Convertible mattress system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a convertible mattress system comprising a bottom support layer (10), a top comfort layer (12) intended to be in contact with the user's body during use, connection means (14) configured to connect the bottom support layer (10) and the top comfort layer (12) together; a compartment (16) defined between the bottom support layer (10) and the top comfort layer (12); and a replaceable smart layer (18) located in the compartment (16). The smart layer (18) incorporates a control box and at least one element selected from the group comprising: an air chamber (20) for adjusting the level of support, a thermal control system, a ballistocardiography sensor, a sound and vibration therapy module, and a connectivity module.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Convertible mattress system

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of mattresses, specifically smart mattresses, and more specifically to a modular and convertible mattress system.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Various types of mattresses are known in the field. Traditional mattresses (spring, memory foam, etc.) are designed to provide comfort to the user, but they lack adaptability and advanced features to improve sleep, monitor health, or personalize them.

[0007] As a technological advancement over traditional mattresses, so-called "smart" mattresses are already known and marketed. However, while these specialized mattresses can improve the user's sleep quality, they are prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, since the sensors and various components of the smart system are integrated into the mattress, it cannot be adapted to new technological advancements or user needs. In effect, if consumers want to acquire new features and upgrade their mattress, they must discard the entire mattress to purchase a new one. This impacts both sustainability and consumer spending, especially considering the high cost of smart mattresses, as mentioned previously.

[0008] Alternatively, there are also external devices for monitoring sleep health; however, these are also expensive and inflexible. Furthermore, the results obtained in terms of improved sleep quality are less than those achievable with a smart mattress system.

[0009] It should be noted that the lifespan of a mattress can be at least 10-15 years, while the lifespan of the technology incorporated into a smart mattress is only 2-5 years. Thus, with current state-of-the-art systems, a user of a smart mattress whose technology has become outdated can only either replace the entire mattress (which involves considerable expense, in addition to generating unnecessary waste by discarding a mattress that is still at the beginning of its useful life) or resign themselves to continuing to use outdated technology until the mattress itself reaches the end of its lifespan.

[0010] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system that allows the elements that constitute an intelligent mattress system to be dissociated from those that constitute the mattress itself, so that, if necessary, it is possible to replace the intelligent mattress system in a simple, economical and convenient way for the user.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art, this document discloses a modular and convertible mattress system, comprising:

[0013] - a lower support layer,

[0014] - a superior comfort layer intended to be in contact with a user's body during use,

[0015] - bonding means configured to join the lower support layer and the upper comfort layer together,

[0016] - a defined compartment between the lower support layer and the upper comfort layer; and

[0017] - a replaceable smart layer located in the compartment, said smart layer comprising a control box and at least one element selected from the group consisting of: air chamber for adjusting the support level, thermal control system, ballistic card graphy sensor, vibration and sound therapy module, and connectivity module.

[0018] Therefore, the present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a convertible mattress system in which the elements that constitute the intelligent system are integrated into a single layer (referred to herein as the “intelligent layer”). Thus, in the event of a breakdown, technological advancements, etc., it is possible to replace only this intelligent layer without having to replace the entire mattress, which represents a significant cost saving for the user and constitutes an environmentally friendly solution by helping to reduce the generation of unnecessary waste.

[0019] Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical features or components. Furthermore, the word "comprises" includes the case of "consists of." For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention. The following examples are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention covers all possible combinations of embodiments indicated herein.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, provided by way of example, and which should not be interpreted as limiting the invention in any way.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a side view partially revealing the interior of a convertible mattress system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention: Fig. 1A - closed system, Fig. 1B - open system.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an ordered exploded schematic view of the convertible mattress system shown in Figure 1A-B.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a convertible mattress system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As mentioned previously, the present invention addresses the problems of the prior art by proposing a convertible mattress system with a consumer-replaceable “smart layer” that can be easily integrated into any compatible mattress. In effect, the smart layer transforms a standard mattress into a multi-functional, adaptable sleeping platform with self-adjusting capabilities, vitality monitoring, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, as will be described in more detail later in this document. This supports a more sustainable and flexible approach to mattress upgrades. Therefore, the present invention allows consumers to personalize their sleep experience to enhance comfort, improve health outcomes, and extend the life of the mattress.

[0027] As shown specifically in Figures 1A-B and 2, the convertible mattress system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a lower support layer (10), an upper comfort layer (12), joining means (14), a compartment (16), and an intelligent layer (18).

[0028] The lower support layer (10) consists of a conventional spring or foam casing, or any material known in the art.

[0029] The top comfort layer (12) is usually made of quilted fabric with comfort materials such as soft foam, viscoelastic foam, fibers, latex, etc. Its thickness can be approximately 2-5 cm. Beneath the quilted fabric, another layer of comfort foams of the same type used for padding, but usually slightly firmer, such as foams, latex, viscoelastic foam, etc., can be added. Its thickness can be approximately 5-7 cm. Thus, the top comfort layer (12) has a total thickness of approximately 2-12 cm. This top comfort layer (12) is intended to be in contact with the user's body during use and is attached to the bottom support layer (10) by easy-to-use fasteners (14), such as zippers, snaps, buttons, etc.In this way, the user can easily separate the upper comfort layer (12) from the lower support layer (10) to access the compartment (16) defined inside, which is intended to receive the intelligent layer (18).

[0030] As shown more specifically in Figure 2, the compartment (16) is further surrounded by a foam frame, which in this case is rigidly attached to the lower support layer (10). However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this aspect. In alternative embodiments, this foam frame may form part of the upper comfort layer (12). In still other alternative embodiments, both the lower support layer (10) and the upper comfort layer (12) may each comprise a portion of this foam frame rigidly attached to them. According to yet another alternative embodiment, the convertible mattress system lacks this foam frame, so that the intelligent layer (18) is sandwiched between the lower support layer (10) and the upper comfort layer (12), all of which have substantially the same width and length dimensions.In the latter case, the joining means (14) may consist, for example, of strips extending from one of the lower support layer (10) and the upper comfort layer (12) and attached to the other of the lower support layer (10) and the upper comfort layer (12) by means of a system, for example, of buttons and eyelets.

[0031] The smart layer (18), for example, is made of elastic foam, allowing it to flexibly adapt to the user's body while also providing durability. Furthermore, it is covered with a breathable, elastic cover that ensures comfort and compatibility with various mattress constructions.

[0032] Furthermore, the intelligent layer (18), located in the aforementioned compartment (16), comprises a control box and at least one of a variety of elements that constitute the mattress's intelligent system and enable the user to improve their sleep quality. These elements can be selected, for example, from:

[0033] - Air chambers (20) for adjusting comfort, integrated into the smart layer, which can be inflated or deflated to adjust the level of support and comfort, allowing for customized comfort settings;

[0034] - a thermal control system comprising heating and cooling elements integrated into the smart layer, to regulate the temperature according to the user's preferences or sleep cycle requirements. This may consist of air-based thermoregulating elements, resistive heating pads, or any other element or combination of elements known in the art;

[0035] - at least one ballistocardiography sensor, integrated into the smart layer, which measures vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and movement, thus providing data for sleep and health monitoring. It should be understood that the ballistocardiography sensor may be replaced or supplemented by other sensors, such as an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

[0036] - at least one vibration and sound therapy module, consisting of at least one vibration element and / or sound wave emitter that offers relaxation therapies, possibly helping to reduce sleep latency and improve sleep quality (to facilitate relaxation and sleep induction);

[0037] - at least one connectivity module that provides IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities, enabling connection with smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices (external devices) such as smart plugs, smart bases, smart pillows, and generally any device with wireless connectivity, for example, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This allows users to adjust the settings of the convertible mattress system (and more specifically, the smart layer), receive health data, and integrate the mattress system with other smart home systems. Data collected from the sensors is transmitted to an app or connected device, allowing users to track sleep patterns, health metrics, and adjust mattress settings remotely.

[0038] The control box incorporated into the smart layer (18) is a box comprising the electronic components that control and power all the elements that may make up the smart layer, such as the ballistocardiography (BCG) sensor, the thermal control elements, or the therapy elements. The control box incorporates external communications (typically Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but also serial ports for wired communication). It also includes the elements that control the air chambers (pump, solenoid valves, and pressure sensors). To meet the objectives of the present invention, the control box has been miniaturized so that it does not exceed a thickness of approximately 4 cm and can be incorporated into the smart layer.

[0039] As can be seen from the description above, the intelligent layer (18) disclosed herein is completely self-contained, with all the hardware, sensors, and connectivity components necessary for its proper operation pre-installed. This allows the intelligent layer (18) to be a plug-and-play solution for users, without the need for professional installation [the user can easily insert, remove, or replace the intelligent layer (18)].

[0040] According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the convertible mattress system comprises additional means that allow the compartment (16) to be "filled" when the user removes the smart layer (18), for example to send it for repair, for replacement, when a subscription period expires and the smart layer (18) no longer has the necessary technical support for its proper functioning, or simply when the user wishes to return to using a classic mattress without a smart system.

[0041] According to a first embodiment of this type, the compartment (16) comprises a layer of compressed standard foam (22) (see Figure 3) approximately 9-10 cm thick. This standard foam layer (22) is placed, for example, into a compression bag, either by air suction (vacuum) or into a compression bag with a zipper system, as known, for example, from Spanish utility model no. U202430031. This standard foam layer (22), when compressed, occupies only about 1 cm. In use, the smart layer (18) is placed directly on top of the compressed standard foam layer (22). When the user wishes to remove the smart layer (18), they decompress the standard foam layer (22) so that it fills the compartment (16), thus allowing the convertible mattress system of the present invention to be used as a conventional mattress without smart system capabilities.If the user subsequently wishes to use a new smart layer (18), they can recompress the standard foam layer (22) and place the new smart layer (18) on top of it.

[0042] According to a second embodiment of this type, the compartment (16) comprises a completely empty air chamber (not shown in the figures). As in the previous case, in use, the smart layer (18) is placed directly onto this empty (compressed) air chamber. When the user wishes to remove the smart layer (18) for any reason, they inflate the air chamber to a predefined pressure (thus providing firmness similar to that of the smart layer), or to a pressure selected by the user according to their preferences, thereby filling the space left by the smart layer (18) in the compartment (16). If the user later wishes to replace a smart layer (18), they simply need to deflate the air chamber again.

[0043] According to a third embodiment of this type, after removing the smart layer (18), the user can simply fill the compartment (16) with commercially available polyurethane foam, such as Flexifoam X-tra Click & Fix polyurethane foam spray, thus allowing the mattress system disclosed herein to continue to be used as a conventional mattress. Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and variations to that embodiment may be applied without leaving the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on April 9, 2026 (09.04.2026) 1. Convertible mattress system, comprising: - a lower support layer (10), - a top comfort layer (12) intended to be in contact with a user's body during use, - joining means (14) configured to join the lower support layer (10) and the upper comfort layer (12) together, - a replaceable smart layer (18) incorporating a control box and at least one element selected from the group comprising: air chamber (20), thermal control system, ballistocardiography sensor, vibration and sound therapy module, and connectivity module, - a compartment (16) defined between the lower support layer (10) and the upper comfort layer (12), said compartment (16) contains: - the intelligent layer (18), and / or - some filling means (22) of the compartment (16).

2. Convertible mattress system according to claim 1, characterized in that the intelligent layer (18) is made of elastic foam and is covered with an elastic and breathable cover.

3. Convertible mattress system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a foam frame surrounding the compartment (16), the foam frame being rigidly attached to one of the lower support layer (10) and the upper comfort layer (12).

4. Convertible mattress system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling means (22) are formed by a layer of standard foam compressed in the compartment (16) on which the intelligent layer (18) is placed, and adapted to decompress and fill the compartment (16) after removing the intelligent layer (18).

5. Convertible mattress system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filling means (22) are formed by an empty air chamber on which the intelligent layer (18) is placed, and adapted to inflate and fill the compartment (16) after removing the intelligent layer (18). Convertible mattress system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filling means (22) are made of a polyurethane foam with which the user fills the compartment (16) after the removal of the intelligent layer (18).

Images