EP3403538A1

EP3403538A1 - Adaptable mattress support element

Info

Publication number: EP3403538A1
Application number: EP17171287.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Vanderbeke
Original assignee: Bekina Indurub
Current assignee: Bekina Indurub
Priority date: 2017-05-16
Filing date: 2017-05-16
Publication date: 2018-11-21

Abstract

An adaptable mattress support element (100) comprising a plate member (200), an annular member (300), and an adaptable spring (400). The spring constant of the adaptable mattress support element (100) can easily be modified. Further provided are mattress supports comprising adaptable mattress support elements (100), related methods, and a kit of parts for manufacturing an adaptable mattress support.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adaptable mattress support elements, mattress supports comprising the adaptable mattress support elements, related methods, and a kit of parts for manufacturing adaptable mattress support elements.

BACKGROUND

A proper sleeping posture is an essential prerequisite for proper recuperation during the night. Both mattresses and mattress supports contribute to achieving a proper sleeping posture. In this regard, the hardness of the mattress support is especially important. Unfortunately, existing mattress supports suffer from serious drawbacks. For example, the hardness of the mattress support may be hard to regulate, or the hardness of the mattress support may vary over the bed's width. Also, some existing systems are difficult to assemble. One existing system is described in DE 202014103388 . However, in this system, the mattress support's hardness can only be adjusted to two pre-sets.
Accordingly, there is a need for mattress supports the hardness of which is easily adaptable. In addition, there is a need for mattress supports having a hardness which does not vary over their width. Furthermore, there is a need for mattress supports which are easy to assemble and adjust. In addition, there is a need for mattress supports the hardness of which can be adapted over a large dynamic range, with many intermediate values. There is also a need for high-quality parts for use in such mattress supports.
The devices and methods presented herein meet one or more of the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides the following aspects:

Aspect 1. An adaptable mattress support element (100) comprising a plate member (200), an annular member (300), and an adaptable spring (400), wherein
- the adaptable spring (400) includes a longitudinal direction, a top, and a base;
- the plate member (200) is located at the top of the adaptable spring (400);
- the adaptable spring (400) comprises one or more legs (420), the legs being placed between the top and the base of the adaptable spring (400);
- the one or more legs (420) are bendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction projecting from the top to the base of the adaptable spring (400); and,
- the annular member (300) is slidably provided around the one or more legs (420), the annular member (300) being slidable in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring (400).
Aspect 2. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to aspect 1, wherein
- the plate member (200) comprises a base (290) and a top (220, also called mattress support surface);
- one or more pins (210) are attached to the base (290) of the plate member (200);
- the annular member (300) comprises one or more openings (310) for receiving the pins of the plate member (210);
- the annular member (300) is slidably provided over the one or more pins (210);
- the annular member (300) comprises an inside comprising screw thread (320);
- the adaptable spring (400) has an outside comprising screw thread (410); and,
- the inside screw thread (320) of the annular member (300) engagingly interacts with the screw thread (410) on the outside of the adaptable spring (400).
Aspect 3. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to aspects 1 or 2 wherein each leg (420) of said adaptable spring (400) comprises an elasticity opening (421).
Aspect 4. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 wherein the adaptable spring (400) comprises a support base (430) and a ring-shaped structure (460) at the top, wherein the legs (420) are connected to the support base (430) on the base of the adaptable spring (400), and wherein the legs (420) are connected to the ring-shaped structure (460) at the top of the adaptable spring (400).
Aspect 5. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to aspect 3 or 4 wherein the elasticity opening (421) is located between the screw thread (410) on the outside of the adaptable spring (400) and the base of the adaptable spring (430).
Aspect 6. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 5 wherein the plate member (200) comprises a ventilation hole.
Aspect 7. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 wherein the number of starts of the screw thread (320, 410) of the annular member (300) and of the adaptable spring (400) is equal to or higher than to number of legs (420) of the adaptable spring (400).
Aspect 8. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 wherein the pitch of the screw thread (320, 410) of the annular member (300) and the adaptable spring (400) is equal to 2.0 to 10.0 mm, preferably equal to 4.0 to 8.0 mm, more preferably equal to 6.5 mm.
Aspect 9. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 8 wherein the base of the adaptable spring (410) comprises an opening (431).
Aspect 10. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 9 comprising 2 to 8 legs, preferably 2, 4, 6, or 8 legs, more preferably 4 legs (420).
Aspect 11. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 10 wherein the plate member (200) comprises one or more guiding ribs (250) protruding from the base (290) for determining the relative position of the disk member (200) and the adaptable spring (400).
Aspect 12. The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 11 wherein the plate member (200) further comprises one or more reinforcement ribs (260) protruding from the base (290); wherein the one or more reinforcement ribs (260) are preferably arranged as a circle and a quadrilateral star which are connected to each other; wherein optionally the reinforcement ribs (260) are concentrically arranged around the center of the plate member (200).
Aspect 13. A mattress support comprising a plurality of adaptable mattress support elements (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 12.
Aspect 14. A method for modifying the spring constant of an adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 12 comprising the step of moving the annular member (300) in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring (400) by rotating (screwing) the plate member (200) and annular member (300) connected thereto through the pins (210) with respect to the spring (400).
Aspect 15. Kit of parts for the manufacture of an adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, the kit comprising a plate member (200), an annular member (300), and an adaptable spring (400); the kit optionally comprising instructions for modifying the spring constant of an adaptable mattress support element (100) according to the method according to aspect 14.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description of the drawings relates to specific embodiments of the devices and methods described herein. It merely serves as an example, and can under no circumstances be regarded as limiting the scope of the presently provided devices, methods, their applications, or their use.

Fig. 1 shows a lateral view of one embodiment of an adaptable mattress support element (100).
Fig. 2 shows a top view of one embodiment of an adaptable mattress support element (100).
Fig. 3 shows a top view of one embodiment of a plate member (200).
Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of a plate member (200).
Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of a plate member (200).
Fig. 6 shows a top view of one embodiment of an annular member (300).
Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of an annular member (300).
Fig. 8 shows a lateral view of one embodiment of an annular member (300).
Fig. 9 shows a lateral view of one embodiment of an adaptable spring (400).
Fig. 10 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of an adaptable spring (400).
Fig. 11 shows a top view of one embodiment of an adaptable spring (400).

Throughout the specification, the following numbering is adhered to: 100 - adaptable mattress support element; 200 - plate member; 210 - pins; 220 - top of base member (mattress support surface); 230 - aeration opening; 240 - bended ends; 250 - guiding ribs; 260 - reinforcement ribs; 280 - openings; 290 - base of plate member; 300 - annular member or ring; 310 - openings for pins; 400 - adaptable spring; 410 - screw thread; 420 - legs of the adaptable spring (400); 421 - elasticity opening; 430 - support base; 431 - opening in support base (430); 440 - openings between the legs (420) of the adaptable spring (400); 450 - reinforcement ribs between the legs (420) and the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400); 460 - ring-shaped structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" when referring to recited members, elements or method steps also include embodiments which "consist of" said recited members, elements or method steps.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.
All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
The present disclosure relates to adaptable mattress support elements. Such elements are adaptable in that the hardness or stiffness of the spring suspending the top plate of said element can be adapted. The adaptable mattress support elements hence comprise a plate member, an annular member, and a spring with adaptable hardness, called an "adaptable spring". The spring constant of the adaptable mattress support element is determined by the position of said annular member relative to the adaptable spring.
The adaptable mattress support element is a device which is configured for supporting a mattress. The adaptable spring comprises a longitudinal direction projecting from the top (460) to the base (430). The base (430) of the adaptable spring is preferably configured for being coupled to a frame of a bed. The top of the adaptable spring supports the plate member (200), which is provided at the top (460) of the adaptable spring (400). The longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring is the direction running from the adaptable spring's base to its top. The longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the adaptable mattress support element, i.e. the axis of the support element.
The adaptable spring comprises an elastic body between the adaptable spring's top and base. When a force is exerted on the adaptable spring in the adaptable spring's longitudinal direction, the elastic body deforms. When the force is a pressure force, the elastic body shortens in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring. This shortening typically co-occurs with an expansion of the elastic body in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring.
Preferably, the elastic body comprises one or more legs (420). The legs function as bendable springs, and bend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring when a force is exerted on it along its longitudinal direction. The legs typically bend towards the outside of the adaptable spring. Between the legs, openings are typically present which physically separate adjacent legs. In some embodiments, the elastic body comprises 2 to 8 legs, preferably 4 legs. This results in an elastic body which operates satisfactorily for a limited process complexity. Said legs typically have elasticity openings (421), further increasing the elasticity of the legs. The size of said openings can be varied to adjust the flexibility or elasticity of the legs (420).
Preferably, the legs (420) bend towards the outside of the support element (100) when a compressive force is exerted on the adaptable spring along its longitudinal direction, e.g. a force applied to the support plate or top of the base element (230) from e.g. the mattress lying on top of it. This can be accomplished by forming the legs such that in their rest position, they bend slightly towards the outside of the adaptable spring. Preferably, the elastic body is hollow between the legs. This increases the elasticity of the elastic body, and it reduces the material consumption.
The adaptable mattress support element further comprises an annular member or annular ring (300). The annular member is slidably provided around the elastic body of the adaptable spring, in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring. When the elastic body comprises one or more legs, the annular member is slidably provided around said one or more legs. The term "slidably" as used herein includes the possibility of compound movement, such as the movement of a nut around a bolt, which comprises a rotation superimposed on a linear translation by means of interacting and complementary screw-threads in the annular ring (300) and on the spring legs (420).
In some embodiments, the plate member (200) comprises a base (290) and a top (220) or support plate. The top of the element is configured to support a mattress and comprises a mattress support plate, which can have any desired shape. The base of the plate member interacts with the adaptable spring and the annular member. At the base (290) of the plate member (200), one or more pins (210) are fitted and pointed longitudinally towards the adaptable spring. Typically, the pins will be protruding alongside the longitudinal direction of the spring and the support element as a whole. As mentioned earlier, the plate member is located on top of the adaptable spring. The annular member includes one or more openings configured or adapted to the pins of the top plate. Typically, the number of openings in the annular member is equal to the number of pins on the top plate. The annular member is slidably provided over said one or more mounted pins. Preferably, the annular member comprises an inner surface comprising a screw thread or is capable of interacting with a screw thread, and the adaptable spring comprises an outer surface matching said screw thread, or allowing said annular member to engage therewith. In other words, the screw thread on the adaptable spring is applied on the outer surface of the elastic body. When the adaptable spring includes legs, the screw thread is typically provided on the outer surface of the legs. The inside of the annular ring engages with the screw thread on the outer surface of the adaptable spring. This can be done by its shape as such or can be done by providing complementary screw thread on the inner surface of the annular ring engaging the adaptable spring. With aid of the pins protruding from the plate member, through the annular ring, towards the adaptable spring, the annular member can be rotated relative to the adaptable spring by rotating the plate member, hence screwing the annular ring over the adaptable spring. Because the (screw thread of the) annular member engages with the screw thread of the adaptable spring, translation of the annular member occurs simultaneously in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring. Thus, the spring constant of the adaptable spring, and the spring constant of the adaptable mattress support element as a whole, can easily be modified. In one example, rotating the plate member clock- or counter-clockwise, will respectively result in upward or downward longitudinal movement of the annular ring over the spring.
In some embodiments, the number of pins of the plate member and the number of openings for pins in the annular member is equal to 2 to 8, preferably 2, 4, 6, or 8, preferably equal to four. More preferably, four pins and four openings for pins are arranged on the vertices of a virtual square. Preferably, the center of the virtual square in which the pins are arranged is aligned with the center of the disk member. Preferably, the center of the virtual square in which the openings for the pins are arranged is aligned with the center of the annular member.
Preferably, the elastic body of the adaptable spring comprises a weakened zone. The elastic body bends most strongly in the weakened zone. The weakened zone increases the dynamic range of the adaptable spring. When the elastic body comprises legs, this weakened zone is preferably designed as an elasticity opening (421) in each leg. In each leg, the elasticity opening is typically located between the screw thread and the bottom of the adaptable spring.
In some embodiments, the adaptable spring comprises a support base (430) and a ring-shaped structure (460). The elastic body is connected at the bottom with the support base and is connected at the top with the ring-shaped structure. Preferably, the connection between the legs and the support surface comprises multiple reinforcement ribs, more preferably two reinforcement ribs per spring. The ring-shaped structure is an efficient way to support the plate member. The support base allows for an efficient connection between the adaptable mattress support element and the frame of a mattress support or bed structure.
In some embodiments, the plate member comprises a vent hole. This way, a mattress can be ventilated efficiently.
In some embodiments, the number of starts of the screw thread of the annular member and the adaptable spring, is equal to the number of legs of the adaptable spring, to ensure stability. In alternative embodiments, the number of starts of the screw thread of the annular member and the adaptable spring, is greater than the number of legs of the adaptable spring.
In some embodiments, the pitch of the screw thread of the annular member and the adaptable spring is equal to 2.0 to 10.0 mm, preferably equal to 4.0 to 8.0 mm, more preferably equal to 6.5 mm. The pitch of the screw thread corresponds to the distance over which the annular member is shifted at a rotation of 360°, divided by the number of starts. A higher pitch yields higher accuracy, but a lower pitch yields easier adjustment of the adaptable disk - less rotation is required to achieve a specific change in the spring constant of the adaptable disk. The mentioned ranges achieve a good balance between ease of use and accuracy.
In some embodiments, the base of the adaptable spring comprises an opening, which can be configured to interact with any type of connection means to a mattress support. The opening allows for a simple and universal connection to any type of mattress support.
In some embodiments, the plate member comprises one or more guiding ribs to determine the relative position of the plate member versus the adaptable spring. These ribs also can increase the stability of the adaptable mattress support disk. Preferably, the guiding ribs (250) are attached to the bottom of the plate member. Preferably, the one or more guiding ribs are arranged around the center of the plate member.
In some embodiments, the plate member comprises one or more reinforcement ribs (450). Preferably, one or more reinforcement ribs are attached to the bottom of the plate member. Preferably, the one or more reinforcement ribs are arranged as a circle and a quadrilateral star which are connected to each other. Optionally, the reinforcement ribs are concentrically arranged around the center of the plate member. The reinforcement ribs increase the second moment of inertia of the plate member, thus increasing its resistance to bending.
Further provided is a mattress support installation comprising a plurality of adaptable mattress support elements. With the aid of the adaptable mattress support elements, the hardness or the softness of mattress supports can be easily, variably and efficiently modified throughout the supported area.
Further provided is a method for modifying the spring constant of an adaptable mattress support element as described herein. The method comprises the following step: moving the annular member or ring in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring. In some embodiments, the annular member is moved in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring by rotating the annular member together with the plate member. Indeed, said plate member and annular ring are connected through pins (210) on the plate member configured to engage within pin openings (310) in the annular member or ring.
Further provided is a kit of parts for the manufacture of an adaptable mattress support element as described herein. The kit includes a plate member, an annular member or ring, and an adaptable spring as defined herein. Optionally, the kit includes instructions for a method for adjusting the spring constant of the adaptable mattress support element as defined herein.
Said adjustable mattress support elements and the components thereof are typically made by injection-moulding of plastic materials using techniques know in the art.
The materials used for manufacturing the different components can be any suitable material that: for the support plate and the annular ring member are sufficiently resilient to support the structure of the support element and for the spring member are sufficiently flexible to ensure the adaptable character of the support element. All materials need to be suitable for injection molding and hence typically will be thermoplastics.
Typically, the support plate and the annular ring member are made out of thermoplastic polymers such as Polyolefins, Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polymethylpentene (PMP), , Polyoxymethylene (Acetal) (POM), high density polyethylene (HDPE), out of styrene graft copolymers such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or out of hard polyamides (PA) or other hard plastic or polymeric materials.
The spring is typically made out of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE's) such as Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer (TPEE), Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), or out of styrene block copolymers (SBC's) such as SEBS, SBS Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS), Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene (SEBS), Styrene-Ethylene-Propylene-Styrene (SEPS), or other flexible materials or polymers.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the annular ring member and the support plate are made out of PP and/or in a particularly preferred embodiment, the spring is made out of TPEE.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1

By way of example, reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 shows a side view of an adaptable mattress support element (100), and Fig. 2 shows a top view of the adaptable mattress support element (100). The adaptable mattress support element (100) comprises essentially three parts: a plate member (200) which will support the mattress, an adaptable spring (400) which can be connected through its base to a mattress support, and an annular member or annular ring (300) which is configured to engage with and rotate over the outer surface of the adaptable spring, controlled by movement of the plate element with which it is coupled through pins on said plate member and openings for pins in said annular member. The adaptable mattress support element (100) has a spring constant that is easily modified by changing the position of the annular ring over the adaptable spring in its longitudinal direction. This allows for the softness of a mattress support comprising adaptable mattress support element to be modified. After all, the lower the spring constant of the adaptable mattress support element, the softer the mattress support.
The annular member (300) is attached in a slidable manner to the plate member (200) using pins (210). Furthermore, the annular member (300) engages with screw thread (410) in the adaptable spring (400). When the plate member (200) is rotated relative to the adaptable spring (400), the pins (210) make sure the annular member (300) rotates clockwise (or counter-clock-wise) together with the plate member (200). Because the annular member (300) engages with the screw thread (410) on the adaptable spring, the annular member (300) moves downwards (respectively upwards) along said adaptable spring (400), and the distance between the support surface (220) of the plate member (200) and the annular member (300) also increases (respectively decreases), which corresponds to a decrease (respectively increase) of the distance between the annular member (300) and the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400). In particular, the distance over which the annular member (300) is moved at a 360° rotation, is equal to the lead of the screw thread (410), which is its pitch times the number of starts. This way, by rotating over said screw thread, the annular ring moves in a longitudinal direction over the spring.
The spring constant of the adaptable spring (400) is determined by the position of the annular member (300) relative to the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400). In particular, the spring constant of the adaptable spring (400) decreases as the distance between the annular member (300) and the support base (430) of the adaptable spring increases. This can be understood as follows: a force on the adaptable mattress support element (100), perpendicular to the support surface (220) of the plate member (200), acts on the legs (420) of the adaptable spring (400). The legs (420) act as springs, and bend (typically) outward under the influence of the force. The greater the force applied, the greater the outward bend, all other things being equal. Because of the outward bend, the distance between the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400) and the support surface (220) of the plate member (200) decreases. The quotient of the applied force and the reduction of said distance is the spring constant of the adaptable spring (400). The legs (420) bend outward mainly between the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400) and the annular member (300). This is accomplished by providing an elasticity opening in each leg (420) between the screw thread (410) and the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400). The elasticity opening locally reduces the resistance of the legs (420) against bending so that the legs (420) mainly bend between the screw thread and the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400) where the elasticity opening is located.
Because the annular ring or member (300) is located around the legs (420) of the spring, they will reduce the outward bending of the legs under applied pressure, depending on their position relative to the spring. If said annular ring (300) is located closest to the plate member, the legs can bend freely and the supporting element as a whole will be most flexible. If on the other hand the annular member is located over the legs (i.e. distance between annular member and plate member increases), the legs will have less freedom to bend outwards and the supporting element as a whole will be more rigid. As a consequence, the distance over which the legs (420) bend decreases as the distance between the annular member (300) and the support base (430) of the adaptable spring decreases. This corresponds to a smaller displacement of the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400) versus the support surface (220) of the plate member (200) under the influence of the force applied thereon. As a consequence, a smaller (or greater) distance between the annular member (300) and the support base (430) of the adaptable spring (400) corresponds to a larger (or smaller) spring constant of the adaptable mattress support disk (100).

Example 2

In a further example, reference is made to Fig. 3, 4, and 5.
Fig. 3 shows a top view of the plate member (200). The plate member (200) includes a ventilation hole (230) permitting the mattress to air. The plate member (200) further comprises a support surface (220) upon which a mattress can rest. Further, the plate member (200) can comprise four bent ends (240) to reduce friction on the mattress.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are bottom views of the plate member (200). Four pins (210) are attached to the plate member (200). The pins (210) are located on the vertices of a virtual square. The center of the square corresponds to the center of the plate member (200). Further, guiding ribs (250) are attached that determine the relative position of the disk member (200) and the adaptable spring. In particular, the adaptable spring is placed around the guiding ribs (250). The bottom of the disk member (200) comprises reinforcement ribs (260) as well, arranged in the form of a circle and a quadrilateral star which are connected to each other and which are concentrically arranged around the center of the plate member (200). Also, the reinforcement ribs (260) are located closer to the center of the plate member (200) than the guiding ribs (250). The reinforcement ribs (260) increase the second moment of inertia of the plate member (200) so that it bends less easily. The plate member can also comprise additional openings (280) which can be used for visualizing the position of the plate member versus the ring-shaped structure (460) of the spring (400) and which can indicate the hardness or stiffness of the support element as a whole. Typically 4 different settings will be put in place, such as setting 1: most flexible (ring member positioned right under support plate, virtually not screwed over the spring, hence allowing maximal outward bending of the flexible members of the spring), going to setting 4, most rigid setting (i.e. ring member screwed over the spring legs as much as possible, reducing the outward bending of the flexible members maximally).

Example 3

In a further example, reference is made to Fig. 6, 7, and 8. These figures each show an annular member or ring (300). In particular, Fig. 6 shows a top view, Fig. 7 shows a bottom view, and Fig. 8 a view from the side. The annular member (300) comprises four openings (310) for the pins. The openings (310) are located at the vertices of a square of which the center coincides with the center of the annular member (300). The annular ring is configured to engage with the screw thread of the adaptable spring. The inside of the annular member (300) can further comprise screw thread (320) that fits the screw thread of the adaptable spring. This way, the annular member (300) can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring by rotation of the annular member (300).

Example 4

In a further example, reference is made to Fig. 9, 10, and 11. These figures each show an adaptable spring (400). In particular, Fig. 9 shows a view from the side, Fig. 10 a bottom view and Fig. 11 a top view of an adaptable spring (400).
The adaptable spring (400) comprises four legs (420). At the bottom of the adaptable spring (400), the legs are attached to a support base (430) and at the top of the adaptable spring (400), the legs are attached to a ring-shaped structure (460). During normal use, the ring-shaped structure (460) supports the disk member, and the disk member rotates over the annular member (460) when the stiffness of the adaptable mattress support disk is adjusted.
During normal use, the legs (420) bend when a force is applied to the adaptable mattress support disk; openings (440) are provided between the legs so that the legs can easily bend outward. At their top, the legs comprise screw thread (410). Using the screw thread (410) and an annular ring, the stiffness of the adaptable spring (400) can be modified, so that the stiffness of an adaptable mattress support disk that includes the adaptable spring (400) will also be modified.
The adaptable spring (400) comprises a support base (430) that is connected to the legs (420). The connection comprises two reinforcement ribs (450) per leg (420) that reinforce the connection between the support base (430) and the legs (420). The support base (430) comprises an opening (431), which is configured to universally interact with a connection means typical for known mattress supports..
In each leg, an elasticity opening (421) is provided between the screw thread (410) and the support base (430). The elasticity opening lowers the resistance of the legs against bending at the location where the elasticity opening (421) is provided.

Claims

An adaptable mattress support element (100) comprising a plate member (200), an annular member (300), and an adaptable spring (400), wherein
- the adaptable spring (400) includes a top (460) and a base (430) and a longitudinal direction projected inbetween the top and the base;

- the plate member (200) is located at the top of the adaptable spring (400);

- the adaptable spring (400) comprises one or more legs (420), the legs being placed between the top and the base of the adaptable spring (400);

- the one or more legs (420) are bendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring (400); and,

- the annular member (300) is slidably provided around the one or more legs (420), the annular member (300) being slidable in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring (400).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to claim 1, wherein
- the plate member (200) comprises a base (290) and a top (220);

- one or more pins (210) are attached to the base of the plate member (200);

- the annular member (300) comprises one or more openings (310) for the pins (210);

- the annular member (300) is slidably provided over the one or more pins (210);

- the annular member (300) comprises an inside comprising screw thread (320);

- the adaptable spring (400) has an outside comprising screw thread (410); and,

- the annular member (300) engagingly interacts with the screw thread (410) on the outside of the adaptable spring (400).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to claims 1 or 2 wherein each leg (420) of said adaptable spring comprises an elasticity opening.
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the adaptable spring (400) comprises a support base (430) and a ring-shaped structure (460) at the top, wherein the legs (420) are connected to the support base (430) on the base of the adaptable spring (400), and wherein the legs (420) are connected to the ring-shaped structure (460) at the top of the adaptable spring (400).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the elasticity opening (421) is located between the screw thread (410) on the outside of the adaptable spring (400) and the base of the adaptable spring (430).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the plate member (200) comprises a ventilation hole.
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the number of starts of the screw thread (320, 410) of the annular member (300) and of the adaptable spring (400) is equal to or higher than the number of legs (420) of the adaptable spring (400).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the pitch of the screw thread (320, 410) of the annular member (300) and the adaptable spring (400) is equal to 2.0 to 10.0 mm, preferably equal to 4.0 to 8.0 mm, more preferably equal to 6.5 mm.
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the base of the adaptable spring (410) comprises an opening (431).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising 2 to 8, preferably 4 legs (420).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the plate member (200) comprises one or more guiding ribs (250) for determining the relative position of the disk member (200) and the adaptable spring (400).
The adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the plate member (200) further comprises one or more reinforcement ribs (260); wherein the one or more reinforcement ribs (260) are preferably arranged as a circle and a quadrilateral star which are connected to each other; wherein optionally the reinforcement ribs (260) are concentrically arranged around the center of the plate member (200).
A mattress support comprising a plurality of adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
A method for modifying the spring constant of an adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising the step moving the annular member (300) in the longitudinal direction of the adaptable spring (400) by rotating the plate member (200) and annular member (300) connected thereto through the pins (210), relative to the spring (400).
Kit of parts for the manufacture of an adaptable mattress support element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the kit comprising a plate member (200), an annular member (300), and an adaptable spring (400); the kit optionally comprising instructions for modifying the spring constant of an adaptable mattress support element (100) according to the method according to claim 14.