EP3087872B1 - One-piece mattress suspension device - Google Patents

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to the fields of furniture and bedding, and more particularly that of suspension devices intended to be interposed between a mattress and a support structure.

To ensure a comfortable suspension of the mattresses beds or sit, conventionally used devices consisting of slats attached at their ends to the two longitudinal members of a bed frame or seat. Such slats directly support the mattress, over the entire width of the latter, which ensures a continuity of support for the user in the direction of the width of the frame.

Nevertheless, such slatted devices have the disadvantage of flexing and sagging significantly in the central portion of the slats under the weight of the user, when the latter extends in this central portion. This results in a lack of comfort for the user who, once extended in the central part of the slats, is confined in the latter which conforms to a bowl.

To overcome this problem, it is known to replace the laths by studs that occasionally support the mattress. Unfortunately, such point surfaces have the disadvantage compared to slats devices to cause a discontinuity in the user's support in the direction of the width of the frame. This discontinuity is likely to affect the impression of comfort given by this type of suspension device, especially when the user turns and moves in the width direction of the frame.

Supporting devices capable of attenuating sagging of conventional lathed devices while maintaining a certain degree of continuity in supporting the mattress in the width direction of the frame have been proposed, particularly in French patent application publications. FR 3,005,400 and FR 2 914 164 . However, these devices have complex shapes, formed by assemblies of several parts, which makes them relatively complex and expensive in their production. A monoblock device has been proposed in the publication FR 2,859,891 , but its manufacture also requires several stages. Other monobloc devices have been disclosed in the German patent DE 10 2012 107887 B3 , in the European patent application publication EP 2 489 288 A1 and in the German utility certificate DE 20 2007 000158 U1 .

Object and summary of the invention

The present disclosure aims to remedy these drawbacks, and more specifically to provide a monobloc suspension device, intended to be interposed between a mattress and a support structure, which can be manufactured in a simpler and more economical manner while providing greater comfort. .

In at least one embodiment, this object is achieved by virtue of the fact that this one-piece device, which comprises a plate defining a support plane of the mattress, a point of attachment to the support structure, and a more elastic elastic section than the plate in the direction perpendicular to the bearing plane and interposed between the plate and the fixing point in the direction perpendicular to the bearing plane for absorbing compression forces, is shaped such that any axis perpendicular to said bearing plane passing through the monobloc suspension device intersects the monoblock suspension device on a single axis segment. There is thus a bijective relation between points of a projection of the monobloc suspension device on said support plane and intersection segments of axes perpendicular to the support plane with the monobloc suspension device: at each projection point corresponds only one intersection segment. In order to provide a kinematics suitable for absorbing a compression force of the monobloc suspension device and thus ensure a high level of comfort, the elastic section may comprise at least one elbow element comprising a first arm and a second arm, a first elastic hinge on a first end of the first arm, and a second elastic hinge, more flexible than the first elastic hinge, connecting a second end of the first arm to the second arm, and forming a bend so that the first arm has a larger angle by report to said support plan as the angle of the second arm with respect to said support plane.

Thanks to these arrangements, it is possible to produce the one-piece device in a single molding step in a mold opening perpendicularly to the support plane. Demolding is possible even in a two-element mold.

An additional advantage of this configuration lies in the handling and the logistic management of a plurality of such monoblock devices, because this configuration makes them stackable, thus substantially reducing their storage volume.

In order to accommodate the point of attachment and the elastic section while respecting this configuration, the plate may have an opening facing the attachment point and the elastic section in the direction perpendicular to the support plane.

The elastic section may in particular at least two bent elements arranged symmetrically to one another, following a plane of symmetry perpendicular to said support plane.

To facilitate demolding, the upper arm and the lower arm of each elbow element can inclined in the same direction relative to the support plane. However, a configuration in which the upper arm and the lower arm of each bent element are inclined in opposite directions relative to the support plane is also possible and facilitates the bending of the bent element under compression.

In order to facilitate its manufacture, in particular by injection molding, the one-piece device may be made of thermoplastic material. In addition, to obtain a good elasticity and damping capacity, the one-piece device can be made of elastomeric material. Simultaneously thermoplastic and elastomeric materials may be used, such as, for example, an elastomeric thermoplastic copolyester.

To facilitate its attachment to the support structure, for example by a single screw, a fixing hole may be formed at the point of attachment. The attachment point may be located on a base distinct from the elastic section, but also on the elastic section itself. In addition, to facilitate the flow of air through the mattress, the tray may have vents.

Typically, such suspension devices are attached side-by-side on sleepers of a bedstead or sit structure. In order to facilitate such an arrangement, the tray may have a rectangular outer contour. By "rectangular" is meant in this context any contour with four edges in right angles, including square contours. Moreover, these right angles can be rounded or bevelled.

The present disclosure also relates to a monoblock module comprising at least one monobloc device such as those mentioned above. In particular, the monoblock module may include several such monobloc devices, aligned in a direction parallel to said support plane and connected by their respective trays, thus allowing their attachment to the same cross. However, it is also possible to fix on different sleepers monobloc suspension devices of the same module. To increase the modularity, the monobloc suspension devices of the same monoblock module having several monobloc suspension devices can be identical to each other.

The present disclosure also relates to an assembly comprising a support structure and at least one monoblock module such as those mentioned above fixed on the support structure. In particular, this set may comprise a plurality of these monoblock modules fixed on one and the same face of the same crossmember of the support structure, although it is also conceivable to fix a single monoblock module extending over the entire length of the structure. such a cross. Nevertheless, when the assembly comprises a plurality of monoblock modules, this plurality may comprise monoblock modules of different sizes, and in particular incorporating different numbers of identical monobloc suspension devices to one another, to offer modularity. allowing easy adaptation to support structures of different sizes. The support structure may for example be that of a conventional bed base, comprising two longitudinally oriented longitudinal members and a plurality of cross members connecting the two longitudinal members in the transverse direction.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un module monobloc suivant un premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 2A est une vue du haut du module de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 2B et 2C sont des vues en coupe du module de la figure 1 suivant les plans IIB-IIB et IIC-IIC, respectivement ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique du module de la figure 1 déformé sous une force F ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'un module monobloc de suspension suivant un deuxième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté du module de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un module monobloc de suspension suivant un troisième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 7 est une vue de côté du module de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble d'une structure de support et une pluralité des modules de support suivant les trois premiers modes de réalisation ;
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective d'un module monobloc suivant un quatrième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 10A est une vue de côté du module de la figure 9 ;
• la figure 10B est une vue en coupe du module de la figure 9 suivant le plan XB-XB ;
• la figure 11 est une vue en perspective d'un module monobloc suivant un cinquième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 12 est une vue du côté du module monobloc de la figure 11 ;
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective d'un module monobloc suivant un sixième mode de réalisation ; et
• la figure 14 est une vue de côté du module monobloc de la figure 13.

The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better, on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a monoblock module according to a first embodiment;
• the Figure 2A is a view from the top of the module of the figure 1 ;
• the Figures 2B and 2C are sectional views of the module of the figure 1 following plans IIB-IIB and IIC-IIC, respectively;
• the figure 3 is a schematic view of the module of the figure 1 deformed under a force F;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of a monobloc suspension module according to a second embodiment;
• the figure 5 is a side view of the module of the figure 4 ;
• the figure 6 is a perspective view of a monobloc suspension module according to a third embodiment;
• the figure 7 is a side view of the module of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembly of a support structure and a plurality of support modules according to the first three embodiments;
• the figure 9 is a perspective view of a monoblock module according to a fourth embodiment;
• the figure 10A is a side view of the module of the figure 9 ;
• the figure 10B is a sectional view of the module of the figure 9 following the XB-XB plan;
• the figure 11 is a perspective view of a monoblock module according to a fifth embodiment;
• the figure 12 is a side view of the monoblock module of the figure 11 ;
• the figure 13 is a perspective view of a one-piece module according to a sixth embodiment; and
• the figure 14 is a side view of the monoblock module of the figure 13 .

Detailed description of the invention

The FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2C illustrate a first embodiment of a monobloc module 1 comprising a single monoblock suspension device 2 intended to be interposed between a mattress and a support structure in a bed or the seat of a piece of furniture such as a sofa or a sofa. sofa. This monoblock suspension device 2 comprises a plate 3, defining a support plane A of the mattress, a base 4 with a fixing orifice 5 on a fixing point, and an elastic section 6, more elastic than the plate 3 in the direction perpendicular to the support plane A and interposed between the plate 3 and the base 4 in the direction perpendicular to the support plane A to absorb compression forces. In the illustrated embodiment, the monoblock module 1 may be made in one piece of thermoplastic elastomer material, for example elastomeric thermoplastic copolyester, by a method such as injection molding. As illustrated in particular on the Figure 2A , the plate 3 has a rectangular contour with rounded corners and a plurality of ventilation orifices 7, as well as a central opening 8 facing the elastic section 6 and the base 4 in a direction perpendicular to the support plane A.

As illustrated in particular on the Figure 2B , the elastic section 6 is formed by two bent elements 9 arranged symmetrically to each other, along the plane of symmetry IIC-IIC perpendicular to said bearing plane A. Each of these bent elements 9 comprises a first arm 9a and a second arm 9b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 9a, a first end of which is connected to the plate 3 by a first elastic hinge 9c, extends towards the base 4 with an angle α [ALPHA] right or almost right with respect to the support plane A. In particular, this angle α [ALPHA] can be, for example, between 80 ° and 90 °.

A second end of the first arm 9a is connected to the second arm 9b by a second elastic hinge 9d forming an elbow, so that the second arm 9b extends towards the base 4 with an angle β [BETA] substantially less than the angle α [ALPHA] relative to the support plane A. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, this angle β [BETA] can be between 0 ° and 60 °. A third elastic hinge 9e in turn connects the second arm 9b to the base 4.

As illustrated on the Figure 2B thanks to this configuration, any axis Z ₁ or Z ₂ perpendicular to said support plane A passing through the monobloc suspension device 2 intersects the monobloc suspension device 2 on a single intersection segment S ₁ , S ₂ corresponding. The relationship between points of a projection of the monobloc suspension device 2 on said support plane A, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 2A , and intersecting segments of axes perpendicular to the support plane A with the monobloc suspension device is therefore bijective: at each point of the projection corresponds a single intersection segment. The monoblock device is free of undercuts. This has several advantages: first, the demolding along an axis perpendicular to the support plane A is thus facilitated compared to that of a module which would have undercuts in this direction, and then the modules are thus stackable and therefore more easily storable and transportable in large quantities.

To facilitate the elastic deformation of the elastic section 6 in this configuration, and thus ensure a good suspension of the mattress supported by the plate 3, the first elastic hinge 9c is more rigid than the second and third elastic hinges 9d and 9e. The angular deflection when a force F is exerted between the plate 3 and the base 4 along an axis perpendicular to said support plane A is thus greater at the second and third elastic hinges 9d, 9e than at the first elastic hinge 9c, folding thus the elbow formed between the first arm 9a and the second arm 9b under this load, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 . When the force F stops acting on the plate 3, the elastic hinges 9c to 9e will relax, bringing the elastic section 6 to its initial position. The viscoelastic nature of the elastomer forming the monoblock suspension device 2 will ensure this elastic return and appropriate damping of the bending and relaxing movements of the bent elements 9 of the elastic section 6.

Although in this first embodiment the monoblock module 1 has only one monobloc suspension device 2, it is also possible to include several such monoblock suspension devices in a single monobloc module. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated on the Figures 4 and 5 , a single monoblock module 1 'comprises two identical monobloc suspension devices 2, 2'. Each of the two monobloc suspension devices 2, 2 'comprises the same elements as that of the first embodiment, which accordingly receive the same reference numbers in the drawings. The two monobloc suspension devices 2, 2 'are connected by their trays 3, so as to support the mattress in parallel. They are aligned in a direction parallel to their common support plane A, so as to allow their attachment to the same cross. In the embodiment illustrated on the Figures 6 and 7 a single monoblock module 1 "even comprises three monoblock suspension devices 2, 2, 2", each also comprising the same elements as the first embodiment, which therefore receive the same reference numbers in the drawings. As in the previous embodiment, the monobloc suspension devices 2, 2 ', 2 "are connected by their trays 3, and aligned in a direction parallel to their common support plane A, so as to allow their attachment to a same crosses.

The availability of modules of different sizes incorporating one or more monoblock suspension devices facilitates their adaptation to support structures of different widths. The figure 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an assembly comprising a support structure 10, and a plurality of monoblock modules 1, 1 ', 1 "fixed on this support structure 10 by screws (not shown) passing through the fixing orifices 5 bases 4 of each monobloc suspension device 2.2 ', 2 ".The support structure 10 comprises a frame with two longitudinally oriented longitudinal members 11, and a plurality of crosspieces 12 transversely connecting these longitudinal members 11. The monoblock modules 1, 1', 1" are fixed on the outer face of each cross member 12, aligned along the cross members 12, with a common support plane A to support the mattress. It is possible to combine modules 1.1 ', 1 "of different sizes incorporating one or more monobloc suspension devices to cover the support structure 10 over its entire width.The rectangular shape of the trays 3 provides a good filling of the surface of the support structure 10 on the support plane A. Although in the example shown the monoblock modules 1 ', 1 "are oriented along the crosspieces 12, so that each monobloc module 1', 1 "is fixed to a single crosspiece 12, it is also conceivable to give a different orientation to these monoblock modules 1 ', 1", such as a longitudinal orientation orthogonal to the orientation of the cross members 12, so as to attach to a cross 12 different each monobloc suspension device 2,2 ', 2 "of the monobloc module 1', 1" and oriented.

Although in each previous embodiment the first arm 9a and the second arm 9b of each bent element 9 are inclined in the same direction relative to the support plane A, an alternative configuration is conceivable in which they are inclined in opposite directions. such that the fixing element is raised relative to the elastic hinge 9d forming a bend. This configuration is that of the fourth embodiment, illustrated on the Figures 9, 10A and 10B , on which elements equivalent to those of the previous embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Moreover, this fourth embodiment, in which the monoblock module 1 "comprises several one-piece suspension devices 2,2 ', 2", is also distinguished from the second and third embodiments in that the bending planes of the elbow elements 9 are perpendicular to the direction in which the monoblock suspension devices 2,2 ', 2 "of the monoblock module 1" are aligned.

Although in each previous embodiment the fastening element of each monobloc suspension device is formed on a base distinct from the elastic section, it may also be formed in the elastic section itself. Thus, in a fifth embodiment, illustrated on the Figures 11 and 12 , on which the elements equivalent to those of the preceding embodiments receive the same reference numerals, the second arms 9b of the two symmetrical elbow elements 9 are not connected to a separate base by third elastic hinges, but meet directly, and the fixing orifice 5 is formed at their junction. As in the fourth embodiment, the first arm 9a and the second arm 9b of each bent element 9 are inclined in opposite directions relative to the support plane A, so that the fixing orifice 5 is raised relative to at the second elastic hinges 9d. This embodiment also has the advantage of allowing prestressing of the elastic section 6 when it is fixed on a flat surface which will straighten the lower arms 9b and begin to fold the second elastic hinges 9d.

Although in each previous embodiment each monoblock suspension device has only one attachment point and a single elastic section, one-piece suspension devices each having a plurality of attachment points, with an individual elastic section interposed between each point of attachment. fixing and the tray are also possible. Thus, in a sixth embodiment illustrated on the Figures 13 and 14 , each monobloc suspension device 2, 2 ', 2 "of the monoblock module 1" comprises two bases 4 each with a fixing orifice 5 on an attachment point, and each connected to the plate 3 by a corresponding elastic section 6. The two bases 4 of each monoblock suspension device 2, 2 ', 2 "are offset relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction of the monobloc suspension devices 2,2', 2" of the monoblock module 1 ", so that all the bases 4 of the monoblock module 1" is arranged in staggered rows.

The elastic sections 6 in this sixth embodiment are also different from those of the previous embodiments in that their arrangement is reversed, with the first arm 9a connected to the corresponding base 4 by the first elastic hinge 9c and the second arm 9b connected to the plate 3 by the third elastic hinge 9e. The bent elements 9 of each symmetrical pair are thus bent towards each other, rather than outwardly as in the previous embodiments. The operation of these elastic sections 6 is nevertheless similar, and all the elements of the monobloc module on the Figures 13 and 14 therefore receive the same reference numerals as the equivalent elements in the previous embodiments.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In addition, individual features of the various embodiments mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the bent elements of the first three embodiments could be reversed as in the sixth embodiment without, at the same time, adopting the staggered arrangement of the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims (18)

1. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") for interposing between a mattress and a support structure (10), comprising:

   • a platform (3) defining a bearing plane (A) for the mattress;

   • a fastener point for fastening to the support structure (10); and

   • a resilient section (6) that is more resilient than the platform (3) in a direction perpendicular to the bearing plane (A), being interposed between the platform (3) and the fastener point in the direction perpendicular to the bearing plane (A) in order to absorb compression forces, and including at least one angled element (9) having a first arm (9a) and a second arm (9b), a first elastic hinge (9c) at a first end of the first arm (9a), and a second elastic hinge (9d) connecting a second end of the first arm (9a) to the second arm (9b) and forming a bend in such a manner that the first arm presents an angle (α) relative to said bearing plane (A) that is more pronounced than the angle (β) of the second arm (9b) with respect to the bearing plan (A),

   • the one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") being shaped in such a manner that any axis (Z₁,Z₂) perpendicular to said bearing plane (A) and passing through the one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") intersects the one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") along a single intersection segment (S₁,S₂), and being characterized in that the second elastic hinge (9d) is more flexible that the first elastic hinge (9c).
2. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to the first claim, wherein the platform (3) presents an opening (8) facing the fastener point and the resilient section (6) in the direction perpendicular to the bearing plane (A).
3. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first arm (9a) and the second arm (9b) of the angled element (9) slope in the same direction relative to the bearing plane (A).
4. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first arm (9a) and the second arm (9b) of the angled element (9) slope in opposite directions relative to the bearing plane (A).
5. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the resilient section (16) has at least two angled elements (9) arranged symmetrically to each other about a plane of symmetry perpendicular to said bearing plane (A).
6. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of the preceding claims, made of thermoplastic material.
7. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of the preceding claims, made of elastomer material.
8. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of the preceding claims, made of thermoplastic elastomer copolyester.
9. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fastener orifice (5) is situated at the fastener point.
10. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform presents ventilation orifices.
11. A one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (3) presents a rectangular outline.
12. A one-piece module (1,1',1") comprising at least one one-piece suspension device (2,2',2") according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. A one-piece module (1',1") according to claim 12, comprising multiple one-piece suspension devices (2,2',2") according to any one of claims 1 to 11, aligned in a direction parallel to said bearing plane (A) and connected by their respective platforms (3).
14. A one-piece module (1',1") according to claim 13, wherein said one-piece suspension devices (2,2',2") are identical.
15. An assembly comprising a support structure (10) and at least one one-piece module (1,1',1") according to any one of claims 12 to 14 fastened on the support structure (10).
16. An assembly according to claim 15, comprising a plurality of one-piece modules (1,1',1") according to any one of claims 12 to 14 fastened on a single face of a single crossmember of the support structure.
17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein said plurality of one-piece modules (1,1',1") includes one-piece modules (1,1',1") of different sizes.
18. An assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said support structure (10) comprises two side rails (11) extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of crossmembers (12) connecting the two side rails (11) in a transverse direction.

Images