RESTING FURNITURE, IN PARTICULAR SLEEPING OR RECLINING FURNITURE

A bed with a flexible supporting spring system without a frame. The flexible supporting spring system is supported by a supporting frame or directly by the bedstead. The flexible supporting spring system can be rolled and therefore can easily be transported. Above all, however, the flexible supporting spring system can be used for different beds and can be adapted individually to different sleeping cultures.

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Description
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the US PCT Chapter II National Phase of PCT/EP2010/001264 having an International Filing Date of 2 Mar. 2010, which claims priority on German Patent Application No. 10 2009 011 027.5, having a filing date of 2 Mar. 2009 and German Patent Application No. 10 2009 055 782.2 having a filing date of 25 Nov. 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to an item of resting furniture, in particular to an item of sleeping or reclining furniture with a mattress and a supporting spring system for the mattress and with a mattress, and a supporting spring system for a mattress, the supporting spring system having transversely directed slats and bearing means assigned to the ends of the slats.

2. Prior Art

Items of resting furniture, such as, in particular, items of sleeping or reclining furniture, substantially differ on account of different sleeping cultures in different countries and continents. However, different items of resting furniture are also produced depending on use, namely, on the one hand, in homes, hotels and hospitals and, on the other hand, in the vehicle sector, particularly in trucks, caravans and on ships. On account of different sleeping habits and intended uses, the items of resting furniture differ in terms of the construction thereof.

In the case of known items of resting furniture, what are referred to as slatted bases are used as the supporting spring system for mattresses. The slatted bases have transversely directed slats, in particular spring slats, which are mounted on a rigid frame by resilient bearing means. The frame makes the supporting spring system bulky and difficult to handle. The frame also requires, however, stands which are adapted thereto.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the object of providing an item of resting furniture, in particular an item of sleeping or reclining furniture, which is of modular construction and can be used individually.

An item of resting furniture for achieving this object is an item of resting furniture, in particular an item of sleeping or reclining furniture, with a mattress and a supporting spring system for the mattress, characterized in that the supporting spring system is at least partially formed without a frame, and the supporting spring system is assigned a supporting means. Owing to the fact that the supporting spring system is at least partially formed without a frame, and is assigned a supporting means, the supporting spring system can easily be handled. It may be transported rolled up, for example. The supporting means assigned to the supporting spring system can be configured individually, thus enabling it to be able to be adapted to the particular intended use and the respectively prevailing sleeping habits. The supporting means may be a separate component between the support and the supporting spring system or under the supporting spring system. In this case, the supporting means serves not only to stabilize the supporting spring system but also as an adapter for adapting the supporting spring system to any supports, specifically also supports which are present. The supporting means may, however, also be formed by the support itself, for example a bedstead.

The supporting spring system preferably has a plurality of transversely directed slats, in particular spring slats, running at a distance from and parallel to one another, resilient bearing means assigned to opposite ends of the slats, and flexible, preferably non-rigid, side strands, to which the bearing means can be fastened. A supporting spring system of this type can be rolled up as a consequence of the non-rigid, flexible side strands. This makes it possible to transport and store the supporting spring system in a simple and space-saving manner. For this purpose, the side strands are preferably designed as flexible straps, as cables or as bands. The flexible, non-rigid side strands may optionally be extensible such that the length of the supporting spring system can be changed according to the requirements.

In a preferred refinement of the invention, each longitudinal side of the supporting spring system is assigned at least one side strand. The bearing means are connected to the at least one side strand of each longitudinal side of the supporting spring system, the bearing means being assigned to the same longitudinal side. The bearing means and the slats assigned thereto, in particular spring slats, are thus linked to one another on each side of the supporting spring system, the distances of the bearing means from one another and therefore also the distances of the slats running parallel to one another transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the item of resting furniture being fixed by the side strands. As a result, the side strands serve for the positioning of all of the bearing means. The bearing means are connected nondisplaceably to the holding strands, and therefore the bearing means and the slats maintain their designated parallel distances from one another. Said connections are preferably of releasable design, thus enabling simple exchange of the bearing means, and also the number of bearing means can be changed corresponding to the requirements if the distance of the slats from one another should be changed because of a larger or smaller number of slats.

An advantageous development of the item of resting furniture makes provision for designing at least some bearing means to be movable or capable of vibrating per se. Bearing means of this type permit movements or vibrations of the supporting spring system, in particular of the slats or spring slats thereof. The bearing means can be designed in such a manner that they permit or bring about movements or vibrations in any direction, specifically either in only a single, targeted direction or in a plurality of directions. It is preferably provided that the supporting spring system and the slats or spring slats execute movements and/or vibrations only in one direction. Said single direction of movement then runs in particular in the longitudinal direction of the slats or spring slats. As a result, the person lying on the supporting spring system carries out transversely directed movements or vibrations.

A preferred development of the item of resting furniture makes provision for the side strands of the supporting spring system to be connected at each of the opposite ends thereof by a respective, rigid transverse strut, for example a rod, a batten, a board or an angular profile. As a result, the side strands are held together at opposite ends of the slats, and in particular are held at a distance. The rigid transverse strands facilitate the coiling up of the supporting spring system and stabilize the latter in the coiled-up state.

Furthermore, it can optionally be provided to design the supporting means as a preferably rigid frame which stabilizes the flexible supporting spring system in the use state, and preferably holds said system in a plane defined by the frame. The supporting means preferably has supports for at least partial regions of the side strands. Said supports ensure that the side strands rest firmly on the supporting means, and the supporting means provide the supporting spring system with stability, which known supporting spring systems obtain from the frames fixedly connected thereto. The supporting means can be designed arbitrarily, thus enabling adaptations to different intended uses of the supporting spring system and to different sleeping cultures. The supporting means can be formed from individual parts, in particular longitudinal members and cross members, from which the rigid frame is formed by means of releasable connections. The releasability of the connections permits a space-saving folding up of the supporting means, for example for transport of same.

An advantageous refinement of the invention makes provision for the supporting means to be formed by fixed longitudinal members with the supports for the side strands, and for the longitudinal members to be connectable, preferably releasably, to the transverse struts provided at the ends of the supporting spring system, in order to form a stable frame for supporting the supporting spring system, in particular the side strands thereof. Said supporting means has a simple construction, namely requires only two additional longitudinal members which, together with the transverse struts of the supporting spring system, produce the supporting means in the form of a stable frame.

An alternative refinement of the invention makes provision for assigning the supporting means to the support for the supporting spring system. The supporting means is preferably formed by the support, and therefore the supporting means of the integrated part of the support, and therefore the support at the same time forms the supporting means. This refinement of the invention is appropriate especially if the invention is realized together with an existing support which is designed in such a manner that it is suitable for carrying or supporting the supporting strand system, in particular the flexible side strands. In this case, the support may be an existing bed or an existing divan, in particular under-parts thereof.

A further item of resting furniture for achieving the object mentioned at the beginning, wherein this may also involve a preferred development of the previously described resting divan, is an item of resting furniture, in particular an item of sleeping and reclining furniture, with a mattress, and a supporting spring system for a mattress, the supporting spring system having transversely directed slats and bearing means assigned to the ends of the slats, characterized in that intermediate pieces are provided for connecting the slats to the bearing means. The intermediate pieces provided according thereto for connecting the slats, in particular the ends thereof, to the bearing means make it possible to connect slats of different cross sections to the bearing means. As an alternative or in addition, the intermediate pieces can also serve to change the height of the slats above the bearing means. Overall, the intermediate pieces serve to form an adapter in order to be able to connect the slats to the bearing means individually, preferably releasably.

The intermediate pieces are assigned to the ends of the slats, specifically preferably in such a manner that the intermediate pieces are placed onto the ends of the slats or are inserted into the ends of the hollow slats. A form-fitting connection between the slats and the intermediate pieces is thus produced. The intermediate pieces can be designed in such a manner that they can be connected to the ends of slats having different cross sections. However, it is also conceivable to use different, respectively matching intermediate pieces for different slats. As a consequence of the intermediate pieces, it is possible to connect different slats in a form-fitting manner to one and the same bearing means.

In a preferred refinement of the intermediate pieces, it is provided to connect the latter releasably to the bearing means, specifically preferably by inserting, latching or the like. Said releasable connections make it possible to exchange the bearing means or else the slats in order to change the characteristics of the supporting spring system, namely to adapt said characteristics individually to the requirements, in particular to different sleeping cultures. It is provided according to a further preferred refinement of the intermediate pieces to design the latter in such a manner that they connect the ends of the slats at different height levels to the bearing bodies. By means of the selection of corresponding intermediate pieces, the height level of the slats in relation to the bearing bodies can thus be changed individually. It is also conceivable to design the intermediate pieces in such a manner that they are elastic or resilient. As a result, the elastic characteristics of the supporting spring system can be changed with the intermediate pieces.

One possible development of the invention consists in designing at least some intermediate pieces and/or bearing means in such a manner that they permit movements or vibrations of the slats, in particular spring slats. This may involve uniaxial or multiaxial movements or vibrations. At least some bearing means and/or intermediate pieces are preferably designed in such a manner that they permit movements or vibrations of the slats or spring slats in the longitudinal direction, the person resting on the supporting spring system being moved in the transverse direction. The described development of the invention increases the comfort of the item of resting furniture.

A preferred development of the item of resting furniture makes provision for at least some bearing means to be assigned devices for changing the spring characteristics thereof. Said devices preferably serve to change the spring characteristics of the bearing means which are to resiliently support the ends of the slats. As a result, the elasticity behavior of the supporting spring system can be changed individually for adaptation to the desired sleeping and reclining habits. It is conceivable to design the devices in such a manner that the spring characteristics of the bearing means can be changed or else automatically. In addition, it is possible to connect the devices releasably to selected bearing means. The devices can be assigned as a result specifically to those bearing means, the spring characteristics of which are intended to be changed.

According to a further refinement of the invention, it is conceivable for at least some bearing means to be assigned actuators for changing the spring characteristics of said bearing means and/or for the periodic upward and downward moving of the spring means. Actuators of this type can serve to stimulate the person on the resting furniture. The actuators make it possible to provide resting furniture serving for therapeutic purposes.

Further advantageous refinements of the item of resting furniture relate to additional devices for massage and/or stimulation functions, for producing sound waves or light beams. It is also conceivable for the mattress to be assigned sensors for measuring vital parameters of the person on the mattress and also air conditioning systems.

In addition, it is conceivable to provide the item of resting furniture with what are referred to as functional modules. These may involve additional modules which are preferably arranged between the supporting means and the supporting spring system or else are integrated in the supporting means and/or the supporting spring system. Said functional modules may be devices for adjusting the item of resting furniture, for example for changing the inclination of a head part and/or foot part. The joints required for this purpose may be an item of the functional module. However, they may also be integrated in the supporting means. This enables the item of resting furniture to be individually configured and, in particular, also to automate adjustments of the supporting spring system. It is thus also possible to retrofit existing resting furniture with a functional module or with individual functional elements thereof in order thereby to adapt the item of resting furniture to changing requirements or to develop said item of resting furniture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bed.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a supporting spring system of the bed of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the supporting spring system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a detail of a mounting of a spring slat of the supporting spring system of FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment analogous to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment analogous to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective exploded illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective illustration according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention analogous to FIGS. 4 to 7.

FIG. 9 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective detail analogous to FIGS. 4 to 8.

FIG. 10 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective illustration.

FIG. 11 shows a bearing means of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 in a view XI.

FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal section XII-XII through the bearing means of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective illustration.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is explained below with reference to an item of sleeping furniture, namely a bed 10 which is illustrated in FIG. 1.

The bed 10 which is shown in an exploded illustration in FIG. 1 has (from bottom to top) a bedstead 11, a supporting means in the form of a supporting frame 12, a supporting spring system 13 and a mattress 14. The bedstead 11 and the mattress 14 are designed in a customary manner, i.e. do not differ from the prior art.

The supporting spring system 13 is designed in a particular manner according to the invention, said supporting spring system, in contrast to known supporting spring systems which have a rigid frame, being without a frame and therefore being flexible. The supporting frame 12 which, according to the invention, is assigned to the supporting spring system 13, serves to stabilize the latter. The supporting spring system 13 and the supporting frame 12 together form a stable unit by the supporting frame 12 serving as a support for the flexible supporting spring system 13 and holding the latter in a plane. While the supporting frame 12 shown here runs rectilinearly in the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10, the invention also comprises modifications (not shown) with a nonrectilinear profile of the supporting frame 12 in the longitudinal direction 15, as a result of which the supporting spring system 13 is fixed on the supporting frame 12 in the manner following said nonrectilinear profile. For example, in the case of reclining furniture, the profile of the supporting frame 12 and of the supporting spring system 13, which is held by the latter, in the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10 may be arched or undulating. It is also conceivable for the supporting frame 12 to run in a slightly obliquely rising or dropping manner in the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10 toward a head and/or foot end, or for the head and/or foot end to be pivotable.

The supporting spring system 13 has a plurality of slats 16 which run transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10 and which may optionally be spring slats. The slats 16 which altogether run parallel to one another follow one another at preferably uniform distances in the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the supporting spring system 13 has eleven slats 16. These may be identical slats. However, it is also conceivable to form the supporting spring system 13 from different slats, in particular slats of different cross sections and degrees of rigidity. The number of slats 16 may also be arbitrary, and is namely not restricted to the exemplary embodiment shown with eleven slats 16.

In the supporting spring system 13 shown here, a plurality of spaced-apart spring bodies 17 are arranged on each slat 16. The distances between adjacent spring bodies 17 are preferably identical. In the case of the supporting spring system 13 which is shown, all of the spring bodies 17 on each slat 16 are also of identical design. However, it is also conceivable to assign different spring bodies 17 to different slats 16 or else to provide individual slats 16 with different spring bodies 17. It is also conceivable not to provide the slats 16 of the supporting spring system 13 with any spring bodies 17. The lower side of the mattress 14 then rests directly on the slats 16. In the case of the supporting spring system 13 shown with spring bodies 17 on all of the slats 16, the lower side of the mattress rests on support plates 18 of the spring bodies 17.

Each slat 16 is connected at the opposite ends 19 thereof to a bearing means 21 by means of an intermediate piece 20. The bearing means 21 of all the slats 16 are linked on each of the opposite longitudinal sides 22 of the supporting spring system 13 to a side strand 23. The ends 24 of the side strands 23 on opposite longitudinal sides 22 of the supporting spring system 13 are connected by rigid transverse struts 25 running transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10. The supporting spring system 13 therefore has two parallel transverse struts 25, specifically a transverse strut 25 at the head end and a second transverse strut 25 at the foot end of the bed 10. The transverse struts 25 hold the flexible strands 23 at a distance. In spite of the flexible side strands 23, as a result of the bearing means 21 which are fixed nondisplaceably on the side strands 23 the slats 16 are held in their parallel alignment with respect to one another. As a result of the flexible design of the side strands 23, the supporting spring system 13 can be folded up, in particular can be rolled, specifically about just one axis which runs parallel to the slats 16 and to the transverse struts 25.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the side strands 23 are formed from flat straps. The flat sides of the straps of both side strands 23 lie in a horizontal plane in the case of the planar supporting spring system 13 shown here. By means of the formation of the side strands 23 from straps, the side strands 23 are non-rigid and therefore are unstable, i.e. highly flexible, in the longitudinal direction thereof. Instead of the straps, the side strands 23 may also be formed from one or optionally more cables or bands. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transverse struts 25 for connecting the ends 24 of the parallel side strands 23 on each longitudinal side 22 of the supporting spring system 13 are designed as upright slats or boards. These are substantially rigid in contrast to the side strands 23.

The bearing means 21 are designed in the manner of springs, specifically in such a manner that they bear the slats 16 in an elastically compliant manner. In the case of the bed 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, all of the bearing means 21 are of identical design, specifically in the manner as illustrated in detail in FIG. 4. According thereto, each bearing means 21 essentially has an oval ring 26, the longer axis of which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10, i.e. lies on the longitudinal sides 22 of the supporting spring system 13. A locking means 27 which engages around the particular side strand in the cross section 23 is arranged centrally on the lower half of the ring 26. The locking means 27 has two halves, specifically an upper half 28, which forms a central part of the lower section of the ring 26, and a lower half 29. The lower half 29 is connected to the upper half 28 via a pivot axis which forms a hinge. The pivot axis, which is not shown in the figures, runs parallel to an inner longitudinal edge of the side strand 23 to which the bearing means 21 is fastened. The pivotable lower half 29 of the locking means 27 can be connected releasably to the upper half 28 by a closure 30. The closure 30 is designed as a releasable latching closure. The locking means 27, specifically either the upper half 28 or the lower half 29 thereof, is provided with a projection (not shown in the figures) which engages in a corresponding depression, preferably a circular aperture 31, in the side strand 23. When the locking means 27 is closed, the locking means 27, which surrounds the side strand 23, is fixed as a result in a form-fitting manner on the side strand 23. As a result, the bearing means 21 cannot be displaced on the corresponding side strand 23 in the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10. The side strands 23 have a number of apertures 31 corresponding to the number of bearing means 21 to be fastened to the side strand 23. The distances of the apertures 31 along the side strands 23 correspond here to the desired distances of the bearing means 21 in the longitudinal direction 15 of the bed 10. The positioning of the apertures 31 on both opposite side strands 23 is identical, therefore all of the bearing means 21 on opposite longitudinal sides 22 of the supporting spring system 13 lie opposite one another and all of the slats 16 run parallel to one another. However, it is also conceivable to provide the side strands 23 with a larger number of apertures 31 as bearing means 21 assigned to the particular side strand 23. There is thus the possibility of fixing the bearing means 21 nondisplaceably at different selected points of the side strands 23.

Two parallel, elongate claws 62 are provided on the upper half 28 of the locking means 27. The claws 62, which run in the longitudinal direction of the slats 16, serve to fasten a stop damper 63 to the lower inner side of the ring 26. For this purpose, the stop damper 63, which is formed from a soft plastic or rubber, is held on the bearing means 21 by being pushed between the claws 62.

A bearing shell 32 for the intermediate piece 20 at an end of a slat 16 is arranged centrally on the ring 26 of the bearing means 21. The bearing shell 32 is designed as a half arch which is open at the top. The free ends thereof which bound the open side of the bearing shell 32 are provided with elongate latching projections 33. The latching projections 33 which are integrally formed on the ends of the bearing shell 32 run parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of that slat 16 to which the bearing means 21 is assigned.

The entire bearing means 21, namely the ring 26, the locking means 27 with the two halves 28 and 29, and the bearing shell 32 are produced as a single piece from plastic. In this case, the wall thickness of the ring 26 is dimensioned in such a manner that, upon loading of the particular slat 16, the ring 26 can be deformed elastically, namely can be substantially compressed in a vertical direction. The bearing means 21 therefore permit a vertical upward and downward movement of the ends 19 of the slats 16. The bearing shells 32 are in this case moved upward and downward on a vertical path. The maximum downward movement of the particular slat 16 and therefore the maximum spring deflection of the bearing means 21 is limited by the stop damper 63.

The intermediate piece 20 is designed in such a manner that it can be pushed onto an end 19 of the particular slat 16. The intermediate piece 20 is fixed on the end 19 of the particular slat 16 by latching means (not shown in the figures). The lower side of the intermediate piece 20 has two latching projections 34 running in the longitudinal direction of the particular slat 16. The elongate latching projections 34 which run parallel to one another correspond to the latching projections 33 on the bearing shell 32 of the bearing means 21 in such a manner that grooves 35 can be pushed over the latching projections 34 of the bearing shell 32 into the latching projections 33 of the intermediate piece 20. This brings about a form-fitting connection between the intermediate piece 20 and the bearing means 21 when the intermediate piece 20 is pushed into the bearing shell 32 of the bearing means 21 by means of a movement in the longitudinal direction of the slat 16. The connection of the intermediate piece 20 in the bearing shell 32 is secured by form-fitting latches (not shown) which, when the intermediate piece 20 is pushed completely into the bearing shell 23, secure the connection between the bearing shell 32 and the intermediate piece 20. However, said securing is designed in such a manner that the connection of the intermediate piece 20 to the bearing shell 32 of the bearing means 21 can be released.

The intermediate piece 20 is designed in such a manner that it corresponds to the cross section of the particular slat 16 and can be pushed in an accurately fitting manner onto the end 19 of the slat 16. Matching intermediate pieces 20 are provided for each cross section of a slat 16. The intermediate pieces 20 which are adapted to different cross sections of the slats 16 each have latching projections 34 and elongate grooves 35 which are located thereabove and have identical dimensions and distances such that different intermediate pieces 20 can be connected to the bearing shells 32 of identical bearing means 21. Slats 16 of different cross sections can thus be connected to the identical bearing means 21 by the use of corresponding intermediate pieces 20. It is also possible to design the intermediate pieces so as to differ in height. The height of the slats 16 in relation to the bearing means 20 can thus be changed individually.

The previously described flexible supporting spring system 13 is stabilized by the supporting frame 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the supporting frame 12 has two parallel longitudinal profiles 36 and two parallel transverse profiles 37. The longitudinal profiles 36 and the transverse profiles 37 have an L-shaped cross section with a vertical limb 38 and a horizontal limb 39 at the lower end of the vertical limb 38. The horizontal limbs 39 of the longitudinal profiles 36 and of the transverse profiles 37 lie in a common horizontal plane of the supporting frame 12. The flexible side strands 23 of the supporting spring system 13 rest on the horizontal limbs 39 of the longitudinal profiles 36. The horizontal limbs 39 of the supporting frame 12 therefore serve as a means of supporting the side strands 23 of the supporting spring system 13 and hold said side strands in the horizontal plane of the supporting frame 12. The transverse struts 25 at the ends of the supporting spring system 13 rest on the horizontal limbs 39 of the transverse profiles 37. Provision is preferably made for connecting, for example for screwing, the transverse struts 25 at opposite end sides of the supporting spring system 14 to the transverse profiles 37 of the supporting frame 12. As a result, the supporting spring system 13 is held in the supporting frame 12 in a manner preferably tensioned in the longitudinal direction 15 such that the supporting spring system 13 cannot be displaced on the horizontal limbs 39 of the longitudinal profiles 36 as a consequence of the flexible side strands 23. By means of an elastic design of the side strands 23 in a manner similar to a rubber band, the supporting spring system 13 can be extended in the longitudinal direction 15 for adaptation to the length of the particular supporting frame 12.

The supporting spring system 13 which is held by the supporting frame 12 and is fastened thereto is placed onto the bedstead 11 or is inserted into the bedstead 11 as a unit, and therefore the bedstead 11 surrounds the supporting frame 12 and the supporting spring system 13 which is held and supported by the latter.

An alternative exemplary embodiment (not shown) of the bed 10 is conceivable, in which, instead of the supporting frame 12, use is made only of two longitudinal profiles 36 which are connected to the end sides of the board-like transverse struts 25, which run transversely with respect thereto, at the opposite ends of the supporting spring system 13. The longitudinal profiles and the transverse struts 25 which are connected thereto then form a stable frame, wherein the horizontal limbs 39 of the longitudinal profiles 36 support the flexible side strands 23.

A further refinement is conceivable, in which the bedstead 11 serves as a base for the flexible supporting spring system 13, i.e. the supporting frame 12 and the longitudinal profiles 36 are dispensed with. The flexible side strands 23 then rest on parts of the bedstead 11, in particular on an upper edge thereof. The transverse struts 25 at the ends of the supporting spring system 13 are connected to the bedstead 11 for the stretched holding of the supporting spring system 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the bedstead 11 serves as a support for the flexible side strands 23 and for the stretched fixing of the supporting spring system 13 by connecting the transverse struts 25 of the supporting spring system 13 to the bedstead 11.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the supporting spring system 13 which differs with regard to the supporting spring system 13 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 only by a partially different configuration of the bearing means 40. Those parts of the bearing means 40 which correspond to the bearing means 21 are provided with the same reference numbers. In this respect, reference is made to the preceding description of the bearing means 21 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The supporting spring system 13 may have only the bearing means 40. However, it is also conceivable for the supporting spring system 13 to have both bearing means 21 and bearing means 40.

The bearing means 40 differs from the bearing means 21 in that a smaller oval ring 41 is arranged in the oval ring 26. The longitudinal central axes of both rings 26 and 41, which axes run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slats 16 assigned to the bearing means 40, lie on each other. Accordingly, the smaller ring 41 is inserted concentrically in the larger ring 26. The smaller ring 41 is connected releasably to the larger ring 26, specifically to the locking means 27 thereof. For this purpose, a plate-like foot is arranged on the lower side of the ring 41, said foot being held on the locking means 27 in a form-fitting manner between two L-shaped, elongate claws 43. By the foot 42 of the ring 41 being pushed between the claws 43 in the longitudinal direction of the slat 16, the ring 41 is connected to the ring 26 of the bearing means 40. Said releasable connection can be secured by similarly releasable latching means (not shown).

The spring characteristics of the bearing means 40 are influenced by means of the smaller ring 41 in the larger ring 26 of said bearing means. The bearing means 40 initially has soft spring characteristics, namely until the upper part of the larger ring 26 rests at the top on the smaller, inner ring 41. For the further spring deflection of the bearing means 40, the two rings 26 and 41 have to be compressed together, as a result of which the bearing means 40 becomes harder with increasing spring deflection. The spring characteristics can be influenced by the size ratio of the outer ring 26 and of the inner ring 41 and by the wall thickness of the inner ring 41 which has a flat, rectangular cross section. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the wall thickness of the inner ring 41 is greater than that of the outer ring 26. As a result, the inner ring 41 is harder than the outer ring 26. The consequence is that, when the outer ring 26 rests on the inner ring 41, the rigidity of the bearing means 40 increases significantly.

FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, which differs from the exemplary embodiments previously described by means of a differently designed bearing means 44. In principle, the bearing means 44 is designed as per the bearing means 21. Therefore, the same reference numbers are again used for identical parts.

The bearing means 44 has a smaller oval stop piece 45 in the interior of the ring 26. The longitudinal central axis of the stop piece 45 lies on the longitudinal central axis of the ring 26. The stop piece 45 has two pockets 46, 47 lying one above the other. The pockets 46, 47 are of identical design, i.e. in the exemplary embodiment shown, have an approximately oval cross section with a horizontal elongate axis.

The lower side of the stop piece 45 has a foot 48 which is designed in a manner corresponding to two parallel claws 49 on the locking means 27 of the bearing means 44 and can be pushed between the claws 49 in the longitudinal direction of the slat 16. The connection of the stop piece 45 to the ring 26 of the bearing means 44 is designed in principle in the same way as for the bearing means 40.

A filler piece 50, 51 can be pushed into each pocket 46, 47, specifically in the longitudinal direction of the slat 16. The hardness of the stop piece 45, which is formed from flexible material, can be changed by the filler pieces 50, 51. If the filler pieces 50, 51 are not inserted into the pockets 46, 47, the stop piece 45 is relatively soft. The hardness of the stop piece 45 can be increased by a filler piece 50 or 51 in the corresponding pocket 46, 47. Even greater hardness of the stop piece 45 is achieved if filler pieces 50, 51 are inserted into both pockets 46, 47. Accordingly, the flexibility of the bearing means 44 can be adapted in a manner corresponding to the requirements. It is also conceivable to rotate the filler pieces 50, 51 in the pockets 46 and 47, thus increasing the height of the stop piece 45 until the latter bears on the upper side of the unloaded ring 26. In this case, the ring 26 is already supported during the initial spring deflection of the stop piece 45, and therefore the hardness of the bearing means 44 is increased from the beginning.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which again differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments by means of a differently designed bearing means 52. Said bearing means 52 corresponds in principle to the bearing means 21 and 44, and therefore the same reference numbers are again used for identical parts.

In the case of the bearing means 52, a flexible stop piece 53 is provided in the outer ring 26. The stop piece 53 has a ring which is substantially cylindrical in the unloaded state and has a lower foot 54 which corresponds to two parallel claws 55 on the closure 30 of the ring 26 such that the stop piece 53 can be fixed by the foot 54 in a form-fitting manner between the claws 55 by being pushed into the outer ring 26. This results in a releasable connection of the stop piece 53 to the locking means 27 of the outer ring 26 of the bearing means 52.

The stop piece 53 has just a single pocket 56 with two bulges 57 lying one above the other and two bulges 57 lying next to each other. A filler piece 58 having a substantially oval cross section can be pushed into the pocket 56. According to the illustration in FIG. 8, the filler piece 58 can be inserted upright or transversely into the pocket 56. When the filler piece 58 is inserted upright into the pocket 56, said filler piece lies in the bulges 57 lying one above the other. By contrast, the filler piece 58, in a relative position in which it is inserted flat into the pocket 56, lies with the ends in the bulges 57 which lie next to each other. The flexible stop piece 53 obtains a smaller or a greater degree of elasticity depending on whether the filler piece 58 is inserted upright or horizontally into the pocket 56 of the stop piece 53. Accordingly, the outer ring 26 comes to bear on the stop piece 53 immediately or only after an initial spring deflection. Accordingly, the spring characteristics of the bearing means 52 can be changed by the relative arrangement of the filler piece 58 in the pocket 56 of the stop piece 53, in order to confer harder or softer spring characteristics on the supporting spring system 13.

FIG. 9 shows a bearing means 59 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Said bearing means 59 also corresponds in principle to the bearing means 21, and therefore the same reference numbers are used for identical parts.

The bearing means 59 has an elastically deformable bellows 60 in the outer ring 26. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bellows 60 is arranged fixedly under the bearing shell 32 on the upper part of the ring 26. However, it is also conceivable to provide the bellows 60 with a foot corresponding to the claws 61 on the locking means 27, and therefore the foot can be connected releasably to the bearing means 59 by being pushed between the claws 61.

The bellows 60 is designed in such a manner that it initially permits elastic deformation of the ring 26 without the bellows 60 being deformed in the process. The bellows 60 is deformed only after a certain spring deflection of the ring 26, as a result of which the rigidity of the bearing means 59 is increased.

Provision is preferably made to fill the bellows 60 with compressed air by means of a compressed air supply (not shown) and thereby to expand the bellows 60, thus changing the spring characteristics thereof. The bellows 60 can be expanded to such an extent that it bears on the locking means 27 when the ring 26 is not loaded and therefore has an influence on the spring characteristics of the bearing means 59 from the beginning. It is also conceivable to periodically inflate and to relax the bellows 60, as a result of which the particular slat 16 is moved upward and downward in an alternating manner by the bellows 60. The supporting spring system 13 can thereby serve to stimulate the person lying thereon.

Developments of the invention that are not shown in the figures make provision for assigning functional modules to the supporting spring system and/or to the supporting means thereof, in particular to the supporting frame 12. Said functional modules may be separate from the supporting frame 12 or from another supporting means and from the supporting spring system 13. However, it is also conceivable to integrate the functional modules into the supporting means, for example in the supporting frame 12 and/or the supporting spring system 13.

The functional modules involve, for example, at least one joint which runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction 16 of the bed 10 and provides the supporting frame 12 with a pivotable head part and/or foot part.

However, it is especially conceivable to design the functional modules as driven mechanisms for adjusting the supporting means, in particular the supporting frame 12. Said drives may be, for example, electric motor drives which pivot the head part and/or the foot part of the bed 10. The functional modules may also undertake other adjustments or movements in the bed 10, in particular of the supporting frame 12. The supporting means are preferably designed in such a manner that they permit an arbitrary expansion with desired functional modules.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is distinguished from the previously described exemplary embodiments by a special bearing means 64. Otherwise, the item of resting furniture corresponds to the item of resting furniture shown in the previous figures. In particular, as in the previously described exemplary embodiments of the invention, the bearing means 64 are connected on opposite ends of the slats 16, preferably spring slats, to flexible side strands 23. This may occur, for example, by means of the locking means 27 (not shown in FIGS. 10 to 12) as in the case of the bearing means 21.

The bearing means 64 has a base part which is of tubular design with a cross section which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is rectangular. The base part 65 is essentially dimensioned in such a manner that it is rigid. End sides of the tubular base part 65, the end sides running transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the slats 16, are open.

A pendulum 66 is arranged in the tubular base part 65. The pendulum 66 has two strip-shaped pendulum bodies 67 spaced apart from each other. The flat pendulum bodies 67 lie in a common plane which transversely intersects the longitudinal axis of the particular slat 16 and runs centrally through the tubular base part 65, specifically centrally between the open end sides of the base part 65. The two pendulum bodies 67 together form the single pendulum 66 by being arranged in a common plane. The upper ends of the two pendulum bodies 67 are connected to the tubular base part 65 of the bearing means 64 by respective hinges. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hinges are designed as film hinges 68 for the integral connection of the pendulum bodies 67 to the base part 65. The lower ends of the two pendulum bodies 67 are connected by a horizontal bar 69. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connection is also undertaken by means of hinges, and specifically preferably again by means of film hinges 68. It is also conceivable to connect the lower ends of the pendulum bodies 67 to the bar 69 without hinges, i.e. not in an articulated manner.

A link 70 is provided between the pendulum bodies 67, the link lying in the same common plane as the pendulum bodies 67 of the pendulum 66. The link 70 is connected integrally at the lower end, and specifically preferably rigidly, to the center of the bar 69. The length of the link 70 is dimensioned in such a manner that said link emerges from the base part 65 through an aperture 71 in the upper horizontal wall of the base part 65 and protrudes upward in relation thereto. The upper end of the link 70 is connected to an intermediate piece 72. The intermediate piece 72 is pushed as an end piece on one end of the slat 16 and is connected to the latter preferably in a latching manner. The upper end of the link 70 can be connected integrally and rigidly to the lower wall of the intermediate piece 72. It is also conceivable to connect an upper free end of the link 70 to the intermediate piece 72 in a latching manner or optionally in an articulated manner, as a result of which the bearing means 64 and the intermediate piece 72 are formed as two parts.

A lower, horizontal wall of the rectangular base part 65 of the bearing means 64 is likewise provided with an aperture 73. Said aperture 73 serves to receive a locking means with which the bearing means 64 is fastened, preferably in a latching manner, to the particular side strand 23. The locking means (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 12) can be fastened in the aperture 73 in a latching manner.

As a result of the arrangement of the two pendulum bodies 67 in a plane lying between the open end sides of the base part 65, the bearing means 64 shown here permits vibrations, in particular pendulum movements, of the slat 16 in the longitudinal direction thereof. As a result, a person lying on the bed or on another item of resting furniture is moved to and fro with a transversely directed pendulum action. Said pendulum movement is made possible by a free movement of the link 70 extending through the aperture 71. For this purpose, the aperture 71 is dimensioned in such a manner that the link 70 can move freely therein. If required, the aperture 71 can also serve to limit the pendulum movements or swinging movements of the slat 16. The aperture 71 is then dimensioned in such a manner that it keeps pendulum movements of the slat 16 relative to a fixed base part 65 of the bearing means 63 within predetermined limits, at least in the longitudinal direction of the slat.

In a departure from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, it is also conceivable to provide the bearing means 64 with a plurality of pendulums 66 connected in parallel. The two pendulum bodies 67 of each pendulum 66 then lie in another plane, wherein said planes run parallel to one another at a small distance. If two parallel pendulums 66 are provided, said pendulums together form a parallelogram which leads to the link 70 connected to the pendulum 66 not participating in the deflection of the pendulum bodies 67, and therefore the link 70 always maintains its preferably vertical alignment.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which differs from that of FIGS. 10 to 12 only in that there is an additional elastic spring means 74 between the bearing means 64 and the intermediate piece 72. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring means 74 is designed as an elliptical ring with end sides open on both sides. The open end sides of the ring lie in vertical planes running transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the slat 16. The shorter axis of the electric spring means 74 is directed vertically while the larger axis runs horizontally.

The link 70 of the bearing means 64 is fastened integrally to the lower side of the elliptical spring means 74. However, it is also conceivable to separate the link 70 from the spring means 74 and to connect said link, preferably in a latching manner, by suitable connecting means. On the upper side, the spring means 74 has a bearing shell 75 with opposite latching projections 76. The bearing shell 75 and the latching projections 76 serve for the releasable, clip-like connection of the spring means 74 to the intermediate piece 72 on the particular end of the spring slat 16.

The bearing means of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 10 to 13 is preferably formed as a single piece from plastic. In this case, the individual components of the bearing means 64 are dimensioned in such a manner that they are substantially rigid. Only in the region of the film hinges 68 is a sufficient degree of elasticity provided, in order to permit a pendulum movement of the pendulum body 67. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 12, the intermediate piece 72 can also be connected integrally to the link 70 of the bearing means 64 although a separate configuration is also conceivable. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, the bearing means 64 and the elastic spring means 67 can also be connected integrally to each other. The desired elasticity of the spring means 74, in particular only in the vertical direction, is produced by appropriate dimensioning of the wall thickness of the spring means 74.

A further alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention is conceivable, in which at least one pendulum 66 is assigned to the spring means 74 or to the spring means 74 and the bearing means 64.

The different bearing means 21, 40, 44, 52, 59 and 64 described above can be assigned to the supporting spring system 13 in an arbitrary combination. It is also conceivable to form the supporting spring system 13 from identical bearing means 21, 40, 44, 52, 59 or 64.

The invention is suitable not only for beds 10 but also for other resting furniture, in particular reclining furniture, sleeping furniture, but also for seating furniture.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

  • 10 Bed
  • 11 Bedstead
  • 12 Supporting frame
  • 13 Supporting spring system
  • 14 Mattress
  • 15 Longitudinal direction
  • 16 Slat
  • 17 Spring body
  • 18 Support plate
  • 19 End
  • 20 Intermediate piece
  • 21 Bearing means
  • 22 Longitudinal side
  • 23 Side strand
  • 24 End
  • 25 Transverse strut
  • 26 Ring
  • 27 Locking means
  • 28 Upper half
  • 29 Lower half
  • 30 Closure
  • 31 Aperture
  • 32 Bearing shell
  • 33 Latching projection
  • 34 Latching projection
  • 35 Groove
  • 36 Longitudinal profile
  • 37 Transverse profile
  • 38 Vertical limb
  • 39 Horizontal limb
  • 40 Bearing means
  • 41 Ring
  • 42 Foot
  • 43 Claw
  • 44 Bearing means
  • 45 Stop piece
  • 46 Pocket
  • 47 Pocket
  • 48 Foot
  • 49 Claw
  • 50 Filler piece
  • 51 Filler piece
  • 52 Bearing means
  • 53 Stop piece
  • 54 Foot
  • 55 Claw
  • 56 Pocket
  • 57 Bulge
  • 58 Filler piece
  • 59 Bearing means
  • 60 Bellows
  • 61 Claw
  • 62 Claw
  • 63 Stop damper
  • 64 Bearing means
  • 65 Base part
  • 66 Pendulum
  • 67 Pendulum body
  • 68 Film hinge
  • 69 Bar
  • 70 Link
  • 71 Aperture
  • 72 Intermediate piece
  • 73 Aperture
  • 74 Spring means
  • 75 Bearing shell
  • 76 Latching projection

Claims

1. An item of resting furniture, in particular an item of sleeping or reclining furniture, comprising:

a mattress (14);
and a supporting spring system (13) for the mattress (14),
wherein the supporting spring system (13) is at least partially formed without a frame, and the supporting spring system (13) is assigned a supporting means.

2. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting spring system (13) comprises:

transversely directed slats (16);
bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64) assigned to opposite ends (24) of the slats (16); and
flexible, non-rigid side strands (23) for the bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64).

3. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 2, wherein:

the supporting spring system (13) further comprises longitudinal sides;
each of the longitudinal sides (22) of the supporting spring system (13) is assigned at least one of the side strands (23);
the bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64) is releasably connected to the at least one side strand (23) of each of the longitudinal sides (22), the bearing means being assigned to the same of the longitudinal sides (22).

4. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64) are connected nondisplaceably, preferably in a form-fitting manner, to the side strands (23).

5. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least some of the bearing means (64) are movable and/or capable of vibrating per se, in such a manner that the bearing means (64) permit movements and/or vibrations of the supporting spring system (13).

6. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 2, wherein the side strands (23) are flexible straps, cables and/or bands.

7. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 2, wherein the side strands (23) comprises opposite ends and are connected at each of the opposite ends a respective, rigid transverse strut (25).

8. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the supporting means is designed as a supporting frame (12), which comprises supports for at least partial regions of the side strands (23); and/or
the supporting means is assigned to a furniture stand, and the supporting means is preferably formed by the furniture stand itself.

9. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 7, wherein the supporting means is formed by fixed longitudinal profiles (36) having supporting surfaces for at least partial regions of the side strands (23), and the longitudinal profiles (36) are connected fixedly and releasably to the transverse struts (25), in order to form a frame for supporting the side strands (23) of the supporting spring system (13).

10. An item of resting furniture, in particular an item of sleeping and reclining furniture, comprising:

a mattress (14);
a supporting spring system (13) for the mattress (14), the supporting spring system having transversely directed slats (16) and bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64) assigned to ends (19) of the slats (16); and
intermediate pieces (20, 72) for connecting the slats (16) to the bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64).

11. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein the intermediate pieces (20, 72) are assigned to the ends (24) of the slats (16), and the intermediate pieces (20, 72) are placed onto the ends (24) of the slats (16) or are inserted into the ends (24) of the slats (16).

12. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein the intermediate pieces (20, 72) are connected releasably to the bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64), by inserting, latching or the like.

13. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein:

the intermediate pieces (20, 72) connect the ends (24) of the slats (16) to the bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64) at different heights in relation to the bearing means (21, 40, 44, 52, 59, 64); and/or
the intermediate pieces (20, 72) are of resilient or elastic design.

14. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least some of the bearing means (40, 44, 52, 59, 64) are assigned devices for changing the spring characteristics of the bearing means (40, 44, 52, 59, 64), and the devices are connected releasably to selected ones of the bearing means (40, 44, 52, 59, 64).

15. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 10, further comprising actuators, wherein:

the actuators are elastic bellows, the shape of which can be varied pneumatically;
at least some of the bearing means (59) are assigned the actuators for changing spring characteristics of the bearing means (59) and/or for periodic upward and downward movement of the bearing means (59).

16. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least some of the intermediate pieces (72) and/or some of the bearing means (64) are designed to permit movements and/or vibrations of the slats (16) in longitudinal directions of the slats (16).

17. The item of resting furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least some of the bearing means (64) and/or some of the intermediate pieces (72) are assigned at least one pendulum (66).

Patent History
Publication number: 20120066834
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 2, 2010
Publication Date: Mar 22, 2012
Applicant: Thomas Beteilingungs-und Vermogens GmbH & Co. KG (Bremervorde)
Inventor: Klaus Jansen (Buxtehude)
Application Number: 13/202,630
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Of Slats And Springs (5/239); Of Springs (5/246)
International Classification: A47C 23/30 (20060101); A47C 23/00 (20060101); A47C 25/00 (20060101);