EP3335598B1 - Method for preparing a mattress on a storage or transport - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for preparing a mattress for storage or transport.

Regardless of whether a mattress is bought and personally taken for example in a bed house or furniture store, or whether the mattress is ordered via the Internet, for example, and delivered via a parcel service or forwarding agency, the task is to place the mattress for storage or transport pack as compact as possible. This is particularly important because standard size mattresses are usually not transported by a parcel service because they are too large. In such a case, it is then necessary to deliver the mattress by means of a freight forwarder. This causes high costs.

By DE 20 2010 005 375 U1 a sleep system with a Aufliegematratze and a mattress is known, wherein Aufliegematratze or the lower mattress has a motor adjustment.

CN 101 148 202 A discloses a method for packaging a mattress.
By DE 23 13 031 B1 is a folding bed for beach or camp in the known, which consists of a central part, headboard and footboard lying part. The invention has for its object to simplify storage or transport of a mattress.

This object is achieved by the invention defined in claim 1.

The basic idea of the invention is to prepare the mattress so that both its total volume and its longest dimension are reduced.

On this basis, the invention is based on the idea to fold the mattress as well as to compress.

Since the padding structure of a mattress is designed to be elastically deformable, the folding of the mattress without aids is difficult. The invention provides that a mattress is used in which an elastically deformable padding structure and an electromotively adjustable support device are accommodated in a casing with a dimensionally stable base body. The electromotive adjustable support device according to the invention has a dual function by forming a folding aid for folding the mattress due to its dimensionally stable body. On the other hand, the electromotive adjustable support means in the use state The mattress provides additional functionality and additional comfort by making the mattress electrically adjustable.

According to the invention, the mattress is introduced into a substantially gas-tight envelope and the envelope is sealed substantially gas-tight. To reduce the volume of the mattress, a negative pressure is then generated in the jacket for the vacuum-induced compression of the padding structure of the mattress. In this way, the volume of the mattress, in particular its thickness, is reduced.

In the compressed state or during the compression of the padding element, the support parts of the support device are then folded onto each other, wherein for fixing the mattress in the then reached state, the jacket is substantially gas-tight, such that the mattress in the compressed and collapsed state, a compact storage and transport unit forms.

The inventively formed storage and transport unit is much more compact than the mattress in the unprepared state. First, the volume of the storage and transport unit due to the compression of the padding element is substantially less than the volume of the unprepared mattress. On the other hand, the longest dimension, which is defined by the longitudinal extent of the mattress, in the folded state is much lower than in the unprepared state of the mattress.

The invention thus provides a compact storage and transport unit. Because of its compactness the storage and transport unit requires only relatively little space. This saves costs both during storage and during transport.

Compared with mattresses rolled up for transport, the storage and transport unit according to the invention offers the advantage that it can be cuboid-like or parallelepiped-like and thus facilitates stacking of a plurality of identical storage and transport units in a simple manner. Such stacking is not or only with difficulty possible with a mattress rolled up into a roll.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the storage and transport unit can be made so compact that it can be easily sent via a parcel service. Thus, a shipment via a forwarding agency is unnecessary. This saves considerable costs and simplifies shipping the mattress.

Even with a self-pickup of the mattress, the storage and transport unit offers advantages in that it can be handled easier by the buyer and, for example, transported without problems in a car. Under a substantially gas-tight casing or a substantially gas-tight sealing of the casing is understood according to the invention that the gas-tightness is so high that the mattress can be compressed under pressure induced and the compressed state is maintained during transport.

The structure of the support device can be selected within wide limits according to the respective requirements. An advantageous development of the invention sees insofar as an at least three-membered support device is used, which has a middle first support part, with one end pivotally connected and about a first pivot axis pivotally connected to a second support member and hinged at the other end and about a second pivot axis parallel to the second pivot axis pivotally connected to a third support member. Here, for example, and in particular the second support part may form an upper body support part and the third support part form a lower body support part.

A development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that either the second support member on the central support member and then the third support member is folded onto the second support member or the third support member on the central support member and then the second support member is folded onto the third support member. In this embodiment, the longest dimension of the mattress is reduced by folding it up twice.

To facilitate the unfolding of the support parts, provides a particularly advantageous development of the invention, that between the second support member and the middle support member, a first intermediate support member is disposed, which is connected via mutually parallel pivot axes with the second support member and the central support member, wherein the second support member is arranged in the folded state of the mattress substantially parallel to the central support member, wherein the length of the first intermediate support member is selected such that in the folded state, the distance facing surfaces of the second support member and the central support member substantially the thickness of the third Support member corresponds and the surfaces of the third support member abut against the respective facing surface of the second support member and the central support member. The first intermediate support part has, above all, the function of a folding aid, by facilitating the unfolding of the support parts with the upholstery element arranged thereon.

In a corresponding manner and with the same direction, another advantageous development provides that between the third support member and the central support member, a second intermediate support member is arranged, which is connected via mutually parallel pivot axes with the third support member and the central support member, wherein the length of the second support part is dimensioned so that when folded on the central support member second support member, the third support member and the central support member are arranged parallel or approximately parallel to each other.

The padding structure of the mattress can be designed according to the respective requirements in any suitable manner. In that regard, a development of the invention provides that the padding structure has at least two superimposed horizontal padding layers.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the support means may be sandwiched between two padding layers, as provided by an advantageous development.

To simplify storage and transport, another embodiment of the invention provides that the storage and transport unit is stackable.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the sheath consists of a recyclable material. In this way, the sheath can be disposed of environmentally friendly after use of the mattress.

To make the sheath cost, another advantageous embodiment provides that the sheath consists of a plastic film.

In the aforementioned embodiment, in particular a transparent plastic film can be used, as provided by another development.

The support means used in the invention may be formed in any suitable manner. An advantageous development of the invention provides insofar as a slatted frame is used as support means. Corresponding slatted frames offers a high suspension comfort and are simple and inexpensive to build.

A multi-membered electromotively adjustable support device, in particular for use in a method according to the invention, m claim 13 is given. It has a middle first support part, with its ends about mutually parallel pivot axes on the one hand a second support member and on the other hand, a third support member are connected to the connection between the second support member and the central support member on the one hand and the third support member and the middle support member on the other hand in that the third support part can be folded onto the middle support part and then the second support part can be folded onto the surface of the third support part facing away from the middle support part. In this way can be formed by folding the support together with upholstery structure a compact storage and transport unit.

Advantageous and expedient developments of the support device according to the invention are specified in the claims 14 to 17.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying highly schematic drawing. The subject matter and disclosure of the invention also includes sub-combinations of the claims, in which individual features are omitted in the claims and / or replaced by other features.

Fig. 1

in einer Seitenansicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer zur Durchführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens verwendete elektromotorisch verstellbare Stützeinrichtung in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

die Stützeinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Perspektivansicht, wobei die Stützteile der Stützeinrichtung in einer unverstellten Ausgangslage dargestellt sind,

Fig. 3

die Stützeinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in zu Fig. 2 ähnlicher Darstellung, wobei die Stützteile der Stützeinrichtung in einer zueinander maximal verstellten Verstelllage dargestellt sind,

Fig. 4

die Stützeinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 im zusammengeklappten Zustand,

Fig. 5

die Stützeinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 beim Einbringen in eine Polsterungsstruktur einer Matratze in einer Perspektivansicht,

Fig. 6

in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 5 die in die Polsterungsstruktur eingebrachte Stützeinrichtung,

Fig. 7A -7F

aufeinanderfolgende Verfahrensschritte bei der Ausführung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,

Fig. 8

eine mit dem Verfahren gemäß den Fig. 7A bis 7E gebildeten Lagerungs- und Transporteinheit und

Fig. 9

in einer Perspektivansicht die transportfertig verpackte Lagerungs- und Transporteinheit gemäß Fig. 8.

It shows:

Fig. 1

1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an electromotively adjustable support device used for carrying out a method according to the invention, in a side view,

Fig. 2

the support device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view, wherein the support parts of the support means in an undistorted starting position are shown,

Fig. 3

the support device according to Fig. 1 in to Fig. 2 similar representation, wherein the support members of the support means are shown in a mutually maximally adjusted adjustment position,

Fig. 4

the support device according to Fig. 1 in the folded state,

Fig. 5

the support device according to Fig. 1 when inserted into a padding structure of a mattress in a perspective view,

Fig. 6

in the same representation as Fig. 5 the supporting device introduced into the padding structure,

Figs. 7A-7F

successive process steps in the execution of an embodiment of a method according to the invention,

Fig. 8

one with the method according to the Figs. 7A to 7E formed storage and transport unit and

Fig. 9

in a perspective view of the transport ready packed storage and transport unit according to Fig. 8 ,

Based on Fig. 1 to 4 Below is an embodiment of a used in carrying out an embodiment of the method according to the invention mehrgliedrigen electromotive adjustable support device 2 in the form of a slatted frame explained in more detail.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support means 2, a middle first support member 4, with its ends about mutually parallel pivot axes 6, 8 on the one hand, a second support member 10, which forms an upper body support member, and on the other hand, a third support member 12, which forms a lower body support member connected are. The connection between the second support member 10 and the first support member 4 on the one hand and the third support member 12 and the first support member 4 on the other hand is formed so that the third support member 12 on the first support member and then the second support member 10 on the side remote from the central support member of the third support member 12 is hinged.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connection between the first support member 4 and the second support member 10 is made via a first intermediate support member 14 which is pivotally connected to the first support member 4 about the pivot axis 6. The second support part 10 is connected to the first intermediate support part 14 via a pivot axis 16 parallel to the pivot axis 6.

In the folded state of the mattress (cf. Fig. 8 ), the second support member 10 is arranged substantially parallel to the first support member 4, wherein the length of the first intermediate support member 14 is selected so that in the folded state, including the padding structure of the mattress, the distance between a facing surface of the second support member 10 and the first Support member 4 substantially the thickness of the third Supports support member 12 together with padding structure and the surfaces of the third support member 12 abut the respective facing surface of the second support member 12 and the first support member 4.

In this way, the connection between the third support member 12 and the first support member 4 is made via a second intermediate support member 18 which is pivotally connected on the one hand to the first support member 4 about the pivot axis 8. With the other end of the second intermediate support member 18 is a pivot axis 20 parallel to the pivot axis 20, the third support member 12 is connected, wherein the length of the second intermediate support member 18 is dimensioned so that when folded on the first support member 4 third support member 12 including padding structure, the third Support member 12 and the first support member 4 are arranged substantially parallel to each other (see. Fig. 8 ).

For adjusting the second support member 10 relative to the first support member 4, an electromotive adjustment is provided. The corresponding construction of corresponding electromotive adjusting devices is generally known to the person skilled in the art and will therefore not be explained in more detail here. The electromotive adjusting device can be designed, for example and in particular, as from EP 2 418 984 B1 known. However, other configurations are possible according to the respective requirements.

The electromotive adjusting device is designed so that the second support member 10 together with the padding structure on the first support member 4 can be folded (see. Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 ). For this purpose one acts Adjusting the electromotive adjusting the second support member or the first associated with the same intermediate support member loose to allow folding of the second support member 10 on the first support member 4 via the defined by the electromotive adjustment maximum adjusted end position of the adjustment addition.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third support member 12 is connected via the second intermediate support member 8 hingedly connected to the first support member 4 (see. Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 ), but in turn not electromotive adjustable. If desired in accordance with the respective requirements, however, the third support part 12 may also be adjustable by an electric motor relative to the first support part 4.

Fig. 2 shows the support means 2 in a perspective view, wherein it can be seen that the support means 2 is formed in this embodiment as a slatted frame. Other embodiments are possible. Structure and operation of a corresponding slatted base are generally known to the skilled person and are therefore not explained here.

Fig. 2 shows the support members in an undistorted starting position, in which the second support member 10 together with the first intermediate support member 14 together with the first support member 4 and the third support member 12 together with the second intermediate support member 18 spans a substantially horizontal support plane.

Fig. 3 shows the support means 2 in a maximally adjusted end position of the adjustment, in which the second support member 12 in addition to the first intermediate support member 14 relative is maximally pivoted to the first support member 4.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the unfolding of the support members 2, 12 on each other or on the first support member 4, wherein components of the support means 2 are omitted for the sake of illustration.

The Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate the introduction of the support means 2 in a mattress 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the mattress 28 has a cushioning structure 30, which has in the illustrated embodiment at least two superimposed horizontal padding layers, of which Fig. 5 and 6 only a padding layer recognizable and provided with the reference numeral 32.

The padding structure has a lower horizontal padding layer on which the support device 2 is placed, as in FIG Fig. 6 shown. After placing the support 2 on the lower padding layer, the upper horizontal padding layer 32 may then be placed on the support 2 such that the support 2 is sandwiched between the lower padding layer and the upper padding layer 32. Following this, the upholstery structure 30 together with the inserted slatted frame can be introduced into a jacket of the mattress 28, as in FIG Fig. 7A shown.

An embodiment of a method according to the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 7A to 7F explained.

Fig. 7A shows the mattress 28 its initial state. To form a compact transport and storage unit, the mattress 28 is placed in a substantially gas-tight envelope 34, which is formed in this embodiment by a transparent plastic film.

The Fig. 7B and 7C illustrate how the wrapper is pulled over the mattress 28.

Fig. 7D shows the mattress in a state in which the mattress 28 is completely received in the enclosure 34.

Like from the Figs. 7B - 7D it can be seen, the second support member 10 was previously moved relative to the first support member 4 by means of the electromotive adjustment in the final position of the adjustment.

Subsequently, a vacuum device is connected to the enclosure 34 via a hose 36 and a negative pressure is generated in the enclosure 34, whereby the cushioning structure 30 of the mattress 28 begins to be compressed.

Fig. 7F shows the mattress 28 in a state in which the cushioning structure 34 is maximally compressed. In this state, the third support part 12 is folded onto the first support part 4, and then the second support part 10 is folded onto the third support part 12, as in FIG Fig. 7F indicated.

Fig. 8 shows the formed at the end of the process storage and transport unit 36. It can be seen that the third support member 12 is folded on the first support member 4 and the second support member 10 on the third support member 12, so that the second support member 10 and the First support member 4 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and the surfaces of the third support member 12 abut the respectively facing surface of the first support member 4 and the second support member 10. In this state, an opening in the enclosure 34, to which the tube 36 has been connected, be sealed gas-tight, for example by welding the plastic film.

It can be seen that in this way a compact storage and transport unit has been formed, in which in particular the longest extent defined by the longitudinal extent of the mattress 28 is substantially reduced.

The storage and transport unit can be easily sent via a parcel service due to their compactness. In a pickup by a user, the transport due to the compactness of the storage and transport unit 38 is also simplified and readily possible in a car.

In order to simplify the transport even further, the storage and transport unit 38 may be provided with a rolling means.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment in which the storage and transport unit 38 is received in an outer package 40, for example made of cardboard, to protect the wrapper during transport and storage from damage. In the illustrated embodiment, the rolling means 2 laterally spaced rollers 42, 44 which are attached to the outer package 40. For this purpose, in each case a holder of the rollers 42, 44 with a dowel or pin-like fastening element be provided, which is pressed or wrapped in the outer package 40.

After being transported to a user, the user can unpack the storage and transport unit 38 from the outer package 40 and remove the wrapper 34, whereby the padding structure 30 of the mattress 28 expands again to assume its original condition and the support members 10, 12 can be unfolded , In this state, the mattress 28 is then ready for use.

The method according to the invention makes it possible in a simple and cost-effective manner to prepare a mattress by forming a space-saving compact storage and transport unit for storage or transport.

Claims (17)

1. Method for preparing a mattress for storage or transport,
   wherein a mattress is used, wherein an elastically deformable padding structure (30) and an electromotive adjustable support device (2) with a dimensionally stable main body are mounted in a casing,
   wherein the support device has at least two support parts (4, 10) which are pivotable relative to one another,
   wherein the mattress is inserted into an essentially gastight casing and the casing (34) is sealed to be substantially gastight,
   wherein negative pressure is generated in the casing for compressing the padding element of the mattress by means of negative pressure,
   wherein in the compressed state of the padding element or during the compression of the padding structure the support parts are folded onto one another and
   wherein the casing is sealed to be substantially gastight such that the mattress in the compressed and folded state forms a storage and transport unit.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein an at least three-part support device is used which has a central first support part, one end of which is connected to a second support part by articulation and so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis and the other end of which is connected to a third support part by articulation and so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein either the second support part is folded onto the first support part and then the third support part is folded onto the second support part or the third support part is folded onto the first support part and then the second support part is folded onto the third support part.
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein between the second support part and the first support part a first intermediate support part is arranged which is connected via parallel pivot axes to the second support part and the first support part, wherein the second support part in the folded state of the mattress is arranged to be essentially parallel to the first support part, wherein the length of the first intermediate support part is selected so that in the folded state including the padding structure the distance between facing surfaces of the second support part and the first support part corresponds essentially to the thickness of the third support part including the padding structure and the surfaces of the third support part bear on the facing surface of the second support part and the first support parts.
5. Method according to claim 4, wherein between the third support part and the first support part a second intermediate support part is arranged, which is connected via mutually parallel pivot axes to the third support part and the first support part, wherein the length of the second intermediate support part is such that with a second support part folded onto the first support part the third support part and the first support part are arranged to be parallel or almost parallel to one another.
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the padding structure has at least two horizontal padding layers arranged above one another.
7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the support device is mounted sandwichlike between two padding layers.
8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage and transport unit can be stacked.
9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is made from a recyclable material.
10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is made from a plastic film.
11. Method according to claim 10, wherein a transparent plastic film is used.
12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a slatted frame is used as the support device.
13. Multi-part electromotive adjustable support device (2), in particular for use in a method according to any of the preceding claims, with a central first support part (4), to the ends of which on the one hand a second support part (10) is connected and on the other hand a third support part (12) is connected to be pivotable or foldable about mutually parallel pivot axes (6, 8),
    wherein the connection between the second support part (10) and the first support part (4) on the one hand and the third support part (12) and the first support part (4) on the other hand is designed such that the third support part (12) including the padding structure (30) can be folded onto the first support part (4) and then the second support part (10) can be folded onto the side of the third support part (12) facing away from the first support part (4).
14. Support device according to claim 13, wherein between the second support part (10) and the first support part (4) a first intermediate support part (14) is arranged, which is connected to the second support part (10) and the first support part (10) via mutually parallel pivot axes (6, 16), wherein the second support part (10) is arranged in the folded together state of the mattress (28) essentially parallel to the first support part (4), wherein the length of the first intermediate support part is selected so that in the folded together state the distance between facing surfaces of the second support part (10) and the first support part (4) corresponds essentially to the thickness of the third support part (12) including the padding structure (30) and the surfaces of the third support part (12) bear on the respectively facing surface of the second support part (10) and the first support part (4) including the padding structure (30).
15. Support device according to claim 14, wherein between the third support part (12) and the first support part (4) a second intermediate support part (18) is arranged which is connected via parallel pivot axes (8, 20) to the third support part (12) and the first support part (4), wherein the length of the second intermediate support part (18) is such that with a third support part (12) folded onto the first support part (4) the third support part (12) and the first support part (4) are arranged to be parallel or approximately parallel to one another.
16. Support device according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second support part (10) can be adjusted by means of at least one electromotive adjusting device relative to the first support part (4).
17. Support device according to claim 16, wherein the adjusting device comprises an adjusting element which is in drive-connection with at least one electromotor and loosely pressurises the second support part (10) or a component connected therewith.

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