EP3804573A1

EP3804573A1 - Frame for a bed device

Info

Publication number: EP3804573A1
Application number: EP20200576.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Philippe LANGSWEIRT
Original assignee: Global Technical Equipment BVBA
Current assignee: Global Technical Equipment BVBA
Priority date: 2019-10-07
Filing date: 2020-10-07
Publication date: 2021-04-14
Also published as: BE1027632A1; BE1027632B1

Abstract

Frame (1) comprising several frame components, wherein the frame components comprise a first frame element (2) and a second frame element (3), and wherein the frame components comprise connecting elements (4) for connecting the first frame element (2) to the second frame element (3) in order to form a supporting frame, such that the frame elements (2, 3) extend in a line, and wherein the width of the supporting frame substantially corresponds to the width of the first frame element (2), and the length of the supporting frame is at least the sum of the length of the first frame element (2) and the length of the second frame element (3); a bed device comprising such a frame (1); and an assembly pack for such a frame (1).

Description

The invention concerns a frame for a bed device comprising several frame components. The invention also concerns a bed device comprising a frame and one or more support parts on which a mattress element is placeable, wherein the support parts are supported by the frame. The invention also concerns an assembly pack for such a frame.
A frame forms a supporting part of a bed device. Thus the frame usually comprises a supporting frame body. A bed device may indicate a bed but may also indicate other furniture which comprises a mattress core and a frame, such as a sofa bed, a seat, an armchair, a terrace seat etc. The invention then also concerns specifically a bed frame but may also concern a frame for other furniture. An item of furniture may contain a frame according to the invention but may also contain two or more frames. A single bed for example comprises one bed frame, and a double bed often comprises two bed frames, wherein said bed frames may or may not be directly connected to each other.
Since the body of the frame forms the supporting part of a bed device, the frame must be sufficiently rigid and able to absorb sufficient forces. The frame must not bend during use and must also be able to absorb torsional forces. A frame is therefore often formed as a whole in a factory and then transported as a whole to the end customer. In a factory, it is possible to connect the various parts of the frame together rigidly, whereby the resulting frame body and hence the frame are able to absorb the forces well. Frame bodies for bed frames have a specific dimension. These frames are often longer than 1.80 m and wider than 70 cm. Transporting such bed frames is therefore not easy and it is not possible to stack several bed frames compactly.
To solve this problem, there are already frames bodies for bed frames which consist of several frame components that may be releasably connected together, wherein these frame components are produced in a factory and then transported in their unconnected state. It is then provided that the body of the frame is assembled on site by connecting these different frame elements together. This assembly may take place at the location of the end customer where the bed device will be installed, or may take place at the premises of the vendor of the bed devices. For this, an assembly pack for a frame is provided, wherein the assembly pack comprises several frame components. One disadvantage here is that the stiffness of the constructed frame is often inferior to that of frames comprising a body which is formed as a whole in a factory. This is because in a factory, the different parts can be connected together better. Thus the different parts can be welded together in a factory, which is not normally possible at the location of the end customer or vendor of bed devices. Frames consisting of different frame components which are assembled on site are then often more susceptible to flexion and may not absorb torsional forces as well. Also, connecting the different frame components together and/or positioning them relative to each other is not simple and/or is time-consuming, so errors may be made. It may then occur that the various frame components are not in the correct position and/or are not connected together in the desired fashion.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a frame for a bed device consisting of different frame components, wherein said frame is easy to transport and easy to install, but offers the necessary stiffness.
This object is achieved by providing a frame for a bed device comprising several frame components, wherein the frame components comprise a first frame element and a second frame element, wherein said frame elements

each extend in a length direction, a width direction and a height direction, and the width of the first frame element substantially corresponds to the width of the second frame element;
each comprise two longitudinal profiles which extend substantially in the length direction and at a distance from each other viewed in the width direction,
each comprise a first and a second transverse profile which extend substantially in the width direction and at a distance from each other viewed in the length direction, wherein the transverse profiles connect together the longitudinal profiles, and wherein said longitudinal profiles and transverse profiles together encase a frame space,
and wherein the frame components comprise connecting elements for connecting the first frame element to the second frame element so as to form a supporting frame, such that
the corresponding longitudinal profiles extend in a line and thus together with the connecting elements form side profiles of the supporting frame, the width of the supporting frame substantially corresponds to the width of the first frame element, and the length of the supporting frame is at least the sum of the length of the first frame element and the length of the second frame element,
the second transverse profiles of the frame elements extend opposite each other and at a distance from each other viewed in the length direction, and thus the supporting frame comprises said frame spaces of the frame elements and a third frame space, wherein said third frame space is encased by the second transverse profiles and the side profiles and extends between said frame spaces of the frame elements viewed in the length direction.

Said longitudinal profiles are preferably substantially the same length and extend next to each other over their complete length. Furthermore, said longitudinal profiles are preferably outermost profiles of the frame element, so that they substantially determine the length and width of the frame element.
Here, at least two frame elements are used to form the supporting frame, wherein said frame elements each contain a frame space formed by longitudinal profiles which extend in the length direction and transverse profiles which extend in the width direction. Said frame spaces are rectangular in form. These frame elements have a specific strength and stability, whereby the resulting supporting frame also has a specific strength and stability. Each frame element is preferably formed as a whole in a factory and is then provided to always be transported as a whole, whereby said frame element may be designed very stiffly. Thus the frame element may be an uninterrupted frame device or a framework, such as for example a rectangular or substantially rectangular frame device comprising four successive profiles which form the transverse profiles and longitudinal profiles, wherein said different profiles are then rigidly connected together, for example by welding. The first transverse profile is preferably connected to the longitudinal profiles at the respective ends of the longitudinal profiles, wherein the second transverse profile is then connected to the longitudinal profiles at the other respective ends of the longitudinal profiles, or at a distance from said ends. The supporting frame comprises the three said frame spaces. Said third frame space ensures that the supporting frame is less susceptible to flexion and can resist torsional forces well at the point of connection of the frame elements, whereby said third frame element contributes to the strength and stability of the frame.
Because at least two said frame elements are used, and because the length of the supporting frame is at least the sum of the length of the first frame element and the length of the second frame element, it can easily be ensured that the length of the largest frame element fits on a pallet for example, whereby the frame components can be packed such that they fit on a pallet and this frame can thus be transported and stored in a compact and simple fashion. Two frame devices of equal length, or frame devices of different lengths, may be provided. For example, if the frame is a bed frame which in use has a length of 1.80 m or more, it may be ensured that both frame elements have a length of maximum 1 m, preferably maximum 90 cm.
The frame elements extend in a line in the assembled state of the frame. The length directions of the frame elements then substantially correspond. The frame elements are furthermore connected together such that the frame elements substantially do not extend one past one another in the width direction, so that the width direction of the supporting frame also corresponds to the width of the first frame element and hence also to the width of the second frame element.
Preferably, the heights of the frame elements substantially correspond and the frame elements are provided to be connected together such that the resulting supporting frame has the same height as the height of the first frame element. The frame elements then substantially do not extend past one another in the height direction.
These frame components may comprise only frame components for forming said frame. This may be the case for example if the bed frame is used for a non-adjustable bed device. The frame components may for example comprise supporting posts for the frame. The frame components may also comprise lifting elements which form part of a lifting system. This is the case for example for adjustable bed devices, in which parts of the mattress element or the mattress can be raised. Some of these lifting elements may or may not be provided to be directly connected to said frame. This frame is ideal for use in adjustable bed devices since the supporting frame can be designed very stiffly, so it is well able to absorb torsional forces and other forces. Since the supporting frame is rigid, motors such as linear motors or duo motors, which are used for adjusting the bed device, may also be attached to the frame.
The frame is for example constructed such that the first frame element, the second frame element and the respective connecting elements are intended to be connected together only during assembly of the frame in order to form the bed device. Thus transport of the frame is simple. However, before transport, the connecting elements may already be connected to one said frame element in a fixed position. Then it is simply necessary to connect the connecting elements to the other said frame element, whereby installation may take place more quickly.
A frame element constructed from at least four profiles is easy to produce for example in a factory and in addition has a specific stiffness. Thus the four profiles can be connected together in a rigid fashion, for example by welding together, so that the frame element is sufficiently rigid. These profiles are then preferably made of metal and may for example be hollow profiles. Working with hollow profiles means that the weight of the frame can be limited but the frame may still have sufficient stiffness. One or more of these profiles may also be plate-like.
The connecting elements are preferably releasably connected to at least one of the frame elements. In this way, after assembly the frame can be disassembled again, whereby the frame can easily be transported to a different location. The connecting elements may for example be connectable to one or both frame elements using bolts and nuts. One or both frame elements and the connecting elements may then be provided with corresponding openings/passages through which the bolts may extend. Bolting the components together, certainly if openings/passages are already provided, is very easy and can be carried out by a layperson. One or both frame elements may however also be provided with cavities/spaces in which the connecting elements may be at least partially inserted for connection to each other.
Preferably, the first transverse profile of each frame element attaches to the longitudinal profiles at the respective ends of the longitudinal profiles, so that the supporting frame in assembled state is rectangular in shape. A rectangular frame is rigid and may be designed such that there are substantially no protruding parts.
In a specific embodiment, the longitudinal profiles, at least at the level of the second transverse profiles, comprise a channel which extends and opens in the length direction, wherein the connecting elements are receivable in said respective channels in order thus to connect the two frame elements. Then the connecting elements may simply be inserted in the respective channels. Connecting elements may already be contained in the channels of one respective frame element in the factory, for example in an inseparable fashion. For assembly on site, the connecting elements need then merely be placed in the respective channels of the other frame element.
Furthermore preferably, in this specific embodiment, the connecting elements are completely receivable in the respective channels, and in mounted state of the frame, the connecting elements are completely received in the respective channels so that the respective longitudinal profiles of the frame elements adjoin each other and at least the longitudinal profiles of one frame element extend past the second transverse profile viewed in the length direction. Since the connecting elements are completely received in the respective channels in mounted state of the supporting frame, this frame is very rigid and scarcely susceptible to flexion. In addition, since at least the longitudinal profiles of one frame element extend past the second transverse profile viewed in the length direction, the presence of said third frame space is guaranteed since the second transverse profiles of both frame elements must then be at a distance from each other in assembled state.
Also furthermore preferably, in this specific embodiment, the longitudinal profiles of both frame elements extend past their second transverse profile viewed in the length direction. The third frame space may here be substantially symmetrical in structure, which benefits stability and ensures that assembly is easier.
In another specific embodiment, the transverse profiles and the longitudinal profiles adjoin each other successively such that said profiles form an encasing rectangular frame which forms the outermost contours of the frame element, and the connecting elements comprise at least two connecting elements which each comprise a profile part, wherein in mounted state of the frame, each profile part extends between the respective longitudinal profiles. The connecting elements here extend between the respective longitudinal profiles in mounted state, so that the length of the frame elements can easily be limited but still have sufficiently long side profiles, and hence give a sufficiently long supporting frame after installation while the transport volume of the frame may be relatively low. In addition, these connecting elements may also contribute to the stiffness of the resulting frame. At the level of the connecting elements, there is a rectangular part which consists of the second transverse profiles of the frame elements and the connecting elements, and which thus forms said third frame space.
Furthermore preferably, in this other specific embodiment, the two said connecting elements with the profile part comprise one or more fixing plates for fixing the connecting elements to the respective frame elements. By means of fixing plates, which are plate-like elements, the connecting elements can easily be attached to the frame elements and hence to one or more profiles of frame elements. Thus said connecting elements may comprise at least one fixing plate at each end of the profile part, wherein the fixing plate is then for example provided to rest against a profile of the respective frame element. Even more preferably, each connecting element comprises two fixing plates at each end of the profile part, wherein these two fixing plates are placed at an angle of approximately 90°, wherein the one fixing plate then rests against the respective transverse profile and the other fixing plate then rests against the respective longitudinal profile. Here, the connection between the frame elements and said connecting elements is very rigid and also easy to establish. This is because there is only one logical way of attaching the connecting elements to the frame elements. To attach the fixing plates to the respective profiles, the fixing plates and the frame elements may be provided with corresponding openings/passages and for example bolts and nuts may be provided, wherein the bolts may be inserted through said openings/passages.
Furthermore preferably, at least the longitudinal profiles of both frame elements all have approximately the same cross-section. Thus each frame element may be easy to form. Also, the frame elements may be connected very easily.
Furthermore, even more preferably, the profile parts (if present) have approximately the same cross-section as the longitudinal profiles. The side profiles of the formed supporting frame here have the same cross-section over substantially their complete length. This frame is here very rigid.
Also, further preferably, the longitudinal profiles and the transverse profiles of each frame element are connected together inseparably in a fixed position. This means that the profiles of each frame element cannot be separated from each other without damaging the profiles. Thus the profile parts may for example be welded together. Each frame element here forms a whole which is designed to be produced and transported as a whole. In this way, the frame elements may be designed very stiffly, whereby the resulting supporting frame body and hence the frame is very rigid in use.
Preferably, at least one said frame element comprises one or more support bars for directly connecting the longitudinal profiles of said frame element. These one or more support bars here lend additional stiffness to the respective frame element, and/or form additional components onto which parts of a bed device, such as motors, may be attached. A said support bar is preferably already attached to the respective longitudinal profiles before transport.
In a preferred embodiment, the frame components comprise at least one support element which is provided for connecting the second transverse profiles together directly. This ensures additional stiffness in connecting the two frame elements together and reduces the risk of flexion at the level of the third bed frame, and torsional forces can be absorbed even better. Furthermore, preferably the support element is connected to the second transverse profiles such that said transverse profiles rest on the support element, and the support element thus extends partially under the second transverse profiles. Forces exerted on the frame at the level of the connection between the frame elements are here well absorbed by the support element, whereby the risk of flexion of the frame at this connection is very low. This support element may here additionally serve as a connecting element for other parts of the bed device, such as for example motors if the bed device is an adjustable bed device. To be able to connect the support element easily to the respective profiles, the support element may comprise connecting plates and/or the support element may be constructed from different components. The second transverse profiles and the connecting plates may then be provided with openings/passages through which for example bolts may be passed, so that the support element can easily be attached to the second transverse profiles by means of bolts and nuts.
In a greatly preferred embodiment, the dimensions of certain frame components are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the width of the frame space of a said frame element, the length of the frame space of a said frame element, and the sum of the heights of the frame spaces of the frame elements, so that said frame components are receivable in the frame space of a said frame element or in both frame spaces of the frame elements, when the first and the second frame element are stacked above each other such that their height directions substantially correspond and their frame spaces adjoin each other. Here, the frame elements have the largest dimensions. The frame elements can easily be placed on each other such that their height directions substantially correspond and their frame spaces adjoin each other, and then other frame components can be introduced into these frame spaces in such a way that these frame components do not extend past the frame elements. This means that said frame can be transported very compactly, whereby a relatively large number of frames can be transported in one process, for example in one truck or in one container. The end user of the frame may here also transport the frame in a car. These other frame components, which can be contained in the frame elements stacked one upon the other, are for example said connecting elements if these have not already been attached to one of the frame elements, the support element (where present), lifting elements, a bag with the necessary bolts and nuts, etc.
In a specific embodiment, the frame components comprise one or more lifting elements for raising a mattress element, wherein preferably at least one lifting element is intended to be connected to the first or second frame element. These lifting elements here then form part of a lifting system for a mattress element or mattress. This specific embodiment is suitable for adjustable bed devices. Adjustable bed devices comprise two or more support parts, for example plate parts, on which a mattress element may be placed, wherein the support parts may be pivotable relative to each other. These support parts then rest on the frame, and the lifting elements are then arranged movably, for example by means of linear motors, so that they can cause the support parts to pivot if required. These bed devices usually have a base position in which the support parts all extend in approximately the same plane, so that the mattress element may assume a horizontal position with respect to the floor on which the bed device is placed, and other positions in which certain support elements stand obliquely relative to said floor so that parts of the mattress element also stand obliquely.
The invention also concerns a bed device comprising a frame and one or more support parts on which a mattress element may be placed, wherein the support parts are supported by the frame, wherein the frame is a frame as described above. The mattress element may be a mattress as such, comprising a sprung core and a mattress ticking. The mattress element may also be a sprung core such as a foam part. If the bed device comprises only one support part, this support part is then preferably attached to the supporting body of the frame in a fixed position in mounted state of the bed device. The support part then lends additional stiffness to the supporting frame. The bed device may also comprise several support parts which are pivotable relative to each other so that parts of the mattress element may be placed in the desired position. This is described as an adjustable bed device. The one or more support parts may comprise a slatted base, (wooden) planks/panels etc.
Preferably, the bed device comprises two or more said support parts, of which at least one of said support parts is designed to be connected supportingly in a fixed position to the supporting frame at the level of the third frame space, wherein said support part substantially completely covers said third frame space. This support part lends additional stiffness to the frame at the level of the connection of the frame elements to each other, so that the risk of flexion and/or torsion of the supporting frame at this connection is low.
Furthermore preferably, the bed device comprises at least three support parts, wherein at least one of said support parts is plate-like and has a length and width which substantially correspond to the corresponding dimensions of parts of the supporting frame which form the third frame space.
The invention also concerns an assembly pack for a frame, wherein the assembly pack comprises several frame components, wherein the frame is a frame as described above and said assembly pack contains the frame components of said frame. This concerns an assembly pack for a frame as described above. Said assembly pack may thus be very compact.
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following detailed description of two preferred embodiments of the frame according to this invention and their corresponding bed devices. The aim of this description is exclusively to give explanatory examples and indicate further advantages and features, and thus it may in no sense be interpreted as a restriction of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights claimed in the claims.
In this detailed description, by means of reference signs, reference is made to the appended drawings in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a frame according to the invention in assembled state of the frame;
figure 2 is an exploded view of the frame shown in figure 1;
figure 3 is a perspective view of the frame shown in figure 1 in the compact, non-assembled state of the frame;
figure 4 is a perspective view of a connecting element of the frame;
figure 5 is a side view of a part of an adjustable bed device comprising the frame shown in figure 1, wherein the plate parts are raised;
figure 6 is a view from below of the part of the adjustable bed device shown in figure 5, wherein the plate parts are in the rest position;
figure 7 is a perspective view of the part of the adjustable bed device shown in figure 5, wherein the plate parts are raised;
figure 8 is another perspective view of the part of the adjustable bed device shown in figure 5, wherein the plate parts are raised;
figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the frame according to the invention in the assembled state of the frame;
figure 10 is an exploded view of the frame shown in figure 9;
figure 11 is a perspective view of the frame shown in figure 9 in the compact, non-assembled state of the frame;
figure 12 is a view from below of a part of an adjustable bed device comprising the frame shown in figure 9, wherein the plate parts are in the rest position;
figure 13 is a perspective view of the part of the adjustable bed device shown in figure 12, wherein the plate parts are raised;
figure 14 is a perspective view of the part of the adjustable bed device shown in figure 12, wherein the plate parts are in the rest position.

The figures show two embodiments of a frame (1) according to this invention. Moreover, other embodiments are also possible. These frames (1) are intended to form part of an adjustable bed device. This is clearly visible in figures 5 to 8 and in figures 12 to 14, which show parts of the bed devices according to the invention, comprising an embodiment of a frame (1) according to the invention, support parts such as the plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) which are supported by the frame (1), and motors (14) for pivoting the plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) relative to each other between a base position, in which all plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) extend in a plane which extends in the width direction (B) and length direction (A) of the supporting body of the frame (1), and raised positions. The base position is visible in figures 6, 12 and 14, and raised positions are visible in figures 5, 7, 8 and 13. The positions of the plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) of the bed device relative to the frame (1) are clearly visible in these figures. The bed devices may also comprise additional parts which are not shown in the figures, such as a mattress element, one or more supporting posts for the frame (1), etc.
For both embodiments, the frame (1) is produced in a factory and supplied to the customer as an assembly pack. This assembly pack contains the frame (1) in the state shown in figures 3 and 11. The frame (1) is then for example packed in a cardboard box with dimensions corresponding to the frame (1), as shown in figures 3 and 11. The assembly pack here therefore contains the following frame components: a first and a second frame element (2, 3), two connecting elements (4), a support element (8), three lifting elements (10, 11, 13), and bolts (9) and nuts for connecting the various frame components together. In the first embodiment, in the compact state the connecting elements (4) are not yet connected to the frame elements (2, 3). In the second embodiment, the connecting elements (4) are already connected to the first frame element (2).
The two frame elements (2, 3), the two connecting elements (4), the support element (8) and the respective bolts (9) and nuts are provided to form a supporting frame in the assembled state of the frame (1) (see below).
In the first embodiment, the frame (1) is constructed as follows.
The first frame element (2) is rectangular in shape and is constructed successively from a first hollow bar shaped transverse profile (2a) which extends in the width direction (B), a first hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (2b) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches to the first transverse profile (2a), a second hollow bar shaped transverse profile (2c) which extends in the width direction (B) and attaches to the first longitudinal profile (2b), and a second hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (2d) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches at one end to the second transverse profile (2c) and at the other to the first transverse profile (2a), so that the profiles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) together extend along a rectangle. All these profiles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) together encase a first rectangular frame space.
The second frame element (3) is rectangular in shape and is constructed successively from a first plate shaped transverse profile (3a) which extends in the width direction (B), a first hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (3b) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches to the first transverse profile (3a), a second hollow bar shaped transverse profile (3c) which extends in the width direction (B) and attaches to the first longitudinal profile (3b), and a second hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (3d) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches at one end to the first transverse profile (3a) and at the other to the second transverse profile (3c), so that the profiles (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) together extend along a rectangle. Furthermore, the second frame element (3) comprises a support bar (7) which connects the longitudinal profiles (3b, 3d) together directly. This support bar (7) in the assembly pack is already connected to the longitudinal profiles (3b, 3d). All these profiles (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) together encase a second rectangular frame space.
The width of the first frame element (2) corresponds to the width of the second frame element (3). The height of the first frame element (2) corresponds to the height of the second frame element (3). The length of the first frame element (2) is slightly shorter than the length of the second frame element (3). Furthermore, said hollow bar shaped profiles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 3c, 3d) all have the same cross-section.
In the compact form shown in figure 3, the second frame element (3) is stacked below the first frame element (2) such that the height directions (C) of the frame elements (2, 3) correspond and their frame spaces adjoin each other. As visible in figure 3, all other parts of the frame (1) are contained within the frame spaces so that the frame elements (2, 3) form the outermost contours of the frame (1).
On installation of the frame (1), i.e. when transforming the frame (1) from the state shown in figure 3 to the state of the frame (1) shown in figure 1, the frame elements (2, 3) are connected together by means of the connecting elements (4) so as to form a supporting frame, in such a way that the frame elements (2, 3) extend in a line, the width of this frame corresponds to the width of the first frame element (2), the height of this frame corresponds to the height of the first frame element (2), and the length of this frame is the sum of the lengths of the first frame element (2), the second frame element (3) and said connecting element (4).
The connecting elements (4) each comprise a profile part (5) which has the same cross-section as said hollow bar shaped profiles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 3c, 3d) and, at both ends of the profile part (5), each comprise two fixing plates (6) which are connected together at an angle of approximately 90°. The one connecting element (4) is then connected to the first frame element (2) such that the respective fixing plates (6) rest firstly against the first longitudinal profile (2b) and secondly against the second transverse profile (2c) of the first frame element (2), and this same connecting element (4) is then connected to the second frame element (3) such that the respective fixing plates (6) rest firstly against the first longitudinal profile (3b) and secondly against the second transverse profile (3c) of the second frame element (3). Said longitudinal profiles (2b, 3b) and the respective profile part (5) here form the first side profile of the frame. The other connecting element (4) is then connected to the first frame element (2) such that the respective fixing plates (6) rest firstly against the second longitudinal profile (2d) and secondly against the second transverse profile (2c) of the first frame element (2), and said other connecting element (4) is then connected to the second frame element (3) such that the respective fixing plates (6) rest firstly against the second longitudinal profile (3d) and secondly against the second transverse profile (3c) of the second frame element (3). Said longitudinal profiles (2d, 3d) and the respective profile part (5) here then form a second side profile of the frame. Said second transverse profiles (2c, 3c) and the profile parts (5) of the fixing elements (4) here form a third frame space which extends between the first and second frame spaces, viewed in the length direction (A).
In the second embodiment, the frame (1) is constructed as follows.
The first frame element (2) is assembled from successively a first hollow bar shaped transverse profile (2a) which extends in the width direction (B), a first hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (2b) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches to the first transverse profile (2a), a second hollow bar shaped transverse profile (2c) which extends in the width direction (B) and attaches to the first longitudinal profile (2b), and a second hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (2d) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches at one end to the second transverse profile (2c) and at the other to the first transverse profile (2a), so that the profiles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) together form a first rectangular frame space. The longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d) extend past the second transverse profile (2c) viewed in the length direction (A).
The second frame element (3) is constructed successively from a first plate shaped transverse profile (3a) which extends in the width direction (B), a first hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (3b) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches to the first transverse profile (3a), a second hollow bar shaped transverse profile (3c) which extends in the width direction (B) and attaches to the first longitudinal profile (3b), and a second hollow bar shaped longitudinal profile (3d) which extends in the length direction (A) and attaches at one end to the first transverse profile (3a) and at the other to the second transverse profile (3c), so that the profiles (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) together form a first rectangular frame space. The longitudinal profiles (3b, 3d) extend past the second transverse profile (3c) viewed in the length direction (A). Furthermore, the second frame element (3) comprises a support bar (7) which connects the longitudinal profiles (3d, 3d) together directly. This support bar (7) in the assembly pack is here already connected to the longitudinal profiles (3b, 3d).
The width of the first frame element (2) corresponds to the width of the second frame element (3). The height of the first frame element (2) corresponds to the height of the second frame element (3). The length of the first frame element (2) is slightly shorter than the length of the second frame element (3). Furthermore, said hollow rod-like profiles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 3c, 3d) all have the same cross-section.
In the compact form shown in figure 11, the second frame element (3) is stacked above the first frame element (2) such that the height directions (C) of the frame elements (2, 3) correspond and their frame spaces adjoin each other. As visible in figure 11, all other parts of the frame (1) except the connecting elements (4) are contained within the frame spaces, so that the frame elements (2, 3) substantially form the outermost contours of the frame (1) in the compact state shown. The connecting elements (4) are here already connected to the first frame element (2).
On installation of the frame (1), i.e. when transforming the frame (1) from the state shown in figure 11 to the state of the frame (1) shown in figure 9, the frame elements (2, 3) are connected together by means of the connecting elements (4) so as to form a supporting frame, in such a way that the frame elements (2, 3) extend in a line, the width of this frame corresponds to the width of the first frame element (2), the height of this frame corresponds to the height of the first frame element (2), and the length of this frame is the sum of the lengths of the first frame element (2) and the second frame element (3).
The connecting elements (4) are rods which can be received completely in the respective hollow longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d). In the factory, the connecting elements (4) are already inseparably contained in the first and second longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d) respectively of the first frame element (2). This is clearly visible in figures 10 and 11. To attach the second frame element (3) to the first frame element (2), the longitudinal profiles (3b, 3d) of the second frame element (3) are then simply pushed over the respective fixing elements (4), and/or the fixing elements (4) are received in the respective longitudinal profiles (3b, 3d) of the second frame element (3), until the respective longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) rest against each other. Said first longitudinal profiles (2b, 3b), with the respective fixing element (4) extending inside said longitudinal profiles (2d, 3d), here form the first side profile of the frame. Said second transverse profiles (2c, 3c) with the respective fixing element (4) extending inside said longitudinal profiles (2d, 3d), here form the second side profile of the frame. Said second transverse profiles (2c, 3c), and the parts of the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) which extend past their respective second transverse profile (2c, 3c), here form a third frame space which extends between the first and second frame spaces, viewed in the length direction (A). At the level of the parts of the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) which extend past their respective transverse profile (2c, 3c), a reinforcing element (12) is always provided.
In both embodiments, the support element (8) is provided to connect the second transverse profiles (2c, 3c) together directly in such a way that both second transverse profiles (2c, 3c) rest on the support element (8). This ensures a further stiffness at the level of the connection between the first and second frame elements (2, 3).
In both embodiments, the frame (1) comprises three lifting elements (10, 11, 13), wherein a first lifting element (10) is designed to be pivotably connected to the second frame element (3), and the other lifting elements (11, 13) are not connected directly to the frame but are connected directly to a respective plate part (15a, 15c) and then each connected to the frame via motor (14).
After installation of the frame (1), i.e. after the necessary parts of the frame (1) have been connected together, the frame (1) is obtained as shown in figures 1 and 9, and said frame (1) is ready to be attached to other parts of the bed device in order to form a bed device.
The two embodiments of bed devices shown in the figures comprise a corresponding embodiment of the frame (1) in assembled state, motors (14) and plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d). The plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) are pivotable relative to each other and successively form a back support (15a), a pelvic support (15b), a leg support (15c) and a foot support (15d). The pelvic support (15b) in the first embodiment is made in one piece, wherein the pelvic support (15b) of the second embodiment is in two pieces. The pelvic support (15b) has almost the same width and length as the corresponding dimensions of the parts of the supporting frame which form said third frame space, and also completely covers said third frame space. The pelvic support (15b) here lends extra stiffness to the formed supporting frame. The second lifting element (11) is attached in a fixed position against the underside of the back support (15a), and the third lifting element (13) is attached in a fixed position against the underside of the leg support (15c). The first lifting element (10) is also pivotably connected to the foot support (15d). The motor (14) which raises the back support (15a) is firstly pivotably connected to the support element (8) and secondly pivotably connected to the second lifting element (11). The motor (14) which can pivot the leg support (15c) and the foot support (15d) is firstly pivotably connected to the support element (8) and secondly pivotably connected to the third lifting element (13). Despite the fact that, in the raised positions of the plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), many forces are exerted on the frame (1) at the level of the supporting frame, and more specifically at the level of the connection between the two frame elements (2, 3), the supporting frame is less susceptible to flexion and less susceptible to torsion because of the specific structure and connection of the supporting frame and also because of the specific structure of the plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) and the connection of the plate parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) to the frame (1).

Claims

Frame (1) for a bed device comprising several frame components, characterized in that the frame components comprise a first frame element (2) and a second frame element (3), wherein said frame elements (2, 3)
• each extend in a length direction (A), a width direction (B) and a height direction (C), and the width of the first frame element (2) substantially corresponds to the width of the second frame element (3);

• each comprise two longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) which extend substantially in the length direction (A) and at a distance from each other viewed in the width direction (B),

• each comprise a first and a second transverse profile (2a, 2c, 3a, 3c) which extend substantially in the width direction (B) and at a distance from each other viewed in the length direction (A), wherein the transverse profiles (2a, 2c, 3a, 3c) connect together the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d), and wherein said longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) and transverse profiles (2a, 2c, 3a, 3c) together encase a frame space,
and wherein the frame components comprise connecting elements (4) for connecting the first frame element (2) to the second frame element (3) so as to form a supporting frame, such that

• the corresponding longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) extend in a line and thus together with the connecting elements (4) form side profiles of the supporting frame, the width of the supporting frame substantially corresponds to the width of the first frame element (2), and the length of the supporting frame is at least the sum of the length of the first frame element (2) and the length of the second frame element (3),

• the second transverse profiles (2c, 3c) of the frame elements (2, 3) extend opposite each other and at a distance from each other viewed in the length direction (A), and thus the supporting frame comprises said frame spaces of the frame elements (2, 3) and a third frame space, wherein said third frame space is encased by the second transverse profiles (2c, 3c) and the side profiles and extends between said frame spaces of the frame elements (2, 3) viewed in the length direction (A).
Frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting elements (4) are releasably connected to at least one of the frame elements (2, 3).
Frame (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first transverse profile (2a, 3a) of each frame element (2, 3) attaches to the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) at the respective ends of the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) so that the supporting frame in mounted state is rectangular in shape.
Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d), at least at the level of the second transverse profiles (2c, 3c), comprise a channel which extends and opens in the length direction (A), wherein the connecting elements (4) are receivable in these respective channels in order thus to connect the frame elements (2, 3).
Frame (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting elements (4) are completely receivable in the respective channels, and that in mounted state of the frame (1), the connecting elements (4) are completely received in the respective channels so that the respective longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) of the frame elements (2, 3) adjoin each other, and wherein at least the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) of one frame element (2, 3) extend past the second transverse profile (2c, 3c) viewed in the length direction (A).
Frame (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) of both frame elements (2, 3) extend past their second transverse profile (2c, 3c) viewed in the length direction (A).
Frame (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transverse profiles (2a, 2c, 3a, 3c) and the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) adjoin each other successively such that said profiles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) form an encasing rectangular frame which forms the outermost contours of the frame element (2, 3), and wherein the connecting elements (4) comprise at least two connecting elements (4) which each comprise a profile part (5), wherein in mounted state of the frame (1), each profile part (5) extends between the respective longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d).
Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse profiles (2a, 2c, 3a, 3c) and the longitudinal profiles (2b, 2d, 3b, 3d) of each frame element (2, 3) are inseparably connected together in a fixed position.
Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one said frame element (3) comprises one or more support bars (7) for directly connecting the longitudinal profiles (3b, 3d) of said frame element (3).
Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame components comprise at least one support element (8) which is provided for connecting the second transverse profiles (2c, 3c) together directly.
Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimensions of certain frame components are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the width of the frame space of a said frame element (2, 3), the length of the frame space of a said frame element (2, 3) and the sum of the heights of the frame spaces of the frame elements (2, 3), so that said frame components are receivable in the frame space of a said frame element (2, 3) or in both frame spaces of the frame elements (2, 3) when the first and the second frame element (2, 3) are stacked above each other such that their height directions (C) substantially correspond and their frame spaces adjoin each other.
Frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame components comprise one or more lifting elements (10, 11, 13) for raising a mattress element.
Bed device comprising a frame (1) and one or more support parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) on which a mattress element is placeable, wherein the one or more support parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) are supported by the frame (1), characterized in that the frame (1) is a frame (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12.
Bed device according to claim 13, characterized in that the bed device comprises two or more said support parts (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), wherein at least one of said support parts (15b) is designed to be connected supportingly in a fixed position to the supporting frame at the level of the third frame space such that said support part (15b) substantially completely covers said third frame space.
Assembly pack for a frame (1), wherein the assembly pack comprises several frame components, characterized in that the frame (1) is a frame (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, and that said assembly pack contains the frame components of said frame (1).