Elastic module and elastic cushion

Abstract

The elastic module (4) includes first springs (1) arranged in a staggered or arrayed pattern, with adjacent springs in contact or close proximity to each other, and the first spring (1) is a single pre-compressed spring covered with a fabric cover (1.1) or other flexible material, with the top of the first spring (1) having a lateral swing space, and multiple first springs (1) arranged around the periphery of the elastic module (4) are connected by connecting members (5) or connecting parts extending from the fabric cover (1.1) or other flexible material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from a Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on February 28, 2023, bearing application number 202310179018.1 and entitled "Elastic Module and Elastic Cushion," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of furniture, and in particular to resilient cushions for furniture. [Background technology]

[0003] Springs are the basic components of various elastic cushions, providing elasticity to the support. Because spring assembly is inconvenient, the bottom and / or top of the springs are typically connected, which simultaneously connects the springs and makes it difficult to precisely adjust the elasticity of the elastic cushion. In particular, spring beds consist of a bed frame, an elastic cushion, and a cover. Conventional elastic cushions typically consist of a sponge and a spring, and although each spring is installed independently, the springs are fixed to a rigid base plate, resulting in swaying when compressed. To prevent the springs from entangling, the springs can be spaced apart or rigidly connected, with a sponge layered above the springs to connect them together. However, the sponge, which provides support and connection, must have a certain hardness and thickness. Because the sponge is bulky, maintenance is difficult, and it is not environmentally friendly. In the case of typical mattresses, only the bed cover is usually removable, and the sponge itself is not removable, making cleaning difficult. Although latex has some anti-mite properties, the sponge areas, which are difficult to clean, pose a significant hygiene risk as mattresses are typically used for several years.

[0004] Therefore, the design of the elastic cushion is improved, the sponge is reduced or completely eliminated, and the spring is properly installed, so that the spring elastic cushion has good integrity, is easy to clean, and provides excellent comfort. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a resilient cushion in which each spring provides its own resilience, the mutual interference between adjacent springs is reduced or completely eliminated, and no fixed connection is required at the top end of the springs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elastic cushion of the present invention does not require the use of a high-strength or thick sponge, and may or may not have a soft cushion placed on top of the spring. The soft cushion may be in the form of a conventional spring wrapped in outer and inner fabrics, or may be made of soft materials such as goose feathers, duck feathers, or latex.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, the elastic module includes first springs arranged in a staggered or arrayed pattern, with adjacent springs in contact or close proximity, the first spring being a single pre-compressed spring covered with a fabric cover or other flexible material, the top of the first spring having a lateral swing space, and the multiple first springs arranged around the periphery of the elastic module are connected by connecting members or connecting parts extending from the fabric cover or other flexible material.

[0008] The adjacent first springs on the outer periphery of the elastic module are completely connected from top to bottom.

[0009] On the inner circumference of the elastic module, adjacent first springs are connected by connecting members at any position except their upper ends, and adjacent first springs are connected by elastic connecting members in the range from below 1 / 4 of the spring length to above any position on the bottom of the spring.

[0010] The single pre-compressed spring covered with a fabric cover or other flexible material as described above refers to the fabric cover covering all or part of the sides, top and bottom surfaces of the spring to achieve pre-compression of the spring; complete coverage of the spring surface is not required, and it may be covered with, for example, a flexible net or woven tape.

[0011] More specifically, two adjacent first springs include adjacent first springs in the same row and adjacent first springs in different rows, where the same row is understood to be in the X-axis direction and the different rows is understood to be in a direction other than the X-axis, including the Y-axis direction.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, independent resilient support is achieved by a combination of springs of different sizes or complementary shapes that resiliently restrain lateral movement.

[0013] In another technical form of the present invention, an elastic module includes a first spring, a second spring, and a connecting member, wherein the first springs are arranged horizontally so that adjacent springs are in contact or close proximity, the second springs are arranged in the gaps between the first springs, the first spring is a single pre-compressed spring covered with a fabric cover or other soft material, the upper end of the first spring has a lateral swing space, and a portion or a majority of the first spring below the upper end is restrained by the adjacent spring, and the multiple first springs arranged around the outer periphery of the elastic module are connected by the connecting member.

[0014] More specifically, the first springs are arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the second springs are disposed between four adjacent first springs. The horizontal direction is understood to be the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction is understood to be the Y-axis direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the first springs, or the first spring and the second spring, are connected by an elastic connecting member in the range from the upper end of the spring to above any position at the bottom, and the upper end is the portion from the upper end to 1 / 4 of the spring length below.

[0016] Furthermore, the second spring is a single pre-compressed spring covered with a fabric cover or other flexible material, and the first spring is a profiled spring with a tapered lower portion, a reverse tapered upper portion, and a slightly protruding upper surface. Such a spring has a large bottom area, providing excellent installation stability, a tapered shape that increases the hardness of the lower portion, and a spherical upper surface that facilitates compression and provides a good elastic feel. A top cover can be additionally installed on the top of the first spring, which ensures uniform stress on the top surface of the spring. The top cover is preferably made of an elastic material.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer peripheral connecting member of the first spring is a fixing band, or a button fastening, or an adhesive that restrains and connects the outer peripheral springs in series.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the elastic module includes a first spring, a second spring, and a connecting member, the first spring and the second spring are arranged in order, adjacent springs are arranged to be in contact or close to each other, the first spring and the second spring are covered with a fabric cover or other flexible material, the springs are compressed by prestress, the first spring is constricted, the second spring is bulged, the upper ends of the first spring and the second spring have lateral swing spaces, a part or a majority of the first spring below the upper part is restrained by the adjacent spring, and the adjacent first spring and second spring are connected by a connecting member. In this way, by matching the shapes of the first spring and the second spring, the first spring interferes with the second spring, but this interference is an elastic restraint on the waist part, not a rigid restraint, so the springs have good comfort and independence.

[0019] The elastic mattress of the present invention comprises one or more of the elastic modules. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] In the elastic module of the present invention, the springs provide elasticity independently and have little mutual influence or interference. In the present invention, the first and second springs are different sizes, allowing the springs to be tightly arranged in the elastic cushion. The second spring restrains and prevents the first spring from swaying sideways, preventing discomfort due to stiffness. Because the springs are tightly arranged in a staggered pattern and the waist portions of the first springs are connected by an elastic member, the upper ends of the first springs are not restrained by the connecting member. This allows each spring to form an integrated structure without the need for a rigid frame, and does not affect or almost affect the independence of each spring. The elasticity of the entire elastic cushion can be achieved without the need for a thick sponge layer or other soft cushion. This eliminates the need for the thick sponge required in conventional spring cushions and ensures their integrity. A flexible liner layer such as duck feathers, goose feathers, or latex may be added on top of the elastic cushion of the present invention, and the thickness of the liner should be within 10 cm, typically 5-6 cm, so that it can be used as a spring mattress. Of course, the flexible liner need not be added. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a planar arrangement of springs according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the elastic module of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are outline views of the outer shape of the fabric cover that covers the second spring of Example 1, where FIG. 1A is a front view and FIG. 1B is a plan view. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second spring according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the shape of a second spring in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are outline views of the outer shape of the fabric cover that covers the first spring of Example 1, where FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a front view. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of a first spring of Example 1, in which FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view and FIG. 1B is a half-cross-sectional view. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first spring according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the elastic module and the cover in the assembled state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of an elastic cushion according to a first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the elastic module and another cover of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 3 is a schematic diagram of another elastic cushion of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the spring arrangement of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a local cross-sectional view taken along the AA plane in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a spring arrangement according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a first spring module A of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] 10A to 10C are three-view diagrams of a first spring module A of Example 2, where a is a side view, b is a front view, and c is a plan view. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a first spring module B of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams of the spring arrangement of Example 3, in which a is a plan view, b is a front view, and c is a perspective view. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the spring module of the third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 22b is a local enlarged view of the spring arrangement in FIG. 22a. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the connection of the elastic module of the third embodiment. [Figure 26]10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of an elastic module of Example 4, in which FIG. 10A is a schematic arrangement diagram, FIG. 10B is a side view, and FIG. 10C is a perspective view. [Figure 27] 10 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the filling connection member and the spring in Example 4. FIG. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of an elastic module of Example 5, in which FIG. 10A is a front view and FIG. 10B is a plan view. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the spring structure of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the spring and the connecting member in Example 5. [Figure 31] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of elastic modules in Example 6. [Figure 32] FIG. 31 is a top view. [Figure 33] FIG. 32 is a side view of FIG. 31. [Figure 34] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the spring module of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a connection schematic diagram of a connection member of Example 6. [Figure 36] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of elastic modules in Example 7. [Figure 37] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams of a second connecting ring of Example 7, in which a is a front view, b is a top view, and c is a perspective view. [Figure 38] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams of a first connecting ring of Example 7, in which a is a front view, b is a top view, and c is a perspective view. [Figure 39] 10A to 10D are schematic diagrams of a joining member of Example 7, in which a is a front view, b is a top view, c is a side view, and d is a perspective view. [Figure 40] FIG. 13 is a connection schematic diagram of the elastic module of Example 7. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a spring structure according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the cloth-wrapped silicone cushion of Example 8. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a half cross-sectional view of a fabric-wrapped silicone cushion spring of Example 8. [Figure 44]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a spring bed according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a top view of FIG. 44. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a liner layer of Example 9. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a liner layer of Example 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Example 1 As shown in Figures 1 to 13, the elastic module 4 of this embodiment includes a first spring 1 and a second spring 2. The first springs 1 are arranged in abutment, close contact, or parallel alignment. A second spring 2 is inserted between two rows of four adjacent first springs. As shown in Figure 1, the size of the second spring is designed so that it can be appropriately inserted into the gap between the four adjacent first springs. Referring to Figures 8, 9, and 10, the first spring 1 is a constricted spring 1 covered with a fabric cover 1.1. It may also be covered with other flexible materials. The covered portion may include all or part of the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the spring, as long as it can pre-compress the spring. The hourglass-shaped spring has a tapered bottom 1.2 and a spherical top 1.3. The spherical top provides a larger support area, making it easier to compress and providing a good elastic feel. The large bottom area ensures stable installation, and the tapered shape improves the firmness of the lower back area. Two adjacent first springs are connected by a connecting member 5 in the lower back area. The first springs located on the periphery of the elastic cushion may be constrained by the connecting member 5 in the lower back area, or multiple first springs may be connected and constrained by a fixing band 3 to form an elastic module 4. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the second springs 2 are used either covered with a fabric cover 2.1 or directly. They are preferably olive-shaped with a slightly thicker center to fit the filling gap. The second spring may be constrained to the first spring by the connecting member 4, and may be positioned relative to the first spring only at a specific position, with the height of the second spring being lower than that of the first spring.

[0023] 11 and 12, the elastic cushion of the present invention includes a lining 9, elastic modules 4, and a quilted outer fabric 6. One or more elastic modules 4 are combined above the lining 9, and the quilted outer fabric 6 is then wrapped around and over the elastic modules 4 to form an elastic cushion 8. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the elastic cushion 8 may also be formed by wrapping a goose down pad 7 with four-sided edges over the elastic modules 4.

[0024] <Example> As shown in Figures 15 to 21, the elastic module of this embodiment is similar to Example 1 in terms of spring structure, arrangement, and spring shape, but differs as follows: The fabric covers of the first spring 1 and the second spring 2 are provided with waist rings 1.5, and the connecting member 5 has two bayonet pins 5.1. The two bayonet pins are inserted into the waist rings 1.5 of the fabric covers of the first and second springs, respectively, to connect the first and second springs together, forming a first spring module A as shown in Figure 20. Module A and the adjacent second spring are then connected by the connecting member 5 to form a first spring module B, forming two rows of spring modules. By connecting the spring modules in this order, a spring module is formed. Alternatively, the first spring module A may be connected to, for example, the lining 9 by a third member, and the first spring module B may also be connected to the lining 9, forming the elastic module 4 in this order. The outer peripheries of the elastic modules 4 are connected by a connecting band 3 .

[0025] Example 3 As shown in Figures 22 to 25, the elastic module of this embodiment includes first springs 1 arranged in a staggered pattern, which allows for a tighter arrangement between the first springs. Large gaps are created at the beginning of the elastic module, which require filling. Differently sized irregularly shaped springs can be arranged or filled with a flexible material. The fabric cover of the first spring 1 has a waist ring. Two bayonet pins 5.1 on the connecting member 5 are inserted into the waist rings of the fabric covers of two adjacent first springs to connect the two first springs together.

[0026] Example 4 As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the elastic module 4 of this embodiment includes first springs 1 arranged in a parallel arrangement. The first springs are hourglass-shaped springs 1 covered with a fabric cover 1.1, and the fabric cover of the first springs 1 has multiple openings in its lower portion. The connecting member in this embodiment is a filling connecting member disposed between four adjacent first springs. The filling connecting member 15 is columnar and has multiple fins 15.1 on its side. The fins 15.1 are insertable into the openings 1.11 in the lower portion of the fabric cover of the first springs, connecting the adjacent springs by inserting the fins of the filling connecting member into the openings of the adjacent springs. The filling connecting member is preferably made of plastic or metal and has elasticity. This allows the filling connecting member 15 to connect the adjacent springs and restrict lateral movement of the springs without restricting the swinging of the upper ends of the springs.

[0027] <Example 5> As shown in Figures 28, 29, and 30, the elastic module 4 of this embodiment includes first springs 1 arranged in a parallel alignment. The first springs are constricted springs 1 covered with a fabric cover 1.1, with a tapered lower portion 1.2 and a spherical upper portion 1.3. The connecting members include a fixing member 16 and a bridging member 17. The elastic fixing member 16 is located at the waist of the spring and is made of silicone rubber. It may be annular, rectangular, or roughly circular. The bridging member has an open structure and an expandable notch 16.1 that can be inserted into the first spring and engage with the waist of the first spring. When the fixing member 16 is stretched, a connecting portion 16.2 is formed, and the bridging member 17 connects the fixing member 16 between two adjacent springs. The solid portion of the notch 16.1 of the fixing member can become the connecting portion 16.2 of the fixing member.

[0028] Example 6 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35, the elastic module 4 of this embodiment includes a first spring 1 and a second spring 2, and the shape and arrangement of the springs are similar to those of the first embodiment. The difference is that the spring connecting member 5 includes a spring inner connecting member 5.2 and an outer connecting member 5.3, and the inner connecting member 5.2 includes two symmetrical semi-annular portions 5.11 and an insertion hole 5.12. The two inner connecting members are engaged with each other to connect the aligned first springs, and the second spring is attached to the insertion hole 5.12.

[0029] Example 7 36 to 40, the elastic module includes a first spring 11, a second spring 12, and a connecting member 5. The first spring 21 and the second spring 22 are aligned in order, with adjacent springs in contact or close to each other. The first spring 21 and the second spring 22 are covered with a fabric cover, which compresses the springs with prestress. The first spring 21 is constricted, and the second spring 22 is bulged. The first spring 21 and the adjacent second spring 22 are connected by a connecting member 5. The connecting member includes a first connecting ring 5.4, a second connecting ring 5.5, and a joining member 5.6. The first connecting member and the second connecting member have protrusions 5.41 and 5.51 on the outer periphery of the annular portion, and the cross-sections of the ends are larger than the interior. The connecting member 5.6 has grooves 5.61 on its side surfaces, the width of the grooves being greater than the width of the surface, and the grooves 5.61 extending to the bottom of the connecting member. The first connecting ring 5.4 is fitted around the waist of the first spring 1, and the second connecting member 5.5 is fitted around the middle of the second spring 2. The protrusions 5.41 of the adjacent first spring and the protrusions 5.51 on the periphery of the adjacent second spring are inserted into the two grooves 5.61 on the side surfaces of the connecting member 5.6, connecting the first and second springs.

[0030] Example 8 As shown in Figure 41, in this embodiment, a top cover 1.12 made of silicone rubber or other environmentally friendly elastic material can be attached to the top of the first spring 1. This allows for uniform pressure on the top surface of the spring. The first spring can have an arc-shaped top or a flat top, and the top cover can be covered with a fabric cover.

[0031] As another structure of the top cover, as shown in Figures 42 and 43, the top cover 1.12 comprises a top cover silicone rubber fixing seat 1.121 and a fabric-wrapped silicone rubber pad 1.122, which is covered by the top cover silicone rubber fixing seat 1.121.

[0032] Example 9 44, 45 and 46, the spring bed includes one or more elastic modules 4 of any of the above-described embodiments, and is layered in this order on the elastic module 4 with a 2 cm thick latex layer 12, a 2 cm thick bonnel coil layer 13, a 2 cm thick latex layer 14 and a 5 cm thick goose feather layer 15. The thicknesses of the latex layer 12, the bonnel coil layer 13 and the latex layer are about 30% of the thickness of the elastic module.

[0033] Example 10 As shown in Figure 47, the spring bed includes one or more elastic modules 4 of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and a 3cm thick bonnel coil layer 13 and a 5cm thick goose feather layer 15 are layered on the elastic module in this order. The thickness of the bonnel coil layer 13 is 10-20% of the thickness of the elastic module.

[0034] The arrangement and connecting members of the above-mentioned embodiments do not limit the elastic module of the present invention and the elastic cushion produced thereby; those skilled in the art can configure the elastic module using other arrangements, and the connecting members are not limited to the specific embodiment of this embodiment; as long as they can connect the springs to the waist area, the elastic module can configure the elastic cushion in various ways.

[0035] The present invention discloses an elastic module, which includes first springs arranged in a staggered or arrayed pattern, with adjacent springs in contact or close proximity, wherein the first spring is a single pre-compressed spring covered with a fabric cover or other flexible material, with a lateral swing space at the top of the first spring, and the first springs arranged around the periphery of the elastic module are connected by connecting members or connecting parts extending from the fabric cover or other flexible material. In such a spring module, each spring provides elasticity independently, with little or no mutual interference between adjacent springs, eliminating the need for connecting and fixing the top ends of the springs, and having industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An elastic module, An elastic module comprising a first spring, a second spring, and a connecting member, wherein the first springs are arranged horizontally, with adjacent springs in contact or close proximity, with the second spring disposed in a gap between the first springs, the first spring being a single pre-compressed spring covered with a fabric cover or other soft material, the upper end of the first spring having a lateral swing space, and a portion or a majority of the first spring below the upper end being restrained by the adjacent spring, and a plurality of first springs arranged around the periphery of the elastic module are connected by the connecting member.

2. 2. The elastic module according to claim 1, wherein the first spring and / or the second spring are connected by an elastic connecting member at a position below the upper end of the first spring.

3. 3. The elastic module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second spring is covered with a fabric cover or other soft material in a pre-compressed state, and the first spring is a profiled spring, the lower portion of which is tapered and the upper portion is reverse tapered.

4. 3. The elastic module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fabric cover or other flexible material of the first spring is covered with a connecting member, the connecting member is provided with a connection portion, and the connecting members engage with each other or are joined via a third member.

5. The elastic module according to claim 4, characterized in that the first spring and / or the second spring are covered with a waist ring, and two bayonet pins provided on the connecting member are inserted into the waist rings of the fabric covers of two adjacent first springs, respectively, to connect the two adjacent first springs.

6. The elastic module of claim 4, characterized in that the waist portion of the first spring is provided with an annular elastic connecting member, the annular portion is provided with an expandable notch, the expandable notch can be fitted into the first spring, the connecting member extends from the annular portion to form a bridge portion, and the connecting member connects two adjacent springs.

7. The elastic module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the peripheral connecting member of the first spring is a fixing band, a button fastening, or an adhesive, which restrains and connects the peripheral springs in series.

8. An elastic module, An elastic module comprising a first spring, a second spring, and a connecting member, the first spring and the second spring being arranged in order, with adjacent springs being in contact or close to each other, the first spring and the second spring being covered with a fabric cover or other flexible material to compress the springs with prestress, the first spring being constricted and the second spring being bulged, upper ends of the first spring and the second spring having lateral swing spaces, a portion or a majority of the first spring below the upper end being restrained by the adjacent spring, and the adjacent first spring and second spring being connected by a connecting member.

9. 9. The elastic module according to claim 8, wherein the range of the upper ends of the first spring and the second spring is from the upper end to a position of 1 / 4 of the spring length.

10. An elastic cushion comprising the elastic module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is matingly connected.

11. 11. The resilient cushion of claim 10, further comprising a flexible liner layer, wherein one or more of the resilient modules are combined beneath the flexible liner layer, the flexible liner layer covering above or around the upper periphery of the resilient modules.

12. The elastic cushion according to claim 10 , further comprising a base member, wherein the first spring and / or the second spring of the elastic module are connected to the base member by adhesive or fastening.

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