Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
• • 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
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/02—Seat parts
  • A47C7/14—Seat parts of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a support structure with a self-adapting support surface for receiving any type of body, this support structure comprising at least one base and a set of separate pads, adjacent and connected to said base by means of connection so that they are movable with respect to each other and with respect to said base to form said self-adjusting bearing surface, the connection means comprising at least one set of platforms of the same level forming a single stage, each platform being linked to the base by at least one articulation, the assembly formed by an articulation, at least one platform and the corresponding studs defining a basic module.
• Various support structures exist. They can be used for the comfort of people, for example, in mattresses, seats, sofas, etc. They can also be used, in industry, in shock absorbing supports, conveyor belts to wedge or transport fragile, precious and / or bulky objects.
• certain support structures such as those used for example in furniture for mattresses or sofas, consist of a structure of synthetic foam.
• these foam structures are not satisfactory because they tend to compact in the support areas of the body. In these areas, the foam density is concentrated, making these support structures uncomfortable and the distribution of forces not uniform over the entire support surface.
• the use of such support structures in a hospital environment is strongly discouraged because they cause compressions in the support areas of the body. excessive tissue and disruption of blood circulation, up to and including pressure ulcers.
• the foam structures can hardly be cleaned and sanitized. They therefore promote the proliferation of microbes and bacteria. These support structures are also difficult to recycle.
• the inflation or filling of these support structures can be modified during use at a more or less frequent frequency to, for example, promote blood circulation in bedridden people.
• the envelope can form a single sealed chamber or be divided into compartments which are sealed together or not.
• these support structures favor the distribution of the weight of the body over the entire support surface.
• these support structures have major drawbacks. Indeed, they are expensive, impractical and the air tightness of their envelope promotes perspiration of people and makes them uncomfortable.
• water mattresses are particularly heavy to handle and can only be used in a horizontal position.
• This support structure comprises a base carrying a branched frame provided with a first articulated lever, by means of a pivot, relative to the base.
• This first lever carries two second levers articulated, by means of pivots, relative to the first lever.
• Each second lever carries four third articulated levers, by means of pivots, with respect to the second levers.
• the second and third levers have an H shape, the ends of the branches of which carry the pivots.
• the third levers carry at their ends plates forming a bearing surface, these plates being articulated, by means of pivots, relative to the third levers.
• This articulated support structure comprising stepped pivot joints is bulky and limits the movements to a degree of freedom in rotation per pivot. In addition, it requires a large number of parts, hence a high weight and manufacturing cost. This solution is therefore not satisfactory.
• the present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a support structure with a self-adapting support surface, of low weight, compact, inexpensive, hygienic, capable of being easily washed and disinfected, having a long life, having a high pad density and making it possible to distribute substantially uniformly and homogeneously the forces resulting from the support structure on the object or the person bearing on such a structure.
• the invention relates to a support structure of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the platforms have the shape of a star with three branches, each of which carries a stud and in that the joints are chosen in the group comprising at least the mechanical ball joints and the elastic connections so that the studs and the platforms have three degrees of freedom in rotation.
• the connecting means comprise a number "n” of sets of platforms of different levels defining a number "n” of stages, the platforms of stage “n” carrying the studs, each platform of stage “n” being linked to a platform of stage “n-1” by at least one articulation, each platform of stage “n-1” carrying the at least two platforms of stage “n” and being linked to a platform of stage “n-2" by at least one articulation, each platform of first stage being linked to the base by at least an articulation, the platforms having a star shape comprising three branches and the articulations being chosen from the group comprising at least the mechanical ball joints, the elastic connections.
• the support structure advantageously comprises several adjacent base modules arranged so that the platforms overlap one another.
• the platforms and the studs are preferably arranged so that the studs occupy more than 85% of the surface of the bearing surface.
• the joints are formed from different parts and attached to the platforms.
• the joints are at least partially integrated into the platforms so as to form with the platforms one-piece parts.
• the support structure advantageously comprises return means arranged to cooperate with the joints to return the platforms to their initial position when the support structure is no longer stressed by a body in support.
• return means can be chosen from the group comprising at least the springs, the elastic washers, the elastomer shims, the spring blades.
• the joints and the return means consist of a single piece of elastic material.
• the articulations connecting the platforms of a stage “n” to the platforms of a stage “n-1” or to the base are arranged substantially at the center of gravity of each platform of the stage “n” to form a pendulum.
• the studs carried by the platform of the stage “n” are arranged on either side of its center of gravity.
• the articulations connecting the platforms of a stage “n-1” to the platforms of a stage “n” are arranged on either side of the center of gravity of each platform of the stage " n-1 ".
• the branches of the star-shaped platforms are separated two by two by an angle substantially equal to 120 ° and the platforms of the same stage are substantially identical.
• the platforms can be made of an elastically deformable material.
• the platforms of stage “n” can be adjacent and contiguous and include a connecting member arranged to limit their relative displacement.
• This connecting member may consist of a flexible elastic link arranged around the contiguous studs of at least two contiguous platforms.
• This support structure may also include means for guiding said studs.
• These guide means may consist of an openwork covering defining guide holes for receiving the studs, this openwork covering being chosen from the group comprising at least one mesh, a mesh, a perforated plate.
• These guide means may also include an elastic coating disposed on the pads, these pads being secured to the elastic coating by a technique chosen from the group comprising at least bonding, riveting, welding.
• These studs can have a section of shape chosen from the group comprising at least the cylinder, the hexagon, the square. They advantageously comprise at their free end an at least partially spherical head, are made of an elastically deformable material and are arranged to define a substantially planar support surface when the support structure is not stressed by a body in support.
• FIG. 1 represents a partial perspective view from above of a sub-assembly of a support structure according to the invention
• FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view from below of the subassembly of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the subassembly of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a complete view from below of the subassembly of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 5 is a top view of several sub-assemblies arranged on a support to form a support structure according to the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a complete perspective view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 4.
• the support structures in general can be used for many applications requiring vertical, oblique, horizontal or arbitrary support, of any type of body, people and / or objects.
• the support structures are used in the field of comfort and serve as supports for seated or bedridden people.
• These supports can be beds for example anti-decubitus, relaxation seats for example at the dentist, armchairs, sofas, chairs, deckchairs, office seats, passenger seats in cars, planes , buses, trains, cushions for example for wheelchairs, for stretchers, for rescue sleds or any other ambulance equipment, in particular re-immersible rehabilitation mattresses for use in swimming pools.
• These supports can also be insoles, for example orthopedic.
• the support structures are used in the transport field and serve as supports for objects, for example fragile and / or expensive and / or bulky.
• These supports can be damping blocks, for example used to wedge objects in a container, intermediate blocks arranged for example between a roller conveyor and an object to be moved, the intermediate block being able to accompany the object during its movement.
• a third category includes various applications such as, for example, the padding of backpacks, the manufacture of shock-absorbing walls or floors, for example for sports halls, confinement rooms, children's play rooms, the structure itself being able to constitute a game for children.
• the description relates in a nonlimiting manner to a support structure falling into the first category of applications and used as a mattress for example for an anti-decubitus bed intended for the hospital environment. It is obvious that the invention also applies to support structures falling within all the other categories of applications mentioned above.
• this support structure 1 comprises a base 2, a set of separate and adjacent pads 3 forming the self-adapting support surface as well as connecting means 4 movably connecting the pads 3 to the base 2.
• the base 2 consists of a frame 2a shown in FIG. 5, the lateral edges of which are connected by crosspieces 2b.
• the base 2 can also consist of a solid or perforated plate, of a network of parallel or non-parallel tubes, or of any other equivalent self-supporting support.
• This base 2 is for example made of synthetic material, wood, composite materials, metal or any other material equivalent.
• the support structure 1 may include one or more bases 2 arranged adjacent or not, linked together or not and optionally articulated with respect to each other. Each base 2 can have reduced dimensions of the order of a few square centimeters or larger dimensions of the order of several square meters.
• the bases 2 may have feet or be placed on the ground or on any other support wall.
• the pads 3 each have a lower end 31 coupled to the connecting means 4 and a free upper end 32 forming the self-adaptable bearing surface of the support structure 1.
• the pads 3 have a cylindrical section but can also have a hexagonal, square or any other suitable section.
• each stud 3 comprises a rod 33, for example cylindrical, presenting towards its lower end 31 a reduction in diameter defining two opposite shoulders 34, 34 ′ used, as detailed below, for secure the studs 3 to the connecting means 4 by fitting as illustrated or by means of a pin (not shown) or by any other equivalent means.
• the pads 3 can be glued to the connecting means 4.
• the free end of the pad 3 comprises a hemispherical head 32 whose diameter is greater than that of the rod 33.
• This head 32 allows that the surface of the stud 3 urged by the body bearing on the support structure 1 is substantially constant whatever the position of the stud 3.
• the rod 33 and the head 32 can be formed in one piece or in several pieces assemblies.
• the head 32 is for example attached to the rod 33 to which it is linked in rotation by a pivot link.
• the rod 33 and / or the head 32 can be rigid and made of machined or molded synthetic material, wood, composite materials, metal and alloys, or any other equivalent material. It can also be made of elastically deformable materials, for example rubber, elastomer or any other equivalent material.
• the connecting means 4 comprise a set of platforms 41-44 connected together and / or to the base 2 (not shown in these figures) by joints 51-54 for that the platforms 41-44 are movable with one another and relative to the base 2.
• the platforms 41-44 are arranged as illustrated on several levels, each level forming a stage "n".
• the support structure 1 thus comprises a multitude of stages "n” as required, the minimum support structure 1 possibly comprising a single stage.
• the platforms of stage “n” each carry at least two studs 3.
• Each platform of stage “n” is connected to a platform of the stage “n-1” by a joint, each platform of the stage “n-1” is connected to a platform of the stage “n-” 2 by another joint and so on to the first stage connected to the base 2 by another articulation.
• the platforms are arranged so that each platform of a lower stage “n-1” carries at least two platforms of the upper stage "n”.
• each platform 44 of the fourth stage each carries three studs 3 and is connected in its center to a platform 43 of the third stage by a hinge 54.
• Each platform 43 of the third stage carries three platforms 44 of the fourth stage and is connected in its center to a platform 42 of the second stage by a hinge 53.
• Each platform 42 of the second stage carries three platforms 43 of the third stage and is connected in its center to a platform 41 of the first stage by a joint 53.
• Each platform 41 of the first stage is connected in its center to the base 2 by a joint 51 to the base 2.
• the platforms 41-44 are symmetrical about an axis or about a plane passing through their center of gravity. They are for example made from plates of synthetic material, wood, composite materials, metal or any other equivalent material of thickness varying according to the material used and generally greater than 1 mm. They can be produced in rigid materials or, preferably, in elastically deformable materials.
• the platforms 44 of the fourth stage carrying the studs 3 have for example external dimensions inscribed in a circle of 60 to 170 mm and the platforms 41 of the first stage have external dimensions inscribed in a circle preferably greater than 170 mm .
• the platforms 41-44 have a star shape with three arms 41 to 44 a, b and c. It is understood that the platforms 41-44 of the same floor or different floors can be made of different materials, rigid or elastically deformable.
• the star shape is particularly advantageous because it allows the platforms 41-44 of the same stage to nest into one another as illustrated in FIG. 4.
• the platforms of the upper stage are arranged so that the studs are adjacent to form a homogeneous and dense surface. With cylindrical studs with a diameter of 2.5 cm, a coverage rate of more than 85% is thus reached relative to the total surface of the support structure 1. Such results cannot be obtained with platforms having d 'other forms.
• the platform 44 of the fourth stage has orifices 44d intended for fixing the studs 3.
• the other platforms 41, 42, 43 have orifices 41d, 42d, 43d, for fixing the joints 52, 53, 54 respectively
• Each platform 41- 44 also has holes 41e-44e for fixing the joints 51-54 respectively. All these orifices are preferably identical and cylindrical but can also be different and have any other suitable shape.
• the orifices 44d provided for the pads 3 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the center of gravity of the platform 44 and at the end of each arm of the star.
• each platform 41, 42, 43 the orifices 41d, 42d, 43d, provided for the joints 52, 53, 54, are arranged symmetrically on either side of the center of gravity of the platform 41, 42, 43 and at the end of each arm of the star.
• the orifices 41e-44e provided for the joints 51-54 are preferably each disposed at the center of gravity of the platform 41-44.
• the joints 51-54 can be made of parts of elastically deformable or rigid material and used in combination with platforms 41-44 elastically deformable or rigid.
• a joint 51-54 made of elastically deformable material can thus be combined with a platform 41-44 made of elastically deformable or rigid material.
• a joint 51-54 made of rigid material can thus be combined with a platform 41-44 made of elastically deformable or rigid material.
• the joints 51-54 consist of parts integrated into the platforms 41-44 forming with them one-piece parts.
• Each joint 51-54 can thus have two parts, a first part secured to a first platform with a "n" stage, a second part secured of a one-storey platform "n-1", the two parts being arranged to fit together and form the joint 51-54.
• Each joint 51-54 can also have three parts, a first part secured to a first platform with a stage "n", a second part secured to a platform with a stage "n-1", a third intermediate part disposed between the first and second parts in which it fits to form with them the joint 51-54.
• the joints 51-54 can also cooperate with return means bringing the platforms back to their initial position when the support structure 1 is no longer stressed by a body in support.
• return means are for example springs, elastic washers, elastomer shims, spring blades.
• the joints 51-54 and the return means consist of a single piece made of elastic material, for example of axis Al -A4 and substantially symmetrical with respect to a median plane substantially perpendicular to the Al -A4 axis.
• Each articulation 51-54 fulfills the function of articulation and of return means.
• These joints 51-54 are cylindrical and have on each side of their median plane zones of smaller diameter 51a, 51b - 54a, 54a defining opposite shoulders used to secure the joints 51-54 to the platforms 41-44 and / or to the base 2 by interlocking.
• each joint 51-54 located between the zones 51a, 51b - 54a, 54a has a partially spherical shape making it possible not to hinder the inclination of the platforms 41-44 relative to each other and relative to the base 2.
• These joints 51-54 can of course have different shapes and be linked to the platforms 41-44 and / or to the base 2 by gluing, welding, screwing or any other equivalent means.
• These joints 51-54 can also be formed from one or more parts.
• the platforms 44 of the fourth stage are arranged adjacent and contiguous and are interconnected by a connecting member 60 limiting their relative movement.
• This connecting member 60 is formed of a flexible elastic link or any other equivalent means. It is arranged around three contiguous pads 3 of three adjacent platforms 44.
• This flexible link 60 makes it possible to avoid that, in certain positions, the platforms 44 do not overlap and remain blocked in this position.
• This flexible link 60 also contributes to bringing the platforms 44 back to their initial position when the support structure 1 is no longer stressed by a bearing body.
• other connecting members can be provided between the platforms 43 or 42 or 41 when they are arranged adjacent and contiguous.
• the platforms 41-44 may also have particular shapes and dimensions limiting any risk of overlapping.
• the star shape as shown is therefore recommended.
• the edges of the stars can be rounded or chamfered so that in the event of overlapping the platforms 41-44 do not remain blocked.
• the base 2 is substantially flat, the platforms 41-44 are substantially parallel to the base 2 and the pads 3 are substantially perpendicular to the platform 44 from the fourth floor.
• the studs 3 define a substantially planar support surface.
• the platforms 41-44 and the pads 3 can be dimensioned and positioned so that the pads 3 are contiguous to each other and that the bearing surface is maximum.
• the studs 3 can be associated with guide means guiding them in their movement when the support structure 1 is urged by a body in support.
• These guide means can be constituted by a coating covering the bearing surface formed by the studs 3, this covering being perforated defining for each stud 3 a guide orifice, such as for example a mesh, a mesh, a perforated plate in all. suitable material.
• These guide means may also include an elastic coating disposed on the pads 3, the pads 3 being secured to this elastic coating by a technique chosen from the group comprising at least bonding, riveting, welding. This coating is for example made of Gortex®, Dartex®, fabric of natural, synthetic or artificial fibers, etc.
• each pad 3 can be crossed by an orifice oriented towards the support surface.
• This orifice promotes the circulation of air through the support structure 1, thus limiting the perspiration of the person in support.
• These orifices can also be used for the passage of a fluid, a liquid or a gas, for example air that can be conditioned.
• the amplitude of the deformation of the self-adjusting bearing surface depends in particular on the size of the platforms 41-44 as well as on the number "n" of stages.
• the support structures 1 according to the invention can easily be cleaned, disinfected and sanitized thanks to their design and the materials used. This aspect is particularly useful and important when these support structures 1 are used for the hospital environment. This cleaning is carried out for example by spraying or by immersion in a cleaning and / or disinfectant liquid. Hospital mattresses made up of such a support structure can thus be fully disinfected between two patients, which limits the risk of contamination and secondary infection.
• the support structure 1 can also be used in combination with a vibration device animating the structure randomly to massage and / or promote the circulation of blood. This combination is particularly appreciable for long-term bedding.
• This description clearly shows that the invention makes it possible to meet the set goals and in particular to obtain a light, efficient and economical structure.
• the use of ball and / or elastic links allows, with a limited number of parts and in a reduced overall size, optimal mobility of the studs forming the bearing surface.
• the studs define unitary support surfaces of reduced dimensions. The spacing between the adjacent studs is limited as much as possible thanks to the star platforms.
• the bearing surface obtained is "full” and has a significant fineness of deformation so as to uniformly distribute the forces resulting from the bearing structure on the object or the person bearing on it.

Landscapes

• Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
• Vehicle Interior And Exterior Ornaments, Soundproofing, And Insulation (AREA)
• Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)
• Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
• Buffer Packaging (AREA)
• Packaging Of Machine Parts And Wound Products (AREA)
• Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
• Input Circuits Of Receivers And Coupling Of Receivers And Audio Equipment (AREA)
• Furnace Charging Or Discharging (AREA)
• Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

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Family Applications (1)

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• 2002
  • 2002-05-14 FR FR0205890A patent/FR2839628B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2003
  • 2003-05-13 PT PT03749943T patent/PT1503643E/pt unknown
  • 2003-05-13 WO PCT/FR2003/001451 patent/WO2003094669A1/fr active IP Right Grant
  • 2003-05-13 DE DE60317187T patent/DE60317187T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-05-13 AU AU2003258758A patent/AU2003258758A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-05-13 ES ES03749943T patent/ES2297193T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-05-13 EP EP03749943A patent/EP1503643B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-05-13 AT AT03749943T patent/ATE376789T1/de active
  • 2003-05-13 US US10/513,330 patent/US7370842B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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