mattress
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024518744
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-11-24
AI Technical Summary
Conventional mattresses, especially those for medical and nursing care, are difficult to sterilize and clean without professional assistance, requiring transportation and cleaning at dedicated facilities, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.
A mattress design with a hollow box-shaped base, a spring portion, a waterproof cover, and dedicated fluid inlets and outlets allows for sterilization and cleaning while installed on a bed, utilizing high-temperature steam or fluid to sanitize and clean the interior.
Enables easy and efficient sterilization and cleaning of the mattress interior in situ, maintaining sanitary conditions and reducing the effort required for users and facilities.
Smart Images

Figure 00000008_0000 
Figure 00000008_0001 
Figure 00000008_0002
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a bed mattress, and more particularly to a technology for a mattress that has a sealed structure and can be sterilized and washed while placed on a bed. [Background technology]
[0002] In the past, for bed mattresses, especially those for medical and nursing care, frequent sterilization and cleaning was required for hygiene reasons. However, sterilization and cleaning of the inside of a mattress is generally difficult unless done by a specialized company. Even if a company is hired, the mattress must be removed and cleaned at a specialized facility, which takes several days and is a lot of work. Therefore, there was a need for technology that could sterilize and clean the mattress while the bed was still in place.
[0003] Various techniques have been proposed to address such problems. For example, a breathable resin mattress (see Patent Document 1) has been proposed and is a publicly known technique. More specifically, this is a breathable body pressure dispersion cushion and mattress, and the mattress is made of an elastically deformable resin material, and is constructed of a columnar member having a first pressure-receiving surface and a second pressure-receiving surface that receive a load, and a sheet member having openings that open outward and to which the first pressure-receiving surface and the second pressure-receiving surface are bonded to the inner surface. However, there is no mention of sterilization and cleaning of mattresses, and the above-mentioned problems remain unresolved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-158798 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a mattress that allows the inside of the mattress to be sterilized and cleaned while the bed is in place. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a mattress for beds, comprising a hollow box-shaped base part with an open top, a spring part disposed within the base part, and a waterproof cover part disposed on the open top of the base part to cover the open part, the waterproof cover part has a waterproof structure, the waterproof cover part and the base part have a sealed structure, the base part has at least one opening, when the waterproof cover part is disposed on the top of the base part, the gap between an edge of the waterproof cover part and the open periphery on the top of the base part is sealed, and during cleaning or sterilization, a cleaning or sterilization material can be passed through the opening. Contains at least liquid fluid (Hereinafter referred to simply as "fluid") Measures will be taken to allow the inflow of
[0007] Also, the present invention employs a means in which the base portion has a waterproof structure.
[0008] Furthermore, the present invention employs a means in which the opening portion is provided with at least two openings, an inlet for introducing the fluid and an outlet for discharging the fluid.
[0009] Furthermore, the present invention employs a means for providing a gap in the spring portion through which the fluid can pass.
[0010] Furthermore, the present invention employs a means for providing a sleeping cover portion, which can be placed on the open upper surface of the base portion in place of the waterproof cover portion when the bed is in use. Effect of the Invention
[0011] According to the mattress of the present invention, the inside of the mattress can be easily sterilized and cleaned while the bed is in place, which has the excellent effect of contributing to the maintenance and improvement of the hygienic state of the mattress. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a mattress according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a process diagram showing a cleaning process for a mattress according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The greatest feature of the mattress according to the present invention is that the inside of the mattress can be sterilized and cleaned while it is still placed on the bed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a mattress according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the overall configuration and the configuration of each part of the mattress of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below, but can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, i.e., within the scope of shapes, dimensions, structures, etc. that can achieve the same functional effects.
[0014] The present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an overall exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a mattress according to the present invention, where (a) shows a case with one opening and (b) shows a case with two openings. FIG. 2 is a process diagram showing the cleaning process for the mattress of the present invention, illustrating a series of steps, such as (a) the mattress in use while sleeping, (b) changing to a waterproof version, (c) the state when cleaning, and (d) changing to a mattress in use while sleeping.
[0015] The mattress 1 can be sterilized and washed while still installed on the bed. The mattress 1 is composed of a base portion 10, a spring portion 20, a waterproof cover portion 30, and a sleep cover portion 40.
[0016] The base part 10 is the frame part of the mattress 1, and has a hollow box-like structure with an open top. It is made of a material such as heat-resistant vinyl or foamed polypropylene. The waterproof cover part 30 and the base part 10 form a sealed structure. A spring portion 20 is disposed inside the base portion 10 (FIG. 1). A fastener 50 is disposed on the open periphery of the open top surface. The fastener 50 can be used to connect to the waterproof cover portion 30 etc., thereby sealing the space between the waterproof cover portion 30 etc. The fastener 50 is waterproof. By fixing the waterproof cover part 30 to the four open edges of the upper surface of the base part 10 with the fastener 50, the gap between the fastener 50 and the waterproof cover part 30 is sealed waterproofly. By making the base portion 10 waterproof, the waterproof cover portion 30 and the entire base portion 10 can be made waterproof. As a method for fixing the waterproof cover part 30 to the upper surface of the base part 10, a Velcro tape (registered trademark) may be used in addition to the fastener 50. Also, a fastener and a Velcro tape (registered trademark) may be combined. By combining both, the waterproof property can be further improved. The base part 10 may also be configured to allow water and air to pass through, i.e., to have a sealed structure with the waterproof cover part 30. In this way, when sterilizing or disinfecting with hot air, hot air can be distributed thoroughly throughout the entire base part 10 and through the base part 10 toward the outside.
[0017] At least a first opening 11 is formed on the side surface of the base portion 10 (FIG. 1(a)). When there are two openings, the first opening 11 and the second opening 12 are formed (FIG. 1(b)). By having only one opening, opening and closing of the lid only needs to be done at one opening, making it easier to manage the hole. Also, since the inflow and outflow of fluids is done at one opening, it is easier to manage the pipes for the fluids. When inflow and discharge are performed simultaneously, for example, the fluid pipe may be divided into two pipes, one for inflow and the other for discharge. The inflow side is at a relatively high pressure since it is necessary to fill the mattress 1. The discharge side is at a relatively low pressure since it discharges excess fluid from within the mattress 1. Therefore, even if the inlet and outlet pipes are adjacent to each other within one pipe, the inside of the mattress 1 can be cleaned without any problems. When there are two openings, a first opening 11 and a second opening 12, the first opening 11 serves as an inlet through which fluid flows, and the second opening 12 serves as an outlet through which fluid is discharged. Each opening is dedicated to inflow and outflow, maximizing fluid inflow and outflow.
[0018] By locating the opening on the bottom surface, the opening can be made less noticeable. In the case of a single opening, the fluid enters and is discharged from the opening on the bottom surface, so the opening is not noticeable from an external standpoint, which is preferable. Also, since the opening is on the bottom surface, the fluid is discharged by its own weight, so there is little residual fluid left behind, which is preferable. If there are two openings and one of the openings is on the bottom, the opening on the bottom side is dedicated to discharge. Therefore, the opening on the bottom side can be always left open to allow discharge, and there is no need to attach a lid, which is preferable.
[0019] The spring section 20 is disposed within the hollow section of the base section 10, and is a section that provides cushioning properties to the mattress 1. The spring section 20 is disposed across the entire broad surface of the base section 10. The spring portion 20 may be of any shape or material as long as it can maintain its cushioning properties. For example, it may be a coil spring, pocket coil, bonnell coil, or a material made of hardened resin fibers. The material may be metal or resin. There are gaps between the springs through which fluids such as gas and liquid can pass, and fluid can pass through the entire spring through these gaps.
[0020] The waterproof cover part 30 covers the open upper surface of the base part 10 when the mattress 1 is sterilized and cleaned. The waterproof cover part 30 has a waterproof structure. It is made of a material such as heat-resistant vinyl or foamed polypropylene. It has fasteners 50 on all four sides and is fixed to the open periphery of the base part 10 by the fasteners 50.
[0021] The sleep cover portion 40 covers the upper surface of the base portion 10 when the mattress 1 is used as a normal bed. The sleeping cover portion 40 is almost the same as the upper cover of a normal mattress. It is breathable and flexible. It has fasteners 50 on all four sides and is fixed to the open periphery of the base portion 10 by the fasteners 50. Also, the waterproof cover part 30 and the sleeping cover part 40 can be attached simultaneously to the base part 10. By attaching the base part 10, the waterproof cover part 30, and the sleeping cover part 40 in that order, the user can use the bed even during cleaning.
[0022] Next, the cleaning process will be described with reference to FIG. 2(a) shows the mattress 1 in a normal state when used for sleeping. The sleeping cover part 40 is placed on the base part 10, and the base part 10 and the sleeping cover part 40 are fixed together by a fastener 50. In this process, the case where the base part 10 has a waterproof structure is described, but the base part may have a structure that allows water and air to pass through. In addition, there are two openings, a first opening 11 and a second opening 12. The two openings are usually not used and are covered with lids 13.
[0023] FIG. 2(b) shows the process of removing the sleeping cover part 40 and attaching the waterproof cover part 30 for cleaning. The sleeping cover part 40 can be easily separated by removing the fasteners 50 on the four sides. Instead of the sleeping cover part 40, the waterproof cover part 30 is fixed to the base part 10. The fasteners 50 allow the base part 10 and the waterproof cover part 30 to be easily fixed together. By fixing the base part 10 and the waterproof cover part 30, the entire mattress 1 is sealed, and the hollow interior of the base part 10 is in communication with the outside only through the first opening 11 and the second opening 12. The lids 13 are removed from the first opening 11 and the second opening 12.
[0024] 2(c) shows the state during cleaning. High temperature steam is introduced from the first opening 11 and discharged from the second opening 12. Like a steam cleaner, high-temperature steam is sprayed onto dirty areas to remove dirt. Since there are gaps in the spring portion 20, the high-temperature steam can pass through the gaps in the spring portion 20 and remove the dirt. The dirt is discharged from the second opening 12 together with the high temperature steam.
[0025] After the dirt has been completely removed, moisture due to water vapor may remain inside the base portion 10. In that case, by making the spring portion 20 out of resin, metal that has been treated with an anti-rust coating, or the like, damage to the spring portion 20 can be prevented. To dry the base 10 sufficiently, hot air or the like may be introduced through the first opening 11 to circulate the air. By introducing hot air, the moisture inside the base 10 evaporates, and the moisture present inside the base 10 can be removed. Furthermore, by using hot air, sterilization can be performed at the same time as cleaning, which is preferable. Furthermore, instead of high-temperature steam, water such as warm water, hot water, cold water, etc. may be used. Also, detergent may be mixed into the water to enhance the cleaning effect. These can be used according to the degree of dirt on the mattress and the cleaning level. Also, if the mattress material cannot withstand high temperature steam or hot water, it will be washed with warm water and cold water. For example, high-temperature steam is steam at around 100°C, cold water is water below 10°C, warm water is water at around 40°C to 60°C, and hot water is water at about 100°C. After using water as the liquid, hot air or the like is used as a finishing touch to dry the inside of the base portion 10.
[0026] FIG. 2(d) shows the process of returning the mattress 1 to its original sleeping configuration. The waterproof cover part 30 is removed, and the sleeping cover part 40 is attached. The attachment work can be easily performed by operating the fastener 50. The lid 13 is attached to the first opening 11 and the second opening 12. Through this series of operations, the inside of the mattress 1 can be cleaned while the mattress 1 is placed on the bed. This significantly reduces the effort required for users and related parties to clean the mattress.
[0027] Furthermore, if there is incontinence or vomiting on the mattress, the mattress can be quickly restored to its original state by removing the sleeping cover part 40, applying water directly to the spring part 20 with a shower or the like to wash away dirt, and then attaching a new, cleaned sleeping cover part 40. This is suitable for use in hotels, care homes, nursing homes, and other facilities where frequent responses are required. In addition, when there are many beds, it is also preferable to use a system that can centrally manage all the beds in a room. By connecting a large high-temperature steam generator, drainage device, etc. to the mattresses of each bed with high-pressure pipes and drainage pipes, sterilization and cleaning can be performed all at once. It is also possible to use a centralized management device that grasps the status of each bed using sensors, remote control, etc. and performs operations all at once. In addition, in massage parlors, etc., the aroma gas can be introduced to enhance the relaxation effect of the user. Furthermore, dirt on the bed, such as oil used in the massage, can be washed away with a shower from the bed, making cleaning easy and convenient.
[0028] When only sterilization and disinfection are to be performed, the operation can be performed in the state shown in FIG. 2( a ), that is, with the sleeping cover part 40 placed on the top of the base part 10 . By removing the covers 13 from the first opening 11 and the second opening 12 and introducing hot air at 50°C to 80°C through the first opening 11, the inside of the base part 10 becomes hot, making it possible to remove and sterilize the inside. At this time, it is also possible to leave the cover 13 of the second opening 12 attached and let in hot air for sterilization and disinfection from the first opening 11. At this time, the hot air that has flowed in is not discharged from the second opening 12, but passes through the inside of the sleeping cover part 40 and is discharged from the top. This allows the sleeping cover part 40 itself to be sterilized and disinfected at the same time, and by leaving a comforter or pillow above the sleeping cover part 40 in use, the comforter or pillow can also be kept at a high temperature, making it possible to sterilize and disinfect the entire bedding. Also, the sleeping cover part 40 may be washed as usual, and the waterproof cover part 30 may be attached to the base part 10, and only the base part 10 may be disinfected or sterilized. By using the waterproof cover 30, the inside of the base 10 can be kept at a higher temperature without hot air leaking out from the cover.
[0029] It is also possible to design the base portion 10 to have a structure that allows water or air to pass through. In that case, consider the case where work is performed with the sleeping cover portion 40 placed on the upper portion of the base portion 10, as described above. By introducing hot air at 50° C. to 80° C. from the first opening 11, the inside of the base part 10 becomes hot, and bacteria and sterilization can be performed inside. At this time, by making the base portion 10 structured to allow water and air to pass through, hot air can be passed deep inside the base portion 10, and the base portion 10 can be sufficiently disinfected and sterilized. As described above, by leaving the comforter and pillow above the sleeping cover part 40 in the in-use state, the comforter and pillow can also be kept at a high temperature, making it possible to disinfect and sterilize the entire bedding. Furthermore, when the waterproof cover part 30 is used, the waterproof cover part 30 has a waterproof structure, and the waterproof cover part 30 and the base part 10 form a sealed structure, so that the hot air passes only through the base part 10 to the outside. Therefore, the inside of the base part 10 can be more thoroughly disinfected and sterilized, which is preferable.
[0030] Spring mattresses tend to lose their spring power over time, so they are often turned over or rotated periodically. Therefore, by using a shape-memory alloy or a shape-memory resin as the material for the spring portion 20, the settling of the spring can be improved. Specifically, the spring portion 20 is set so as to return to its original shape at temperatures of 60° C. or 80° C., which are not normally used. After the mattress has been used for a certain period of time, hot air at 60°C to 80°C is blown into the inside of the base part 10 through the opening. The inside of the base part 10 becomes hot, and when the temperature reaches the point where the springs change to their shape-memorized state, the springs deform and return to their original shape before they sag. In this case, the cover portion may be a waterproof cover portion 30 or a sleeping cover portion 40. In this way, since the spring has shape memory properties, it is possible to prevent the spring portion 20 from becoming worn.
[0031] When the inside of the base part 10 is cleaned by flowing in a fluid such as high-temperature steam from an opening, corners of the base part 10 may not be cleaned sufficiently depending on the flow of the fluid. Therefore, it is also preferable to provide a partition plate inside the base portion 10 to regulate the direction of the fluid flow. By providing the partition plate, a flow path can be provided from the first opening 11 to the second opening 12 in a single stroke, and the inside of the base portion 10 can be uniformly cleaned all over. The partition plate may be disposed beforehand inside the base portion 10 along the gap of the spring portion 20, or may be inserted during cleaning. Alternatively, the partition plate may be arranged on the bottom surface of the waterproof cover portion 30 in advance, and when the waterproof cover portion 30 is attached to the base portion 10, the partition plate may automatically separate the inside of the base portion 10. Another possible embodiment is to have pipes with holes laid out in advance inside the base. The fluid flows into the base 10 through holes drilled in various places on the pipes, so the fluid can flow evenly into the base in accordance with the arrangement of the pipes. Furthermore, if only a portion of the bed is dirty, a partition may be provided so that only that portion or only that portion can flow, thereby allowing the fluid to flow efficiently.
[0032] When the base portion 10 is covered with the waterproof cover portion 30 and washed with high-temperature steam or the like, a person can lie on his / her back on the waterproof cover portion 30 to obtain an effect similar to that of a sauna. In this case, it is also preferable to double the waterproof cover portion 30 so that a person can enter inside and receive the heat of the high-temperature fluid inside the base portion 10 in the same way as in a sauna. The method is not limited to high-temperature steam, but may also use dry hot air of about 40°C to 80°C, or high-humidity steam such as that used in a loyly sauna. The temperature of each fluid that flows in from the openings can be adjusted as needed, making it possible to adjust the temperature according to the user. This makes it possible to create a more comfortable environment that matches the individual user, compared to a normal sauna. In addition, when the waterproof cover part 30 is doubled, by further doubling the outer part and allowing fluid to flow between them, it is possible for a person entering the waterproof cover part 30 to feel heat from both above and below, which is preferable. Furthermore, when the waterproof cover portion 30 is doubled, by opening small holes in the back portion, it is possible for a person to directly be exposed to some of the fluid inside the base portion 10, which is preferable as it creates a high temperature condition similar to that of a sauna.
[0033] During normal use of the bed, the sleeping environment of the user can be improved by introducing cool air, warm air, air with a certain humidity, and water, instead of high-temperature steam, etc. As long as the air is cool, warm, or has a certain humidity level, it can be used without any problems even when using the sleeping cover 40. By letting cool air flow in through the opening, the cool air reaches the user through the sleeping cover, allowing the user to sleep comfortably even on tropical nights. Similarly, in the winter, when it is cold, warm air can be let in through the openings, and the warm air can reach the user through the sleeping cover, allowing them to get a comfortable sleep. Similarly, in seasons when humidity levels drop, air with a certain humidity level can be used to achieve the appropriate humidity level, allowing the user to get a comfortable sleep. In the case of water, the waterproof cover part 30 is used, and the sleeping cover part 40 is placed on top of it, so that the sleeping environment can be improved in a manner similar to that of a water bed. By allowing the user to adjust the temperature and humidity, the user can change the temperature and humidity as needed according to his / her own sense, thereby improving the comfort of the user. In addition, you can use a timer to set the temperature and humidity you want to use when you go to bed, which can further improve your comfort when you go to sleep. For example, this is ideal for warming your bed before going to sleep in winter.
[0034] As an example of normal use, it can be used to remove moisture from beds and prevent mold. In other words, by periodically dehumidifying the mattress with low humidity air set by the user, moisture can be removed from the mattress and bed and mold can be prevented. For example, by setting a timer to allow low humidity air to flow in through the openings during times when the user is not using the bed, moisture can be removed from the entire bed, keeping it clean. In addition, a deodorizing function may be provided using a sensor that detects odors such as farts. For example, when two people are sleeping in a double bed, the sensor can react and deodorize the bed so as not to disturb the other person. In addition, it is also possible to deodorize beds for medical use as needed.
[0035] In this way, according to the mattress 1 of the present invention, the inside of the mattress can be easily sterilized and cleaned with the bed left in place, so that the sanitary condition of the mattress 1 can be improved.
[0036] Furthermore, when there is only one opening, only one pipe is required for the inflow and outflow of fluid, making it easier to handle and reducing the burden of cleaning work.
[0037] Furthermore, since the fluid passes through the gaps in the spring portion 20, the fluid can reach every corner of the inside of the base portion 10, thereby improving the cleaning effect.
[0038] Furthermore, cleaning can be performed simply by replacing the sleeping cover with the waterproof cleaning cover, making cleaning easy.
[0039] Furthermore, by doubling the waterproof cover and allowing a person to enter inside, it can be used not only for cleaning but also for thermotherapy.
[0040] Furthermore, by using hot air at 50 to 80 degrees Celsius or high-temperature steam at about 100 degrees Celsius as the fluid, sterilization and cleaning can be carried out relatively easily. [Industrial Applicability]
[0041] The mattress according to the present invention can be sterilized and washed while still attached to the bed, and can be used in a wide variety of fields, such as general households, facilities that require a large number of beds, such as hotels, care homes, and nursing homes, and massage beds, etc. Therefore, it is believed that the present invention has great industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]
[0042] 1 Mattress 10 Base 11 First opening 12 Second opening 13 Lid 20 Spring section 30 Waterproof cover 40 Sleeping cover 50 Fastener
Claims
1. A bed mattress, The sleeping bag is made up of a hollow box-shaped base part with an open top, a spring part disposed within the base part, a waterproof cover part disposed on the open top surface of the base part to cover the open part, and a sleeping cover part. The base portion and the waterproof cover portion have a waterproof structure, The waterproof cover and the base are of a sealed structure, The base portion has at least one opening; When the waterproof cover is disposed on the upper surface of the base, a gap between the end of the waterproof cover and the open peripheral edge of the upper surface of the base is sealed; During cleaning or sterilization, a cleaning or sterilizing fluid is allowed to flow through the opening; The mattress is characterized in that when the bed is used, the sleeping cover part can be placed on the open upper surface of the base part in place of the waterproof cover part.
2. 2. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the opening comprises at least two openings: an inlet for the inflow of the fluid and an outlet for the discharge of the fluid.
3. 2. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the spring portion has gaps through which the fluid can pass.