ADJUSTABLE BUNK AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME

Abstract

An adjustable bunk is adapted for trucks or other vehicles equipped with a sleeping compartment. The bunk has a front end and a foot extremity and includes at least a first segment, pivotally connected to a second segment, by a supple connection, wherein the first segment may be in a horizontal position or in a non-horizontal position, while the second segment remains in a horizontal position. The first segment of the bunk is suspendable on an upper support placed above the bunk.

Claims

1. A bunk having a front end and a foot extremity, comprising at least a first segment, pivotally connected to a second segment, by the means of a supple connection, wherein the first segment may be in a horizontal position or in a non-horizontal position, while the second segment remains in a horizontal position, wherein the first segment is suspendable on a upper support placed above the bunk.

2. A bunk according to claim 1, wherein the non-horizontal position of the first segment is continuously tunable by the means of a sliding element.

3. A bunk according to claim 1, further comprising a locking system.

4. A bunk according to claim 1, wherein the sliding element comprises a slidable transversal bar and wherein the upper support comprises one or more rails each provided with at least one longitudinal groove, wherein the transversal bar can slide and wherein the locking system comprises one or more cams fixed on the slidable transversal bar and slidable into the groove of the rails wherein the cam is adapted to be in a locked position, or in an open position.

5. A bunk according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the sliding element comprises one or more clasps, wherein straps can continuously slide, wherein the support is a ribbed bar, and wherein the first segment is connected to the ribbed bar by the means of a hook adapted to fit with the teeth of the ribbed bar.

6. A bunk according to claim 1, wherein the supple connection is a non-extensible connection, in such a way that the total length of the bunk between the front end and the foot end remains constant at horizontal position and non-horizontal positions.

7. A bunk according to claim. 1, wherein the supple connection is a folding surface wherein the position of the folding line between the first and the second segments depends on the inclination angle (a) of the first segment.

8. A bunk according to claim 1, wherein the first segment is disconnected from the support when it is in a horizontal position.

9. A bunk claim 1, wherein the first and second segments are linked to a common rigid basis, the common rigid basis being completely foldable in a non-horizontal position.

10. A bunk according to claim 9, wherein the first and second segments can be removed from the common rigid basis.

11. A bunk according to claim 1, wherein the bunk further comprises a foldable part extending over the first segment, between the upper support and the front end of the first segment when the first segment is at a non-horizontal position.

12. A bunk according to claim 12, wherein stud the foldable part can be folded under the bunk when the first segment is on a horizontal position.

13. A bunk according to claim 1, wherein the bunk is placed within a sleeper compartment of a vehicle.

14. A upper support adapted to suspend a bunk, wherein the upper support allows the suspension of the bunk at various positions.

15. A upper support according to claim 14, wherein the upper support is a set of rails provided with a longitudinal groove or a ribbed bar.

16. A vehicle comprising a bunk according to claim 1 and a upper support configured to allow suspension of the bunk at various positions.

17. A method of adjusting a bunk comprising a first segment pivotally connected to a second segment by the means of a supple connection, wherein the method comprises: a) suspending the first segment to an upper support by the means of a suspending element, b) tuning the inclination angle of the first segment, and c) locking the first segment at a given inclination angle a by the means of a locking system.

18. Method according to claim 17 wherein the timing of the inclination angle is performed by the means of at least one sliding element.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein the locking step c) is automatically performed by the pressure of the user on the first segment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1: Example of an adjustable bunk wherein the backrest is at an intermediate inclined position.

[0030] FIG. 2: Example of an adjustable bunk in a sleeping position.

[0031] FIG. 3: Enlarge view of the suspending means used in the bunk of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 4: comprising FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C: Details of the sliding and locking system used in the hunk of FIG. 1 to 3.

[0033] FIG. 5: Details of an alternative suspending element.

[0034] FIG. 6. including 6 A. 6B and 6C: Bunk in several intermediate inclined positions, wherein the length of the first segment (2) varies with regard to its inclination angle.

[0035] FIG. 7, including 7A and 7B: Bunk in a folded position, comprising a fabric (15) foldable under the basis (6).

[0036] FIG. 8: Example of a supple connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Above and below, the backrest is meant for the first segment, which also denotes the inclined portion, or the adjustable part of the bunk.

[0038] The supple connection is meant for a feature allowing joining the first and the second segments of the bunk in a flexible and non-extensible manner.

[0039] The sleeping position is meant for the horizontal position of the first segment of the bunk, in such a way that it forms together with the second segment of the bunk a flat area.

[0040] The bunk (1) of the present invention comprises a first segment (2) pivotally connected to a second segment (3), and a means for suspending the first segment (2) to an upper support (7a, 7b) at its front end (13), while still being connected to the second segment (3) by the means of a supple connection (8). The suspension of the first segment (2) at its front end (13) provides an inclination with regards to the second segment (3), thus providing an adjusted inclination of the first segment (2).

[0041] Said first segment (2) may be suspended onto an upper support (7a, 7b) through at least one suspending element (5), in such a way that the front end (13) of the first segment (2) is elevated with respect, to the second segment (3). A suspending element (5) according to the invention may be for example a strap (21). Said strap (21) may be connected to the front end (13) of the first segment. It may comprise a hook (9) that allows hanging the first segment (2) on the upper support (7a, 7b). or on another element which is in connection with the upper support (7a, 7b). In a preferred embodiment, the upper support (7a, 7b) is part of the equipment already present in the vehicle. The upper support (7a, 7b) may be for example the basis of an upper bunk, or a structure of cupboard or shelves. The upper support (7a, 7b) may comprise at least one horizontal guide or rail (7a) placed above the bunk (1) and along its longitudinal axis. More preferably, the rails (7a) are two parallel guides disposed above the bunk along its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the upper support may comprise a ribbed bar (7b), as shown in FIG. 5.

[0042] The bunk (1) may further comprise one or several sliding elements (4a, 4b). A sliding element according to the invention is an element which allows a continuous sliding in order to continuously adjust the bunk. As an example, the sliding element may be a transversal bar (4a) adapted to slide within the rails (7a). Alternatively, the sliding element may be the clasp (4b), which allows the strap (21) to slide in it.

[0043] The bunk (1) further comprises a locking system (14a, 14b). The aim of the locking system (14a, 14b) is to prevent the sliding of the sliding element (4a, 4b). In case the sliding element is a transversal bar (4a), the locking system may be a earn (14a), fixed on the transversal bar 14a). When the sliding element is the clasp (4b), the locking system is the clasp itself, having a position adapted to let sliding the strap (21) and a second position which prevents the strap (21) from sliding.

[0044] FIGS. 1 and 3 provide an example where the suspending element (5) is hanged on the rails (7a) through a transversal bar (4a). However, it is possible that the suspending elements (5) are directly connected to the upper support (7a,7b). The transversal bar (4a) can slide along the two parallel rails (7a).

[0045] The first (2) and the second (3) segments form together an angle that allows the user to rest on a non-horizontal position. In other words, the first segment (2) forms an angle (a) with its horizontal position. The first (2) and second (3) segments are linked together through a flexible material which tonus a supple connection (8). Said supple connection (8) provides a folding line between the first segment (2) and the second segment (3). The first (2) and the second (3) segments are thus pivotally connected.

[0046] The first (2) and the second (3) segments may be plates made with a rigid material. For instance, the first (2) and second (3) segments may be each made in wood, or plastic, polymer, or any other material, which is light and rigid. Alternatively, the first (2) and/or the second (3) segments are provided with free spaces, like holes or grooves, to be as light as possible while remaining rigid. Preferably, the first (2) and second (3) segments comprise free spaces to allow the air circulating under the bunk (1), thus avoiding condensation or humidity phenomenon. In another embodiment, the first (2) and the second (3) segments are non-rigid and flexible. Preferably, the first (2) and second (3) segments are both made with a fabric. A fabric is lighter than rigid plates, and is even easier fold and store. The first (2) and second (3) segments are advantageously recovered by a soft material, like a mattress (17), which improves the comfort of the user.

[0047] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the suspending element (5) is determined by two straps (21) each provided with a hook (9), adapted to be hanged onto the transversal bar (4a), which serves as a sliding element. Alternatively, said suspending elements (5) may be directly hanged to an upper support (7a. 7b), without the intermediate of a sliding element (4a). The rails (7a) are horizontal and placed upper the bunk (1), and disposed along the longitudinal axis of the bunk (1). The cross-bar or transversal bar (4a), on which is suspended the front end (13) of the first segment (2), can slide along the rails (7a), The sliding of the cross bar (4a) within the rails (7a) allows the user to determine an inclination angle of the first segment (2) among a continuum of positions between a first position and a last position. The inclination of the first segment (2) can vary with regard to the second segment (3) thanks to the supple connection (8), provided across the full width of the bunk (1), and representing a folding element The position of the folding line, within the supple connection (8) depends on the inclination angle a of the first segment (2). More particularly, the length (1) of the first segment (2), determined between the folding line within the supple connection (8) and the front end (13) of the first segment (2), varies with regard to the inclination angle a of the first segment (2). The supple connection (8) allows the flexibility along a certain distance between the two segments (2) and (3), thus providing a folding surface, wherein the folding can occur at various positions between the first (2) and the second (3) segment of the bunk (1). The length of the supple connection (8) is comprised between around 5 cm and 50 cm, more preferably around 10 cm and around 30 cm, most preferably around 15 cm and 25 cm. The supple connection (8) is preferably made on a non-extendable material such, as a supple polymer, or a fabric, or an assembly of transversal blades adapted to rotate one with respect to the other one. The second segment (3) is preferably fixed on the basis (6) of the bunk. Any fixation means can be used to fix the second segment (3) on the basis (6) of the bunk (1). However, in order to optimize the modularity of the bunk (1), the preferred fixation means will be those which allow manual operations either to fix the segment (3) or to remove it from the basis (6). For instance, clips, zips, scratches, snap buttons or any equivalent means may be used. The fixation means may be provided along the full length of the second segment (3) or only on specific areas. Preferably the fixation means are scratches. More preferably said scratches are placed at least under the supple connection (8), in such a way that the second segment (3) remains flat and horizontal near the folding line. The basis (6) is a rigid basis. It can be a plate made with a rigid, and still light, material, such as wood or polymer. Such material may be either plain or it can be provided with alveolus, in order to reduce the weight while keeping the necessary rigidity. Alternatively, the basis (6) may comprise free spaces like holes or grooves, or can be even constituted with separate blades or plates, in such a way that it is as light as possible while keeping the necessary rigidity. In a preferred embodiment, the basis (6) comprises free spaces to allow the air circulating under the first segment (2), and also the second (3) segment when the bunk (1) is placed on a sleeping position.

[0048] On FIG. 2, the bunk is represented on a sleeping position, wherein the first segment (2) is on the horizontal position, in the continuity of the second segment (3). In this position, the first segment (2) is preferably disconnected from the upper support (7a, 7b).

[0049] The sliding element (4a, 4b) may be equipped with a locking element (14a, 14b). FIGS. 4 A, 4B and 4C provide an example wherein the sliding element is a transversal bar (4a) and wherein the locking element is a cam (14a) fixed on the transversal bar (4a), and included within a longitudinal groove (12) of the rails (7a). The cam (14a) can be on a locked position (FIG. 4A), preventing the sliding of the transversal bar (4a), or in an open position (FIG. 4B), allowing the transversal bar (4a) to slide from one position to another one along the rails (7a). The locking position is obtained by rotating the cam (14a) in such a way that it jams within the groove (12) of the rails (7a), thus blocking the transversal bar (4a) at a given position. The cam (14a) is characterized by having a first diameter larger than the groove (12) of the rails (7a) in which it is inserted., and a smaller diameter smaller than the groove (12) of the rails (7a). The smaller diameter allows the cam (14a) sliding within the groove (12) of the rails (7a) whereas the larger diameter blocks the cam (14a) into the groove (12). The cam (14a) is oriented in such a way that it comes automatically on the locked position, in case no specific locking action is performed, as shown in FIG. 4C by the arrow C. Unlocking the cam (14a) is performed by rotating it in such a way that the smaller diameter of the cam (14a) fits with the width of the groove (12) of the rails (7a), as shown in FIG. 4A by the arrow A. Then, the sliding of the transversal bar (4a) can be performed either in the direction of B or in the reverse direction, until the cam (14a) is locked again.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows an alternative system where the upper support comprises a ribbed bar (7b) provided with predefined slots wherein a hook (19) can be engaged. In this particular example, a position can be selected among several discrete positions, each corresponding to a given inclination angle of the backrest (2).

[0051] In this example, a continuous adjusting may be performed by the means of one or several clasps (4b) in which the straps (21) are allowed to slide in order to fine tune the inclination angle of the first segment (2). Said clasps (4b) are therefore the sliding elements of the bunk (1). Said clasps (4b) may be in an open position, allowing the straps (21) to slide, or in a closed position, preventing the straps (21) from sliding. Said closed position corresponds to the locking position.

[0052] The length of the first (2) and the second (3) segments varies in function of the angular position of the first segment (2), as shown in FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B and 6C.

[0053] The distance (Y|) between the folding line, within the supple connection (8) and the extremity (18) of the bunk (1) is determined by the distance (Y.sub.2) resulting from the chosen position of the transversal bar (4a) on the rails (7a), and is expressed according to the total length (L) of the bunk (1) and the height (Z) between tire bunk (1) and the rails (7a) according to the following rule:

[00001] ${(L - y_{1})}^{2} = {(y_{2} - y_{1})}^{2} + z^{2}$ $L^{2} - 2 .Math. {Ly}_{1} + y_{1}^{2} = y_{2}^{2} - 2 .Math. .Math. y_{1} .Math. y_{2} + y_{1}^{2} + z^{2}$ $L^{2} - y_{2}^{2} - z^{2} = 2 .Math. (L - y_{2}) .Math. y_{1}$ $y_{1} = \frac{L^{2} - y_{2}^{2} - z^{2}}{2 .Math. (L - y_{2})}$

[0054] Wherein

[0055] Yi represents the length of the second segment (3), from the extremity (18) to the folding line of the supple connection (8),

[0056] Y.sub.2 represents the distance between the front end (13) of the first segment and the foot extremity (18) of the bunk (1).

[0057] L represents the total length of the bunk at its sleeping position, wherein the first segment (2) is on the horizontal position, and

[0058] Z represents the height between the basis (6) of the bunk (1) and the upper support (7a, 7b).

[0059] The total length (L) of the bunk remains constant with the following value:

L=Y.sub.i+l

[0060] Wherein

[0061] L is the total length of the bunk (1),

[0062] Yi is the length of the second segment (3), from the extremity (18) to the folding line within the supple connection (8) and

[0063] l is the length of the first segment (2), from the folding line within the supple connection (8) to the front end (13).

[0064] Thus, the inclination angle a, the length l of the first segment (2), and the position of the front end (13) of the first segment (2) on the rails (7a) depend all from one another. Specific examples are provided in the table below.

TABLE-US-00001 FIG. Y.sub.1 (mm) l (mm) α (deg) FIG. 6A 1653 938 83 FIG. 6B 1591 1000 68 FIG. 6C 1520 1071 58

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the bunk (1) can be folded, as in FIG. 7. Once the first segment (2) of the bunk (1) is on horizontal position and disconnected from the upper support (7a, 7b), then the basis (6) of the bunk (1) can be raised, or removed from its horizontal position.

[0066] In a particular embodiment the bunk (1) may be provided with a foldable extension (22). The foldable extension (22) is an additional part that extends upfront from the first segment (2) between the first segment (2) and the upper support (7a, 7b) when the first segment (2) is on a non-horizontal position. The foldable extension (22) can be folded under the bunk (1) when the first segment (2) is on the horizontal position. For example, said foldable extension may be a fabric (15). Said foldable extension (22) provides an additional area where a pillow (16) may be positioned. The pillow (16) may be fixed on the fabric (15) by any usual means like a zip, one or several buttons or snap buttons. Alternatively, scratches (20) may be used. This allows to further increase the length of the bunk (1) when the first segment (2) is at an inclined position. Then, the user disposes from more space. Once the bunk (1) is placed at the sleeping position, the fabric (15) can be folded under the basis (6) of the bunk (1), and fixed by the means of the hooks (9) of the suspending element (5) to the back side (11) of the basis (6).

[0067] As mentioned above, the present invention is also directed to a a method of adjusting an adjustable bunk (1) comprising a first segment (2) pivotally connected to a second segment (3) by the means of a supple connection (8) wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0068] a) suspending the front end (13) of said first segment (2) to an upper support (7a, 7b) by the means of a suspending element (5)

[0069] b) tuning the inclination angle a of said first segment (2), mid

[0070] c) locking said first segment (2) at a given inclination angle a by the means of a locking system (14a, 14b).

[0071] In said method, the tuning of the inclination angle a may be a continuous tuning, or a continuous adjustment. The continuous adjustment may be for example performed by the means of a sliding element (4a, 4b).

[0072] In said method, the step c) may be performed by the mere pressure of the user on said first segment (2). In a specific embodiment, the locking step c) is performed without any additional movable parts. This means that no mechanical part other than those described above intervene for the locking step. By movable parts, it has to be understood any part the status or the position of which can change between the locked position and the unlocked position, like a spring, a pin, or a retractable stud.

[0073] In the method, the tuning step e) comprises the adaptation of the length (l) of said first segment (2) and the second segment (3) according to the longitudinal position of the front end (13) of said first segment (2). In particular, the length of the first (2) and second (3) segment is determined as

[00002] ${(L - y_{1})}^{2} = {(y_{2} - y_{1})}^{2} + z^{2}$ $L^{2} - 2 .Math. {Ly}_{1} + y_{1}^{2} = y_{2}^{2} - 2 .Math. .Math. y_{1} .Math. y_{2} + y_{1}^{2} + z^{2}$ $L^{2} - y_{2}^{2} - z^{2} = 2 .Math. (L - y_{2}) .Math. y_{1}$ $y_{1} = \frac{L^{2} - y_{2}^{2} - z^{2}}{2 .Math. (L - y_{2})}$

[0074] Wherein

[0075] Yi represents the length of the second segment (3), from the extremity (18) to the folding line within the supple connection (8),

[0076] Y.sub.2 represents the distance between the position of the sliding element (4a, 4b) on the upper support (7a, 7b) and the foot extremity (18) of the bunk (1).

[0077] L represents the total length of the bunk (1) at its sleeping position, wherein the first segment (2) is on the horizontal position.

[0078] Z represents the height between the basis (6) of the bunk (1) and the upper support (7a, 7b)

[0079] And wherein the total length (L) of the bunk remains constant with the following value:

L=Y.sub.1+l

[0080] Wherein

[0081] L is the total length of the bunk (1),

[0082] Yi is the length of the second segment (3), and

[0083] l is the length of the first segment (2), determined between the folding line of the supple connection (8) and the front end (13) of the first segment (2).

[0084] The method of the present invention may further comprise an unlocking step, wherein the unlocking is manually performed.

ADJUSTABLE BUNK AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME

Assignee

Inventors

Cpc classification

Classification Explorer

B62D33/063

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B62D33/0612

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

International classification

Classification Explorer

B62D33/063

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B62D33/06

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Abstract

Claims

Description