365 , support lines  1320 , first blocks  1330 , second blocks  1350 , and a counterbalance system  1340 . In the illustrated embodiment, the counterbalance system  1340 , positioned flush with the surface of a wall  1399 , includes a crank  1336  for manually raising and lowering the bed. In one embodiment, the legs  1365  are hingedly disposed on the bottom of the frame  1310  and deploy from a stowed position  1365   a  to an open position  1365   b.  Optionally, the legs  1365  are flush with the bottom of the frame  1310  in the stowed position  1365   a.  The hinging of the legs  1365  may be affected through the use of spring loaded or geared hinge. Optionally, the legs  1365  are secured in the stowed position  1365   a  through the use of a latch or lock  1367 . The leg latches  1367  optionally are triggered to open when the frame  1310  is moved downward away from the ceiling. 
         [0078]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating of an embodiment of a counterbalance system including a crank. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight  1439  including sections  1439   a,    1439   b  are each secured to the drive cable  1435  at attachment points  1471 . In another embodiment, only the standard section  1439   a  is attached to the drive cable  1435 . In such an embodiment, the auxiliary section  1439   b  (of which there can be multiple ones thereof) is secured to the standard section  1439   a  so that actuating the crank  1436  translates the standard section  1439   a  along the rails  1437  by moving the cable  1435 . In the illustrated embodiment, at the floor, there is a remote- or switch-controlled electric assist motor  1495  with a sprocket tied to the chain loop to lower and raise the weight, and thereby the bed. In an alternative embodiment, the motor  1495  directly turns the axle of the first pulley  1431  or sprocket. The motor  1495  may optionally be housed inside the base  1438 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a crank with an undeployed handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the manually operated turn crank wheel  1536  includes a folding handle  1581  that, when pulled out, allows a user to rotate a pulley or sprocket  1583  connected to the crank  1536  behind the crank  1536  to move the drive cable clockwise or counterclockwise. The crank  1536  may optionally include a hub and spokes  1585  to allow the crank  1536  to engage the sprocket  1583  or pulley or gear that engages the drive cable  1535 .  FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a crank with a deployed handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the deployed handle  1681  is rotated outwardly. Optionally, the handle  1681  locks reversibly or releasably in this position to allow for easier rotation of the crank. Rotating the crank drives the drive cable  1635  by turning the hub and spokes  1685  connected to the sprocket or gear  1683 . 
         [0080]    In one embodiment, the counterbalance system is calibrated through the use of the weights to neutrally balance the frame and structures on the opposite end of the support lines. Additionally or in the alternative, the frictional resistance of the pulleys connected to the drive cable may be increased or decreased. In another embodiment, gearing is used to change the effort required to raise or lower the bed using the crank. As described above, one or more assist motors are provided to act on the drive cable or the support lines themselves. 
         [0081]    In another embodiment, one or more sensors are provided for determining when the bed is in the raised or lowered configuration. As described above, the sensors may be mechanical devices or optical devices (laser sensors, well understood in the art) or electrical devices (e.g., switches) for measuring displacement of the unit or frame. Additionally, the sensor may also include an output device for outputting a visual or acoustic indicia that the bed is in the raised or lowered configuration. 
         [0082]    Embodiments of systems and methods for have been described. In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, by one skilled in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Additionally, in the foregoing detailed description, the various embodiments have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. The specific embodiments are intended to exemplary only and, accordingly, the present specification and figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.