DE9413504U1 - Upholstery system - Google Patents

Description

Patent Attorney Dipl.-Phys. Univ. Manfred K. Lindner * Mitterfeld 4a * D - 82327 Tutring

M 942 G/DE

Upholstery system Description

The invention relates to a cushioning system according to the preamble of claim 1.

To explain the invention, reference is made below mostly to mattress systems and mattresses for use in reclining furniture, such as beds, but the invention is not limited to this. It also relates to upholstery systems for use, for example, as seat cushions or back cushions in seating furniture or reclining-seating combinations.

DE-OS 2 235 818 discloses a cushioning system with a multi-layer cushioning body, which consists of at least three elastic cushioning layers placed on top of one another on an essentially non-deformable base plate made of a rigid material. The cushioning layers are loosely placed on top of one another without a material bond. The hardness of these layers decreases gradually from the layer immediately adjacent to the base plate to the top layer. The layers also have different thicknesses in accordance with their hardness gradation, i.e. the softer the layers are, the thinner they are.

Such upholstery systems are complex, difficult or impossible to optimize ergonomically and difficult to handle in order to ensure the required hygiene.

The invention is based on the object of creating a new and improved upholstery system.

This object is achieved with a cushioning system according to claim 1. Advantageous and preferred developments of the subject matter of the invention arise from the subclaims and their combinations.

A cushioning system according to the invention contains a plurality of loosely adjacent cushioning layers, the thickness and hardness of which increase layer by layer from a user-facing top side of the system to an opposite bottom side. The plurality of cushioning layers consists of a thinner and softer top layer, which determines the top side, and a thicker and harder bottom layer, which determines the bottom side.

The invention is based on the basic idea that, for example, when applied to a mattress system, on the one hand, a relief of the spine, a support effect and a transfer of individual body zone support from a base such as a slatted frame to the person should be achieved. The thicker and harder lower layer compared to the top layer is essentially responsible for this. A desirable point elasticity for adapting the upholstery system to even small transfer surfaces, such as the heels, can be achieved with the softer and thinner top layer. According to the knowledge of the invention, this two-layer system would be disturbed and worsened by additional layers. In order for the layers to be able to perform their tasks as well as possible, it is also important that, within the framework of their adjacent arrangement, they are as free and unhindered as possible at least over the majority of their surfaces.

can act on each other. In particular for the cover layer, this means that the point effect can unfold as unhindered as possible in the material or structure of the cover layer, which is also advantageously achieved in the invention.
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The invention also has the advantage that the two-combination of the system according to the invention can be optimized very easily, since only two components need to be selected in a coordinated manner. The known system with three or more layers can hardly be captured in order to achieve optimal ergonomics. The interactions between the layers are so complex with more than two layers that even complex series of tests only reveal and make available a tiny fraction of the countless possibilities.

The consumer cannot find his way around and can therefore only hope to select a system that is suitable for him individually by consulting a specialist and conducting his own tests. In contrast, the upholstery system of the invention can be easily put together to suit individual needs. This is so simple that it is even possible for the consumer to order from a catalogue and be sure that he will receive a very good mattress, for example.

The main thing is that the layer combination can work as unhindered as possible. Any stresses and tensions that occur, especially at specific points, should not be distributed by other solid components of the mattress, but the point effect should be able to unfold as unhindered as possible in the layer material or structure. This means that for a consumer with an average figure (see lying tests in connection with the description of the examples), it can be said that, for example, if he or she is in the weight range of approx. 50 to 100 kg, he or she will lie optimally. A test lie is not absolutely necessary, so that sales via mail order are also possible without any problems. This creates the possibility for the first time of even offering certain designs with

very good ergonomic values in a standardized manner. As can be seen in connection with the described examples, for example, with a combination of a mattress with latex cores with a top layer 3.5 cm thick and a bottom layer 8 cm thick, such ergonomic values are achieved that consumers in a weight range of 50 to 100 kg will have a very good lying sensation and ergonomically optimal lying, which covers a weight range of over 50 kg. This can also be used as a preventive health measure to prevent back pain, disc damage, etc.

The upholstery system according to the invention advantageously consists of fewer components than the known system and is therefore cheaper and easier to manufacture and therefore also cheaper to sell. This means that a correspondingly high level of sleeping, lying and/or sitting comfort is affordable for a larger group of people, which has a positive effect on the performance and health of these people.

There are further advantages, particularly compared to one-part systems, but also compared to a system with at least three parts.

The top or cover part of the mattress is particularly important, as experiments described below will show, in order to achieve ergonomically good padding.

Compared to one-piece mattress systems, the invention also has the advantage that often only the thin and therefore light top layer needs to be handled for airing and/or turning. This makes this task much easier and is particularly possible for weaker people, such as older people. Finally, the light top layer can easily be hung on a line or something similar for airing, which is not possible with heavy one-piece mattresses.

Claim 2 specifies preferred thicknesses of the upholstery system and claims 3 and 4 specify the thicknesses of the individual layers. It is surprising that, contrary to the prevailing opinion, it is not increasing but decreasing thicknesses that improve the ergonomics of an upholstery system, so that, as tests show, very good ergonomic values up to an optimum can be achieved with certain low thicknesses of the top and bottom layers. This is just as surprising as the previously described finding that better ergonomic results can also be achieved with fewer layers. A larger number of possible combinations through more layers and the usually automatically associated greater thicknesses therefore does not lead to an improvement in the ergonomics of the upholstery system.

Preferred materials and their specifications or compositions are specified in claims 5 to 14. It should be noted that other materials or structures of the layers are also possible and can be used advantageously. However, foams such as Bultex® from Recticel, cold or warm foams, and above all latexes are inexpensive, easy and precise to manufacture and process, have excellent values as upholstery and can be combined quite precisely to create optimized systems. A further advantage of the latex design is that good slatted frames already exist for this and can be used advantageously together with the invention. In particular, the excellent quality of the two-layer system made of latex has been demonstrated in quality tests such as rolling tests.

In principle, it is possible for the cover layer and the base layer to be contained in a common cover, as stated in claim 15. The cover can be permeable to air and moisture and/or in particular have a heat-insulating effect (claim 16). Furthermore, according to claim 17, an intermediate layer can be arranged between the cover layer and the base layer, which serves to decouple the elastic

ity behavior of the top layer and bottom layer and is particularly permeable to air and moisture and/or preferably has a heat-insulating effect. In order to turn the layers and ventilate individual layers, however, it is then necessary to open or remove the cover, which can also be made possible in a simple way by designing the cover accordingly. The possible designs of covers described in claims 19 to 21 are in principle also possible with the aforementioned cover.

However, it is particularly preferred if, as stated in claim 18, the cover layer and the base layer are each surrounded by a separate cover. Preferred embodiments of the covers are stated in claims 19 to 21.

The upholstery system according to the invention can also be used advantageously together with inserts within the cover or one of the covers and/or optionally between the cover and base layers, whereby the inserts can contain sheep's wool, cotton, horsehair, latexed horsehair, coconut fiber material, latexed coconut fiber material, foam, fine padding or coarse padding or the like (claim 22). In addition, according to claim 23, pads on the cover layer or underlays under the base layer can be combined with the upholstery system and can contain sheep's wool, cotton, horsehair, latexed horsehair, coconut fiber material, latexed coconut fiber material, foam, fine padding or coarse padding or the like.

For example, an intermediate layer can also be planned or retrofitted. In difficult figures and problem cases, e.g. in the case of a light person with a pronounced hollow back, the person is already lying down at the main pressure points, but it may be that they do not yet receive sufficient support in the hollow back because they have a deformity, for example. A molded part or even just a rolled up blanket can easily be placed in a suitable place between the two layers in order to

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to get more support. In this area, the mattress also becomes a little stiffer, as the pressure forces are distributed over a larger area by the insert. This also allows the mattress to be precisely adjusted to orthopaedic requirements.

Another advantage is that, not least because of the excellent quality, which was proven by optimal results in rolling tests, the customer can use the mattress for eight or twelve or more years, and the mattress can easily be individually adapted to changes in the customer's body using partial aids. Since this can be tried out easily and without great effort, no costly advice for the customer and development of a base is required. Additional inserts or bases do not make the mattress excessively high overall, since the mattress can be built relatively low from the start. The mattress therefore always stays within the intended frame.

As mentioned, however, within the scope of the invention, a common cover is also possible, which can, for example, consist of just a fitted sheet. Similar good lying values can be achieved, for example, in the case of a mattress. Under certain circumstances, the microclimate could be influenced, since an air layer between the mattress layers could be hindered by certain structures or materials of the layers, which would prevent the necessary moisture transport. In any case, ergonomically similar good values can be achieved as with the version with separate covers. In appropriate cases, the microclimate could be optimized, for example, by an intermediate layer of fabric between the two mattress layers, even if the layers are covered together. However, care should be taken to ensure that the ergonomic values are adhered to. To prevent slipping, the two layers can be tied together with cords (natural cord) or strips of fabric. However, this prevents the layers from turning.

ten somewhat hindered (open and remove the entire cover to turn the individual parts).

For example, all cover parts can be fitted with round zippers that can be easily put on. The covers can therefore also be washed individually (depending on the material, for example up to 30° C or even up to 95° C). The removable covers have other advantages. The covers can also be replaced individually very easily if they have stains, burn holes, etc. In order to have a different color or pattern of the cover, for example, it is sufficient to change the cover of the top layer or cover layer, which makes changing it easier and cheaper. The modular system, which is to be implemented consistently throughout the entire system, offers the consumer all the associated options.

The covers are preferably made of terry cotton, for example, but also of synthetic stretch material or should have a stretch effect as a property. These and/or the other materials or material components used can be used without significant or essentially uncorrectable effects on the ergonomic values of the system. In particular, the consumer's desire for as many natural products as possible can be met. Firmer cotton or linen fabrics, among others, can also be used, but their influence on ergonomics must be taken into account due to their inextensibility, since, for example, peak or point loads are not absorbed at a point, but are distributed over a larger area. In contrast, a cotton stretch cover, for example, like all particularly preferred stretch fabrics, follows the movement of the point deformation. All materials can therefore be used, but the best ergonomic values are achieved with stretch covers. For example, smoother and cooler surfaces than terry cloth can be used, whereby stretch properties can also be achieved.

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Claims 24 to 39 relate to embodiments of the invention with an anti-slip device acting between the cover layer and the base layer, which can be advantageously designed in accordance with the claims.

The Velcro version is preferably used on the head and foot sections of a mattress system, for example, as an upholstery system. The same function is achieved on the sides, but the advantages that two mattresses can be placed close together and are not kept at a fairly large, undesirable distance by the two Velcro fasteners on the sides do not arise, as the Velcro is bulky and cannot be moved inwards. The Velcro must not/cannot be applied to the surfaces either, as this would impair the lying surface and there would be a risk of damaging a cover {Velcro strip loose; felt strip on the mattress layers} or clothing (felt strip loose; Velcro strip on the mattress layers) with the Velcro strip. The quasi front-side arrangement of the Velcro fasteners is also suitable for fully or partially vertical backrests, e.g. of chairs or similar, as this can effectively prevent the thin cover layer from slipping down. The latter is also advantageous, for example, when the slatted frame is set in the sitting position in a mattress system according to the invention. Depending on the cover material, however, contact between the slatted frame and the Velcro strips may not be harmful, so that designs that do not exclude such contact can also be used advantageously in this context.

The most preferred solution is an additional flap on each mattress layer, preferably made of or with felt on both sides, with the two additional flaps being connected by means of a Velcro strip. The additional flaps have a felt surface on both sides, so that each mattress layer in each turning position is connected to the other layer by the

Velcro strips can be connected. In addition, the covers cannot be damaged by the rigid Velcro.

The Velcro solution means that there is no impairment of the surface, which can be a lying, leaning or sitting area. The anti-slip device can be removed quickly and easily, so that no significant effort is required when turning or airing the bed.

Since the Velcro strips face the padding layers, there is no risk of them damaging clothing with their hooks. Compared to the system or its cover/covers, to which the additional felt tabs are attached, e.g. sewn, the tabs cover the hooks of the Velcro strip, so that the cover/covers cannot be damaged either.

Finally, the tabs that can be used on both sides make it possible to connect the two mattress layers in any possible turned position.

Attachment aids for the Velcro strip, for example to hook the two tabs in place, can be provided so that a fixed distance between the two adjacent tabs is preset before the Velcro is attached. This would make pulling the tabs together and attaching the Velcro strip at the same time easier. But even without attachment aids, handling does not require any special skill. For example, the connection using the anti-slip devices could be dispensed with entirely, since a suitable surface of the covers means that there is little or no slipping of the two layers against each other. The lying, supporting or leaning value is also achieved without such a connection, so it is not necessary for this purpose.

The size of the Velcro fastener is arbitrary, although relatively small versions are usually sufficient and due to their low

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are preferred due to their smaller space requirements. The Velcro width and length can be dimensioned according to the sufficient or required holding force. The Velcro strips are also well suited for attaching advertising, test marks and other information.

Because the top layer and/or the bottom layer contain/contain a reinforced edge according to claim 40, a cushioning system suitable as a children's mattress with a non-slip edge can be created. Reinforced edges can also be generally advantageous for the upholstery parts of seating or relaxation furniture. Such reinforced edges can be produced easily in terms of production technology, since the material at the edge, where it is in contact with the mold, is usually denser anyway.

Claims 41 to 46 specify preferred and advantageous physical dimensions of the mattress system according to the invention.

Furthermore, the upholstery system according to claim 47 can be used, for example, in conjunction with a support device, such as a frame, in particular a slatted frame, possibly a slatted frame specialized for use with latex mattresses, with slats that are preferably at least partially adjustable depending on the load. Upholstery is usually supported with suitable and sometimes very special underlays. These supports are also possible with the upholstery system according to the invention and can be combined while retaining the advantages.

A slatted frame, for example, is an additional important element under a mattress. The mattress with a cushioning system according to the invention has excellent ergonomic properties in itself. Since a suitable slatted frame is usually used as a base, this must also be taken into account in order to achieve an optimum, which is also easily possible, as the measurements described later show.

In any case, it is not necessary to purchase and use a special slatted frame for the upholstery system according to the invention, but a corresponding mattress can, for example, also be used with an existing suitable slatted frame for latex mattresses.

In this context, but also in general, it is advantageous that according to claim 48 a design with a divided base layer is possible, whereby in a double bed each person can use their own supporting base layer and if necessary an individually tailored slatted frame, but a gap between the beds is avoided by a common top layer. This is a very desirable effect.

Reference has not always been made above to implementations of the invention other than mattress applications. However, this does not mean that the invention is only or only advantageously applicable to mattresses (systems) in the corresponding places; rather, all features and advantages can be easily transferred to other applications with the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

The invention is described in more detail below using specific embodiments with reference to the drawings; in these,

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the invention in a

a partial longitudinal section,

Figure 2 is a partially sectioned plan view

to the upholstery system according to Figure 1,

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the

Anti-slip protection for the upholstery system according to Figure 1,

Figure 4

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another anti-slip device for a cushioning system according to the invention in an enlarged sectional view,

Figures 5a to 5c

Schematic representations of the various elastic properties of upholstery systems,

Figures 6a to 6c

Sketches of test stamps for the investigation of elastic properties according to Figures 5a to 5c,

Figures 7a to 7h

Diagrams of the measurement results of the investigations of the elastic properties according to Figures 5a to 5c on a first and a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 8

a sketch of an experiment to record the spinal column contour in the supine position,

Figure 9

a sketch of a perforated test specimen of a microclimatic simulation model,

Figures 10a to 10c

Figures 11a to Hi

Diagrams of the measurement results of the climate study according to Figure 9 of the second embodiment of the invention,

Diagrams of the measurement results of the investigations according to Figures 5a to 5c on another embodiment of the invention,

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Figure 12 is a measurement diagram showing the behavior of a

Embodiment of the invention under rolling loads and

Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a white

further embodiment of the invention.

In the figures, like reference symbols designate like parts, so that all relationships shown in each of the figures are apparent, even if in the following description not every reference symbol is dealt with for every figure.

The following embodiments relate to upholstery systems for mattresses. However, the invention is not limited to mattresses by the embodiments shown and described, but is analogously applicable to all other possible upholstery systems for reclining, sitting, reclining and sitting furniture within the framework as defined in particular in the claims, but also in the preceding part of this description.

Figure 1 shows a schematic partial longitudinal section through an upholstery system 1 and Figure 2 shows a partially sectioned top view of the upholstery system. This is a mattress system 13 and contains a thinner and softer cover layer 2, which determines the top 11 of the upholstery system 1, and a thicker and harder base layer 3, which determines the bottom 12. The long sides of the layers 2 and 3 are designated 14 and 15 respectively. These are connected by the narrow or transverse sides 16 and 17 respectively, which can also be seen as the head and foot sides.

The upholstery system 1 can have a total thickness of 8 to 18 cm. Preferred values are between 10 and 15 cm. A particularly good embodiment has a thickness of 11.5 cm, as the measurements described later show. The thickness of the cover layer 2 is in the range of 2 to 8 cm, with values preferably between 3 and 5 cm and the value of the aforementioned

particularly good embodiment is 3.5 cm. Consequently, the thickness value of the base layer 3 of this embodiment is 8 cm, although values of 7 to 10 cm or even 6 to 15 cm are also possible.
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In the unloaded state, the two cushion layers 2 and 3 each have at least essentially a constant thickness over their entire surface.

The top layer 2 and the bottom layer 3 are made of latex. However, any other elastic material, such as foam, can be used. It is also possible to use other elastic structures, such as springs, spring cores, pocket spring cores, coconut, various types of wool, etc., whereby combinations of materials and structures are also possible.

The cover layer 2 consists of a pin latex. This has a density of 80 kg/m ³ . It is a mixed core with at least 80% natural latex, although 50% natural latex may be sufficient. As will be shown below, the density is measured on the processed material including any cavities it contains, and not on the solid material. The density can also be in the range from 70 to 85 kg/nr* or even from 60 to 90 kg/m ³ . The hardness of the latex material of the cover layer 2 is, for manufacturing reasons, in the range from 32 to 38 g/cm ² . Depending on the base layer 3 combined with the cover layer 2, the hardness of the cover layer 2 can also be between 2 6 and 32 g/cm ² and thus a total of between 25 and 45 g/cm ² .

For the base layer 3, a cavern latex with a density of 75 to 78 kg/m ³ was used. The latex of the base layer 3 is a mixed core with at least 20% natural latex. The density can also be between 65 and 85 kg/m ³ or even between 70 and 90 kg/m ^3. Due to the manufacturing process, the hardness of the base layer 3 is between 38 and 45

g/cm ² . In connection with a corresponding hardness of the material of the top layer 2, the hardness of the bottom layer can also be 32 to 38 g/cm ² , whereby an overall hardness range of 30 to 50 g/cm ² is suitable.
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In the case of foam such as Bultex® from Recticel, or cold or hot foams in general, a density range of 20 to 35 kg/m ³ and in particular 25 kg/m ³ is suitable for the top layer and 30 to 50 kg/m ³ and preferably 40 kg/m ³ for the bottom layer. The compression hardness could then be in the range of 20 to 35 g/cm ² for the top layer and 35 to 55 g/cm ² for the bottom layer. This information is usually given in the form RG 4 0/55, which indicates a density of 4 0 kg/m ³ and a compression hardness of 55 g/cm ² .

As is usual with latex, layers 2 and 3 contain holes or so-called air channels that run across their contact surfaces, i.e. to the top and bottom 11 and 12 of the cushioning system 1. The holes in the top layer 2 are continuous and the holes in the bottom layer 3 are blind holes that enter the material from both flat sides and are separated by a web. However, the design of the holes can be any. The spacing, arrangement and type of holes can influence the physical parameters such as point pressure behavior, hardness, density, etc. However, these designs or modifications must be seen together with the material sizes so that suitable combinations are available to create a cushioning system 1 with good or even very good ergonomics. It should therefore be noted that two different latex materials with identical density values are not necessarily automatically identical in their behavior under pressure, for example, even if the density was determined in the same way.

In the top layer, the holes have a distance of approx. 1.7 to 2 cm from center to center of the holes in the square frame.

ster. The base layer 3 has larger holes than the corresponding cover layer 2, but this is not a mandatory criterion. The approximate hole spacing from center to center of the holes in the base layer material is 2.5 to 3 cm. Due to manufacturing technology, there are occasionally other smaller holes in the base layer 3.

In general, it should be noted here that a pen latex is defined by a manufacturing process by its inventor Talalay, in which very small holes with a diameter of approx. 0.6 cm are produced, which are arranged at the corners of equilateral triangles. The design of the cover layer 2 specified above is a so-called imitation pen core process or normal chamber latex with square holes.

For example, the latex materials or layers used here are manufactured and offered by LATEXCO® TIELT N.V.S.A., Sint-Amanstraat 8 bis, 8700 Tielt, Belgium.

The top layer 2 and the bottom layer 3 are each surrounded by a separate cover 20 and 30 respectively. These covers are elastic and consist of a stretch material so that point loads in particular can be absorbed as unhindered as possible by the top layer. A firmer material would not give in to point loads as well, so that the aforementioned physical dimensions of layers 2 and 3 would have to be adjusted accordingly in order to obtain good ergonomics of the mattress system 13. In the embodiment shown, no further undercovers, under jerseys or the like made of sheep's wool, cotton, etc. are provided.

The covers 20 and 30 do not have to be made entirely of stretch fabric, but it is sufficient if they contain stretch components. Suitable stretch fabrics are, for example, cotton stretch, synthetic stretch, etc. Due to the growing awareness

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of the consumer regarding natural materials or products, these are also components of the covers 20 and 30, or the covers 20 and 30 are made entirely of such materials. In this case, cotton was used. In principle, the covers 20 and/or 30 can also be made of or with cotton flannel, cotton terry cloth, linen, etc. Various artificial materials or material components are also suitable.

To make it easy to remove covers 20 and 30, they each have a zipper running around three sides.

Within the covers 20 and/or 30 as well as between, under and/or over the layers 2 and/or 3 outside their covers 20 and 30, inserts, pads and/or underlays can be used, which may contain, for example, sheep's wool, cotton, horsehair, coconut, latexed coconut, foam or the like, or which may be molded parts made of, for example, latex, foam or the like.

In order to prevent layers 2 and 3 from slipping against each other, a securing device 4 is provided between them. This securing device 4 engages the edge areas of the top layer 2 and the bottom layer 3, namely the covers 20 and 30. The securing device 4 is formed by Velcro fasteners 40, which consist of Velcro fasteners 41 and retaining strips 42, such as felt strips, as shown in Figure 3. Two separate Velcro fasteners 41 and eight retaining strips 42 are provided for a mattress system 13, which are attached in pairs on opposite sides of a tab 43 on the cover 20 of the top layer 2 and a tab 44 on the cover 30 of the bottom layer 3. The arrangement of the tabs 44 is such that a holding strip 42 of the cover layer 2 and a holding strip 42 of the base layer 3 can be connected with a Velcro strip 41 when the layers 2 and 3 lie on top of each other. This ensures a secure and sufficiently firm connection of the layers 2 and 3 against slipping.

relative to each other and on the other hand the possibility is ensured that both layers 2 and 3 can be connected to each other in each of their two turning positions.

However, other construction methods can also be used as anti-slip devices, but these do not allow for arbitrary turning positions of both layers 2 and 3 and also connect layers 2 and 3 for security.

In a further embodiment, the Velcro fasteners 40 contain two Velcro fasteners 41 and two retaining strips 42, each of which is attached to a tab 43, 45 on one of the covers 20 or 30 in such a way that a pair of Velcro fasteners 41 and retaining strips 42 can be brought into holding contact with one another when the top and bottom layers 2 and 3 are lying on top of one another. Instead, the Velcro fasteners 40 can contain two separate Velcro fasteners 41 and pairs of retaining strips 42, in particular four retaining strips 42, which are arranged in pairs on the cover 20 of the top layer 2 and on the cover 30 of the bottom layer 3 in such a way that a retaining strip 42 on the top layer side and a retaining strip 42 on the bottom layer side can be brought into holding contact with a Velcro fastener 41 at the same time when the top and bottom layers 2 and 3 are lying on top of one another. This means that only one relative position of the layers 2 and 3 can be fixed to one another at a time.

Furthermore, the Velcro fasteners 40 can contain two Velcro fasteners 41, each attached to a tab 45 on the cover 30 of the base layer 3, and four retaining strips 42, which are attached in pairs to opposite sides of a tab 43 on the cover 20 of the cover layer 2 in such a way that a pair of a Velcro fastener 41 and a retaining strip 42 can be brought into holding contact with one another when the cover and base layers 2 and 3 are lying on top of one another. This embodiment is shown in Figure 4.

The Velcro fasteners 40 may alternatively comprise two separate Velcro fasteners 41 and six retaining strips 42, four of which are attached in pairs to opposite sides of a tab 43 on the

Cover 20 of the cover layer 2 and two are attached to a tab 44 on the cover 30 of the base layer 3 in such a way that one holding strip 42 on the cover layer side and one holding strip 42 on the base layer side can be brought into holding contact with a Velcro strip 41 at the same time when the cover and base layers 2 and 3 are lying on top of each other. The last two versions allow the cover layer 2 to be fixed to the base layer 3 in each of its two turning positions.

For each of the designs, the holding strips 42 and, if applicable, the Velcro strips 41 or, if applicable, the tabs 43, 44 supporting them are assigned to the side surfaces of the cover layer 2 and the base layer 3. For the mattress system 13, this specifically means that the holding strips 42 and, if applicable, the Velcro strips 41 or, if applicable, the tabs 43, 44 supporting them are assigned to the side surfaces on the long sides 14, 15 and/or preferably the transverse sides 16, 17 of the cover layer 2 and the base layer 3. The anti-slip devices 4 are therefore provided on the side surfaces at the head and foot ends of the mattress, where they cannot actually cause any interference. In principle, arrangements on the side surfaces of the long sides 14, 15 are also possible, however, the problems described above can arise if the anti-slip devices 4 are not handled very carefully, i.e. damage to the covers 20 and 30 as well as to items of clothing can occur. In addition, a lateral arrangement takes up a lot of space, especially between mattresses on double beds. The Velcro connections can interfere with each other if two cushions or mattresses are next to each other.

In order to support the installation of the separate Velcro strips 41 in particular, the anti-slip device 4 can contain attachment aids for attaching a Velcro strip 41 to one or two retaining strips 42.

The top layer 2 and the bottom layer 3 could also be contained in a common cover, which could be, for example, air- and

is moisture-permeable and in particular has a heat-insulating effect. In particular, an intermediate layer could be arranged between the cover layer 2 and the base layer 3, which contributes to decoupling the elastic behavior of the cover layer 2 and the base layer 3 and is in particular permeable to air and moisture and preferably has a heat-insulating effect. In such an embodiment, the cover layer 2 and the base layer 3 could then also be connected to one another, preferably detachably, in particular at one point or at a few discrete points. These connections could be detachably made at one point or at the discrete points using a cord or cords, which in particular consist at least largely of natural materials.

In order to ensure lateral support or anti-slip protection, the top layer 2 and/or the bottom layer 3 can contain a reinforced edge, which can be easily produced by edge material compaction during production; such an edge only needs to be dimensioned in terms of its dimensions and hardness.

The other physical dimensions of the upholstery system 1 are:

A point elasticity of less than or equal to 2.5, in particular less than or equal to 2.0, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 and particularly preferably less than or equal to 1.0,

a bending elasticity of greater than or equal to 9, in particular greater than or equal to 17, preferably greater than or equal to 25 and particularly preferably greater than 32,

a body zone support of greater than or equal to 66%, in particular greater than or equal to 71%, preferably greater than or equal to 76% and particularly preferably greater than 80%,

such a moisture dissipation that the relative humidity in the bed cavity is less than 60%, in particular less than or equal to 55%, preferably less than or equal to 50% and particularly preferably less than 45%,

a soft to medium-hard spring elasticity, and

an insulating thermal behavior.

The upholstery system 1 in the form of the mattress system 13 described above is used together with a slatted frame that is specialized for use with latex mattresses, with slats that are preferably at least partially adjustable depending on the load, as a support device or base.

The central function of nighttime sleep is to compensate for signs of fatigue in all organ structures as completely as possible through appropriate rest .

The quality of sleep is influenced by a number of external factors such as noise, light or air quality. In addition, the design of the bed system with all its elements plays an important role in terms of the quality of the recovery process. Hygienic aspects (e.g. antibacterial finish), biomechanical aspects (body zone-supporting effect of the mattress and slatted frame), contact surface pressure between the person and the mattress as well as microclimatic aspects (e.g. heat and moisture-dissipating effect of the mattress and duvet) are primarily influenced by the properties of the individual bed elements.

In order to avoid possible adverse external influences on the person lying down, a bed system must meet various requirements from an ergonomic-physiological point of view. With regard to effective relief of the spine during night-time regeneration (supply of nutrients

substances, disposal of metabolic metabolites) especially of the vulnerable intervertebral discs, it is necessary to ensure the physiological double-S shape of the spine with cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis as individually as possible. The spring and flexural properties of the mattress/slatted frame system in conjunction with the possibility of adjusting the slat hardness are mechanically responsible for this. In order to ensure this double-S shape of the spine when lying down, the mattress/slatted frame combination must neither be so soft that it leads to a hunched back, nor so hard that it would result in an extended position of the spine.

Furthermore, the surface of a mattress should be soft enough to keep the pressure on the contact surface between the person and the bed low, in order to impede the blood supply to the tissue as little as possible. The following applies in principle: the more point-elastic the mattress surface is, the deeper individual parts of the body sink, e.g. heels, pelvic region, shoulder blades, back of the head. This increases the load-bearing surface and the pressure on the affected tissue decreases.

In order to avoid sleep-disturbing events such as the sensation of cold or warmth from a microclimatic point of view, the thermal conditions during sleep must be as balanced as possible. The prerequisite for this is the thermodynamic coordination of the associated bed elements, mattress core, mattress cover and duvet, whereby individual circumstances and seasonal changes in the bedroom climate must be taken into account. In addition to thermal insulation, the moisture insulation of the individual bed elements is also important, since people constantly give off moisture as well as heat when they sleep.

Testing of a first and a second embodiment
35

The two mattress systems 13 have a two-layer mattress structure, which consists of a tightly coordinated harder

Bottom layer, which is responsible for supporting the body zones, and a particularly point-elastic, softer top layer that ensures low contact surface pressure between the person and the mattress. The two mattress layers 2 and 3 are each separately covered with a cover 20 or 30. The two layers are connected by means of side tabs 43 with felt strips 42 on both sides, which are connected by means of a Velcro fastener 41.

The described two-layer structure was realized in two different variants:

Version Al:

Base layer: mattress core made of 10 cm thick cavernous latex, cover made of cotton molleton, unlined;

Top layer: mattress core made of 5 cm thick pin latex, cover made of cotton molleton, lined on both sides with sheep's wool;

Version A2:

Base layer: mattress core made of 8 cm thick cavernous latex, cover made of terry stretch, unlined;

Top layer: mattress core made of 3.5 cm thick pin latex, cover made of terry stretch, unlined.

The physical tests of the mattress designs were carried out on a hard surface, with the exception of a flexural elastic test. The tests with test subjects were carried out on a slatted frame with adjustable hardness slats in the middle area, based on the real lying situation.

In detail, the following tests were carried out to assess the ergonomics of the two mattress designs:

- physical force and pressure measurements

- human physiological sinking depth measurements

- microclimatic investigations

The measurement methods and test conditions for the physical force and pressure measurements are described below.

The most important property of a mattress is its elasticity. With regard to the various biomechanical functions, the following forms of elasticity can be distinguished:

The spring elasticity (see Figure 5a) characterizes the behavior of a mattress, adapting to larger transfer surfaces (pelvis, back) and thus providing support. A spring elasticity that is adapted to the user's weight is intended to ensure a physiological spinal contour by sinking into the mattress. A spring elasticity that is too hard leads to an extended position of the spine, resulting in muscular tension and thus insufficient relief of the intervertebral discs. A spring elasticity that is too soft, on the other hand, results in a reduced support effect for the spine.

The bending elasticity (see Figure 5b) describes the ability of a mattress to adapt to the contour of a slatted frame and thus to transfer individual body zone support from the slatted frame to the person. A rigid mattress cannot fulfill this function or can only do so inadequately, since individual slat deformations depending on body weight and body proportions as well as individual slat hardness settings cannot take effect on the mattress surface and the slatted frame becomes superfluous. Furthermore, the bending elasticity of the mattresses is essential when they are used in conjunction with a seat frame, i.e. when extremely flexible mattress behavior is required.

Point elasticity (see Figure 5c) describes the ability of a mattress to adapt to small transfer surfaces, for example on the heel and back of the head, and to react elastically only in the area directly under load. This allows the point elastic mattress to adapt more closely to the surface.

om contours of the human body and only low contact pressures with less tissue stress are created.

To evaluate these different elastic mattress properties, the following measurements were carried out.

To assess the spring-elastic properties, the spring characteristics were determined in the form of force-displacement diagrams based on DIN 53576 and DIN 53579. These standardized procedures provide physical-technical parameters of the upholstery or mattress elasticity. The associated measurements were carried out using the circular, flat standard test stamp I with a stamp diameter d = 203 mm (see Figure 6a).

The elastic bending behavior of the mattresses provides an important indication of the body zone-supporting properties of a mattress. The investigations into the elastic bending behavior of the mattress were carried out using a special bending test stamp III. This involves a curved, 100 cm wide bending stamp that is sunk across the entire width of the mattress. During this test, the mattress is loaded from above and rests on a special substructure (see Figure 6b).

The point-elastic behavior of the mattresses is also recorded using the special test bench, using a human-oriented heel test stamp. This functional test provides a force-displacement diagram and an associated pressure-displacement diagram from which the contact surface pressure on the mattress surface can be determined. The heel test stamp II is equipped with a peak pressure sensor, which records the contact surface pressure between the test stamp and the base when it sinks in and thus reflects the maximum pressure values to be expected on the contact surface between the person and the mattress (see Figure 6c). The support shape of the heel pressure stamp corresponds to that of a lying foot, i.e. the foot is away from the support surface and the tendon that is in the

As can also be seen in the sketch, it runs essentially parallel to the lying surface. The pressure sensor is located at the back on/in the heel.

For standardization purposes, the mattresses were conditioned for 12 hours before the tests to the average recommended bedroom climate of 18 ^° C and 50% relative humidity in order to exclude climatic influences on the elastic properties.
10

The following is a presentation of the test results.

For all three tests of the different elasticities, corresponding characteristic curves were recorded, which are shown in Figures 7a to 7h.

Figures 7a and 7b show the force-displacement characteristics of the Al and A2 versions on a hard base with the test stamp I with d = 203 mm as a result of the spring-elastic test,
20

Figures 7c and 7d show the force/pressure-displacement characteristics of versions Al or A2 on a hard surface with the heel test stamp as the result of the point elastic test,

Figures 7e and 7g show the force-displacement characteristics of the Al and A2 versions on the special substructure when using the bending punch as a result of the flexural elastic test, and

Figures 7f and 7h show the force-displacement characteristics of versions Al and A2 as a result of the flexural elastic test on a hard base when using the bending punch.

In order to present the results clearly, certain parameters were taken from these curves and summarized in Tables 1 and 2.

W %

Table 1 shows the compression distances s at different compression forces (100 N, 200 N, 300 N) (spring-elastic test; see Figures 7a and 7b). These compression forces correspond to the load that is exerted on the bed system in the real lying situation depending on the body area and individual conditions such as body size, body mass, etc.: the lower the compression distance at a certain compression force, the harder the mattress, the greater the compression distance, the softer it is.

In addition, Table 1 shows the peak pressure values P _max in N/cm ² that occur at the most prominent point on the heel when loaded with 14 N (point elastic test; see Figures 7c and 7d). For this purpose, the force/pressure curves in Figures 7c and 7d were evaluated according to the following consideration: A person lying on their back with a body mass of approx. 70 kg (corresponding to approx. 700 N) transfers approximately 2% of their body mass (corresponding to approx. 14 N) via each heel. This proportional body weight force leads, for example, to a sinking of approximately 22 mm in version Al (see Figure 7c), which simultaneously results in a pressure of 1.30 N/cm ² at the heel.

Table 2 shows the bending distances in mm for specified bending forces N (see Figures 7e to 7h). In general, the following applies: the greater the bending distances for a certain applied bending force, the more elastically a mattress or upholstery (system) reacts.

In the test of the flexural elastic behavior described above, two types of elastic effects are measured simultaneously, namely a superposition of the spring-elastic behavior of the mattress on the one hand, whereby the test stamp is pressed into the mattress, and the bending-elastic behavior on the other hand, whereby the test stamp presses the mattress through the gap in the base. In order to obtain the proportion of the mattress's flexibility alone, the spring-elastic effect must be

part must be subtracted. For this purpose, two measurements are carried out:

Measurement on the substructure with gap (bending test to measure the combined spring-elastic and bending-elastic effect, see Figures 7e and 7g):
Measuring path 1 = spring travel + bending travel

Measurement on hard ground (indentation test to measure the spring-elastic effect, see Figures 7f and 7h): Measurement distance 2 = spring travel

Determination of the bending elastic component by subtraction: Bending path = Measuring path 1 - Measuring path 2

Table 1

Measured indentation travel s in mm and peak pressure P _msx of the Al and A2 versions under different loads (average values from two individual measurements on a hard surface). Test stamp I with d = 203 mm; test stamp II (heel stamp);

Relation Test stamp Test point
position Indentation distance s in mm
when loaded with F=IOON F=200N F=300N N/ ^cm2 Molton Slats
rust center I 27 55 74 II Out of
guide Terry cloth center 25 47 62 F=14N Al 1.3 A2 0.9

Table 2

Determined bending distance b of the layered versions Al and A2 (average values from two individual measurements each).

·

Test Stamp III
(bending die) Relation Test point
position Bending path b in mm
when loaded with F=IOON F=150N execution Molton center F= 5 ON 12 18 Al Terry cloth center 5 24 33 A2 11

The following can be seen in detail from the key figures compiled in Table 1:

From the elastic spring test with test stamp I it can be seen that the Al version is about 10 - 15% softer than the A2 version. The reason for this is probably the greater thickness of the top and bottom layers in the Al version.

As already briefly explained in Chapter 1 on point elastic testing, excessive contact surface pressure on the tissue must at least be considered to be detrimental to the nightly recovery process. Pressure values above the arterial occlusion limit of approx. 0.5 - 1.0 N/cm ² lead to increasing stagnation of blood flow, resulting in insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cellular structures and inadequate disposal of metabolic products. The measuring method used with a heel test stamp and integrated peak pressure sensor is designed to simulate the most unfavourable conditions to be expected in a lying person, ie a small, strongly curved transfer surface with a relatively high proportion of body weight force.

The ergonomic classification of the point elasticity of mattresses can be done as follows:

Peak pressure P^/N/crrr

Ergonomic assessment

< 1, 0
1.1 - 1.5 1.6 - 2.0 2.1 - 2.5 > 2.5

very good

good

satisfactory

sufficient

insufficient

Against this background, the measured values shown in Table 1 can be interpreted as follows: The surface of version Al (top layer 5 cm and bottom layer 10 cm) has good point elastic properties with 1.3 N/cm ² and the surface of version A2 (top layer 3.5 cm and bottom layer 8 cm) has very good point elastic properties with 0.90 N/cm ^2. The measured difference in the point elastic effect of the two versions can probably be explained by the less elastic cover material in version Al and the additional sheep's wool insert. As a result of the resulting increased surface tension, the point elasticity of this version Al is reduced compared to version A2.

The following can be seen from the characteristic values in Table 2 with regard to the flexural elastic test with test stamp III: The bending ability of a mattress structure or general upholstery system as a measure of its body zone supporting effect can be classified according to the following evaluation scheme.

Bending distance b in mm at 30 load with 150 N

Ergonomic assessment

> 32

25 - 32 17 - 24 9-16 < 9

very good

good

satisfactory

sufficient

insufficient

· ·■·■)

32

Against this background, the measured values shown in Table 2 can be interpreted as follows: The Al version shows satisfactory flexural elastic behavior and the A2 version shows very good flexural elastic behavior. The measured difference in the flexural elastic effect of both mattress structures can be explained by the significantly thicker and thus less flexible structure of the Al version compared to the structure of the A2 version. These measurement results indicate that the two mattresses deliver useful but different results in terms of the body zone support effect in both cases.

In the following, the human physiological sinking depth measurements are described based on their measurement methods and the corresponding test conditions.

In order to be able to make a statement about the body zone supporting effect (spinal column support) of the two versions Al and A2, the Be evaluation carried out above based on the flexural elastic material test is already suitable. In order to verify the direct, human-related effects of the individual elasticity functions, human physiological examinations of the spinal column contours were also carried out with a total of 13 test subjects (Vpn) of different body sizes and body masses as shown in Table 3.

Table 3

Key data of the test subjects

"LLT standing" means the depth of the lumbar lordosis measured while standing, which will be discussed later.

&bull;&diams;

Subject data Vp.-No. Gender
(m/f) Old
(a) Size
(cm) Weight
(kg) LLT ste
end (mm) 1 W 36 159 51 28 2 W 38 158 51.5 35 3 W 25 168 56 36 4 W 26 173 58 45 5 W 29 179 65 32 &bgr; W 27 181.5 73 31 7 m 29 173 70 43 8th m 29 178 81 40 9 m 36 180 87 26 10 m 37 193 88 40 11 m 31 185 95 40 12 m 38 195 103 40 13 m 43 184 105 39

Figure 8 shows a schematic of the test setup for recording the spinal column contour in the supine position. To record the spinal column contour of a test subject 103, pins 102 of the same length were used, which, resting against the spine, transform its contour when lying supine through the upholstery system 1 or the mattress 13 under the slatted frame 104. To read the sinking values, a measuring rod 101 with horizontal graduations is attached under the slatted frame 104.

The examinations of the spinal contour were carried out on both versions Al and A2 with all 13 test subjects. In order to record the influence of the slatted frame setting, three different settings were made: Setting of all adjustable slats in the "hard" position, in the "soft" position and individual kart/soft adjustment of the slats in the lumbar lordosis area. As a measure of the

The depth of the lumbar lordosis resulting from the measured sinking curves is used to determine the spine-supporting effect of the versions Al and A2. This lumbar lordosis depth LLT is the distance between the maximum ventral protrusion of the lordosis in the lumbar region and a tangent that is located on the sacral region of the pelvis and the maximum dorsal recurvature of the thoracic kyphosis. The results are compiled in Table 4, which shows the measured lumbar lordosis depths (LLT) for each test subject, averaged from two individual measurements.

(Table 4 is in landscape format and is therefore attached at the end of this description.)

In addition to the individual results for each test subject, group results were also determined for the sake of better interpretation, which are shown in Table 5 and show the mean values of the LLT calculated from the individual results for the following groups:

Group 1: rather small, light subjects (subject 1 - subject 4),

Group 2: medium-sized, medium-heavy subjects (subjects 5 - 10) and
Group 3: rather large, heavy subjects (subjects 11 - 13).

In addition to the measured LLT in mm, Table 5 also shows the relative LLT in % . This relative LLT indicates the percentage that the lumbar lordosis depth when lying down LLT _L reaches in relation to the lumbar lordosis depth when standing LLT _5. This relative LLT (LLT _L /LLT _S ) is therefore a measure of the supportive effect of the respective mattress structure.
30

Table 5

Measured depths of lumbar lordosis (LLT); group means (group classification see above); LLT _L /LLT _S (lumbar lordosis depth lying down/lumbar lordosis depth standing · 100%).

10

Attitude Lumbar lordosis depth (LLT in mm)
in experimental group 2 3 mattress soft 1 27.33 28, 83 execution hard 24, 88 28, 5 28 Al supports 25, 63 28.25 28.5 Average 26.13 28, 03 28.44 LLT _L /LLT _S 25.54 79 % 72% soft 71% 29.83 27.5 execution hard 27.38 29, 17 28.67 A2 supports 27.88 30, 67 28.5 Average 27.38 29.89 28.22 LLT _L /LLT _S 27.54 85% 71% 77 I

15

The results obtained are now discussed. The measurement results from Table 5, which are grouped together, can be interpreted using the following evaluation scheme, which is used to ergonomically classify the body zone support of upholstery systems (human physiological examination method).

25

30

35

LLT _L /LLT _£

> 80%

76 - 80

71 - 75

66 - 70

< 66%

Ergonomic assessment

very good good

satisfactory sufficient insufficient

The Al version (top layer 5 cm and bottom layer 10 cm) shows the following body zone supporting effect depending on the group of people:

- smaller, lighter subjects < 60 kg: satisfactory properties,

- medium-sized, medium-weight subjects 60 - 95 kg: good properties,

- very large, heavy subjects > 95 kg: satisfactory characteristics,

and the version A2 {top layer 3.5 cm and base layer

8 cm) has the following body zone-supporting effect depending on the group of people:

- smaller, lighter subjects < 60 kg: good properties,

- medium-sized, medium-weight subjects 60 - 95 kg: very good properties, as well as

- very large, heavy subjects > 95 kg: satisfactory properties.

This test result confirms that, for example, the mattresses tested for the medium body weight range of 60 - 95 kg offer good (version Al) or very good (version A2) spine support conditions. In order to achieve a comparably high level of lying comfort in terms of body zone support, especially for people with a high body weight (> 95 kg), the base layer could be made harder.

Microclimatic investigations were carried out using a simulation model, using the following measurement method. As part of the microclimatic investigations, the temperature and humidity profiles in the bed cavity during sleep should be recorded as precisely as possible. Since human physiological investigations of the microclimate with test subjects are very time-consuming and costly and, due to influences that are difficult to standardize, only provide limited reliable results, the investigations described below were carried out using a microclimatic simulation model. The temperature and humidity profile shown in Figure

The perforated test specimen shown in Figure 9 largely simulates the dry and moist heat emission of humans. The device parameter settings selected for the microclimatic tests are given below and correspond to an average sweating human: Temperature measuring range

1O ⁰ C - 40 ⁰ C (measurement accuracy ±0.5°C) and humidity measuring range 10 100 % relative humidity (measurement accuracy ±3 % relative humidity).

The test body is constructed as a pot-in-pot system, the inner container of which contains water for humidification, which is heated and evaporated by a heating coil. The evaporation process is supported by air circulation using a diaphragm air pump and an outlet located in the water bath. The water vapor created in this way escapes into the outer container through outlet openings on the top of the container. The heating power is set using a voltage regulator, thus regulating the amount of evaporation, i.e. the moist heat production. In addition, the model body is equipped with a heating coil between the inner and outer container to further heat the air enriched with water vapor. This simulates dry heat emission. The heating power for dry heat emission is regulated using a fixed point control. As soon as a largely constant temperature level prevails in the bed cavity after the initial increase at the start of the experiment, the amount of energy required to maintain this temperature level in the bed cavity can be determined as a further evaluation parameter.

The outer surfaces of the test specimen are fully perforated to ensure that moisture is released across the entire surface. By using an airtight but water vapor-permeable membrane material on the outer skin of the test model, convective air exchange between the model and the bed cavity is prevented, but moisture exchange is enabled. Special climate sensors are used to record the microclimate (temperature and humidity profiles) in the contact area between the test specimen and the bed.

The microclimatic tests were carried out with version A2 (top layer 3.5 cm and bottom layer 8 cm). A commercially available down duvet was also used and the other test conditions were as follows

·

specified: The measuring climate was an average recommended bedroom climate at 18°C and 50% relative humidity; the entire bed structure was preconditioned 12 hours before the start of the test in the measuring climate; the test duration was 7 hours and the sensor positioning was two sensors on the duvet side directly on the test specimen cover side and two sensors on the mattress side directly on the test specimen base plate. To confirm the results, a repeat test was carried out in each case. The measurement results were evaluated as an average of both individual tests and led to the following results. Figures 10a to 10c show the determined temperature and humidity profiles in the bed cavity. The final values of the temperatures and humidity in the bed cavity reached after each seven-hour test duration are also shown in Table 6 for the sake of clarity.

Table 6

Compilation of the average final temperature and humidity levels of the tests with the microclimatic simulation model in version A2 (average values from two individual tests each). The bed cavity values are averaged from the individual values for the duvet and mattress.

beds
construction Measuring location Climate values temperature
( ⁰ C) relative
Humidity (%) absolute
Humidity
(WDP/mbar) Execution Duvet 34.2 50, &bgr; 27.2 tion Kl mattress 35.2 44, 9 25.5 Bed cave 34.7 47.8 26.4

Before we go into the interpretation of the measured bed cave climate, the following statement must be made: Extensive investigations into the significance of the various

Bed elements for the microclimatic situation in the bed cave have shown that the temperature and humidity situation is largely determined by the thermodynamic properties of thermal insulation and moisture resistance of the duvet. This connection, which has long been suspected by various experts, is also plausible insofar as the duvet is generally much thinner and less densely constructed and therefore has better heat and moisture dissipating properties than conventional upholstery systems or mattresses.

Against this background, the importance of the microclimatic properties of mattresses must be assessed. The following interpretations of the bed cave climate can be derived from the microclimatic measurements in Table 6.

The temperatures measured in the bed cavity of approx. 34.7°C in version A2 are in the average range of common mattress concepts. Basically - without taking into account special structures in terms of thickness and special use of materials etc. - pocket spring mattresses offer a very high thermal insulation capacity, latex and P-foam mattresses a high thermal insulation capacity and spring mattresses a medium thermal insulation capacity. Depending on the individual circumstances, a rather low, average or rather high heat requirement can be assigned to the thermal mattress properties. From this perspective, the layered structure of version A2 examined shows a thermal insulation capacity that is comparable to that of common latex mattresses, i.e. offers a high level of thermal insulation.

There is a person-independent connection with regard to the humidity situation in the bed cavity: the better the moisture released by the person through the skin is removed from the bed cavity, the more favorable the situation is from a physiological point of view. According to the test method used {climate study with simulation model, room climate

18°C, 50% relative humidity, standard down duvet), the evaluation of the moisture-wicking properties shown in the following evaluation scheme can be carried out. According to the evaluation levels shown, version A2 can be assigned a good moisture-wicking effect.

Evaluation scheme for the ergonomic classification of the moisture-wicking properties or, in short, the moisture dissipation of mattresses (test with Klimax at room temperature of 18 ⁰ C and 50 % relative humidity, standard down duvet):

Relative humidity (%) Ergonomic rating

< 4 5 % very good

45 - 50 % good

51 - 55 % satisfactory

56 - 60 % sufficient

> 60 % insufficient

In summary, the Al version had good properties and the A2 version had very good properties in terms of the point-elastic surface behavior. In terms of comfort, this measurement result can be interpreted as meaning that these mattress prototypes ensure a pronounced pressure relief of the fabric while lying down due to the soft, very point-elastic cover layers, i.e. low pressure values at the contact surface between the person and the mattress. The tests on the flexural elasticity produced satisfactory results for the Al version (top layer 5 cm and bottom layer 10 cm) and very good results for the Al version (top layer 3.5 cm and bottom layer 8 cm). Since the flexural elasticity essentially characterizes the ability of a mattress to adapt to the human body contours and the slatted frame contour, high flexural elasticity is an essential criterion for the body zone-supporting properties of a mattress.

In order to differentiate the body zone support, human physiological tests were carried out on both versions Al and A2 with 13 test subjects of different physical characteristics in terms of body size and body mass. The evaluation of the spine-supporting effect of the two versions carried out in the supine position showed satisfactory (version Al) or very good (version A2) results for a wide body mass range (up to approx. 95 kg). For the body mass range > 95 kg alone, a cushion structure, e.g. version A2 with an even harder base, is recommended.

Since version A2 (top layer 3.5 cm and bottom layer 8 cm) delivered very good results overall in terms of all biomechanical evaluation criteria, microclimatic tests were carried out with this upholstery system to record the climate in the bed. These measurements, carried out using a special climate simulation device, resulted in a microclimate that can be described as favorable overall. The thermal insulation effect of the upholstery system examined is in the range of common latex mattresses and is therefore highly heat-insulating and the moisture-wicking effect of the mattress can be described as good.

Testing of further embodiments of the invention

These versions consist of a harder base layer, which ensures good support for the body zones, and a softer top layer, which ensures low contact surface pressure between the person and the mattress. The two mattress parts are each covered separately with a cover. The two layers are connected by means of Velcro tabs on the sides.

Various variants were tested from an ergonomic point of view, which consist of the following components:

Base layer Ul: mattress core made of 10 cm thick, soft cavernous latex with an unlined cover made of cotton molleton, Base layer U2: mattress core made of 10 cm thick, hard cavernous latex with an unlined cover made of cotton molleton,
Top layer Dl: mattress core made of 5 cm thick pin latex with a cover made of cotton molleton lined on both sides with sheep's wool,

Top layer D2: mattress core made of 3.5 cm thick pin latex with a cover made of cotton molleton lined with sheep's wool on both sides.

In contrast to the first series of tests, the tests on the mattress variants were carried out on a slatted frame with adjustable hardness slats in the middle area, except for the flexural elasticity test adapted to the real lying situation.

In detail, the following tests were carried out to evaluate the ergonomics of the different mattress variants:
- physical force and pressure measurements

- human physiological sinking depth measurements

As in the first test of the Al and A2 versions described above, the spring elasticity, the bending elasticity and the point elasticity were again measured using the same test benches.

In order to cover all essential layer combinations, a large number of variants of base layers U1/U2, top layers D1/D2, new wool inserts and slatted frame settings were tested, whereby two individual tests were averaged to ensure the results.

For standardization purposes, the mattress combinations were conditioned for 12 hours before the tests to the average recommended bedroom climate of 18°C and 50% relative humidity.

To interpret the measurement results, the procedure is exactly the same as for the previously described test, whereby key characteristic values are taken from the recorded curves of the various elastic function tests and summarized in Table 7 and Table 8. The associated force-displacement and force/pressure-displacement diagrams of the upholstery systems Ul/Dl are shown as examples in Figures 11a to Hi. A complete representation of all characteristic curves of the other mattress combinations is omitted at this point.

Figures Ha to Hd belong to the spring-elastic test and show force-displacement characteristics of the combination Ul/Dl with slatted frame when using test stamp I with d = 203 mm: Figure Ha test setup with cover, with new wool insert and soft slatted frame setting; Figure Hb test setup with cover, with new wool insert and hard slatted frame setting; Figure Hc test setup without cover, with new wool insert and soft slatted frame setting; and Figure Hd test setup without cover, without new wool insert and soft slatted frame setting.

Figures He to Hg belong to the point elastic test and show force/pressure-displacement characteristics of the combination Ul/Dl with slatted frame when using test stamp II (heel test stamp): Figure He test setup with cover, with new wool insert and soft slatted frame setting; Figure Hf test setup without cover, with new wool insert and soft slatted frame setting; and Figure Hg test setup without cover, without new wool insert and soft slatted frame setting.

Figures Hh and Hi belong to the flexural elastic test and show force-displacement characteristics of the mattress combination Ul/Dl without slatted frame when using the test stamp III (bending stamp) on a special test base for the bending

test (Figure llh) or on a hard surface for the indentation test (Figure lli).

Table 7 shows the compression distances s in mm for different compression forces 100 N, 200 N, 300 N (spring-elastic test). These compression forces correspond to the load that is exerted on the bed system in the real lying situation depending on the body area and individual conditions such as body size, body mass, etc.: the lower the compression distance for a certain compression force, the harder the mattress, the greater the compression distance, the softer it is.

In addition, Table 7 shows the peak pressure values P _max in N/cm ² that occur at the most prominent point on the heel when loaded with 14 N (point elastic test). For this purpose, the measured force/pressure curves were evaluated according to the following consideration: A person lying on their back with a body mass of approx. 70 kg transfers approx. 2% of their body mass, corresponding to around 14 N, over each heel. This proportional body weight force leads, for example, to a sinking of approx. 23 mm in the combination Ul/Dl with mattress cover and new wool insert, whereby a pressure of 1.35 N/cm ² is simultaneously exerted on the heel.

Table 8 shows the bending distances in mm for specified bending forces in N (flexural elastic test). The general rule is: the greater the bending distances for a certain applied bending force, the more flexurally elastic a mattress reacts.

In order to obtain the proportion of the mattress's flexibility for the flexural elasticity test alone, the spring-elastic component must be subtracted, as described above for the first series of tests.

Table 7

Measured compression travel s and peak pressure P _max of the layered cushion system with slatted frame when using different mattress components; test stamp I (DIN test stamp, d= 203 mm); test stamp II (heel stamp); mean values from two individual measurements each.
Ul: Base layer 1 soft
U2: Lower class 2 hard
Dl: Top layer Dl thick
D2: Top layer D2 thin

Under
layer deck
layer Relation inlay Test stamp Test
position Indentation distance s in mm at
Load with F=IOON F=200N F=300N P^x in
N/ ^cm2 Ib Ul Dl Molton Schurw. Slats
rust center I 37 70 93 II U2 D2 Molton Schurw. soft center 33 66 88 F=14N Ul Dl Schurw. hard center 38 73 97 1.35 20 U2 soft center 40 74 98 Molton Schurw. soft center 42 72 93 1 Molton Schurw. soft center 38 66 86 0.8 Schurw. hard center 50 81 102 1.25 25 soft center 38 70 91 _ Molton Schurw. soft center 41 74 97 0.85 Molton Schurw. soft center 36 71 93 0.75 Schurw. hard center 42 76 99 1.4 30 soft center 37 73 95 Molton soft center 18 38 52 0.95 Molton center 23 42 53 0.75 35

Table 8

Determined bending path b of the layered upholstery system when using different mattress components, each with a Molton cover and a new wool insert; test stamp III (bending stamp); average values from two individual measurements each
Ul: Base layer 1 soft
U2: Lower class 2 hard
Dl: Top layer Dl thick
D2: Top layer D2 thin

Underclass Top layer Bending path b in mm at Load with F=150N Ul Dl Test stamp III 15 15 U2 D2 F= 5 ON 20 Dl 4 16 D2 &bgr; 20 2 &bgr; F=IOO 10 13 11 13

The following can be seen in detail from the key figures compiled in Table 7:

Spring elastic test with test stamp I: The base layers Ul (soft) and U2 (hard) are almost the same in terms of their spring elastic effect, whereby the base layer Ul, which is described as soft, tends to be harder. The spring elastic properties of the latex inserts of the base layers Dl (thick) and D2 (thin) show that the thinner latex insert is somewhat harder than the thicker one. This behavior of the cover layers is reversed when the virgin wool inserts are included, ie the virgin wool insert of the thinner cover layer D2 causes a softer spring elastic behavior and the virgin wool insert of the thicker cover layer Dl, in contrast, a slightly harder behavior than without the virgin wool insert. This fact indicates that the virgin wool insert of the thinner cover layer is considerably looser, the

The new wool insert of the thicker cover layer is designed to be more firmly interwoven. The cotton molleton covers have a slightly hardening effect.

Point elastic test with test stamp II (heel stamp): As already explained above, excessive contact surface pressure on the tissue must at least be seen as detrimental to the night-time recovery process. Pressure values above the arterial occlusion limit of approx. 0.5-1.0 N/ ^cm2 lead to increasing stagnation of blood circulation, resulting in insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cellular structures and inadequate disposal of metabolic products. The measuring method used with heel test stamp and integrated peak pressure sensor is designed to simulate the most unfavourable conditions to be expected in a lying person (small, strongly curved transfer surface with a relatively high proportion of body weight force). Against this background, the measured values shown in Table 7 can be interpreted as follows: The two latex inserts of the cover layers D1 and D2 exhibit very good point elastic behaviour with a clear pressure-reducing effect. The point-elastic effect of the latex inserts is least affected by the new wool insert of the thin cover layer D2, while the new wool insert of the cover layer Dl shows a greater reduction in the point-elastic surface effect. The reason for this is probably the connection already established above with regard to the different structure of the new wool inserts. The cotton molleton cover inevitably further reduces the point-elastic behavior. Overall, the two cover layers Dl and D2 show good point elasticity.

The key figures in Table 8 show:

Flexural elasticity test with test stamp III (flexural stamp): The two sublayers Ul and U2 are almost identical in terms of their flexural elasticity. The thin

The cover layer D2 has significantly better flexural elasticity compared to the cover layer Dl. Overall, the upholstery system with the cover layer Dl shows satisfactory flexural elasticity, and that with the cover layer D2 shows good flexural elasticity.

In order to be able to make a statement about the body zone-supporting effect in human physiological sinking depth measurements of the test mattresses, the above evaluation based on the flexural elastic material test is already suitable. In order to verify the direct, human-related effect of the individual elasticity functions, human physiological examinations of the spinal contours were also carried out using an average test subject. The test was carried out as described above for the first series of tests with versions Al and A2.

The examinations of the spine contour were carried out under the following conditions (slatted frame settings): Basic setting (all slats in soft setting) and adjusted setting (lumbar lordosis area individually supported by hard-soft adjustment of the slats).

The depth of the lumbar lordosis resulting from the measured sinking curves is used as a measure of the spine-supporting effect of the layered mattress or upholstery structures. This lumbar lordosis depth LLT results from the distance between the maximum ventral curvature of the lordosis in the lumbar region and a tangent that lies on the sacrum region of the pelvis and the maximum dorsal curvature of the thoracic kyphosis. The results of the tests are summarized in Table 9.

Table 9
35

Measured depths of lumbar lordosis LLT; mean values from three individual measurements.

&diams; ·

Ul/Dl: Base layer 1 soft with top layer Dl thick

U1/D2: Base layer 1 soft with top layer D2 thin

U2/D1: Base layer 2 hard with top layer Dl thick

U2/D2: Base layer 2 hard with top layer D2 thin

Slats
rostein
position LLT in mattress construction Ul/Dl U/D2 U2/D1 U2/D2 soft 24mm 26mm 24.5mm 26mm supports 26mm 29mm 26mm 28.5mm

Although no general statements can be made based on the measurements described above with only one test subject, the following trend can be seen from the measured values in Table 9 with regard to the body zone support effect of the various mattress structures: The spinal contour of the test subject is generally better with the thinner cover layer D2 than with the thicker cover layer Dl. By adjusting the slatted frame setting, the spinal support is generally further improved. From this it can be seen that the slatted frame design offers a sensible hardness variation and that the mattress design enables a partial function of the slatted frame to support body zones. The option to adjust the slatted frame hardness should be available in the area of the slatted frame in which the lumbar region lies for users of different sizes. The current design of the test slatted frame is such that adjustment is more possible in the pelvic region. In order to be able to adjust the slat firmness in the lumbar area for smaller people, the adjustable slats should be moved up two positions or the adjustment range should be extended up two positions. The body zone support of the layered mattress is rated as good to

satisfactory, when using the thicker top layer Dl can be described as satisfactory to sufficient.

The aim of the above investigations was to demonstrate an ergonomically optimized structure of a layered mattress. For this purpose, various variants of base layers (harder latex cores) and top layers (softer latex cores) were available. Furthermore, sheep's wool inserts and cotton molleton covers were investigated.

With reference to the detailed test results given above, the following evaluations of the structure of the two-layer cushioning system can be derived: The two base layers Ul and U2 have almost identical elastic behavior. Accordingly, these two base layer variants can be used equally (cf. physical force and pressure measurements). With regard to the two cover layers Dl and D2, it can be seen that the thinner cover layer D2 has a stronger flexural elastic behavior (cf.

physical force and pressure measurements), which is expressed in a better body zone supporting effect (cf. human physiological sinking depth measurements). With cover layer Dl, the thicker structure obviously results in a reduction in bending elasticity with limited body zone support compared to cover layer D2. Furthermore, the thicker structure can be improved from a microclimatic point of view (extended diffusion distance for water vapor).

With regard to point elasticity, it should be noted that both latex cores of the cover layers show very good properties. Overall, the point elasticity of the cover layer D1 is slightly worse than that of the cover layer D2, because the associated new wool insert in combination with the tighter cotton molleton cover impairs the surface properties.

Accordingly, the structure of the thinner cover layer D2 shows several advantages over the cover layer D1, whereby these advantages result from the thickness of the core, the sheep's wool insert and the tension of the cover material. A particular latex core depending on the manufacturer cannot be preferred, since both materials have very good point-elastic properties and the spring and flexural elastic effects would have to be compared for the same material thickness.

Other variations of a layered mattress could be designed as follows:

Reduction of the thickness of the base layer to approx. 8 cm. This would further improve the elasticity/body zone support of the layered mattress without reducing the comfort of the bed. Individual adjustment could be made, for example, by only varying the hardness of the base layer (two to three hardness variants of the base layer). Furthermore, from a microclimatic point of view, a thinner mattress structure would generally be preferred, as the diffusion of water vapor from the bed cavity is made easier.

Use of cotton molleton covers that are stretched as loosely as possible in conjunction with slightly cross-linked new wool inserts. Possibly construction of top layer variants with thinner or completely without new wool inserts.

Overall, the layered mattress structure already has very good to satisfactory properties from an ergonomic point of view.

By reducing the thickness to 8 and 3.5 cm compared to the model with 10 and 5 cm, an improvement in the lying values was surprisingly achieved. These lying values are recorded for some comparison measurements in the test reports. With the latex materials used in the tests,

People weighing between 50 and 100 kg can achieve optimal values. With a top layer of 5 cm latex, the ergonomics are not optimal, but the performance is so good that it is significantly better than that of state-of-the-art upholstery systems. As the thickness of the layers increases, the results become less favorable, except for people weighing 95 to 130 kg, as these people place too much strain on the mattress up to 100 kg and ergonomic losses occur, which can be measured to determine when the system collapses under the strain.

For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the ratio of the layer thicknesses of the base layer to the top layer is 5:10. For the values 3.5:8, the ratio is slightly less than 1/2 (the top layer is slightly thinner in proportion). It has been found that using a top layer of 3.5 cm leads to the best values.

Stretch fabrics, such as terry stretch, improve the values of the cotton molleton.

In addition to the latex core supplier mentioned here in the description, there are other suppliers, whereby the respective method of measuring the density must be observed.

Whether 10 or 8 cm thickness is used at the bottom does not necessarily improve heel pressure, but the bending elasticity or the support force is improved by a high bending elasticity. The same behavior and the same lying properties of the top or cover layer, for example, as with the imitation pencil latex with 3.5 cm, can also be achieved if a different latex is used. However, a greater layer thickness increases the size of the mattress and a softer material does not provide sufficient support for the spine. 3.5 cm thickness of the cover layer is usually optimal over a wide weight range, since even with a softer material a measured value of the point pressure behavior of 1.0 N/cm ² can be achieved, ie

the force required to press it in or less.

Overall, the tests carried out demonstrate the particularly positive effects of the two-layer upholstery structure from an ergonomic point of view. In particular, the coordination of version A2 with regard to all test criteria is very good. The implemented concept of the layered mattress structure offers a pronounced pressure-reducing effect on the contact surface between the person and the mattress due to the high point elasticity on the mattress surface in conjunction with the elastic mattress cover, and pronounced body zone-supporting properties due to the high bending elasticity in conjunction with the firm support effect provided by the harder base layer.

For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that all of the above-mentioned tests were carried out at the Technical University of Munich, Institute for Work Physiology, or at the Institute for Applied Ergonomics in Munich.

Figure 12 shows a measurement diagram of the spring characteristics of a quality test of embodiment A2 from the first series of tests, i.e. the mattress system with a top layer 3.5 cm thick and a bottom layer 8 cm thick. Curves a, b, c apply accordingly to the new condition and the condition after 40,000 and 80,000 rolling passes.

The exact dimensions of the test specimen were {1 x b x d) 2000 x 900 x 130 mm, with the covers in total being about 1.5 cm thick. The weight of the complete upholstery system was 18 kg.

The differential hardness C at 275 N was 10.41 N/mm. The integral E from 0 to 450 N was 9755 Nmm, so that the hardness value E/C is 937 mm ² . Furthermore, a subjective hardness number of 2.52 and a hysteresis of 25.2% were determined.

The durability characteristics during the measurement were:
Height change after a) 3mm
Altitude change according to b) 2 %
Altitude change according to c) 3 %
Suspension loss factor 1.2

This leads to an optimal evaluation of the test specimen, whereby, when applying the evaluation scheme of the Bavarian State Trade Office in Nuremberg, 25 points were awarded for each of the above results (height change according to a), b) and c) as well as suspension loss factor), so that the maximum score of 100 points was achieved, which impressively shows the quality of the upholstery system according to the invention, which not only enables optimal lying, but also meets the highest quality requirements.

Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention. A common cover layer 2 is provided for a double bed, the top of which forms the lying surface. As with the other designs, the longitudinal and transverse sides 14, 15 and 16, 17 are defined according to the longitudinal and transverse directions defined by people lying on the upholstery system 1 in a normal position. An analogous definition arises when a person sits on the upholstery system or leans against it.

The upholstery system 1 is, for example, surrounded on the outside by a bed border (not designated), so that the base layer parts 31, 32, which form the base layer, cannot move on their own. A common cover layer 2 lies on the two adjacent base layer parts 31, 32. This is coupled to the two separate base layer parts 31 and 32 via a slip protection device 4, which consists of Velcro fasteners 41 on the transverse sides 16, 17 at the head and foot ends of the upholstery system 1. Each base layer part 31 or 32 is coupled to the cover layer 2 like its own base layer.

This structure has numerous advantages. If two people each want to equip a double bed with a single bed, they only need to buy the common top layer if they already have the upholstery system according to the invention and place it on top instead of the two individual top layers and secure it against slipping if necessary. Furthermore, each person can easily use a base layer and a slatted frame tailored to their own needs, so that on the one hand optimal lying results are achieved and on the other hand there is no influence on the other lying surface (the other person who is also using the double bed). One person is therefore not disturbed by the movements of the other, as would be the case with a shared large mattress (cf. water bed). Such a double bed with an upholstery or mattress system according to the invention is therefore easier to handle, cheaper to obtain and better tailored to individual requirements. The advantages of a single-person system described in general above are also retained.

The two-layer design also has the advantage that a giant mattress does not have to be handled for turning and airing, which is hardly possible for one person alone anyway.

Rather, it is sufficient to turn and/or air the top layer and the bottom layer parts separately, which only allows this to be done as often as necessary, since these activities would not be possible with an entire mattress. The thin top layer 2 can be rolled up without any problem.

The base layer parts 31 and 32 are no larger than conventional single mattresses and can be removed and moved accordingly.

The anti-slip protection, for example in the form of Velcro fasteners and retaining strips, which can also be described as hooks or eyes or as hard or fluffy, can be used to ensure in a simple way that even the large-area

&bull; *

Top layer remains stable despite being used by two people. Here again, it is particularly advantageous if the Velcro fasteners are attached to the head and foot sides, as they can be handled there without any problems even with such a large system. Velcro fasteners attached to the long sides could not be used in the area between the bottom layer parts 31, 32, as they would not be accessible through the top layer 2 above and could not be combined with the latter. If desired, the two bottom layer parts 31 and 32 can even be connected to one another in a variety of ways to achieve an even more stable upholstery structure.

Overall, the upholstery system 1 according to the invention can therefore easily be made to any desired size thanks to the modular structure and possible divisions. Special sizes for so-called French beds, for example, can also be easily produced in two layers with a one-piece or multi-piece base layer. Furthermore, the system makes it possible for a consumer to use their own individual cover layer outside of their own bed, for example when traveling, since it can be easily transported.

ω ω

mattress Once. 1 2 Lumbar lordosis depths (LLT in mm) of the test subjects 3 4 5 6 7 8th 9 10 I 11 12 13 Medium Al soft 18,50 22,50 25,50 33,00 27,00 25,50 34,00 28.00 21,50 28.00 28.00 31,00 27,50 27.23 α2 hard 19,00 23.50 26,50 33.50 28.00 28,50 34,00 29,50 20,00 31,00 27,50 29,00 27,50 27.81 Medium support 20,00 22.00 28.00 34,50 27,50 26,50 34,00 28.00 23,00 30.50 27,50 30.00 28.00 27.96 Medium 19.17 22.67 26.67 33.67 27,50 26.83 34,00 28,50 21,50 29.83 27.67 30.00 27.67 27.67 soft 23.50 25,50 25,50 35.00 30.50 28.00 36.50 30.00 22.00 32.00 28,50 26,00 28.00 28.54 hard 24,00 26,00 27,50 34,00 28,50 27,50 35,50 28,50 22,50 32.50 31,00 27,00 28.00 28.65 support 22.00 24,50 26,00 37,00 29,50 28.00 37,50 29,50 24,50 35.00 29,00 27,50 29,00 29.15 Medium 23.17 25.33 26.33 35.33 29,50 27.83 36.50 29.33 23,00 33.17 29,50 26.83 28.33 28.78 soft 21,00 24,00 25,50 34,00 28.75 26.75 36.75 29,50 21.75 30.00 28.25 28,50 27.75 27.88 hard 21,50 24,75 27,00 33.75 28.25 28.00 36.25 29,50 21.25 31.75 29.25 28.00 27.75 28.23 support 21,00 23.25 27,00 35.75 28,50 27.25 37.25 29.25 23.75 32.75 28.25 28.75 28,50 28.56 Medium 21.17 24,00 26,50 34,50 28,50 27.33 35.25 28.92 22.25 31.50 28.58 28.42 28.00 28.22

58 List of reference symbols

1 Upholstery system 11 Top 12 bottom 13 Mattress system 14 Long side 15 Long side 16 Short side 17 Short side 2 Top layer 20 Relation 3 Underclass 30 Relation 31 Lower class part 32 Lower class part 4 Anti-slip protection 40 Velcro fasteners 41 Velcro 42 Retaining strips 43 Tab 44 Tab 45 Tab 101 Benchmark 102 Measuring pins 103 Test subject 104 Slatted frame I DIN test stamp II Heel test stamp III Bending die

Claims (49)

Patent Attorney Dipl.-Phys. UnIv."ivfänfred K! LinSner *»Mitterfeld 4a * D - 82327 Tutzing M 942 G/DE Upholstery system Protection claims 1. Upholstery system with a plurality of loosely adjacent upholstery layers, the thickness and hardness of which increase layer by layer from a user-facing top side of the system to an opposite bottom side, characterized, that the plurality of cushioning layers consist of a thinner and softer cover layer (2) which determines the upper side (11) and a thicker and harder base layer (3) which determines the lower side (12). 2. Upholstery system according to claim 1,
characterized, that its total thickness is 8 to 18 cm, in particular 10 to 15 cm and preferably 11.5 cm.
30 3. Upholstery system according to claim 2,
characterized, that the thickness of the covering layer (2) is 2 to 8 cm, in particular 3 to 5 cm and preferably 3.5 cm.
35 4. Upholstery system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the thickness of the base layer (3) is β to 15 cm, in particular 7 to 10 cm and preferably 8 cm. 5 5. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover layer (2) and/or the base layer (3) consists of an elastic material. 10 6. Upholstery system according to claim 5,
characterized, that the elastic material contains latex and/or foam.
15 7. Upholstery system according to claim 6,
characterized, that the latex, in particular of the cover layer (2), is a stick latex or similar, and/or that the foam is a cold or warm foam. 8. Upholstery system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the latex, particularly of the lower layer (3), is a cavernous latex. 9. Upholstery system according to one of claims β to 8, characterized in that that the latex of the covering layer (2) has a density of 60 to 90 kg/m ³ , in particular 70 to 85 kg/m ³ and preferably 80 kg/m ³ , and/or that the foam of the covering layer (2) has a density of 20 to 35 kg/m" and in particular 25 kg/m ³ . &bully 10. Upholstery system according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the latex of the lower layer (3) has a density of 60 to 90 kg/m ³ , in particular 65 to 85 kg/m ³ and preferably 75 to 78 kg/m ³ , and/or that the foam of the lower layer (3) has a density of 30 to 50 kg/m ³ and in particular 40 kg/m ³ . 11. Upholstery system according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the latex of the covering layer (2) has a hardness of 25 to 45 g/cm ² and in particular 26 to 32 g/cm ² or 32 to 38 g/cm ² , and/or that the foam of the cover layer (2) has a compression hardness of 20 to 35 g/cm ² . 12. Upholstery system according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the latex of the cover layer (2) is a mixed core with at least 20% and in particular at least 80% natural latex. 13. Upholstery system according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the latex of the base layer (3) has a hardness of 30 to 50 g/cm ² and in particular 32 to 38 g/cm ² or 38 to 45 g/cm ² , and/or that the foam of the base layer (3) has a compression hardness of 35 to 55 g/cm". 14. Upholstery system according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the latex of the base layer (3) is a mixed core with at least 20% natural latex.
35 15. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that the top layer (2) and the bottom layer (3) are contained in one cover.
5 16. Upholstery system according to claim 15,
characterized, that the cover is permeable to air and moisture and, in particular, has a heat-insulating effect.
10 17. Upholstery system according to claim 15 or 16,
characterized, that an intermediate layer is arranged between the cover layer (2) and the base layer (3), which contributes to a decoupling of the elastic behavior of the cover layer (2) and base layer (3) and is in particular permeable to air and moisture and preferably has a heat-insulating effect. 18. Upholstery system according to one of claims 1 to 14,
characterized, that the top layer (2) and the bottom layer (3) are each surrounded by a separate cover (20 or 30). 19. Upholstery system according to one of claims 15 to 18,
characterized, that the cover of the upholstery system (1) or the cover (20) of the top layer (2) and/or the cover (30) of the bottom layer (3) is or are elastic. 20. Upholstery system according to claim 19,
characterized, that the cover of the upholstery system (1) or the cover (20) of the top layer (2) and/or the cover (30) of the bottom layer (3) consists of a stretch material or contains stretch components, such as cotton stretch, synthetic stretch, and/or that the cover (20, 30) in particular contains or consists of natural materials such as cotton or the like, and preferably cotton molleton, cotton terry cloth, linen.
5 21. Upholstery system according to one of claims 15 to 20,
characterized, that the cover (20, 30) can be removed from the top and/or bottom layer (2, 3) in particular by means of a three-sided or at least substantially circular zipper. 22. Upholstery system according to one of claims 15 to 21,
characterized, that it can be used together with inserts within the cover (20, 30) and/or between the cover and base layers (2 or 3), and that the inserts contain sheep's wool, cotton, horsehair, latexed horsehair, coconut fibre material, latexed coconut fibre material, foam or others. 23. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that it can be used together with overlays on the top layer (2) or underlays under the base layer (3), and that the pads and/or underlays contain sheep's wool, cotton, horsehair, latexed horsehair, coconut fibre material, latexed coconut fibre material, foam or others. 24. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that a slip prevention device (4) acting between the cover layer (2) and the base layer (3) is provided. 25. Upholstery system according to claim 24,
characterized, that the anti-slip device (4) engages the edge areas of the top layer (2) and the bottom layer (3).
5 26. Upholstery system according to claim 24 or 25 and one of claims 15 to 17, characterized, that the cover layer (2) and the base layer (3) are connected to one another, preferably detachably, in particular at one point or at a few discrete points. 27. Upholstery system according to claim 26,
characterized, that the cover layer (2) and the base layer (3) are releasably tied together at one point or at the discrete points with a cord or cords and/or strips of fabric, which in particular consist at least largely of natural materials. 28. Upholstery system according to claim 24 or 25 and one of claims 18 to 20, possibly in conjunction with claim 21, 22 and/or 23, characterized, that the anti-slip device (4) engages the covers (20, 30). 29. Upholstery system according to claim 28,
characterized, that the anti-slip device (4) contains Velcro fasteners (40). 30. Upholstery system according to claim 29,
characterized, that the Velcro fasteners (40) contain at least one Velcro fastener (41) and a holding strip (42), such as a felt strip. &psgr;: &bull; · &igr; &bull; « "7 31. Upholstery system according to claim 29,
characterized, that the Velcro fasteners (40) contain two Velcro fasteners (41) and two retaining strips (42), each of which is attached to a tab (43, 45) on one of the covers (20 or 30) in such a way that a pair of Velcro fasteners (41) and retaining strips (42) can be brought into retaining contact with one another when the cover and base layers (2 or 3) are lying on top of one another, in particular in any reversible combination of the cover and base layers (2 or 3). 32. Upholstery system according to claim 29,
characterized, that the Velcro fasteners (40) contain two Velcro fasteners (41) each attached to a tab (45) on the cover (30) of the lower layer (3) and four retaining strips (42) which are attached in pairs to opposite sides of a tab (43) on the cover (20) of the cover layer (2) in such a way that a pair of a Velcro fastener (41) and a retaining strip (42) can be brought into retaining contact with one another when the cover and lower layers (2 or 3) are lying on top of one another, in particular in any reversible combination of the cover and lower layers (2 or 3). 33. Upholstery system according to claim 29,
characterized, that the Velcro fasteners (40) contain two separate Velcro fasteners (41) and four retaining strips (42), two of which are attached to a tab (43) on the cover (20) of the top layer (2) and two to a tab (44) on the cover (30) of the bottom layer (3) in such a way that one retaining strip (42) on the top layer side and one retaining strip (42) on the bottom layer side are in holding contact with a Velcro fastener (41) at the same time when the top and bottom layers (2 and 3) are lying on top of each other can be brought, in particular in any turning combination of the top and bottom layers (2 or 3). 34. Upholstery system according to claim 29,
characterized, that the Velcro fasteners (40) contain two separate Velcro fasteners (41) and six retaining strips (42), four of which are attached in pairs to opposite sides of a flap (43) on the cover (20) of the cover layer (2) and two to a flap (44) on the cover (30) of the base layer (3) are attached in such a way that a holding strip (42) on the cover layer side and a holding strip (42) on the underlayer side can be brought into holding contact with a Velcro strip (41) at the same time when the cover and underlayers (2 or 3) are lying on top of one another, in particular in any reversible combination of the cover and underlayers (2 or 3). 35. Upholstery system according to claim 29, '
characterized, that the Velcro fasteners (40) contain two separate Velcro fasteners (41) and eight retaining strips (42) which are attached in pairs to opposite sides of a tab (43) on the cover (20) of the top layer (2) or a tab (44) on the cover (30) of the bottom layer (3) in such a way that one retaining strip (42) on the top layer side and one retaining strip (42) on the bottom layer side can be brought into retaining contact with a Velcro fastener (41) at the same time when the top and bottom layers (2 and 3) are lying on top of one another, in particular in any reversible combination of the top and bottom layers (2 and 3). 36. Upholstery system according to claim 29,
characterized, that the Velcro fasteners (40) contain two separate Velcro fasteners (41) and pairs of retaining strips (42), in particular four retaining strips (42), which are arranged in pairs are arranged on the cover (20) of the top layer (2) and on the cover (30) of the bottom layer (3) in such a way that a top layer-side retaining strip (42) and a bottom layer-side retaining strip (42) can be brought into holding contact with a Velcro strip (41) at the same time when the top and bottom layers (2 or 3) are lying on top of one another, in particular in any reversible combination of the top and bottom layers (2 or 3), 37. Upholstery system according to one of claims 29 to 36,
characterized, that the holding strips (42) and, if applicable, the Velcro strips (41) or, if applicable, the tabs (43, 44) supporting them are assigned to side surfaces of the cover layer (2) and the base layer (3). 38. Upholstery system according to claim 37,
characterized, that the holding strips (42) and, if applicable, the Velcro strips (41) or, if applicable, the tabs (43, 44) supporting them are assigned to the side surfaces on the long sides (14, 15) and/or preferably the transverse sides (16, 17) of the cover layer (2) and the base layer (3). 39. Upholstery system according to one of claims 28 to 38,
characterized, that the anti-slip device (4) contains attachment aids to support the attachment of a Velcro strip (41) to one or two holding strips (42). 40. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that the cover layer (2) and/or the base layer (3) contain a reinforced edge. 41. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that it has a point elasticity of less than or equal to 2.5, in particular less than or equal to 2.0, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 and particularly preferably less than or equal to 1.0. 42. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that it has a bending elasticity of greater than or equal to 9, in particular greater than or equal to 17, preferably greater than or equal to 25 and particularly preferably greater than 32. 43. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that it has a body zone support of greater than or equal to 66%, in particular greater than or equal to 71%, preferably greater than or equal to 76% and particularly preferably greater than 80%. 44. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that it has such a moisture dissipation that a relative humidity of a bed cavity of less than 60%, in particular less than or equal to 55%, preferably less than or equal to 50% and particularly preferably less than 45% is guaranteed. 45. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that it has a soft to medium-hard spring elasticity. 46. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that it has an insulating thermal behavior. 47. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized , that it can be used in conjunction with a support device, such as a frame, in particular a slatted frame, possibly a slatted frame specialized for use with latex mattresses, with slats that are preferably at least partially adjustable depending on the load. 48. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized, that the lower layer consists of two adjacent lower layer parts (31, 32),
that in particular a separate cover (30) is provided for each underlayer part (31, 32), and that preferably, if necessary, a slip prevention device (4), such as Velcro fasteners (40), is provided, which acts between each individual base layer part (31, 32) and the common cover layer (2). 49. Upholstery system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized ,
that it is a mattress system (13).