Adjustable Bed Base with Control Box to Limit Movement

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bedding products and, more particularly, to a motorized adjustable bed base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional adjustable bed bases often have a stationary frame supported by leg assemblies. Such adjustable bed bases typically include a deck supported by the stationary frame. The deck supports a mattress. The deck usually comprises multiple deck members hinged together. One of the deck members, commonly a seat deck member, is commonly fixedly secured to the stationary frame. A head deck member is typically hinged to the seat deck member. A first motorized linear actuator inclines the front end of the head deck member so a user may sit up and read or watch television in an inclined position.

A leg deck member is commonly hinged to the stationary seat deck member and a foot deck member hinged to the leg deck member. A second motorized linear actuator serves to incline the leg and foot deck members around a person's knees for comfort.

One drawback to such common adjustable bed bases is that the head deck member of the articulated deck is either horizontal (when the deck members are aligned) or inclined. There is no mechanism to decline the head deck member. Similarly, the leg deck member is either horizontal (when the deck members are aligned) or inclined. There is no mechanism to decline the leg deck member.

Persons who sleep on their stomach may desire a curved sleeping surface such that the head and foot ends of the sleeping surface are below the middle portion of the sleeping surface. Other health conditions or situations may require that a person's head and/or feet is below his/her midsection.

However, for health reasons, it is not desirable for such an adjustable bed base to assume a Trendelenburg position, a position in which all platform sections are aligned and the head end of the adjustable bed base platform is below the foot end of the of the adjustable bed base platform.

In view of the above, there is a need for an adjustable bed base having head and foot platform sections which may be declined as well as inclined relative to a stationary middle platform and having a control system which restricts movement of the motorized linear actuators to prevent the adjustable bed base from assuming a Trendelenburg position.

There is further a need for a control system for an adjustable bed base which is capable of declining opposite ends of the articulated platform of the adjustable bed base when desired but which prevents the articulated platform from assuming certain positions.

It is therefore an objective of this invention to provide a control system for an adjustable bed base having head and foot platform section which may be declined relative to a raised middle platform section, the control system which prevents the adjustable bed base from assuming certain positions.

It is further an objective of this invention to provide an adjustable bed base having an articulated platform comprising three pieces, a stationary middle piece being raised relative to a frame, the adjustable bed base having a control system which restricts movement of motorized linear actuators to prevent the adjustable bed base from assuming selected positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, an adjustable bed base comprises a generally rectangular stationary frame having opposed side rails, a head rail and a foot rail. Legs which may or may not be adjustable in height are secured to the stationary frame for supporting the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a riser secured to the stationary frame. In one embodiment, the riser comprises arcuate members secured to the side rails of the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises an articulated platform comprising a head platform section, a seat platform section and a foot platform section hinged together. The seat platform section is secured to the riser such that the seat platform section is stationary above the stationary frame. In one embodiment, each of the platform sections is a solid member made of either wood or plastic.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a front linear actuator for inclining and declining the head platform section from its home position which is horizontal and aligned with the stationary seat platform section.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a rear linear actuator for inclining and declining the foot platform section from its home position which is horizontal and aligned with the stationary seat platform section.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a control system which restricts movement of at least one of the linear actuators.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a front pusher assembly for inclining the head platform section. The front pusher assembly comprises two arms. Each of the arms is pivotally secured to one of the side rails of the stationary frame. A wheel is attached to an end of each of the arms. The front pusher assembly further comprises a lower stabilizer extending between the arms and an upper stabilizer extending between the arms. The front pusher assembly further comprises the front linear actuator. The front linear actuator has a first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the lower stabilizer of the front pusher assembly and a second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the head rail of the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a rear pusher assembly for inclining the foot platform section. The rear pusher assembly comprises two links. Each of the links is pivotally secured to one of the side rails of the stationary frame. A wheel is attached to an end of each of the links. The rear pusher assembly further comprises a lower stabilizer extending between the links and an upper stabilizer extending between the links. The rear pusher assembly further comprises the rear linear actuator. The rear linear actuator has a first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the lower stabilizer of the rear pusher assembly and a second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the rear rail of the stationary frame.

The linear actuators are preferably motorized. The articulated deck is generally U-shaped when the linear actuators are retracted. The maximum incline or tilt occurs when the linear actuator is fully extended.

Worded another way, the adjustable bed base comprises a stationary frame having opposed side rails, a head rail and a foot rail. Legs, which may or may not be adjustable in height, support the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a riser secured to the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises an articulated platform comprising a stationary seat platform section secured to the riser, a head platform section hinged to one side of the stationary seat platform section and a foot platform section hinged to the other side of the stationary seat platform section. In one embodiment, each of the platform sections is a solid member made of either wood or plastic or any other known material.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a front pusher assembly for inclining and declining the head platform section. The front pusher assembly comprises two arms. A wheel is attached to a first end of each of the arms. A second end of each of the arms is pivotally secured to one of the side rails of the stationary frame. The front pusher assembly further comprises a lower stabilizer extending between the arms and an upper stabilizer extending between the arms.

The front pusher assembly further comprises a front motorized linear actuator having a first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the lower stabilizer of the front pusher assembly and a second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the head rail of the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a rear pusher assembly for inclining and declining the foot platform section. The rear pusher assembly comprises two links. Each of the links has a first end to which a wheel is attached and a second end pivotally secured to one of the side rails of the stationary frame.

The rear pusher assembly further comprises a lower stabilizer extending between the links and an upper stabilizer extending between the links. The rear pusher assembly further comprises a rear motorized linear actuator having a first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the lower stabilizer of the rear pusher assembly and a second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the rear rail of the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a control system which restricts movement of at least one of the motorized linear actuators.

Worded yet another way, the adjustable bed base comprises a stationary frame having opposed side rails, a head rail and a foot rail. Legs, which may or may not be adjustable in height, support the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a riser secured to the side rails of the stationary frame. The adjustable bed base further comprises a stationary seat platform section secured to the riser, a head platform section hinged to one side of the stationary seat platform section and a foot platform section hinged to the other side of the stationary seat platform section. In one embodiment, each of the platform sections is a solid member made of either wood or plastic.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a front motorized linear actuator for inclining and declining the head platform section, wherein the head platform section is inclined when the front motorized linear actuator is extended and declined when the front motorized linear actuator is retracted.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a rear motorized linear actuator for inclining and declining the foot platform section, wherein the foot platform section is inclined when the rear motorized linear actuator is extended and declined when the rear motorized linear actuator is retracted.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a control system which restricts movement of at least one of the motorized linear actuators to prevent the head platform section from declining more than a certain amount from a horizontal position when the foot platform section is in a horizontal position. In one embodiment, the control system is programmed to restrict movement of at least one of the motorized linear actuators to prevent the head platform section from declining more than five degrees from a horizontal position when the foot platform section is in a horizontal position.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a front pusher assembly for inclining the head platform section. The front pusher assembly comprises two arms. A wheel is attached to a first end of each of the arms. A second end of each of the arms is pivotally secured to one of the side rails of the stationary frame. The front pusher assembly further comprises a lower stabilizer extending between the arms. The front pusher assembly further comprises the front motorized linear actuator. The front motorized linear actuator has a first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the lower stabilizer of the front pusher assembly and a second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the head rail of the stationary frame.

The adjustable bed base further comprises a rear pusher assembly for inclining the foot platform section. The rear pusher assembly comprises two links. Each of the links has a first end to which a wheel is attached and a second end pivotally secured to one of the side rails of the stationary frame. The rear pusher assembly further comprises a lower stabilizer extending between the links. The rear pusher assembly further comprises the rear motorized linear actuator. The rear motorized linear actuator has a first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the lower stabilizer of the rear pusher assembly and a second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket secured to the rear rail of the stationary frame.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the summary of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the drawings given below, explain the principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an adjustable bed base.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing the articulated platform separated from the remainder of the adjustable bed base.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 in a home position.

FIG. 5B is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing the head platform section in an inclined position and the foot platform section in its home position.

FIG. 5C is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing the head and foot platform sections in their inclined positions.

FIG. 5D is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing the head platform section in an inclined position and the foot platform section in a declined position.

FIG. 5E is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing the head platform section in a declined position and the foot platform section in a declined position.

FIG. 5F is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the adjustable bed base of FIG. 1 showing the head platform section in a declined position and the foot platform section in a horizontal position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the control system which controls operation of the adjustable bed base.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the remote control of the control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an adjustable bed 10 includes an adjustable bed base 12 for supporting a mattress 5. The adjustable bed base 12 has a head end 14 and a foot end 16. The adjustable bed base 12 of the present invention may be used with any type of mattress. The mattress is not intended to be limited by the drawings.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable bed base 12 comprises a generally rectangular stationary frame 18 supported by leg assemblies or legs 20. The leg assemblies 20 are illustrated as being adjustable in height. Although one type of leg assembly 20 is illustrated supporting the adjustable bed base 12, any other type of leg assembly including unitary legs not adjustable in height may be used in accordance with the present invention. The legs of the adjustable bed base are not intended to be limited by the drawings.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the generally rectangular stationary frame 18 comprises a head rail 22, a foot rail 24 and two opposed side rails 26. The head rail 22 and foot rail 24 each extends between the opposed side rails 26. Although the drawings show the head, foot and side rails 22, 24 and 26, respectively, each having a hollow interior and being a certain size and/or shape, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

The stationary frame 18 further comprises two cross rails 28 secured to the side rails 26 of the stationary frame 18, each cross rail 28 extending between the side rails 26 of the stationary frame 18. Although the drawings show each of the cross rails 28 having a hollow interior and being a certain size and/or shape, the drawings are not intended to be limiting. Although the stationary frame 18 is typically made of metal, it may be made of any known material.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a riser 30 comprising two braces 36 secured to the cross rails 28 of the stationary frame 18. Each of the braces 36 extends parallel to one of the side rails 26 of the stationary frame 18 and is spaced above the side rail 26 of the stationary frame 18. Each of the braces 36 is secured to one of the side rails 26 of the stationary frame 18 with fasteners 34 which may alternatively be welds.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises an articulating platform 40 comprising a seat platform section 42 secured to the braces 36 of the riser 30 and does not move when the platform 40 is articulated. See FIGS. 5A-5E. A head platform section 44 is hinged to the seat platform section 42 with hinges 50. Similarly, a foot platform section 48 is hinged to the seat platform section 42 with hinges 50. Although the platform sections 42, 44 and 48 are shown being generally solid pieces with one or more openings therethrough, such openings may be different sizes or at different locations. The drawings are not intended to be limiting. Similarly, although the head and foot platform sections 44, 48 are illustrated being approximately the same size, the size of any of the platform sections is not intended to be limited by the drawings. Although three platform sections are illustrated, the platform may include any desired number of platform sections which articulate relative to adjacent platform sections. The number of platform sections is not intended to be limited by the drawings.

Although two hinges are shown securing adjacent platform sections, any other number of hinges may be used. The seat platform section 42 has a front edge 43 closest to the head platform section 48 and a rear edge 45 closest to the foot platform section 48.

As best shown in FIG. 1, a stop 52 is secured to the foot platform section 48 of the articulating platform 40 and functions to prevent movement of the mattress 5 relative to the adjustable bed base 12 when the articulating platform 40 is articulated.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a front pusher assembly 54 for moving the head platform section 44. The front pusher assembly 54 comprises two arms 56. Each of the arms 56 has a first end 58 to which a rotatable wheel 60 is secured with a pin 59. Each of the arms 56 has a second end 62 which is pivotally secured to one of the side rails 26 of the stationary frame 18 with a pin 64 such that the arm pivots about an axis A, as shown in FIG. 4. Each pin 64 extends through one of the arms 56 and is secured to a bracket 66 best shown in FIG. 4. The bracket 66 is welded to the cross rail 28.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the front pusher assembly 54 of the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a lower stabilizer 68 extending between the arms 56 and an upper stabilizer 70 extending between the arms 56. The upper stabilizer 70 is closer to the wheels 60 than the lower stabilizer 68. The upper and lower stabilizers 70, 68 are each shown as a hollow member but either may be a solid or partially solid member.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the front pusher assembly 54 of the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a motorized front linear actuator 74 for moving (inclining or declining) the head platform section 44. As best shown in FIG. 4, the motorized front linear actuator 74 has a rear or first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket 76 secured to the lower stabilizer 68 of the front pusher assembly 54. The motorized front linear actuator 74 has a front or second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket 78 secured to the head rail 22 of the stationary frame 18. Although the mounting brackets 76, 78 are shown having certain shapes, either mounting bracket may be any other desired shape. Again, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a rear pusher assembly 80 for moving (inclining or declining) the foot platform section 48. The rear pusher assembly 80 comprises two links 82. Each of the links 82 has a first end 84 to which a rotatable wheel 86 is secured with a pin 85. Each of the links 82 has a second end 88 which is pivotally secured to one of the side rails 26 of the stationary frame 18 with a pin 90 such that the arm pivots about an axis AA, as shown in FIG. 4.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the rear pusher assembly 80 of the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a lower stabilizer 94 extending between the links 82 and an upper stabilizer 96 extending between the links 82. The upper stabilizer 96 is closer to the wheels 86 than the lower stabilizer 94. The upper and lower stabilizers 96, 94 are each shown as a hollow member but either may be a solid or partially solid member.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the rear pusher assembly 80 of the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a motorized rear linear actuator 100 for inclining the foot platform section 48. The motorized rear linear actuator 100 has a rear or first end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket 102 secured to the rear rail 24 of the stationary frame 18. The motorized rear linear actuator 100 has a front or second end pivotally secured to a mounting bracket 104 secured to the lower stabilizer 94 of the rear pusher assembly 80. Although the mounting brackets 102, 104 are shown having certain shapes, either mounting bracket may be any other desired shape. Again, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the adjustable bed base 12 further comprises a control box 120 which is shown secured to the stationary seat platform section 42. Although shown in one location, the control box 120 may be secured at any other desired location on the adjustable bed base 12 including being incorporated into one of the motorized linear actuators. Alternatively, the control box 120 may be located spaced from the adjustable bed base 12.

FIGS. 5A-5F show different positions of the adjustable bed base 12, due to the positions of the motorized front and rear linear actuators 74, 100. FIG. 5A shows the articulating platform 40 being flat with the platform sections 42, 44 and 48 being co-planar. FIG. 5A shows the adjustable bed base 12 in a home position with the platform sections 42, 44 and 48 being in a horizontal position. In this home position, the motorized front and rear linear actuators 74, 100 are each partially retracted but not fully retracted. From this home position shown in FIG. 5A, the motorized front linear actuator 74 of adjustable bed base 12 is activated via remote control (shown in FIG. 6) or an app on a phone (not shown) to expand or lengthen.

Expansion of the motorized front linear actuator 74, shown by arrow 108 in FIG. 5B, inclines the front platform section 44 such that a front edge 110 of the front platform section 44 is above a rear edge 112 of the front platform section 44. This expansion of the motorized front linear actuator 74 pivots the front pusher assembly 54 about pivot axis A causing upward movement of the wheels 60 along the bottom surface of the front platform section 44 which raises the front edge 110 of the front platform section 44 and moves the front platform section 44 to its fully inclined position shown in FIG. 5B. This forward movement of the wheels 60 causes the front platform section 44 to rise upwardly, thereby to its fully inclined position shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B shows the foot platform section 48 in a flat position and the front platform section 44 in its fully inclined position due to full extension of the motorized front linear actuator 74.

FIG. 5C shows the adjustable bed base 12 in a position with the head platform section 44 in its fully inclined position like FIG. 5B. FIG. 5C also shows the foot platform section 48 in its fully inclined position due to full extension of the motorized rear linear actuator 100. From its home position shown in FIG. 5B, the motorized rear linear actuator 100 of adjustable bed base 12 is activated via remote control (shown in FIG. 6) or phone app (not shown) to expand or lengthen. Such expansion of the motorized rear linear actuator 100, causes the rear pusher assembly 80 to pivot about axis AA to a fully inclined position. This pivotal movement of the rear pusher assembly 80 causes the wheels 86 of the rear pusher assembly 80 to move upwardly along the underside of the foot platform section 48, thereby raising a rear edge 114 of the foot platform section 48 above a front edge 116 of the foot platform section 48. When the motorized linear actuator 74 of the adjustable bed base is in the fully extended position shown in FIG. 5C, the head platform section 44 is inclined at an angle θ of 35 degrees relative to horizontal. When the motorized linear actuator 100 of the adjustable bed base is in the fully extended position shown in FIG. 5C, the foot platform section 48 is inclined at an angle θ of eight degrees relative to horizontal. In this U-shaped configuration, the outer edge 110 at the head end of the articulating platform 40 is above the outer edge 114 at the foot end of the articulating platform 40.

FIG. 5D shows the adjustable bed base 12 in a position with the front platform section 44 in its fully inclined position like FIG. 5C. FIG. 5D shows the foot platform section 48 in its fully declined position due to full retraction of the motorized rear linear actuator 100. From its home position shown in FIG. 5B, the motorized rear linear actuator 100 of adjustable bed base 12 is activated via remote control (shown in FIG. 7) or phone app (not shown) to contract or shorten. Such contraction of the motorized rear linear actuator 100, causes the rear pusher assembly 80 to pivot about axis AA to a fully declined position. This pivotal movement of the rear pusher assembly 80 causes the wheels 86 of the rear pusher assembly 80 to move downwardly along the underside of the foot platform section 48, thereby lowering a rear edge 114 of the foot platform section 48 below a front edge 116 of the foot platform section 48.

FIG. 5E shows the adjustable bed base 12 in a position with the foot platform section 48 in its fully declined position like FIG. 5D. FIG. 5E shows the head platform section 44 in its fully declined position due to full retraction of the motorized front linear actuator 100. From its home position shown in FIG. 5B, the motorized front linear actuator 74 of adjustable bed base 12 is activated via remote control (shown in FIG. 7) or phone app (not shown) to contract or shorten. Such contraction of the motorized front linear actuator 74, causes the front pusher assembly 54 to pivot about axis A to a fully declined position. This pivotal movement of the front pusher assembly 54 causes the wheels 60 of the front pusher assembly 54 to move downwardly, thereby lowering the front edge 110 of the head platform section 44 below the rear edge 112 of the head platform section 44.

When the adjustable bed base 12 is in this “down” position shown in FIG. 5E, the articulating platform 40 is in a generally inverted U-shaped configuration. In this inverted U-shaped configuration, the outer edges 110, 114 of the articulating platform 40 are generally co-planar in a plane P, the head and foot platform sections 44, 48 each being declined at an angle at an angle θ which may be up to nine degrees relative to horizontal.

FIG. 5F shows the foot platform section 48 in a horizontal position co-planar with the seat platform section 42. The head platform section 44 is declined at an angle θ of 5 degrees relative to horizontal.

FIG. 7 shows a remote control 122 having a plurality of buttons which will be described. However, the buttons may be other locations or other sizes than shown in FIG. 6. The button 124 having the initials UBL is for turning on the underbed lighting 126 shown in FIG. 6. The button 128 showing a flashlight is for powering a flashlight incorporated into the remote control 122. The button 130 is a lock button which after being depressed five seconds locks the remote control settings.

As shown in FIG. 7, the button 132 entitled Sleep 1 is pushed to move the adjustable bed base to a predetermined position in which the head platform section 44 is inclined five degrees from horizontal and the foot platform section 48 is inclined five degrees from horizontal. This predetermined position is generally as shown in FIG. 5C but to a lesser extent.

As shown in FIG. 7, the button 134 entitled Sleep 2 is pushed to move the adjustable bed base to a predetermined position in which the head platform section 44 is declined five degrees from horizontal and the foot platform section 48 is declined five degrees from horizontal. This predetermined position is generally as shown in FIG. 5E but to a lesser extent.

As shown in FIG. 7, the button 136 entitled Sleep 3 is pushed to move the adjustable bed base to a predetermined position in which the head platform section 44 is inclined five degrees from horizontal and the foot platform section 48 is declined five degrees from horizontal. This predetermined position is generally as shown in FIG. 5D but to a lesser extent.

The button 140 moves the head platform section 44 upwardly. The button 142 moves the head platform section 44 downwardly. The button 144 moves the foot platform section 48 upwardly. The button 146 moves the foot platform section 48 downwardly. Button 149 entitled FLAT returns the head and foot platform sections 44, 48 to their horizontal home positions as shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the control system 150 of the present invention. The control system 150 is powered by a power supply 152 connected by a power cord 154 to the control box 120. The control system 150 includes the control box 120 which restricts movement of the motorized front and rear linear actuators 74, 100 such that the adjustable bed base 10 is never in the Trendelenburg position. The control box 120 is connected via cord 156 to the motorized front linear actuator 74 and connected via cord 158 to the motorized rear linear actuator 100. The control box 120 is connected via cord 160 to the underbed lighting 126.

The control system 150 allows the head platform section 44 to pivot upwardly or incline above its horizontal position freely by using the button 140 on the remote control. The control system 150 allows the foot platform section 48 to pivot upwardly or incline above its horizontal position freely by using the button 144 on the remote control.

As shown in FIG. 5F, the control system 150 allows the head platform section 44 to pivot downwardly or decline below its horizontal position no more than five degrees when the foot platform section 48 is in a horizontal position. In other embodiments, the control system is programmed to restrict movement of at least one of the motorized linear actuators to prevent the head platform section from declining any number of degrees from a horizontal position when the foot platform section is in a horizontal position.

As a safety feature, the control box 120 will beep any number of times as an alarm if the user tries to put the adjustable bed base in any of the following restricted positions: 1) raise the foot platform section 48 while the head platform section 44 is anywhere between horizontal and negative five degrees; 2) lower the head platform section 44 below negative five or any other number of degrees when the foot platform section 48 is horizontal; 3) lower the head platform section 44 below horizontal when the foot platform section 48 is at any positive angle; 4) raise the foot platform section 48 when the head and foot platform sections are below negative five degrees. Alternatively, the control box 120 may emit a visual or haptic alarm if a user tries to put the adjustable bed base in any of the restricted positions described above. These restricted positions are as follows: the foot platform section is raised while the head platform section is anywhere between horizontal and a negative five number of degrees; the head platform section is lowered below negative five degrees when the foot platform section is horizontal; the head platform section is lowered below horizontal when the foot platform section is at any positive angle; the foot platform section is raised when the head and foot platform sections are below negative five degrees.

The various embodiments of the invention shown and described are merely for illustrative purposes only, as the drawings and the description are not intended to restrict or limit in any way the scope of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various changes, modifications, and improvements which can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and representative apparatus and methods shown and described. Departures may therefore be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. The invention resides in each individual feature described herein, alone, and in all combinations of any and all of those features. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.