Pocketed springs assembly, mattress layer and mattress

Abstract

The pocketed springs assembly (A) for the mattress layer comprises a plurality of side-by-side arranged strings (4) of pocketed springs (1,2), in which each spring (1,2) is placed individually in a textile pocket (1',2'), and each pocket (1',2') is connected to an adjacent pocket to form a pocketed springs string (4), wherein the adjacent pocketed springs strings (4) are connected to each other. In the assembly (A) according to the invention, each pocketed springs string (4) comprises alternatingly arranged springs (1,2) of different hardness over its entire extension.

Description

[0001] POCKETED SPRINGS ASSEMBLY, MATTRESS LAYER AND MATTRESS

[0002] The subject of the invention is a pocketed springs assembly and a mattress layer comprising such a set. The subject of the invention is also a mattress comprising a mattress layer comprising the pocketed springs assembly.

[0003] Currently, a whole range of materials and components capable of achieving desired properties ensuring support and comfort for the user is used in industry. These products and materials are either used in the form of a single element constituting the mattress structure (an example of such a product would be a latex mattress made of a single layer of latex), or a combination of various materials and components is used to produce the final product. An example of such a product may be a mattress in which a layer of latex or polyurethane foam is arranged over a mattress layer composed of pocketed springs components in the form of springs, wherein each spring is placed in individual pockets which are joined together to form strings of pocketed spring components. Said strings are joined together to form the mattress layer.

[0004] Said combination of two layers of different hardness is intended to provide the user with both a sense of comfort and adequate support. In said example, the latex layer, as the layer with lower firmness, provides the user with a feeling of comfort, while the second layer, made of an assembly of pocketed spring components, is firmer, providing appropriate support. Combining the right combination of firmness of the individual layers in such a product ensures the right mattress parameters. However, it also involves the complexity of the manufacturing process. In addition, the right parameters are difficult to achieve for users of significant differences in body weight. Hence, there is a need to develop mattresses with different firmness and comfort characteristics, which significantly increases the manufacturer's costs.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a solution for obtaining a mattress layer that is as versatile as possible, suitable for use in the construction of a mattress for users with different requirements in terms of firmness and comfort, providing the possibility of easy configuration or changing the aforementioned parameters. The aim stated above is achieved by solutions according to the invention, as defined by the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

[0006] The subject of the invention is a pocketed springs assembly for a mattress layer, comprising a plurality of adjacently arranged strings of pocketed springs, wherein each of the spring is individually placed in a pocket of textile material, each pocket being connected to an adjacent pocket to form a string of pocketed springs, the adjacent strings of pocketed springs being connected to each other, whereby the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention is characterized in that each string of pocketed springs along its entire extension contains alternately arranged springs of different hardness wherein each string of pocketed springs along its entire extension contain alternately arranged first springs and second springs, the hardness of the first springs being lower than the hardness of the second springs.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention, the first springs and the second springs are made of wire of the same thickness, each of the first and second springs having an upper coil and a lower coil, and between the upper and lower coils there is a plurality of middle coils having middle coil diameters, the largest of the middle coil diameters of the first spring being larger than the largest of the middle coils diameter of the second spring. Preferably also, the out of pocket height of the first spring is smaller than the out of pocket height of the second spring, and in yet another advantageous variant of the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention the diameter of the wire from which the first springs are made is different from the diameter of the wire from which the second springs are made.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention, it is also provided that in each string along its extension each first spring is adjacent to a second spring. In another preferred embodiment of such a pocketed springs assembly, each first spring in each string is adjacent to a second spring in an adjacent string. In another preferred embodiment of such a pocketed springs assembly, each first spring in each string is adjacent to the first spring in the adjacent string. In another preferred embodiment of such an assembly, the strings are connected to each other in an arrangement wherein, alternately, a set of strings constituting two connected strings in which each first spring is adjacent to the first spring in the adjacent string and each second spring is adjacent to the second spring in the adjacent string is followed by one string in which each first spring is adjacent to the second spring in the adjacent string. In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, in each string, the first and second springs are arranged in an arrangement in which, along the extension of the string, two adjacent first springs are alternately followed by two adjacent second springs. Whereby, in the preferred embodiment of such a pocketed springs assembly, in each string the first spring and the second spring are adjacent respectively to the first spring and the second spring in the adjacent string. In another preferred embodiment of such an assembly, the strings of the assembly are connected in an arrangement in which sets of two strings connected side by side are arranged such that the first and second springs in the first string of the set are adjacent respectively to the first and second springs in the second string of the same set, whereas in adjacent sets, the first springs in the string of one set are adjacent to the second springs in the string of the second set.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention, it is also provided that at one end of each string there is additionally at least one, and preferably there are two pockets in which a third spring is individually placed, the hardness of the third spring being greater than the hardness of the first and / or second spring of the pocketed springs assembly. In the preferred embodiment of the pocketed springs assembly, the third spring is made of a wire with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire from which the first and second springs are made. Preferably also, in the pocketed springs assembly, pockets with the third springs placed therein are provided at both ends of each string.

[0010] In the particularly preferred embodiment of the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention, in the assembly there is formed a region with at least one, and preferably more than one string attached to the lateral surface and along the extent of the extreme strings of the assembly in which all pockets contain a third spring, the hardness of which is different from the hardness of the first spring and the second spring of the assembly, and preferably wherein the hardness of the third spring is lower than the hardness of the second and greater than the hardness of the first spring of the spring assembly. Also also preferably, in such an embodiment, at one of the ends of each string containing the alternating first and second springs and each string containing third springs, there is additionally at least one, and preferably two pockets, in which a fourth spring is placed individually, wherein the hardness of the fourth spring is greater than the hardness of the third and first springs, and preferably also greater than the hardness of the second spring. Preferably, in such a pocketed springs assembly, pockets with fourth springs disposed therein are provided at both ends of each string containing the first and second springs and each string containing the third springs.

[0011] Preferably, the pocketed springs assembly of the invention also includes a layer of textile material attached to at least one side of the assembly and extending along substantially the entire extent of the area of the assembly.

[0012] The subject of the invention is also a mattress layer comprising the abovedescribed spring assembly according to the invention.

[0013] The subject of the invention is also a mattress comprising the above-described spring assembly according to the invention.

[0014] Within the meaning of the invention, a pocketed springs assembly is formed by a plurality of springs arranged side by side, whereby each spring is individually placed in a pocket of textile material and each pocket is connected to an adjacent pocket to form a string of pocketed springs, the adjacent strings of pocketed springs being connected to each other in a known manner, e.g. by gluing. In this way, a pocketed springs assembly is formed, the height (thickness) of which is determined essentially by the same height of the spring components enclosed in the pockets, and the extension and width of the mattress layer are determined respectively by the extension and number of connected strings of pocketed springs.

[0015] Connected together to form a pocketed springs assembly, the strings of pocketed springs have springs of different hardness throughout their entire extension, the springs being arranged alternately within the string.

[0016] Alternate arrangement of springs of different hardness means within the meaning of the invention that along the entire extension of the string, cyclically, i.e. successively, after one spring or two or three first springs having the first hardness, a second spring or respectively two or three second springs having second hardness are arranged, after which one, two or three first springs of the first hardness are arranged again, and so on. The alternating cycle of spring arrangement along the string extension may accordingly also include a spring of the third hardness. The number of alternatingly arranged springs of different hardness depends on the extension of the string.

[0017] The first and second springs used in the embodiment of the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention are helical springs differing in hardness.

[0018] It is known to the expert in the field that the hardness in spiral springs can be selected accordingly, for example by using different spring diameters. Within the meaning of the invention, a helical spring has upper and lower coils and a plurality of middle coils present between the upper and lower coils, the diameter of the spring within the meaning of invention being the largest of the diameters of the central coils of the spring. It is known to the expert in the field that, by using the same wire thickness, it is possible to obtain different spring hardness by appropriate selection of the diameter of the coils. Thus, assuming springs are made from the same diameter wire and the same spring height, a smaller diameter spring will be harder than a larger diameter spring. In addition, the hardness of a spring is influenced by the number of coils and the thickness of the wire, with the hardness of the spring increasing as the thickness of the wire from which the spring is made increases, while a decrease in the number of coils results in an increase in hardness.

[0019] The hardness of a spring is also influenced by its out of pocket height, understood as the height of the spring before it is placed in the pocket. Along with increase of the out po pocket height of the spring, its hardness increases. With the above in mind, an expert in the field will easily realize a selection of springs differing in hardness by appropriate adjustment of the listed parameters of spring construction, in particular by appropriately selecting the wire diameter, the out of pocket height and the diameter and number of spring coils. All parameter combinations known to the expert in the field that ensure variations in the hardness of the alternately arranged springs in the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention fall within the scope of the invention.

[0020] It is advantageous to provide stiffening of the edges of the pocketed springs assembly. Such stiffening can be achieved by adding at the end of the string one or preferably two or three, most preferably two, pockets in which there are placed springs hardness of which is greater than the hardness of at least the first spring placed in the assembly. On the side of the pocketed springs assembly where additional pockets with harder springs (edge springs) are placed, edge stiffening is obtained, such stiffening being advantageously provided on both sides of the assembly by placing at both ends of each string additional pockets in which springs of a firmness greater than that of at least the first spring used in the assembly are placed. Typically, springs made of wire with a larger diameter than the diameter of the wire from which the other springs of the spring assembly are made are used as the edge springs.

[0021] In the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention, by alternating the arrangement of springs of different hardness within one string, advantages can be obtained which so far have been provided by much more complex spring assembly designs. The pocketed springs assembly according to the invention provides a characteristic comfort different from that of a conventional assembly composed of springs of the same firmness. This is due to the combination of the different characteristics of adjacent springs of different hardness, which makes the assemble more comfortable and which can be intended for a wider range of users. The spring assembly according to the invention provides the possibility to achieve a level of comfort or firmness comparable to that provided by springs with a larger wire diameter by using cheaper springs with a smaller wire diameter. At the same time, the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention makes it possible to obtain the characteristics of a much more complex spring-format system - a two-layer springformat, also known as pocket on pocket, where 2 separate mattress layers (2 separate assemblies connected to each other, e.g. by glue or welding) are combined. The bottom mattress layer contains a base spring and acts as a base / stable support. The pocketed springs assembly in the top layer, on the other hand, performs the function of body fit and comfort. Unexpectedly, it was found that by using alternating springs that differ in firmness, an effect analogous to that provided by complex two-layer systems is obtained from a single mattress layer. The resulting benefits of the invention include savings in production time, raw materials, production resources, while reducing the number of springs and the height of the mattress layer.

[0022] The subject of the invention is illustrated in more detail in the following description and in the drawing in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows, in perspective view, a pocketed springs assembly in a preferred embodiment. Fig. 2 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternating spring arrangements in an example of a pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 1.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows, in perspective view, the pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 1 , with the stiffening by edge springs placed in additional pockets on both ends of the assembly.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternate arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 3.

[0026] Fig. 5 shows, in perspective view, a pocketed springs assembly in another preferred embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 6 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternating arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 5.

[0028] Fig. 7 shows, in perspective view, the pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 5 with stiffening by edge springs placed in additional pockets on both ends of the assembly.

[0029] Fig. 8 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternate arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 7.

[0030] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a pocketed springs assembly in another preferred embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 10 shows a schematic top view of the alternate arrangement of springs in an example of a pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 9.

[0032] Fig. 1 1 shows, in perspective view, the pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 9 with stiffening by edge springs placed in additional pockets on both ends of the assembly.

[0033] Fig. 12 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternate arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 11 . Fig. 13 shows, in perspective view, a pocketed springs assembly in yet another preferred embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 14 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternating arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 13.

[0035] Fig. 15 shows, in perspective view, a pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 13 with the stiffening by edge springs placed in additional pockets on both ends of the assembly.

[0036] Fig. 16 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternating arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 15.

[0037] Fig. 17 shows, in perspective view, a pocketed springs assembly in another preferred embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 18 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternating arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 17.

[0039] Fig. 19 shows, in perspective view, a pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 17 with stiffening by edge springs placed in additional pockets on both ends of the assembly.

[0040] Fig. 20 shows schematically, in top view, the arrangement of alternate arrangement of springs in the example of pocketed springs assembly according to Fig. 19.

[0041] Fig. 21 shows an example of the shape of the springs placed in an embodiment of a pocketed springs assembly according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a pocketed springs assembly in a particularly preferred embodiment, including a plurality of strings including a third spring attached to a lateral surface and along the extent of the extreme strings of the assembly.

[0043] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the pocketed springs assembly in the embodiment shown in Fig. 22, in which a fourth spring is added to both ends of the strings of the assembly comprising the alternating first and second springs and to the plurality of strings comprising the third spring attached to the lateral surface and along the extension of the extreme strings.

[0044] All designations in the figures showing different embodiments of the invention refer to identical elements of a pocketed springs assembly.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows an example of the embodiment of a spring assembly A which comprises a plurality of strings of pocketed springs 4 arranged side by side, wherein each of the springs (1 ,2) is individually placed in a pocket 1 ‘ and 2’ respectively, each pocket 1 ‘ being connected to an adjacent pocket 2’ to form a string of pocketed springs 4, and the adjacent strings of pocketed springs 4 are connected one with another. The first springs 1 and the second springs 2 are made of wire of the same thickness and, as shown in Fig. 1 , springs 1 and 2 differ in diameter and in the number of coils (as better shown in Fig. 21 ), which, in a manner known to the expert in the field, causes springs 1 and 2 to differ in hardness: spring 2 having coils of smaller diameter is harder than spring 1 having larger coils.

[0046] Fig. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the spring arrangement in the strings of the pocketed springs assembly. As can be seen in the figure, within each string 4, springs 1 and 2 are provided in pockets V and 2’, respectively, alternately over the entire extension of each string 4, meaning that spring 1 is followed by spring 2, which is again followed by spring 1 , and in such a cycle, consecutively, springs 1 and 2 are provided alternately over the entire extension of each string 4. As can also be seen in Fig. 1 and better in Fig. 2, the strings 4 are connected in such a configuration that springs 1 and 2 in one string are respectively adjacent to springs 2 and 1 in an adjacent string.

[0047] Analogous construction pocketed springs assembly to that described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, whereby the pocketed springs assembly shown in Figs. 3 and 4 has a stiffening of the two outermost edges. Figs. 3 and 4 show that at both ends of each string 4 of the pocketed springs assembly A‘ two additional pockets 3’ are provided and in each pocket 3' individually a spring 3 (edge spring) is placed, spring 3 being a spring whose firmness is greater than that of the first spring 1 placed in the assembly. The placement of springs 3 on both ends of each string 4 of the assembly provides the desired stiffening of both extreme edges of the pocketed springs assembly A'. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the stiffening of the edging in the pocketed springs assembly A‘ can also be achieved by the addition at the ends of single or, for example, triple pockets 3’ filled with spring 3. In addition, the stiffening of the edging along the extension of the strings of the pocketed springs assembly A‘ can be provided by glueing of the strings built exclusively of pockets 3’ filled with spring 3 (not shown).

[0048] Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a spring assembly A which comprises a plurality of arranged side-by-side strings of pocketed springs 4, in which each of the springs (1 ,2) is individually placed in a pocket V and 2’ respectively, each pocket 1 ‘ being connected to an adjacent pocket 2’ to form a string of pocketed springs 4, and the adjacent strings of pocketed springs 4 are connected to each other. The first springs 1 and the second springs 2 are made of wire of the same thickness and, as shown in Fig. 5, springs 1 and 2 differ in diameter and in the number of coils (as better shown in Fig. 21 ), which, in a manner known to the expert in the field, causes springs 1 and 2 to differ in hardness: spring 2 having coils of smaller diameter is harder than spring 1 having larger coils.

[0049] Fig. 6 schematically shows the configuration of the arrangement of springs in the strings of the pocketed springs assembly. As can be seen in the figure, within each string 4 along its entire extension, springs 1 and 2 are arranged in pockets 1‘ and 2’, respectively, alternately in an arrangement in which two adjacent first springs 1 are followed by two adjacent second springs 2. The springs 1 and 2 are provided in such a cyclic alternating arrangement throughout the entire extension of each string 4. As can also be seen in Fig. 5 and better in Fig. 6, the strings 4 are connected in such a configuration that the springs 1 and 2 in one string are respectively adjacent to the springs 2 and 1 in an adjacent string.

[0050] Analogous construction pocketed springs assembly to that described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6 is shown in Figs. 7 and 8, but in the pocketed springs assembly A' shown in Figs. 7 and 8 a stiffening of the two outermost edges is provided. Figs. 7 and 8 show that at both ends of each string 4 of pocketed springs assembly A‘ two additional pockets 3’ are provided and in each pocket 3' individually a spring 3 (edge spring) is placed, the spring 3 being a spring having a firmness greater than that of the first spring 1 placed in the assembly. The placement of springs 3 at both ends of each string 4 of the assembly provides the desired stiffening of both extreme edges of the pocketed springs assembly A'. It is obvious to the expert in the field that the stiffening of the edging in the pocketed springs assembly A‘ can also be achieved by addition of a single or, for example, triple pockets 3’ filled with spring 3 at the ends. In addition, the stiffening of the edging along the extension of the strings of the pocketed springs assembly A' can be provided by glueing the strings built exclusively of pockets 3’ filled with spring 3 (not shown).

[0051] Fig. 9 shows yet another embodiment of a spring assembly A, which comprises a plurality of arranged side-by-side strings of pocketed springs 4, in which each of the springs (1 ,2) is individually placed in a pocket V and 2’ respectively, each pocket 1 ‘ being connected to an adjacent pocket 2’ to form a string of pocketed springs 4, and the adjacent strings of pocketed springs 4 are connected to each other. The first springs 1 and the second springs 2 are made of wire of the same thickness and, as shown in Fig. 9, springs 1 and 2 differ in diameter and in the number of coils (as better shown in Fig. 21 ), which, in a manner known to the expert in the field, causes springs 1 and 2 to differ in hardness: spring 2 having coils of smaller diameter is harder than spring 1 having larger coils.

[0052] Fig. 10 schematically shows the configuration of the arrangement of springs in the strings of the pocketed springs assembly. As can be seen in the figure, the springs 1 and 2 are arranged so that within each string 4 along its entire extension, the springs 1 and 2 are arranged respectively in pockets 1 ‘ and 2’ alternately in an arrangement in which two adjacent first springs 1 are followed by two adjacent second springs 2. In the example shown, the strings are arranged in an arrangement in which side by side arranged are sets 4” of two strings 4 connected so that springs 1 and 2 in the first string of each set are respectively adjacent to springs 1 and 2 in the second string of the same set, whereby in adjacent sets 4”, springs 1 in the string of one set are adjacent to springs 2 of the string of the other set.

[0053] Analogous construction pocketed springs assembly to that described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10 is shown in Figs. 1 1 and 12, the pocketed springs assembly shown in Figs. 11 and 12 having a stiffening of the two outermost edges. Figs. 11 and 12 show that at both ends of each string 4 of the pocketed springs assembly A' two additional pockets 3’ are provided and in each pocket 3' individually a spring 3 (edge spring) is placed, spring 3 being a spring the hardness of which is greater than that of the first spring 1 placed in the assembly. The placement of springs 3 at both ends of each string 4 of the assembly provides the desired stiffening of both extreme edges of the pocketed springs assembly A'. It is obvious to the expert in the field that the stiffening of the edging in the pocketed springs assembly A‘ can also be achieved by the addition of single or, for example, triple pockets 3’ filled with spring 3 at the ends. In addition, the stiffening of the edging along the extension of the strings of the pocketed springs assembly A' can be provided by glueing the strings built exclusively of pockets 3’ filled with spring 3 (not shown in the drawing).

[0054] Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of a spring assembly A which comprises a plurality of arranged side-by-side strings of pocketed springs 4, in which each of the springs (1 , 2) is positioned individually in a pocket 1 ' and 2', respectively, each pocket 1 ' being connected to an adjacent pocket 2' to form a string of pocketed springs 4, and adjacent pocketed springs strings 4 being connected to each other. The first and second springs 1 and 2 are made of wire of the same thickness, and as shown in Fig. 13, the springs 1 and 2 differ in diameter and in the number of coils (as better shown in Fig. 21 ), which in a manner known to a person skilled in the art causes the springs 1 and 2 to differ in hardness: the spring 2 having coils of smaller diameter is harder than the spring 1 having larger coils.

[0055] Fig. 14 schematically shows the configuration of the arrangement of springs in the strings of the pocketed springs assembly. As can be seen in the drawing, within each string 4, over its entire extension, springs 1 and 2 are placed alternately in pockets 1 ' and 2', respectively, wherein spring 1 is followed by spring 2, which is again followed by spring 1 , and in such a cycle, in succession, springs 1 and 2 are provided alternately over the entire extension of each string 4. As can also be seen in Fig. 13 and better in Fig. 14, the strings 4 are connected in such a configuration that springs 1 and 2 in one string are adjacent to springs 1 and 2 in the adjacent string, respectively.

[0056] An analogous construction of the pocketed springs assembly to that described in relation to Figs. 13 and 14 is shown in Figs. 15 and 16, wherein the set of pocketed springs shown in Figs. 15 and 16 uses stiffening of the two extreme edges. Figs. 15 and 16 show that at both ends of each string 4 of the pocketed springs assembly A' there are two additional pockets 3' and in each pocket 3' a spring 3 (edge spring) is placed individually, wherein the spring 3 is a spring whose hardness is higher than the hardness of the first spring 1 placed in the assembly. Placing the springs 3 at both ends of each string 4 of the assembly provides the desired stiffening of both extreme edges of the pocketed springs assembly A'. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that stiffening of the edges in the spring assembly A' can also be achieved by adding single or, for example, triple pockets 3' filled with spring 3 at the ends. Additionally, stiffening of the edges along the extension of the strings of the pocketed springs assembly A' can be ensured by glueing strings composed exclusively of pockets 3' filled with spring 3 (not shown in the drawing).

[0057] Fig. 17 shows yet another embodiment of a spring assembly A which comprises a plurality of arranged side-by-side strings of pocketed springs 4, in which each of the springs (1 , 2) is positioned individually in a pocket 1 ' and 2', respectively, each pocket 1 ' being connected to an adjacent pocket 2' to form a pocketed springs string 4, and adjacent pocketed springs strings 4 being connected to each other. The first and second springs 1 and 2 are made of wire of the same thickness, and as shown in Fig. 17, the springs 1 and 2 differ in diameter and number of coils (as better shown in Fig. 21 ), which in a manner known to a person skilled in the art causes the springs 1 and 2 to differ in hardness: spring 2 having coils of smaller diameter is harder than spring 1 , having larger coils.

[0058] Fig. 18 schematically shows the configuration of the spring arrangement in the strings of the pocketed springs assembly. As can be seen in the drawing, within each string 4, springs 1 and 2 are placed alternately in pockets 1 ' and 2', respectively, over its entire extension, which means that spring 1 is followed by spring 2, which is again followed by spring 1 , and in such a cycle, springs 1 and 2 are provided alternately over the entire extension of each string 4. Furthermore, the strings of springs 1 and 2 are arranged in a pattern in which, alternately, after a set of strings 4' constituting two interconnected strings 4, in which each spring 1 is adjacent to spring 1 in the adjacent string 4 of the set, and each spring 2 is adjacent to spring 2 in the adjacent string of the set, there follows one string 4 in which springs 1 are adjacent to springs 2 in the adjacent string.

[0059] An analogous construction of the pocketed springs assembly to that described in relation to Figs. 17 and 18 is shown in Figs. 19 and 20, wherein the set of pocketed springs shown in Figs. 19 and 20 has been stiffened at the two extreme edges. Figs. 19 and 20 show that at both ends of each string 4 of the pocketed springs assembly A' there are two additional pockets 3' and in each pocket 3' a spring 3 is placed individually, wherein the spring 3 is a spring the hardness of which is greater than the hardness of the first spring 1 placed in the assembly. Placing the springs 3 at both ends of each string 4 of the assembly provides the desired stiffening of both extreme edges of the pocketed springs assembly A'. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that stiffening of the edges in the spring assembly A' can also be achieved by adding single or, for example, triple pockets 3' filled with spring 3 at the ends. Additionally, stiffening of the edges along the extension of the strings of the pocketed springs assembly A' can be ensured by gluing strings composed exclusively of pockets 3' filled with spring 3 (not shown in the drawing).

[0060] Fig. 21 shows an exemplary shape of springs 1 , 2 and 3. As shown in the drawing, all three springs (1 , 2, 3) are provided as spiral springs, whereby spring 3 is provided with a wire of a larger diameter, which provides it with greater hardness compared to spring 1 . The hardness of spring 2 is greater than that of spring 1 , which results from the difference in the diameters of the coils: spring 2, despite its smaller out of pocket height, provides greater hardness compared to the first spring due to the smaller diameter of the coils. Although in the example shown, the primary height of spring 2 is smaller than the primary height of springs 1 and 3, it may be advantageous to ensure that the primary height of spring 2 is greater than the primary height of spring 1 . The greater height and thickness of the wire of spring 3 provides the spring with an appropriate hardness to stiffen the periphery of the assembly. As mentioned, the springs shown in Fig. 3 are only exemplary of the springs that can be used in the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention. A person skilled in the art will easily be able to select analogous springs suitably differing in hardness by adjusting the spring construction parameters appropriately for a given application, in particular by appropriately selecting the wire diameter, the out of pocket height and the diameter and number of spring coils. All combinations of parameters known to a person skilled in the art for ensuring different hardness of springs alternately arranged in the pocketed springs assembly according to the invention fall within its scope.

[0061] Fig. 22 shows yet another embodiment of a spring assembly A which comprises a plurality of arranged side-by-side strings of pocketed springs 4 forming a zone (in the central part of the assembly) in which each of the springs (1 , 2) is placed individually in a pocket 1 ' and 2' respectively, each pocket 1 ' being connected to an adjacent pocket 2' to form a pocketed springs string 4, and adjacent strings of pocketed springs 4 being connected to each other. The first and second springs 1 and 2 are made of wire of the same thickness and as shown in Fig. 17 the springs 1 and 2 differ in diameter and number of coils (as better shown in Fig. 21 ), which in a manner known to a person skilled in the art causes the springs 1 and 2 to differ in hardness: spring 2 having coils of smaller diameter is harder than spring 1 having larger coils. In this particularly preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, as shown in the drawing, a plurality of strings 5 are attached to the lateral surface of the extreme strings of the assembly and along their extension, in which each of the pockets 3' contains a third spring 3. In this embodiment, the springs 1 , 2 and 3 are made of the same wire thickness, wherein the springs 1 , 2 and 3 differ in geometry, resulting in that the third spring 3 has a hardness that is different from the hardness of the first spring and the second spring of the assembly, and preferably wherein the hardness of the third spring is lower than the hardness of the second and higher than the hardness of the first spring of the assembly of pocketed springs. This solution is particularly advantageous, since it has been found that attaching additional strings 5 to the lateral surface of the extreme strings of the assembly and along their extension 5, in which each of the pockets contains a third spring 3, results in the formation of a zone in the (central) part of the assembly that differs from the adjacent zone in hardness. In the preferred embodiment of the assembly A' shown in Fig. 22 and illustrated in Fig. 23, at both ends of the strings 4 containing alternately arranged first and second springs 1 and 2, and at both ends of the strings 5, in which each of the pockets contains a third spring 3, there are additionally provided pockets in which fourth springs 3" are placed, the hardness of which is greater than the hardness of the third and first springs, and preferably also greater than the hardness of the second spring.

[0062] Although not shown in the drawings, the above illustrated and described embodiments of the pocketed springs assembly of the invention may also include a layer of textile material attached to at least one side of the assembly, preferably both, and extending substantially along the entire extent of the area of the assembly. The area of the assembly to which said layers of material are attached is understood to mean the surface of the assembly formed by the interconnected adjacent strings forming the assembly.

[0063] The solution according to the invention is a solution to the problem of providing an assemble of pocketed springs, which enables the construction of a mattress layer for mattresses intended for a wide range of users, due to the desired combination of comfort and hardness. The tests of the hardness characteristics performed in accordance with the assumptions of the ASTM1566 standard of the formats presented in the embodiments confirm the improvement of comfort (stiffness) while maintaining its indirect increase in the entire measured range (from the surface of the assemble to the end of the insertion), resulting in the intensification of the support effect in deeper parts. In connection with the above, the achievement of a universal mattress layer suitable for use in the construction of a mattress intended for users with different requirements in terms of hardness and comfort has been confirmed.

[0064] Therefore, the solution according to the invention provides a simple and cheap alternative to complex arrangements of mattress layers, while maintaining comparable comfort and hardness characteristics.

[0065] The above-presented embodiments of the invention allow a person skilled in the art to understand the nature of the solution and are not intended to be limiting. Modifications resulting from the present disclosure may fall within the scope of protection defined by the following patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pocketed springs assembly for a mattress layer comprising a plurality of side- by-side arranged strings of pocketed springs, wherein each spring is placed individually in a pocket of textile material and each pocket is connected to an adjacent pocket to form a string of pocketed springs, wherein the adjacent strings of pocketed springs are connected to one another, characterized in that each string of pocketed springs (4) comprises springs of different hardness arranged alternatingly over its entire extension, wherein each string of pocketed springs (4) comprises first springs (1 ) and second springs (2) arranged alternatingly over its entire extension, wherein the hardness of the first springs(1 ) is lower than the hardness of the second springs (2).

2. The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first springs (1 ) and the second springs (2) are made of wire of the same thickness, wherein each of the first and second springs (1 , 2) has an upper coil and a lower coil, and between the lower and upper coils there is a plurality of middle coils having diameters of middle coils, wherein the largest of the diameters of the middle coils of the first spring (1 ) is greater than the largest of the diameters of the middle coils of the second spring (2).

3. The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the out of pocket height of the spring (1 ) is lower than the out of pocket height of the spring (2).

4. The pocketed springs assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the wire from which the first springs (1 ) are made is different from the diameter of the wire from which the second springs(2) are made.

5. The pocketed springs assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each of the strings (4) along the extension of the string each first spring (1 ) is adjacent to a second spring (2).

6. The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that each first spring (1 ) in each string (4) is adjacent to a second spring (2) in an adjacent string (4).

7. The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that each first spring (1 ) in each string (4) is adjacent to a first spring (1 ) in an adjacent string (4).

8. The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the strings are connected to each other in an arrangement in which alternately after a set (4') of strings constituting two connected strings (4), in which each first spring (1 ) is adjacent to a first spring (1 ) in an adjacent string (4), and each second spring (2) is adjacent to a second spring (2) in an adjacent string, there follows one string in which each first spring (1 ) is adjacent to a second spring (2) in an adjacent string.

9. The pocketed springs assembly according to claims 1 -4, characterized in that in each of the strings (4) the first and second springs are arranged in an arrangement in which along the extension of the string alternately after two adjacent first springs (1 ) arranged are two adjacent second springs [2],10.The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that in each string the first spring (1 ) and the second spring (2) are adjacent to the first spring (1 ) and the second spring (2) of the adjacent string, respectively.

11. The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the strings of the assemble are connected in an arrangement in which sets (4") of two strings (4) are arranged next to each other, connected in such a way that the first (1 ) and second (2) springs in the first string (4) of the set (4") are adjacent to the first (1 ) and second (2) springs in the second string (4) of the same set (4"), respectively, and wherein in the adjacent sets (4"), the first springs (1 ) in the string of one set (4") are adjacent to the second springs (2) in the string of the other set (4").12.The pocketed springs assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at one of the ends of each string (4) there is additionally at least one, and preferably two, pockets (3') in which third springs (3) are arranged individually, wherein the hardness of the third spring (3) is greater than the hardness of the first (1 ) and / or second spring (2) of the assembly.13.The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the third spring is a spring made of a wire with a larger diameter than the diameter of the wire from which the first (1 ) and second (2) springs are made.14.The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the pockets (3') with third springs (3) arranged therein are provided at both ends of each string (4).15.The pocketed springs assembly according to claims 1 -12, characterized in that the assemble has at least one, and preferably more than one, string (5) attached to the lateral surface of the extreme strings (4) of the assemble and along their extension, all pockets of which contain a third spring (3), the hardness of which is different from the hardness of the first spring and the second spring of the assemble, wherein preferably the hardness of the third spring is lower than the hardness of the second and higher than the hardness of the first spring of the in the pocketed springs assembly.16.The pocketed springs assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that at one, and preferably at both ends of each string (4) containing alternately arranged first (1 ) and second (2) springs and of each string (5) containing third springs (3), there is additionally at least one, and preferably two pockets in which a fourth spring (3") is placed individually, the hardness of said fourth spring 3" being greater than the hardness of the third and first and preferably second spring.17.The pocketed springs assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly also comprises a layer of textile material attached to at least one, and preferably both, sides of the assembly and extending substantially along the entire extent of the area of the assembly.

18. A mattress layer comprising the spring assembly according to claims 1 -17.

19. A mattress comprising the mattress layer comprising a spring assembly according to claims 1 -17.

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