Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C23/00—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases
  • A47C23/06—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases using wooden springs, e.g. of slat type ; Slatted bed bases
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C23/00—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases
  • A47C23/002—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases with separate resilient support elements, e.g. elastomeric springs arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a suspension taken as a constituent element of a multi-element type box spring.
• box spring described for example in document WO-98/11806, constitutes an alternative to slatted bed bases; it allows in particular to modulate the elasticity in a punctual way by zones, in order to offer a better comfort to the user.
• the present invention provides, as in the case of the aforementioned EP document, a suspension made of thermoplastic material, the flexible parts of which are similar to those mentioned in the aforementioned WO document.
• This suspension according to the invention also offers multiple possibilities for varying its own elasticity and thus adapting it as required, that is to say as a function of its position on the bed base and of the load which is liable to be applied to it.
• this suspension has the advantage of being easily and quickly mounted on the cross beams.
• the suspension according to the invention comprises securing means which cooperate with the supporting crosspieces of the frame of the bed base and, between these means and the plate serving as support for the mattress, a monobloc structure constituted by a pair of shaped spring blades of an arc of a circle, arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane parallel to said crosspieces, and the ends of which are connected by a kind of one-piece hinge produced in the form of a split tube, which hinges being capable of receiving and / or cooperating with complementary organs that lodge in the orifice of said tube and make it possible to vary the deformation capacity of said structure in significant proportions.
• the hinges fitted at the end of the blades have slots oriented towards each other, that is to say towards the inside of the structure, the orifice of said tube being capable of accommodating at least one part which modifies the deformation capacity of said blades when a stress is applied to the plate.
• the parts insertable into the orifices of the hinge tubes are in the form of cylindrical dowels; they are made of material whose hardness is chosen according to the deformation desired for the structure, a material of the polypropylene type for high rigidity or rubber or the like for a certain flexibility.
• the plugs insertable into each hinge can have a length of the order of half that of the hinge and include a head whose size is greater than that of said hinge, made of flexible material , acting as a damping buffer and attenuator of noise when the plate, in its movements, comes to bear on said head.
• the plugs which can be inserted into the tubular orifices of the hinges are connected to one another by a strip and form a kind of tensioner-stiffener, which strip is made of material chosen according to the type of deformation desired: rubber of variable hardness or polypropylene to produce a rigid structure, which strip may also have an evolving section between the pins, either by its dimensions or by material reductions by means of holes.
• the insertable piece forming a tensioner-stiffener is in the form of a split V-shaped band at its ends, which ends each have a small cylindrical dowel insertable in the corresponding hinge.
• the small pegs have on the side of the strip, a head serving as a stop against the sides of the corresponding hinge, which head can also act as a shock absorbing pad for the plate.
• the hinges are open on the outside of the spring blades, so as to accommodate a tensioner-stiffener in the form of a bracelet which may have, at its ends, hinge sides, projecting damping pads, for contact with the tray.
• the hinges open to the outside also have, in their portion of tubular wall, a slot in the form of a light turned towards the inside of the spring blades, which slot allows the mounting of a tensioner-stiffener consisting of a dowel insertable in the corresponding hinge and a blade whose width corresponds to that of said lumen.
• the invention also relates to the complementary parts which cooperate with the hinges and in particular the tensioners-stiffeners consisting either of a bracelet or of a central strip made of material chosen according to the desired deformation capacity in elongation, which tensioners-stiffeners may include, at their ends on the hinge sides, arrangements acting as a shock absorbing pad.
• the means for securing the suspension to the crosspiece consist of a clip-shaped jaw which laterally encloses the edges of said crosspiece.
• the suspension is locked on the cross member by means of a lug arranged in the center of the clip, which lug is intended to be inserted in an orifice provided on the upper face of said cross member.
• the mattress support plate is in the form of a perforated plate, customizable with, in its central part, a small crosspiece capable of being inserted in a jaw in the form of a clip arranged on the top of the elastic structure, in one piece, the assembly being made of thermoplastic rubber with high elastic memory of the TPEE type, for example the material known under the trade name "Hytrel”.
• the mattress support plate disposed above the structure is in one piece with the latter and the fixing clip and the assembly are also made of thermoplastic rubber.
• FIG. 6 shows the suspension equipped with the tensioner-stiffener shown in Figure 5;
• FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the hinges at the end of the suspension leaf springs;
• - Figure 8 shows a bracelet cooperating with the hinges of the suspension shown in Figure 7;
• FIG. 10 shows, in section, a variant of the end of the bracelet in a hinge, with a protrusion in the form of a shock absorbing pad
• FIG. 12 shows a tensioner-stiffener cooperating with the suspension shown in Figure 11;
• FIG. 13 represents a complete suspension corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 11, equipped with the tensioner-stiffener shown in FIG. 12.
• the suspension 1 is shown, FIG. 1, mounted on a cross member 2, which cross member extends between the long sides, not shown, of a box spring frame.
• the suspension 1 comprises: - means which allow it to be fixed to the cross-member 2 and in particular a jaw 3 in the form of a clip, - means for fixing a plate 4 which serves to support the mattress not shown, and, in between, - a structure 5, elastically deformable.
• This suspension preferably forms a one-piece assembly, obtained by molding; it is made of thermoplastic rubber with high elastic memory of the TPEE type, for example of a material known under the trade name "Hytrel”.
• the plate can be in one piece with the suspension, the assembly being molded constituting a single piece.
• the plate 4 can be covered with a hat (not shown), also made of various material of the rubber or other type.
• the jaws 3 and 9 in the form of a clip, each have a base 31, 91 and sides 32, 92 respectively, the section of which is of lunar shape, which sides are extended by flanges 33 and 93 respectively.
• These edges 33 and 93 cover for one the crosspiece 2 and for the other the small crosspiece of the plate 4 over a few millimeters, 2 or 3 mm, so avoid any untimely escape in the event of sudden movement of the plate 4 for example.
• jaw 3 has in the center of its sole 31, a lug 10.
• This lug makes it possible to lock the position of the suspension on the cross member 2, which cross member comprises from place to place, orifices 12 on its upper surface.
• the elastic structure 5 between the jaw 3 and the plate 4 is in an oval or elliptical shape.
• this structure consists of spring blades 13 in the form of a circular arc arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane which passes through the ends of said blades, which ends are in the form of hinges 14
• These blades are oriented transversely with respect to the cross member 2. They are in one piece with the jaws 3 and 9 or with the plate 4 if the latter is in one piece, and extend, in half, on either side of the part. central of the base of said jaws.
• the hinges 14 are in the form of split tubes oriented parallel to the cross member 2.
• Figures 1 and 2 the slots 15 are oriented towards one another towards the inside of the structure 5 and are located in the plane of symmetry of said structure.
• the cylindrical orifices 16 of each hinge 14 can accommodate, as shown in FIG. 1, complementary members in the form of cylindrical parts whose diameter is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of said orifices 16. These parts are made of a material of which the nature is chosen depending on the desired deformation at the hinges 14.
• parts made of rigid polypropylene-type material will prevent any deformation of the hinge and will have the effect of stiffening the structure 5.
• Rubber parts with shore hardness chosen according to requirements, will allow variable deformation at the hinges 14. These parts can be presented as shown in FIG. 1 in the form of pegs 20. These pegs 20 can have a length which corresponds to half the length of the hinges 14. Thus one can insert two pegs
• each hinge which pins may each include a head 21 whose size is greater than that of the hinge 14, which head serves as a stop for the plate 4 in the event of significant deformation of the structure by crushing and total compression of the blades 13.
• This head serves as a stop for the plate 4 in the event of significant deformation of the structure by crushing and total compression of the blades 13.
• the deformation of the structure 5 can also be controlled by means of a kind of tensioner-stiffener 22 consisting of a band 23 which extends between two pins 24 together forming a single piece.
• This strip can be made of any suitable rigid material of the polypropylene or elastic rubber type, the shore hardness of which is chosen as a function of the desired deformation at the level of the structure 5.
• the pins 24 are inserted in the hinges 14 and in particular in the orifices 16 and the strip passes through the slot 15 arranged at the level of these hinges 14. Again, this complementary piece in the form of a tensioner-stiffener
• This personalization can also be found on the heads 21 of the pegs 20 which were discussed above.
• the plate 4 can be made of wood, plastic, etc.
• FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the tensioner-stiffener 22.
• the strip 23 of this tensioner can be fitted with, for example, a decreasing section between the end pegs 24. It can also include reductions in material so as to modify the characteristics thereof. elastic. This reduction in material can consist, as shown in FIG. 3, in orifices 25 which form days.
• Figure 4 shows the suspension fitted with the tensioner-stiffener 22 shown in Figure 3.
• the pins 24 of this tensioner are inserted into the tubular holes 16 of the hinges 14.
• the spring leaves 13 distort; they tend to distance the hinges 14 from each other and to close the slots 15 of the orifices 16.
• a tension is exerted on the central strip 23 of the tensioners and this tension counteracts the movement of the spring blades 13.
• the figure 5 shows another alternative embodiment of the tensioner-stiffener 22.
• the central strip 23 is split at its ends in the form of a V and it has a general appearance of X.
• the pegs 24 are in the form of small pegs 241 each associated with the end of the portions of strips 231.
• Each small ankle 241 may include a head 27 which is positioned, as shown in FIG. 6, on the sides of the hinges 14. These heads 27 prevent any movement of the tensioner-stiffener 22 in the housings 16 of the hinges 14 and in particular any movement which tends to dissociate said tensioners 22 of said orifices 16. The positioning of the tensioner 22 according to the embodiment of the figure
• the slot 26 at the ends of the strip 23 is deep enough to allow deformation of the tensioner and the integration of the small pins 241 in their housing.
• FIG. 6 shows the suspension equipped with the tensioner-stiffener 22 shown in Figure 5.
• This tensioner-stiffener is centered and remains centered in the hinges 14 thanks to the heads 27 which are supported on the ends or sides of said hinges.
• FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the hinges fitted at the end of the spring leaves 13.
• These hinges 14 ′ are also in the form of split tubes.
• the slots 15 ' are oriented towards the outside.
• the tubular wall portion 30 of each hinge is in the form of an arc between the ends of the spring leaves 13; this wall 30 is turned inward. Note, in Figure 7, that the wall 30 has a width less than that of the spring blades 13.
• the hinges 14 ' actually accommodate a tensioner-stiffener 22' in the form of a bracelet.
• This bracelet is shown in Figure 8, made of a rubber-like material; it has a circular section, for example, the diameter of which corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical orifices 16 'arranged at each of said hinges 14
• the strap 22 ′ is easily placed in the hinges 14 ′ and is integrated, as shown in FIG. 9, into the overall size of the suspension thanks to the width of the wall 30, which is less than that of the spring blades 13.
• the material of the bracelet 31 can be adapted and chosen according to the characteristics desired for the suspension.
• the color of the bracelet can be chosen according to the customization provided for these suspension elements.
• Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the bracelet 22 'which consists of a protrusion 31 located projecting at each hinge 14'.
• This protuberance 31 conforms to the external contour of the hinges 14 ′ and its ends 32 are such that, in the event of movement of the plate 4, the latter can bear on said upper ends 32 which act as a damping pad and a noise attenuator.
• Figure 11 shows a variant of Figure 7 in which the hinges 14 'are open to the outside.
• the tubular wall portion 30 'at the ends of the blades 13 extends over the entire width of said blades 13 but has a slot 35 in the form of a lumen.
• This slot 35 makes it possible to insert the ends of a particular tensioner-stiffener 22, shown in FIG. 12.
• This tensioner-stiffener 22 comprises a strip central 23 and pegs 24 at its ends.
• the central strip 23 has a width which corresponds to that of the slot 35.
• the tensioner-stiffener 22 extends between the walls 32 with its ends and in particular the pins 24, housed in the hinges 14 '.
• the pins 24 may have a width less than or equal to the width of the hinges.
• This type of tensioner-stiffener 22, shown in Figure 12, has the advantage of being immobilized and locked at the hinges 14 '.
• the bracelet 22 'shown in FIG. 8 is irremovable when it is positioned in the hinges 14', whatever the movements imposed on the plate 4 and the spring blades 13.

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• Springs (AREA)
• Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=9545441

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (14)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 1999
  • 1999-05-06 FR FR9905965A patent/FR2793125B1/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2000
  • 2000-05-04 EP EP00927315A patent/EP1179987A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2000-05-04 AU AU45744/00A patent/AU4574400A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-05-04 WO PCT/FR2000/001209 patent/WO2000067618A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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