WO2003079859A1

WO2003079859A1 - Improved sleep system and method of specifying same

Info

Publication number: WO2003079859A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2003/000052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Allan
Original assignee: Design Mobel Nz Limited
Priority date: 2002-03-27
Filing date: 2003-03-27
Publication date: 2003-10-02
Also published as: AU2003215971A1

Abstract

A sleep system which includes a mattress (17) and a support surface (16) which have each been selected to take into account a persons: (a) anthropometric details; and/or (b) preferred comfort level. Correlation (13) between the mattress (17) and support surface zones (12) are also assigned. Also disclosed is a shoe (5) for the sleep system which allows (I) pivoting in the base track (6) in a transverse direction; (ii) sideways pivoting in the longitudinal direction; (iii) able to be compressed due to downward or other torsional forces experienced by the resilient member (4) supported by the shoe (5).

Description

IMPROVED SLEEP SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SPECIFYING SAME

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an improved sleep system and method of specifying same for an individual.

Background Art

The world bedding market consists of essentially two types of beds: Innerspring beds which are the most predominant, and Flexible slat beds which are prevalent in Europe.

Innerspring beds are somewhat limited in their function as they rely mainly on the mattress for comfort and support. As a result a deeper mattress which is necessarily more expensive to manufacture, is required than is the case for other types of beds. A further problem with innerspring beds is they generally do not allow for a mattress to be selected based on the characteristics of a person's body without the use of a specialised measuring device such as Ergo-check ™ to measure the pressure points of a person lying on a bed. Understandably, given the use of such a device is cumbersome, it is seldomly, if at all, used in practice to determine the correct mattress for a person's particular body type.

Flexible slat beds (FS) on the other hand are slightly more advanced in this respect and do allow for the support surface (slats) to be tailored to a person's weight prior to lying on a bed. This is, however, mainly motivated by the fact that there are structural requirements that need to be considered in order for the slats to support the weight of a person. So as with innerspring beds, the mattress on FS systems is again selected by the personal comfort level of a person rather than what is anatomically correct.

Thus, conventional beds divorce the mattress from the support surface and generally only operate on subjective comfort of a mattress for selection of the correct bed. Consequently, most conventional beds allow very little for the fact that many people and their partners vary significantly in weight, height and build.

It would therefore be desirable if there could be provided a bed (sleep system), which comprises a group of basic components which interrelate as a whole to form a sleep system which is tailored to an individual's anatomic characteristics and comfort preference.

It would also be useful if there could be provided a methodology for specifying the appropriate ergonomic sleep system for a person based on that person's anatomic characteristics prior to a person lying on the system and without the need for being subjected to an Ergo-check ™ other types of pressure measurement device. It would also be desirable if such a methodology still retained the flexibility to allow for an individual to vary the initially designated sleep system to take into account individual comfort preference.

The sleep system of the present invention also acknowledges the fact that peoples' bodies vary from head to toe. While your shoulders are broad and light your abdominal region is the heaviest part of your body containing both your pelvis and internal organs. As a result both the mattress and support surface are made up of three or more "zones" which accommodate these variations giving greater support to the middle region. By providing extra support in the middle region it helps the spine to maintain a neutral alignment, which helps the recuperation and decompression of your spinal disks after a days activity. Principally these zones are symmetrical so the mattress can be rotated and to keep the system simple.

Whilst providing zoned support is not uncommon in the bedding industry the existing forms of zoned support differ from the present sleep system. In particular, the zoning offered in the some of the more recent systems is rather complex involving a number of parts some that cannot be adjusted by the consumer. The conventional systems also provide little or no guide as to how they should be adjusted if the user should ever need to do so. The mattress is also not coordinated with the surface in this zoning system and again the mattress provides a great deal of the support and comfort, it renders zoning in the base somewhat useless. Similarly, beds that utilise zoning in the mattress, do not generally take into account the requirements of the base to provide the correct support for a person. So the accuracy and real benefit of these types of systems is debatable.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for specifying a sleep system for a person based on that person's anthropometric details, the method comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a person's anthropometric details;

b) selecting the appropriate support surface and mattress type for that person's body using the anthropometric details from a). _^^

PCT/NZ03/00052

4 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for specifying a sleep system for a person based on that person's anthropometric details, the method comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a person's anthropometric details;

b) clarifying that person's anthropometric details; and

c) determining the appropriate support surface and mattress type for that person's body using the classification obtained at step b).

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the person's anthropometric details are classified according to Table 1 in the specification.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the appropriate support surface and mattress type is determined according to Table 2 in the specification using the classification obtained from Table 1 in the specification.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the sleep system selected for a person can be customized to take into account the individual comfort level of the person, comprising the further steps of:

a) obtaining details of a person's preferred comfort level; and

b) selecting a mattress to take into account the preferred comfort level. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein a person may select a comfort rating from the group comprising: Soft; Soft-medium; Medium; Medium-hard; and Hard.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a support surface via:

a) Tables 3 and 4; or

b) Tables 5 and 6;

in the specification.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a mattress via Tables 7 or 8 in the specification.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system which includes a mattress and a support surface which have each been selected to take into account a person's anthropometric details.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the mattress initially selected from a person's anthropometric details can be varied to take into account the preferred comfort level of the person.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the system includes a base configured to receive and support the resilient members in a manner that allows for easy removal and insertion of one or more resilient members so that characteristics of the support surface can be varied via replacing the slats themselves and/or altering the frequency of slats positioned along the length of the base.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the sleep system includes spacer elements adapted to fit into/onto a track on the base so as to be capable of regulating the frequency of slats along the base.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the sleep system includes shoes adapted to fit into/onto the track on the base.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system which is designated for a person is based off their anthropometric details classified according to Table 1 in the specification.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the appropriate support surface and mattress type are determined according to Table 2 in the specification using the classification obtained from Table 1 in the specification.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the person may select a comfort rating from the groups comprising: Soft; Soft-medium; Medium; Medium-hard; and Hard.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a support surface via:

a) Tables 3 and 4; or _n^/l

PCT/NZ03/00052

7 b) Tables 5 and 6;

in the specification.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleep system substantially as described above wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a mattress via Tables 7 or 8 in the specification.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a shoe for supporting a resilient members in a sleep system wherein the shoe has been adapted to fit onto/into a track on the base of the sleep system, the shoe is characterized in that the shoe is configured to be capable of:

a) pivoting in the track of the base;

b) undergoing sideways pivoting; and

c) being compressed due to downward or other torsional forces experienced by the resilient member supported by the shoe.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention there is provided a mattress and support surface combination wherein the mattress and support surface zones are designed to correlate with one another.

The term "anthropometric details" as used herein refers to the height, weight and gender of a person.

The term "support surface" as used herein refers to a series of resilient members (of any material having the appropriate characteristics) attached to a base so as to be capable of supporting a mattress to create a bed.

The term "BMI" as used herein refers to the Body Mass Index of a person which is calculated by dividing a person's weight (kilograms) by the square of their height (metres).

The term "mattress" as used herein refers to a substantially flat pad of a resilient nature upon which the body of a person can rest when sleeping.

The term "sleep system" as used herein refers to an integrated mattress and support surface combination, wherein selection of the support surface and mattress is undertaken contemporaneously, after consideration of a person's anthropometric details.

The term "shoes" as used herein refers to the elements which fit on the respective ends of the resilient members of the support surface to attach the resilient members to the base.

The term "hardness" as used herein is defined as how hard or soft a material is mechanically and is measured in Newtons (N).

The term "flexural stiffness" as used herein refers to how resistant to bending a material is mechanically and is measured in Giga-Pascals (Gpa).

The term "flexural strength" as used herein refers to how much you can bend a material, or how much load can be applied before it will break and is measured in Mega-Pascals (Mpa).

It is envisaged that the support system may be configured in a variety of different forms.

In general the resilient members maybe in the form of slats. For ease of reference only, the resilient members will now be referred to as slats.

The respective ends of the slats may generally be received by shoes which attach the slats to a base. h preferred embodiments the support surface may be spatially organized to have at least three different zones along the length of the base, each of which may have a degree of hardness, which differs to that of adjacent zone(s) - the degree of hardness being determined by a person's anthropometric details. In some preferred embodiments each zone may also be organized into further sub-zones.

The hardness of the support surface in the various zones may be achieved/adjusted by either altering the rigidity/ stiffness characteristics of the slats themselves and/or by altering the frequency of slats (i.e. number of slats) within a zone.

In preferred embodiments the hardness of the support surface is achieved/adjusted by altering the frequency of slats within a zone.

It is envisaged the frequency of slats within a zone may be varied in a number of different ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In preferred embodiments the slats maybe attached to the base via shoes, which fit into/onto a track running along the length of the base. Accordingly, by introducing different sized spacer elements into/onto the track between the shoes the frequency of the slats within a zone may be altered.

It is envisaged the mattress may have a variety of different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In preferred embodiments the mattress is configured so as to have at least three different zones along its length, each of which may have a degree of hardness which differs to that of adjacent zones depending on the anthropometric details of a person. In some instances the degree of hardness of each zone will also be determined by the personal comfort level of the individual.

In preferred embodiments the two outer zones of a three zone mattress, may have substantially the same hardness to allow for simple construction of the mattress and for rotation of the mattress (i.e. a "reversible mattress" concept).

In preferred embodiments the base may include a track running along its length, which is adapted to receive spacer elements and shoes (which support the slats) therein/thereon.

In general, the track may be in a form of a groove or rail, or combination thereof.

To select the correct sleep system a person may be classified according to their anthropometric details (i.e. height, weight and gender). A sleep system that provides the most ergonomic support for a person is then assigned to a person dependent on their anthropometric classification.

The following example sets out a preferred method for specifying a sleep system for a person based on their anthropometric details. It should be appreciated that it is not intended to be limiting and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, other factors may also need to be taken into consideration when specifying a sleep system.

Example 1

One favoured classification system for classifying a person according to the anthropometric details is set out below in Table 1.

Table 1. Anthropometric Classification

After a person has been classified in Table 1 according to their anthropometric details the alphanumeric code in the classification system designates the sleep system as set out in Table 2, which is ergonomically suited to that person having regard to their body type.

T NZ03/00052

12

Table 2. Sleep System Combinations

As can been seen by referring to Table 1 the sleep systems assigned via the anthropometric classification of an individual are generally structured around the sleep systems outlined in bold and italics within Table 2. The various support surfaces and mattress types designated for a person in the sleep system assigned in Table 2 are set out in Tables, 3, 4 (Scenario 1), 5, and 6 (Scenario 2) below.

Scenario 1.

The first scenario for the classification system illustrates the support surface varied through the use of frequency. The increased frequency provides a firmer surface and can support a greater weight.

Table 3. Configuration of Slat Frequencies

Table 4. Support Surface configuration of zones utilizing slat frequencies set out in table 3

Scenario 2.

There is an alternative scenario for varying the support surface, which instead of varying the frequency varies the slat material strength and stiffness. This increase in the stiffness can be used to increase the firmness and load bearing characteristics of the system.

Table 5. Configuration illustrating using stiffness of material used for the slat to vary the support surface.

Table 6. Configuration of Slat hardness for scenario 2 as set out in table 5.

Similarly, Tables 7 & 8 set up the various mattress types designated for the various sleep systems out in Table 2. Table 7 illustrates the make up of a resilient synthetic molded foam mattress. This foam would preferably be of a high density (60 Kgm³) and high resilience due to the support and lifespan requirements of the mattress and have an open celled structure to allow breathability.

Table 7. Mattress configuration of Zones relating to a moulded synthetic foam mattress.

Table 8 refers to an alternative natural latex rubber mattress, it is likely the mattress may include three different density latex blocks laminated together, as it is difficult to mould latex of different densities. Table 8. Mattress configuration of Zones as relating to a laminated latex mattress

The rationale behind the classification system is as follows:

• The two major categories : male and female.

❖ Females have a different build to males. Their averages of height and weight are lower than that of males according to the NZ Anthropometric estimate¹.

*t* The female pelvic bones are wider than a males.

❖ Males generally have broader shoulders.

• The 3 zones: The distribution of a person's body weight differs over the length of the body.

Slappendel, C, Wilson, B (1992). 'Anthropometries for New Zealand adults'. New Zealand Ergonomics Society Newsletter. Vol7 (3) & Wilson, N., Russell, D., Wilson, B. (1993). 'Size and shape of New Zealanders - Norms for Anthropometric Data'. University of Otago ,Dunedin. ❖ The mid region of a person's body is the heaviest as it contains pelvic bones and internal organs. Therefore needs a greater degree of support in this area.

❖ The shoulders are broad but light and require a softer surface to ensure they are not pushed upward and your spine forced out of alignment.

❖ The legs are light and do not have the same support requirement as other parts of the body.

The 3 zones represent the simplest solution to zoning and accommodate the variety of body somatotypes. In preferred embodiments this also allows for a "reversible mattress" concept so the top and bottom zones of the mattress are always the same.

• The specification still caters for personal comfort level.

❖ Subjective comfort levels are an important consideration when specifying a mattress.

♦> Many years of sleeping on a certain surface can condition someone

(whether it is anatomically correct or not) to sleeping on a surface that may be hard or soft, it is important to recognize this and allow some adjustment of the classification for this.

• You need to be able to specify each half of the bed independently.

♦> Many people who are married or in De-facto relationships are quite different in build, so it is necessary to acknowledge this and specify each half of the bed independently.

• Different Somatotypes (body types) have different requirements. ❖ If a person is shorter but in the same weight category this would give them a higher approximate BMI which would give them a better load bearing surface less likely to create pressure points or discomfort, (i.e. 1800mm, 75kg person needs and softer system than someone 1600mm, 75kg as they are less likely to have pressure peaks . They are also bearing greater weight on the part of the system they are lying on. This point is illustrated in graphs 5 & 6 below.

• Different sleep positions create different pressure profiles.

❖ If someone lies on their side they will create a pressure profile that will exhibit higher pressure points than someone lying on their back. Yet you must accommodate both with one system, as people are dynamic when they sleep and make an average of 9-12 major postural shifts a night and as much as 60 minor shifts in a night.

-> Explanation & support of Rationale

~> The current classification have been created through a 'Load profile

Study' (LPS) and validated by a 'Method of limits study' (MLS). We have used the Ergonomic and anthropometries approach (anthropometries; is the measurement of human physical characteristics for the design of equipment and environments for human use) to develop and validate the concept design and then clinical Sleep medicine methods to verify the developed design.

-> The first test conducted was a Load profile study (LPS):

- The LPS encompassed 100 participants that covered the anthropometric spectrum as determined from the New Zealand Anthropometric Estimate lr The Anthropometric data (for example; shoulder height, elbow height, hip breadth etc.) was recorded for each person. A pressure reading in side lying (left & right), Supine, prone, and preferred sleep positions was then recorded twice. This created a pressure distribution profile for each person. This was accomplished by using a pressure sensitive matt that measures in Millibars or millimeters of Mercury, this recording was exported as an interpolated data file for summary. The raw numeric data was graphed over the length of a bed. Firstly this was done in 12 segments, then 6 segments, and finally in 3 segments (refer to graphs 1-6 below for the 3 segment pressure graphs)

-> The reasoning for this was to ascertain the simplest zoning system that could be practically applied to the different gender, and body types. The data effectively illustrates that having 3 broad zones is an optimum number to cater for the Anthropometric spectrum.

- The classification is divided up into male and female categories on the basis of the LPS results, which clearly show a difference between the male and female summaries. Refer to graphs 3 and 4.

-> The LPS study clearly illustrated the difference between sleep positions. From this data you can see that the hardest measure of pressure and support is the side lying position. Refer to graphs 1 and 2.

¹ Slappendel, C. & Wilson, B. (1992). Anthropometric Estimates for New Zealand Adults. NewZealand Ergonomics Newsletter. Vol7(3) - The LPS information also formed the basis of the current specification and some of the governing rules behind it. The Gender, weight, and height divisions were divided up into groupings. This information was also used in establishing the developed design.

-> Comparison of Male data showing different sleep positions.

Graph 1. All Male Prone Position Data.

Graph 2. All Male Right Side Position Data

- Comparison between all Male and Female Data with the same sleep position

Graph 3. All Male Right Side Position Data.

Graph 4. All Female Right Side Position Data.

- Comparison between similar weights and different heights.

Average of Zonel

The length of the Bed ( sensors ) Where a Zone equals a third of the length of a Bed in this case 660mm Approx.

Graph 5. Category (52-6 lkg Weight/ 1555- 1654mm Height) - Female Data Right Side Position Data.

Average of Zonel

The length of the Bed ( sensors ) Where a Zone equals a third of the length of a Bed in this case 660mm Approx. „_^ ,

PCT/NZ03/00052

24 Graph 6. Category (52-61kg Weight/ 1655-1754mm Height) - Female Data Right

Side Position Data.

- The second test conducted was a Method of Limits study (MLS):

❖ A method of limits study (MLS) then took that developed design and the related specification and tested them on a group of 24 participants.

These participants were related to the classification so we could test the spectrum of possible options to ensure there were no anomalies. The testing and data analysis conducted for this invention was undertaken by a professional third party.¹

❖ This study tested short and medium range comfort on 3 systems.

1. The softest combination (Al)

- 2. The hardest combination (E5)

3. The combination, which the classification system chose for each participant.

- The tests were conducted on a blind and random basis and resulted in the overall conclusion that the classification system worked. Table 6 shows the spectrum of people tested within the classification table. They represent a cross section of types that cover the entire spectrum.

¹ Tappin.D. Moore.D. "Usability Trialing - Method of Limits Study" South Pacific Ergonomics, February 2001. Tables 7&8 comparatively show the system specified rated highly with many people finding it comfortable or very comfortable.

The MLS was used to further refine the classification to its current state.

Table 6. Participant sample range related to specification.

Table 7. 3 & 10 minute overall comfort ratings for the specified sleep system configuration.

Table 8: 3 & 10 minute overall comfort ratings for sleep system configuration L (hard)

"^ rfeg third test conducted was a sleep science study (ss):

❖ This test is an overnight test that uses clinical sleep data recording equipment such as a polysomnography machine (PSG) and questionnaires. The PSG data can be used to establish whether someone has had what is medically considered a good sleep.

- This test was conducted over 3 nights, the first night uses the participants' existing bed system. The second and third nights are alternated every week between the new sleep system and the participants existing bed. The data is then comparatively evaluated to ensure that the new system performs to the same level as there existing system or better.

The sleep system specified via the classification system set out above may also take into account an individual's preferred level comfort. For example, if a mattress initially designated via the classification system is too hard or too soft the individual _^^

PCT/NZ03/00052

27 may select a harder or softer mattress.

In most cases the applicant has found that the mattress of the preferred comfort level selected by an individual will only differ via one mattress type to that initially designated using the above classification system.

It should be appreciated that Table 1 may also include further anthropometric categories for people that fall in the outer parameters listed.

It is envisaged that there may be a variety of different configurations in which the base may be configured to receive and support the slats in a manner that allows for easy insertion and removal thereof.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art, which can include:

1. The provision of a methodology for designating the appropriate support surface and mattress for a person after considering that person's anthropometric details.

2. A sleep system which is able to have a characteristics of the support surface altered to take into account any changes in a person's weight which may fluctuate at various stages of their life.

3. The provision of a sleep system which has a zoned support surface and mattress combination which has been selected after consideration of the person's anthropometric details.

4. The provision of a sleep system methodology which can take into account a person's preferred comfort level when selecting a mattress, while still taking into consideration that person's anthropometric requirements. _^^

PCT/NZ03/00052

28 Brief Description of Drawings

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 Shows an isometric view of a short section of the support surface in one preferred embodiment of the present invention in. Slats and shoes fitting inside a generic track suitable for a single bed.

Figure 2 Shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention in plan and cross sectional view. Showing detail view of the connection between slats, shoe and track base.

Figure 3 Illustrates the shoe that receives the slat and how it functions to provide a reactive and resilient support surface.

Figure 4 Shows how the shoe clips onto the spacing bar in Isometric view.

Figure 5 Shows Spacer bars in their preferred embodiment.

Figure 6 Shows slats and shoes positioned the preferred frequencies set out by the spacing bars in Isometric view.

Figure 7 Shows a double bed configuration with different systems on each side.

Broadly shows the preferred zoning (1,2,3) for the support surface in Isometric view.

Figure 8 Shows the preferred Zoning for a mattress.

Figure 9 Shows the important relationship between the mattress base and the support surface zoning.

Figure 10 Shows an isometric view in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention

With respect to Figure 1 there is an isometric view of a portion of support surface as generally indicated by arrow 1.

The support surface 1 has a base 2 having a track in a form of a groove 3 and spacer elements in the form of a spacing bar 6 running along the length thereof. This support surface 1 also has a resilient member in the form of slats 4, which is connected to the base 2 via shoes 5. The shoes 5 fit within the groove 3 of the base 2 and onto the spacing bar 6 therein.

Figures 2 and 4 show the slats 4, shoes 5 and spacing bar 6 in greater detail. . The spacing bars 6 include a clip portion 7 onto which the shoes 5 clip, which acts to effectively increase the diameter of the shoe 5 so as to prevent the shoes sliding there along or coming out of the groove 3.

This spacing bar 6 is also used to regulate the frequency of the slats 4 and shoes 5 by clipping onto the clip portion 7 and being separated by spacer portions 8. The spacing bar 6 also includes clips 19 at each end thereof, which attaches the spacer bar 6 to the groove 3.

With respect to Figures 3 there is illustrated the shoe 5 pivoting in the groove 3 of the base 2, due to a downward force. The shoe 5 can also undergo sideways pivoting, see Figure 3 b) and spring like compression, see Figure 3 a); due to downward or other torsional forces experienced by the slat 4.

With respect to Figure 5 a)-c) there are shown three variations in spacing bar 6. These indicate the preferred embodiment of the design with 3 variations in clipping portion

7 and spacing portion 8 of the spacer bar 6. Also indicated in this diagram is a finger pull tab 9 which allows for easier removal of the spacing bar 6, slat 4 and shoe 5 from „_^,

PCT/NZ03/00052

30 the base 2 indicated in earlier Figures 1 & 2.

With respect to Figure 6 a)-c) shows the variation in slat frequency possible in a zone of the same predetermined length (X) in a support surface 1 , support surface 2 , and support surface 3 respectively. Also generally indicated is the position of the shoe 4, the slat 5, and the spacing bar 6 in the context of the support surface assembly.

With respect to Figure 7 there is generally indicated a base 2 and support surface 16 which has two independent support surfaces 10 and 11 which are broken up into 3 zones to provide the requisite support characteristics for two individuals of different anthropometric make-up.

With respect to Figure 8 there is a mattress generally indicated by 17 that has three zones indicated 12 that can possess different hardness characteristics.

With respect to Figure 9 there is show the coordinated relationship 13 between the mattress 17 and the support surface and base 16.

With respect to Figure 10 there is shown a sleep system for two people generally indicated by arrow 1000. The sleep system consists of a first support surface 1001 and a first mattress 1002 and a second support surface 1003 and a second mattress 1004 for two individuals.

The support surface consists of a base 1006 having tracks (not shown) running along its length similar to those shown in Figure 1. The support surface also has slats 1007 which are connected to the tracks on the base 1006 via shoes 1008.

The first and second support surfaces 1001 and 1003 are organised into three distinct areas: zone 1, zone 2 and zone3 (as are shown for support surface 1003).

Similarly, the mattresses are also broken into three distinct zones: zone 1, zone 2 and zone 3. The following non-limiting example illustrates how the different mattress and support zones are chosen based on a person's anthropometric details and comfort preference, via the method of the present invention.

Example 2.

A couple requires a specified system:

Person 1 (male)

α Height: 1.80m

□ Weight: 80kg

□ Initial Classification = System C3

α Comfort preference = Firm

□ Tailored Classification = C4

□ Support Surface = 3

Q Mattress =4

Person 2 (Female)

α Height: 1.63m

α Weight: 53kg

α Initial Classification = System Al

□ Comfort preference = Firm

a Tailored Classification = A2

α Support Surface = 1 □ Mattress = 2

Thus, for the following example, if Person 1 has the right side of the sleep system 1000 (i.e. mattress 1004, support surface 1003) their anthropometric details would specify, via Tables 1 and 2, Person 1 as requiring system C3. Accordingly, the support surface 1003 would be support surface configuration 2 and would have the medium zone configuration as set out in Tables 3 and 4.

However, whilst the classification initially specifies person 1 with mattress type 3, given their comfort preference is firm, the tailored classification would be C4, which would specify soft medium mattress type 2 (refer Table 5) and support surface configuration 2 (refer Tables 3 & 4).

Similarly, if person 2 has the left side of the sleep system 1000 (i.e. mattress 1002, support surface 1001) their anthropometric details would specify, via Tables 1 and 2, Person 2 as requiring system Al. Accordingly, the support surface 1001 would be support surface configuration 1 (refer Tables 3 and 4) and would have the soft mattress type 1 (refer Table 5).

However, whilst the classification initially specifies person 1 with system Al given their comfort preference is firm, the tailored classification would be A2, which would specify soft medium mattress type 2 (refer Table 5) and support surface configuration 1 (refer Tables 3 & 4).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method for specifying a sleep system for a person based on that person's anthropometric details, the method comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a person' s anthropometric details;

b) selecting the appropriate support surface and mattress type for that person's body using the anthropometric details from a).

2. A method for specifying a sleep system for a person based on that person's anthropometric details, the method comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a person' s anthropometric details;

b) classifying that person's anthropometric details;

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the person's anthropometric details are classified according to Table 1 in the specification.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the appropriate support surface and mattress type is determined according to Table 2 in the specification using the classification obtained from Table 1 in the specification.

5. A method for specifying a sleep system for a person wherein the sleep system selected for a person according to either claim 1 or claim 2 can be customized to take into account the individual comfort level of the person, the method comprising the further steps of:

a) obtaining details of a person' s preferred comfort level; and b) selecting a support surface and mattress to take into account the preferred comfort level.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein a person may select a comfort rating from the group comprising: Soft; Soft-medium; Medium; Medium-hard; and Hard.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a support surface via:

a) Tables 3 and 4; or

b) Tables 5 and 6;

in the specification.

8. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a mattress via Tables 7 or 8 in the specification.

9. A sleep system which includes a mattress and a support surface which have each been selected to take into account a person's anthropometric details.

10. A sleep system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the mattress initially selected from a person's anthropometric details can be varied to take into account the preferred comfort level of the person.

11. A sleep system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the system includes a base configured to receive and support resilient members in a manner that allows for easy removal and insertion of one or more resilient member(s) so that characteristics of the support surface can be varied via replacing the slats themselves and/or altering the frequency of slats positioned along the length of the base. A sleep system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the sleep system includes spacer elements adapted to fit into/onto a track on the base so as to be capable of regulating the frequency of slats along the base.

A sleep system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the sleep system includes shoes adapted to fit into/onto the track on the base.

A sleep system which is designated for a person is based off their anthropometric details classified according to Table 1 in the specification.

A sleep system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the appropriate support surface and mattress type are determined according to Table 2 in the specification using the classification obtained from Table 1 in the specification.

A sleep system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the person may select a comfort rating from the group comprising: Soft; Soft-medium; Medium; Medium-hard; and Hard.

A sleep system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a support surface via:

a) Tables 3 and 4; or

b) Tables 5 and 6;

in the specification.

A sleep system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the comfort rating selected by a person is assigned to a mattress via Tables 7 or 8 in the specification.

A shoe for supporting a resilient members in a sleep system wherein the shoe has been adapted to fit onto/into a track on the base of the sleep system, the shoe is characterized in that the shoe is configured to be capable of: „_^,

PCT/NZ03/00052

36 a) pivoting in the track of the base;

b) undergoing sideways pivoting; and

20. A mattress and support surface combination wherein the mattress and support surface zones are designed to correlate with one another.

21. A method for specifying a sleep system for a person based off that person's:

a) anthropometric details; and/or

b) preferred comfort level;

substantially as described herein ^' with reference to any example or drawing thereof.

22. A sleep system which includes a mattress and a support surface which have each been selected to take into account a persons:

a) anthropometric details; and/or

b) preferred comfort level;

substantially as described herein with reference to any example or drawing thereof.