DE20108523U1 - System mattress with exchange modules - Google Patents

Description

Munich, 21 May 2001

Our reference: TM51O5 RF/wa

Applicant/Owner: TOMEINSCHITZ, Georg

Official reference number: New registration

. Berlin . .

Patent attorneys
European Patent Attorneys
Dipl.-Ing. Henning Christiansen Dipl.-Ing. Joachim von Oppen Dipl.-Ing. Jutta Kaden
Dipl.-Ing. Mathias Karlhuber

Alicante

European Trademark Attorney Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Klinghardt

Munich

Patent attorneys

European Patent Attorneys

Dipl.-Phys. Heinz Nöth

Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Rainer Fritsche

Lbm.-Chem. Gabriele Leißler-Gerstl

Dipi.-Ing. Olaf Ungerer

Patent Attorney

Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Peter Schuler

Arnulfstrasse 25

D-80335 Munich

Phone +49-10)89-549 0750

Phone +49-10)89-544 1380

Fax +49-10)89-5502 7555 (G3)

Fax +49-10)89-5441 3838 (G3)

Fax +49-10)89-5490 7529 (G4)

mail@eisenfuhr.com

http://www.eisenfuhr.com

Patent Attorneys European Patent Attorneys Dipl.-Ing. Günther Eisenführ Dipl.-Ing. Dieter K. Speiser Dr.-Ing. Werner W. Rabus Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Brügge Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen Klinghardt Dipl.-Ing. Klaus G. Göken Jochen Ehlers Dipl.-Ing. Mark Andres Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Uwe Stilkenböhme-Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Keck Dipl.-Ing. Johannes M. B. Wasilje*' Patent Attorney Dr.-Ing. Stefan Sasse

Attorneys Ulrich H. Sander Christian Spintig Dr. Matthias Jestaedt Harald A. Förster Sabine Richter

Hamburg

Patent Attorney

European Patent Attorney

Dipl.-Phys. Frank Meier

Attorney Rainer Böhm

TOMEINSCHITZ Georg, Vierthalerstr. 6 A, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
System mattress with exchange modules

The present invention relates to a system mattress with variable elasticity, which has a tub-like base body with a base plate and side walls, at least one exchange module that can be reversibly inserted into the base body for locally changing the elastic properties of the mattress and at least one cover element resting on the base body.

In practice, mattresses of this type are used to adjust the elasticity of the mattress to the body of a specific person. This is intended to prevent pressure points from forming on individual parts of the body, which would otherwise inevitably occur on a mattress with consistently uniform elastic properties as a result of the different weights of individual parts of the body. By avoiding pressure points, blood circulation is improved and so sleep is more peaceful and intense.

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From the French patent application 2 631 530 it is known to provide a trough-like base body which is divided into individual compartments by partition walls running transversely to its longitudinal extension. Modules with different elasticities can be inserted into each compartment. The modules have a wedge shape, with the wedges being arranged in mutual alignment with one another in the respective compartments. The wedges have such a height that they are flush with the top of the side walls of the trough-like base body to form a continuously flat surface.

This known mattress has the disadvantage that during use the individual modules, particularly those with their wedge tip pointing towards the base plate of the tub-like base body, can slide out of the row of modules. This breaks up the flat lying surface and causes the user to have trouble sleeping. In addition, the base body and the modules are made of materials that are not hygroscopic. This known mattress therefore also has a pad that can absorb sweat and the like. This pad is large enough that it lies flat on the top of the side walls, the top of the partition walls and the upper surfaces of the modules. However, this can cause the pad to shift slightly.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system mattress of the type mentioned at the outset, in which a hygroscopic cover element can be arranged in a slip-proof manner.

The above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of this can be found in the subsequent claims 2 to 18.

Due to the design that the at least one replacement module and the at least one cover element together have a height such that the

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If the upper edge of the cover element or its upper surface is at least approximately aligned with the upper edge or the top side of the side walls of the base body, not only the at least one replacement module but also the cover element is fixed in position by the side walls of the tub-like base body. At the same time, this ensures that a flat lying surface is nevertheless maintained. This is made possible in particular if the at least one replacement module and the at least one cover element together have a height that is identical to the height of the side walls, measured from the inside of the base plate to the top or upper edge of the side walls.

It should be noted that the cover element can have a thickness that corresponds to the thickness of the base plate. However, it is also possible that the thickness of the cover element differs from the thickness of the base plate.

If the base plate and the side walls of the tub-like base body form a one-piece unit, the use of harmful adhesives, which are still used, for example, in the mattress according to European patent application 1 031 302, can be dispensed with in the manufacture of the base body.

It is often not necessary to provide an elasticity that differs from the elasticity of the base body in the area of the feet and head, since the weight of the feet is low and a pillow is often used in the area of the head. In such a case, it is advantageous if the side wall or the side wall sections have different wall thicknesses along their length. In particular, in the case of a rectangular base plate, it is advantageous if the side walls of two opposite sides of the base plate, preferably on their front sides, have a wall thickness that is greater than the wall thickness of the side walls on the other two opposite sides of the base plate, preferably on their long sides. In this case, it is possible to

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It is possible that the front side walls have an unequal or preferably equal wall thickness. The same can apply to the long sides.

In a special case, for example, it can also be provided that the tub-like base body has such a shape for the opening that it has a shape congruent with the base plate of the mattress, but a significantly smaller opening area, and that only a single replacement module is inserted into this opening. In this case, the side walls on the front or long sides of the base plate can have the same or different wall thicknesses to one another. However, if the wall thicknesses are small in relation to the length or width dimensions of the base plate, a large number of replacement modules can be arranged inside the tub-like base body, so that a particularly fine adjustment of the elasticity of the system mattress can be achieved. In particular, it is advantageous here if the side walls have at least approximately the same wall thickness over their entire length, i.e. in the case of a rectangular base plate of the tub-like base body, both the front and long sides have the same wall thickness.

In order to avoid unevenness in the lying surface due to existing gaps between the inner sides of the side walls and the at least one replacement module, it has also proven to be advantageous if the at least one replacement module has dimensions such that its side surfaces lie flush against the inner sides of the side walls of the tub-shaped base body. If the at least one replacement module has the shape of an elongated cuboid, for example, it has proven to be advantageous if its length corresponds to the distance between the inner sides of two opposite side walls of the tub-like base body.

In order to achieve the most individual and appropriate elasticity of the mattress for each individual body part, it has also proven to be advantageous

if several replacement modules are provided which can be inserted next to each other in the trough-like base body.

In principle, any shape can be used for the replacement modules themselves. However, it has proven advantageous if at least one replacement module has the shape of a prismatic, in particular rectangular, cuboid.

In order to ensure that the replacement modules are securely fixed to one another when there are several replacement modules per trough-like base body, it is also advantageous if first replacement modules are provided which preferably have concave recesses on their long sides, if second replacement modules are also provided which preferably have convex projections on their long sides which engage in the concave recesses of the first replacement modules when arranged in the trough-like base body, and if first and second replacement modules can be inserted alternately in the trough-like base body. The pairing of convex projections and concave recesses also has the advantage that when the first and second replacement modules are inserted, this shape forms a joint so that the modules can be arranged simply and easily in the trough-like base body.

In this case, it is fundamentally possible to use first replacement modules for the replacement modules located on the front side walls of the tub-like base body. It is also possible to use a special form of first replacement module, namely first replacement modules that have a concave recess on only one of their two long sides and a flat surface on the other side.

As already mentioned above, it is a disadvantage if the resulting flat lying surface is interrupted by gaps.

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In order to avoid such gaps, it is also advantageous that the at least one cover element rests against the inner sides of the side walls. If only a single cover element is provided, it is also advantageous if its surface dimensions at least approximately match the inner dimensions of the tub space formed by the tub-like base body for accommodating the at least one replacement module. In particular, an identity between these inner dimensions and the surface or outer dimensions of the cover element is preferred.

In order to prevent the mattress from falling apart when the system mattress according to the invention is turned over, it is also advantageous if the at least one cover element and/or the at least one replacement module can be reversibly fixed to the base body by at least one fastening means. The cover element can also be fixed to the replacement module(s).

Any fastening means can be used, for example Velcro fasteners or plug-in bolts, which are inserted into corresponding through holes in the cover element and/or the replacement modules and/or the base body.

The same material or different materials can be used for the base body and the at least one replacement module. Possible materials include cold foam, soft foam, latex. The at least one cover element should be made of a thermoelastic material, such as viscose.

In order to facilitate cleaning of the system mattress according to the invention, a cover can be provided which can be put over the mattress and which is replaced when it becomes dirty before the dirt can penetrate to the system mattress according to the invention.

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Further advantageous embodiments and an embodiment of the system mattress according to the invention are explained below in connection with the attached drawing figures. It should be noted that the terms "left", "right", "bottom" and "top" used in this description refer to the drawing figures with a normally legible figure designation. In the drawing figures:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a

tub-like base body and a cover element of a system mattress according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 1.

trough-like base body with replacement modules already partially inserted;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the system mechanism according to the invention.

trace in assembled state;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-section of the system mattress according to the invention with the replacement module inserted and the cover element placed on top;

Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the device shown in Fig. 1

to 4 illustrated first replacement module according to the invention which can be used in the system mattress;

Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of a second replacement module, which

can be used with the first exchange module shown in Fig. 5 in a system mattress according to the invention; and

Fig. 7 is a perspective, partially broken away view of a

assembled system mattress according to the invention with exchange modules according to Fig. 5 and 6.

A system mattress 10 according to the invention has a tub-like base body 20 (see Fig. 1), one or more replacement modules 40 that can be arranged in the tub-like base body 20 (see Fig. 2) and a cover element in the form of a cover plate 60 (see Fig. 1). The tub-like base body 20 consists of a rectangular base plate 22, with which it can be placed on the floor or on or in a suitable bed frame, and of four side walls 24a to 24d that run completely around the edge of the base plate 22. The side walls 24a to 24d extend vertically upwards at an angle of 90° from the horizontally aligned base plate 22 and enclose a rectangular tub space 26 that serves to accommodate one or more replacement modules 40. As can be seen from Fig. 1 and 2, the side walls 24a to 24d have the same wall height and are connected to the base plate 22 in one piece (see in particular Fig. 4). Furthermore, the two short, front side walls 24b, 24d have a greater wall thickness than the two longer, longitudinal side walls 24a, 24c. The wall thicknesses of the side walls 24a, 24c and 24b, 24d, which run parallel to one another, are the same.

As already explained above, the tub-like base body 20 accommodates several replacement modules 40 (see Fig. 2 and 3). According to the invention, each replacement module 40 can have a different hardness both compared to the tub-like base body 20 and compared to other replacement modules 40 in order to create a lying surface adapted to the individual human body, in which pressure points with the associated disadvantages are avoided. Of course, several or all replacement modules 40 can also have the same hardness.

In the example shown, a total of nine replacement modules 40 can be arranged in the trough-shaped base body 20. The replacement modules 40

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, they have the shape of rectangular cuboids, the length of which corresponds to the internal distance between the inner sides of the two parallel longitudinal side walls 24a, 24c of the base body 20, so that the modules 40 can be inserted into the tub space 26 with a precise fit (see Fig. 4). In addition, the width of the replacement modules 40 is selected such that it is an integer fraction of the inner length of the tub space 26, whereby the first and the last replacement module 40 of the series of equally wide, adjacent replacement modules 40 fit precisely against the two front side walls 24b, 24d.

As can be seen in particular from Fig. 2 and 4, the replacement modules 40 have a smaller height than the side walls 24a to 24d, measured vertically upwards from the inside of the horizontal base plate 22. This creates space for the cover element in the form of a cover plate 60. The cover plate 60 preferably has width and length dimensions that correspond to the inner dimensions of the tub space 26 formed by the side walls 24a to 24d, so that the cover plate 60 can be inserted precisely into the opening of the tub space 26 and placed on the replacement modules 40. Furthermore, the cover plate 60 has a height or thickness such that its upper surface 60a, when the cover plate 60 is placed on the replacement modules 40, is at least approximately flush with the upper edge or top of the side walls 24a to 24d, as can be seen from Fig. 4. In other words, the replacement modules 40 and the cover plate 60 together have a total height that corresponds to the height of the tub space 26, measured from the inside of the base plate 22 to the upper edge of the side walls 24a to 24d. The cover plate 60 and the base plate 22 can have the same wall thickness.

In contrast to the tub-like base body 20 and/or the exchange modules 40, which can consist of latex, cold foam and soft foam, the cover plate 60 is made of a thermoelastic material, for example viscose.

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In Fig. 2, the replacement modules 40 are shown as rectangular cuboids. However, the shape of the replacement modules 40 is not limited to this. In Figs. 5 and 6, a further embodiment can be found, in which two differently designed but related replacement modules 40', 40", which are referred to as first and second replacement modules 40', 40", are shown.

The first replacement module 40' shown in Fig. 5 and the second replacement module 40" shown in Fig. 6 differ from the cuboid-shaped replacement module 40 according to Fig. 2 in that there are concave recesses 42' on the long sides of the first replacement module 40' and convex projections 44" on the long sides of the replacement module 40". The rounding of the convex projections 44" corresponds to the rounding of the concave recesses 42' of the first replacement module 40'. If such replacement modules 40', 40" are used, the convex projections 44" of the second replacement module 40" engage in the concave recesses 42' of the first replacement module 40', as shown in Fig. 7. This ensures that the replacement modules 40', 40" are securely interlocked with one another, so that a flat lying surface is always guaranteed during use of the system mattress 10 according to the invention. In addition, this makes it easier to install the replacement modules 40' and 40" because, due to the design of the recess 42' and projection 44', they form a type of joint, which makes it easier to insert the last two modules 40', 40".

Claims (18)

1. System mattress with variable elasticity, containing a tub-like base body ( 20 ) with a base plate ( 22 ) and side walls ( 24a - 24d ), at least one exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") that can be inserted into the base body ( 20 ) for locally changing the elastic properties of the mattress ( 10 ) and at least one cover element ( 60 ) that can be placed on the exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 "), characterized in that the at least one exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") and the at least one cover element ( 60 ) resting on the at least one exchange element ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") together have a height such that the upper edge of the cover element ( 60 ) is at least approximately level with the upper edge of the side walls ( 24a - 24d) . d) of the base body ( 20 ). 2. System mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that the base plate ( 22 ) and the side walls ( 24 a - 24 d) of the tub-like base body ( 20 ) form a one-piece unit. 3. System mattress according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side walls ( 24 a - 24 d) have different wall thicknesses over their length, preferably in sections. 4. System mattress according to claim 3, characterized in that the base plate ( 22 ) is rectangular and that the side walls ( 24 a - 24 d) on two opposite sides of the base plate ( 22 ), preferably on their front sides, have a wall thickness which is greater than the wall thickness of the side walls on the other two opposite sides of the base plate, preferably their long sides ( 22 ). 5. System mattress according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side walls ( 24 a - 24 d) have at least approximately the same wall thickness over their entire length. 6. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base plate ( 22 ) is rectangular and that the at least one exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") has at least such a length that it rests with its end faces flush against the inner sides of two opposite side walls ( 24a - 24d ). 7. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that several exchange modules ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") are provided, which can be inserted next to one another in the tub-like base body ( 20 ). 8. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") has the shape of a prismatic, in particular rectangular, cuboid. 9. System mattress according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that first replacement modules ( 40 ') are provided which preferably have concave recesses ( 42 ') on their long sides, that second replacement modules ( 40 ") are provided which preferably have convex projections ( 44 ") on their long sides which engage in the concave recesses ( 42 ') of the first replacement modules ( 40 ') when arranged in the trough-like base body ( 20 ), and that first and second replacement modules ( 40 '; 40 ") can be used alternately in the trough-like base body ( 20 ). 10. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cover element ( 60 ) has surface dimensions which at least approximately correspond to the internal dimensions of the tub space ( 26 ) formed by the tub-like base body ( 20 ) for receiving the at least one exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 "). 11. System mattress according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one cover element ( 60 ) rests against the inner sides of the side walls ( 24 a - 24 d). 12. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one cover element ( 60 ) and/or the at least one replacement module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") can be reversibly fixed to the tub-like base body ( 20 ) by at least one fastening means. 13. System mattress according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one fastening means is formed by a Velcro fastener. 14. System mattress according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one fastening means is formed by a plug bolt. 15. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the tub-like base body ( 20 ) and the at least one exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") are made of the same material. 16. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the tub-like base body ( 20 ) and the at least one exchange module ( 40 ; 40 ', 40 ") are made of different materials. 17. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the at least one cover element ( 60 ) is made of a thermoelastic material. 18. System mattress according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a cover is provided which can be put over the mattress ( 10 ).