Improvements in and relating to beds

Abstract

The present invention relates to beds having a support surface defined by a plurality of support members (104, 204, 240). According to some aspects the support members are sprung (104, 204) and the bed includes a damping system (106, 206), for example a damping arm (124), for damping vibrations of the springs (118, 218). According to some aspects the support members (204, 240) have laterally extending pusher members (236, 238) arranged to engage with adjacent support members (204, 240); the pusher members (236, 238) comprising damping material (254). According to some aspects the support members (104, 204) are received by a guide member (320, 420) made up of two parts (320a, 320b, 420a, 420b) arranged to retain a spring by engaging between the coils of the spring (418). The present invention also relates to bed frames comprising a plurality of movable side elements (568, 768, 1068) mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the body support surface. The side elements (568, 768, 1068) are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing beds.

Claims

1. A bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members, wherein: each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface; at least some of the support members are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position by means of a spring; and a damping system is provided for damping vibrations of the spring.

2. A bed according to claim 1, wherein the damping system comprises a damping arm engagable with the spring.

3. A bed according to claim 2, wherein the damping arm is pivotally mounted.

4. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the damping system is arranged to engage with the spring when the support member is in the unloaded position.

5. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the damping system is arranged to disengage with the spring when the support member is loaded.

6. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the damping system is resiliently urged towards a position in which it is disengaged with the spring.

7. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a formation, and the damping system comprises a corresponding formation arranged to engage with the formation; the support member and damping system being configured such that engagement of the formation and the corresponding formation effects engagement of the damping system with the spring.

8. A bed according to claim 7, wherein the damping system comprises an engagement arm, the engagement arm comprising the corresponding formation.

9. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a shaft, the axis of the shaft being substantially normal to the support surface.

10. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the spring is a tension spring.

11. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member is retained in a guide element.

12. A bed according to claim 11, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the damping arm is pivotally mounted to the guide element.

13. A bed according to any preceding claim, wherein, wherein at least a multiplicity of the support members are so arranged that movement of any one of those support members in a direction substantially normal to the support surface and beyond a threshold distance relative to an adjacent support member causes movement in substantially the same direction of said adjacent support member, there being substantially no movement of said adjacent support member caused by the movement of said any one of those support members when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance.

14. A damping system for use in the bed according to any of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method of manufacturing a bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members, the method comprising the steps of: providing a support member comprising a shaft, the shaft having a laterally extending protrusion; providing a receiving element having an aperture configured to receive the shaft and the protrusion when the support member is in a first orientation relative to the receiving element; orienting the support member to the first orientation relative to the receiving element; inserting the shaft and protrusion into the aperture; and rotating the support member to a second orientation in which the shaft and protrusion cannot be freely removed from the aperture.

16. A bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members, wherein: each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface; and at least some of the support members are provided with a laterally extending pusher member, wherein the pusher member comprises an engagement surface arranged to engage with adjacent support members, the engagement surface comprising damping material.

17. A bed according to claim 16, wherein the whole engagement surface consists of damping material.

18. A bed according to any of claims 16 to 17, wherein the damping material is a polymeric material.

19. A bed according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein, a plurality of the support members are arranged such that movement of a first support member, having a laterally extending pusher member, in a direction substantially normal to the support surface and beyond a threshold distance relative to a second support member, the second support member being adjacent to said first support member, causes said laterally extending pusher member of said first support member to push said adjacent support member in substantially the same direction as said first support member.

20. A support member for use in the bed according to any of claims 16 to 19.

21. A method of manufacturing a bed according to any of claims 16 to 19, the method comprising the steps of: providing a laterally extending pusher member comprising an engagement surface arranged to engage with adjacent support members; overmoulding a damping material onto said engagement surface.

22. A support member for a bed comprising a supporting surface, the support member comprising: a shaft, an end cap, and a pusher member; wherein the end cap is mounted at one end of the shaft and defines, in use, an element of the supporting surface of the bed; the pusher member comprises at least one engagement surface for engaging, in use, with adjacent support members; and the engagement surface is provided with damping material.

23. A bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members, wherein: the support members are received by a guide member for guiding the support members; the guide member comprises a first part and a second part which define an aperture; a spring is retained in the aperture for resiliently urging the support members towards an unloaded position; and the first part and second part comprise projections which are arranged to retain the spring by engaging between the coils of the spring.

24. A method of manufacturing a bed comprising a support surface defined by a plurality of support members, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first part of a guide member for guiding a support member, the first part defining a first side of an aperture for receiving a support member, the first side of the aperture comprising a projection; engaging a spring with the projection such that the projection is engaged between two adjacent coils of the spring; and providing a second part of the guide member onto the first part of the guide member, the second part defining a second side of the aperture.

25. 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 side elements are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position.

26. A bed frame according to claim 25, wherein the side elements each comprise an upper portion which defines the uppermost edge of the at least one side, wherein the upper portion is moveably mounted to a support structure.

27. A bed frame according to claim 26, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of base portions, each base portion being associated with a movable side element.

28. A bed frame according to any of claims 25 to 27, 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.

29. A bed frame according to claim 28 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.

30. A bed frame according to any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the movable side elements are slidably mounted to the support structure.

31. A method of manufacturing a bed frame according to any one of claims 25 to 30, the method comprising the following steps: providing a side support structure; and mounting a plurality of movable side elements onto the side support structure.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the side support structure comprises a plurality of base elements and the method further comprises the step of linking the plurality of base elements together.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the each base element corresponds to one movable side element.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0097] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bed according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0098] FIG. 2a shows a side view of a support member and damping system, according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a loaded position;

[0099] FIG. 2b shows a side view of a support member and damping system, according to a first embodiment of the invention, in an unloaded position;

[0100] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an upper part of a sprung support member according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0101] FIGS. 4a and 4b show two side views of an unsprung support member according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0102] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a plan and underside view, respectively, of a pusher member according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0103] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a series of support members received by a guide member according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0104] FIGS. 7a and 7b show a perspective view of a guide member for use in either the first or second embodiments;

[0105] FIGS. 8a and 8c show a plan view of a first and second part, respectively, of a guide member according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0106] FIGS. 8b and 8d show a side view of a first and second part, respectively, of a guide member according to the third embodiment of the invention;

[0107] FIG. 9 shows a sequential plan view of a spring being inserted into a guide member according to the third embodiment of the invention;

[0108] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a guide member according to the third embodiment of the invention;

[0109] FIG. 11 shows a sequential side view of a support member being orientated with respect to the damping system according to the third embodiment of the invention;

[0110] FIGS. 12a and 12b show a side view and plan view, respectively, of a damping system according to the third embodiment of the invention;

[0111] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a side of a bed according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the side being formed by multiple side portions;

[0112] FIG. 14 shows an expanded view of one of the side portions shown in FIG. 13;

[0113] FIG. 15 shows a side view of a side of a bed according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, the side being formed by multiple side portions;

[0114] FIG. 16 shows an expanded view of one of the side portions shown in FIG. 15;

[0115] FIG. 17 is a side view showing the use, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention, of the side portions of FIG. 14;

[0116] FIG. 18 is a side view showing the use, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, of the side portions of FIG. 14;

[0117] FIG. 19 shows a bed incorporating, for the sake of comparison, side portions according to the fourth embodiment of the invention and side portions according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0118] FIG. 20 shows a side view of a side of a bed according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; and

[0119] FIG. 21 shows a side view of a side element shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a bed 100 having a frame 102, which extends around the perimeter of the bed 100. Within the boundary of the frame 102, there are provided an arrangement of a multiplicity of vertically extending support members 103. The support members 103 are arranged in rows which substantially fill the area defined by the frame 102. The, generally horizontal, upper surface of the bed, which acts as the support surface in use, is defined by the upper ends of the support members 103. For clarity in FIG. 1, the frame 102 is only shown in part and only a small proportion of incomplete rows of support members 103 are shown. Each support member 103 is mounted for movement in a vertical direction (which is thus perpendicular to the horizontal support surface). Some support members are in the form of sprung support members 104 and some are in the form of unsprung support members.

[0121] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a sprung support member 104 and damping system 106 according to the first embodiment. When a user interacts with the support surface of the bed in a way which changes the loading on individual support members, one or more support members may rapidly move to the unloaded position. Any consequent vibration that would otherwise be caused is actively damped by means of the damping system 106. The damping system 106 thus has a disengaged state when the sprung support member is in a loaded position and has an engaged state when the sprung support member is in its unloaded position. Damping of the vibration of the spring reduces noise that might otherwise be louder.

[0122] As can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the sprung support member 104 comprises: a first end 108 having a dome shaped end cap 110 defining an element of the support surface, a shaft 112, a formation in the form of a laterally extending protrusion 114 provided on the shaft 112, and a second end 116.

[0123] A guide member 120 is provided. The guide member 120 comprises an aperture 122 which extends vertically through the guide member 120. The shaft 112 of the sprung support member 104 is received within the aperture 122.

[0124] A tension spring 118 is mounted to the guide member 120 and extends downwardly from the aperture. One end of the spring 118 is retained by the guide member 120. The other end of the spring 118 is tapered and retains the second end 116 of the sprung support member 104.

[0125] The damping system 106 comprises a damping arm 124 which is pivotally mounted to the guide member 120 by pivot 126. The damping arm 124 has an end distal from the pivot 126 which comprises an engagement surface for engaging with the spring 118. The engagement surface is provided with damping material 130 for damping vibrations in the spring 118 when it is in contact with the spring 118.

[0126] An engagement arm 128 is connected to the damping arm 124 at the pivot 126. The engagement arm 128 projects at a right angle to the damping arm 124. (The skilled person will appreciate that in other embodiments the engagement arm and damping arm need not be at right angles to each other and that other suitable angles may be used.) The engagement arm 128 comprises a corresponding formation in the form of a key hole shaped slot 134, through which the shaft 112 of the sprung support member 104 extends.

[0127] FIG. 2a shows the sprung support member 104 in a loaded position and the damping system 106, consequently, in a disengaged state.

[0128] In the loaded position, the laterally extending protrusion 114 is disposed below the guide member 120 and does not interact with the engagement arm 128.

[0129] A second spring 132 is provided between the guide member 120 and the engagement arm 128. The second spring 132 urges the engagement arm 128 downwards, and therefore the damping arm 124 is urged out of engagement with the spring 118. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second spring 132 is not provided. In that embodiment, the weight of the damping arm 124 and the engagement arm 128 brings the damping arm 124 out of engagement. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the second spring 132 is replaced by soft resiliently deformable plastic which is overmoulded onto the engagement arm. In the disengaged state, the engagement arm rests against a portion of the guide member beneath it. Damping material 135 may be provided to reduce the noise associated with the interaction between the engagement arm 128 and the guide member 120 when the damping system 106 disengages.

[0130] FIG. 2b shows the sprung support member 104 in an unloaded position and the damping system 106, consequently, in an engaged state.

[0131] In the unloaded position, the laterally extending protrusion 114 is in contact with, and engages, the outer edges of the slot 134 on the engagement arm 128. As seen in FIG. 2b, the engagement arm 128 is pushed upwards by the laterally extending protrusion 114, due to the sprung support member 104 being urged upwards by the spring 118. The engagement arm 128 and the damping arm 124 pivot around the pivot 126 thereby bringing the damping material 130 of the engagement surface into contact with the spring 118. Any vibrations present in the spring 118 will thus be damped.

[0132] In the unloaded position the spring 118 is still under tension. The laterally extending protrusion 114 is shaped such that it cannot extend through the slot 134 in the engagement arm 128. The sprung support member 104 is thereby prevented from further upward movement.

[0133] A second embodiment of the invention also concerns a bed including an arrangement of a multiplicity of vertically extending support members, some of which are sprung and some of which are unsprung. FIGS. 3 to 5 show support members according to the second embodiment of the invention. The support members are each provided with a laterally extending pusher member, such that the interaction of the pusher members of adjacent support members causes the movement of one support member to follow that of an adjacent support member, whereby the support surface of the bed is prevented from having any sharp changes in shape at a local level.

[0134] FIG. 3 shows a side view of one end of a sprung support member 204. The sprung support member 204 comprises a shaft 212, the shaft having a first end 208 on which a dome shaped end cap 210 is provided. A first laterally extending pusher member 236 and a second laterally extending pusher member 238 are provided on the shaft 212. The pusher members 236 and 238 extend in a direction which is normal to the axis of the shaft 212.

[0135] FIGS. 4a and 4b show side views of a support member which is unsprung 240. The unsprung support member 240 comprises a shaft 242, the shaft having a first end 244 onto which a dome shaped end cap 246 is provided. A first laterally extending pusher member 248, a second laterally extending pusher member 250 and a third a laterally extending pusher member 252 are provided on the shaft 242.

[0136] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the second pusher member 250. Clips 255 enable the unsprung support members 240 to mount to adjacent support members 204.

[0137] FIG. 6 shows, in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, a series of sprung support members 204 received by a guide member 220. Unsprung support members 240 are disposed between the sprung support members 204 and are mounted thereto. The support members 204 and 240 are arranged linearly and are regularly spaced along the guide member. Aside from the interaction of the pusher members, the support members 204 and 240 are generally separated from each other by a small gap, but the lower cuboidal portion of the dome shaped end caps 210 may touch where their opposing surfaces overlap.

[0138] In the arrangement as shown in FIG. 6, the first pusher member 236 of the sprung support member 204 is disposed between the first and second pusher members 248 and 250 of the adjacent unsprung support member 240. Similarly, the second pusher member 238 of the sprung support member 204 is disposed between the second and third pusher members 250 and 252 of the adjacent unsprung support members 240. In the unloaded position, the first and second pusher members 248 and 250 of the unsprung support member 240 rest upon the first and second pusher members 236 and 238 of the adjacent sprung support member 204.

[0139] In this arrangement, if the sprung support member 204 is loaded, it will travel a threshold distance, corresponding to the distance between the first and second pusher members 248 and 250 of the adjacent unsprung support member 240, before its pusher members engage the upper surface of the first and second pusher members 248 and 250 of the adjacent unsprung support member 240. The adjacent unsprung support member 240 will then be urged downwardly in the direction of the sprung support member 204. This interaction of adjacent support members will continue in a cascade type manner until equilibrium is reached in response to the applied load.

[0140] According to the second embodiment, the surfaces of the pusher members which may interact with adjacent pusher members (the engagement surfaces) are provided with a damping material 254 (hatched areas in FIGS. 3 to 5b). In this embodiment, the damping material 254 is overmoulded onto the engagement surfaces of the pusher members in order to reduce acoustic noise that would otherwise be produced by the interaction of the pusher members.

[0141] FIGS. 7a and 7b show a guide member 320 which is suitable for use as the guide member of either or both of the first and second embodiments of the invention. The guide member 320 comprises a first part 320a and a corresponding second part 320b.

[0142] The first part 320a and the second part 320b respectively comprise a recess 322a and a corresponding recess 322b. The recess 322a and a corresponding recess 322b are both arcuate in shape. When the first part 320a and the second part 320b are brought together, the recess 322a and the corresponding recess 322b define an aperture for receiving a support member.

[0143] The first part 320a comprises alignment pins (not shown) and the second part 320b comprises corresponding alignment holes (not shown) for receiving the alignment pins. When the first part 320a and the second part 320b are brought together the alignment holes receive the alignment pins thereby aligning the first part 320a and second part 320b.

[0144] The damping system 106 according to the first embodiment is mounted onto a dowel 356. The dowel 356 acts as an axle about which the damping arm 124 and engagement arm 128 pivot. The first part 320a and second part 320b comprise a cavity which accommodates at least part of the damping system 106, including the engagement arm 128.

[0145] Within the recess 322a a projection in the form of a spring retention shelf 360 is provided. The spring retention shelf 360 projects into the recess 322a. Correspondingly, within the corresponding recess 322b a projection in the form of a spring retention shelf 360 is also provided. The spring retention shelf 360 projects into the corresponding recess 322b. The spring retention shelf 360 of the recess 322a additionally comprises a spring catch 362 on its upper surface. According to another embodiment, the spring retention shelf 360 of the recess 322b may also comprise a spring catch 362 on its upper surface.

[0146] In use, when the first part 320a and the second part 320b are brought together, a spring is retained in the aperture formed by the recess 322a and the corresponding recess 322b by the spring retention shelf 360 projecting between two adjacent coils of the spring.

[0147] A method of manufacturing a bed will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 8a to 11, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0148] As a first step, the components of the bed are manufactured. Particularly, a plurality of the following components, as substantially described above, are manufactured: support members 404 comprising a shaft 412 provided with pusher members and a formation 414, guide members comprising a first part 420a and a second part 420b, and damping systems 406 comprising a damping arm 424 connected at a pivot point 426 to an engagement arm 428 comprising a corresponding formation 434. The components are manufactured by injection moulding. According to other embodiments, the components are manufactured according to other appropriate manufacturing methods.

[0149] Also by way of an injection moulding process, the pusher members are overmoulded with a soft plastic material.

[0150] To assemble the bed, a first part of the guide member 420a is provided. As above, the first part 420a comprises a plurality of regularly spaced recesses 422a. The recesses 422a comprise a spring retention shelf 460. A tension spring 418 is provided into each recess 422a. For each spring 418, one end of the spring 418 is pushed into the recess 422a such that the spring retention shelf 460 is pushed between two adjacent coils of the spring 418. A small number of coils of each spring, approximately four to five coils in this embodiment, are disposed above the retention shelf 460; the coils of the rest of the spring 418 are disposed below the retention shelf 460.

[0151] The first part 420a of the guide member also comprises cavities 464a for receiving the damping systems 406. A dowel 456 is disposed in each cavity 464a adjacent to each recess 422a. A damping system 406 is provided into each cavity 464a, the pivot point 426 of the damping system 406 being slotted onto the associated dowel 456. The damping system 406 is arranged such that the corresponding formation 434 of the engagement arm 428 is provided above the spring 418. The damping arm 424 is provided approximately parallel and adjacent to the spring 418.

[0152] The second part 420b of the guide member is then provided onto the first part 420a of the guide member. The second part 420b of the guide member comprises cavities 464b, holes 458 and recesses 422b which line up with the cavities 464a, dowels 456 and recesses 422a of the first part 420a. The first part 420a and second part 420b are brought together such that the recesses define an aperture 422 and the spring 418 and damping system 406 are substantially sandwiched therebetween. When constructing a guide member comprising a more than two separate parts (as in the case shown in FIG. 10), the second part 420b of the guide member is offset from the first part 420a of the guide member. In this configuration, successive first and second parts can be overlaid to construct a length of guide member corresponding to the width of the bed.

[0153] The support members 404 are subsequently inserted into the guide members. As shown in FIGS. 11, 12a and 12b, the support members must be provided at a particular orientation to the damping system. The support member 404 comprises a formation in the form of a laterally extending protrusion 414. According to this particular embodiment, the protrusion 414 is triangular in shape and extends beyond the width of the shaft 412 on two opposing sides of the shaft 412. The skilled person would appreciate that the invention is not limited to a particular shape or configuration of the formation.

[0154] The engagement arm 428 comprises a corresponding formation which takes the form of aperture in the shape of a slot 434. The shape of the slot 434 corresponds to the profile of the shaft 412 and the laterally extending protrusion 414. The shaft 412 and laterally extending protrusion 414 may only be inserted into the slot 434 when the support member 404 is at a first orientation in relation to the damping system 406.

[0155] During the method of manufacture, the support member 404 is therefore oriented at the first orientation in relation to the damping system 406. The shaft 412 of the support member 404 is then inserted into the aperture 422, and through the slot 434, to a point where the laterally extending protrusion 414 passes the slot 434.

[0156] The support member 404 is subsequently rotated 90 degrees to a second orientation in relation to the damping system 406. The shape of the slot 434 and the protrusion 414 are such that the laterally extending protrusion 414 cannot pass back through the slot 434.

[0157] FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention comprising a bed frame 502. The bed frame 502 comprises a plurality side portions 566 arranged in a line to define, in use, a side of a bed.

[0158] FIG. 14 shows an expanded view of a side portion 566 according to the fourth embodiment. The side portions 566 comprise a moveable side element 568 movably mounted upon a base elements 570 which rests on a floor.

[0159] The movable side element 568 comprises an upper edge portion 572. The upper edge portion 572 defines the upper edge of the side of the bed (sometimes referred to as a side rail). The upper edge portion 572 has an arcuate shape to provide comfort when sat on by the user of the bed.

[0160] The movable side element 568 comprises a lower body portion 574. The body portion 574 is in the form of a plate which extends downwardly from the upper edge portion 572. Two runners 576a are provided on each opposing side of the body portion 574.

[0161] The movable side element 568 also comprises a rod 578 which is mounted to the body portion 574. The body portion 574 has a cut out 580 in which the rod 578 extends. The axis of the rod 578 is vertical. A compression spring 582 is provided over the rod 578. The rod 574 gives support to the compression spring 582.

[0162] The base element 570 comprises two vertically arranged columns 584 between which a plate extends. One end of each column 584 rests on the floor. A spring support member 586 is mounted to the plate. The spring support member 586 comprises a slot through which the rod 578 may extend.

[0163] Runners 576b are also provided on the columns 584. In use, the moveable side element 568 is received by the base element 570, the runners 576a of the movable side element 568 being received by the runners 576b of the base element 570, and the rod 578 being received by the slot in spring support member 586.

[0164] The movable side element 568 has an unloaded position in which it is not subject to external downward loads from an object being placed upon it and it is not subject to downward loads due to interaction with adjacent movable side elements 568. In the unloaded position an end of the rod 578 protrudes only a small way through the slot in the spring support member 586.

[0165] When a load is applied to the movable side element 568 which forces it towards the floor, the spring 582 is compressed between the body portion 574 and the spring support member 586. The movable side element 568 is therefore urged towards the unloaded position by the spring 582.

[0166] The upper edge portion 572 comprises a laterally extending pusher member 588. When the side portions 566 are arranged adjacent to each other, the pusher member 588 of a first moveable side element 568 will be received by a groove in the opposing side of the upper edge portion 572 of an adjacent second movable side element 568.

[0167] In alternative embodiments the laterally extending pusher member 588 and groove are provided at other positions on the movable side member, for example, on the body portion 574.

[0168] The groove has a length and a top and a bottom. By way of interaction of the top of the groove with the pusher member 588 and/or interaction of the bottom of the groove with the pusher member 588, the adjacent moveable side elements 568 may urge each other in a vertical direction in dependence on their respective loadings. The groove has a length such that the first movable side element 568 may move a threshold distance from the unloaded position before the pusher member 588 interacts with the top of the groove and urges the second moveable side portion 568 in the same direction.

[0169] FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention comprising a bed frame 602. The bed frame 602 comprises a plurality side portions 666 arranged in a line to define, in use, a side of a bed. The side portions 666 operate in a similar way to the side portions 566 according to the fourth embodiment, the structure of the side portions 666 differing as set out below.

[0170] FIG. 16 shows an expanded view of a side portion 666. The side portion 666 comprises a movable side element 668 movably mounted to base element 670.

[0171] The movable side element 668 comprises an upper edge portion 672 having a pusher member 688 and groove, and an elongate body portion 674. A runner 676a is mounted to the rear of the body portion 674. In an alternative embodiment, the pusher member 688 and groove are instead provided on the body portion 674.

[0172] The base element 670 comprises a bottom portion 690 for sitting on the floor. A rear plate 684 extends upwardly from the bottom portion 690. The rear plate 684 comprises a corresponding runner 676b arranged to receive the runner 676a when the movable side element 668 is received by the base element 670.

[0173] A rod 678 is also mounted to the bottom portion 690 and projects vertically upwardly therefrom. A compression spring 682 is provided onto the rod 678. The rod 678 gives support to the spring 682.

[0174] The bottom of the body portion 674 comprises a vertically extending cavity 692 configured to receive the rod 678. The cavity 692 is configured such that the rod 678 can extend through the cavity 692 yet the spring is prevented from passing freely through the cavity. The spring 682 is received by a circular recess on a lower edge of the body portion 674.

[0175] In use, the moveable side element 668 is received by the base element 670, the runner 676a of the movable side element 668 being received by the runner 676b of the base element 684, and the rod 678 being received by the cavity 692.

[0176] Rear plates 684 are connected to each other, as seen in FIG. 15, to form a side of a bed. The pusher member 688 and groove of the upper edge portion 672 allow the movable side elements 668 of adjacent side portions 666 to interact in a similar manner to that described in relation to the fourth embodiment.

[0177] FIG. 17 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention, utilising the movable side portions as described above and shown in FIG. 14, but in relation to a traditional mattress 796. In this embodiment, a height adjustable horizontal support 794 is provided, which is arranged to receive the mattress 796 and which are adjustable to accommodate various mattress thicknesses. The resiliently mounted vertically moveable side portions 766 allow for comfort in getting on and getting off the bed.

[0178] FIG. 18 shows a part of a bed according to a seventh embodiment, in which a support member 804 is mounted to the upper edge portion 872 of a movable side element of the bed. The support member 804 is one of many which together define the body support surface of the bed. Each support member is mounted for vertical movement in a similar manner to that described in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0179] FIG. 19 shows a bed 900 having a bed frame comprising a plurality of moveable side elements. The Figure shows both side elements according to the fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention, to allow the reader to see how each is incorporated into a bed and to allow for ease of comparison. It will be appreciated an actual embodiment of the bed of the present invention would, if movable side elements are provided, most likely have side elements according to only one or the other of the fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention. Support members according to the first and second embodiments of the invention are also shown in FIG. 19 to aid understanding of how the various above-described embodiments relate to each other. For clarity, the frame is only shown in part.

[0180] FIG. 20 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention comprising a bed frame 1002. The bed frame 1002 comprises a plurality of movable side elements 1068 movably mounted on a side support structure 1070.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 21, and similarly to the fourth and fifth embodiments, the movable side elements 1068 comprise an upper edge portion 1072 and a lower body portion 1074.

[0182] The lower body portion 1074 comprises an elongate slot 1075 which receives an upper edge of the side support structure 1070. Preferably runners or the like are provided to allow the lower body portion 1074 to move smoothly relative to the upper edge of the side support structure 1070.

[0183] The movable side elements 1068 also comprise a rod 1078 which is mounted to the upper edge portion 1072. The axis of the rod 1078 is vertical and extends beneath the upper edge portion 1072.

[0184] A spring support member 1086 is mounted to the side support structure 1070, in this case on the outside, that being on the opposite side of the side support structure 1070 to the mattress area (in an alternative arrangement the spring support member is mounted inside of the side support structure). The spring support member 1086 comprises a slot through which the rod 1078 extends. A tension spring 1082 is mounted to, and extends beneath, the spring support member 1086. The spring 1082 retains the lower end of the rod 1078 and acts to urge the rod, and therefore the movable side element 1068, upwards.

[0185] A plurality of the movable side elements 1068 may be mounted side by side along a side support structure 1070, as seen in FIG. 20, to form a side of a bed. The upper edge portion 1072 comprises a pusher member 1088 and groove. The pusher member 1088 and groove allow adjacent movable side elements 1068 to interact in a similar manner to that described in relation to the fourth and fifth embodiment.

[0186] The bed frame 1002 does not comprise modular side portions as per the fourth and fifth embodiments; however it could be readily envisaged that side support structure could be divided into a plurality of base elements which can be arranged to form a side of a bed.

[0187] Similarly to the seventh embodiment, support member 1004 is fixedly mounted to the upper edge portion 1072. Support member 1004 may be connected to a plurality of other support members to define a body support surface of a bed.

[0188] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0189] Only some of the edges of the bed may be provided with the movable side elements of the fourth or fifth or eighth embodiments. It may in certain designs of bed be preferred, for example, to have the lateral edges/sides of the bed formed of such movable side elements, but have fixed/rigid edges/sides at the head and the foot of the bed.

[0190] Whilst the present invention and embodiments thereof has been described and claimed with reference to beds, it may be that the invention has application in relation to other means for supporting at least part of a living human being. For example, the advantages of the present invention could be applied not only to beds, but also to chairs and other apparatus for supporting a person, or part of a person (for example, just their legs). There may therefore be provided a body support apparatus, that is, an apparatus suitable for supporting at least part of a living human being having the features of the bed of the invention as described or claimed herein, but not necessarily being in the form of a bed. Such a body support apparatus may be a bed, a chair and another apparatus capable of supporting a living human being or an animal having a mass greater than 1 Kg, or a part of such a human being or animal.

[0191] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.