Title of Invention

SWING BED

Abstract

This invention relates to novel furniture 'Swing Bed' incorporating certain advanced mechanisms, which will be highly useful to the user. The bed has an independent platform supported by rollers, which can roll over a particular swing radius guide groove giving a smooth swinging action on the Supported Swinging Principle (SSP). The swinging action is obtained by using a swing box. This swing box gives Simultaneous Infinitely Variable Adjustment (SIVA). The said platform is supported by springs / any other shock absorbing device making the bed a 'Suspension Platform Bed (SPB)'. This construction effects a new, never before experience of 'floating feel' to the user. This swing bed also has a mechanism by which the bed platform can be lifted from the horizontal position to vertical position with respect to a hinge in a most smooth and efficient manner to make the bed a multi-purpose one (for storage and other purposes). This activity is effected by incorporating a motor driven lifting / closing mechanism.

Full Text

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to swinging motion for beds or the like, and more particularly for bed furniture to impart swinging motion to the bed top frame assembly for sleeping and relaxing purposes. It has long been recognized that the imparting of a swinging motion to a bed top frame assembly about a virtual longitudinal axis parallel to the said bed top surface and direction of the body resting on the bed stimulates sleep and relaxation. The continuous swinging action of the resting body increases relaxation and induces sleep as similar in the case of a baby on a swinging cradle. BACKGROUND ART On perusal of database available in the Internet, relevant known in the art consists of 2 US patents relating to swing bed. In the cited specification D443, 772 the salient features of the invention relates to ornamental design of a swing bed which is substantially different from this invention which will be clear on perusal of the contents of this complete specification. Another US patent 5,957,780 relates to a convertible bed type swing, which includes a stationary frame and an oscillating frame rotatably connected to the stationary frame. The oscillating frame includes a seat and seatback with a strut rotatably connected to the seat. The seat back has bolt mounted on the strut for locking and unlocking the strut to and from the oscillating frame. The strut is positioned on an end side of the seat back and extends from the seat of the seat back diametrically opposite the seat. This bed type swing is also different from this invention, which will also be clear on perusal of the contents of this complete specification. It would be highly preferable to devise a swinging motion mechanism which can be hidden under the bed but which would create a swinging motion to a bed top frame assembly about a virtual longitudinal axis parallel to the bed top surface and direction of the body of the person lying on the bed. The primary object of the present invention is to generate swinging motion to a bed top frame assembly through a mechanism housed in a swing box, which also enables var/ing the frequency and amplitude of the swinging motion either simultaneously or independently. This invention is substantially different from the patent specifications cited. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The apparatus is provided to apply a swinging motion to a oed top frame assembly about a virtual longitudinal axis parallel to the bed top surface and direction of the body of the person lying on the bed such that the person resting on the bed is virtually free of any longitudinal motion. The apparatus comprises a movable bed top frame assembly defining a swinging motion about a virtual longitudinal axis and four leg supports spaced apart, each said leg support having rollers and guiding curved surfaces matching the set swing radius slidingly connecting the movable bed top frame assembly. Electric motors are used to impart swinging motion using a mechanism housed in a swing box, which also enables varying the frequency and amplitude of the swinging motion either simultaneously or independently. The apparatus is also provided with means for imparting lifting and lowering of the movable bed -top frame assembly about the back side support roller holde hinge axis, means for fixing a computer monitor on a flexible and adjustable arm mounted on the head side main structure which houses the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer to enable the person lying on the bed to operate and view the computer using a wireless keyboard and mouse, means for playing music and night lamps, means for operating most of the functions of the said apparatus through an electrical control system which could be operated by a remote control device and means for assemble and disassemble the swing bed apparatus on RTA (Ready - to -assemble) concept. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig-1 shows the construction of a swing bed according to the invention Fig-2 shows the isometric view of the swing bed Fig-3 shows four leg supports and the movable bed top frame assembly Fig.4 shows the isometric view of swing box according to the invention Fig.5 shows the side elevation view of the swing box according to the invention Fig.6 shows the front elevation view of the swing box according to the invention showing the swinging motion of the swing lever Fig-7 shows the elevation view of the swing box assembly including the electric motor drives, gearbox and rock connecting rod to the mechanism. Fig-8 shows the front elevation view of the suspension arrangement In the bed top frame assembly according to the invention Fig-9 shows the front elevation view of the swing bed construction according to the invention showing the swinging motion of the movable bed top frame assembly Fig-10 shows the side elevation view of the swing bed, while the bed top frame assembly being lifted from the horizontal position to the vertical position using the lifting / lowering mechanism Fig-11 shows the top view of the complete bed showing the lifting/closing mechanism Fig. 12 shows the isometric view of the complete bed without optional features, with bed top frame assembly in the horizontal position. The control panel is shown in the drawing for remote operation facility. Fig.13 shows the isometric view of the complete bed without optional features with bed top frame assembly in the vertical position. Fig-14 shows the top view of the complete swing bed portraying a user using the computer in lying position. Fig-15 shows the side elevation view of the complete swing bed portraying a user using the computer In a lying position. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawing (Fig-1) there is illustrated a swing bed having a swinging mechanism implemented according to the present invention. The swinging mechanism comprises a movable bed top frame assembly (2) and four leg supports (3) fixed on a stationer/ base (4). The stationary base comprises four leg supports (3) (Fig-3) spaced apart, each said leg support having rollers (5) and guiding curved surfaces (6) matching the set swing radius (7) (Fig-2) with respect to said virtual longitudinal axis (8). The movable top frame assembly (2) slidingly connected to the said rollers (5) and guiding curved surfaces (6) by means of corresponding matching curved surfaces and rollers respectively. Two leg supports (3) are housed in each support base assembly called front support base assembly (9) and back support base assembly (10) as shown in the (Fig-1). To impart swinging motion to the movable bed top frame assembly (2) a swing box assembly (11) is located in each of the support base assembly positioned between the two leg supports. The swing box (11) works under the following mechanism. The invention swing box comprises of a swing box housing (12) (Fig-4) wherein various parts are assembled. The novel idea being, if the fulcrum of the fulcrum nut pin (13) (Fig-4) is made to move between two predetermined movement limits A & B (14) (Fig-6) over a fixed length with reference to the drive end (16), the corresponding change in the swing width is obtained at the swing end (17) of the lever (15). This is the crux of the invention. Now, the invention is described in detail with reference to the drawing {Fig-5), which shows the left elevation view of the swing box assembly. The device has a central screw rod (18) mounted on a cross rib support (19) integral to the swing box housing (12). An adjustable fulcrum nut pin (13) positioned at right angled to the central screw rod (18) axis and guides through the front body structure slot (20) (fig-4) and swing lever slot (21). A swing lever (15) is juxtaposed to the swing box housing (12) and has the ability to swing about the axis of the adjustable fulcrunn nut pin (13) position as fulcrum. The swing lever (15) is mounted on a swing lever drive pin (22) and supported by the bracket (23) of the swing box housing (12) through the bracket straight slot (24). The movement of the swing lever (15) is shown in the drawing (Fig-6) depicting various positions of the swing lever (15). The adjustable fulcrum nut pin (13) moves along the front body structure slot (20) vertically between the positions A and B (14) (Fig-6). The swing lever (15) can obtain a swing width of min.lO mm to max.] 50 mm on either side (i.e., + / -) of the center axis (51). Depending on the design requirement, the max / min swing width could be varied by varying the distance between the fulcrum movements limits A & B (14) (Fig-6) A worm gear (25) (Fig -5) connected at the bottom of the central screw rod (18), converts the rotational motion in to a linear motion to the adjustable fulcrum nut pin (13)Jhe rotational motion to the worm gear (25) is provided by a swing width drive electric motor (27) (Flg-7) through a worm (26). Another swing frequency drive electric motor (28) that imparts reciprocation motion to the swing lever drive pin (22) through a rack connecting rod (30) mounted on the output gear of the gear box (29) of the swing frequency drive electric motor (28). The alternate clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the output gear of the gear box (29) is converted in to reciprocating movement to the rack connecting rod (30) through a rack pinion arrangement. Adjustable fulcrum nut pin (13) can be fixed / located any where between the fulcrum movement limits A & B (14) (Fig-5 & 6). This is the very important mechanism of the invention. By allowing the adjustable fulcrum nut pin (13) to move with reference to the swing lever drive pin (22) to occupy various points between the fulcrum movement limits A & B location, one can get a Simultaneous Variable swinging action at the swing end (17) of the swing lever (15) while the reciprocating drive is effected at the drive end (16) by the rack connecting rod (30). The drive hook (31) (Fig-5) fixed at the bottom of the top frame assembly (2) is positioned to slide in the swing lever open slot (32) {Fig-4) to transmit the swinging motion of the lever (15) to the movable top frame assembly (2). This movable top frame assembly (2) comprises a top frame (33) {Fig-8) and bottom frame (34) keeping in between plurality of springs (35). By providing such an arrangement, any load on the bed (mattress) (36) (Fig-8) is evenly absorbed by the springs (35) thereby providing extra comforf to the user. Also, this effect gives a new, 'floating feel' to the user. The sv The first additional feature of the swing bed is that the swing bed is multi-purpose. The movable top frame assembly (2) of the swing bed along with the mattress (36) (Fig-8) can be lifted with reference to the roller holder hinge axis (37) provided in the back support base assembly (10) from the horizontal position to vertical position by means of a lifting mechanism fixed at the head support base (38) (Fig-ll). This lifting mechanism has a lifting electric motor (39) attached with two drums (40) over which two belts (41) are fixed at one end while the other end is fixed with the bed end toggles(42)(Fig-10) passing through a guide rollers (43), for performing the lifting and lowering operation. While lifting the movable top frame assembly (2) the foldable head board frame (49) (Flg-15) will be folded touching the surface of the mattress (36). (Fig.12) shows the isometric view of the complete swing bed without optional features, with movable bed frame assembly in the horizontal position. The control panel (44) is shown in the drawing for remote operation facility. (Fig. 13) shows the isometric view of the complete bed without optional features with movable top bed frame assembly (2) in the vertical position. There is ample storage space (45). (Fig.l4) shows the top view of the complete bed without optional features except the computer monitor (46) assembly with its flexible arm (47) fixed at the head support assembly (48) portraying a user (50) using the computer monitor (46) in lying position. (Fig. 15) Shows the side elevation view of the complete swing bed portraying a user (50) using the computer monitor (46) in a lying position. An electrical control panel (44) (Fig-12) houses all control, which operates the swing bed for most of the functional aspects through remote control for easy handling. What is claimed is 1. A swing bed apparatus supported on a floor for imparting a swinging motion of a bed top frame assembly or the like which comprises: a) a movable bed top frame assembly defining a swinging motion about a virtual longitudinal axis parallel to the said bed top frame assembly surface and length direction of the bed; b) leg supports spaced apart, each said leg support having rollers and guiding curved surfaces matching the set swing radius with respect to said virtual longitudinal axis; c) means for slidingly connecting the movable bed top frame assembly to said rollers and guiding curved surfaces; d) means for imparting a gentle swinging motion to the movable bed top frame assembly along the said rollers and guiding curved surfaces with a provision to set and control the frequency and amplitude of the swinging motion; e) means for imparting lifting and lowering of the movable bed top frame assembly about the back side support roller holder hinge axis; f) means for arresting the movement of the movable top frame assembly through a brake system; g) means for fixing a computer monitor on a flexible and adjustable arm mounted on the head side main structure which houses the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer to enable the person lying on the bed to operate and view the computer using a wireless keyboard and mouse; h) means for playing music and night lamps; i) means for operating most of the functions of the said apparatus through a electrical control system which could be operated by a remote control device; and i) means for assemble and disassemble the swing bed apparatus on RTA (Ready - to - assemble) concept. 2. The swing bed apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said movable top frame assembly comprises: a) one upper frame; and b) one lower frame, sandwiching four coil springs for suspension action. 3. The swing bed apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein the said virtual longitudinal axis is in the longitudinal direction parallel to the said bed top frame assembly surface and the length direction of the said bed such that the person lying on the bed is virtually free of any longitudinal motion. 4. The swing bed apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for imparting swinging motion comprises: a) four constant torque variable speed electrical synchronous motors; b) means for translating the rotary motion of said motors into swinging motion of said bed top frame assembly through a mechanism housed in a swing box which also enables varying the said swing speed and amplitude of the swinging motion either simultaneously or independently; c) a switch for switching motors on and off; d) means for delaying the activation of the motors upon activating said switch; e) means for changing the speed and direction of rotation of the motors through a electrical control system ; f) means to maintain the said changed speed of the motors until the movable top frame assembly has returned to a horizontal home position; and g) means for stopping the activation of the motors while the lifting / lowering movement of said movable bed top frame is on. 5. The swing bed apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for imparting lifting and lowering of the movable bed top frame assembly comprises: o) a constant torque variable speed electrical synchronous motor; b) means for translating the rotary motion of said motor into lifting / lowering movement of said bed top frame assembly through a belt drum and flexible belt; c) a switch for switching the motor on and off; d) means for changing the speed and direction of rotation of the motors through a electrical control system ; e) means for stopping the activation of the motor while the swinging motion of the movable bed top frame is on; and f) means for activation of the motor when the swinging motion of the bed top frame is halted and returned to a horizontal home position. 6. The swing bed apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for arresting the movement of the movable bed top frame assembly through a brake system comprises: a) a constant torque variable speed electrical synchronous motor; b) means for translating the rotary motion of said motor into another rotary motion to the brake shaft through a linear intermediate transmission; c) a switch for switching the motor on and off; d) means for changing the speed and direction of rotation of the motors through a electrical control system; e) means for stopping the activation of the motor while the swinging motion of the movable bed top frame is on; and f) means for activation of the motor when the swinging motion of the bed top frame is halted and returned to a horizontal home position. 7. Movable bed top frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein sold means for imparting swinging motion has a swinging frequency sufficiently slow that said swinging motion is imperceptible to one asleep on said bed. 8. Movable bed top frame assembly according to claim 4 wherein said minimum time to complete one swing frequency means twice the amplitude of the swinging motion is on the order of 4 seconds. 9. Movable bed top frame assembly according to claim 4 wherein the said swinging amplitude means twice the swing width is varying from 10mm to 300mm. 10. Movable bed top frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein said means for imparting lifting has a lifting angle up to 90 degrees or vertical open position and for imparting lowering has a lowering angle up to 0 degree or horizontal home position.

Documents:

884-mas-2001-abstract.pdf

884-mas-2001-claims filed.pdf

884-mas-2001-claims granted.pdf

884-mas-2001-correspondnece-others.pdf

884-mas-2001-correspondnece-po.pdf

884-mas-2001-description(complete)filed.pdf

884-mas-2001-description(complete)granted.pdf

884-mas-2001-drawings.pdf

884-mas-2001-form 1.pdf

884-mas-2001-other document.pdf

884-mas-2001-pct.pdf