Lumbar Support Mechanism and Adjustable Bed Therewith

This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 202421649080.9, filed Jul. 11, 2024, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/675,303 filed Jul. 25, 2024, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/658,040, filed May 8, 2024, now allowed, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/462,191, filed Aug. 31, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,980,294, which claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 202121521952.X, filed Jul. 5, 2021, and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/318,006, filed May 12, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,839,307, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/029,800, filed May 26, 2020, and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/729,700, filed Dec. 30, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,317,729, which itself claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/789,062 filed Jan. 7, 2019, 62/789,047 filed Jan. 7, 2019, and 62/790,583 filed Jan. 10, 2019. Each of the above identified applications is incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

The invention generally relates to a bed, and more particular to a lumbar support mechanism with massage functions and an adjustable bed having the same.

With the accelerated pace of modern life, it has become the norm for people to maintain sitting or standing postures for long periods of time in work and daily activities. This posture, especially when accompanied by incorrect sitting habits, places continuous pressure and strain on the lower back. Over time, this may lead to muscle fatigue, lumbar strain, and even more serious spinal injuries and disorders. These issues not only affect an individual's physical health but can also interfere with work and daily life.

Although there are some posture-adjustable beds and chairs on the market, offering a more comfortable reclining experience to a certain extent, these products often overlook dedicated support for the lumbar region. When the user's posture changes, the lumbar support provided by these devices often fails to adjust adaptively in a timely manner, resulting in inadequate support for the lower back and an inability to effectively relieve or distribute pressure.

In addition, while existing lumbar support technologies can offer a certain degree of support and protection for the lower back, they generally lack massage functions and therefore cannot further alleviate fatigue. After prolonged sitting or improper posture, the lower back muscles tend to become tense and tired, requiring appropriate massage to relax and regain vitality. However, most current lumbar support mechanisms cannot meet this need, limiting their potential in maintaining lower back health.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

This invention, in one aspect, relates to a lumbar support mechanism usable in an adjustable bed. The lumbar support mechanism comprises a lumbar support member; and a lumbar lifting assembly comprising at least one lumbar lifting structure moveably connected to the lumbar support member, and a lumbar lifting actuator operably driving the at least one lumbar lifting structure to move so as to lift (raise) or retract the lumbar support member for providing lumbar support.

In one embodiment, the lumbar lifting assembly further comprises a linkage member, and the at least one lumbar lifting structure comprises a first lumbar lifting structure and a second lumbar lifting structure connected to the first lumbar lifting structure by the linkage member. Each lumbar lifting structure comprises a fixing bracket, a first leg having an upper end pivotally movably connected to the lumbar support member and a lower end operably movable in the fixing bracket and pivotally connected to the linkage member by a guiding pin, and a second leg having an upper end pivotally connected to a middle portion of the first leg and a lower end pivotally connected to the fixing bracket, such that a distance between the lumbar support member and the linkage member is changeable between a minimal distance and a maximal distance when the linkage member moves between a first position and a second position.

In one embodiment, the fixing bracket has a guiding slot having first and second ends, the guiding slot being configured to moveably receive the guiding pin, such that when the guiding pin moves to the first end of the guiding slot, the linkage member moves to the first position, and when the guiding pin moves to the second end of the guiding slot, the linkage member moves to the second position.

In one embodiment, each lumbar lifting structure further comprises a bearing member accommodated and operably movable in the fixing bracket, the bearing member being pivotally connected to the lower end of the first leg.

In one embodiment, the bearing member comprises at least one sliding block.

In one embodiment, the bearing member comprises at least one roller pivotally connected to the lower end of the first leg and the linkage member by the guiding pin that is movably received in the guiding slot of the fixing bracket, such that when the lower end of the first leg is driven to move in the fixing bracket, the guiding pin moves along the guiding slot of the fixing bracket and the at least one roller rotates on a bottom wall of the fixing bracket.

In one embodiment, the lumbar lifting actuator pivotally connected to the lower end of the first leg of one of the first and second lumbar lifting structures or the guiding pin that pivotally connects the lower end of the first leg of said one of the first and second lumbar lifting structures to the linkage member for operably driving the linkage member to move between the first position and the second position.

In one embodiment, the lumbar lifting actuator comprises a motor member, an outer tube extending from the motor member, and an activation rod received in the outer tube, engaged with the motor member and configured to be telescopically movable relative to the outer tube according to a direction of motor rotation.

In one embodiment, the motor member is configured to be attached onto the adjustable bed, and a distal end of the activation rod is pivotally connected to the lower end of the first leg of said one of the first and second lumbar lifting structures or the guiding pin that pivotally connects the lower end of the first leg of said one of the first and second lumbar lifting structures to the linkage member.

In one embodiment, the lumbar support mechanism further comprises at least one massage member installed on the lumbar support member for providing massage effects.

In one embodiment, at least one massage member comprises a vibrator.

In one embodiment, at least one massage member further comprises a vibration fixing plate installed in a mounting slot of the lumbar support member, and a buffer sleeved on the vibrator and mounted on the vibration fixing plate.

The lumbar support and massage mechanism, when in use, operates through the lumbar lifting actuator that drives a lumbar lifting assembly to lift (raise) or retract the lumbar support member, which ensures that the support closely conforms to the user's lower back. Additionally, when the lumbar support member is in contact with the user's lower back, a vibrator is used to massage the area, thereby relieving fatigue and promoting lower back health.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an adjustable bed comprising the above disclosed lumbar support mechanism for operably providing the lumbar support when the lumbar support member is lifted to fit user's lumbar.

The adjustable bed incorporates the lumbar support and massage mechanism. When the back lifting assembly lifts the back board (backrest) to accommodate different user postures, the lumbar support and massage mechanism adjusts, either raising or retracting, to fit the user's posture, which ensures that the lumbar support member always maintains contact with the user's lower back, reducing the risk of inadequate support due to posture changes and further enhancing the user experience.

Overall, the adjustable bed with the lumbar support and massage mechanism achieves dual lumbar support and massage effects across various user postures through a height-adjustable lumbar support and integrated massage components. It effectively addresses the limitations of existing lumbar support structures, which cannot adapt to user posture changes or provide lumbar massage functionality.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the invention, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the invention are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the invention. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the FIGURES. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term “lower”, can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending of the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

As used herein, “around”, “about”, “substantially” or “approximately” shall generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the term “around”, “about” “substantially” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.

As used in this specification, the term “platform” refers to a bed board, or a board or panel used for a bed.

As used in this specification, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in detail hereinafter with reference to accompanying drawings. The description below is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention includes particular examples, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the invention.

In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a lumbar support mechanism, and an adjustable bed having the same.

The lumbar support mechanism includes a lumbar support member, a lumbar lifting assembly comprising at least one lumbar lifting structure moveably connected to the lumbar support member and a lumbar lifting actuator operably driving the at least one lumbar lifting structure to move so as to lift (raise) or retract the lumbar support member, and at least one massage member installed on the lumbar support member for providing massage effects. The lumbar support mechanism can be used in an adjustable bed for operably providing lumbar support and massage effects when the lumbar support member is lifted to fit the user's lumbar.

Referring to, and particularly to, one embodiment of the lumbar support mechanismis shown according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the lumbar lifting assemblycomprises a first lumbar lifting structure, a second lumbar lifting structure′, a lumbar lifting actuator, a lumbar support member, and a linkage member. The use of the dual lumbar lifting structuresand′ connected via the linkage member (transmission rod)and driven by a single lumbar lifting actuatorenables synchronized motion and consistent alignment on both ends of the lumbar support member.

The first lumbar lifting structureand the second lumbar lifting structure′ can be identical or substantially different. The following description illustrates the embodiment of which the first and second lumbar lifting structuresand′ are identical. The same principles apply in the different first and second lifting structures.

As shown in, each lifting structure/′ comprises a fixing bracket, a first leg, and a second leg. The length of the first legis greater than that of the second leg. In other words, the second legis shorter than the first leg. The first leghas an upper endpivotally connected to the lumbar support member, and a lower endoperably movable in the fixing bracketand pivotally connected to the linkage memberby a guiding pin or shaft. The second leghas an upper endpivotally connected to a middle portion of the first leg, and a lower endpivotally connected to the fixing bracket. As such, the distance between the lumbar support memberand the linkage memberis changeable between a minimal distance and a maximal distance when the linkage membermoves between a first position and a second position.

In one embodiment, the pivotal connection of the upper endof the first legto the lumbar support memberis made by a pivotal shaftthat passes through the upper endof the first legand the connecting bracketof the lumbar support member(). In one embodiment, the connecting bracketis designed to allow for customized adjustments in the position and angle of the lumbar support member. It should be noted that other pivotal connection means can also be utilized for the pivotal connection of the upper endof the first legand the lumbar support member.

The fixing bracketof each of the first lumbar lifting structureand the second lumbar lifting structure′ is configured to be attached onto the adjustable bed. In one embodiment, the fixing bracketis mounted onto the rear side of a back or waist bed board (platform) of the adjustable bed. It should be noted that the fixing bracketmay be mounted onto one or two of the other bed boards/platforms, and/or the frame structure of the adjustable bed in another embodiments.

In some embodiments, each fixing brackethas a guiding slotdefined in the side wallsof the fixing bracket. The guiding slothas first and second endsA andB. The guiding slotis configured to moveably receive the guiding pin or shaftthat pivotally connects the lower endof the first legto the linkage member, such that when the guiding pin or shaftmoves to the first endA of the guiding slot, the linkage membermoves to the first position, and when the guiding pin or shaftmoves to the second endB of the guiding slot, the linkage membermoves to the second position.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second lumbar lifting structuresand′ further comprises a bearing memberaccommodated and operably movable in the fixing bracket. The bearing memberis pivotally connected to the lower endof the first legby the same guiding pin or shaft.

In some embodiments, the bearing membercomprises at least one sliding block.

In other embodiments, the bearing membercomprises at least one rollerpivotally connected to the lower endof the first legand the linkage memberby the guiding pin or shaftthat is movably received in the guiding slotof the fixing bracket, such that when the lower endof the first legis driven to move in the fixing bracket, the guiding pin or shaftmoves along the guiding slotof the fixing bracketand the at least one rollerrotates on a bottom wall of the fixing bracket.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in, the fixing brackethas a bottom wall, two sidewallsvertically extended from two opposite, lateral edges of the bottom wall, a plurality of mounting tabshorizontally extended from the tops of the sidewalls, and two guiding slotseach of which is formed in a respective sidewalland parallel to the bottom wall. Each guiding slotshas the first endA proximal to the front endof the sidewall, and the second endB distal to the front endof the sidewall. The fixing bracketis operably attachable to a back or waist bed board/platform of the adjustable bed, e.g., through mounting the plurality of mounting tabsonto the rear surface of the back or waist bed board/platform by screws or pins, or other mounting means.