Patent ID: 12213594

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the invention, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the invention are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the invention. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term;

the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term “lower”, can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending of the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

As used herein, “around”, “about”, “substantially” or “approximately” shall generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the term “around”, “about” “substantially” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.

The term “APP”, used herein the specification, refers to an application, especially as downloaded by a user to and installed in a mobile device, which a software program that is designed to perform specific functions directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program or for operations of devices, such as a back lifting actuator (motor), a leg lifting actuator (motor), an aromatherapy system, and/or a massage assembly in the invention

The term “platform” used herein refers to a board, bed board, panel, deck panel, or deck board.

As used in this specification, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The description below is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention includes particular examples, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a portable and adjustable bed with an aromatherapy system.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inFIGS.1-12. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.

Referring toFIGS.1-8, the portable and adjustable bed100includes a frame structure110; a plurality of platforms180disposed on the frame structure110; and an adjustable assembly coupled with the frame structure110for operably adjusting one or more of the plurality of platforms180in desired positions.

Specifically, the frame structure110comprises a first frame120, a second frame130, and a pair of connection bars160detachably connecting the first frame120and the second frame130to one another.

The first frame120includes a pair of side rails121being transversely spaced and longitudinally extended and being parallel to each other, an upper rail122and a lower rail123being longitudinally spaced and transversely extended. Each side rail121has an upper end portion and an opposite, lower end portion. Two ends of the upper rail122is rigidly connected to the upper end portions of the pair of side rails121. Two ends of the lower rail123is rigidly connected to the lower end portions of the pair of side rails121. As such, the pair of side rails121, the upper rail122and the lower rail123are co-planar in a rectangle form. Preferably, the connections of the pair of side rails121to the upper and lower rails122and123are by welding the ends of the upper rail122onto end portions of the pair of side rails121, and welding the ends of the lower rail123onto opposite end portions of the pair of side rails121. Other connecting means can also be utilized to practice the invention.

The second frame130includes a pair of side rails131being transversely spaced and longitudinally extended and being parallel to each other, an upper rail132and a lower rail133being longitudinally spaced and transversely extended. Each side rail131has an upper end portion and an opposite, lower end portion. Two ends of the upper rail132is rigidly connected to the upper end portions of the pair of side rails131. Two ends of the lower rail133is rigidly connected to the lower end portions of the pair of side rails131. As such, the pair of side rails131, the upper rail132and the lower rail133are co-planar in a rectangle form. Preferably, the connections of the pair of side rails131to the upper and lower rails132and133are by welding the ends of the upper rail132onto end portions of the pair of side rails131, and welding the ends of the lower rail133onto opposite end portions of the pair of side rails131. Other connecting means can also be utilized to practice the invention.

Each of the pair of connection bars160is connected between the lower end portion of a respective rail121of the first frame120and the upper end portion of a respective rail131of the second frame130.

In some embodiment, the connections between the first frame120and the pair of connection bars160, and the connections between the pair of connection bars160and the second frame130are bolted connections, screw connections, and/or pin connections, so that the connections can be detached for transportation and/or storage, for example.

In some embodiment, each of the lower end portions of the pair of side rails121of the first frame120and the upper end portions of the pair of side rails131of the second frame130has one or more mounting posts or pins121aand131a, as shown inFIG.1. Two end portions of each of the pair of connection bars160has one or more receiving holes160a. As assembled, the one or more receiving holes160areceive and accommodate the corresponding one or more mounting posts or pins in the lower end portions of the pair of side rails121of the first frame120and the upper end portions of the pair of side rails131of the second frame130. Alternatively, each of the lower end portions of the pair of side rails121of the first frame120and the upper end portions of the pair of side rails131of the second frame130has one or more mounting receiving holes, and two end portions of each of the pair of connection bars160has one or more mounting posts or pins (not shown). As assembled, the one or more receiving holes in the lower end portions of the pair of side rails121of the first frame120and the upper end portions of the pair of side rails131of the second frame130receive and accommodate the corresponding one or more mounting posts or pins of the pair of connection bars160.

In some embodiment, each of the pair of connection bars is made of C-shaped steel or alloy.

In some embodiment, each of the pair of connection bars160has a length that can be manufactured in various lengths, so as to adjust the length of the bed100, according to the user's preference.

By the design of two frame structures120and130with connection bars160, the first frame120and the second frame130can be easily connected to one another by the connection bars160during the bed installation, or disconnected from one another for bed package, transportation, and/or storage. The latter makes the package of the bed lighter and smaller than usual beds, and carrying or moving of the bed easier, which makes the bed more portable. In addition, by selecting the length of the connection bars160, the length of the bed can be changed accordingly.

The plurality of platforms180comprises a back platform having a bottom edge hinged to the lower rail123of the first frame120, via hinges123a; one or more seat platforms182(182aand182b) mounted on the pair of connection bars160; a thigh platform183having the bottom edge hinged to the upper rail132of the second frame130, via hinges132a; and a leg platform184hinged to another edge of the thigh platform183and supported by a pair of limit bars135pivotally connected to the pair of side rails131of the second frame130, as shown inFIG.5.

In addition, each of the back platform181, the thigh platform183, and the leg platform184may have massage receiving slots25for accommodating massage devices, and/or openings24for avoiding the back and leg lifting actuators145and155from being in contact with these platforms during the movements of the back and leg lifting actuators145and155, as shown inFIGS.4and8.

The adjustable assembly includes a back lifting assembly140and a leg lifting assembly150.

The back lifting assembly140includes a back lifting bracket141pivotally connected to the first frame120and slidablly coupled to the back platform181, and a back lifting actuator145pivotally connected between the back lifting bracket141and the first frame120for operably driving the back lifting bracket141to pivotally move in an upward rotation direction or a downward rotation direction relative to the first frame120.

In some embodiments, the back lifting bracket141comprises a middle bar142and a pair of swing arms143. The pair of swing arms143is transversely spaced and rigidly connected to ends of the transversely extending middle bar142in an H-shaped form. Each of the pair of swing arms143has a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion. The first end portion of each swing arm143is pivotally mounted to a respective side rail121of the first frame120. The second end portion of each swing arm143is equipped with a back lifting wheel/roller144, which is operably slidable along the rear surface of the back platform181. In some embodiments the second end portion of each swing arms143may also be equipped with the first lifting wheel/roller144and the second lifting wheel144a. In addition, each of the pair of swing arms143may be reinforced by a reinforcing piece142arigidly connected to the middle bar143and the swing arm143, as shownFIG.7.

In some embodiments, the swing arms143are in an arc-shaped design.

The back lifting actuator145comprises a motor member146, an outer tube147extending from the motor member146, an activation rod148received in the outer tube147, engaged with the motor member146and configured to be telescopically movable relative to the outer tube147according to a direction of motor rotation. In one embodiment, the motor member146is pivotally connected to the upper rail122of the first frame120, and the activation rod148has a distal end portion pivotally connected to the middle bar142of the back lifting bracket141. In another embodiment, the motor member146is pivotally connected to the middle bar142of the back lifting bracket140, and the activation rod148has a distal end portion pivotally connected to the upper rail122of the first frame120.

In operation, when the motor member146drives the activation rod148to expand, the expansion of the activation rod148pushes the back lifting bracket141to rotate in an upward rotation direction. As a result, the back lifting wheel/roller144on the free end of each swing arm143is sliding along the rear surface of the back platform181and therefore pushes the back platform181to rotate around the hinges123a, i.e., around the bottom edge, in the upward rotation direction accordingly, so as to lift the back platform181in a desired position/angle, where the bed is in the adjusting/lifting state, as shown inFIG.8. Otherwise, when the motor member146drives the activation rod148to retract, the retraction of the activation rod148results in the back lifting bracket141to rotate in a downward rotation direction due to the gravity. As a result, the back lifting wheel/roller144on the free end of each swing arm143is sliding along the rear surface of the back platform181and the back support bar121rotates in the downward direction accordingly, which lowers the back platform181in a desired position/angle, or in a flat state, as shown inFIGS.4-6.

The leg lifting assembly150comprises a leg lifting bracket151pivotally connected to the second frame130and slidablly coupled to the thigh platform183, and a leg lifting actuator155pivotally connected between the leg lifting bracket151and the second frame130for operably driving the leg lifting bracket151to pivotally move in an upward rotation direction or a downward rotation direction relative to the second frame130.

The leg lifting bracket151comprises a middle bar152and a pair of swing arms153. The pair of swing arms153is transversely spaced and rigidly connected to ends of the transversely extending middle bar152in an H-shaped form. Each of the pair of swing arms153has a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion. The first end portion of each swing arm153is pivotally mounted to a respective side rail131of the second frame130. The second end portion of the swing arms153is equipped with a leg lifting wheel/roller154, which is operably slidable along the rear surface of the thigh platform183. In addition, each of the pair of swing arms153may be reinforced by a reinforcing piece152arigidly connected to the middle bar152and the swing arm153, as shown inFIG.7.

The leg lifting actuator155comprises a motor member156, an outer tube157extending from the motor member156, an activation rod158received in the outer tube157, engaged with the motor member156and configured to be telescopically movable relative to the outer tube157according to a direction of motor rotation. In one embodiment, the motor member157is pivotally connected to the lower rail133of the second frame130, and the activation rod158has a distal end portion pivotally connected to the middle bar152of the leg lifting bracket151mounted of the middle bar152. In another embodiment, the motor member146is pivotally connected to the middle bar152of the leg lifting bracket151, and the activation rod158has a distal end portion pivotally connected to the lower rail133of the second frame130.

In operation, when the motor member156drives the activation rod158to expand, the expansion of the activation rod158pushes the leg lifting bracket151to rotate in an upward rotation direction. As a result, the leg lifting wheel/roller154on the free end of each swing arm153is sliding along the rear surface of the thigh platform183and therefore pushes the thigh platform183to rotate around the hinges132a, i.e., around the lower edge of the thigh platform183, in the upward rotation direction accordingly, and the rotation of the thigh platform183in the upward rotation direction in turn pulls the leg platform184and the limit bar135to move accordingly, which lifts the thigh platform183and leg platform184in a desired position/angle, where the bed is in the adjusting/lifting state, as shown inFIG.8. Otherwise, when the motor member156drives the activation rod158to retract, the retraction of the activation rod158results in the leg lifting bracket151to rotate in a downward rotation direction due to the gravity. As a result, the leg lifting wheel/roller154on the free end of each swing arm153is sliding along the rear surface of the thigh platform183and the thigh platform183rotates in the downward rotation direction accordingly, and the rotation of the thigh platform183in the downward rotation direction in turn pushes the leg platform184and the limit bar135to move accordingly, which lowers the thigh platform183and the leg platform184in a desired position/angle, or in a flat state, as shown inFIGS.4-6.

In addition, as shown inFIG.6, each of the two end portions of the upper rail122of the first frame120and the two end portions of the lower rail133of the second frame130is provided with a bed posts112for supporting the portable and adjustable bed100.

Referring toFIG.9, another embodiment of the portable and adjustable bed100′ is shown, which is structurally similar to the portable and adjustable bed100, except the portable and adjustable bed100′ further comprises an aromatherapy system170attached onto the one or more platforms181-184for producing desired fragrance in a surrounding space of the adjustable bed so as to promote health and well-being of a user. Additionally, in this exemplary embodiment, the seat platform182includes two boards182aand182bmounted on the side rails111of the frame structure110.

In some embodiments, the aromatherapy system is an electric aromatherapy system comprising one or more aromatherapy devices170. For example, as shown inFIG.9three aromatherapy devices170are employed and attached onto the back platform181. It should be noted that other number of the aromatherapy devices170can also be utilized to practice the invention. In addition, the aromatherapy devices170can also be attached onto other platforms, or the frame structure110. In addition, as shown inFIG.9, the edges of the plurality of platforms181-184are provided with side boards189for better appearance.

In some embodiments, each aromatherapy device is configured to produce a fragrance when said aromatherapy device is turned on. The fragrance is identical to or different from that produced by other aromatherapy device of the one or more aromatherapy devices.

In some embodiments, each aromatherapy device has one or more working modes. The one or more working modes comprises a first working mode in which said aromatherapy device is turned on or turned off based on the user's instruction; a second working mode in which said aromatherapy device is turned on for a first period of time (e.g., 1 minute), and then turned off; and a third working mode in which said aromatherapy device is turned on for a second period of time (e.g., 1 minute) regularly in each and every third period of time (e.g., each and every 2 hours).

In some embodiments, each aromatherapy device170can be individually or cooperatively controlled to operate in one of the one or more working modes by a remote control or an APP.

In one embodiment shown inFIG.10, each aromatherapy device170comprises a container173for containing an aromatic substance; a diffuser coupled to the container173for operably heating the aromatic substance therein so as to produce the fragrance; and one or more indicators171with each indicator for indicating one of the one or more working modes of said aromatherapy device170. Each aromatherapy device170also comprises a housing172for accommodating the container173and the indicators171. The container173is detachable from the housing172. In addition, each aromatherapy device170includes one or more USB port174. According to the invention, each aromatherapy device170can contain an aromatic substance that is identical to or different from that of the aromatherapy devices170.

The aromatic substance can be a substance extracted natural plants such as aromatic essential oils, or a chemically synthesized material. It is proven that aromatherapy using aromatic essential oils medicinally improves the health of the body, mind, and spirit, and has benefits including, but is not limited to, managing pain, improving sleep quality, reducing stress, agitation, and anxiety, soothing sore joints, treating headaches and migraines, and boosting immunity.

The capability of producing different fragrances from the one or more aromatherapy devices170and the controllability of the one or more aromatherapy devices170have particular therapeutic benefits for the user. For example, during wake up time, one aromatherapy devices170can be configured to produce a fresh air fragrance, while during a sleep time, the other aromatherapy devices170can be configured to produce a fragrance improving sleep quality of the user.

In one embodiment, the adjustable bed further comprises at least one massage assembly for providing massage effects to the user.

In addition, the adjustable bed100/100′ may further include at least one massage assembly190for providing massage effects to a user of the bed. The massage assembly190can be disposed in the massage receiving slot25on the back platform181, as shown inFIGS.4and8.

As shown inFIG.11, the massage assembly190includes a massage motor36, an elastic belt33, a massage motor cover34, a velcro loop surface35, a foam house37, a velcro hook surface38, and a plywood decking39. The velcro loop surface35and the massage motor cover34are connected. A side of the massage motor36passes through an opening of the massage motor cover34, and the elastic belt33passes through the side of the massage motor36(the side of the massage motor36has a small opening for the elastic belt to pass through) to connect the components as a whole. Further, the velcro hook surface38is fixed onto the plywood decking39, which may be done by a nail or any other connecting means not limited thereto. The foam house37is placed inside a hole of the plywood decking39, and the massage motor36as assembled above is placed inside a hole of the foam house37so that the velcro loop surface35and the velcro hook surface38are fit together. Finally, the massage motor36is fastened onto the plywood decking39, e.g., via a pair of screws and a pair of washers. The massage motor36can be easily replaced by simply removing the elastic belt33from the side of the massage motor36and separating the velcro surfaces.

Further, as shown inFIG.9, the leg platform184is equipped with two mattress retainer bar holder187for retaining the mattress on the plurality of platforms181-184.

The adjustable bed further includes a controlling system having a controller50, which is shown inFIG.12according to one embodiment of the invention. The controller50is configured to control operations of the back lifting actuator (motor)145, the leg lifting actuator (motor)155, the aromatherapy system170, and the massage assembly190, respectively, so as to lift individually or cooperatively the head lifting platform181, the thigh platform183, and the leg platform184in desired positions, to produce the fragrance in the surrounding space of the adjustable bed, and to provide the massage effects to the user. In one embodiment shown inFIG.12, the control system includes a power cord57, a power supply56, a control box (controller)50, a plurality of connecting cables51, and LED lights52. The control box50is powered by the power supply56which is in turn connected to any power source via the power cord57. The back lifting motor145and the leg lifting motor155are connected to the control box50via the plurality of connection cables51. In this way, the user can adjust the bed position via a remote controller55or an APP installed in a mobile device such as a smart phone58. Alternatively, LED lights52can be employed to indicate the working conditions of the back lifting motor145and the leg lifting motor155.

FIG.12shows one exemplary embodiment of the controlling system with the controller50wiredly connected to the back lifting actuator (motor)145, the leg lifting actuator (motor)155, the aromatherapy system170, the massage assembly190, and/or LED lights52through the connecting cables51. In other embodiments, these connections of the controller50connected to t the back lifting actuator (motor)145, the leg lifting actuator (motor)155, the aromatherapy system170, the massage assembly190, and/or LED lights52are wireless connections through the Internet, WiFi®, Bluetooth®, a cellular network, and/or a mobile network.

According to the invention, when back lifting assembly140and the leg lifting assembly150are in their retraction positions, the upper support bracket120and the lower support bracket130are in a horizontal state, such that the platforms180are in the flat state, as shown inFIGS.4-6. When the back lifting assembly140and the leg lifting assembly150are in their expansion positions, the upper support bracket120and the lower support bracket130are in an adjusting state, such that the platforms180are lifted in the adjusting state, which is convenient for some daily entertainment activities, as shown inFIG.8. Each of back lifting assembly140and the leg lifting assembly150can be individually controlled so that the positions/angles of the back platform181, the thigh platform183and the leg platform184can be individually adjusted according to user's preference. In addition, the bed has therapeutic functions to promote health and well-being of a user

Further, the use of the pair of connection bars160to detachably connect the first and second frames120and130makes the installation, transportation, and/or maintenance of the adjustable bed easier, which makes the adjustable bed portable as well.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.