Beds

Abstract

The present invention relates to beds having a support surface defined by a plurality of support members. According to some aspects the support members are sprung and the bed includes a damping system for example a damping arm, for damping vibrations of the springs. According to some aspects the support members have laterally extending pusher members arranged to engage with adjacent support members; the pusher members comprising damping material. According to some aspects the support members are received by a guide member made up of two parts arranged to retain a spring by engaging between the coils of the spring. The present invention also relates to bed frames comprising a plurality of movable side elements mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the body support surface. The side elements are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing beds.

1 . A bed frame comprising a side for bordering a body support surface of a bed, wherein:
 the side comprises a plurality of movable side elements mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the body support surface; and   the movable side elements are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position; and   wherein the movable side elements are so arranged that movement of a first movable side element, beyond a threshold distance relative to a second adjacent movable side element, causes movement of the second adjacent movable side element in substantially the same direction as the first movable side element.   
     
     
         2 . A bed frame according to  claim 1 , wherein there is substantially no movement of the second adjacent movable side element, caused by the movement of the first movable side element, when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance. 
     
     
         3 . A bed frame according to  claim 2 , wherein the first movable side element comprises a laterally extending pusher member, and wherein movement of the first movable side element beyond the threshold distance causes the pusher member to push the second adjacent movable side element in substantially the same direction. 
     
     
         4 . A bed frame according to  claim 1 , wherein the movable side elements each comprise an upper portion which defines a portion of an upper edge of side. 
     
     
         5 . A bed frame according to  claim 1 , wherein the movable side elements are moveably mounted to a support structure. 
     
     
         6 . A bed frame according to  claim 5 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of base elements, each base element being associated with a movable side element. 
     
     
         7 . A bed frame according to  claim 6 , wherein the base elements are removably attached to each other. 
     
     
         8 . A bed frame according to  claim 5 , wherein the movable side elements are slidably mounted to the support structure. 
     
     
         9 . A bed frame according to  claim 5 , wherein the support structure comprises a height adjustable support arranged to receive a mattress, the height adjustable support being arranged to allow the relative height of the mattress and the side to be altered. 
     
     
         10 . A bed frame according to  claim 1 , wherein the side comprises more than 10 of the movable side elements. 
     
     
         11 . A bed frame according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the movable side elements has a length, measured in a direction along the length of the side, of between 100 mm and 300 mm. 
     
     
         12 . A bed comprising:
 a body support surface and a frame comprising a side arranged to border the body support surface, wherein:   the side comprises a plurality of movable side elements mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the body support surface; and   the movable side elements are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position; and   wherein the movable side elements are so arranged that movement of a first movable side element, beyond a threshold distance relative to a second adjacent movable side element, causes movement of the second adjacent movable side element in substantially the same direction as the first movable side element.   
     
     
         13 . A bed according to  claim 12 , wherein the body support surface is defined by a plurality of body support members; wherein each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface. 
     
     
         14 . A bed according to  claim 13 , wherein the movable side elements are arranged to interact with the support members such that movement of the support surface and movement of the movable side elements is interdependent. 
     
     
         15 . A bed according to  claim 14 , wherein movement of the first movable side element in a direction substantially normal to the support surface, and beyond a threshold distance relative to one or more adjacent support members, causes movement of said adjacent support members in substantially the same direction as the first movable side element. 
     
     
         16 . A bed according to  claim 12 , wherein the body support surface is provided by a mattress.