EP0733325A1 - Slat for a undermattress - Google Patents

Abstract

The main bridge (6) supporting the load has one or more supporting members (8) more flexible or elastic than it. These members are flat, and protrude from the bridge in the sideways direction, parts of them extending upwards beyond the bridge surface. The members can bend downwards under load, the area nearest the bridge bending at the most through no greater an angle than one further away. Each member can form a wing-type lip sloping upwards. Alternatively, it can be divided into several segments. There can be a flat horizontal supporting member along its outer edge.

Description

The present invention relates to a spring bridge for a sub-mattress designed as a spring bridge frame, as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

Spring bridge gratings are used in a variety of designs as a spring base for an upholstery cover, for example a seat cushion or a mattress. The flexible mounting of the spring bridges has proven to be very useful, especially for beds with a high level of comfort and good health.

The flexibility of these spring bridges is achieved according to the prior art by elastic suspension of the individual spring slats on the frame, and for this purpose various variants of special elastic support bodies for the spring slats have become known, as are described, inter alia, in German patent specifications DE-PS 25 36 898 and DE-PS 28 42 038 are described.

Another type of spring bridge is known from German utility model DE-G 93 17114, in which the flexibility results from the arrangement of several spring elements on a main support bridge.

With the spring bridges mentioned, spring bridge gratings can be constructed, which - in interaction with the mattress - adjust optimally to a lying body, because of its nature and lying position locally with very different and constantly changing tracking power.

However, these convincing advantages of the previously known constructions in terms of lying comfort are offset by certain disadvantages in terms of manufacturing costs. In particular, the elastic support bodies or spring elements required for these types of spring bridge gratings, usually made of rubber and of a relatively complicated structure, are costly additional parts.

It is therefore the main object of the present invention to propose a spring bridge structure which, on the one hand, enables an inexpensive manufacture of a spring bridge grate, and on the other hand nevertheless has the functions necessary for high lying comfort, in particular spring properties that adapt locally progressively.

The spring bridge according to the invention is defined in independent claim 1; preferred embodiments result from the dependent claims.

Accordingly, the spring bridge comprises a main support bridge and at least one flat, flexible support element arranged thereon. The main support bridge can be mounted on the side parts of a bottom mattress and thus ultimately takes the load. The support element extends in the lateral direction transversely to the longitudinal axis of the main support bridge and, at least in part, over the top of the main support bridge upwards. It is designed to be more flexible and / or more elastic than the main support bridge itself.

The support element is preferably designed in such a way that it is bent downwards when loaded by a contact force (normally the locally acting weight of a mattress placed thereon and a person resting on it), an area closer to the main support bridge being at an angle of at most the same size as a more distant area is rotated.

In a preferred embodiment, the support element has the shape of a wing-like lip which extends obliquely upwards from the main support bridge. At least one support element is expediently arranged on each of the two longitudinal sides of the main support bridge.

Since the flexibility of the support element is softer than that of the main support bridge, it deforms even under light load, while the main support bridge only yields under greater load. In other words, there are different, additive load capacities and thus progressively adapting spring properties.

In this way, a local elasticity or spring action and to a certain extent also articulation of the spring bridge is achieved, without a special, flexible suspension. Spring bridges designed according to the invention thus have in themselves the spring properties and resilience necessary for comfortable lying transversely to the longitudinal axis of the spring bridge.

The flexibility or elasticity of the support element with respect to the main support bridge can be suitably adjusted by a suitable choice of material and cross-sectional dimensions. As experiments have shown, it is usually for a sub-mattress of a bed fits a person of normal weight if the support element can be pressed down to the level of the top of the main support bridge with a local contact force of about 20 Newtons (2 kilopond).

In particular embodiments, the support element can be divided into a plurality of segments in the longitudinal direction of the spring bridge, or a plurality of support elements can be arranged in segments, whereby the locally differently adaptable spring action is further improved.

Preferred embodiments of the support elements and the main support bridge are designed such that they can be assembled without tools and are suitable for self-assembly.

Another advantage of spring bridges according to the invention relates to the ventilation of an upper mattress lying thereon. Thanks to the support elements extending upwards over the top of the main support bridge, the top mattress does not lie completely on the spring bridges, at least in the unloaded or only partially loaded state, but there is a space through which the underside of the top mattress is also ventilated and in the area of the spring bridges the evaporation of the moisture in the top mattress is facilitated. In addition, displacements of a person lying on the mattress in the spaces cause a pumping effect that improves ventilation. Because this solves the ventilation problem, which limits the width of the spring strips lying flat on the mattress to a certain maximum size, the spring bridges can also be wider, so that a smaller number is sufficient to form a grate.

The advantages mentioned are achieved in an extremely cost-effective manner by the design of a spring bridge according to the invention. Expensive support bodies for suspension of the spring bridges as well as special facilities for ventilation on the underside of the top mattress are no longer required. Furthermore, the fact that there is no need for special support bodies means a significant simplification when installing a spring bridge grate.

The main support bridge and support element are expediently and preferably made of plastic, either in one piece or as separate parts. One-piece designs save additional fastening devices and assembly steps. On the other hand, with separate parts, there is the possibility of using different materials, for example materials with different elasticity or, for example, a glass fiber reinforced plastic for the main support bridge. In addition, separate parts ensure easy material separation during later disposal.

A plurality of separate support elements can also be provided on a main support bridge. This advantageously allows the support elements to be arranged in a variable manner, for example in the case of spring bridges in the areas of greater load (for example in the buttocks section) more than in the areas of lower load.

Fig. 1

eine Skizze eines Federbrückenrostes mit erfindungsgemässen Federbrücken ;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemässen Federbrücke, in Längsrichtung der Federbrücke nach hinten abgebrochen;

Fig. 3

eine Vorderansicht der Federbrücke von Figur 2, mit schematischer Andeutung unterschiedlicher Biegestellungen der Abstützelemente und der Haupttragbrücke und

Fig. 4-12

weitere Ausführungsbeispiele erfindungsgemässer Federbrücken, in zu Figur 2 analoger Darstellung.

For a more detailed explanation of the invention, some exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

Fig. 1

a sketch of a spring bridge grate with spring bridges according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of an embodiment of a spring bridge according to the invention, broken off in the longitudinal direction of the spring bridge to the rear;

Fig. 3

a front view of the spring bridge of Figure 2, with a schematic indication of different bending positions of the support elements and the main support bridge and

Fig. 4-12

Further exemplary embodiments of spring bridges according to the invention, in a representation analogous to FIG. 2.

The spring bridge shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, generally designated 2, shows the basic elements of the invention. According to FIG. 1, a number of spring bridges 2 for forming a lower mattress are mounted in a frame, here consisting of two longitudinal frames 4.

Each spring bridge 2 consists of a main support bridge 6, which is designed as a hollow section bar with an essentially rectangular cross section, and two support elements 8, each arranged on a longitudinal side of the main support bridge 6. The support elements 8 are molded onto the main support bridge 6 and extend in the form of a flat, wing-like lip from the main support bridge in the lateral direction transversely to its longitudinal axis at an angle upwards and, with the exception of its part directly adjoining the main support bridge 6, protrude beyond the top of the main support bridge.

Due to their flat design and small thickness, the support elements 8 have a comparatively great flexibility or elasticity with respect to the main support bridge 6, which is in any case softer than the flexibility or elasticity of the hollow profile of the main support bridge. Therefore, under the action of a small contact force, the supporting elements 8 are mainly bent and pressed down to the level of the top of the main support bridge and possibly further downward, as is indicated by the different positions along the arrows A in FIG. 3, while the main support bridge 6 yields only slightly (arrow B). Only when the contact force is greater and can also act directly on the main support bridge 6 after the supporting elements 8 have been pressed down, is the latter also deformed more.

Conversely, different, additive load capacities act in the spring bridge 2 against a bearing force; it thus has the desired, progressively adapting spring properties. In addition, the supporting elements 8 can be pressed differently in sections in the longitudinal direction of the spring bridge, so that locally different loading conditions are also possible in this direction. Likewise, the support element on one side of the main support bridge can be pressed further down than that on the other side, which results in a total support surface which is inclined with respect to the horizontal and the spring bridge in its effective position is tilted to a certain extent in an articulated manner.

The embodiment of Figure 4 generally corresponds to that previously described. Here, however, the two support elements are formed by recesses 10 in the longitudinal direction the spring bridge divided into several segments 12. They can therefore adapt locally to an even greater extent.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show spring bridges in which the support element and the main support bridge are separate parts. In both versions, the main support bridge is a hollow profile rod 14, for example made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, with a longitudinal slot 16. The longitudinal slot 16 and the wall webs 18 adjoining it form an undercut groove into which a retaining web 20 or 22 formed on the respective support element can be inserted. In FIG. 5, two wing-like lips 24 are combined to form a single, flat V-shaped support element, while in FIG. 6 a plurality of wing-like support elements 26 are arranged in segments in the longitudinal direction of the spring bridge. The support elements 26 can be inserted in different arrangements, for example — as shown — mutually aligned or all on the same side or in groups on one side and then again on the other side, for example two on the left, two on the right, etc. Likewise, the distances can be adjusted choose freely between the support elements, so that such a design offers many possibilities for variable design of the spring bridge.

FIGS. 7 to 12 show further constructive variants of a spring bridge according to the invention. According to FIG. 7, the main support bridge is designed as a profile bar 28 which is folded several times in the transverse direction, and a wing-like supporting element 30 is formed on each of the lateral outer webs. The multiple folding of the profile bar 28 is useful in two respects. On the one hand, the multiple folding improves the Load capacity of the main support bridge in the longitudinal direction, on the other hand the main support bridge can be deformed to a certain extent in the transverse direction via a contact force acting on the support elements and thus makes an additional contribution to the spring properties of the support elements.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the main support bridge consists of a solid rod 32 with a slightly trapezoidal cross section, which is provided with two longitudinal bores 34. Two wing-like support elements 36 combined into a flat V-shaped part are attached to the top of the main support bridge via a web 38 serving as a spacer. This arrangement advantageously enables an additional gradation in the spring properties of the support elements. If the support element 36, which is spaced above the rod 32, is loaded with a contact force, it hits the rod 32 with its underside after a first partial deflection. For the further deflection, the bending distance is thus shortened and thus the flexibility of the support element is reduced.

According to FIG. 9, flat, slightly upwardly bent support elements 42 are formed laterally on a hollow section bar 40 serving as the main support bridge, each of which has a flat, essentially horizontally extending support element 44 on its longitudinal edge remote from the hollow section bar 40. In addition, the top of the hollow profile rod 40 is widened by laterally projecting webs 46.

The spring bridge shown in FIG. 10 also has a hollow section bar as the main support bridge, here designated 48, on. On this are two sicn each formed on one of the two long sides of the hollow profile rod 48 outwardly extending lips 50, each carrying an upwardly projecting spring element 52 in the form of a flexible V-profile on its outer edge. The two spring elements 52 in turn support a flat support element 54. In this embodiment, the spring properties advantageously result from the interaction of the different elasticity of the support element 54, the spring elements 52, the lips 50 and the hollow profile rod 48.

11 has a further profile bar, specifically a hollow profile bar, with reference number 60 for realizing a spring bridge. This can have precautions that allow the attachment of support elements by means of a snap connection (clip). The corresponding precautions can be grooves, grooves or grooves or, as in the case shown, protruding edges, lugs 62 or tongues. A support element or a support 63, here dimensioned comparatively over a large area, is connected to a snap-on profile which has an approximately U-shaped cross section. In the illustrated embodiment, which is to be understood as an example, the snap-on profile has a rather flat covering part 64. The elastic properties of this part 64 are matched to those of the snap edges 61, so that problem-free clipping and reliable attachment of the support 63 to the profile bar 60 is possible. As described in the foregoing, supports 63 can be freely cantilevered or else large-area and can be connected to a plurality of profile bars 60, optionally only in part or in part Wise. The required ventilation of the top mattress is supported by the shape of the ventilation openings 59. At the same time, the elasticity behavior of the pad 63 can hereby be adjusted. By means of the snap connection mentioned, individual support elements can also be attached to the spring bridges.

As shown in FIG. 12 in a top view, small-area, likewise flexible support elements 63; 64; 65; 66; 67; 68 can be offset from one another or clipped onto the spring bridges or profile bars 60 in the immediate vicinity, so that a locally different elasticity behavior of the base mattress can be adjusted according to individual specifications. The effectiveness of the intended venting function is not unduly restricted. The support elements can be manufactured in different degrees of hardness and can be distinguished from one another, for example, by appropriate coloring. A design of the surfaces of the support elements by means of decor, logo or the like is possible without great effort. Support elements 69 are provided for attachment to two profile bars 60 each and can also be clipped optionally with a respective transverse offset. The profile of the support elements can be designed in a variety of shapes and has, for example, a rather flat cross section or a closed contour, similar to that shown in FIG. 10. In a comparable manner, support elements 70 are optionally clipped onto two or more snap-on profiles on at least two, possibly also three or more profile bars 60, depending on the intended elastic behavior. The various support elements mentioned each have a standardized snap-on profile. By combining different types Support elements can vary the flexibility values of a sub-mattress locally and adapt them to individual needs in a variety of ways.

Claims (21)

Spring bridge for a base mattress designed as a spring bridge frame, in which at least one support element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36) is attached to a main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60), which ultimately takes up the load ; 42; 50; 63) is arranged, which is more flexible and / or elastic than the main support bridge itself, characterized in that the support element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50; 63) is flat and - when aligning the spring bridge according to its use in the lower mattress - extends laterally across the longitudinal axis of the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60) and, at least with partial sections, extends upwards over the top of the main bridge. Spring bridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the support element is designed such that it is bent downwards under load by a bearing force, an area closer to the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60) is rotated by an angle of at most the same size as a more distant area. Spring bridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support element is in the form of a wing-like lip (8; 12; 24; 26) which extends obliquely upwards from the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60) ; 30; 36). Spring bridge according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supporting element (8; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50; 63) is divided into several segments (12) in the longitudinal direction of the spring bridge. Spring bridge according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50; 63) has a flat, essentially horizontally extending support element on its longitudinal edge remote from the main support bridge (44) carries. Spring bridge according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50) on the upper side of the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48) is attached at a distance via a spacer element (38) in such a way that, after a partial deflection by a contact force, its underside strikes the main support bridge and its flexibility is reduced in the event of further deflection due to the shortening of the bending distance thus caused. Spring bridge according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48) and support element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50) are made in one piece. Spring bridge according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support element as an additional part (24; 26; 63; 64; 66; 69; 70) on the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60 ) is attached. Spring bridge according to claim 8, characterized in that the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48) for fastening the support element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50) has an undercut groove (16 , 18) into which a retaining web (20; 22) formed on the support element can be inserted. Spring bridge according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one supporting element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36;) on each of the two longitudinal sides of the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60). 42; 50; 63) is arranged. Spring bridge according to claim 10, characterized in that the support elements (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50; 63) lie opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spring bridge and on the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60) distant edge each carry an upwardly extending spring element (52) which in turn supports a flat support element (54) connecting the two spring elements (52). Spring bridge according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that several support elements (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50; 63; 69; 70) are arranged in segments in the longitudinal direction of the spring bridge. Spring bridge according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a plurality of support elements (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50; 63; 64) are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the spring bridge. Spring bridge according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the main support bridge is designed as a profile bar (6; 14; 28; 40; 48; 60). Spring bridge according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the main support bridge is designed as a profile bar (28) which is folded several times along its longitudinal direction. Spring bridge according to one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the main support bridge (6; 14; 28; 32; 40; 48; 60) and / or support element (8; 12; 24; 26; 30; 36; 42; 50; 63) are preferably made of plastic. Spring bridge according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the main support bridge is designed as a rod or profile rod (6; 14; 28; 40; 48; 60) and one or more support elements (63; 64; 66; 69; 70) can be fastened with snap devices (61; 64) on at least one main support bridge. Spring bridge according to claim 17, characterized by a snap device designed as a profile strip with an approximately U-shaped cross section. Spring bridge according to patent claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the rod or profile rod (6; 14; 28; 40; 48; 60) has a groove or an undercut as a snap fit for a snap device profile (61). Spring bridge according to one of the claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the support elements are attached to main support bridges which are not directly spaced apart. Base mattress, characterized in that it has spring bridges designed according to one of the claims 1 to 20.

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