US20150351555A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20150351555A1
Application number: US14/731,396
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeff Pearson
Original assignee: Land America Health and Fitness Co Ltd
Current assignee: Land America Health and Fitness Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-04
Filing date: 2015-06-04
Publication date: 2015-12-10
Also published as: WO2015188018A1

Abstract

An adjustable height bed. The adjustable height bed includes a deck connected to a bed frame and one or more leg assemblies. In some embodiments, the one or more leg assemblies are connected to the bed frame and articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame relative to a floor. A leg assembly, in one embodiment, includes a leg and a leg slide. The leg slide may be configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame. The leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned below the linear bearing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/007,801, entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Leg Articulation in an Adjustable Height Bed,” which was filed on Jun. 4, 2014, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention provides an adjustable height bed. The adjustable height bed includes a deck connected to a bed frame and one or more leg assemblies. In some embodiments, the one or more leg assemblies are connected to the bed frame and articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame relative to a floor. A leg assembly, in one embodiment, includes a leg and a leg slide. The leg slide may be configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame. The leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned below the linear bearing. Other embodiments of an adjustable height bed are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable height bed.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict side views of one embodiment of the adjustable height bed ofFIG. 1 in a raised and lowered position, respectively.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable height bed ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg slide ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable height bed.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the leg assembly ofFIG. 6.

Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, specific details of various embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less than all of these specific details. In other instances, certain methods, procedures, components, structures, and/or functions are described in no more detail than to enable the various embodiments of the invention, for the sake of brevity and clarity.

While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of the described embodiments provide an apparatus, system, and method for leg articulation in an adjustable height bed.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable height bed (“bed”)100. Thebed100 includes adeck103 connected to abed frame102 and one ormore leg assemblies104. Thedeck103 acts as a support for a user of the bed, and in some embodiments supports a mattress (not shown). The one ormore leg assemblies104 are connected to thebed frame102 and articulate to adjust the height of thebed frame102 relative to the floor on which thebed100 sits.

Theleg assembly104, in one embodiment, includes aleg106, aleg support108 and awheel assembly110. Theleg assembly104 is connected to thebed frame102 at an upper fixedpivot point122 and aleg slide114. Theleg assembly104 articulates to adjust the height of thebed frame102 relative to the floor.

In some embodiments, theleg106 is connected at a proximal end of theleg106 to theleg slide114. The connection between theleg106 and theleg slide114 may allow theleg106 to rotate relative to theleg slide114. Theleg106 may rotate relative to theleg slide114 around aleg rotation axis116. Theleg rotation axis116, in one embodiment, moves as theleg slide114 moves.

The connection between theleg106 and theleg slide114, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between theleg106 and theleg slide114 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

In some embodiments, theleg106 is connected at a distal end of theleg106 to thewheel assembly110. Thewheel assembly110, in one embodiment, includes one or more wheels configured to interface with the floor. The connection between theleg106 and thewheel assembly110 may allow thewheel assembly110 to rotate relative to theleg106. Thewheel assembly110 may rotate relative to theleg106 around a wheelassembly rotation axis118. The wheelassembly rotation axis118, in one embodiment, moves as theleg106 moves.

The connection between theleg106 and thewheel assembly110, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between theleg106 and thewheel assembly110 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

In some embodiments, theleg106 is connected to theleg support108 at asupport rotation axis120 located between theleg rotation axis116 and the wheelassembly rotation axis118. The leg support108 rotates relative to theleg106 around thesupport rotation axis120.

The connection between theleg106 and theleg support108, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between theleg106 and theleg support108 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

In one embodiment, theleg rotation axis116, thesupport rotation axis120, and the wheelassembly rotation axis118 are substantially parallel, and, when viewed along their length, form three points that are substantially co-linear. In some embodiments, theleg106 is substantially straight, and theleg rotation axis116, thesupport rotation axis120, and the wheelassembly rotation axis118 are located along a line defined by or parallel to a longitudinal axis of theleg106. In certain embodiments, theleg rotation axis116, thesupport rotation axis120, and the wheelassembly rotation axis118 are all connected directly to theleg106. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly rotation axis is connected to a brace connecting theleg106 to another leg of theleg assembly104.

The leg support108, in one embodiment, is connected to thebed frame102 at the upper fixedpivot point122. The upper fixedpivot point122 allows theleg support108 to rotate relative to thebed frame102 around the upper fixedpivot point122. In one embodiment, the upper fixedpivot point122 is fixed relative to thebed frame102.

The connection between thebed frame102 and the leg support108, in one embodiment, may be any connection capable of allowing the necessary motion and carrying the necessary loads. For example, the connection between thebed frame102 and theleg support108 may be a bearing, including but not limited to a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or a roller bearing.

The leg slide114, in one embodiment, is connected to thebed frame102 and theleg106. As described above, theleg slide114 may be connected to theleg106 at theleg rotation axis116 by a joint, such as a rotational bearing, that allows theleg106 to rotate relative to theleg slide114.

In some embodiments, theleg slide114 is connected to thebed frame102 via alinear bearing124 that allows theleg slide114 to translate along a substantially linear path relative to thebed frame102. As theleg slide114 translates along the substantially linear path closer to the upper fixedpivot point122, theleg106 rotates around theleg axis116 to an alignment closer to vertical. As theleg106 rotates closer to vertical, thebed frame102 is pushed upward, and thebed100 rises.

In certain embodiments, the extent of translation allowed by thelinear bearing124 is restricted. This restriction may control the extent to which thebed frame102 may be raised and/or lowered. For example, thelinear bearing124 may be restricted to a predetermined minimum distance from the upper fixedpivot point122. When the distance between thelinear bearing124 and the upper fixedpivot point122 is at the minimum allowed, thebed frame102 is at the highest allowed position.

Translation of thelinear bearing124 may be restricted by a mechanical structure, an electronic control, or a software control. For example, thelinear bearing124 may be restricted by one or more mechanical stops that restrict translation of thelinear bearing124 outside of a predetermined extent. In another example, thebed102 may incorporate one or more sensors to determine the height of thebed frame102, and one or more electronic or software controls to restrict translation of thelinear bearing124 outside of a predetermined extent.

In some embodiments, thelinear bearing124 and theleg rotation axis116 are separated by a distance. Thelinear bearing124 may be at a first portion of theleg slide114 and theleg rotation axis116 may be at a second portion of theleg slide114. In one embodiment, theleg rotation axis116 is below thelinear bearing124. For example, thelinear bearing124 may be at substantially the same height relative to the floor as thebed frame102, and theleg rotation axis116 may be at a lower height relative to the floor than is thelinear bearing124.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict side views of one embodiment of theadjustable height bed100 ofFIG. 1 in a raised and lowered position, respectively. Thebed100 includes thedeck103 connected to thebed frame102, the at least oneleg106, theleg slide114, and the upper fixedpivot point122. As described above, as theleg106 rotates from a more vertical position, as shown inFIG. 2A, to a more horizontal position, as shown inFIG. 2B, thebed frame102 moves closer to the floor. In addition, the distance between theleg slide114 and the upper fixedpivot point122 is maximized as thebed frame102 is lowered and minimized is thebed frame102 is raised.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of theadjustable height bed100 ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, thelinear bearing124 is inside of abed frame element302. Thelinear bearing124 may have a profile shaped to conform to an interior of thebed frame element302. Thelinear bearing124 slides along the interior of thebed frame element302 as theleg slide114 translates relative to thebed frame102.

Thebed frame element302 may be any type of structure capable of supporting the rated weight of thebed100 and interacting with thelinear bearing124. For example, thebed frame element302 may be a rod, a bar, a tube, or a channel. Thebed frame element302 may include any material capable of performing the required functions of thebed frame element302. For example, thebed frame element302 may include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, a composite material, or a polymer.

Thebed frame element302, in one embodiment, has aslot304 through which a portion of theleg slide114 extends. Theslot304 includes

stops

306,308 that restrict the movement of theleg slide114. Amaximum height stop306 restricts movement of theleg slide114 toward the upper fixedpivot point122. Aminimum height stop308 restricts movement of theleg slide114 away from the upper fixedpivot point122.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of theleg assembly104 ofFIG. 1. Theleg slide114, in one embodiment, is rotatably connected to theleg106 and slidably connected to thebed frame102.

In some embodiments, theleg assembly104 includes oneleg106. In the illustrated embodiment, theleg assembly104 includes twolegs106. Thelegs106 may be connected by aleg brace402. Theleg brace402 may hold thelegs106 in a particular orientation relative to one another. For example, theleg brace402 may hold thelegs106 in a parallel orientation relative to one another. Theleg brace402 may be connected to thelegs106 by any known connection method. For example, theleg brace402 may be welded to thelegs106. In one embodiment, thewheel assembly110 is attached to theleg brace402.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of theleg slide114 ofFIG. 1. Theleg slide114 includes thelinear bearing124, apivot axis flange502, and theleg rotation axis116. Theleg slide114 allows rotation of theleg106 around theleg rotation axis116 and translates along a substantially linear path relative to thebed frame102.

Thelinear bearing124, in one embodiment, has a profile that conforms to an interior of thebed frame element302. Thelinear bearing124 translates along the interior of thebed frame element302. The geometry of thelinear bearing124 and thebed frame element302 may restrict rotation of the linear bearing relative to thebed frame element302. The geometry of thelinear bearing124 and thebed frame element302 may restrict translation of the linear bearing relative to thebed frame element302 in a direction other than the substantially linear path.

In one embodiment, thelinear bearing124 includes one ormore cavities504. The one ormore cavities504 may reduce the material required to form thelinear bearing124 while retaining the required strength. In some embodiments, the one ormore cavities504 may be configured to retain a lubricant to facilitate translation of thelinear bearing124 relative to thebed frame element302.

Thelinear bearing124 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of thelinear bearing124. For example, thelinear bearing124 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, thelinear bearing124 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, thelinear bearing124 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Thelinear bearing124 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask-image-projection-based stereolithography.

Thepivot axis flange502, in some embodiments, is connected to thelinear bearing124. Thepivot axis flange502 may be rigidly connected to thelinear bearing124 such that rotation or translation of thepivot axis flange502 relative to thelinear bearing124 is restricted. In some embodiments, thepivot axis flange502 is connected to thelinear bearing124 by one or more fasteners (not shown). In one embodiment, thepivot axis flange502 is formed as a unitary whole with thelinear bearing124.

Thepivot axis flange502 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of thepivot axis flange502. For example, thepivot axis flange502 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, thepivot axis flange502 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, thepivot axis flange502 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Thepivot axis flange502 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask-image-projection-based stereolithography.

In certain embodiments, theleg rotation axis116 is positioned to pass through thepivot axis flange502. Theleg106 may rotatably connect to thepivot axis flange502 at theleg rotation axis116. In some embodiments, thepivot axis flange502 includes a bearing at theleg rotation axis116 for articulation with theleg106.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of anadjustable height bed600. Theadjustable height bed600 includes abearing channel604 connected to thebed frame102 and one or more articulatinglegs106. Aleg slide602 interacts with the bearingchannel604 to allow substantially linear translation of theleg slide602 relative to thebed frame102. Aleg assembly608 allows articulation of theleg106 relative to thebed frame102.

In some embodiments, the bearingchannel604 is formed such that the geometry of the bearingchannel604 interacts with the geometry of alinear bearing606 connected to theleg slide602 to allow movement of thelinear bearing606 along a substantially linear path relative to thebed frame102. The geometry of the components may restrict rotational motion or linear motion along a path other than the substantially linear path. For example, the bearingchannel604 may be a box channel or a c channel formed with a profile capable of restricting and allowing motion of thelinear bearing606 as described above.

The bearingchannel604, in one embodiment, is connected to thebed frame102. The bearingchannel604 may be connected to thebed frame102 using any known method. For example, the bearingchannel604 may be welded to thebed frame102 or connected to thebed frame102 using fasteners or an adhesive. In an alternate embodiment, the bearingchannel604 is formed as a unitary whole with abed frame element302. In another embodiment, the bearing channel is abed frame element302 that forms a part of thebed frame102.

The bearingchannel604 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of the bearingchannel604. For example, the bearingchannel604 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, the bearingchannel604 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the bearingchannel604 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The bearingchannel604 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask-image-projection-based stereolithography.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of theleg assembly608 ofFIG. 6. Theleg assembly608 includes aleg106, aleg slide602, and alinear bearing606. Theleg assembly608 articulates to raise and lower thebed frame102 relative to the floor.

In one embodiment, theleg slide602 is rotatably connected to theleg106 and slidably connected to thebearing channel604 via thelinear bearing606. Theleg slide602 allows rotation of theleg106 relative to theleg slide602 and translation of theleg slide602 relative to thebed frame102.

Thelinear bearing606, in one embodiment, includes one or morerotating elements702. Therotating element702 may include any type of rotating bearing. For example, therotating element702 may include a plain bearing or a rolling element bearing, such as a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a needle bearing. Therotating element702 is rotatable as theleg slide602 translates relative to thebed frame102. In one embodiment, the one or morerotating elements702 are captured by the bearingchannel604 such that they are capable of rotation during translation of theleg slide602. This rotation may reduce the force necessary to cause translation of theleg slide602 as thebed frame102 is raised or lowered.

Therotating element702 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of therotating element702. For example, therotating element702 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, therotating element702 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, therotating element702 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Therotating element702 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask-image-projection-based stereolithography.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of theleg assembly608 ofFIG. 6. Theleg assembly608 includes aleg106, aleg slide602, and alinear bearing606. Theleg assembly608 articulates to raise and lower thebed frame102 relative to the floor.

Thelinear bearing606, in one embodiment, includes aslider block802. Theslider block802 may slide within the bearingchannel604. Theslider block802, in some embodiments, has a profile that conforms to an interior of the bearingchannel604. Theslider block802 translates along the interior of the bearingchannel604. The geometry of theslider block802 and the bearingchannel604 may restrict rotation of thelinear bearing606 relative to thebearing channel604. The geometry of theslider block802 and the bearingchannel604 may restrict translation of theslider block802 relative to thebearing channel604 in a direction other than the substantially linear path.

Theslider block802 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of theslider block802. For example, theslider block802 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, theslider block802 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, theslider block802 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Theslider block802 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask-image-projection-based stereolithography.

In some embodiments, theslider block802 is connected to other elements of theleg slide602 via one ormore fasteners804. Thefasteners804 may be connected through holes in theslider block802, each hole formed with an axis in a plane parallel to thebed frame102. In another embodiment, theslider block802 is connected to other elements of theleg slide602 via welding or an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, theslider block802 is formed integrally with theleg slide602.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of theleg assembly608 ofFIG. 6. Theleg assembly608 includes aleg106, aleg slide602, and alinear bearing606. Theleg assembly608 articulates to raise and lower thebed frame102 relative to the floor.

Thelinear bearing606, in one embodiment, includes aslider block902. Theslider block902 may slide within the bearingchannel604. Theslider block902, in some embodiments, has a profile that conforms to an interior of the bearingchannel604. Theslider block902 translates along the interior of the bearingchannel604. The geometry of theslider block902 and the bearingchannel604 may restrict rotation of the linear bearing relative to thebearing channel604. The geometry of theslider block902 and the bearingchannel604 may restrict translation of theslider block902 relative to thebearing channel604 in a direction other than the substantially linear path.

Theslider block902 may include any material capable of providing the required strength, rigidity, and friction characteristics of theslider block902. For example, theslider block802 may include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon or Frelon. In another example, theslider block902 may include a polymer, a metal, or a composite material. In some embodiments, theslider block902 may include Nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), steel, aluminum, titanium, an alloy, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Theslider block902 may be formed using any known forming process, including, but not limited to, milling, casting, injection molding, stamping, extrusion, and 3D printing, such as extrusion deposition, granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, and mask-image-projection-based stereolithography.

In some embodiments, theslider block902 includes anopening906 through which a different element of theleg slide602 passes. In one embodiment, theopening906 is a slot in a plane parallel to thebed frame102. Theopening906 may provide support to theslider block902. For example, theslider block902 may be a polymer, and a steel element of theleg slide602 may pass through theopening906 horizontally and support theslider block902.

Theslider block902, in one embodiment, may be connected to an element of theleg slide602 via one ormore fasteners904. Thefasteners904 may be connected through holes in theslider block902, each hole having an axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to thebed frame102. In another embodiment, theslider block902 is connected to other elements of theleg slide602 via welding or an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, theslider block902 is formed integrally with theleg slide602.

Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

It should also be noted that at least some of the operations for the methods described herein may be implemented using software instructions stored on a computer useable storage medium for execution by a computer. Embodiments of the invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements. In one embodiment, the invention is implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable storage medium can be any apparatus that can store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

The computer-useable or computer-readable storage medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device), or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable storage medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include a compact disk with read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk with read/write (CD-R/W), and a digital video disk (DVD).

An embodiment of a data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code includes at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus such as a data, address, and/or control bus. The memory elements can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution.

Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. Additionally, network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable height bed comprising:

a bed frame;

one or more leg assemblies connected to the bed frame wherein the one or more leg assemblies articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame relative to a floor, a leg assembly of the one or more leg assemblies comprising:

a leg; and

a leg slide configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame wherein the leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing and the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned below the linear bearing.

2. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a leg support rotatably connected to the leg at a support rotation axis and rotatably connected to the bed frame at an upper fixed pivot point; and

a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the leg at a wheel assembly rotation axis;

wherein:

the leg is attached to the leg slide at a leg rotation axis;

the leg rotation axis, the support rotation axis, and the wheel assembly axis are substantially parallel;

the leg rotation axis, the support rotation axis, and the wheel assembly axis, when viewed along their length, form three points that are substantially co-linear.

3. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 2, wherein the linear bearing and the leg rotation axis are separated by a predetermined, non-zero distance.

4. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 3, wherein translation of the linear bearing is restricted to a predetermined translation range.

5. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 4, wherein:

translation of the linear bearing is restricted to a minimum allowed distance from the upper fixed pivot point at which the bed frame is in a highest allowed position;

translation of the linear bearing is restricted to a maximum allowed distance from the upper fixed pivot point at which the bed frame is in a lowest allowed position.

6. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 5, wherein translation of the linear bearing is restricted by one or more mechanical stops.

7. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 5 further comprising:

one or more sensors to determine a position of the linear bearing;

an electronic control to receive an input from the one or more sensors and restrict movement of the linear bearing in response to the linear bearing reaching a predetermined position.

8. An adjustable height bed comprising:

a bed frame;

one or more leg assemblies connected to the bed frame, wherein the one or more leg assemblies articulate to adjust the height of the bed frame relative to a floor, a leg assembly of the one or more leg assemblies comprising:

a leg; and

a leg slide configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame;

wherein the leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing and the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned the at a predetermined, non-zero distance from the linear bearing.

9. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 8, wherein the linear bearing is disposed substantially inside of a bed frame element of the bed frame.

10. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 9 wherein the linear bearing has a profile shaped to conform to an interior of the bed frame element.

11. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 9 wherein the bed frame element comprises a slot through which a portion of the leg slide is disposed.

12. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 11, wherein the slot includes a maximum height stop and a minimum height stop.

13. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 8, wherein the adjustable height bed includes a channel, and the linear bearing interfaces with the channel.

14. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 13, wherein the channel is selected from the group consisting of a box channel and a C channel.

15. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 13, wherein the channel includes a maximum height stop and a minimum height stop.

16. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 8, wherein the linear bearing comprises a slider block.

17. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 8, wherein the linear bearing comprises one or more rotating elements.

18. An adjustable height bed comprising:

a bed frame;

a leg; and

a leg slide configured to translate in a substantially linear path relative to the bed frame, wherein the leg slide articulates relative to the bed frame at a linear bearing and the leg slide articulates relative to the leg at a rotational bearing positioned below the linear bearing;

wherein:

the leg is attached to the leg slide at a leg rotation axis;

19. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 18, further comprising a maximum height stop configured to restrict movement of the linear bearing toward the upper fixed pivot point.

20. The adjustable height bed ofclaim 18, further comprising a minimum height stop configured to restrict movement of the linear bearing away from the upper fixed pivot point.