Patent Publication Number: US-2018042388-A1

Title: Automated wall bed

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/116,646 filed on Feb. 16, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to beds. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an automated wall bed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A murphy bed, a wall bed, a pull down bed or a fold-down bed is a bed that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall, or inside of a closet or cabinet. Most wall beds do not have box springs. Instead, the mattress usually lies on a wood platform or wire mesh, and is held in place so as not to sag when in a closed position. The mattress is attached to the bed frame, often with elastic straps to hold the mattress in position when the unit is folded upright. When attempting to pull a wall bed down from the wall, it is possible that it could collapse on the user. Automated wall beds, are known. Some automated beds are mechanically complex structures with many movable parts that are not easily accesses for curving a mattress via a conveyor within a wall supported enclosure. Other automated wall beds use an actuator to move pull the bed up or bring it down, these actuators use excessive amounts of force that pushes the bed quickly and hard onto the floor which can cause properly damage or a physical accident. Furthermore, automated beds may also fold up into the closet or cabinet with a child or animal that unknowingly mounts the bed during unsupervised lifting. 
     OBJECTS 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automated wall bed. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a kit of an automated wall bed. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for assisting the movement of an automated wall bed. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for imparting a movement to an automated wall bed. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for modulating the movement of an automated wall bed. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for assisting the movement of an automated wall bed. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for modulating the movement of an automated wall bed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure there is provided an automated wall bed comprising: a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon; a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between a folded up position and an folded down position; a bracket assembly mounted to each later side of the movable support and in communication with the movement imparting device, the bracket assembly comprising a strength-adjustment device comprising springs for storing mechanical energy, wherein when moving the movable support between the folded up and folded down positions, the strength-adjustment device provides mechanical energy to the movement imparting device, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     In an embodiment, the automated wall bed defined above further comprises: a sensor for sensing a predetermined weight on the mattress; and a controller in communication with the movement imparting device and the sensor for receiving the weight amount detected by the sensor and for controlling the movement imparting device based on the detected weight, wherein the controller provides for stopping the movement imparting device from moving the movable support from the folded down position to the folded up position when the predetermined weight is detected. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an automated wall bed comprising: a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon; a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between a folded up position and an folded down position; a sensor for sensing a predetermined weight on the mattress; and a controller in communication with the movement imparting device and the sensor for receiving the weight amount detected by the sensor and for controlling the movement imparting device based on the detected weight, wherein the controller provides for stopping the movement imparting device from moving the movable support from the folded down position to the folded up position when the predetermined weight is detected. 
     In an embodiment, the automated wall bed as defined above further comprises: a bracket assembly mounted to each later side of the movable support and in communication with the movement imparting device, the bracket assembly comprising a strength-adjustment device comprising springs for storing mechanical energy, wherein when moving the movable support between the folded up and folded down positions, the strength-adjustment device provides mechanical energy to the movement imparting device, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     In an embodiment of any one of the automated wall beds as defined above, the strength-adjustment device provides for modulating the amount of mechanical energy provided to the movement imparting device by increasing or decreasing the tension on the springs. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit for an automated wall bed comprising: a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon; a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between a folded up position and an folded down position; a bracket assembly for being mounted to each later side of the movable support and in for being placed in communication with the movement imparting device, the bracket assembly comprising a strength-adjustment device comprising springs for storing mechanical energy, wherein when moving the movable support between the folded up and folded down positions, the strength-adjustment device provides mechanical energy to the movement imparting device, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     In an embodiment, the kit for an automated wall bed as defined above, further comprises: a sensor for sensing a predetermined weight on the mattress; and a controller for being placed in communication with the movement imparting device and the sensor for receiving the weight amount detected by the sensor and for controlling the movement imparting device based on the detected weight, wherein the controller provides for stopping the movement imparting device from moving the movable support from the folded down position to the folded up position when the predetermined weight is detected. 
     In accordance to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit for an automated wall bed comprising: a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon; a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between a folded up position and an folded down position; a sensor for sensing a predetermined weight on the mattress; and a controller for being placed in communication with the movement imparting device and the sensor for receiving the weight amount detected by the sensor and for controlling the movement imparting device based on the detected weight, wherein the controller provides for stopping the movement imparting device from moving the movable support from the folded down position to the folded up position when the predetermined weight is detected. 
     In an embodiment, the kit for an automated wall bed as defined above, further comprises: a bracket assembly for being mounted to each later side of the movable support and in communication with the movement imparting device, the bracket assembly comprising a strength-adjustment device comprising springs for storing mechanical energy, wherein when moving the movable support between the folded up and folded down positions, the strength-adjustment device provides mechanical energy to the movement imparting device, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     In an embodiment of any one of the kits of an automated wall bed as defined above, the strength-adjustment device provides for modulating the amount of mechanical energy provided to the movement imparting device by increasing or decreasing the tension on the springs. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a device for assisting the movement of an automated wall bed between folded up and folded down positions, the automated wall bed comprising a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon and a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between the folded up position and the folded down position, the device comprising: a bracket assembly mounted to each later side of the movable support and in communication with the movement imparting device; and a strength-adjustment device in communication with the bracket assembly comprising springs for storing mechanical energy, wherein when moving the movable support between the folded up and folded down positions, the strength-adjustment device provides mechanical energy to the movement imparting device, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     In an embodiment of the device defined above, the strength-adjustment device provides for modulating the amount of mechanical energy provided to the movement imparting device by increasing or decreasing the tension on the springs. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for imparting a movement to an automated wall bed between folded up and folded down positions, the automated wall bed comprising a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon, the device comprising: an actuator; a bracket assembly mounted to each later side of the movable support and in communication with the actuator; and a strength-adjustment device in communication with the bracket assembly comprising springs for storing mechanical energy, wherein when moving the movable support between the folded up and folded down positions, the strength-adjustment device provides mechanical energy to the actuator, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     In an embodiment of the device described above, the strength-adjustment device provides for modulating the amount of mechanical energy provided to the actuator by increasing or decreasing the tension on the springs. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for modulating the movement of an automated wall bed between folded up and folded down positions, the automated wall bed comprising a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon and a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between the folded up position and the folded down position, the device comprising: a sensor for sensing a predetermined weight on the mattress; and a controller for being placed in communication with the movement imparting device and the sensor for receiving the weight amount detected by the sensor and for controlling the movement imparting device based on the detected weight, wherein the controller provides for stopping the movement imparting device from moving the movable support from the folded down position to the folded up position when the predetermined weight is detected. 
     In an embodiment of any of the automated beds, kits and devices defined above, the movement imparting device comprises a pair of actuators and the bracket assembly comprises a pair of bracket device, each bracket device being mounted to a respective lateral side of the movable support, each actuator being mounted to a respective bracket assembly. In an embodiment, each bracket device comprises a panel with springs mounted thereto, the strength adjustment device comprising a plate assembly being mounted to the springs, the plate assembly being selectively movable for stretching the springs so as to add tension thereto thereby storing additional mechanical energy. In an embodiment, the plate assembly comprises a pair of plate members, each plate member is mounted to a respective opposite end of the springs, at least one of the plate members being movable along the panel for stretching the springs. In an embodiment, the strength adjustment device comprises an actuator provides for selectively moving the plate assembly so as to selectively adjust the tension of the springs. In an embodiment, the actuator comprises a threaded screw within a tubular socket of the plate assembly, the tubular socket being complementary threaded so that turning of the screw causes the tubular socket to move along the length of the screw thereby moving the plate assembly. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for assisting the movement of an automated wall bed between folded up and folded down positions, the automated wall bed comprising a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon and a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between the folded up position and the folded down position, the method comprising: storing mechanical energy in springs positioned on a support member; placing the support member with the springs in communication with the movement imparting device and the movable support so as to transfer the mechanical energy to the movement imparting device, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     In an embodiment, of the method above described above, further comprises: selectively adjusting the tension on the springs so as to modulate the amount of mechanical energy provided to the movement imparting. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for modulating the movement of an automated wall bed between folded up and folded down positions, the automated wall bed comprising a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon and a movement imparting device for moving the movable support between the folded up position and the folded down position, the method comprising: automatically sensing the weight on the mattress; automatically comparing the sensed weight with a predetermined weight; automatically stopping the movement imparting device from moving the movable support from the folded down position to the folded up position when the predetermined weight is detected. 
     Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the appended drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of the automated wall bed in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure in a folded down position; 
         FIGS. 2 a , 2 b    and  2 C are perspective close-up views of the movement imparting device for the automated wall bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective front view of the automated wall bed in a folded up position; 
         FIG. 4  is perspective close-up view of the movement imparting device for the automated wall bed of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is disassembled perspective view of the strength adjustment device of the bracket assembly of movement imparting device of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c    and  4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the strength adjustment device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the bracket supports of the bracket assembly of the movement imparting device of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c    and  4 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic representation of a device for modulating the movement of an automated wall bed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided an automated wall bed comprising a movable support defining opposite lateral sides and head and foot ends for supporting a mattress thereon. A movement imparting device provides for moving the movable support between a folded up position and a folded down position. A bracket assembly is mounted to each later side of the movable support and in communication with the movement imparting device. The bracket assembly comprises a strength-adjustment device comprising springs for storing mechanical energy. When moving the movable support between the folded up and folded down positions, the strength-adjustment device provides mechanical energy to the movement imparting device, thereby providing for less mechanical energy to be used by the movement imparting device. 
     Generally stated, there is provided an automated wall bed comprising a sensor for sensing a predetermined weight on the mattress. A controller is in communication with the movement imparting device and the sensor for receiving the weight amount detected by the sensor and for controlling the movement imparting device based on the detected weight. The controller provides for stopping the movement imparting device from moving the movable support from the folded down position to the folded up position when the predetermined weight is detected. 
     With reference, to the appended Figures, non-restrictive illustrative embodiments will be herein described so as to further exemplify the disclosure only and by no means limit the scope thereof. 
       FIG. 1  shows an automated wall bed  10  in a folded down position ready for use. The automated wall bed is shown including a movable support  12  with a mattress  14  thereon, a wall cabinet  16  mounted to a wall  18  and a movement imparting device  20 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the automated wall bed in the folded up position with movable support  12  and the mattress  14  in a vertical position within the wall cabinet  16 . The movable support  12  includes lateral sides  22  and head and foot ends,  24  and  26 , respectively. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 1, 2   a - 2   c  and  4 , the movement imparting device  20  comprises a pair of actuators  28  each mounted to the wall cabinet  16  at one end  30  thereof and each being respectively connected the bracket assembly  32  at the opposite end  34  thereof. The bracket assembly  32  comprises a pair of bracket devices  36 , each mounted to a respective lateral side  22  of the movable support  12 . Each actuator  28  is mounted to a respective bracket device  36  at its end  34 . 
     The actuator  28  is a piston and rod structure that extends when moving the bed  10  to the folded down position and retracts when moving the bed to the folded up position. Each end  34  of each actuator  28  is connected to a respective bracket member  38  (see  FIGS. 2 b , 2 c    and  7 ) of the bracket device  36  which in turn is mounted to the frame of the movable support  12  proving the actuators  28  to impart a movement to the movable support  12 . 
     The bracket devices  36  include a strength adjustment device or cluster  40  better shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     The device  40  includes a panel  42  with springs  44  mounted thereto. The panel  42  is mounted to the well cabinet  16 . The springs  44  rest on the flat inner surface  46  of the panel and are mounted to plate assembly  48 . More particularly, the springs are mounted at each longitudinal end  47  thereof to a respective plate member  48   a  and  48   b . Each plate  48   a  and  48   b  Includes holes  52  for receiving a free end  47  of a spring  44 . At least one of the plate members (In this case  48   a ) is movable along the inner surface  46  by way of an actuator  50  moving the plates  48   a  and  48   b  apart and thereby stretching the springs so as to add tension thereto and store additional mechanical energy or releasing the springs or even compressing them to decrease tension and dissipate mechanical energy. The panel  42  includes a cover plate  58  connected thereto via an attachment link  57  as well as the backing plate  59  on its rear side  61  opposite its inner surface  48 . Each panel  42  is connected to a respective bracket member  38 . 
     The actuator  50  permits spring tension adjustment to be variable according to the size of user-load. The actuator  50  can be manually or automatically operated as can be contemplated by a skilled artisan. In this example, the actuator  50  is in the form of a screw mounted within a tubular socket  54  of a plate member  48   a  that is complementarily threaded so that turning of the screw  50  causes the threaded tubular socket to in a given direction (depending on the rotational direction of the screw  50 ) along the length of the screw thereby moving the plate member  48   a  towards or away from the other plate member  48   b.    
     The plate member  48   b  is mounted to the panel  42  at its middle aperture  56  via a fastener assembly  51  which allows the plate member  48   b  some mechanical slack at its lateral ends. The plate  48   b  is also fastened to the backing plate  59  via the fastener assembly  51  through a hole  55  at a spiral groove  53  formed on the panel  42 . 
     Therefore, each actuator  28  is connected to a bracket member  38  which is connected to the backing plate  59  on the rear side  61  of the panel  42  at the spiral groove  53 . The brackets  38  are mounted at each lateral side  22  of the movable support  12 . As the actuator  28  moves the brackets  38  and in turn the movable support  12  between folded down or up positions (i.e. open/closed positions), the backing plate  59  is rotated about the fastener assembly  51 . The open/closed rotational movement of user load with a backing plate  59  is translated as extending or contracting action to the springs with by plates  48   a  and  48   b . Specifically, backing plate  59  acts on plate  48   b . The plate  59  not only pivots about the fastener assembly  51  but it also slides along the groove  53  along with the fastener assembly  51  and with the plate  48   b  during the lifting of the support  12  and mattress  14  or the lowering of the support  12  and mattress  14 . As such, during lifting as the plate  48   b  moves along the groove  53  it stretches the springs  44  which increases tension energy that is transmitted to the actuator  28 , allowing for smaller actuators to lift heavier weights. 
     The strength adjustment devices  40  stores mechanical energy as described above which is transferred to the bracket members  38  (via plate  48   b  and the backing plate  59 ) and a such to the actuators  28  reducing the mechanical energy for the actuators  28  to act on bracket members  38  which in turn act on the movable support  12  and mattress  14  when moving the support  12  and mattress  14  between the folded up (closed) and folded down (open) positions. 
     The number of springs and their tension is modulated depending on the weight of the support/mattress. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a device  60  for modulating the movement of the automated wall bed  10 . The device  60  includes a sensor  62  for being mounted to the bed  10  such as the support  12  or mattress  14  for example and for detecting the weight on the mattress  14 . The sensor is in communication with a controller  64  (such a microprocessor for example). The controller receives information regarding the detected from sensor  62  and compares this detected weight to a predetermined weight stored in memory of controller  64 . The controller  64  is also in communication with the bed  10 , particularly with the movement imparting device  20 . If during movement of the movable support  12  and mattress  14  from the folded down position to the folded up position, an additional weight is detected on the mattress  14  by sensor  62  (such a child sitting on the bed during movement), this information is communicated to the controller which processes this information and communicates a sign to the movement imparting device  20  to stop the lifting movement from the folded down to the folded up poison (as such avoiding an accident). 
     The controller  64  may be placed in communication with a master controller  66  for receiving information regarding the functionality and condition of the automated wall bed  10  and as such providing immediate repair or maintenance services. 
     The various features described herein can be combined in a variety of ways within the context of the present disclosure so as to provide still other embodiments. As such, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, the embodiments discussed herein need not include all of the features and elements illustrated and/or described and thus partial combinations of features can also be contemplated. Furthermore, embodiments with less features than those described can also be contemplated. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present disclosure has been provided hereinabove by way of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the scope, spirit and nature thereof and of the appended claims.