Support for a sprung base

Abstract

The invention provides a surface, particularly for a mattress of a sleeping, sitting, or reclining furniture, for sensory training, which is especially efficient to use. This is achieved by making stimulating elements detachably connectable to the surface, wherein the stimulating elements for the detachable connection have at least one, preferably two or more, electrically conductive first connecting means with which a mechanical connection to the surface and an electrical connection to a power supply integrated into the surface and connected to the control unit can be established. This allows stimulating elements to be placed on the surface in a targeted manner, i.e., depending on the stimuli to be generated and depending on the size of the person or the body regions to be treated.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support for a spring base according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In well-known bed bases, particularly those used for mattresses in sleeping, seating, or reclining furniture to treat conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, pressure ulcers, or coma, massage functions are employed to trigger specific stimuli in the person lying on the base, thereby stimulating their body awareness. These bed bases can also improve blood circulation. Typically, a massage function is activated within the bed base, which exerts a general stimulus on the person without selecting specific body regions.

[0003] A particular disadvantage has proven to be that body parts or regions cannot be selectively or specifically stimulated. Instead, the massage aids distributed across the entire support surface create stimuli that affect all body parts equally. This renders the known procedures and methods for treating the applications mentioned above extremely inefficient.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a surface, in particular for a mattress of a sleeping, sitting or lying furniture, with which sensory stimuli can be transmitted to a person particularly efficiently.

[0005] A support for solving this problem has the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the invention provides a support for a sprung base, in particular for a mattress of a sleeping, seating, or reclining furniture, for the sensory training of a person. This support has one or a plurality of stimulating elements that can be individually positioned and controlled on the support and that trigger sensory stimuli. These elements are arranged on a surface of the support or can be integrated into the support. The elements can be controlled individually or in groups via a control device.The essential inventive features of the pad consist in the fact that the stimulating elements can be detachably connected to the pad, wherein the stimulating elements for the detachable connection have at least one, preferably two or more, electrically conductive first connecting means with which a mechanical connection to the pad and an electrical connection to a power supply integrated into the pad and connected to the control unit can be established. This allows stimulating elements to be placed on the pad in a targeted manner, i.e., depending on the stimuli to be generated and depending on the size of the person or the body regions to be treated. This makes the application of the stimulating elements to the body very efficient. Body parts or body regions that are not to be subjected to a sensory stimulus are not assigned a stimulating element.It is conceivable that the claimed pad could be placed on the slatted base or directly on a mattress, preferably a commercially available one. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the pad could be placed on a mattress in conjunction with a mattress topper. Ultimately, however, the application of the claimed pad should not be limited to these uses. Rather, it is conceivable that the pad could be placed on virtually any surface to transmit sensory stimuli to a person.

[0006] A preferred embodiment of the invention may further provide that the stimulating element has an electrically operated actuator for generating a vibration and / or an oscillation and / or thermal energy. This actuator allows precisely the sensory stimulus to be generated, for example, to improve body awareness or blood circulation.

[0007] Furthermore, the stimulating element may be provided with a preferably waterproof and / or sealable casing in which the actuator is arranged and to which the at least one connecting element is attached. This casing is designed to protect the actuator from external influences such as mechanical forces and moisture. Particularly for use in clinical or care facilities, the casings can be easily cleaned and disinfected. It is conceivable that the casing may have a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, a zipper, or the like to facilitate maintenance or replacement of the actuator.

[0008] It is also preferable that the covers are pillow-shaped and have a round, oval, elliptical, or rectangular form, with a mean diameter, width, or length of 1 cm to 10 cm, preferably 4 cm to 6 cm. Depending on the application, it is conceivable that stimulating elements or covers with different dimensions are used.

[0009] In particular, the invention further provides that the first connecting elements are designed as snap fasteners, magnetic contacts, pogo pins, plug-in elements, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. These easy-to-use, detachable connections allow the elements to be positioned with maximum flexibility and reliability at precisely the optimal position on the surface for the application. Removing the elements after treatment is also very simple and flexible.

[0010] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the first connecting elements have electrically conductive components or are electrically conductive themselves, whereby the stimulating element can be supplied with electrical energy and / or information via the electrical conductivity. These first connecting elements are connected to the actuator within the casing, so that the actuator can be supplied with the necessary electrical energy from an external energy source via the connecting elements. If thermal energy is transferred via the element, the electrical energy is converted accordingly by the element. It is also conceivable that control signals are transmitted to the actuator via the electrically conductive connecting elements.It is also conceivable that information from the actuator, such as a malfunction, temperature, or the like, is transmitted back to the control unit via the electrically conductive connecting means.

[0011] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the first connecting means each have two electrical contacts, these contacts having different electrical properties. For example, the electrical contacts could have different polarities, so that the stimulating elements or the sheaths are connected to the support surface in a predetermined orientation via the first connecting means. It is also conceivable that different functions of the stimulating elements or the actuator are initiated depending on the orientation of the first connecting means. For instance, vibrations could be generated by the actuator in one orientation, and vibrations or thermal energy in the other. This property gives the support surface an additional function for flexible application.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the invention provides that electrical conductors are integrated into the support to supply the stimulating elements with electrical energy and / or information, wherein the conductors are connected to second connecting means in or on the support. These conductors are connected on the one hand to the stimulating elements and on the other hand to an external energy source or a control unit. The second connecting means are configured to form a mechanical and an electrically conductive, detachable connection with the first connecting means of the stimulating elements.

[0013] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second connecting elements could be designed as snap fasteners, magnetic contacts, pogo pins, plug-in elements, Velcro fasteners, or similar devices. It is essential that these second connecting elements are complementary to the first connecting elements of the stimulating elements, allowing for a detachable connection between them. This complementary design of the first and second connecting elements enables the stimulating elements to be attached to and detached from the pad in a simpler and more flexible manner.

[0014] Preferably, the electrical conductors are designed as electrically conductive yarns, wires, strands, or electrically conductive coated textiles. These electrical conductors are woven, embroidered, knitted, printed, or sewn into or onto the padding. This integrates the conductors into the padding, ensuring they do not affect its mechanical properties; that is, the electrical conductors do not influence the person's comfort while lying down.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable that every second connecting element has its own electrical conductor, or that several second connecting elements are connected by an electrical conductor, or that several groups of second connecting elements are arranged on the support and are interconnected by an electrical conductor. A particular embodiment of the invention may provide that the electrical conductors and the second connecting elements have a bus system. The use of a bus system reduces the number and thus the complexity of the necessary electrical conductors.

[0016] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the electrical lines are connected, or connectable, to the control unit for controlling the stimulating elements, either wired or wirelessly. The control unit can have a cuboid-shaped housing which is connected, either wirelessly or via a cable, to the stimulating elements. The functions of the stimulating elements can be set via this control unit, in particular the type of stimulus, the duration, the intensity, and the like. This housing can be placed directly on the surface, for example, via a Velcro fastener, or in virtually any other location. It is also conceivable that the power supply for the stimulating elements is provided via the control unit or the housing.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the control unit supplies the actuators with energy via an external energy source, such as a battery or mains power.

[0017] The control unit allows for the control of individual stimulating elements, or all elements in groups or collectively. For example, the control unit can be used to generate wave-like movements through all the stimulating elements attached to the surface. Furthermore, stimulation cycles such as rotation, static vibration, or other stimulation patterns can also be generated. It is conceivable that additional stimulation patterns, achievable with all the stimulating elements, can be loaded onto the control unit to enable specific applications. These new stimulation patterns could, for instance, be generated on an external unit and transferred to the control unit in a suitable data format.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an edition, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the edition according to Fig. 1 with one person, and Fig. 3. A representation of a stimulating element.

[0019] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly schematic representation of a support 10. This support 10 serves as a base for a sprung base (not shown) for, for example, a mattress of a sleeping, seating, or reclining furniture. Accordingly, the size of the support 10 corresponds to the size of the mattress. For example, the support 10 could have a width of 90 cm and a length of 200 cm. It is conceivable that the support 10 has fastening means for being attached to the top of the mattress.

[0020] The pad 10 can be designed like a blanket or a pillow. According to the invention, several stimulating elements 12 can be flexibly and easily arranged on a surface 11, i.e., the upper surface of the pad 10. These elements 12 can be used to apply sensory stimuli to a person lying on the pad 10 or on the mattress (not shown). To enable the targeted application of these sensory stimuli, the invention provides that the elements 12 can be arranged at different positions on the surface 11 of the pad 10. The sensory stimuli that can be transmitted from the elements 12 to the person are generated by an actuator (not shown). This actuator is located in a casing 13, which essentially forms the shape of the element 12 and protects the actuator from environmental influences, mechanical forces, and moisture.This actuator can generate vibrations and oscillations that act on the body. It is also conceivable that the actuator generates thermal energy. The actuator is electrically operated and therefore requires an electrical power supply.

[0021] To connect the stimulating element 12 or the actuator with the pad 10, the following are required in the Fig. In the embodiment 3 shown, the casing 13 is assigned two contacts 15, which form a first connecting element 16. The contacts 15 of the casing 13 are described in the illustration. Fig. The first connecting element 16 shown in Figure 3 consists of snap fasteners. However, it could also be a magnetic contact, pogo pin, plug-in element, hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. The stimulating element 12 or the cover 13 with the actuator can be mechanically coupled to the pad 10 via this first connecting element 16. Furthermore, the contacts 15 can serve to supply the actuator with electrical energy. It is also conceivable that information for controlling the actuator is transmitted to it via the electrical contacts. It is conceivable that the two contacts 15 are designed differently; for example, the two sides of the snap fasteners are designed differently so that they can only be connected to the pad 10 in one orientation.

[0022] The stimulating elements 12 depicted in the figures are elliptical in shape. However, it is also conceivable that the elements 12 could assume any other shape. Furthermore, it is intended that the covers 13 are cushion-like and may have light padding to prevent the actuator from exerting unpleasant pressure on the person's body.

[0023] On surface 11 of edition 10, according to the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a plurality of second connecting elements 17 are arranged. These second connecting elements 17 are distributed in a grid on the surface 11 and are complementary to the first connecting elements 16. Accordingly, these second connecting elements 17 can also be snap fasteners, each of which, however, forms a counterpart to the contacts 15. In the Fig. Figure 1 shows several stimulating elements 12 connected by their first connecting element 16 to the second connecting elements 17 of the support 10. This connection is made, for example, via the snap fasteners, which makes the placement or arrangement of the stimulating elements 12 on the support 10 particularly easy and flexible. The stimulating elements 12 can thus be connected to and detached from any second connecting element 17 on the support 10. This allows the stimulating elements 12 to be positioned precisely where a person 18, who is to be exposed to the stimulating stimuli, is lying. The situation is highly schematic in the figure. Fig. Figure 2 shows that, for the sake of clarity, only the stimulating elements 12 under person 18 are shown there, and not the unoccupied second connecting means 17. It is also conceivable that the stimulating elements 12 are arranged only under some body parts of person 18.

[0024] Even if the second connecting elements 17 in the Fig. Since the first connecting elements are visible, it is conceivable that these connecting elements 17 are integrated into the support 10 so that they are not directly visible. On the other hand, the visibility of the second connecting elements 17 is advantageous, as it allows direct identification of the positions at which the stimulating elements 12 can be placed on the support 10.

[0025] In order to supply the stimulating elements 12 with electrical energy, an electrical conductor 19 leads to every second connecting element 17 in the embodiment shown here. This electrical conductor 19 can be designed as yarn, wire, strand, or electrically conductive coated textile. It is conceivable that the electrical conductor 19 is arranged on the upper surface 11 of the support 10 or integrated into the support 10 so that it is not visible from the outside. All the electrical conductors 19 lead to a control unit 20. In addition to the embodiment shown here, it is also conceivable that the electrical conductors 19 are integrated into a bus system (not shown). This simplifies, in particular, the control of individual second connecting elements 17.

[0026] The control unit 20 serves to control individual elements 12, groups of elements 12, or all stimulating elements 12. For this purpose, the actuators are controlled with the appropriate information via the electrical line 19 and the second connecting means 17. The control unit 20 can also supply power to the individual actuators. For this purpose, the control unit 20 either has its own power source, such as a battery, or it is connected to an external power source, such as mains voltage.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the elements 12 could be controlled via an application (app) installed on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. In this case, the support 10 could be operated remotely from virtually any location. In this embodiment, the individual functions or operating modes of the elements 12 would be controllable via the app. It is conceivable that such an app could be integrated into a complex care environment, such as a hospital or nursing home, and be accessible and controllable by multiple institutions or individuals. Communication between the mobile device and the corresponding receiver or transmitter of the support 10 could take place via Bluetooth®, a Wi-Fi connection, a radio connection, and / or ZigBee.

[0028] It should be expressly noted that the present patent application is not limited to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures. Rather, it is conceivable that the surface 10 and, in particular, the stimulating elements 12 and their arrangement on the surface 10 cover further embodiments. Reference symbol list: 10th edition 11 Surface 12 stimulating elements 13 Sleeve 15 Contact 16 first connecting element 17 second connecting element 18 people 19 electrical lines 20 Control unit

Claims

[1] Support (10) for a support for, in particular, a mattress of, a sleeping, sitting or lying furniture for sensory training of a person (18) with at least one or preferably a plurality of individually placeable and controllable stimulating elements (12) on the support (10) and which trigger sensory stimuli, which are arranged on a surface (11) of the support (10) or are integrated into the support (10) and are connected with a control device (20) for individually or in groups controlling the stimulating elements (12), characterized by, that the stimulating elements (12) are detachably connectable to the support (10), wherein the stimulating elements (12) have at least one, preferably two or more, electrically conductive first connecting means (16) for the detachable connection with which a mechanical connection to the support (10) and an electrical connection to a power supply integrated into the support (10) and connected to the control device (20) can be established. [2] Edition (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the stimulating element (12) has an electrically operated actuator for generating a vibration and / or an oscillation and / or thermal energy. [3] Edition (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the stimulating element (12) has a preferably waterproof and / or sealable casing (13) in which the actuator is arranged and to which the at least one first connecting means (16) is attached. [4] Edition (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that the covers (13) are cushion-shaped and have a round, oval, elliptical or rectangular shape, wherein the mean diameter or mean width or length of the cover (13) is 1 cm to 10 cm, preferably 4 cm to 6 cm. [5] Edition (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first connecting means (16) are designed as snap fasteners, magnetic contacts, pogo pins, plug-in elements, hook and loop fasteners or the like. [6] Edition (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first connecting means (16) have electrically conductive elements or are electrically conductive, wherein the stimulating element (12) can be supplied with electrical energy and / or information via its electrical conductivity. [7] Edition (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that the first connecting means (16) each have two electrical contacts (15), wherein these contacts (15) have different electrical properties. [8] Edition (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that electrical conductors (19) are integrated into the support (10) to supply the stimulating elements (12) with electrical energy and / or information, the conductors (19) being connected to second connecting means (17) in or on the support (10). [9] Edition (10) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the second connecting means (17) are designed as snap fasteners, magnetic contacts, pogo pins, plug-in elements, Velcro fasteners or the like and are complementary to the first connecting means (16) of the stimulating elements (12). [10] Edition (10) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the electrical conductors (19) are designed as electrically conductive yarns, wires, strands or electrically conductive coated textiles. [11] Edition (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that the electrical wires (19) are woven, embroidered, worked into, printed or sewn into or onto the pad (10). [12] Edition (10) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by that each second connecting element (17) has its own electrical conductor (19) or that several second connecting elements (17) are connected by an electrical conductor (19) or that several groups of second connecting elements (17) are arranged on the support (10) which are connected by an electrical conductor (19). [13] Edition (10) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by , that the electrical lines (19) have a bus system. [14] Edition (10) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by , that the electrical lines (19) are connected or connectable to the control unit (20) for controlling the stimulating elements (12) either by cable or wirelessly. [15] Edition (10) according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by , that different operating modes of individual, several or all stimulating elements (12) can be set via the control unit (20).

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