Abstract:
A bed lifting system is provided for lifting a bed above a surface. The system comprises a frame adapted for supporting the bed. The frame is arranged for interacting with a lifting mechanism capable of elevating the frame. A base that is adapted for inter-engaging with the frame whereby the base can support the frame over the surface independently of the lifting mechanism.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the United States national phase of International Application No. PCT/AU2008/001165 filed Aug. 12, 2008, which claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2007904344 filed Aug. 13, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/012,805 filed Dec. 11, 2007, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     A bed lifting system is disclosed that finds particular though not exclusive application in commercial and domestic contexts. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, when a bed is made, the user must bend over because the bed height is usually much lower than the waist height of most persons. This can cause undue strain to the user, in particular commercial users, who must make many beds for long periods of time. In addition, beds that abut one or more walls, or other surfaces such as a bed head, can create an even more cumbersome situation for the user and increase the risk of injury or strain on the user&#39;s back. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect there is provided a bed lifting system for lifting a bed above a surface comprising: 
     a frame having at least one outwardly extending arm arranged to extend from or retract into the frame to vary the width of the frame, the frame arranged for interacting with a lifting mechanism capable for elevating the frame to support a bed; and 
     a base that is adapted for inter-engaging with the frame whereby the base can support the frame over the surface independently of the lifting mechanism. 
     In a second aspect there is provided a bed lifting system for lifting a bed above a surface comprising a frame adapted for supporting the bed and for engaging abase of the bed, the frame having at least one outwardly extending arm arranged to extend from or retract into the frame to vary the width of the frame, the frame arranged for interacting with a lifting mechanism that is capable of lifting the frame between: 
     an extended position in which the frame can support the bed over the surface independently of the base; and 
     a collapsed/retracted position in which the base can support the bed over the surface independently of the lifting mechanism. 
     In both the first and second aspects the configuration of the base is such as to support the bed in a usual manner, but the configuration also allows actuation of the lifting mechanism to raise the bed for bed-making, cleaning etc. The base can also be configured to assume the form of a mattress box base or separate frame, and yet can still interact with and be lifted by the lifting mechanism. Thus, traditional appearances and aesthetics can be maintained. 
     In the second aspect, the frame can also be adapted for retrofitting to an existing base (eg. a known mattress box base or a known separate frame). To enable such retro-fitting the box base or frame may require in-situ modification. 
     Typically in the first aspect the base is lifted by the lifting mechanism together with the frame. Typically in the second aspect the frame is lifted by the lifting mechanism, with the base remaining at the surface during such lifting. 
     In one form of the bed lifting system, the base comprises opposing elongate side members for positioning at opposing respective sides of the frame, each side member being adapted for resting on the surface. Such side members can define a separate frame-type of base. In the first aspect the side members can, in addition to being liftable by the lifting mechanism, in a collapsed/retracted configuration of the lifting mechanism, support the bed on a floor/surface to provide a stable base for the bed mattress and frame. In the second aspect the side members may, in the collapsed/retracted configuration of the lifting mechanism, support the bed on a floor/surface independently of the frame to provide a stable base for the bed mattress and frame, although usually they cooperate with the frame to support the bed. 
     In this one form of the system, the base may further comprise a plurality of detachable supports adapted for being attached to either or both ends, and/or to a mid-region, of the frame, with each support also being adapted for resting on the surface. The detachable supports can be employed as necessary for wide beds (such as king and super-king beds) to provide end and mid-region support to the bed mattress and frame. However, if not needed, the supports can simply be detached and removed. 
     In an alternative variation of this form, the detachable supports can be engaged to a lower portion of the frame, and can extend upwardly from the surface to support an upper portion of the frame in use (ie. in a collapsed/retracted configuration of the lifting mechanism). In this alternative variation the supports may optionally extend upwardly from the surface to support an underside of the bed in use. 
     In the first aspect, each elongate side member can be adapted for resting on the surface in use through a plurality of spaced legs which extend downwardly to the surface. The spaced legs function to transmit the load of bed mattress and frame, as well as any user(s) and bedding etc, to discrete points, and yet can still allow for under-bed access for cleaning, or to access the lifting mechanism etc. 
     In the second aspect, each elongate side member can rest on the surface in use. In one embodiment of this arrangement each side member may comprise a plurality of spaced posts which can extend upwardly to engage and support the frame (and/or the bed underside) in the collapsed/retracted configuration of the lifting mechanism. Again, the posts transmit the load of the bed mattress, frame, users, bedding etc to a side member which can then evenly distribute such load throughout its length. This distribution can help to minimise wear and tear on the surface, particularly to carpet or a polished timber surface. 
     This embodiment of the second aspect can also make use of the detachable supports, which may be used in a “normal” mode whereby they are detachably connected to an upper frame portion to extend downwardly, or in an “inverted” mode whereby they are detachably connected to an lower frame portion to extend upwardly. 
     In an alternative form of both the first and second aspects, the base can comprise opposing elongate side panels for positioning at opposite respective sides of the frame, each side panel being arranged for resting on the surface. Such side panels can define part of a box-type base which, in addition to being liftable by the lifting mechanism can, in a collapsed/retracted configuration of the lifting mechanism, support the bed on a floor/surface to provide a stable base for the bed mattress and frame. The side panels can also lend a traditional appearance to the base and thus can replace an existing box base. 
     In this alternative form, the base may further comprise opposing end panels for positioning at opposite respective frame ends, each end panel being arranged for resting on the surface and adapted for interacting with the side panels to enclose the frame. The end panels can thus complete a box-type base. Such a base can also enclose the space beneath the bed to hide the lifting mechanism and to keep out dust etc. However, actuation of the lifting mechanism can still allow for under-bed access for cleaning, and to access the lifting mechanism etc. 
     In a further form, the frame can comprise outwardly extending arms at opposing frame ends. Then, opposing ends of the side members or panels can be adapted for engaging remote ends of such arms. The arms can be length adjustable (eg. they may telescopically slide into and out of the frame), whereby a single frame type can be deployed for and can adapt to different bed sizes. 
     In one embodiment of this further form, opposing ends of the side members can be engaged to the arm ends via complementary fixing brackets mounted at each of the member and arm ends. Such brackets can provide a simple means of fastening the side members to the arms. 
     In this embodiment the complementary fixing brackets can comprise one or both of:
         an in-use vertical plate affixed to each of the side member and arm end, which plates can be arranged for fixing to each other;   an in-use horizontal plate affixed to each of the side member and arm end, which plates can be arranged for fixing to each other.       

     In an alternative embodiment of this further form, the opposing ends of the side panels can be engaged to the arm ends via a fixing bracket mounted at each arm end. The fixing bracket can comprise one or both of:
         an in-use vertical plate affixed to the side member and arranged for fixing to an inside face of the panel;   an in-use horizontal plate affixed to the side member and arranged for fixing to an upper edge of the panel.       

     Such fixing brackets may also allow for attachment of the end panels thereto to further define the box-type base. For example, the brackets can be multi-faceted to also allow for connection of adjacent panels. Also, the side panels may optionally comprise a corresponding plate arranged at the panel for fixing to a corresponding bracket at each arm end. 
     In a third aspect there is provided a base that is adapted for engaging a bed lifting apparatus such that, when engaged, the base is able to, independently of the apparatus, support a bed on a surface. 
     The base is thus able to support the bed in a usual way whilst the bed lifting apparatus is in a non-activated state (eg. collapsed/retracted), allowing the base to simulate a known form of bed base. However, in the first aspect, such a base can move with the bed lifting apparatus when activated (eg. from a collapsed/retracted position to an extended position). Alternatively, in the second aspect, such a base can remain at the surface when the bed lifting apparatus is activated, whereby the base supports the bed (and optionally the frame) when the bed lifting apparatus is in the collapsed/retracted position. 
     In one embodiment of the third aspect, the base can comprise opposing elongate side members or panels for positioning at opposing respective sides of a frame mounted to the lifting apparatus. Each side member or panel can be adapted for resting on the surface when the lifting apparatus is in a collapsed/retracted position. As with the first aspect, such side members and panels can replace (and simulate) known bed support frames/box frames. As with the second aspect, such side members and panels can be provided by known bed support frames/box frames that are modified (eg. in-situ) to enable them to be connectedly engaged to the lifting apparatus. 
     In addition, when the lifting mechanism is not in use (ie. non-activated) the base can protect, cover and hide the lifting mechanism (eg. to keep the mechanism clean, and to prevent tampering or inadvertent access). 
     In a further embodiment of the third aspect, the base can further comprise end supports or panels for positioning at opposing respective ends of the frame and adapted for resting on the surface when the lifting apparatus is in a collapsed/retracted position. As with the first and second aspects the end supports/panels can, especially with wider/larger beds, distribute the weight of the bed in a uniform manner and increase stability of the bed in the collapsed/retracted position. The end panels can also complete the box structure. 
     In other respects, the side members, end supports, side and end panels can be as defined in the first and second aspects. 
     In a fourth aspect there is provided a base frame for mounting to a bed support frame that is in turn mounted to a bed lifting mechanism, the base frame comprising a plurality of elongate members adapted for inter-engaging with the bed support frame, whereby the elongate members can support the bed support frame on a surface independently of the bed lifting mechanism. 
     In the fourth aspect, the base frame can be defined by the “base” of the first and second aspects, and the bed support frame can be defined by the “frame” of the first and second aspects. Such a base frame can support the bed in a collapsed/retracted position of the bed lifting mechanism, but can also support the bed support frame in the lifting mechanism collapsed/retracted position. Again, as with the first and second aspects, the base frame can assume the form of a mattress box base or a separate frame to maintain traditional appearances and aesthetics. As with the first aspect, the base frame can be lifted by the lifting mechanism. 
     The base frame of the fourth aspect can be formed from the side members and end supports, or the side and end panels, as defined in the first and second aspects. 
     In a fifth aspect there is provided a support member for mounting to a bed support frame that is in turn arranged for interacting with a bed lifting mechanism, the support member comprising a mounting bracket adapted at one end for location at the frame, the bracket extending from an elongate leg that is arranged for resting on a surface when the lifting mechanism is in a collapsed/retracted position. 
     Such a support member can find selective use at either end and at a mid-region of the bed support frame to provide an effective and yet easy-to-retrofit way of increasing the load bearing capacity of the frame (eg. when used with a wider/larger/heavier bed). In addition, the mounting bracket can allow for easy attachment/detachment of the support member (eg. when the bed lifting mechanism is transferred to a larger/smaller bed etc). 
     In an alternative mode of use of the support member, when the bed support frame comprises an in-use upper frame portion and a lower frame portion, the mounting bracket can be located at the lower frame portion and, when the lifting mechanism is in the collapsed/retracted position, the elongate leg can extend upwardly to rest at an underside of the bed and/or at the upper frame portion. 
     The support member can be defined by the detachable support of the first and second aspects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bed lifting system according to a first embodiment in an extended orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1  in a partially collapsed/retracted orientation; 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1  in use, in an extended orientation and with a mattress positioned thereon; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1  but with one side portion of a base frame detached from a bed frame; 
         FIG. 4B  is a plan view of the side portion of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a bed lifting system according to a second embodiment in an extended orientation; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 5  in a collapsed/retracted orientation; and 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of the system of  FIG. 5  but with side and end panels of the base frame detached from the bed frame. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings, a bed lifting system (denoted by  10  in  FIGS. 1 to 4  and denoted by  10 ′ in  FIGS. 5 to 7 ) includes a bed lifting mechanism in the form of a bed hoist  12 . The hoist  12  is adapted for lifting an upper frame part  14 , as well as lifting a separate bed frame in the form of a distinct and separate framework ( FIGS. 1-4 ) or a mattress box base ( FIGS. 5-7 ), as hereafter described. The hoist comprises a lower frame part  18  for resting on a floor  20 , with the upper frame  14  being adapted for location at the underside of, to mountingly receive thereat, a mattress base  22  (see eg.  FIG. 3 ). 
     The separate bed frame to be lifted by the hoist  12  can either simulate or be defined by the distinct and separate framework of  FIGS. 1-4  or the mattress box base of  FIGS. 5-7 . In addition, when the hoist is in a collapsed/retracted position ( FIGS. 2 &amp; 6 ), the separate bed frame can support the upper frame  14  independently of the hoist  12 . 
     An actuator mechanism  26  is provided for operating between the lower frame  18  and the upper frame  14  to move the upper frame away from or towards the lower frame and thereby raise or lower the mattress base  22  ( FIG. 3 ). The actuator can be remotely actuated by a user and includes an electrical stepper motor  27 . In some examples, the motor is housed in an electrostatic shield to protect the motor from electrostatic noise or interference. The hoist  12  further comprises a pantographic linkage  28  that extends between and is pivotally coupled to each of the upper and lower frames, with the linkage being moved by an extendible/retractable arm  30  of actuator  26 . 
     The framework of  FIGS. 1-4  comprises a pair of elongate side members  40  that are each detachably mounted with respect to a respective long side of the upper frame  14 . Each side member  40  comprises three spaced leg extensions  44  extending downwardly for resting on the floor  20  when the hoist  12  is in its collapsed/retracted position ( FIG. 2 ) to thereby support the upper frame  14  independently of the hoist  12 . 
     The framework of  FIGS. 1-4  further comprises a number of supports  42  that can each be detachably mounted to respective ends  63  of the upper frame  14 , and optionally to a transverse cross bar  43  located in a mid-region of upper frame  14 . The supports  42  are typically evenly spaced from opposing leg extensions  44  of the side members  40 . Each support  42  is detachably mounted via a clip-on attachment saddle  46  that can optionally be screwed or bolted to the upper frame. Each support also has a leg portion  48  extending downwardly in use from saddle  46  towards the floor  20 . Thus, in co-operation with the legs of side members  40 , the legs  48  independently support the upper frame on the floor when the hoist is collapsed/retracted. The supports  42  may optionally be mounted to the side members  40  (eg. intermediate or in place of the leg extensions  44 ). 
     The upper frame  14  further comprises a plurality of traversing arms  32  that can telescope and slide transversally from the upper frame to support the framework of  FIGS. 1-4  or the box base of  FIGS. 5-7 , and to underlie and support the mattress base  22 . Each traversing arm has one or more flange brackets  34  at its distal and that are adapted for the secure, load-baring fastening of the framework or box base thereto, and that can also support the mattress base  22 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4  it will be seen that the flange brackets  34  are defined by a vertical plate  54  having a series of apertures defined therein. This plate is adapted to face and align with apertures of a corresponding plate  38  attached to an inside face of each side member  40  (as best shown in  FIG. 4B ) so that fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts, pins etc) can be introduced therethrough. 
     The flange brackets  34  also include a horizontal plate  39  (see  FIG. 4B ) having apertures therein to align with a corresponding horizontal plate  35  of side member  40 , again so that fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts, pins etc) can be introduced therethrough. Such fasteners can also extend up into (to fasten) an overlying mattress base  22 . 
     The flange brackets  34  provide a rapid means of joining the side members  40  to the arms  32 , thereby securely mounting the members with respect to the upper frame  14 . In use, and when so mounted, the side members, in conjunction with the supports  42 , also simulate the appearance and function of a distinct and separate bed frame. 
     Reference will now be specifically made to the bed lifting system  10 ′ shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts. In this embodiment each of the traversing arms  32  of the upper frame is adapted for fastening engagement with a simulated box base comprising elongate side panels  50 . Each side panel is again detachably mounted with respect to a respective long side of the upper frame  14 . Each panel extends towards the floor and provides support for the upper frame  14  independently of the hoist  12  when the when the hoist is collapsed/retracted (ie. a lower edge of the panel then rests on the floor  20 ). 
     As best shown in  FIG. 7 , the vertical plate  54  of each bracket  34  may be secured (eg. by screwing) directly to an inside face of side panel  50 , or a respective securing plate can be provided thereat. The horizontal plate  39  of each bracket  34  may be secured (eg. by screwing) directly to an upper face (edge) of side panel  50 , or again a respective securing plate can be provided thereat. 
     Pre-formed apertures  62  can also be provided in the panels that align with apertures of the plates  54  and  39  to facilitate the easy introduction of fasteners. Again, a rapid, secure and load-bearing fastening of the side panels with respect to the upper frame is achieved. 
     To complete the appearance of the box base, each side panel  50  can be releasably attached via respective corner joint pieces  56  to opposing front  58  and end  60  panels so as to enclose the system and define the box base. The side and end panels are selected to have a similar length and width to the mattress/mattress base, but can be interchanged for different mattress/mattress base sizes (lengths and widths). 
     When the hoist is collapsed/retracted a lower edge of each of the side and end panels rests on the floor  20 . The side and end panels can thus receive the weight of the upper frame independently of the hoist and thus independently receive bed loads applied thereto. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 7 , a support  42  is shown that can optionally be attached to extend between a transverse central member of the lower frame  18  and the transverse member  43  of the upper frame  14 . The support  42  provides support to an intermediate central region of the upper frame (and thus overlying mattress base) when the hoist is collapsed/retracted. 
     In use of the bed lifting system  10 ,  10 ′, a mattress base  22  is located (and eg. fastened) on the upper frame  14  (and optionally fastened to the arms  32 ) as shown in  FIG. 3 . When the need arises to raise the bed, a user activates the hoist  12  and both the upper frame and the framework or box base are elevated to a suitable position. This makes for easy bed making, servicing, etc. 
     When it is desired that the bed be lowered, the user reverses the lifting mechanism such that the upper frame and the base are lowered to the initial starting position. In the starting (collapsed/retracted) position the weight of the frame  14 , mattress base  22  etc are now, independently of the hoist, transferred to and supported by the framework or box base. 
     The upper frame  14  and/or lower frame  18  can also be adapted for retrofitting to an existing base framework or box base (eg. a known mattress box base or a known separate frame). Such framework or box base can be modified (eg. in-situ) to facilitate such retrofitting (eg. plates, apertures, fasteners etc provided to facilitate attachment to the flanges  34 ). 
     In addition, the system can be operated whereby the framework or box base can remain located at the floor when the hoist is activated. In this regard, the framework or box base can eg. be connected to the lower frame  18 . In such case, in the collapsed/retracted (eg. starting) position of the hoist the weight of the frame  14 , mattress base  22  etc can still, independently of the hoist, be transferred to and supported by the framework or box base. 
     Whilst specific embodiments of the bed lifting system and components therefor have been described it should be appreciated that the bed lifting system can be embodied in many other forms.