US20220240686A1

US20220240686A1 - Furniture device for a piece of furniture

Info

Publication number: US20220240686A1
Application number: US17/611,625
Authority: US
Inventors: Jörg Hubrig
Original assignee: Sleep Smart Solutions GmbH
Current assignee: Sleep Smart Solutions GmbH
Priority date: 2019-05-21
Filing date: 2019-05-21
Publication date: 2022-08-04
Also published as: US20220218113A1; AU2019446680A1; CA3144053A1; WO2020233828A1; BR112021023798B1; EP3972457A1; CN113905637A; JP2022538727A; EP3972458A1; AU2019447084A1; DE202019107059U1; BR112021022852A2; WO2020233802A1; CA3139353A1; CN113905636A; BR112021023798A2; ZA202108526B; JP2022533142A

Abstract

The invention relates to a furniture device (100) for an item of furniture, wherein the furniture device (100) comprises; a frame device (110); a suspension device (130) which is designed to be coupled to the frame device (110); a frame spring device (120) which is designed to cause a first spring effect between the frame device (110) and the suspension device (130); and a suspension spring device (140) which is designed to cause a second spring effect on the suspension device (130).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to furniture and fixtures, in particular furniture for sitting a lying down on, and in particular a furniture device for a piece of furniture.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A typical setup of a sleeping system can be designed, for example, as a box spring bed or as a European bed. A European bed includes a frame and a rack on which a mattress is placed.
A box spring bed is a sleeping system in which instead of a slatted frame a spring-mounted base frame forms the basis, such as a solid high frame construction of large springs having one thickness, such as barrel pocket springs having a height of approx. 20 cm in an equally strong spring effect across die entire surface for lying down on.
With regard to comfortable sleep, the box spring system offers a considerably better sprung base as compared to the slatted frame systems. Besides, this explains the high sales volumes of box spring system and the decline in sales of slatted frame systems.
Unfortunately, said box spring systems often feel unstable and flabby. Due to construction and spring height of usually more than 20 cm required for the sprung base (box spring or spring box), the boxes appear bulky and do not leave much room for individual designs.
Almost all manufacturers use one spring strength in the base frame. This has the effect that the comfort zones of the mattress do not continue to form on the base frame. This results in material compression in the mattress and to loss of lying comfort.
The important issue of ventilation is neglected by almost all manufacturers of box spring beds because the large base frames have a solid bottom construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved furniture device.
This object is achieved by the subject matters of the independent patent claims. Embodiments and further developments can be taken from the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures of the drawings.
A first aspect of the present invention relates to a furniture device for a piece of furniture, wherein the furniture device comprises a frame means, a support means, a frame springing means, and a support springing means.
The support means is configured to be coupled with the frame means.
The frame springing means is configured to provide a first spring effect between the frame means and the support means.
The support springing means is configured to provide a second spring effect acting upon the support means.
In other words, the present invention allows for providing a wooden frame, for example, which is glued and screwed on and partially supported by steel sections to ensure an adequate stiffness.
In an embodiment, it is provided that recesses of three different zones for lying down on (e. g. hip, loin, and shoulder), which are fastened by elastic bands, in different strengths constitute the bottom springing.
For example, ventilation slots can be provided in all zones. On top of it can be provided a 5-zone barrel pocket spring core and a 5 mm high comfort foam. This construction is enclosed by flexible mattress drill, for example.
The interaction of the two different spring systems causes incredibly high comfort. Depending on the price class of the construction, the barrel pocket springs can be provided with one spring zone up to seven different zones.
Several zones in the sprung base reflect the zone comfort of the mattress and result in higher comfort. Particularly in the hip and shoulder area, the sprung base can yield better and more precisely, thus preventing material compression of the mattress.
Depending on the construction height of the springs, said springing can absorb a mechanical energy applied to the mattress by a spring stroke of approx. 3-4 cm, i.e. by mechanical deformation, and provides for an equal spring level across the entire surface. Due to the additional frame springing, the total spring stroke is up to 12 cm, although the construction height of the box is only 8 cm.
Accordingly, all the energy of the mattress can be directed to the sprung base and absorbed at the relevant locations. Due to the low construction height, the invention can lead to a new generation of slatted frames and box spring beds and be the basis for new, modern, and simple bed designs or seating furniture in the future.
The present invention advantageously allows for a dissipation of energy without material displacement.
In all currently applied methods, material is displaced. Under load, the materials in mattresses compress. Slatted frames yield under pressure in the middle of the slat, and the springs of box spring bed base frames compress under load.
High comfort is possible only through a large construction height, because the displacement of energy (weight while sleeping and turning) often causes the maximum compression of materials—it becomes hard again.
High springs and a high mattress mean large spring travel and good comfort. This is explained by a lower degree of compression. Springs lose their positive spring effect when compressed from approx. 40-50% load. This also applies to all mattresses made of different materials. The displacement is max. approx. 30-35%. Accordingly, a 25 cm high mattress loses its comfort from approx. 7 cm “pressing depth” and then becomes hard.
For strong people, a depth of 12 to 15 cm is required, particularly in the shoulder area, in order to be able to reproduce a straight sleeping posture.
The bottom springing is the core of the present invention. This spring travel occurs without the displacement of material. At the same time, the inherently solid surface forms a straight support for the spring core and the mattress on top.
The bottom springing ultimately ensures that the energy of the compressible materials on top can be dissipated or absorbed. The mattress can expand downward, thus resulting in less compression and significantly higher comfort.
In an embodiment of the present invention, it may further be provided that the base frame only comprises a bottom springing.
Derived from biomechanics, the calculation of the perfect sprung base includes values about the relative weight of body parts. Accordingly, the perfect sprung base is calculated from the load weight of the corresponding body parts, which is divided into zones in the sleep industry, and from the weight of the mattress, this in relation to the surface on which it rests and is loaded.
In total, the corresponding total load should be absorbed by the two spring travels. The more energy is absorbed by the sprung base, the less the comfort of the mattress is negatively affected by material compression.
Double Spring Box:
The basic weight of an average person plus the weight of the mattress can be used as a basis for calculation. Here, it is important to note that only the body surface of side sleepers is included in the calculation.
From this, the load weight of the individual zones can be calculated, and the necessary resistance of the spring straps can be derived. Higher loads are absorbed by the spring cores resting on the bottom springing.
Other distributions of the spring load can also be useful, e.g. 50% load on the spring cores, afterwards the spring travel of the bottom springing takes over the work.
A second aspect of the present invention relates to a control system for a furniture device, wherein the control system is configured to adjust and adapt the first spring effect and/or the second spring effect, wherein preferably the control system is configured to adjust and adapt the first spring effect and/or the second spring effect of the respective support segment or the respective frame segment springing system or the respective support springing segment.
This dynamic control can be dynamically adapted depending on ambient conditions or sleeping positions of a user of the furniture device detected via sensors to enable optimal sleeping. In an embodiment of the present invention, it may further be provided to use bionic spring elements for adjusting and adapting, the spring characteristics of which can be dynamically controlled.
A third aspect of the present invention relates to a furniture device for a piece of furniture, the furniture device comprising: a frame means, a support means which is configured to be coupled with the frame means. The furniture device further comprises a frame springing means which is configured to provide a first spring effect between the frame means and the support means.
Advantageous configurations of the present invention are described in the subclaims.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support means is divisible into a plurality of support segments.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the frame springing means comprises a plurality of frame segment springing systems.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that each frame segment springing system is assigned to a support segment and is configured to provide an own, assigned first segment spring effect for the respective support segment.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support springing means is divisible into a plurality of support springing segments.
For example, this segments are made up of hybrid piezo elements having elastic elements, so that the spring effect can be adapted by means of electrical pulses.
This dynamic control can be dynamically adapted depending on ambient conditions or sleeping positions detected via sensors to enable optimal sleeping. Alternatively, bionic spring elements can also be used, the spring characteristics of which can be dynamically adapted and thus controlled.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support springing means comprises a plurality of segment springing systems and is divisible into support springing segments.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that each segment springing system is configured to provide an own second segment spring effect for the respective support springing segment.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the frame springing means is configured to provide the first spring effect by a first elastic deformation in a first deformation direction.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support springing means is configured to provide the second spring effect by a second elastic deformation in a second deformation direction.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first deformation direction and the second deformation direction are essentially oriented relative to each other in the same direction with an angular deviation of less than 20°, preferably less than 10°, or particularly preferably less than 5°.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the frame springing means is configured as a sprung base comprising an expansion strap or a fiber strap or a warp knitted fabric or as a spring strap or as a gas pressure spring or as a coil spring or as a spring.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the frame springing means comprises a spring stroke of up to 14 cm or preferably of up to 8 cm or particularly preferably of up to 6 cm.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support springing means has a spring stroke of up to 14 cm or preferably of up to 8 cm or particularly preferably of up to 6 cm.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the frame springing means and the support springing means are configured to adapt the first spring effect and the second spring effect to each other.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the frame springing means and the support springing means are configured to adapt the spring stroke of the frame springing means and the spring stroke of the support springing means to each other.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support springing means comprises:

- a mattress springing; or
- a pocket spring core springing; or
- a spring core; or
- at least a three-dimensional fabric; or
- at least a foam structure; or
- at least a wool structure; or
- at least an air cushion structure.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the furniture device (100) is configured as a bed furniture.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the furniture device (100) is configured as a cushioned furniture for sitting or lying down on.
The described configuration and further developments can be combined with each other in any way.
Further possible configurations, further developments and implementations of the present invention also comprise not explicitly mentioned combinations of features of the present invention described previously or hereinafter with respect to embodiments of the present invention.
The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, in connection with the description, serve to explain concepts of the present invention.
Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantage arise in view of the figures of the drawings. The elements shown in the figures of the drawings are not necessarily shown true to scale.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the figures of the drawings the same reference numerals designate the same or functionally identical elements, members, components, or method steps, unless specified to the contrary.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The furniture device 100 for a piece of furniture comprises a frame means 110, a frame springing means 120, a support means 130, and a support springing means 140.
The support means 130 is configured to be coupled with the frame means 110.
The frame springing means 120 is configured to provide a first spring effect between the frame means 110 and the support means 130.
The support springing means 140 is configured to provide a second spring effect acting upon the support means 130.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows how the springs are fastened to the bottom plate of the frame:
A warp knitted fabric, or fiber straps, for example, comprising elastic synthetic fibers—known as Mygroflex—which are fastened to the top of the bottom plate of the frame and fastened to the bottom of the floating bottom springing segment.
These spring straps have a high carrying capacity and can have different spring strengths. The part of the strap not fixed by the fixation spreads out depending on the load and then returns to its original shape. Depending on the material, a spring stroke of 6-8 cm can be represented.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows how the springs are fastened to the sidewall of the frame:
Here, the springing is fastened to the sidewall of the frame and also to the bottom of the floating bottom springing segment. The springing offers the advantage that the springs are not subjected to friction and thereby the spring travel can be even longer (up to 12 cm in the sprung base).
Furthermore, the overall area of the sprung base increases in the width of lie down area (comfort advantage). In this implementation, coil springs or gas pressure springs can be used in addition to the straps. Perhaps your engineers will recognize even further spring possibilities.
Mounting a rail at the frame and at the floating bottom plate ensures smooth sliding and is well suited for preventing vibrations. Furthermore, this rail can be provided with a stopper for causing a maximum elongation of the springs, in most cases approx. 7 cm are advantageous.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a furniture device for a piece of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows how the bottom springing is mounted. In the case of spring straps, two should be used on each side for optimum fastening.
Likewise, FIG. 4 illustrates rails which allow for optimum sliding of the bottom springing.
FIG. 4 shows the support means 130 which is divisible into a plurality—3 in the present case—support segments 130-1, 130-2, . . . , 130-n.
FIG. 4 shows the frame springing means 120 which comprises a plurality of frame segment springing systems 120-1, 120-2, . . . , 120-n.
FIG. 4 shows the support springing means 140 which is divisible into a plurality of support springing segments 140-1, 140-2, . . . , 140-n.
Further in FIG. 4 a middle guiding strap is illustrated which, as in the case of slatted frames, is used to keep the slats in the guide. The middle guiding strap can provide additional stability and also have a spring effect.
When using other springs (gas pressure of coil springs), it is also possible that two rails serve for guiding purposes and only one spring per side suffices.
Although the present invention has been described by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto but can be modified in various ways. In particular, the present invention can be altered or modified in various way without deviating from the essence of the invention.
In addition, it should be noted that “comprising” and “including” does not exclude any other elements or steps and that “one” does not exclude a plurality.
In addition, it should be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments, can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other above-described exemplary embodiments. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A furniture device for a piece of furniture, the furniture device comprising:

a frame means;

a support means which is configured to be coupled with the frame means;

a frame springing means which is configured to provide a first spring effect between the frame means and the support means; and

a support springing means which is configured to provide a second spring effect acting upon the support means.

2. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the support means is divisible into a plurality of support segments; and

wherein the frame springing means comprises a plurality of frame segment springing systems; and

wherein each frame segment springing system is assigned to a support segment and is configured to provide an own, assigned first segment spring effect for the respective support segment.

3. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the support springing means is divisible into a plurality of support springing segments; and

wherein the support springing means comprises a plurality of segment springing systems;

wherein each segment springing system is configured to provide an own second segment spring effect for the respective support springing segment.

4. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the frame springing means is configured to provide the first spring effect by a first elastic deformation in a first deformation direction; and

wherein the support springing means is configured to provide the second spring effect by a second elastic deformation in a second deformation direction; and

wherein the first deformation direction and the second deformation direction are essentially oriented relative to each other in the same direction with an angular deviation of less than 20°, preferably less than 10°, or particularly preferably less than 5°.

5. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the frame springing means is configured as a sprung base comprising an expansion strap or a fiber strap or a warp knitted fabric or as a spring strap or as a gas pressure spring or as a coil spring or as a spring.

6. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the frame springing means comprises a spring stroke of up to 14 cm or preferably of up to 8 cm or particularly preferably of up to 6 cm.

7. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the support springing means has a spring stroke of up to 14 cm or preferably of up to 8 cm or particularly preferably of up to 6 cm.

8. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the frame springing means and the support springing means are configured to adapt the first spring effect and the second spring effect to each other.

9. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the frame springing means and the support springing means are configured to adapt the spring stroke of the frame springing means and the spring stroke of the support springing means to each other.

10. The furniture device according to claim 1, the support springing means comprising:

a mattress springing; or

a pocket spring core spring; or

a spring core; or

at least a three-dimensional fabric; or

at least a foam structure; or

at least a wool structure; or

at least an air cushion structure.

11. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the furniture device is configured as a bed furniture.

12. The furniture device according to claim 1,

wherein the furniture device is adapted as a cushioned furniture for sitting or lying down on.

13. A control system for a furniture device, wherein the control system is configured to adjust and adapt the first spring effect and/or the second spring effect, wherein the control system is preferably configured to adjust and adapt the first spring effect and/or the second spring effect of the respective support segment or of the respective frame segment springing system or of the respective support springing segment.

14. A furniture device for a piece of furniture, the furniture device comprising:

a frame means;

a support means which is configured to be coupled with the frame means; and

a frame springing means which is configured to provide a first spring effect between the frame means and the support means.