Hardness control device for a bed or a seating structure

Abstract

A hardness control device for use in a bed or seating configuration is disclosed. The device includes a rigid frame having two opposing sides and at least one inelastic flexible elongated element extending between the two opposing sides. Each end of the inelastic flexible elongated element is directly or indirectly connected to one of the opposing sides, with at least one of the ends being indirectly connected via an elastic flexible elongated element. A plurality of elongated springs are provided and extend with flat or curved surfaces, and each elongated spring has an end attached to one of the at least one inelastic flexible elongated element at two separated connections. A retraction device is arranged to tighten or loosen the inelastic flexible elongated element between the two separated connections, thereby adjusting the distance between the two separated connections of each inelastic flexible elongated element and thereby controlling the curvature and height of the elongated spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hardness control device for use in a bed or a seating structure, and a bed or a seating product having such a hardness control device. In particular, the hardness control device provides at least one zone within the bed or seating structure having an adjustable hardness.

Background Art

[0002] Within a bed structure, a support is provided to act against the weight of the user or a portion of the weight, and the bed distributes the weight across a portion of the surface of the device from the user's body. Depending on how the bed distributes the user's weight, the bed appears either soft or hard. The degree of hardness of such a bed depends on the characteristics of elastic elements such as spring constants, and how the elastic members are attached to the bed, such as by clamping or pre-tensioning. Thus, the hardness of the bed is typically set during the manufacture of the device.

[0003] However, different people desire and require different hardnesses. Further, different body parts may require different hardnesses.

[0004] It is known to provide variable hardness in a bed structure. By inducing deformation to different extents in elastic members, the hardness of the device is adjustable. The deformation member has the ability to deform the elastic member independently of the deformation induced by the presence of the elastic member. This means that the hardness of the bed is adjustable during initial setup according to the user's wishes. It is also possible to compensate for potential changes over time in the elastic properties of the elastic structure. Still further, it is known to vary the hardness independently in various zones / portions within the mattress.

[0005] Such well-known solutions are disclosed, for example, in European Patent No. 2245967 and International Publication No. 2009 / 120270 pamphlet. Both of these documents also disclose the possibility of detecting the pressure applied to different areas and the possibility of automatically controlling the hardness of different areas in order to reduce the overall pressure.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known to provide variations in the hardness of a mattress by arranging coil springs on a support plate having a variable height. The height of the support plate can be controlled by a rotatable element that is disposed under the support plate and has an off-center axis of rotation. Here, due to the rotation of the rotatable element, the plate assumes various height positions. Such hardness adjustment means are discussed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3340548 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0258772. It is also known to use a similar configuration having a support plate with a variable height, in which case the height of the support plate can be controlled by a displacement member in the form of a linear motor, a jack, and other lifting mechanisms. Such hardness adjustment means are discussed, for example, in Australian Patent Application Publication No. 551300, U.S. Patent No. 4222137, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0253994, International Publication No. 99 / 65366 pamphlet, and European Patent No. 2245967.

[0007] It is also known to provide areas with variable hardness that are realized by air injection elements in which the pressure is independently varied using pressurizing means. Such hardness adjustment means are discussed, for example, in International Publication No. 2009 / 120270 pamphlet.

[0008] Furthermore, it is known to realize a mattress with variable hardness by a combination of air injection elements and other elastic elements, such as coil springs, as discussed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5113539.

[0009] For example, as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 4,667,357, other hardness adjustment means are also achievable, such as by passing threads through the mattress, thereby changing the height position and / or tension.

[0010] However, a common problem with these previously known bed configurations having variable hardness is that they are relatively complex, heavy, and expensive to produce. Further, these known bed configurations are also often relatively difficult and cumbersome to use. Additionally, even if these known bed configurations provide some degree of adjustability, this is often insufficient for the needs of the user.

[0011] Therefore, there is still a need for a hardness control device, and a bed or seating configuration having adjustable hardness that alleviates the problems discussed above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome these problems and to provide an improved hardness control device, as well as a bed and seating configuration. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0013] These and other objects, which will become apparent from the following, are achieved by a hardness control device, as well as a bed and seating configuration, in accordance with the appended claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hardness control device for use in a bed configuration or a seating configuration, comprising: a rigid frame having two opposing sides; At least one inelastic flexible elongate element extending between two opposing sides, each inelastic flexible elongate element having two ends, each end of the inelastic flexible elongate element being directly or indirectly connected to one of the opposing sides, at least one of the ends of each inelastic flexible elongate element being indirectly connected to one of the opposing sides via an elastic flexible elongate element, at least one inelastic flexible elongate element A plurality of elongate springs extending within a flat or curved surface, each elongate spring having two ends, the ends of each elongate spring being attached to one of the inelastic flexible elongate elements at two separate connection portions, a plurality of elongate springs A retraction device arranged to tighten or loosen at least one inelastic flexible elongate element between two separate connection portions, thereby adjusting the distance between the two separate connection portions of each inelastic flexible elongate element, as well as the curvature and height of the elongate spring A hardness control device is provided that includes.

[0015] The novel hardness control device is very cost-effective to produce and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses arranged to cover or surround the hardness control device, as discussed in more detail below. The hardness control device is essentially flat and can be placed under any type of mattress, and may also be provided directly under the mattress and bed or floorboard, and / or may be placed between an upper mattress and a lower mattress.

[0016] Sleep experiences, and what is considered comfortable or otherwise, vary greatly from person to person. Further, users often find it more comfortable to have a softer mattress when using one lying-down position, such as prone, i.e., stomach-down position, or side-lying, than other lying-down positions, such as supine, i.e., face-up position. The present invention provides an efficient, relatively simple and cost-effective way to vary mattress characteristics independently of the user's wishes and, for example, based on the choice of lying-down position. This has been found to greatly improve the sleep and rest experience, which provides better quality rest and sleep. Improved sleep and rest also improve the user's health and overall quality of life.

[0017] Prior to the present invention, mattresses and beds with adjustable characteristics were known to be complex, heavy, and costly, and also difficult and cumbersome to use. In contrast, the present invention provides a bed configuration having adjustable characteristics that is relatively simple and cost-effective to manufacture, easy for the user to operate, and easy to modify, for example, to use more or fewer adjustable zones. The bed configuration is also very well-suited for automated or semi-automated manufacturing.

[0018] Since this hardness control device includes a relatively small number of inexpensive parts, it can be produced at low cost. The hardness control device can be placed on a new bed or seating configuration, but can also be easily installed on an existing bed or seating configuration.

[0019] The novel hardness control device has also been found to be very efficient in providing a wide range of continuously variable hardness, and also with very accurate and reliable controllability. Thus, one or several hardness control devices can be provided within a bed or seating configuration to provide variable hardness to one or several zones of the mattress.

[0020] It has been found that fairly significant variations in the hardness characteristics can be obtained by small or medium variations in the length of the inelastic flexible elongate element. The hardness can also be controlled in a very accurate and predictable manner.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, a "rigid frame" means a frame that is sufficiently rigid in the plane of the frame to withstand the forces from the elongate spring and the flexible elastic and inelastic elongate elements both when the elongate spring is contracted and when it is relaxed. The rigidity of the frame is preferably such that the frame is not significantly deformed due to such forces. However, the rigid frame can still be flexible in other directions, such as in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame. This allows the rigid frame to be bent, for example, when the mattress is rolled up and vacuum-packed into a very compact form for delivery, storage, and the like. Thus, this hardness control device thereby enables a very compact packaging, which is quite important.

[0022] The rigid frame can be, for example, a band made of steel band or other materials and can have a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame that is much smaller than the width extending in the plane of the frame. The thickness can be, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm, and the width can be in the range of 4 to 10 mm.

[0023] The inelastic flexible elongate element is preferably provided in the form of a string or cord and is preferably made of a flexible but inelastic material.

[0024] A small number of inelastic flexible elongate elements, such as two, may be provided. In this case, the inelastic flexible elongate elements are preferably relatively wide and preferably extend over more than 15% of the width of the variable region, and even more preferably over more than 25% of the width of the variable region, etc., extending over a substantial portion of the width of the variable region. However, preferably at least three, four, or more parallel inelastic flexible elongate elements are arranged to extend under each of the above variable regions.

[0025] In one embodiment, there are as many flexible inelastic elongate elements as there are elongate springs so that each elongate spring can be connected to a separate flexible elongate element. In such an embodiment, the width of the flexible inelastic elongate element can be the same as or similar to the width of the elongate spring. However, it is also possible to connect two or more elongate springs to a common single flexible inelastic elongate element. In one such embodiment, all the elongate springs can be attached to a common single flexible inelastic elongate element. In such an embodiment, the flexible inelastic elongate element preferably has a width that greatly exceeds the width of each elastic spring and preferably extends over substantially the entire width of the hardness control device. In this case, the single flexible inelastic elongate element can be connected to the frame via a single flexible elastic elongate element or by a plurality of flexible elastic elongate elements.

[0026] Since at least one of the ends of each inelastic flexible elongate element is indirectly connected to one of the opposing sides of the frame via an elastic flexible elongate element, the total length of the elastic and inelastic flexible elongate elements can remain constant during the contraction and relaxation of the inelastic flexible elongate elements. The elastic flexible elongate element also ensures that the inelastic flexible elongate element always remains somewhat taut, thereby maintaining the inelastic flexible elongate element in a relatively straight configuration and pulling the ends of the inelastic flexible elongate element apart when the inelastic flexible elongate element is relaxed.

[0027] In one embodiment, only one of the ends of the inelastic flexible elongate element is indirectly connected to one of the opposing sides. If all the inelastic flexible elongate elements are connected by the elastic elongate element on the same side, when the hardness is increased, the point of increased hardness changes slightly towards the directly connected end. However, in many applications, this is perfectly acceptable. Further, some of the inelastic flexible elongate elements are directly connected to one of the opposing sides, while others are directly connected to the other of the opposing sides. Thereby, the variation in the point of increased hardness is made uniform among the inelastic flexible elongate elements. In one preferred embodiment, every other inelastic flexible elongate element is connected to one of the opposing sides, while every other inelastic flexible elongate element is connected to the other of the opposing sides.

[0028] However, in an even more preferred embodiment, both ends of each inelastic flexible elongate element are indirectly connected to one of the opposing sides via the elastic flexible elongate element. Thereby, the point of increased hardness always remains in the same position during increases and decreases in hardness.

[0029] The inelastic flexible elongate element can be realized in various ways, such as a metal wire, a rope, etc. However, preferably, the inelastic elongate element is something like a tape having a width exceeding its thickness. In one embodiment, the inelastic flexible elongate element is an inelastic flexible fabric string.

[0030] Similarly, the elastic flexible elongate element can be an elastic cord, a coil spring, and the like. However, preferably, the inelastic elongate element is something like a tape having a width exceeding its thickness. In one embodiment, the elastic flexible elongate element is an elastic flexible fabric string.

[0031] The retraction device can be disposed directly below the plane in which the inelastic flexible elongate element extends. For example, the retraction device can be arranged to pull down the inelastic flexible elongate element, for example, between two rollers, a sliding surface, or the like.

[0032] However, alternatively, the retraction device can be arranged essentially within the plane in which the inelastic flexible elongate element extends. For example, the inelastic flexible elongate element can be connected to a rotatable rod, shaft, or the like that is connected to a rotary motor / pump or the like, whereby rotation of the rod / shaft in one direction retracts the inelastic flexible elongate element and, in the other direction, releases the inelastic flexible elongate element.

[0033] The inelastic flexible elongate elements are preferably all operated by a single retraction means that controls all the inelastic flexible elongate elements simultaneously and in the same way. Such a solution is very cost-effective and simple to implement. However, alternatively, the inelastic flexible elongate elements can be individually controllable or sets of inelastic flexible elongate elements can be controlled separately.

[0034] The retraction device is preferably arranged to constrict the inelastic flexible elongate element by at least one of winding the flexible elongate element around an axis, pulling the flexible elongate element, and pushing the flexible elongate element.

[0035] The retraction device is preferably operated using at least one of an electric motor and an electric pump. This makes it very easy to adjust the hardness, for example, by simply operating a control panel or remote control. A remote control adapted to communicate with a control unit for controlling the retraction device can be used, for example, via a wireless interface.

[0036] However, it is also possible to provide a manually operated mechanical solution by rotating a control wheel or the like with the retraction device. For example, a lead screw or a translational screw can be used. Then, a knob, a wheel, or any other type of handle can be manually rotated, thereby rotating the screw and resulting in a corresponding displacement of the connection of the flexible elongate element. Other types of manually operable retraction devices are also possible, such as by providing longitudinally separate holes in the flexible elongate element that are releasably connected to retaining pins or the like at various displacement positions.

[0037] The elongate spring can be realized in various ways. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the elongate spring is at least one of a wavy spring such as a no-sag spring and a strip spring such as a strip steel spring. The strip spring can also be formed of other elastic materials such as plastic materials, composite materials. However, wavy springs are particularly preferred because they are elastic in both the longitudinal direction and the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0038] The wavy spring preferably has a zigzag pattern and is preferably arranged to have a slightly upwardly bent arc between two connecting portions and in a relaxed arrangement to ensure that the spring bends upward but not downward when the inelastic flexible elongate element is contracted.

[0039] The end portions of the wavy spring can be fixed to the inelastic flexible elongate element in any number of ways, including inserting the end portions of the wavy spring into loops integrally formed within the flexible element, attaching them by sewing, and the like.

[0040] Each length of the inelastic flexible elongate element has an intermediate portion that extends over the entire extension between the connections to the elongate spring that are not connected to the elongate spring.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bed or seating configuration including at least one hardness control device as discussed above, the configuration further including a mattress, the hardness control device being disposed beneath the mattress.

[0042] The mattress is preferably a pocket spring mattress including a plurality of strings of casing material, each string defining a plurality of pockets, each pocket including a coil spring.

[0043] The hardness control device may be disposed directly beneath the pocket spring mattress, thereby providing increased pressure from beneath specific pockets, thereby increasing the hardness of these pockets.

[0044] However, alternatively, the mattress may include at least one notch disposed over the hardness control device. The notch may be empty so as to be filled in whole or in part by an elongate spring when contracted. In such an embodiment, the notch is preferably disposed over only the elongate springs of the hardness control device with the pockets of the mattress disposed therebetween.

[0045] However, the notch may also include a mattress insert disposed over the hardness control device in order to provide a flat surface of the mattress and to equalize the increased and decreased hardness respectively when the elongate springs contract and relax.

[0046] The bed or seating construct may also include an additional layer disposed on top of the mattress, particularly when notches are provided in the mattress, to increase comfort and provide a smooth, planar upper surface. This additional layer may include a padding layer, and / or a cloth, and preferably a layer of stretchable cloth. Alternatively, or in addition, the additional layer may also include an additional upper mattress. The upper mattress may be of the same type as the lower mattress, such as also being of the pocket spring mattress type. The upper mattress may have the same size as the lower mattress, but alternatively may be thinner. The upper mattress preferably extends over the entire surface of the lower mattress and preferably has no notches and the like.

[0047] In one embodiment, the insert includes a pocket spring mattress insert. However, the insert may also include a foam insert. The foam insert may have one or several concave, curved inner surfaces covering the elongate springs of the hardness control device.

[0048] The bed or seating construct may include one hardness control device to provide one zone of variable hardness. However, alternatively, it may further include at least two zones having variable hardness, with at least one hardness control device provided for each zone.

[0049] The hardness control device preferably has a width extension that exceeds 50%, and preferably exceeds 75%, of the width of the mattress, and a length extension that is less than 50%, and preferably less than 25%, of the length of the mattress.

[0050] The variable regions preferably extend essentially across the entire width of the upper mattress. If several regions are provided, the regions are preferably separated longitudinally of the mattress. Since the same firmness is usually required whether the user lies centrally or on one side, there is usually no need to separate the regions in the width direction. However, if the bed structure is to be used by more than one person, or for other reasons it is necessary to distinguish between different lateral positions, regions with variable firmness separated also in the width direction can be used. In this case, it is possible to use two separate and independently operable firmness control devices and, for example, a common upper mattress arranged on top of these two firmness control devices.

[0051] The bed structure preferably includes at least two regions, at least one of which constitutes a variable region.

[0052] Furthermore, the bed structure preferably has at least two variable regions and at least one firmness control device for each of the variable regions that is independently operable to control the firmness of said regions. Three or more regions, such as three, five, seven, etc., can be provided. For example, different regions with variable firmness can be provided at least for the user's hips and shoulders. Such regions can also be provided for the user's legs and head. Between these regions, regions with a constant firmness can be provided. However, alternatively, these regions can also have variable firmness. Thus, in a more refined embodiment, seven, ten, or more regions with variable firmness can be provided.

[0053] With these additional aspects of the invention, similar objectives and advantages as discussed above in connection with the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

[0054] For purposes of illustration, the invention will be described in more detail below with respect to embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0055]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0056] In the following detailed description, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described. However, it should be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the features of different embodiments are interchangeable between embodiments and can be combined in different ways. For the purpose of clarity, it should also be noted that the dimensions of the specific components illustrated in the drawings may differ from the corresponding dimensions in the actual implementation of the present invention, for example, the length of an elongated spring. Furthermore, the specific embodiments to be discussed below are mainly related to the bed structure, but a hardness control device, which may have slightly different dimensions, can be used for the seating structure and the like.

[0057] A first embodiment of the hardness control device 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. The hardness control device can be used within a bed structure or a seating structure, as will be discussed in more detail below. The hardness control device 1 includes a rigid frame 11 having two opposing side surfaces 11a and 11b. The frame can, for example, be rectangular in shape, and the two opposing side surfaces 11a and 11b can be two side surfaces along the length direction of the rectangle or two side surfaces along the width direction. The frame can be made of a metal such as steel, but alternatively, it can be made of wood, a plastic material, or the like.

[0058] The hardness control device further includes a plurality of inelastic flexible elongate elements 12 extending between two opposing side surfaces 11a and 11b. The inelastic flexible elongate elements 12 can be in the form of inelastic cords, for example, having a width greatly exceeding the thickness. Each inelastic flexible elongate element 12 comprises two end portions 12a and 12b, each of these end portions 12a, 12b being directly or indirectly connected to one of the opposing side surfaces 11a, 11b. At least one of the end portions 12a, 12b of each inelastic flexible elongate element 12 is indirectly connected to one of the opposing side surfaces 11a, 11b via an elastic flexible elongate element 13. In an illustrative example, both end portions 12a, 12b of each inelastic flexible elongate element 12 are indirectly connected to one of the opposing side surfaces 11a, 11b via such an elastic flexible elongate element 13. Thus, while one end of each elastic flexible elongate element is connected to the frame, the other is connected to the end of the inelastic flexible elongate element 12.

[0059] The inelastic flexible elongate elements 12 can be made of inelastic fabric, but alternatively, they may be made entirely or partially of metal and the like. The inelastic flexible elongate elements are, as in the illustrative embodiment, in the form of cords, i.e., may have a form such as a tape. However, alternatively, they may be in the form of cords, wires, and the like.

[0060] The elastic flexible elongate elements 13 can be made of elastic fabric such as stretch fabric, but may be in the form of rubber bands, elastic ribbons, etc. Alternatively, the elastic flexible elongate elements 13 may include springs, such as elongate, preferably relatively thin, coil springs.

[0061] The inelastic flexible elongate element 12 can be connected to two or more elastic flexible elongate elements 13, such as two elastic flexible elongate elements 13 that are preferably separated in the longitudinal direction of the opposing frame side surfaces 11a, 11b at one or both ends. Similarly, the elastic flexible elongate element 13 can be connected to two or more inelastic flexible elongate elements 12, such as two inelastic flexible elongate elements 12 that are preferably separated in the longitudinal direction of the opposing frame side surfaces 11a, 11b. Such an implementation is particularly useful when the widths of the elastic and inelastic flexible elongate elements are different, such as when the inelastic flexible elongate element is in the form of a string and the elastic flexible elongate element is in the form of a cord, or vice versa.

[0062] The hardness control device further includes a plurality of elongate springs 14 extending within a flat or curved surface. The elongate springs 14 are preferably wavy springs, such as no-sag springs, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. However, the elongate springs can alternatively be realized in other ways, such as strip springs, such as strip steel springs. All elongate springs are preferably of the same type. However, combinations of different types of elongate springs are also possible.

[0063] Each elongate spring 14 has two ends 14a and 14b, and each of the ends 14a, 14b is attached to one of the inelastic flexible elongate elements at two separate connection portions. Preferably, end 14a is preferably connected at or near end 12a of the inelastic flexible elongate element, and end 14b is preferably connected at or near end 12b of the inelastic flexible elongate element. The remainder of the elongate spring between endpoints 14a and 14b is preferably not connected to the inelastic flexible elongate element.

[0064] The ends of the elongate spring can be connected to the inelastic flexible elongate element by being inserted into a loop formed therein, or by other methods, such as sewing, adhesives, bolts, rivets, etc.

[0065] The retraction device 15 is arranged to tighten or loosen the inelastic flexible elongate element 12 between two separate connection portions. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 4, the retraction device 15 can be arranged essentially within the plane in which the inelastic flexible elongate element extends. The retraction device here includes a rotatable shaft 15a having an opening through which the inelastic flexible elongate element 12 extends. By rotating the shaft, the inelastic flexible elongate element is wound around the shaft, thereby reducing the distance between the connection portions. Thereby, the ends 14a and 14b of the elongate spring are pulled together, such that the elongate spring 14 projects into an upward arc. The higher the shaft 15a is rotated, the higher the arc becomes. If the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, the height of the arc instead decreases. Thus, the height of the arc can be easily controlled by rotation of the shaft in either of two directions. This is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and FIG. 4, where FIG. 3 shows the elongate spring in a lowered relaxed position and FIG. 4 shows the elongate spring in a somewhat contracted tense position forming an upward arc.

[0066] The shaft 15a can be manually controlled, for example, by being operable by a crank or the like. However, it can also be operated by an automatic drive unit 16, such as a pump, an electric motor, or the like.

[0067] The inelastic flexible elongate element can also be drawn in other ways. One such alternative is illustrated in FIG. 5, where the inelastic flexible elongate element 12 is guided downwardly by two rollers 15b or sliding surfaces. The inelastic flexible elongate element can then be pulled downwardly by a plunger 15c or the like. This pulling can occur downwardly, but as shown in the illustrative example, can also occur within the plane of the frame, for example, by being guided by a further roller 15d. In this embodiment, the drawing device can be arranged directly below the plane in which the inelastic flexible elongate element extends. The plunger can be operated manually or automatically, for example, by being connected to an electric pump.

[0068] In FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the hardness control device is illustrated. Here, the elongate spring is formed as a strip spring, such as a strip steel spring. Apart from this difference, the hardness control device as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is produced and operates in essentially the same way as that described in connection with FIGS. 1 - 4. FIG. 6 shows the elongate spring in a relaxed, lowered position, and FIG. 7 shows the elongate spring in a somewhat tensioned, contracted position in which the elongate spring forms an upward arc.

[0069] When automated, the drawing device can be controlled using remote control, for example, by being connected to a drive unit by a wireless or wired connection.

[0070] The hardness control device can be used in combination with a mattress or cushion to form a bed or seating assembly having variable hardness in one or several zones. The hardness control device is thereby arranged directly below the mattress, for example, on top of the bed base or on top of a lower mattress directly below an upper mattress. Some alternative embodiments of such a bed assembly are discussed in somewhat more detail hereinafter, and it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the same or similar assemblies can also be used for a seating assembly.

[0071] The bed structure has an adaptable hardness, and more particularly, includes at least one zone with independently adjustable hardness. The bed structure may include a single zone or two or more zones. Further, when several zones are used, one or more zones may be variable. Further, one or more zones that are non-variable may also be used. For example, different zones with variable hardness may be provided for at least one of the user's buttocks and shoulders. Such zones may also be provided for the user's legs and head. Between and optionally around these zones, zones with a constant hardness may be provided.

[0072] Preferably, the zone with independently adjustable hardness extends over at least half of the width of the bed structure and may extend, for example, over substantially the entire width of the bed structure.

[0073] The mattress can be of various types, including, for example, resilient foam elements, elastic rubber, and the like. However, preferably, the mattress includes a plurality of coil springs and preferably coil springs arranged in separate pockets of a cover material to define a pocket spring mattress.

[0074] In the pocket mattress implementation of the present mattress, at least a portion of the mattress forming zone without variable hardness and optionally also a zone with variable hardness, in part or in whole, are also formed as a pocket spring mattress. The pocket spring mattress can be formed to form an all-in-one mattress or can be formed to be arranged as separate pocket mattresses assembled together.

[0075] For example, with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, the pocket mattress 2 preferably includes a plurality of strings 21 that are interconnected adjacent to each other using surface adhesion such as adhesives, welding, Velcro, or the like. Each string includes a plurality of continuous casings / pockets 22 formed by a continuous casing material and pockets separated from each other by a transverse seam 23 such as a welding seam. Each casing / pocket includes at least one, and preferably only one, helical coil spring 24. The spring may have a helical winding with a diameter of approximately 2 to 10 cm, and preferably 6 cm.

[0076] However, as discussed above, other types of mattresses can also be used in the bed configurations described above.

[0077] In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pocket mattress is an integrated continuous mattress that extends across the width and length of the bed configuration and across both regions with variable hardness and regions without variable hardness.

[0078] The hardness control device 1 as discussed above is disposed directly below the region of the mattress 2. The hardness control device shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is of the type discussed in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7, but any of the previously discussed embodiments may be used.

[0079] The hardness control device 1 can be loosely disposed on the bed bottom (not shown), and the mattress is then loosely disposed on top of the bed bottom and on top of the hardness control device. However, the hardness control device can alternatively be connected to the bed bottom, or other parts of the bed, and / or to the mattress. The connection to the bed bottom or bed frame can be made by adhesives, bolts, etc. The connection to the mattress can be achieved by adhesives, sewing, etc.

[0080] When the elongate spring of the hardness control device is contracted so as to extend upward as an arc, as shown in FIG. 9, the spring within the mattress covering the arc is compressed and as a result becomes harder.

[0081] In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 10, the mattress includes at least one notch 25 disposed to cover the hardness control device. The notch is preferably completely surrounded by a pocket spring mattress such that at least one or a plurality of rows of pockets are disposed in the width direction on each side of the notch. The cavity formed by this notch can be filled with the mattress content 3. This mattress content may be, for example, also a pocket spring mattress, but has different properties, for example, softer than the surrounding pocket spring mattress. However, preferably, the mattress content is a different type of mattress, such as a foam mattress.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11, a plurality of notches 25' are provided. Here, the notches are elongate, are disposed adjacent to each other, and are essentially disposed so as to cover only the elongate spring of the hardness control device below. The notches are preferably sized to correspond to the width of one pocket, allowing the notches to be formed in a single string and surrounded by adjacent neighboring strings.

[0083] In this embodiment, the cavity formed by the notch need not be filled. Thus, when the elongate spring of the hardness control device is relaxed, the cavity of the pocket spring mattress is empty. Thereby, the hardness of the mattress in the variable hardness area is provided only by the remaining pocket springs disposed between the notches. Therefore, this area is softer than other areas of the mattress in this state. However, when the elongate spring of the hardness control device is contracted, the arc formed at this time lifts into the cavity formed by the notch, thereby partially or completely filling the cavity. Thus, the hardness gradually increases when the elongate spring is contracted, and at this time the hardness of the variable area can be provided by both the elongate spring arc and the pocket springs between the notches. In such a state of increased hardness, the variable area can have a greater or much greater hardness compared to the non-variable area.

[0084] An upper layer of padding, fabric, or the like can be disposed on top of the mattress, thereby making the notches less visible and less noticeable.

[0085] However, in order to increase the smoothness of the surface of the mattress, as shown in FIG. 12, it is also possible to provide the mattress contents 3' in these notches 25' as well. The contents may be, for example, also pocket spring mattresses as discussed above in connection with FIG. 10, but have different properties such as being softer than the surrounding pocket spring mattress, for example. However, preferably, the mattress contents are a different type of mattress, such as a foam mattress.

[0086] The contents 25' preferably comprise an inner surface facing the elongate spring of the hardness control device below, and this inner surface is curved concavely such that the contents are thicker at the ends and thinner at the central portion, with a gradual curved transition therebetween. The concave curvature preferably corresponds to the shape of the arc of the corresponding elongate spring when lifted to the corresponding height.

[0087] The contents make the upper mattress surface smoother and more uniform. In addition, the contents also result in at least a slight increase in the hardness of this part of the mattress and contribute to the increased hardness provided by the elongated springs when lifted up to the arc.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the contents having a curved inner surface are provided as elongated contents provided in an elongated notch 25' formed between the strings of a pocket spring mattress.

[0089] However, it is also possible to provide the same type of concavely curved inner surface within a larger content 3, such as that discussed in connection with FIG. 10. Thus, the content 3 can here have such an inner curvature extending over its entire width. However, alternatively, the inner curvature can be provided only at positions covering the elongated springs of the hardness control device, as in the example of FIG. 12, with a flat non-curved inner surface therebetween. Such contents can be provided, for example, by using a combination of content pieces having a curved inner surface and cuboid content pieces. At this time, every other content piece is of the curved type and every other is of the cuboid type. The content pieces can then be connected to each other, for example by an adhesive, to form the contents.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, alternative mattress elements such as those formed by foam, rubber, coil springs, pocket coil springs, air-injected elements, and similar elastic elements can be used within the area. Also, the hardness of the mattress can be controlled manually or automatically using an electric pump, motor, or the like. The bed or seating construct can also be fully automated and can include a controller for automatically controlling the hardness according to pre-stored preferences and / or based on sensor data.

Claims

1. A hardness control device for use in a bed structure or a sheet structure, the hardness control device comprising: A rigid frame having two opposing side surfaces; At least one inelastic flexible elongate element extending between the two opposing side surfaces, each inelastic flexible elongate element having two ends, one end of the inelastic flexible elongate element being indirectly connected to one of the opposing side surfaces, the other end of the inelastic flexible elongate element being indirectly connected to the other of the opposing side surfaces, both ends of each inelastic flexible elongate element being indirectly connected to the opposing side surfaces via elastic flexible elongate elements; at least one inelastic flexible elongate element; A plurality of elongate springs extending within a flat or curved surface, each elongate spring having two ends, the ends of each elongate spring being attached to one of the at least one inelastic flexible elongate element at two separate connection portions; a plurality of elongate springs; A retraction device arranged to tighten or loosen the inelastic flexible elongate element between the two separate connection portions, thereby adjusting the distance between the two separate connection portions of each inelastic flexible elongate element, thereby controlling the curvature and height of the elongate spring; And The inelastic flexible elongate element is an inelastic flexible fabric cord. A hardness control device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic flexible elongate element is an elastic flexible fabric cord.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the retraction device is arranged below the plane in which the inelastic flexible elongate element extends.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the retraction device is essentially arranged within the plane in which the inelastic flexible elongate element extends.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retraction device is arranged to constrict the inelastic flexible elongate element by at least one of winding the inelastic flexible elongate element around an axis and pulling the inelastic flexible elongate element.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retraction device is operated using at least one of an electric motor and an electric pump.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongated spring is at least one of a wave spring and a strip spring.

8. A bed or seat structure including at least one hardness control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the structure further includes a mattress, and the hardness control device is disposed under the mattress.

9. The bed or seat structure according to claim 8, wherein the mattress is a pocket spring mattress including a plurality of strings of casing material, each string defining a plurality of pockets, and each pocket includes a coil spring.

10. The bed or seat structure according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mattress is disposed to cover the hardness control device and includes at least one notch penetrating the mattress.

11. The bed or seat structure according to claim 10, further including a foam insert disposed in the at least one notch and covering the hardness control device.

12. The bed or seat structure according to claim 11, wherein the foam insert includes one or several concave-curved inner surfaces covering the elongated spring of the hardness control device.

13. The bed or seat structure according to any one of claims 8 to 12 includes at least two regions having variable hardness.

14. The bed or seat structure according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the hardness control device has a width exceeding 50% of the width of the mattress and a length less than 50% of the length of the mattress.

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