Device for changing bed linen and mattress equipped with it

Abstract

Device for facilitating the changing of bed linen, characterized in that an inflatable element (3.1, 4.1) is arranged below or in the lower area of ​​a mattress (1.3), which can be filled with air via an electrically operated pump (3.3) and is designed to lift the mattress (1.3) when filling.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for facilitating the changing of bed linens by lifting a mattress by means of an inflatable element, and to a mattress equipped therewith.

[0002] The term "bed cover" includes all types of bed sheets and sheets, especially fitted sheets, which are used to attach and / or change bed covers on mattresses and beds. State of the art

[0003] Beds are usually equipped with mattresses covered by bedding such as flat sheets or fitted sheets. These sheets or fitted sheets have an elastic band that stretches over the corners of the mattress and is secured underneath. Changing these bedding covers requires removing the old cover and putting on a new one. This necessitates lifting the mattress at its corners and / or removing it from a bed frame to access the corners.

[0004] This process is physically demanding, as mattresses are quite heavy. Elderly people or those with physical limitations, in particular, often have difficulty changing bed linens such as fitted sheets. Even in professional settings, such as hotels, nursing homes, or hospitals, repeatedly lifting mattresses places a significant physical strain on staff. Object of the invention

[0005] Based on this state of the art, a device and a mattress are provided that facilitate the changing of bed linen such as fitted sheets and eliminate the need to manually lift the mattress.

[0006] This is achieved with a device according to the features of claim 1 and with a mattress having the features of claim 14. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and by details from the figures, whereby further embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0007] The problem is solved by placing an inflatable element underneath or in the lower part of the mattress, which can be filled with air using an electric pump. When inflated, this element lifts the mattress, making the corners easily accessible and allowing a fitted sheet to be changed without having to lift it manually.

[0008] This solution significantly reduces physical strain and workload, particularly for nursing and hotel staff. In private homes, it offers relief not only for the elderly or those with physical limitations, but especially for them. The solution is inexpensive to implement (e.g., using a standard air mattress) and easily adaptable to different bed sizes and designs. If needed, the device can be partially or fully integrated into mattresses. A suitably equipped mattress then also offers the aforementioned advantages.

[0009] Tests have shown that raising the mattress by about 30 cm has the advantage that the mattress is raised sufficiently far from the base such as a bed frame and, on the other hand, a comfortable working height is achieved.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable element is smaller than the actual mattress, so that when inflated, the mattress corners protrude and remain unobstructed, which advantageously facilitates access. When deflated, the inflatable element is virtually unobtrusive and does not interfere with normal use of the bed.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the pump is controllable via a control element, preferably a foot switch, thus enabling advantageously simple operation. Preferably, operation is further simplified by the fact that a single press of the control element activates the pump and raises the mattress with the inflatable element, and a second press switches off the pump, causing the mattress to slowly lower again. This leaves the hands free to put on the bed sheet. The work process can thus be further accelerated.

[0012] To advantageously ensure that the device cannot be operated by unauthorized persons, particularly in the hotel and care sector, the control element preferably includes an authentication unit or an authentication unit is integrated into the control element, which is designed to identify users authorized to operate the device.

[0013] The flexible air hose is routed laterally away from the inflatable element, allowing it to expand unhindered during inflation and lift the mattress evenly.

[0014] When using a standard air mattress, its air connection is usually oriented towards the rear. To prevent a hose connected there from protruding and being obtrusive, a 90° elbow is preferably provided at the air connection. With a custom-made inflatable element, the air connection can be positioned in such a way that an elbow is not necessary.

[0015] It is also advantageous that the flexible air hose be detachable from the pump or the air connection of the inflatable element, in particular screwable or separable, to facilitate easier installation, handling and maintenance.

[0016] To advantageously facilitate the installation and / or retrofitting of the device, the flexible air hose is preferably guided between supporting elements of the mattress base, which include slats, plate or panel elements, metal grids or panel supports.

[0017] Preferably, the device can be supplied with electrical energy via a mains plug in order to advantageously ensure reliable operation.

[0018] Preferably, the device, or at least the pump, can also be integrated into a mattress. In this case, it is further advantageous if the pump can be replaced as needed and detached from the mattress.

[0019] The problem can also be solved with the aforementioned advantages by a mattress to which a pump for the device is assigned, preferably integrated. Preferably, the device itself is at least partially integrated into the mattress, which can be used as a complete product. Brief description of the characters

[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1. A bed frame with mattress, slatted base, duvet, pillow and headboard in side view, partially cut away. Fig. 2 a view according to Fig. 1 with a manually raised mattress , Fig. 3 a device according to the invention in a bed in a view according to Fig. 1 with an unfilled air mattress or unfilled air cushion, Fig. 4 a bed in a view according to Fig. 3 with inflated air mattress and raised bed mattress, Fig. 5. A top view of the bed without a mattress, with an air mattress. Fig. 6, Fig. 7 a bed frame in a further embodiment in a representation according to Fig. 1 with an air pump and / or air cushion integrated into the bed mattress, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 a view of the bed frame according to Fig. 6 from the front with deflated and filled air cushion and the associated supply lines. Description of preferred embodiments

[0021] Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the respective components of the device or the respective process steps, as these components and processes may vary. The terms used here are intended solely to describe particular embodiments and are not used restrictively. Furthermore, where the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] The characters and especially Fig. Figure 1 shows a familiar bed frame 1.2 with mattress 1.3 – hereinafter also referred to as bed mattress –, slatted frame 1.4, duvet 1.5, pillow 1.6 and headboard 1.7. In principle, other forms of daybeds, couches, bed storage units or the like are also conceivable. The following are shown. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 a first embodiment and the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. Another embodiment of a device for facilitating the changing of fitted sheets or other bed coverings such as flat sheets. It can be used on any bed, regardless of whether it is a single bed, a double bed, or any other sleeping surface.

[0023] The embodiments have in common that an inflatable element 3.1, 4.1 is arranged below or in the lower region of a mattress 1.3, which can be filled with air via a preferably electrically operated pump 3.3 and is designed to lift the mattress 1.3 during inflation. Preferably, the inflatable element 3.1, 4.1 is, as a comparison between Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows that the mattress 1.3 is designed to be raised by approximately 30 cm relative to the bed base. This is generally sufficient to allow the corners of the mattress to be freely accessible and, for example, lifted out of the bed frame 1.2, so that a fitted sheet or other bed cover can be easily fitted without the need for the previously described method. Fig. 2 shown, individual corners of the mattress 1.3 have to be laboriously lifted by hand one after the other.

[0024] Preferably, the inflatable element 3.1, 4.1 is a standard air mattress whose dimensions are smaller than those of the actual mattress 1.3, so that the corners of mattress 1.3 remain freely accessible during inflation. However, the inflatable element 3.1, 4.1 can also be a specially shaped air cushion adapted to the dimensions of the bed, with the cushion surface being smaller than the mattress surface, so that at least the corners of mattress 1.3 do not rest on the cushion surface in a vertical projection.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 shows the device according to the invention in a bed with an unfilled air mattress 3.1, air hose 3.2, pump 3.3 and foot control switch 3.4. Fig. 4da same bed with filled air mattress 4.1, which raises the bed mattress 4.2. Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of the bed without a mattress, so that the air connection 5.1, preferably equipped with a 90° pipe bend 5.2 and fitted with a flexible air hose 5.3, can be seen.

[0026] The air hose 5.3 is preferably guided between supporting elements (e.g., slats 5.4, slatted frame, grid, or panel). In double beds, the slatted frame 1.4 often rests on a central support beam 5.5, which has no function within the invention but necessitates lateral hose routing. A power plug 5.6 is also shown, through which the device can be supplied with electrical energy.

[0027] The classic slatted frame 1.4 shown in the drawings can also be designed differently depending on the type of bed, e.g., it may have a smooth surface. This has no effect on the invention.

[0028] Preferably, the pump 3.3 is controllable via a control element, preferably a foot switch 3.4. In the preferred operation mode, a single press of the control element activates the pump 3.3, causing the inflatable element 3.1, 4.1 to raise the mattress and / or lift it out of a bed frame. Pressing the control element again switches off the pump, allowing the mattress to slowly lower again. A pressure limiter is preferably provided. However, other control sequences for inflating and deflating the inflatable element are also conceivable and can be adapted to the specific application (bedroom, hotel, hospital, or the like).

[0029] Preferably, the flexible air hose 5.3 is routed away from the inflatable element 3.1, 4.1, particularly to the side, so that the inflatable element can expand unhindered during filling and lift the mattress 1.3 evenly.

[0030] In a standard air mattress as an inflatable element, the air connection 5.1 can be connected to the flexible air hose 5.3 via a preferably 90° elbow 5.2 to allow for lateral or corner discharge. In a shaped air cushion adapted to its intended use, the air connection can be arranged to allow for lateral or corner discharge without an elbow.

[0031] Preferably, the flexible air hose 5.3 is detachable, in particular unscrewable or separable, connected to the pump 3.3 or the air connection 5.1.

[0032] In particular, the flexible air hose 5.3 can be guided between supporting elements of the mattress base, wherein the supporting elements are slats 5.4, plate or slab elements, metal grids or slab supports.

[0033] Integrating the pump and / or the entire device into a bed mattress 1.3 is entirely possible. For example, corresponding spaces can be created in existing mattresses or recesses can be provided to integrate the pump, preferably in a replaceable manner. Similarly, the air mattress or an air cushion can be integrated into the mattress. Such a solution is shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. Shown 6 to 9.

[0034] Instead of a loosely inserted air mattress located under the bed mattress 1.3 ( Fig. 3) or a suitably adapted air cushion, the lifting of the bed mattress can also be achieved by a specially shaped air cushion, which is connected to the bed mattress in accordance with 6.2. Fig. 6 is firmly attached and / or integrated into it. The mattress may have a recess or indentation to accommodate an air pump embedded in the mattress 6.1 according to Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 records. Fig. Figure 6 shows a bed mattress 6.2 with an integrated air pump 6.1 and an unfilled air cushion 6.3. The air pump 6.1 can also be permanently connected to the air cushion 6.3 in such a way that it moves out of the recess in the bed mattress 6.2 when the air cushion is inflated (filled air cushion 7.1). Since the air pump 3.3 in classic air mattresses 3.1 is often removable from a special device within the air mattress, this can also be done in the case of the air cushion permanently connected to the bed mattress 6.2, so that the air pump 6.1 can be easily replaced if it fails. The advantage of an air cushion 6.2 permanently connected to the bed mattress 1.3 with an integrated air pump 6.1 lies in its compact design without a separate housing for the air pump.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 represents the filled air cushion 7.1. In the case shown, the air pump 6.1 is located in a recess in the bed mattress 6.2.

[0036] Since standard air pumps for air mattresses only build up a limited operating pressure, there is no risk of damaging the mattress due to overpressure. However, the pressure generated is sufficient to safely lift even heavy mattresses.

[0037] In the context of this application, “specially shaped” means, in the case of an air cushion according to the first embodiment, but also in the case of the permanently attached air cushion 6.3 according to the second embodiment, that it does not have to have the classic shape of an air mattress, but can also be designed completely differently, provided that it ensures the desired function - i.e. the corresponding lifting of the bed mattress 1.3 or 6.2.

[0038] Fig. 8 and Fig.Figure 9 shows the bed frame, with the power plug (8.2) and foot control switch (8.3) and their respective cables visible. These cables can also be configured differently. For example, the foot control switch (8.3) can be omitted if the power plug has a built-in switch. The only important thing is that the user can activate and deactivate the air pump as needed. The air pump does not necessarily have to be located at the foot end in the middle of the mattress, but this position is considered the least intrusive. Figure 8.1 shows the foot control switch, which the user can position in a location that is optimal for them. The air pump is preferably powered via the power plug (8.2), but it can also be powered, for example, by a battery.

[0039] Instead of a foot switch, other methods for operating the device are conceivable. For example, in hotels, it may be undesirable for a foot switch to be readily accessible; at the very least, it should not be operable by unauthorized persons. For this purpose, a trigger mechanism for the air pump can be provided, for example, after an authorized user has identified themselves as such. The use of an RFID code or other suitable authentication is conceivable here, which either activates the foot switch or, even without a foot switch, activates the air pump and deactivates it again after the bed linen has been fitted. For this purpose, the control element preferably includes an authentication unit, or an authentication unit is integrated into the control element, which is configured to identify users authorized to operate the device.

[0040] Likewise, instead of the foot control switch, other control elements as HMI interfaces such as switches, magnetic switches, touch controls or elements for speech or gesture recognition may be provided. Reference symbol list 1.1 Ground level 1.2 Bed frame from side 1.3 Bed mattress 1.4 Slatted bed base 1.5 Duvet 1.6 Pillows 1.7 Headboard of the bed frame 2.1 Raised corner of the bed mattress 3.1 Air mattress without filling 3.2 Air hose 3.3 Air pump 3.4 Foot control switch 4.1 Inflated air mattress 4.2 Raised bed mattress 5.1 Air connection of the air mattress 5.2 90° pipe bend 5.3 flexible air hose 5.4 Slat of the slatted frame 5.5 Center support beam of the double bed 5.6 Power plug 6.1 Air pump embedded in mattress 6.2 Bed mattress with air cushion 6.3 Air cushions, uninflated 7.1 inflated air cushion 8.1 Foot switch 8.2 Power plug 8.3 Slatted bed base

Claims

[1] Device for facilitating the changing of bed linen, characterized by , that an inflatable element (3.1, 4.1) is arranged below or in the lower area of ​​a mattress (1.3), which can be filled with air via an electrically operated pump (3.3) and is designed to lift the mattress (1.3) when filling. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the inflatable element is designed to raise the mattress (1.3) by about 30 cm relative to the base of the bed. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the inflatable element (3.1, 4.1) is a commercially available air mattress whose dimensions are smaller than those of the actual mattress (1.3), so that when filling the mattress the corners (1.3) remain freely accessible. [4] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the inflatable element (3.1, 4.1) is a shaped air cushion adapted to the dimensions of the bed, wherein the cushion surface is smaller than the mattress surface, wherein at least the corners of the mattress (1.3) do not rest on the cushion surface in a vertical projection. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pump (3.3) can be controlled via a control element, preferably via a foot switch (3.4). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by , that by pressing the control element once the pump (3.3) is activated and the inflatable element (3.1, 4.1) lifts the mattress, and that by pressing it again the pump is switched off, with the mattress slowly being lowered again. [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized bythat the control element includes an authentication unit or an authentication unit is integrated into the control element which is configured to identify users authorized to operate the device. [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a flexible air hose (5.3) is routed laterally from the inflatable element (3.1, 4.1) or in the area of ​​a corner and that the inflatable element is designed to expand freely during inflation and to lift the mattress (1.3) evenly. [9] Device according to one of claims 3, as well as 5 to 8, insofar as they refer back to claim 3, characterized by , that the air connection (5.1) of the standard air mattress is connected to the flexible air hose (5.3) via a 90° pipe bend (5.2) to allow lateral drainage or drainage in the area of ​​a corner. [10] Device according to one of claims 4 and 5 to 8, insofar as they are related back to claim 4, characterized by , that in the shaped air cushion the air connection is arranged in such a way that a lateral discharge of the hose or a discharge in the area of ​​a corner without a pipe bend is possible. [11] Device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that the flexible air hose (5.3) is detachably, in particular unscrewably or separably, connected to the pump (3.3) or the air connection (5.1). [12] Device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by , that the flexible air tube (5.3) is guided between supporting elements of the mattress base, wherein the supporting elements are slats (5.4), plate or slab elements, metal grids or slab supports. [13] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device can be supplied with electrical energy via a mains plug (5.6). [14] Mattress (1.3), characterized by that a pump for a device according to one of claims 1 to 13 is associated with the mattress, preferably integrated into it. [15] Mattress according to claim 14, characterized by , that a device according to one of claims 1 to 13 is integrated into the mattress (1.3).

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