Adjustable furniture

摘要

The invention concerns an article of adjustable furniture such as an adjustable bed (10) comprising at least two body-support sections (12, 14, 16) and a base support (20) for supporting the body support portions. The body support portions are mounted with respect to the base to allow angular adjustment of their relative positions to alter the configuration of the bed. Actuator means are provided for angularly moving one or more of the body-support portions to effect angular adjustment of the bed. At least one load-bearing member (36, 40) projects from at least one of moveable body-support portion (s). The load-bearing member is supported by bearing means (38, 42) arranged to run on a curved support (26, 28) such that the or each moveable body-support portion is pivotally mounted with respect to the said base about a respective pivot axis defined by the centre of curvature of the respective curved support(s). The pivot axis of the or each movable body-support portion is positioned above the said base in a plane offset from the top edge thereof. Preferably pivot axis or axes (1451, 1551) is/are position in a plane offset from the base by an amount substantially corresponding to the thickness of the body support portions such that the offset plane is substantially coincident with an upper support surface of the said body support portions when in a flat horizontal position. The offset nature of the pivot axis or axes can substantially eliminate interference of the respective body support portions when they are moved with respect to one another as the pivot axis may be positioned at a common hinge position between adjacent body support portions. In preferred arrangements where the body support portions include a compressible cushion or other compressible support means to provide a mattress foundation, interference at the respective adjacent ends can be readily avoided.