mattress

Abstract

We provide mattresses that can meet the user's specific requirements. [Solution] The mattress 1 has a plurality of separable core materials 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12, 3-13, 3-14, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, 3-18 with at least two types (three types in the first embodiment) of hardness in the thickness direction, and the plurality of core materials are stored side by side in a cover member (lower cover 2, upper cover 7). The cover member (lower cover 2, upper cover 7) allows the plurality of core materials to be removed. The mattress 1 also further includes a sleep detection means (sleep sensor 5) that detects the sleep state of a person sleeping on the mattress from inside the cover member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mattress used on a bed, under a futon, or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a core material of an overlay mattress (mattress pad) laid on top of a mattress, futon, or the like to improve comfort, a filament three-dimensional conjugate body [3DF (3-dimensional filaments-linked structure)] in which a plurality of molten thermoplastic resin fibers (molten filaments) in a molten state are bonded in a three-dimensional net shape has attracted attention.

[0003] This filament three-dimensional conjugate body can be obtained, for example, by extruding a thermoplastic resin material such as polyethylene or polypropylene continuously in a linear (filament) shape from an extruder through a plurality of nozzles, entangling and bonding (fusing) these filaments in a three-dimensional net shape, and quickly cooling in that state.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, there has been an increasing tendency to recognize that it is necessary to improve the "quality of sleep" every day for maintaining and managing physical condition.

[0005] Therefore, in terms of body pressure dispersion (body pressure distribution) of general-purpose overlay mattresses provided as ready-made products by type, users are dissatisfied, and there are an increasing number of users who demand custom-made products with finely determined specifications according to each individual's physique (height, weight, etc.), body type, preferences, etc., and there is a demand for responding to such requests.

[0006] In response to this, Patent Document 1 and the like disclose a technique for changing the hardness of the mattress core material of the filament three-dimensional conjugate body in multiple stages for each region (block) at an arbitrary position along the longitudinal direction (height direction) of the body of the person sleeping.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-181247 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Conventionally, because mattresses are sewn together as a single unit after manufacturing, it was not possible to change the firmness of the mattress core material in multiple stages at arbitrary locations along the longitudinal direction of the sleeper's body, and therefore it could not be said that the firmness of the mattress core material could be changed after manufacturing.

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a mattress that can meet the specific needs of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A mattress in a first aspect of the present invention has at least two or more separable core materials with different hardness levels in the thickness direction.

[0011] Preferably, in the mattress according to the present invention, the plurality of core materials are arranged and housed in a covering member. In a second aspect of the present invention, the mattress is such that the covering member allows for the removal of the plurality of core materials. A mattress according to a third aspect of the present invention further comprises sleep detection means for detecting the sleep state of a person sleeping on the mattress from inside the covering member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The mattress of this invention makes it possible to meet the user's requirements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view of a mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The perspective view of the assembled state of the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] The explanatory view showing the specifications of the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention for an average Japanese adult female. [Figure 4] The explanatory view showing the specifications of the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention for an average Japanese adult male. [Figure 5] The explanatory view showing the sleep sensor used in the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the body composition meter used in the health management system. [Figure 6] The explanatory view showing the health management system using the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] The explanatory view showing the specifications of the mattress according to the second embodiment of the present invention for an average Japanese adult female.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the specifications of the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention for an average Japanese adult female. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the specifications of the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention for an average Japanese adult male.

[0016] <Configuration of the Mattress> In FIG. 1, the mattress 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an object to be placed on a bed, and is composed of a lower cover 2, 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12, 3-13, 3-14, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, 3-18, a first pad 4, a sleep sensor 5, a second pad 6, and an upper cover 7.

[0017] The lower cover 2 is an object covered with a thin box-shaped cloth having an open upper surface. An element 21 of a fastener 10 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the edge of the opening of the lower cover 2. An element 21 of a fastener 10 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the edge of the opening of the lower cover 2. A through hole 22 for passing a cord 52 of the sleep sensor 5 described later is formed at the lower part of the right side surface of the lower cover 2. An element 21 of a fastener 10 (see FIG. 2) is provided.

[0018] The lower cover 2 houses the 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18 arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] The 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18 are formed in a long plate shape from urethane with three different hardnesses, and the color is changed to yellow, pink, and gray according to the hardness. Also, the 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18 constitute a core material set 3. Furthermore, the 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18 can be appropriately changed according to the physique (height, weight, etc.), body type, preferences, etc. of each individual.

[0020] The first pad 4 is formed of a material for removing the discomfort of the joints of the 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18. Also, the first pad 4 has a planar size similar to the size of the 18 core materials 3-1 to 3-18 arranged side by side, and is placed on the upper side of the 18 core materials 3-1 to 3-18.

[0021] The sleep sensor 5 is composed of a sensor body 51, a power cord 52, a Wi-Fi communication device 53, and a male side 54 of a socket.

[0022] The sensor body 51 of the sleep sensor 5 is located in the area corresponding to the area below the human heart between the first pad 4 and the second pad 6, and detects the sleep state of a person sleeping on the mattress 1.

[0023] The second pad 6 is made of washable fibers and cotton. Furthermore, the planar size of the second pad 6 is the same as the size of 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18 arranged side by side. In addition, the second pad 6 has a place to mount the sleep sensor 5 and is placed on top of the first pad 4.

[0024] The upper cover 7 is formed from a fibrous cloth in the shape of a thin box lid. An element 71 of a fastener 10 (see Figure 2) is provided at the edge of the opening of the upper cover 7. A slider 72 is also provided on the element 71 in a slidable manner. Furthermore, with the upper cover 7 covering the first pad 4 and the second pad 6, the element 71 is joined to the element 21 of the lower cover 2 by the slider 72. The first pad 4, the second pad 6, and the upper cover 7 are washable.

[0025] In Figure 2, the assembled mattress 1 is attached to the lower cover 2 by the slider 72 connecting the element 71 of the upper cover 7 to the element 21 of the lower cover 2. With the upper cover 7 attached to the lower cover 2, the mattress 1 houses the 18 core materials 3-1 to 3-18 shown in Figure 1, the first pad 4, the sleep sensor 5, and the second pad 6.

[0026] The power cord 52 of the sleep sensor 5 extends to the right from between the first pad 4 (see Figure 1) and the second pad 6 (see Figure 1) inside the mattress 1, then extends downward on the inside right side of the upper cover 7 and the lower cover 2, then extends backward (towards the feet of the person being detected) on the lower inside right side of the lower cover 2, and finally extends to the outside of the mattress 1 through the through hole 22 on the right side of the lower cover 2.

[0027] A box-shaped Wi-Fi communication device 53, located in the middle of a power cord 52 extending to the outside of mattress 1, has Wi-Fi communication means.

[0028] The male connector 54 of the power cord 52, which extends outside the mattress 1, is connected to the female connector of a household power outlet.

[0029] In Figure 3, mattress 1 is designed for an average Japanese adult woman (height 157.0 cm, weight 54.6 kg, head 4.4 kg, chest 18.0 kg, waist 24.0 kg, upper leg 5.5 kg, lower leg 2.7 kg). Starting from the head end of the mattress used by an average Japanese adult woman 101, 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12, 3-13, 3-14, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, and 3-18 are arranged.

[0030] Core material 3-1 is gray in color and has high hardness. Core materials 3-2 and 3-3 are pink in color and have a medium hardness, corresponding to the head size of an average Japanese adult woman (101cm).

[0031] Core materials 3-4, 3-5, and 3-6 are yellow in color and have a low hardness to correspond to the chest area of ​​101 adult Japanese women.

[0032] Core materials 3-7, 3-8, and 3-9 are gray in color and have a high degree of hardness to correspond to the lumbar region of an adult Japanese woman (101).

[0033] Core materials 3-10, 3-11, and 3-12 are pink in color and have a medium hardness, corresponding to the upper leg portion of an adult Japanese woman (101cm).

[0034] Core materials 3-13, 3-14, and 3-15 are yellow in color and have a low hardness to correspond to the lower leg portion of an adult Japanese woman (101).

[0035] Core material 3-16 is pink in color and has a medium hardness. Core materials 3-17 and 3-18 are gray in color and have high hardness.

[0036] The sleep sensor 5, sandwiched between the first pad 4 and the second pad 6, is positioned below the chest of a Japanese adult woman 101 and detects the sleep state of the Japanese adult woman 101 as she sleeps on the mattress 1.

[0037] In Figure 4, the mattress 11 is designed for an average Japanese adult male (height 170.4 cm, weight 70.3 kg, head 5.6 kg, chest 23.2 kg, waist 30.9 kg, upper leg 7.0 kg, lower leg 3.5 kg). Starting from the head end of the mattress 11 used by an average Japanese adult male 102, 18 core materials (blocks) 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 8-6, 8-7, 8-8, 8-9, 8-10, 8-11, 8-12, 8-13, 8-14, 8-15, 8-16, 8-17, and 8-18 are arranged.

[0038] The 18 core blocks 8-1 to 8-18 constitute core block set 8. Core material 8-1 is gray in color and has high hardness.

[0039] Core materials 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4 are pink in color and have a medium hardness, corresponding to the head size of an average Japanese adult male (102 cm).

[0040] Core materials 8-5, 8-6, and 8-7 are yellow in color and have a low hardness, corresponding to the chest area of ​​a 102cm adult Japanese male.

[0041] Core materials 8-8, 8-9, and 8-10 are gray in color and have a high hardness corresponding to the lumbar region of an average Japanese adult male (102 cm).

[0042] Core materials 8-11, 8-12, and 8-13 are pink in color and have a medium hardness, corresponding to the upper leg of a 102cm tall adult Japanese male.

[0043] Core materials 8-14, 8-15, and 8-16 are yellow in color and have a low hardness, corresponding to the lower leg of a 102cm adult Japanese male. Core materials 8-17 and 8-18 are gray in color and have high hardness.

[0044] The sleep sensor 5, sandwiched between the first pad 4 and the second pad 6, is positioned below the chest of a Japanese adult male 102 and detects the sleep state of the Japanese adult male 102 while he sleeps on the mattress 11.

[0045] <Sleep sensor configuration> Figure 5(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a sleep sensor used in a mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5(a), the sensor body 51 of the sleep sensor 5 detects the person's movements in sleep, respiratory rate, and heart rate, and transmits the obtained detection data to the Wi-Fi communication device 53 via the power cord 52.

[0047] The power cord 52 of the sleep sensor 5 supplies power to the sensor body 51. The Wi-Fi communication device 53, located in the middle of the power cord 52, has a box-shaped exterior and contains Wi-Fi communication means, enabling wireless communication with the Wi-Fi router 202 (see Figure 6). It transmits detection data obtained from the sensor body 51 to the Wi-Fi router 202 (see Figure 6).

[0048] The male connector 54 at the end of the power cord 52 is connected to the female connector of a household outlet.

[0049] <Body composition analyzer components> Figure 5(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a body composition analyzer used in a health management system to which a mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5(b), the upper surface of the housing 91 of the body composition analyzer (health meter) 9 is provided with a left front electrode / pressure sensor 92, a left rear electrode / pressure sensor 93, a right front electrode / pressure sensor 94, and a right rear electrode / pressure sensor 95.

[0051] The left front electrode / pressure sensor 92 detects the pressure applied from the left toe of the person being detected, and also detects the electrical resistance between it and other electrode / pressure sensors.

[0052] The left rear electrode / pressure sensor 93 detects the pressure applied from the left heel of the person being detected, and also detects the electrical resistance between it and other electrode / pressure sensors.

[0053] The right front electrode / pressure sensor 94 detects the pressure applied from the right toe of the person being detected, and also detects the electrical resistance between it and other electrode / pressure sensors.

[0054] The right rear electrode / pressure sensor 95 detects the pressure applied from the right heel of the person being detected, and also detects the electrical resistance between it and other electrode / pressure sensors.

[0055] The body composition analyzer 9 detects data on the target human being (weight, body fat percentage, muscle percentage, protein percentage, body water percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage) from the pressure and electrical resistance detection results from the left front electrode / pressure sensor 92, the left rear electrode / pressure sensor 93, the right front electrode / pressure sensor 94, and the right rear electrode / pressure sensor 95.

[0056] <Configuration of the health management system> Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a health management system using a mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, a health management system 201 is installed in the house 200. The health management system 201 comprises a mattress 1, a body composition analyzer 9, a Wi-Fi router 202, and a smartphone 301, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0058] The sleep sensor 5 in mattress 1 (see Figures 1, 3, and 5) detects the movements, respiratory rate, and heart rate of a person (in the case of Figure 6, an average Japanese adult female 101). Furthermore, the sleep sensor 5 (see Figures 1, 3, and 5) is capable of wireless communication with the Wi-Fi router 202 from within mattress 1.

[0059] The body composition analyzer 9 detects data (weight, body fat percentage, muscle percentage, protein percentage, body water percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage) from a human being (in the case of Figure 6, an average Japanese adult woman 101). The body composition analyzer 9 is also capable of wireless communication with the Wi-Fi router 202.

[0060] The Wi-Fi router 202 is capable of communicating with a smartphone 301 via an internet modem (not shown) and the internet.

[0061] The smartphone 301 has the application software for the health management system 201 installed. Based on the detection data from the sleep sensor 5 of the mattress 1 (see Figures 1, 3, and 5) and the detection results of the body composition analyzer 9, the application's health information page 303, which shows health data of the person being detected (in the case of Figure 6, an average Japanese adult female 101), is displayed on the LCD screen 302.

[0062] The health information page 303 displays an image 304 of a mark indicating the health management system 201, an image 305 of a bar graph and numerical data related to sleep, an image 306 of a bar graph and numerical data related to heart rate, and an image 307 of numerical data related to respiratory rate.

[0063] Furthermore, the application software for the Health Management System 201 can also display data related to the health of the person being detected, such as the number of times the person turns over in their sleep, weight, body fat percentage, muscle percentage, protein percentage, body water percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage.

[0064] <Configuration and Effects of the First Embodiment> The configuration and effects of the first embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The mattress 1 has a plurality of separable core materials 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12, 3-13, 3-14, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, 3-18, each having at least two types (three types in the first embodiment) of hardness in the thickness direction, and the plurality of core materials are arranged and stored in a cover member (lower cover 2, upper cover 7).

[0065] The covering members (lower cover 2, upper cover 7) allow for the removal of the multiple core materials.

[0066] Furthermore, the mattress 1 is equipped with sleep detection means (sleep sensor 5) that detects the sleep state of a person sleeping on the mattress from inside the covering member.

[0067] According to the mattress 1 of the first embodiment, the hardness specifications can be finely adjusted to suit each user's physique (height, weight, etc.), body type, preferences, etc., by using multiple separable core materials with at least two (three in the case of the first embodiment) different hardness levels in the thickness direction. Furthermore, even after manufacturing, the hardness specifications can be further tailored to each user by opening the fastener 10 (see Figure 2) and replacing the core material, thus responding more effectively to user requests.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the mattress 1 of the first embodiment, unlike ordinary mattresses which become bulky waste, the separate core materials allow for replacement of the core material and disposal as household waste.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the mattress 1 and health management system 201 of the first embodiment, the user's health can be managed by a sleep detection means (sleep sensor 5) that detects the sleep state of the user sleeping on the mattress from inside the covering members (lower cover 2, upper cover 7).

[0070] Furthermore, according to the mattress 1 and health management system 201 of the first embodiment, health data can be acquired simply by stepping onto the body composition analyzer 9 and sleeping on the mattress 1. The application software on the smartphone 301 can visualize and display health data such as graphs and numerical values ​​related to sleep (wakefulness, REM sleep, non-REM sleep), graphs and numerical values ​​related to heart rate, graphs and numerical values ​​related to respiratory rate, turning over in bed, weight, body fat percentage, muscle percentage, protein percentage, body water percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage.

[0071] Furthermore, the application software of the health management system 201 in the first embodiment can also be linked with standard health apps from various companies.

[0072] Furthermore, the application software for the health management system 201 of the first embodiment does not require data entry operations; when the app is opened, it acquires the aforementioned health data and can report it on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

[0073] Furthermore, the application software for the health management system 201 in the first embodiment can share data with authorized friends and family, so it can be used as a monitoring function for friends and family.

[0074] Therefore, the first embodiment makes it possible to visualize data related to sleep and health, thereby promoting improved sleep quality, increased productivity, risk detection from daily life, preventive medicine, and early treatment, with the aim of improving performance and extending the period of good health.

[0075] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 6, the number of core materials is set to 18, but the number of core materials is not limited to 18; various numbers such as 16 or 20 are applicable.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 6, there are three types of hardness in the thickness direction of the core material. However, the types of hardness in the thickness direction of the core material are not limited to three types; various types such as two types or ten types are applicable.

[0077] <Second Embodiment> Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the specifications of a mattress for an average Japanese adult woman according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] In the description of the second embodiment using Figure 7, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0079] In Figure 7, the mattress 401 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is placed on a bed and consists of 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18, a first pad 4, a sleep sensor 5, a second pad 6, an upper cover 7, a lower cover 402, an intermediate cover 403, a third pad 404, and a fourth pad 405.

[0080] The lower cover 402 is made of a fibrous cloth formed into the shape of a thin box lid, and is rollable and washable in a home washing machine. A fastener element is provided on the edge of the opening of the lower cover 402. A slider is provided on the element of the lower cover 402 in a slidable manner. The upper cover 7 covers the third pad 404 and the fourth pad 405, and its elements are joined to the lower elements of the intermediate cover 403 by the slider.

[0081] The intermediate cover 403 is made of elastic, frame-shaped synthetic resin with open top and bottom surfaces, covered with fabric. Fastener elements are provided on the edges of the openings on the lower and upper sides of the intermediate cover 403. The intermediate cover 403 houses 18 core materials (blocks) 3-1 to 3-18 arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0082] The upper cover 7 is made of a fibrous cloth formed into the shape of a thin box lid, and is rollable and washable in a home washing machine. A fastener element is provided on the edge of the opening of the upper cover 7. A slider is provided on the element of the upper cover 7 in a slidable manner. With the upper cover 7 covering the first pad 4 and the second pad 6, its element is joined to the upper element of the intermediate cover 403 by the slider.

[0083] The third pad 404 is made of urethane formed into a plate shape, and its planar size is the same as the size of 18 core materials 3-1 to 3-18 arranged side by side.

[0084] The fourth pad 405 is formed by creating a three-dimensional filament assembly in a plate shape, with a planar size similar to that of 18 core materials 3-1 to 3-18 arranged side by side, and is placed on top of the third pad 404. The fourth pad 405 has 18 core materials 3-1 to 3-18 placed on its upper side.

[0085] The third pad 404 and the fourth pad 405 are washable.

[0086] According to the mattress 401 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the same effects as the mattress 401 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0087] In the first and second embodiments, urethane was used as the material for core materials 3-1 to 3-18 and 8-1 to 8-18. However, various other materials such as filament 3D composites and sponges can be used as the core material.

[0088] Thus, the components and means constituting the mattress of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and depending on the purpose of use of the mattress, the user, etc., the configuration can consist only of the necessary components and means, or other devices and means can be added as appropriate.

[0089] Furthermore, instead of configuring each component or means as separate entities, they may be configured as components or means that integrate multiple functions.

[0090] Furthermore, the structure, materials, connections between components, chemical substances, etc., of the present invention can be modified in various ways without altering the essence of the invention.

[0091] Furthermore, the materials can be freely selected from options such as paper, fiber, metal, plastic, FRP, and wood.

[0092] Furthermore, it is possible to combine two or more components into one, or conversely, to construct one component from two or more other components and connect them.

[0093] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely two examples of the best possible form or a form that comes close to it at present.

[0094] <Definition, etc.> The core material of the mattress in this invention may be any material as long as it can be used as bedding. An example of a mattress core material in this invention is urethane. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Mattress 2 Lower cover 2 3 Core material set 3-1~3-18 Core material 4. First pad 5 Sleep Sensor 6. Second pad 7. Upper cover

Claims

1. A mattress having multiple separable core materials with at least two different degrees of hardness in the thickness direction, wherein the multiple core materials are arranged and stored in a cover member.

2. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the covering member is removable from the plurality of core materials.

3. The mattress according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sleep detection means for detecting the sleep state of a person sleeping on the mattress from the inside of the covering member.

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