GB2463939A

GB2463939A - Bed support device

Info

Publication number: GB2463939A
Application number: GB0818107A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Peter Holland; Elisabeth Kristina Ivarsson Holland
Original assignee: Sensitivity Ltd
Current assignee: Sensitivity Ltd
Priority date: 2008-10-03
Filing date: 2008-10-03
Publication date: 2010-04-07
Also published as: GB0818107D0

Abstract

A bed support device comprising one or more vibration absorbing elements 1 for location between the floor 7 and the bed's frame 6 for mitigating the transmission of vibrations from the floors of a building to the bed 5. Preferably there are four vibration absorbing elements, one under each leg of the bed. Preferably the vibration absorbing elements are formed from cured silicone and have a shore durometer hardness type A of 20 to 80. Preferably the vibration absorbing element is a disc shaped pad between 10 and 30 mm thick and has a diameter of between 50 and 120 mm, with inclined sides, where the floor contacting surface is greater than the bed contacting surface, and the bed contacting surface has a recess for receiving the bed frame. A method of manufacturing the same is also included and preferably the method comprises the step of curing the vibration absorbing element for at least 24 hours to remove all volatile compounds.

Description

BED SUPPORT DEVICE

AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

[001] The present invention relates to a bed support device. That is, a device for supporting the frame of a bed, and consequently also the bed's mattress, above the floor on which the bed stands.

[002] Sleep is an essential time of rest and rejuvenation for the human body. In recent years there has been increased awareness of the importance and advantages of gaining good quality sleep in terms of an individuals well-being and productivity. For example, it is known that good restorative sleep can help to improve mood and concentration levels, as well offer physical benefits such as maintaining a healthy immune system.

[003] Most devices and methods directed to improving sleep quality generally concern avoiding noise and light disturbances and improving comfort levels which could otherwise affect an individual's natural sleep cycle. That is, uncomfortable bedding and mattresses, noise and unwanted light can all affect sleep quality, and therefore inventions relating to improved mattress construction, light blocking curtains and sound insulation have all been proposed.

Nevertheless, it is recognised that there may be many contributing factors that can affect sleep quality and therefore new methods for improving sleep quality are being sort.

[004] Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a means for improving the quality of sleep.

[005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bed support device for supporting a bed above a floor, said device comprising one or more vibrational absorbing elements for location between the floor and the bed's frame for mitigating the transmission of vibrations from the floor to the bed.

[0061 In this connection, the present inventors have discovered that in many environments, vibrational disturbances can also affect sleep quality. This issue was first identified by the inventors when they became aware that minute mechanical vibrations appeared to affect their sleep quality, whereas their sleep quality was better in environments where such vibrations weren't present.

Accordingly, the present inventors realised that by isolating their bed from these vibrat�ons, their sleep quality could be improved, even in an environment where vibrations were present.

[0071 In this respect, there are various potential sources of vibrational disturbances. For example, mechanical devices, such as washing machines, air conditioning units, fridges, and heating units, as well as their associated pipework and fluids, can all produce unwanted vibrations, either from the movement of the fluids, component parts, or the expansion or contraction of components due to temperature changes.

Vibrations may also be caused, for example, by nearby road or rail traffic, or the action of the sea. It is believed that these micro-vibrations can then be transmitted from such sources through the floors and walls of a building. In most instances the above described vibrations are imperceptible due to their very low amplitude and while an individual is awake they go largely unnoticed. However, during sleep it is believed that these minute vibrations could affect an individual's sleep quality. That is, the vibrations may inhibit the body's ability to reach the necessary relaxation required to achieve the deeper stages of the sleep cycle.

This may be due to a number of factors, for example, one possibility is that the micro-vibrations cause minute muscular reflex responses which interrupt the sleep cycle.

[0081 Accordingly, to address this issue, the present invention dissipates or prevents minute vibrations travelling through the floor from being transmitted to the bed in which an individual sleeps. As such, an individual is subjected to substantially less vibrational disturbances while they are sleeping, which could otherwise compromise the quality of their sleep. Accordingly, an improved quality of sleep can be achieved.

[0091 Conveniently, the one or more vibrational absorbing elements are each for location under a different leg of the bed's frame. In this way, the bed support device of the present invention can easily be fitted under legs of a standard bed to improve an occupant's sleep quality.

[0010] In one embodiment the device comprises four vibrational absorbing elements. In this way, the device can be used with a standard bed frame having four legs.

[0011] Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of an elastic material. In this way, vibrations transmitted through the floor are absorbed or dissipated by the elastic nature of the material. This mitigates the vibrational energy and thereby reduces its transmission into the bed and hence an individualL occupying the bed.

[0012] Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of medical grade silicone and/or a specially cured silicone.

This material has been found to provide good vibrational damping properties due to its balance of elasticity and hardness. In addition, medical grade silicone or specially cured silicone, in particular, have been found to emit very low levels of chemicals during use. Such chemica's can also affect the quality of sleep.

[0013] Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material having a shore durometer type A hardness of 20 to 80. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material having a shore durometer type A hardness of 35 to 65. It has been found that a hardness in the above ranges is particularly suited to ensure both sufficient vibration dissipating properties and sufficient support of the bed and its occupant. In this regard, it has been found that at a hardness above the aforement�oned ranges, vibrations are not sufficiently absorbed. Conversely, at a hardness below the aforementioned ranges there is a risk that the elements may be excessively deformed under the weight of the bed.

[0014] Conveniently, the or each vibration absorbing element is a pad. This allows the vibration absorbing elements to be manufactured easily and cheaply. Furthermore, the pad shape is well suited to be placed between the bed frame and the floor, whilst providing a suitable vibration absorbent barrier and dimensional stability.

[0015] In one embodiment, the or each vibration absorbing element has have inclined sides. In one embodiment, the inclined sides are inclined in the range of 92° -100° to the horizontal. Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements comprise a first surface for contacting the floor and a second surface for contacting the bed's frame, and wherein said first surface has a greater surface area than the second surface. Accordingly, with the above constructional features, the vibration absorbing elements are provided with a wide base for supporting the frame of the bed. This ensures the bed is kept stable.

[0016] In one embodiment, the one or more vibration absorbing elements further comprise a recess provided on the surface for contacting the bed's frame, said recess for receiving a portion of the bed's frame. In this way, the bed frame is supported laterally by the vibration absorbing elements. Furthermore, if the bed frame is provided on wheels, the recesses act to resist dislodging of the wheels.

[0017] Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are between 10mm -30mm thick. In a preferred embodiment the one or more vibration absorbing elLements are -25mm thick. It has been found that the above thicknesses provided in the vertical direction, i.e. the height at which the bed is supported above the floor, offer the preterred properties in terms balancing stability and vibration absorption.

[0018] Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are disc shaped. This shape has been found to be particularly suited as it provides a uniform vibrational energy dissipation and support in all directions. In addition, such disc shaped vibration absorbing elLements are also more resistant to crack formations due to the avoidance of stress concentration points.

[0019] Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are between 50mm and 120mm in diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are substantially 75mm in diameter. In this way the diameter is suited to support an average leg of a bed frame.

[0020] Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material which has been cured over an extended period for removing substantially all volatile compounds. In this way, subsequent outgassing of volatile chemicals during use, and specifically volatile organic compounds, from the vibration absorbing elements can be avoided. Conveniently, the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material which has been cured for at least 24 hours. This extended period has been found to be sufficient to remove substantially all volatile chemicals.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a bed support device for supporting a bed above a floor, comprising the step of forming one or more vibration absorbing elements of a vibrational damping material for mitigating the transmission of vibrations, said one or more vibration absorbing elements for location between the floor and the bed's frame.

[0022] Conveniently, said method further comprising the step of curing the one or more vibration absorbing elements for an extended period for removing substantially all volatile compounds.

[0023] Conveniently, said step of curing comprises a curing period of at least 24 hours.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of one or more vibration absorbing elements for supporting a bed above a floor by locating the one or more vibration absorbing elements between the floor and the bed's frame, wherein said vibration absorbing elements mitigate the transmission of vibrations from the floor to the bed.

[0025] An illustrative example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0026] Figure 1 shows a side view of a vibrational absorbing element of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of a vibrational absorbing element shown in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the top view of a vibrational absorbing element shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0029] Figure 4 shows vibrational absorbing elements as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 in use with a bed.

[0030] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a vibration absorbing element 1 of a bed support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vibration absorbing element comprises an upper face 2 for contact with the legs of a bed, a bottom face 3 for contact with the floor on which the bed stands, and side walls.

[0031] As can be seen, the vibration absorbing element 1 is a substantially planar pad having a disc-like shape. The side walls 4 are slightly tapered outwardly at an aigle of 930 such that the bottom face 3 has a greater surface area than the upper face 2. This provides stability during use.

[0032] The vibration absorbing element 1 is made from a medical grade silicone material or similar specially cured silicone material, cured as discussed below. Each the vibration absorbing element 1 is formed by injection moulding which provides sufficient density and surface quality to the element. Following the moulding process, the elements are cured for an extended period to burn off substantially all volatile organic chemicals and harden the material.

Accordingly, in this embodiment the curing period is at least 24 hours.

[0033] In this connection, many synthetic materials contain chemicals which are volatile enough to be released at increased temperatures. Such chemicals may include volatile organic compounds. If released, these volatile chemicals may disrupt sleep or be harmful to people who are particularly sensitive to chemical emissLons. Accordingly, the extended curing stage described above removes as much of the potential harmful chemicals as possible, so that subsequent outgassing of chemicals during use is avoided or minimised. Furthermore, the curing process may also act to harden the material of the vibration absorbing elements.

[0034] The resultant vibration absorbing elements 1 manufactured according to the above process have a shore hardness type A of between 35 and 65. This provides good vibration absorption and dimensional stability under load, as well as wear resistance.

[0035] Figure 4 shows this embodiment of the present invention in use. As can be seen, four vibration absorbing elements 1 as described above are provided. Each vibration absorbing element 1 is placed under a leg 6 of the bed 5. In this way, the vibration absorbing elements 1 are positioned between the floor 7 and the four legs 6 of the bed 5 so that the bed 5 is supported above the floor 7. As such there is no direct contact between the bed and the floor and any vibrations being transmitted through the floor 7 can only pass to the bed 5 though the vibration absorbing elements 1.

Consequently, any such vibrations are at least partially absorbed by the vibration absorbing elements 1, and therefore any individual occupying the bed will be subjected to less vibrational disturbances and hence disruption to their sleep will be minimised or avoided.

[0036] It will be understood that the above illustrated embodiment described herein shows an application of the present invention only for the purposes of illustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward to those skilled in the art to implement.

[0037] For example, the vibration absorbing elements need not necessarily be disc shaped, and may be other shapes, for example rectangular or square. This may be useful in order to adapt the shape of the vibration absorbing elements for a particular bed. For instance, a bed may be supported by two wide legs rather than four legs. In such a case, it is envisaged that there could be provided two long rectangular strip-like vibration absorbing elements for placement under each leg.

[0038] It will also be understood that the hardness of the vibration absorbing elements may be selected dependant on the weight of bed or occupant or the types of vibrations experienced in a particular room.

[0039] Furthermore, the upper face of the vibration absorbing elements may be configured to receive a portion of the frame of the bed, such as by providing a recess in its uppermost face. This would provide more lateral support to the bed frame. A gripping formation could also be provided on either face of the vibration absorbing elements to prevent slippage. Such a gripping formation could take the form of -10 -an indented logo or dimples.

Claims

-11 -CLAIMS1. A bed support device for supporting a bed above a floor, said device comprising one or more vibrational absorbing elements for location between the floor and the bed's frame for mitigating the transmission of vibrations from the floor to the bed.
2. A bed support device according to claim 1 wherein the one or more vibrational absorbing elements are each for location under a different leg of the bed's frame.
3. A bed support device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the device comprises four vibrational absorbing elements.
4. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of an elastic material.
5. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of silicone.
6. A bed support device according to claim 5 wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of medical grade silicone or cured silicone.
7. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material having a shore durometer type A hardness of 20 to 80.
8. A bed support device according to claim 7 wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material having a shore durometer type A hardness of 35 to 65.

-12 -
9. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the or each vibration absorbing element is a pad.
10. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the or each vibration absorbing element has inclined sides.
11. A bed support device according to claim 10 wherein the inclined sides are inclined Ln the range of 92° -100° to the horizontal.
12. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements comprise a first surface for contacting the floor and a second surface for contacting the bed's frame, and wherein said first surface has a greater surface area than the second surface.
13. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements further comprise a recess provided on the surface for contacting the bed's frame, said recess for receiving a portion of the bed's frame.
14. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are between 10mm -30mm thick.
15. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are 15 - 25mm thick.
16. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are disc shaped.

-13 -
17. A bed support device according to claim 16 wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are between 50mm and 120mm in diameter.
18. A bed support device according to claim 17 wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are substantially 75mm in diameter.
19. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material which has been cured over an extended period for removing substantially all volatile compounds.
20. A bed support device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more vibration absorbing elements are formed of a material which has been cured for at least 24 hours.
21. A method of manufacturing a bed support device for supporting a bed above a floor, comprising the step of: forming one or more vibration absorbing elements of a vibrational damping material for mitigating the transmission of vibrations, said one or more vibration absorbing elements for location between the floor and the bed's frame.
22. A method of manufacturing according to claim 21, further comprising the step of curing the one or more vibration absorbing elements for an extended period for removing substantially all volatile compounds.
23. A method of manufacturing according to claim 22, wherein the step of curing comprises a curing period of at least
24 hours.

-14 - 24. Use of one or more vibration absorbing elements for supporting a bed above a floor by locating the one or more vibration absorbing elements between the floor and the bed's frame, wherein said vibration absorbing elements mitigate the transmission of vibrations from the floor to the bed.
25. A bed support device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. A method of manufacturing a bed support device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.