GB2303060A

GB2303060A - Improvements to spring devices related to the hardness grading, applicable to mattresses, seats and the like

Info

Publication number: GB2303060A
Application number: GB9623350A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martinez Rafael Martinez
Original assignee: Colchon C R S A
Current assignee: Colchon C R S A
Priority date: 1995-03-08
Filing date: 1996-03-07
Publication date: 1997-02-12
Also published as: ES2124118A1; ES2124118B1; GB9623350D0; WO1996027312A1

Abstract

It is characterized in that between the springs (1) are arranged means (2) with displacement capabilities so that they may take a position which does not interfere with the springs (1), in which case a predetermined hardness is obtained, or they may take an intercalary position in the height of the springs (1) whereby the elastic length of the springs is varied and consequently their hardness is increased. In another embodiment, the means arranged between the springs (1) are susceptible of modifiying their volume, whereby with the smaller volume they do not interfere in the structure of the springs, in order to regulate the hardness of the mattress, seat and the like.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO SPRING DEVICES RELATED TO THE HARDNESS GRADING, APPLICABLE TO MATTRESSES, SEATS AND THE LIKE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention, as has been expressed in the statement of this descriptive report, refers to improvements in spring devices related to mattresses, seats and the like; the object of which is to facilitate the hardness grading of the upholstery, be it in mattresses, seats or any other similar article, so that it allows the obtention of a bed or upholstery with a hardness which may be varied according to the wishes of the user or with a selected hardness according to medical prescription.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An infinite number of different embodiments exist, in relation to spring devices applicable to mattresses, seats and the like, the main object being orientated towards the simplification of the interjoining of the different springs whilst keeping a solid configuration, simultaneously enabling its manufacturing process.

For example, utility model No.U-8802194 and utility model No. 287.220 may be cited among others.

On the other hand, the improvements in spring devices are concentrated on the reinforcement of certain parts of the same, as for example may be the case of utility model No.287.028, which refers to an improved mattress in which the transversal central band which constitutes the area which has to support the greatest weight, is reinforced.

In none of the cases, the improvements related to spring devices show a device which facilitates, for one same seat, mattress, etc., the adjustment of the hardness depending on the requirements or wishes of the user, which evidently constitutes a disadvantage for the same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To achieve an adjustment of the hardness in the spring structures, and thus cover this field which has up to now, not been covered industrially, the invention is characterized in that between each two rows or columns of springs, a bolster or crosspiece is provided which is equipped with a plurality of lateral extensions arranged in confrontation two by two, a pair being separated in relation to the other, by a distance which is equivallent to the separation between the vertical axis of the springs; so that when the longitudinal displacement of the bolster or crosspiece (depending on whether they are arranged longitudinally or transversally) is produced, the placement of said lateral extensions is facilitated, in correspondence with the central zone of the springs, so that the elastic amplitud of the springs is reduced to an equivalent length from the location of the projections up to the upper end, ostensibly varying the hardness of the seat, mattress or the like. Thus is establilshed efficient locking means for the spring spirals.

Likewise, the arrangement of the projections outside the reach of the springs is facilitated, that is to say, arranged between two of these, whereby the elastic length of the spring corresponds to the total height of the same, thus obtaining a softer mattress, seat or the like.

Another possibility which in order to offer an identical functionality to the one previously described, consists in the arrangement of the bolsters or crosspieces in such a manner that the lateral extensions are placed in correspondence with the springs, so that if instead of providing the bolsters or crosspieces with a longitudinal movement, they are provided with a rotational movement around their axial axis, it facilitates the placement of the extensions aligned horizontally, in which circumstance, the elastic distance of the springs is reduced from the position of said extensions up to the upper end of the springs, which increases the hardness of the mattress, seat or the like.Similarly, this arrangement allows the rotation of the extensions so they remain vertically aligned, in which position, the elastic length of the springs is not altered and corresponds to their total height, whereby the hardness of the mattresss, seat or the like is softer.

Moreover, the invention is characterized in that it foresees the possibility of using pneumatic elements, equivalent to the extensions of the bolsters or crosspieces, and which are capable of increasing their size, situation which produces a central locking of the springs with the consequent adjustment of the hardness of the upholstery, such as was previously described.

The pneumatic element may be fed by means of a small electrically activated compressor.

Likewise, the longitudinal displacements or rotations of the bolsters or crosspieces may be mechanically related for their joint activation which may be manual or automatic.

Herewith, in order to make more comprehensible this descriptive report, and forming an integral part of the same, a series of figures are attached, in which, with an illustrative and non limitative character, the object of the invention has been represented.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows a section of an exploded plan view of a possible embodiment example of the invention, in which the lateral extensions of the bolsters are to be found located in correspondence with the springs so that a greater hardness of the same is obtained.

Figure 2 shows an equivalent view to the pre vious figure, but with the lateral extensions displaced in relation to the springs, so that a softer mattress, seat or the like is obtained. A detail of a possible configuration of the lateral extensions is additionally observed in this figure.

Figure 3 shows an exploded diagram of another possible embodiment example in which the bolsters or crosspieces rotate around their axis whereby the extensions remain vertically aligned, thus obtaining greater hardness; or horizontally, thus obtaining a greater hardness.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of another possible embodiment example in which the hardness is adjusted by means of a pneumatic element.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR VARIOUS EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION Herewith is offered a description of the invention, based on the previously commented figures.

The invention is used in any spring structure applicable to mattresses, seats and the like, which include a plurality of springs 1, longitudinally and transversally aligned and inter-related through a structure to which they are joined by known means.

The object of the application of the invention in said structures, such as was already described in previous sections, is to achieve the adjustment of the hardness in the mattresses, seats and the like so that said hardness adapts to the requirements and/or wishes of the user.

In order to achieve said objectives, according to a first embodiment, between each two rows of springs 1, a bolster 2 horizontally arranged is intercalated, which is equipped with a series of lateral extensions 3 which remain confronted two by two, and each pair separated from the adjacent one by a distance equivalent to the separation between the vertical axis of the adjacent springs; said distance being the same throughout the structure, between adjacent springs.

Consequently, the confronted pairs of lateral extensions 3, remain equidistantly located.

Thus, if the bolster 2 has the possibility of carrying out a longitudinal displacement in both directions, and limited by two stops, it facilitates the arrangement of the lateral extensions 3 in correspondence with the springs 1, and preferably, in their central zone, so that said lateral extensions 3 are introduced into the structure of the spring, with which the effective length of the same is shortened, thus achieving greater hardness in the mattress, seat or the like.

Moreover, the longitudinal trajectory of the bolster 2 facilitates the arrangement of the same in a position in which the lateral extensions 3 remain located outside the reach of the springs 1 (figure 2), with which the length of the spring is not affected and a greater hardness is obtained, which corresponds with the possibility of softer hardness of the mattress, seat or the like.

Between two consecutive rows of springs, various bolsters 2 may evidently be arranged, with their corresponding lateral extensions 3, provided at different heights, so that the selection of different hardness is allowed, depending on the height of the bolster 2 on which it acts.

Evidently, the bolsters 2 may be placed in cross direction, that is to say, between the columns of the springs 1, with which, instead of being bolters they would be crosspieces, though their structure and operation does not vary at all.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the crosspieces or bolsters 2, may be placed in a fixed manner, though with the possibility of rotation around their axial axis, so that if the lateral extensions 3 remain confronted to the central zone of the springs 1, when the rotation of the bolsters 2 or crosspieces 3 is produced, the lateral extensions 3 remain aligned in vertical direction or horizontal direction, for which said rotational movement may be limited by stopping elements, so that if the lateral extensions remain vertically aligned, these do not interfere absolutely with springs 1, therefore the hardness of the same corresponds to a softer possibility. If on the contrary, the lateral extensions 3 remain horizontally aligned, they interfere in the length of the springs 1, with which their elastic length is reduced and in consequence their hardness is increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the lateral extensions 3 are determined by a body which narrows towards the ends according to curvo-convex surfaces, which adapt to the structure of the springs, narrowing from their ends towards the central zone, with which, if the lateral extensions 3 are arranged in the center of the total height of the springs, because of their design, the rotation of the bolsters or crosspieces 2 is allowed, this movement not being affected by the proximity of the springs 1.

In similar manner to the previous embodiment example, the arrangement of various bolsters or crosspieces at different heights is facilitated, in such a manner, that it permits the obtention of various hardnesses, as could be for example, three variations, corresponding to hardness, intermediate or soft.

The different bolsters or crosspieces could be activated through a knob or handle, which could be, one for each bolster or crosspiece, or one for the totality of the whole assembly, for which the different bolsters or crosspieces must be inter-related.

Similarly, the activation of the bolsters or crosspieces may be carried out mechanically by means of a device which performs said movement, which could besides, be activated by a motor or the like.

According to another embodiment of the invention, more sophisticated than the previous ones, the possibility of using pneumatic elements 5 is provided, having the capacity of increasing their size, so that if said pneumatic elements 5 are arranged in correspondence with the springs and in the free spaces determined between the same, it may be achieved that the pnuematic element 5 presents such a size that it does not interfere with springs 1, and when the size of the pneumatic elements increases, circumstance which has been referenced with 5', said pneumatic elements interfere throughout the length of the springs 1, thus obtaining an identical operation as that described in the previous examples.

In this latter embodiment example, the pneumatic elements are susceptible of being fed by a small electrically activated compressor.

Claims

CLAINS

1. IMPROVEMENTS TO SPRING DEVICES, APPLICABLE TO MATTRESSES, SEATS AND THE LIKE, which are essentially characterized in that between the springs (1) are arranged means with capabilities of variations in their position or size, so that they may adopt a position or size which does not interfere in the length of the springs (1), and so that in another position or size they interfere in the height of the springs (1) so that the hardness offered by these substancially varies, facilitating the adjustment of said hardness.

2. INPROVEMENTS TO SPRING DEVICES, APPLICABLE TO NATTRE8SES, SEATS AND THE LIKE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the means which vary their position in relation to the springs, are determined by bolsters (2) which include lateral extensions (3) confronted two by two and separated by a distance equivalent to the separation between the axis of the springs (1); having provided that the bolsters (2) have longitudinal displacement capabilities, so that the arrangement of the lateral extension (3) is facilitated, invading the inside of the springs (1), and in order to facilitate the arrangement of the lateral extensions (3) in a position which does not interfere with the springs (1).

3. IMPROVEMENTS TO SPRING DEVICES, APPLICABLE TO XATTRESSES, SEATS AND THE LIKE, according to the previous claims, characterized in that the means arranged between the springs which vary their position, are susceptible to being determined by crosspieces, equipped with lateral extensions (3), and with equivalent operation as that of the bolsters (2).

4. IMPROVENENTS TO SPRING DEVICES, APPLICABLE TO NATTRESSES, SEATS AND THE LIKE, according to the second and third claims, characterized in that both the bolsters (2) and the crosspieces (3) are susceptible of occupying a fixed position though with rotational possibilities; in order to facilitate the vertically aligned disposition of the lateral extensions, in which location, the same do not affect the structure of the springs (1); or so as to be situated horizontally aligned so that the lateral extensions (3) invade the inside of the structure of the spring, thus adjusting the hardness.

5. IMPROVEMENT8 TO SPRING DEVICES, APPLICABLE TO MATTRES8E8, SEATS AND THE LIKE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the means located between the springs which vary their size, are susceptible of being determined by pneumatic elements (5) which remain situated between two springs (1) whereby they do not interfere in the structrue of the same; having been provided that said pneumatic elements (1) be susceptible of being fed by a small electrically activated compressor, whereby it facilitates the increase in volume, obtaining pneumatic elements (5') which interfere in the structure of the springs (1), varying the hardness.

6. IMPROVEMENTS TO SPRING DEVICES, APPLICABLE TO MATTRESSES, SEATS AND THE LIKE, according to previous claims, characterized in that both the pneumatic element (5) and the lateral extensions (3) are preferably arranged halfway up the height of the springs (1), which corresponds to the most narrow zone of the same.

7. IMPROVEMENT8 TO SPRING DEVICES, APPLICABLE TO MATTRESSES, SEATS AND THE LIKE, according to previous claims, characterized in that between two springs more than one assembly of bolsters or crosspieces (2) are susceptible of being located, with lateral extensions (3) and/or more than one pneumatic element (5); thus facilitating the adjustment of the different hardnesses.