| |
| United States Patent
|
6,575,414 |
| Cuzzocrea |
June 10, 2003 |
Bed lifting system
Abstract
A bed lifting system utilizing a unitary block having bed leg
receiving cavities, each of different depth, on reversable top and
bottom sides of the block. One of these sides has four round
cylindrical bore holes for stably supporting a bed leg (with or
without a small wheel) at each of four different elevations. The
other side has four cavities shaped to support a large bed leg wheel
at each of four elevations. Extension blocks are provided for
fitting over the unitary block to further raise the bed leg.
| Inventors: |
Cuzzocrea; Lawrence A.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/766,732 |
| Filed: |
January 22, 2001 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
248/188.2
; 248/346.11; 297/463.1; 5/509.1 |
| Current
International Class: |
A47C
19/04 (20060101); A47C 19/00 (20060101); F16M
11/24 (20060101); F16M 11/20 (20060101); F16M 011/24 () |
| Field of
Search: |
248/188.1,188.2,346.11 5/509.1 297/463.1,344.12 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Other References
Patent application (abandoned) 09/965,572, Bed Elevator for
Supporting a Leg of a Bed at Variable Heights. Inventors
Nick Lally and Peter Heavener.. |
Primary Examiner: Braun; Leslie A.
Assistant Examiner: Brann; Deborah M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bed lifting system elevating a bed leg to a selectable height
above a floor comprising, in combination: a) unitary lifter, having
opposed top and bottom ends, structured and arranged to support the
bed leg in a raised position above the floor; and b) a first
plurality of holders structured and arranged to hold the bed leg in
a stable position at a first plurality of respective unique selected
heights; c) wherein said first plurality of holders comprises said
unitary lifter; d) wherein said first plurality of holders comprises
a plurality of unique holder depths; e) wherein said first plurality
of holders are non-concentric; f) wherein said first plurality of
holders comprise a single substantially planar upper surface; g) and
a bed leg being positioned within one of said holders.
2. The bed lifting system according to claim 1 wherein a first said
opposed end of said unitary lifter comprises said first plurality of
holders.
3. The bed lifting system according to claim 2 further comprising:
a) a second plurality of respective holders structured and arranged
to hold the bed leg in a stable position at a second plurality of
respective unique selected heights; b) wherein a second said opposed
end of said unitary lifter comprises said second plurality of
holders; and c) wherein said opposed ends of said unitary lifter may
be reversely placed so that either said opposed end may act as a
bottom support.
4. The bed lifting system according to claim 3 wherein each
respective one of said first plurality of holders is opposedly
aligned with a selected respective one of said second plurality of
holders, selected in such manner as to substantially maximize
structural integrity of said unitary lifter.
5. The bed lifting system according to claim 3 wherein: a) each
respective one of said first plurality of holders comprises a
respective first cavity comprising a round cylinder shape; and b)
each one of said respective first cavities has a different bore
depth than each other one of said respective first cavities.
6. A bed lifting system for elevating a bed leg to a selectable
height above a floor comprising, in combination: a) a unitary
lifter, having opposed top and bottom ends, structured and arranged
to support the bed leg in a raised position above the floor; and b)
a first plurality of respective holders structured and arranged to
hold the bed leg in a stable position at a first plurality of
respective unique selected heights; c) wherein said first plurality
of holders comprises said unitary lifter; d) wherein a first said
opposed end of said unitary lifter comprises said first plurality of
holders; and e) a second plurality of respective holders structured
and arranged to hold the bed leg in a stable position at a second
plurality of respective unique selected heights; f) wherein a second
said opposed end of said unitary lifter comprises said second
plurality of holders; and g) wherein said opposed ends of said
unitary lifter may be reversely placed so that either said opposed
end may act as a bottom support; h) wherein each respective one of
said second plurality of holders comprises a respective second
cavity comprising a side portion of a round cylinder; and i) wherein
each one of said respective second cavities has a different depth
than each other one of said respective second cavities.
7. A bed lifting system according to claim 1 further comprising: a)
at least one auxiliary lifter structured and arranged to be
supported by said unitary lifter and to support said bed leg in a
further raised position.
8. A bed lifting system having a plurality of receiving surfaces and
bed leg receiving cavities, comprising, in combination: a) at least
one bed leg; b) at least one bed leg lifting block having a
substantially planar upper surface; c) a first receiving surface
integral to a first side of said bed leg lifting block; and d) a
first plurality of bed leg receiving cavities, each cavity adapted
to receive said at least one bed leg, integral to said first
receiving surface; e) wherein each of said first plurality of bed
leg receiving cavities comprises a unique depth from said first
receiving surface; f) wherein said first plurality of bed leg
receiving cavities are non-concentric.
9. The bed lifting system of claim 8 further comprising: a) a second
receiving surface integral to a second side, opposite said first
side, of said bed leg lifting block; and b) a second plurality of
bed leg receiving cavities integral to said second receiving
surface; c) wherein each of said second plurality of bed leg
receiving cavities comprises a unique depth from said second
receiving surface.
10. The bed lifting system of claim 9 wherein said first plurality
of cavities comprises substantially different geometries from said
second plurality of cavities.
11. A bed lifting system having a plurality of receiving surfaces
and bed leg receiving cavities, comprising, in combination: a) at
least one bed leg lifting block; b) a first receiving surface
integral to a first side of said bed leg lifting block; and c) a
first plurality of bed leg receiving cavities integral to said first
receiving surface; d) wherein each of said first plurality of bed
leg receiving cavities comprises a unique depth from said first
receiving surface; e) a second receiving surface integral to a
second side, opposite said first side, of said bed leg lifting
block; and f) a second plurality of bed leg receiving cavities
integral to said second receiving surface; g) wherein each of said
second plurality of bed leg receiving cavities comprises a unique
depth from said second receiving surface; h) wherein said first
plurality of cavities comprises substantially different geometries
from said second plurality of cavities; i) wherein each of said
second plurality of bed leg receiving cavities comprises a reverse
partial cylinder structured and arranged to stably support the
bottom of a bed roller wheel, wherein the axis of said reverse
partial cylinder is coplanar with the second receiving surface.
12. The bed leg lifting system of claim 11 wherein each of said
first plurality of bed leg receiving cavities comprises a round
cylindrical bore hole.
13. The bed leg lifting system of claim 12 further comprising at
least one bushing structured and arranged so that an outer diameter
of said bushing comprises a friction fit into at least one said
round cylindrical bore hole.
14. The bed leg lifting system of claim 12 wherein each said bore
hole comprises a wheel-receiving groove running laterally across a
bottom end of said bore hole.
15. The bed leg lifting system of claim 12 further comprising at
least one extension block structured and arranged to stably support
the bed leg on a first block surface and to be stably supported on
an opposed second block surface by one said bed lifting block.
16. The bed leg lifting system of claim 15 wherein: a) said
extension block comprises a plurality of protrusions upon said first
block surface of said extension block; and b) said plurality of said
protrusions are configured so as to mate substantially
surface-to-surface with said first plurality of bed leg receiving
cavities integral to said first receiving surface.
17. The bed leg lifting system of claim 16 wherein said extension
block has a dimension, between said first block surface of said
extension block and said second opposed block surface, which is less
than a corresponding measured dimension between said first side and
said second side of said bed lifting block.
18. The bed leg lifting system of claim 15 wherein said extension
block has a dimension, between said first block surface of said
extension block and said second opposed block surface of said
extension block, wherein said dimension is greater than a
corresponding measured dimension between said first side and said
second side of said bed lifting block.
19. The bed leg lifting system of claim 15 wherein: a) said
extension block comprises a male attachment structure extending from
at least one surface of said extension block; b) said bed lifting
block comprises at least one female attachment structure on at least
one surface of said bed lifting block; and c) said male attachment
structure and said female attachment structure are structured and
arranged to provide, when connected, a substantially secure
connection between said extension block and said bed lifting block.
20. The bed leg lifting system of claim 12 wherein each of said
first plurality of cavities comprises a wheel-receiving groove
running laterally across a bottom end of each of said first
plurality of cavities, each said wheel-receiving groove being
aligned so that an extension of said wheel-receiving groove would
pass through a center point of said second side.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to bed lifting systems, and more
specifically, to a bed lifting system enabling a selectable-height
elevation of a bed support leg inserted therein.
Many people would like to raise the elevation of their bed for many
reasons, e.g., stowing of lockers or other storage beneath the bed
or to better fit desired bed coverings. Also, the elevation of a
bed's foot, head, or both has been shown to have positive health
results in many cases. For example, raising the foot of a bed is
directed by physicians to alleviate discomfort or assist in the
treatment of conditions related to varicose veins and phlebitis.
While elevating the head of the bed alleviates discomfort or assists
in the treatment of conditions related to hiatal hernias,
respiratory difficulties, gastro-esophageal reflux disorder,
congestive heart failure, etc. Additionally, raising the entire bed
level provides assistance to the elderly or infirm in getting into
and out of bed, and also eases the effort required for the care of
someone in the bed. While hospital beds allow the selective
elevation of the foot, the head, or the entire bed, few private
individuals can afford or justify the expense of a hospital style
bed equipped with motors, electronic controls etc. Thus, most
individuals turn to crude makeshift methods to elevate the bed as
desired. For example, referring to FIG. 1, a prior art system (Prior
Art 100, hereinafter), as would be typical in a private home, for
elevating a bed leg is shown. The prior at 100 comprises a concrete
block 110. The concrete block 110 is placed beneath a leg 120 of a
bed 130. Although not shown herein, additional blocks 110 may be
placed beneath other legs of the bed 130 in order to either raise
one end of the bed 130 or to raise the entire bed 130. The
difficulties with the use of such makeshift systems as the concrete
block 110, is that only one height is available due to the open
cavities of the remaining horizontal axis of the concrete block.
Also, the height increase available from a concrete block 110 is
fairly large and in some cases may exceed the elevation increase
actually desired. Additionally, the leg 120 may become dislodged
from the surface of the block 110 if a person bumps the edge of the
bed 130. Furthermore, this problem becomes even more exacerbated if
the leg 120 comprises a wheel, roller, or caster mechanism at the
bottom of the leg 120 resting upon the block 110 (not shown herein)
in which an unstable situation exists. Yet another problem with
using such items as concrete blocks is that the surface of the
concrete block 110 is extremely abrasive, thus causing damage to the
surface of the flooring 140 beneath the concrete block 110.
Therefore, a need exists for an improved system of elevating beds
that is inexpensive to implement and efficient. Another need exists
for an improved system of elevating beds that would enable selective
levels of elevation of either one end of a bed, or of the entire
bed. A further need exists for an improved system of elevating beds
that would be stable for a variety of bed legs including peg feet,
and various types of wheels and casters. Yet another need exists for
an improved system of elevating beds that would not result in damage
to the finish of the flooring surface beneath the system, nor to the
bed leg upon the system.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object and feature of the present invention to provide an
improved system of elevating beds. It is another object and feature
of the present invention to provide an improved system of elevating
beds that would enable selective levels of elevation of either one
end of a bed or of the entire bed. It is a further object and
feature of the present invention to provide an improved system of
elevating beds that would be stable for a variety of bed legs
including peg feet, and various types of wheels and casters.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a bed lifting system for elevating a bed leg to a
selectable height above a floor comprising, in combination: a
unitary lifter, having opposed top and bottom ends, structured and
arranged to support the bed leg in a raised position above the
floor; and a first plurality of respective holders structured and
arranged to hold the bed leg in a stable position at a first
plurality of respective unique selected heights; wherein such first
plurality of holders comprises such unitary lifter. It also provides
such a system wherein a first such opposed end of such unitary
lifter comprises such first plurality of holders. Further, provides
such a system further comprising: a second plurality of respective
holders structured and arranged to hold the bed leg in a stable
position at a second plurality of respective unique selected
heights; wherein a second such opposed end of such unitary lifter
comprises such second plurality of holders; and wherein such opposed
ends of such unitary lifter may be reversely placed so that either
such opposed end may act as a bottom support.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein each respective one
of such first plurality of holders is opposedly aligned with a
selected respective one of such second plurality of holders,
selected in such manner as to substantially maximize structural
integrity of such unitary lifter. And, it provides such a system
wherein: each respective one of such first plurality of holders
comprises a respective first cavity shaped substantially like a
round cylinder; and each one of such respective first cavities has a
different bore depth than each other one of such respective first
cavities.
Furthermore, it provides such a system wherein: each respective one
of such second plurality of holders comprises a respective second
cavity shaped substantially like a side portion of a round cylinder;
and each one of such respective second cavities has a different
depth than each other one of such respective second cavities. Also,
it provides such a system further comprising: at least one auxiliary
lifter structured and arranged to be supported by such unitary
lifter and to support such bed leg in a further raised position.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
this invention provides a bed lifting system having a plurality of
receiving surfaces and bed leg receiving cavities, comprising, in
combination: at least one bed leg lifting block; a first receiving
surface integral to a first side of such bed leg lifting block; and
a first plurality of bed leg receiving cavities integral to such
first receiving surface; wherein each of such first plurality of bed
leg receiving cavities comprises a unique depth from such first
receiving surface. Moreover, it provides such a system further
comprising: a second receiving surface integral to a second side,
opposite such first side, of such bed leg lifting block; and a
second plurality of bed leg receiving cavities integral to such
second receiving surface; wherein each of such second plurality of
bed leg receiving cavities comprises a unique depth from such second
receiving surface. It also provides such a system wherein such first
plurality of cavities comprises substantially different geometries
from such second plurality of cavities. And, it provides such a
system wherein each of such second plurality of bed leg receiving
cavities comprises a reverse partial cylinder structured and
arranged to stably support the bottom of a bed roller wheel.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein each of such first
plurality of bed leg receiving cavities comprises a round
cylindrical bore hole. And further, it provides such a system
further comprising at least one bushing structured and arranged so
that an outer diameter of such bushing comprises a friction fit into
at least one such round cylindrical bore hole. Still further, it
provides such a system wherein each such bore hole comprises a
wheel-receiving groove running laterally across a bottom end of such
bore hole. Also, it provides such a system further comprising at
least one extension block structured and arranged to stably support
the bed leg on a first block surface and to be stably supported on
an opposed second block surface by one such bed lifting block.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein: such extension
block comprises a plurality of protrusions upon such first block
surface of such extension block; and such plurality of such
protrusions are configured so as to mate substantially
surface-to-surface with such first plurality of bed leg receiving
cavities integral to such first receiving surface. And, it provides
such a system wherein such extension block has a dimension, between
such first block surface of such extension block and such second
opposed block surface, which is less then a corresponding measured
dimension between such first side and such second side of such bed
lifting block. Further, it provides such a system wherein such
extension block has a dimension, between such first block surface of
such extension block and such second opposed block surface of such
extension block, wherein such dimension is greater then a
corresponding measured dimension between such first side and such
second side of such bed lifting block.
Moreover, it provides such a system wherein: such extension block
comprises a male attachment structure extending from at least one
surface of such extension block; such bed lifting block comprises at
least one female attachment structure on at least one surface of
such bed lifting block; and such male attachment structure and such
female attachment structure are structured and arranged to provide,
when connected, a substantially secure connection between such
extension block and such bed lifting block. And, it also provides
such a system wherein each of such second plurality of cavities
comprises a wheel-receiving groove running laterally across a bottom
end of such cavity, each such wheel-receiving groove being aligned
so that an extension of such wheel-receiving groove would pass
through a center point of such second side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art system for elevating a
bed leg comprising a concrete block placed beneath a bed leg.
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing showing a peg foot style bed leg
positioned upon and elevated by an embodiment of the present
invention, a bed lifting system.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present
invention of FIG. 2, a bed lifting system, with a first bed leg
receiving surface facing upwards.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present
invention of FIG. 2, a bed lifting system, with a second bed leg
receiving surface facing upwards.
FIG. 5 is an overhead view of the first bed leg receiving surface of
the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is an overhead view of the second bed leg receiving surface
of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present
invention of FIGS. 5 and 6 taken along the line 7--7, and showing
the relative depths of a plurality of bed leg receiving cavities.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present
invention of FIG. 3, viewed from an opposite position relative to
the view of FIG. 3., showing a bed leg lifting block, with a first
bed leg receiving surface facing upwards, and a peg foot bed leg
positioned over a bore hole integral to the first bed leg receiving
surface.
FIG. 9 is an elevational cut-away view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 8 showing the peg foot bed leg positioned
into the bore hole integral to the first bed leg receiving surface.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present
invention of FIG. 4, viewed from a position 90.degree.
counterclockwise relative to the view of FIG. 4., a bed lifting
system, with a second receiving surface facing upwards, showing a
roller wheel bed leg positioned over a reverse half cylinder
integral to the second receiving surface.
FIG. 11 is an elevational cut-away view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 8 showing the roller wheel bed leg
positioned into the reverse half cylinder integral to the second
receiving surface.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention comprising a bushing used to adapt and couple a peg foot
style bed leg to a bore hole integral to the first bed leg receiving
surface.
FIG. 13 is an elevational cut-away view showing the bushing placed
upon a small size peg foot style bed leg, with the bushing in turn
inserted into the smallest bore hole integral to the first bed leg
receiving surface.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective drawing showing an extender block
and its coupling bushings used in an alternative embodiment of the
present invention, a bed lifting system.
FIG. 15 is an elevational cut-away view of the alternative
embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a taller embodiment of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 14.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present
invention of FIG. 3, a bed lifting system with an alternative bed
leg receiving surface facing upwards.
FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 17, a bed lifting system, with the
alternative bed leg receiving surface facing upwards, showing a
wheeled bed leg positioned over a receiving groove in the bottom of
a bore hole integral to the alternative bed leg receiving surface.
FIG. 19 is an elevational cut-away view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIGS. 17 and 18 showing the wheeled bed leg
positioned into the groove in the bottom of the bore hole integral
to the alternative bed leg receiving surface.
FIG. 20 is an elevational cut-away view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, viewed from a 90.degree.
angle position relative to the view of FIG. 19, showing the wheeled
bed leg positioned into the groove in the bottom of the bore hole
integral to the alternative bed leg receiving surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective drawing showing a peg foot style
bed leg, positioned upon and elevated by an embodiment of the
present invention, a bed lifting system is shown (the "system 200"
hereinafter). A preferred embodiment of the system 200 comprises a
block like device, (the bed leg lifting block 210 hereinafter)
having substantially equal length sides.) Preferably, the bed leg
lifting block 210 (embodying herein a unitary lifter, having opposed
top and bottom ends, structured and arranged to support the bed leg
in a raised position above the floor) is placed beneath a bed 230 to
elevate the bed 230. More specifically, the bed leg lifting block
210 is placed between a bed leg 220, and its supporting surface 240.
Although not shown herein, the system 200 may provide up to six bed
leg lifting blocks 210, each placed beneath a separate bed leg 220
of the bed 230. As each of these bed leg lifting blocks 210 are
substantially identical, only one bed leg lifting blocks 210 is
shown and described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
two bed leg lifting blocks 210 may be used to elevate a bed 230 at a
slant, or that four bed leg lifting blocks 210 may be used to
elevate the entire bed 230. Therefore, the following discussing will
address only one bed leg lifting block 210 within the system 200.
Referring to FIG. 3, an enlarged perspective view of the embodiment
of the present invention of FIG. 2, the system 200, with a first bed
leg receiving surface facing upwards, is shown. Preferably, the bed
leg lifting block 210 provides a first bed leg receiving surface
210a integral to a first side of the bed leg lifting block 210.
Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 2, the system 200, with a second bed leg
receiving surface facing upwards is shown. Thus, it is shown that
the bed leg lifting block 210 preferably provides the first bed leg
receiving surface 210a integral to a first, or top, side of the bed
leg lifting block 210, and upon a second, or bottom and opposite,
side is the second bed leg receiving surface 210b.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, overhead views of the first bed leg
receiving surface 210a and the second bed leg receiving surface 210b
of the embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are
shown respectively. Preferably, both the first bed leg receiving
surface 210a and the second bed leg receiving surface 210b comprise
a plurality of bed leg receiving cavities integral to them for the
receipt of a plurality of bed leg ends, castors, or wheels.
Preferably, either the first bed leg receiving surface 210a or the
second bed leg receiving surface 210b may be reversely placed so
that either such opposed end may act as a bottom support.
Referring to FIG. 5, the first bed leg receiving surface 210a
(embodying herein a first such opposed end of such unitary lifter
comprises such first plurality of holders) plurality of bed leg
receiving cavities provide bore holes 212, 214, 216, and 218, each
of substantially different geometries both in depth and diameter
(embodying herein a first plurality of respective holders structured
and arranged to hold the bed leg in a stable position at a first
plurality of respective unique selected heights; and, also embodying
herein, each respective one of such first plurality of holders
comprises a respective first cavity shaped substantially like a
round cylinder; and, each one of such respective first cavities has
a different bore depth than each other one of such respective first
cavities). Preferably, the bore holes 212, 214, 216, and 218 in an
embodiment of the present invention possess approximate depths as
set forth in the following chart.
Bore holes integral to the first bed leg receiving surface 210a
Bore Hole # Depth 214 1/4 inch 212 1/2 inch 216 3/4 inch 218 1 inch
Referring to FIG. 6, the second bed leg receiving surface 210b
plurality of bed leg receiving cavities preferably provide reverse
half cylinders 232, 234, 236, and 238, each of substantially
different geometries both in depth and diameter (embodying herein a
second plurality of respective holders structured and arranged to
hold the bed leg in a stable position at a second plurality of
respective unique selected heights). The reverse half cylinders 232,
234, 236, and 238 in this embodiment of the present invention
possess depth measurements as set forth in the following chart (this
arrangement embodying herein each respective one of such second
plurality of holders comprises a respective second cavity shaped
substantially like a side portion of a round cylinder; and, each one
of such respective second cavities has a different depth than each
other one of such respective second cavities).
Reverse half cylinders integral to the second bed leg receiving
surface 210b
Reverse half cylinder # Depth 236 1/4 inch 238 1/2 inch 232 3/4 inch
234 1 inch
Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIGS. 5 and 6 taken along the line 7--7, and
showing the relative depths of the plurality of bed leg receiving
cavities is shown. Preferably, the depths of the bore holes 214,
216, and 218 or the reverse half cylinders 232, 234, 236, and 238
permit a selection in accordance user of the system 200.
The above measurements for the first and second bed leg receiving
surfaces 210a and 210b are only examples of some geometrics that may
be utilized in an embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that many combinations or depths and
diameters may be chosen for an embodiment of the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
Those skilled in the art will also recognize a feature of the system
200 in that the plurality of cavities in the first bed leg receiving
surface 210a and the second bed leg receiving surface 210b
complement each other in terms of their relative depth, i.e. the
deepest cavities upon in terms of the first and second receiving
surfaces 210a and 210b are not directly opposite each other in order
to maintain structural integrity of the system 200 (embodying herein
wherein each respective one of such first plurality of holders is
opposedly aligned with a selected respective one of such second
plurality of holders, selected in such manner as to substantially
maximize structural integrity of such unitary lifter). The above
described arrangement embodies herein such first plurality of
cavities comprises substantially different geometries from such
second plurality of cavities.
Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 3, viewed from an opposite position
relative to the view of FIG. 3 is shown. This figure shows a bed leg
lifting block 210, with a first bed leg receiving surface 210a
facing upwards (embodying herein a first such opposed end of such
unitary lifter comprises such first plurality of holders), and a bed
leg 220 positioned over a bore hole 216 integral to the first bed
leg receiving surface 210a. The bed leg 220 preferably provides a
peg foot 222 coupled at the lower end of the bed leg 220. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that other variations on bed legs
may have a smooth or singular construction of the bed leg and peg
foot, which, although not shown herein, are in keeping with the
spirit and scope to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 9, shown is an elevational cut-away view of the
embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 8 showing the peg foot
222 of the bed leg 220 positioned into the bore hole 216 integral to
the first bed leg receiving surface 210a of the bed leg lifting
block 210.
Additionally, it should be noted that although the bed leg 220 is
shown positioned over the bore hole 216, having a nominal depth of
three-quarters of an inch in an embodiment of the present invention,
the bed leg could, if desired, be positioned over one of the other
bore holes 212, 214, or 218 if a different elevation of the bed 230
is desired.
Referring to FIG. 10, a perspective view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 4, viewed from a position 90.degree.
counterclockwise relative to the view of FIG. 4, is shown. This
figure shows a bed leg lifting block 210, with a second bed leg
receiving surface 210b facing upwards (embodying herein a second
such opposed end of such unitary lifter comprises such second
plurality of holders), and a bed leg 226 positioned over a reverse
half cylinder 238 integral to the second bed leg receiving surface
210b. The bed leg 226 provides a roller wheel 224 coupled at the
lower end of the bed leg 226 with a coupling pin 227. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that other variations on wheeled or castor
type bed leg ends may be utilized that although not shown herein,
are in keeping with the spirit and scope to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 11, an elevational cut-away view of the embodiment
of the present invention of FIG. 8 showing the roller wheel 224
coupled to the bed leg 226, and positioned into the reverse half
cylinder 238 integral to the second receiving surface 210b of the
bed leg lifting block 210, is shown.
Additionally, it should be noted that although the bed leg 226 and
roller wheel 224 are shown positioned over the reverse half cylinder
238, having a nominal depth of one-half of an inch in an embodiment
of the present invention, the bed leg could if desired be positioned
over one of the other reverse half cylinders 232, 234, or 236 if a
different elevation of the bed 230 is desired.
Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective view of another embodiment of
the present invention comprising a bushing 260 used to adapt and
couple a peg foot style bed leg to a bore hole integral to the first
bed leg receiving surface is shown. The bushing 260 includes a
reduced size bore hole 262 and an outer diameter 264 sized to fit
snugly into a bore hole. The bushing 260 may also be selected from
among a range of sizes of the inner and outer diameters as desired
to enable a desired fit into a bore hole of the first bed leg
receiving surface 210a.
Referring to FIG. 13, an elevational cut-away view showing the
bushing placed upon a small size peg foot style bed leg, with the
bushing inserted into a bore hole integral to the first bed leg
receiving surface is shown. A peg foot style bed leg 230 is inserted
into a bushing 260 in which the inner diameter 262 of the bushing
260 forms a friction fit about the peg foot style bed leg 230. The
outer diameter 264 of the bushing 260 is sized to result in a
friction fit when inserted into a bore hole upon the first bed leg
receiving surface 210a.
Referring to FIG. 14, an exploded perspective drawing showing an
extender block and its coupling bushings used in an alternative
embodiment of the present invention is shown. The alternate
embodiment includes a bed leg lifting block 210, as in the previous
embodiments, having a first bed leg receiving surface 210a. The
alternate embodiment further includes an extender block 250
(embodying herein at least one auxiliary lifter structured and
arranged to be supported by such unitary lifter and to support such
bed leg in a further raised position). The extender block 250
includes a plurality of protrusions 251 upon a first extension block
surface 250a of the extension block 250. The plurality of
protrusions 251 are configured so as to mate substantially surface
to surface with the plurality of bed leg receiving cavities,
comprised of the bore holes 212, 214, 216, and 218, integral to the
first bed leg receiving surface 210a.
The extender block 250 further includes a mating shaft, or shafts,
248 coupled into the upper and lower surfaces of the extender block
250. The alternate embodiment further includes mating shaft bushings
246. Preferably, the mating shaft bushings 246 are inserted, one
each, into a bed leg receiving hole 254 in the end of a bed leg 226,
and into a bed leg lifting block receiving hole 242 bored flush with
the surface of the first bed leg receiving surface 210a. The bed leg
lifting block receiving hole 242 is also shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 13,
15 and 16.
The mating shaft, or shafts, 248 may comprise either a single shaft
248 extending completely through and beyond each upper and lower
surface of the extension block 250, or may also comprise two
separate mating shafts 248 each being coupled into one of the upper
and lower surfaces of the extension block 250.
Referring to FIG. 15, an elevational cut-away view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 14 is shown.
As previously stated, the bed leg 226 preferably includes a bed leg
receiving hole 254 bored in its end, into which a bushing 246 is
inserted. The mating shaft 248 is in turn preferably inserted into
the bushing 246. A second bushing 246 is preferably inserted
complete into the bed leg lifting block receiving hole 242 which is
preferably manufactured so the upper surface of the bushing 246 is
flush with receiving surface 210a. Preferably, the extension block
250 and its mating shaft 248 are inserted down onto the bed leg
lifting block 210 until the first bed leg receiving surface 210a is
mated flush with the first extension block surface 250a, the
plurality of protrusions 251 also mated substantially surface to
surface with the bore holes 212, 214, 216, and 218.
Preferably, the mating shaft, or shafts, 248 comprise locking tips
249 that cooperate with the bushings 246 to lock, or snap into place
inside the bushings 246 in the manner of conventional leg or wheel
inserts known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the alternate
embodiment of the extender block 250, the bed leg lifting block 210,
and the associated bushings 246 and mating shaft, or shafts, 248
form a substantially solid and stable bed leg lifting block assembly
coupled securely to the bed leg 226.
The extender block 250 also preferably includes a variety of
heights. For example, referring to FIG. 16, an elevational view of a
taller embodiment of the alternative embodiment of the present
invention of FIG. 14 is shown. The taller embodiment includes an
extender block 252 having substantially identical features to the
extender block 250. However, the extender block 252 is used in
conjunction with two mating shafts 248 coupled to the upper and
lower ends of the extender block 252. Preferably, the mating shafts
248 are threaded into respectively threaded holes 247 in the bed leg
lifting block 210 and the extender block 252. The extender block 252
may include a plurality of extension lengths and is not limited
herein by the relationship depicted in the Figures.
Referring to FIG. 17, a perspective view of a further embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 2, a bed lifting system 200, a bed
lifting system with an alternative bed leg receiving surface facing
upwards is shown. The features of this alternative embodiment of the
present invention preferably provide substantially identical
features as the embodiments of FIGS. 2-16. Thus similar item
numbering is used with the exception that the 2xx series of numbers
of FIGS. 2-16 are denoted as 2xx' (prime) in FIGS. 17-20.
This alternative embodiment includes a bed leg lifting block 210'
which in turn includes a first bed leg receiving surface 210a'
integral to a first, or top, side of the bed leg lifting block 210'.
The first bed leg receiving surface 210a' preferably includes a
plurality of bed leg receiving cavities comprised of bore holes
212', 214', 216', and 218', each of substantially different
geometries both in depth and diameter. The bore holes 212', 214',
216', and 218' in an alternate embodiment of the present invention
possess depths as set forth in the following chart.
Bore holes integral to the first bed leg receiving surface 210a'
Bore Hole # Depth 214' 1/4 inch 212' 1/2 inch 216' 3/4 inch 218' 1
inch
Additionally, the bore holes 212', 214', 216', and 218' each
preferably include a wheel receiving groove 212a', 214a', 216a', and
218a' running laterally across a bottom end of each respective bore
hole 212', 214', 216', and 218', as shown. Preferably, each of the
wheel receiving grooves 212a', 214a', 216a', and 218a' are sized to
cooperate with and receive a wheeled bed leg into them. Preferably,
the wheels are positioned such that they are longitudinally aligned
with the bed corners (e.g. pointed towards the corners of the bed
leg lifting block 210'). The purpose of the longitudinal alignment
is to keep the bed leg lifting block 210' parallel and flush with
the edge of the bed 130, thereby, preferably preventing a users foot
from hitting the bed leg lifting block 210'
Referring to FIG. 18, a partial perspective view of the embodiment
of the present invention of FIG. 17, a bed lifting system, with the
alternative bed leg receiving surface 210a' facing upwards, a
wheeled bed leg positioned over a receiving groove in the bottom of
a bore hole integral to the alternative bed leg receiving surface is
shown. Although only one bore hole 218 and its wheel receiving
groove 218a' is shown, the explanation thereof is equally applicable
to the bore holes 212', 214', and 216', and their respective wheel
receiving grooves 212a', 214a', and 216a'. Preferably, a bed leg
226' providing a wheel 224' is positioned with the vertical plane of
the wheel 224' over and aligned with the wheel receiving groove
218a' in the bore hole 218'. Referring to FIG. 19, an elevational
cut-away view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 17
and 18, there is shown the wheeled bed leg 226' positioned into the
wheel receiving groove 218a' in the bottom of the bore hole 218'
integral to the alternative bed leg receiving surface 210a'. The
wheel receiving groove 218a' preferably provides lateral stability
to the wheel 224'. Referring to FIG. 20, an elevational cut-away
view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 17, 18 and
19, viewed from a 90.degree. angle position relative to the view of
FIG. 19, there is shown the wheel 224' of the bed leg 226'
positioned into the wheel receiving groove 218a' in the bottom of
the bore hole 218' integral to the alternative bed leg receiving
surface 210a'.
Additional features of the present invention include the following.
The bed leg lifting block 210 and the extender blocks 250 and 252
may provide any suitably sound material having sufficient structural
strength for the elevation of a bed having its bed legs supported
upon the bed leg lifting block 210 and the extender blocks 250 and
252. For example, the bed leg lifting block 210 and the extender
blocks 250 and 252 may be provided of wood, molded or machined
plastics, molded or machined metals, molded or machined composites,
etc. Furthermore, although not shown herein, the bed leg lifting
block 210 and the extender blocks 250 and 252 may be provided of
colors upon their surfaces as desired, and may further provides
artistic decoration or indicia upon the outer facing surfaces. Yet a
further feature of embodiments of the present invention is that the
bed leg lifting block 210 and the extender blocks 250 and 252 of the
system 200 may be stored beneath a bed 230 thus keeping them out of
the way while maintaining easy access for a user.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other
changes in form, and details may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *
|
|