WO2015124219A1

WO2015124219A1 - Mattress, topper, protector, bedspread, or pillow covering material, and method for applying a cooling gel layer onto a mattress, topper, protector, bedspread, or pillow covering material

Info

Publication number: WO2015124219A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/065434
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerd-Hermann Horst; Karl Rametsteiner
Original assignee: Bodet & Horst Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2014-02-18
Filing date: 2014-07-17
Publication date: 2015-08-27
Also published as: DE202014100711U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mattress, topper, protector, bedspread, or pillow covering material (1), in particular for covering mattresses, mattress protectors mattress covers, toppers, pillowcases, tricot covers, or bed bases, having at least one material layer (2) made of a knitted fabric or woven fabric with an outer face (21) which faces away from a mattress, topper, protector, bedspread, or pillow core in the fitted state and with an inner face (22) which faces the mattress, topper, bedspread, or pillow core in the fitted state. A cooling gel (3, 5) is applied at least onto a sub-region of the inner face (22). The invention further relates to a method for applying a cooling gel layer onto a mattress, topper, protector, bedspread, or pillow covering material (1).

Description

A mattress, topper, apron, duvet or pillowcase fabric and method of applying a cooling gel layer to a mattress, topper, apron, duvet or pillowcase fabric

The present invention relates to a mattress, topper, schooner, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a process for applying a cooling gel layer to a mattress, topper, apron, duvet or pillowcase fabric.

Generic mattress, topper, schooner, duvet cover or pillow coverings are known from numerous variants of the prior art.

In order to increase the sleeping comfort, especially at higher outdoor temperatures, it is known to use materials with low heat storage capacity or increased thermal conductivity for the production of such fabrics. This is usually achieved by surfaces that are as smooth as possible, avoiding rough textures, reducing avoidable air pockets and / or increased volume weight to a limited extent. It is also known, underlay for this use cooling mats under a reference. These cooling mats are usually made of elastic, mostly structured films with a wall thickness of up to 5 mm, which have a relatively good thermal conductivity (0.10 - 0.15 W / m ° C).

However, such cooling mats have the disadvantage that they can easily slip, so that the desired cooling effect can not be achieved and worsen unwanted pressure points decent comfort. Such mats made of partially cross-linked, non-foamed polyurethane are available on the market as "cooling gel mats." Another decisive disadvantage is their complete impermeability to air and the resulting diffusion barrier, which contradicts a beneficial physiological requirement in the sleeping phase.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillowcase fabric and a method for applying a cooling gel layer on a mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillowcase fabric, with the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated and with which a reliable cooling effect can be achieved without reducing the air permeability to a non-physiological value.

This object is achieved by a mattress, topper, schooner, duvet or pillowcase fabric having the features of claim 1 and by a method of applying a cooling gel layer to a mattress, topper, schooner, duvet or pillowcase fabric having the features of the claim 13 solved.

In the case of the mattress, topper, schooner, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric according to the invention, a cooling gel is applied to at least a portion of a mattress, topper, schooner, duvet or pillow core facing the inside of the cover fabric.

By applying the cooling gel to the inside of the cover fabric, the cooling gel can be brought very close to the body of a person and thus a very effective cooling effect can be achieved, which contributes to increasing sleep comfort, faster regeneration and increased well-being. Another advantage of a fabric provided with such a cooling gel is that this, unlike separate cooling mats that can be placed on or below the fabric, can not slip and thus ensures a reliable cooling effect.

As the cooling gel, a structure consisting of a three-dimensionally crosslinked solid in a liquid is referred to, which essentially behaves like a liquid under pressure, in which the pressure load is distributed uniformly in the structure and has a good thermal conductivity, relative to Thermal conductivity of foams and textiles. The good thermal conductivity of the cooling gel causes a physiologically pleasant cooling effect. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cooling gel is formed as a prefabricated cooling gel layer, in particular in the form of an open-cell foam layer, a net-like or perforated film or a fleece, in order to ensure the physiological necessary air permeability.

A prefabricated Kühlgelschicht can be easily fixed to a mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillowcase fabric.

The fixing of the prefabricated cooling gel layer is preferably carried out by lamination. Also conceivable is a purely mechanical fixing of the prefabricated cooling gel layer, for example by means of Velcro surfaces applied to the cooling gel layer and to the covering material.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cooling gel is formed in at least on a portion of the inside sprayed, printed, cast-on or gelatinized cooling gel layer. Even such a cooling gel layer can not slip relative to the fabric. A sprayed-on, printed, cast-on or gelatinized cooling gel layer can also be individually adapted to the desired requirements.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cooling gel layer consists of a plurality of non-related individual segments with a circular, oval or polygonal cross-section. The diameter of the individual segments is preferably between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

In particular, the cooling gel layer is formed such that the air permeability of the cooling gel layer is 20% to 95%, preferably 30% to 60% of the air permeability of the inside of the mattress, topper, schooner, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric without the cooling gel applied thereto.

In the method according to the invention for applying a cooling gel layer to a mattress, topper, schooner, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric, first a liquid forming the cooling gel is sprayed, printed, cast, or at least partially on the inside of the cover fabric applied to doctor blades. Subsequently, the liquid is solidified to an insoluble, elastic cooling gel layer, so that the cooling gel is firmly connected to the cover slip-proof. The solidification of the cooling gel-forming liquid is preferably carried out by heat or by chemical reaction, in particular crosslinking or polyaddition.

In particular, so-called organogels and polymer gels are suitable for use for coating a cover material.

Organogels are referred to as gel structures consisting essentially of polymers such as SAN, PVC or silicone as solids and mineral oil,

Plasticizers or monomers exist as liquids.

Polymer gels still have low monomer proportions in their three-dimensional polymer structures, which are incorporated as a liquid in the polymer structures are. Such polymer gels are available by way of example by sub-crosslinking of silicones, as disclosed, for example, in EP 089061 7, or polyurethanes disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,362,834. Further suitable polymer gels are those polymer substrates whose structure is characterized by the following parameters:

• Fully amorphous structure

Isotropic pressure distribution ratios (comparable to highly viscous liquids)

· Physical networking points (secondary valence forces)

• Low rebound resilience.

In particular, in order to achieve the isotropic properties, a low Shore A hardness of less than 50, preferably 3 to 30, more preferably 5 to 20, is required.

The likewise required rebound resilience of less than 50% can be achieved both by the polymers themselves and by a polymer matrix in which other components are embedded.

Suitable polymers in this sense are considered:

Undercrosslinked silicones and polyurethanes (see above),

Polymers based on long chain monomers (e.g., vinyl laurate instead of vinyl acetate).

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), in which elastic polymer chains are incorporated in thermoplastic material, which can be achieved by a different internal structure, for example in the form of block copolymers which have hard and soft segments within one molecule or elastomer alloys, ie mixtures of finished products Polymers in different mixing ratios.

Technically available TPEs are characterized according to the following convention and exhibit the following Shore A hardness ranges:

TPO = based on olefins, mainly PP / EPDM ShoreA 30-90 TPV = crosslinked, based on olefins PP / EPDM ShoreA 50-80 TPU = based on polyurethane ShoreA 30-80 TPC = .... Base of polyester elastomers ShoreA 60-90

TPS = .... styrene block copolymers (SBS, SEBS, SEEPS ...) ShoreA 5-90 TPA = .... copolyamides ShoreA 20-90

TOE = .... Olefin elastomers ShoreA 6-65

Suitable cooling gel liquids are exemplified:

Reactive polymers in liquid form which crosslink in a gel-like manner after application by a chemical reaction, for example undercrosslinked silicones, which are optionally additionally softened with polysiloxane oligomers, or polyurethane elastomers;

Elastomers having a Shore A hardness of less than 30, preferably TPS types, PVC organosols, SEB organosols, possibly mixtures thereof;

Aqueous dispersions or solutions in organic solvents of suitable amorphous, soft polymers: EVA, PVA, PV-laurate, PUR, PV-butyral, rubber types and the like, which after drying result in an amorphous polymer film. Such solutions and dispersions usually have polymer concentrations of 30-70% solids content. By means of suitable additives, these liquids can be adjusted thixotropically so that they do not penetrate too far into the fabric presented. The drying can be forced by suitable measures.

Within the abovementioned polymer systems, which then act as a polymer matrix, other constituents, such as, for example, can be used to achieve the desired properties

Further amorphous polymers, such as polysiloxane gum, rubber recycle or milled soft polymers, and / or

Temporary water-binding, but water-insoluble polymers for increasing the cooling effect and / or

· Cellulose in the form of spheres or short cut fibers and / or

Polyamides, partially crosslinked polyacrylic acid (copolymers) and / or

• zeolites and silica gels with a large internal surface

be embedded. By changing the viscosity of the liquid forming the cooling gel, it is possible to regulate the penetration depth of the liquid into the fabric. A Thixotropic adjustment of the liquid accordingly leads to a particularly low penetration depth of the liquid into the fabric.

The abovementioned further constituents preferably have a particle size of from 60 to 1000 micrometers, more preferably from 100 to 300 micrometers. The components are in particular spherical, cube-shaped or formed as polygons or ellipsoids.

The size of the particles is optionally chosen so that the average diameter is greater than the average layer thickness of the coating. This achieves roughness in both directions (textile background and visible surface), which promotes heat transfer and thus increases the cooling effect. The amounts of the other constituents are chosen according to the desired performance properties, the gel property of the polymer system used is maintained, in particular with respect to isotropic pressure behavior and resilience. In addition to the material-specific adaptation of the cooling gel to the desired performance properties and physical measures for setting the desired performance characteristics are conceivable.

According to a preferred embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the amount of cooling gel liquid applied is varied in dependence on the roughness of the inside of the cover material, in order to allow the application of a coating which is not full-surface. The range of variation of the amount of cooling gel liquid is in particular between 30 g / m ² and 2000 g / m ² , preferably between 150 g / m ² and 400 g / m ² .

As a further measure for producing diffusion-capable substance free spaces in the cover fabric, it is conceivable, after solidifying the cooling gel layer, to carry out stretching of the coated inner side to form microcracks in the cooling gel layer. The stretching takes place in the context of the material-bound elasticity, but over the tensile strength of the base fabric either monoaxially or preferably biaxially. This leads to a large number of desired microcracks within the cooling gel layer and an associated improved serten diffusibility of provided with the cooling gel layer fabric.

As a further measure for producing diffusion-capable substance free spaces, it is also conceivable to treat the coated inner surface of the cover fabric after solidifying the cooling gel layer with an atmospheric plasma to achieve a partial, oxidative degradation of the cooling gel layer.

Finally, it is also conceivable, after solidifying the cooling gel layer, to perforate the coated inside of the cover fabric, whereby the degree of perforation determines the diffusibility. Preferred perforation levels (pores / cm ² ) are at least 100 pores / cm ² , more preferably between 250 pores / cm ² and 500 pores / cm ² . For perforation in addition to the known from the needle felting perforation tools also specific laser pulses in question, whereby the desired porous structure can be achieved by correlating the wavelengths of the laser pulses with the matrix material of the cooling gel coating, sparing the carrier fabric, which usually consists entirely or predominantly of cellulose fiber.

The laser used here is, for example, UV, C0 ₂ , ruby or also YAG lasers, which are known from the field of electronics for constructing targeted microstructures.

By the choice of suitable pigments / fillers, for example finely divided phyllosilicates, such as bentonite or fumed silica, which are mixed into the fluid forming the cooling gel to form void-producing defects in the cooling gel layer prior to the application of the liquid forming the cooling gel, the formation of pores can be formed and / or the degradation of the gel layer are additionally controlled by immission emission and reflection effects.

To ensure the air permeability of the cooling gel layer, the use of the above measures alone or in combination is conceivable. The abovementioned cooling gel layers and the method for applying the cooling gel layer are suitable for all common cover materials, such as single-jersey, double-jersey, composite or distance goods, wherein the compositions of the respective cover fabrics such as lyocell, cotton or mixed qualities can be used are.

They are also suitable for coating the cover fabrics with the cooling gel in all desired widths of the respective cover fabric.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it :

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mattress according to the invention, Topper-, Schoner-, comforter or pillowcase fabric with laminated cooling gel and the

Method for applying the cooling gel by laminating,

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a mattress, topper, scholar, comforter or pillowcase fabric according to the invention with imprinted cooling gel and the method for applying the cooling gel by printing,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a mattress, topper, schooner,

4 shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a mattress according to the invention, Topper-, Schoner-, comforter or pillowcase fabric with roll-nip aufgerakeltem cooling gel and the method for applying a mattress cover, pillow cover fabric with luftaufgerelteltem cooling gel and the method for applying a cooling gel by an air knife Cooling gel by a squeegee.

In the following description of the figures, terms such as top, bottom, left, right, front, back etc. refer exclusively to those in the respective Figures selected exemplary representation and position of the fabric, cooling gel, cooling gel layer, inside, outside, fabric layer, binder and the like. These terms are not intended to be limiting, that is to say, by different working positions or the mirror-symmetrical design or the like, these references may change.

The term mattress, topper, schooner, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric is sometimes abbreviated hereafter by the term "cover fabric" to facilitate the readability of the further description.

In the figures 1 to 4 is designated by the reference numeral 1 a total of such fabric, which has at least one fabric layer 2 and a knitted, knitted or woven fabric with a mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillow core in related state of the remote outer side 21 and the mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillow core facing in the covered state inside 22, wherein at least on a portion of the inner side 22, a cooling gel 3 or 5 is applied.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a reference material 1 and a production method suitable for its production, in which the cooling gel 3 is or is laminated on the inside 22 of the cover fabric 1.

The cooling gel is formed here as a prefabricated cooling gel layer, in particular in the form of an open-cell foam layer, a net-like or perforated foil or a fleece, in order to ensure the physiological necessary air permeability.

For the production of a cover fabric formed in this way, the fabric layer 2 consisting of a knitted, knitted or woven fabric and the prefabricated cooling gel layer 3 are combined as web material.

Subsequently, the guided together webs of the fabric layer 2 and the cooling gel layer 3 by means of pressure rollers 4, which rotate in opposite directions of rotation X and Y, transported in a conveying direction Z. The pressing together of the fabric layer 2 and the cooling gel layer 3rd By means of pressure rollers 4 causes the adhesion of the cooling gel layer 3 to the fabric layer 2 to the finished fabric 1.

The adhesion of the cooling gel layer 3 to the fabric layer 2 is preferably adhesive.

It is also conceivable to make the web width of the cooling gel layer 3 smaller than the web width of the fabric layer 2, so that at least part of the surface of the fabric 1 is provided with the laminated cooling gel layer 3 ,

It is also conceivable purely mechanical fixing, for example by means of applied on the cooling gel layer 3 and on the fabric 2 Velcro sealing surfaces.

In the cover fabric 1 shown in FIG. 2 and the alternative production method shown schematically for its production for producing a cover fabric 1 provided with such a cooling gel 3, the cooling gel 3 is printed on the inside 22 of the fabric layer 2.

For this purpose, the cooling gel 3 to be applied to the material layer 2 is first filled as the cooling gel 3 forming liquid 5 in a cooling gel container 8. The fabric layer 2 to be printed with the cooling gel 3 is guided over a pressure roller 7, which dips partially into the liquid 5 forming the cooling gel 3 and which moves in a direction of rotation X, which causes a transport of the covering material in a conveying direction Z, wherein the inside 22 of the Fabric layer 2 is printed when passing over the pressure roller 7 with the cooling gel 3. The liquid 5 forming the cooling gel 3 is particularly preferably admixed with a binder 6, preferably beeswax or polyacrylate, in order to increase the adhesive action of the cooling gel 5, preferably in the form of gel flakes or gel dust, on the underside 22 of the fabric layer 2. The gel flakes or the gel dust are mixed in the cooling gel container 8 with the binder 6 and embedded in these embedded on the inside 22 of the fabric layer 2. As a further method for applying a cooling gel layer on at least a portion of the inside of the fabric, it is also conceivable to form the cooling gel layer as sprayed onto the fabric, infused or, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, aufgerakelte Kühlgelschicht.

Thus, in the case of the cover fabric 1 shown in FIG. 3 and the alternative production method shown schematically in FIG. 3 for producing a cover fabric 1 provided with such a cooling gel 3, the liquid forming the cooling gel 3 is doctored onto the inside 22 of the fabric layer 2 with the aid of an air knife 9.

In this case, the fabric layer 2 is guided over two rolls 10 rotating in a direction of rotation X, the air knife 9 being pressed onto the fabric layer 2 in a region between the rolls 10, the liquid forming the cooling gel 3 being placed in front of the air knife 9 is applied to the inside 22 of the fabric layer 2.

In the case of the cover fabric 1 shown in FIG. 4 and the alternative production method for producing a cover fabric 1 provided with such a cooling gel 3, the liquid forming the cooling gel 3 is wound onto the inside 22 of the fabric layer 2 with the aid of a roller blade 1 1. The fabric layer 2 is guided over a rotating in a direction of rotation X roll 1 2, wherein the squeegee 1 1 is pressed onto the fabric layer 2, wherein the cooling gel 3 forming liquid before the roller blade 1 1 applied to the inside 22 of the fabric layer 2 becomes. Subsequently, the liquid 5 forming the cooling gel 3 is solidified into an insoluble, elastic cooling gel layer 3, so that the cooling gel 3 is connected to the covering material so as to be resistant to slipping.

The solidification of the cooling gel liquid takes place, as already explained above, preferably by application of heat or by chemical reaction, in particular crosslinking or polyaddition. LIST OF REFERENCES

1 cover fabric

2 fabric layer

21 outside

22 inside

3 cooling gel / cooling gel layer

4 pressure rollers

5 cooling gel / cooling gel layer

6 binders

7 pressure roller

8 cooling gel containers

9 air knife

10 rolls

1 1 squeegee

12 roller

X direction of rotation

Y direction of rotation

z conveying direction

Claims

claims

Mattress, topper, schooner, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1), in particular for the cover of mattresses, mattress protectors, mattress covers, toppers, pillow cases, tricot sleeves or underbeds, comprising at least one fabric layer (2) made of a knitted or knitted fabric or woven fabric with a mattress, topper, schooner, duvet or pillow core facing away from the outer side (21) and the mattress, Topper-, duvet - or pillow core in the related state facing inside (22), characterized in that a cooling gel (3, 5) is applied to at least a portion of the inside (22).

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling gel (3) is designed as a prefabricated Kühlgelschicht.

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, comforter or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cooling gel is formed as an open-cell foam layer, as a net-like or perforated film or as a nonwoven.

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gel is mechanically fixed at least on a portion of the inner side (22) or laminated as a prefabricated cooling gel layer.

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling gel (5) is formed as at least on a portion of the inner side (22) sprayed, printed, poured or aufgerakelte cooling gel layer.

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gel (3) forming liquid has defects of the cooling gel layer forming fillers.

7. Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillowcase fabric (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gel layer consists of a plurality of free-standing individual segments.

8. mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the individual segments have a circular, oval or polygonal cross-section.

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, comforter or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the individual segments have a diameter between 0.5mm and 5mm.

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillowcase fabric (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air permeability of the cooling gel layer 20% to 95%, preferably 30% to 60% of the air permeability of the inside (22) without applied thereto cooling gel (3, 5).

Mattress, topper, saver, comforter or pillowcase fabric (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gel layer is formed from an organogel or a polymer gel. 12. mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that in the organogel or polymer gel to achieve desired material properties other ingredients, in particular other amorphous polymers and / or temporarily water-binding, however water-insoluble polymers and / or celluloses and / or zeolites or silica gels and / or polyamides or partially crosslinked copolymers is embedded.

Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the further constituents have a particle size between 60μιτι and Ι ΟΟΟμιτι, in particular between 100μιτι and 300μιτι.

14. Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, comforter or pillowcase fabric (1) according to claim 1 2 or 1 3, characterized in that the further constituents have an average grain size which is greater than the average thickness of the cooling gel layer.

15. Mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet cover or pillowcase fabric (1) according to any one of claims 1 2 to 14, characterized in that the further constituents are spherical, cube-shaped or formed as polyhedra or El lipsoids.

1 6. A method for applying a cooling gel layer on a mattress, Topper-, Schoner-, duvet or pillowcase fabric (1) according to the preamble of claim 1, with the method steps:

a. Applying a liquid forming the cooling gel (3) to at least a portion of the inner surface (22) by spraying, printing, casting or knife coating,

b. Solidifying the liquid forming the cooling gel (3) into an insoluble, elastic cooling gel layer. 1 7. The method of claim 1 6, wherein the solidification is carried out by applying heat.

1 8. The method of claim 1 6, wherein the solidification by chemical reaction, in particular crosslinking or polyaddition takes place.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 6 to 1 8, wherein for adjusting the penetration depth of the cooling gel (3) forming liquid in the fabric (1), the viscosity of the cooling gel (3) forming liquid is varied. 20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 1 9, wherein depending on the roughness of the inside, the amount of the applied cooling gel liquid is varied.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the amount of the applied cooling gel liquid between 30g / m ² and 2000g / m ² , preferably between

1 50g / m ² and 400g / m ^{2 is} varied.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, comprising the further method step:

c. Mixing the liquid forming the cooling gel (3) with fillers to form voids generating voids in the cooling gel layer before applying the cooling gel liquid to the inside (22).

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, comprising the further method step:

d. Stretching the coated inner surface (22) after solidifying the cooling gel layer to form microcracks in the cooling gel layer.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, comprising the further method step:

e. Treatment of the coated inner surface (22) after solidifying the cooling gel layer with an atmospheric plasma to achieve a partial, oxidative degradation of the cooling gel layer.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, comprising the further method step:

f. Perforating the coated inside (22) after solidifying the cooling gel layer.