POCKET SPRING STRUCTURE FOR BED MATTRESS

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress, in which a rigid support capable of resisting compressive strength due to applied load is further integrally formed in a partial region of a spring mounted in a sealed pocket, thereby preventing deformation of the spring and increasing its durability. That is, the present invention provides a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress, in which a separate rigid support capable of resisting compressive strength due to applied load is integrally formed in a partial region of a spring mounted in a pocket formed of fabric to prevent deformation of the spring, even when large and small loads are irregularly and repeatedly concentrated on the spring, thereby increasing its durability and further improving the quality of the bed mattress.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0101234 filed Oct. 18, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress and, more particularly, to a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress, in which a rigid support capable of resisting compressive strength due to applied load is further integrally formed in a partial region of a spring mounted in a sealed pocket, thereby preventing deformation of the spring and increasing its durability.

2. Background of the Related Art

In general, a bed mattress including pocket springs is mounted on a bed frame to provide cushion force and buffering force. The structure of the bed mattress and a process for manufacturing the same will be described with reference to FIG. 15C below.

The process for manufacturing the bed mattress includes: providing a plurality of pocket springs 10 each formed by mounting a single spring 12 in a pocket 14 formed of fabric and sealing the pocket 14; arranging the pocket springs 10 at regular intervals over the entire area of the bed mattress; continuously stacking multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc. as intermediate members 16 over the pocket springs 10; and covering the pocket springs 10 and the intermediate members 16 with a cover member 18 and then sealing the cover member 18 using a sealing means.

Here, the conventional pocket spring structure used in the above-described bed mattress will be described.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of an example of the conventional pocket spring structure.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the conventional pocket spring structure comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric and a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed.

The spring 12 can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of an uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of a lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20.

However, the above-described pocket spring structure formed using the conventional spring 12 and mounted in the bed mattress has the following problems.

A load applied to the bed mattress is first absorbed by the intermediate members 16 and finally absorbed by the spring 12 of each pocket spring 10. That is, small and large loads are all finally absorbed by the body spring 20 of the spring 12.

In this manner, when different loads are irregularly concentrated on the body spring 20 of the pocket spring 10, the body spring 20 mounted in the pocket 14 may be rapidly deformed, which allows adjacent pocket springs 10 to come into close contact with each other, thereby contributing to the generation of noise.

Moreover, since the spring of the conventional pocket spring structure does not have a separate means for reinforcing the elastic compressive strength, the springs are too easily compressed and deformed and the elastic force of the bed is increased too much, thereby reducing the comfort of the bed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress, in which a separate rigid support capable of resisting compressive strength due to applied load is integrally formed in a partial region of a spring mounted in a pocket formed of fabric to prevent deformation of the spring, even when large and small loads are irregularly and repeatedly concentrated on the spring, thereby increasing its durability and further improving the quality of the bed mattress

To accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress, the pocket spring structure comprising: a spring including a body spring wound a predetermined number of turns, an upper end spring integrally connected to the top of the body spring, and a lower end spring integrally connected to the bottom of the body spring; and a pocket in which the spring is mounted and sealed, wherein the pocket spring structure further comprises a rigid support resisting compressive strength due to applied load and integrally formed in a partial region of the body spring of the spring.

In a preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

In another preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

In still another preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

In still yet another preferred embodiment, the rigid support comprises a first rigid support integrally formed at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that the first rigid support is vertically arranged and a second rigid support integrally formed at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that the second rigid support is vertically arranged.

In a further preferred embodiment, the rigid support comprises a first rigid support integrally formed at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the first rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle and a second rigid support integrally formed at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the second rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

In another further preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed at an intermediate wiring of the body spring in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

In still another further preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed at an intermediate wiring of the body spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

In yet another further preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

In still yet another further preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

In a still further preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

In a yet still further preferred embodiment, the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

In another additional preferred embodiment, the rigid support comprises a first rigid support integrally formed in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the first rigid support is vertically arranged and a second rigid support integrally formed in a region where the intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the second rigid support is vertically arranged.

In still another additional preferred embodiment, the rigid support comprises a first rigid support integrally formed in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the first rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle and a second rigid support integrally formed in a region where the intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the second rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is employed;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the pocket spring structure according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is employed; and

FIGS. 15A and 15B are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional pocket spring structure, and FIG. 15C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a bed mattress in which the conventional pocket spring structure is employed.

Reference numerals set forth in the Drawings includes reference to the following elements as further discussed below:

10: pocket spring        12: spring
14: pocket               16: intermediate member
18: cover member         20: body spring
22: uppermost wiring     24: upper end spring
25: intermediate wiring  26: lowermost wiring
28: lower end spring     30: rigid support
30a: first rigid support 30b: second rigid support

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

As mentioned above, the pocket spring 10 comprises the pocket 14 formed of fabric and the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed.

The pocket springs 10 are arranged at regular intervals over the entire area of the bed mattress, the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc. as the intermediate members 16 are stacked over the pocket springs 10, and the pocket springs 10 and the intermediate members 16 are covered with the cover member 18 and sealed, thereby completing the bed mattress in which the pocket springs 10 are mounted.

The present invention aims at providing a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress, in which a separate rigid support 30 is integrally formed in a partial region of the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 of the pocket spring 10.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when a small load is applied to the bed mattress, the intermediate members 16 stacked over the springs 12 absorb the impact and, at the same time, the springs 12 are not compressed by the rigid supports 30. On the contrary, when a large load is applied to the bed mattress, the intermediate members 16 and the springs 12 each having the rigid support 30 are compressed to easily absorb the impact.

Therefore, the large and small loads are dispersed by the rigid supports to compress the springs in the pockets, and thus it is possible to prevent the deformation of the springs and improve the durability of the springs.

The structure and operation of a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C below.

A pocket spring 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed in an upper region of the spring 12.

That is, the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape having a constant diameter, into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, or into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually increased as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of an uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of a lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Especially, the rigid support 30 is integrally formed only at the uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the rigid support 30 is vertically arranged.

Preferably, the rigid support 30 may be integrally formed in the middle of the uppermost wiring 22 connected to the upper end spring 24 in the entire region of the body spring 20 in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are integrally formed and vertically arranged.

Therefore, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is absorbed by the intermediate members 16 (i.e., the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc.) stacked over the pocket springs 10 and resisted by the rigid support 30, thereby preventing the compressive strength due to the small load from being transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14.

As such, since the rigid support 30 prevents the compressive strength due to the applied small load from being transmitted to the spring 12, the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

On the contrary, when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the compressive strength due to the large load is transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14 through the rigid support 30 such that the body spring 20 of the spring 12 is compressed to absorb the impact, which allows the body spring 20 to perform its intrinsic function.

As such, since the compressive action of the pocket spring 10 varies according to the degree of the rigid support 30 that resists the compressive strength based on the magnitude of the load applied to the bed mattress, the impact absorbing function of the pocket spring 10 is performed in such a manner that the impact absorbing process is clearly separated based on the magnitude of the applied load. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with elasticity and comfort suitable for the user according to the magnitude of the applied load. Especially, the compressive action of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 is separately performed by the rigid support 30 based on the magnitude of the applied load, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring and improving its durability.

Next, the structure and operation of a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C below.

A pocket spring 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed in a lower region of the spring 12.

That is, the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape having a constant diameter, into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, or into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually increased as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of an uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of a lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Especially, the rigid support 30 is integrally formed only at the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the rigid support 30 is vertically arranged.

Preferably, the rigid support 30 may be integrally formed in the middle of the lowermost wiring 26 connected to the lower end spring 28 in the entire region of the body spring 20 in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are integrally formed and vertically arranged.

Therefore, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is absorbed by the intermediate members 16 (i.e., the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc.) stacked over the pocket springs 10 and, at the same time, smoothly absorbed by the body spring 20 of the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14.

On the contrary, when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the compressive strength due to the large load is first absorbed by the intermediate members 16 and, at the same time, transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14 such that the impact is smoothly absorbed by the body spring 20 of the spring 12.

That is, when the large load is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is transferred to the body spring 20 of the spring 12. However, as the rigid support 30 integrally formed in the lower region of the body spring 20 supports the body spring 20, the intrinsic function of the pocket spring 10 which provides a buffering force can be performed. As a result, the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed by the supporting force of the rigid support 30, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

Next, the structure and operation of a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C below.

A pocket spring 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed in both upper and lower regions of the spring 12.

That is, the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape having a constant diameter, into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, or into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually increased as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of an uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of a lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Especially, the rigid support 30 is integrally formed at both the uppermost wiring 22 and the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the rigid support 30 is vertically arranged.

In more detail, the rigid support 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a first rigid support 30a integrally formed at the uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the first rigid support 30a is vertically arranged and a second rigid support 30b integrally formed at the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the second rigid support 30b is vertically arranged.

Preferably, the first rigid support 30a may be integrally formed in the middle of the uppermost wiring 22 connected to the upper end spring 24 in the entire region of the body spring 20 in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the first rigid support 30a are integrally formed and vertically arranged, and the second rigid support 30b is integrally formed in the middle of the lowermost wiring 26 connected to the lower end spring 28 in the entire region of the body spring 20 in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the second rigid support 30b are integrally formed and vertically arranged.

Therefore, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is absorbed by the intermediate members 16 (i.e., the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc.) stacked over the pocket springs 10 and resisted by the first rigid support 30a, thereby preventing the compressive strength due to the small load from being transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14.

As such, since the first rigid support 30a prevents the compressive strength due to the applied small load from being transmitted to the spring 12, the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

On the contrary, when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the compressive strength due to the large load is transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14 through the first rigid support 30a such that the body spring 20 of the spring 12 is compressed to absorb the impact. At the same time, as the second rigid support 30b supports the body spring 20, the intrinsic function of the pocket spring 10 can be performed and further the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed by the supporting force of the second rigid support 30b, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

As such, the impact absorbing function of the pocket spring 10 is performed in such a manner that the impact absorbing process is clearly separated by the first rigid support 30a based on the magnitude of the applied load. Moreover, when a large load is applied, the pocket spring 10 is entirely protected by the supporting force of the second rigid support 30b, and thus it is possible to provide the user with elasticity and comfort suitable for the user according to the magnitude of the load, prevent the deformation of the spring, and improve its durability.

Next, the structure and operation of a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C below.

A pocket spring 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed in a middle region of the spring 12.

That is, the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape having a constant diameter, into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, or into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually increased as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of an uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of a lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Especially, the rigid support 30 is integrally formed only at an intermediate wiring 25 the body spring 20 in such a manner that the rigid support 30 is vertically arranged.

Preferably, the rigid support 30 may be integrally formed at the intermediate wiring 25 in the middle of the body spring 20 in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are integrally formed and vertically arranged.

Therefore, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is absorbed by the intermediate members 16 (i.e., the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc.) stacked over the pocket springs 10. On the contrary, when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the compressive strength due to the large load is first absorbed by the intermediate members 16 and, at the same time, transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14 such that the uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20 is compressed to smoothly absorb the impact.

That is, when the large load is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is transferred to the body spring 20 of the spring 12. However, as the rigid support 30 integrally formed at the intermediate wiring 25 in the middle of the body spring 20 supports the body spring 20, the intrinsic function of the pocket spring 10 which provides a buffering force can be performed. As a result, the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed by the supporting force of the rigid support 30, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

Next, the structure and operation of a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C below.

A pocket spring 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed in an upper region of the spring 12 between an intermediate wiring 25 and an uppermost wiring 22.

That is, the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape having a constant diameter, into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, or into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually increased as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of the uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of a lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Especially, the rigid support 30 is integrally formed in the upper region of the spring 12 between the uppermost wiring 22 and the intermediate wiring 25 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the rigid support 30 is vertically arranged.

Preferably, the rigid support 30 may be integrally formed between the intermediate wiring 25 and the uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20 in the entire region of the body spring 20 in such a manner that a lower end of the rigid support 30 is integrally connected to an end point of the intermediate wiring 25 and an upper end of the rigid support 30 is integrally connected to a start point of the uppermost wiring 22, the upper and lower ends being vertically arranged.

Therefore, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is absorbed by the intermediate members 16 (i.e., the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc.) stacked over the pocket springs 10 and resisted by the rigid support 30, thereby preventing the compressive strength due to the small load from being transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14.

As such, since the rigid support 30 prevents the compressive strength due to the applied small load from being transmitted to the spring 12, the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

On the contrary, when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the compressive strength due to the large load is transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14 through the rigid support 30 such that the body spring 20 of the spring 12 is compressed to absorb the impact, which allows the body spring 20 to perform its intrinsic function.

In the same manner, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, since the rigid support 30 is integrally formed between the intermediate wiring 25 and the uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20 of the pocket spring 10, the impact absorbing function of the pocket spring 10 is performed in such a manner that the impact absorbing process is clearly separated by the rigid support 30 based on the magnitude of the applied load. Moreover, it is possible to provide the user with elasticity and comfort suitable for the user according to the magnitude of the load. Especially, the compressive action of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 is separately performed by the rigid support 30 based on the magnitude of the applied load, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring and improving its durability.

Next, the structure and operation of a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C below.

A pocket spring 10 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed in a lower region of the spring 12 between an intermediate wiring 25 and a lowermost wiring 26.

That is, the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape having a constant diameter, into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, or into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually increased as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of an uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Especially, the rigid support 30 is integrally formed in the lower region of the spring 12 between the intermediate wiring 25 and the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the rigid support 30 is vertically arranged.

Preferably, the rigid support 30 may be integrally formed between the intermediate wiring 25 and the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20 in the entire region of the body spring 20 in such a manner that an upper end of the rigid support 30 is integrally connected to an end point of the intermediate wiring 25 and a lower end of the rigid support 30 is integrally connected to a start point of the lowermost wiring 26, the upper and lower ends being vertically arranged.

Therefore, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is absorbed by the intermediate members 16 (i.e., the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc.) stacked over the pocket springs 10 and, at the same time, smoothly absorbed by the wiring in the upper region of the body spring 20 of the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14, i.e., by the uppermost wiring 22 above the rigid support 30.

On the contrary, when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the body spring 20 of the spring 12 is compressed to smoothly absorb the impact. Here, while the compressive strength due to the large load is transferred to the body spring 20 of the spring 12, the rigid support 30 integrally formed between the intermediate wiring 25 and the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20 supports the body spring 20, and thus the intrinsic function of the pocket spring 10 which provides a buffering force can be performed. As a result, the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed by the supporting force of the rigid support 30, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

Next, the structure and operation of a pocket spring structure for a bed mattress according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C below.

A pocket spring 10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed in an upper region of the spring 12 between an uppermost wiring 22 and an intermediate wiring 25 and in an lower region of the spring 12 between the intermediate wiring 25 and a lowermost wiring 26 of a body spring 20.

That is, the spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention can be divided into a body spring 20 formed into a coil shape having a constant diameter, into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually reduced as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, or into a coil shape whose diameter is gradually increased as it goes toward the top and the bottom from the central portion thereof, an upper end spring 24 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of the uppermost wiring 22 of the body spring 20, and a lower end spring 28 wound and extending horizontally at an end point of the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Especially, the rigid support 30 comprises a first rigid support 30a integrally formed between the intermediate wiring 25 and the uppermost wiring 22 in such a manner that the first rigid support 30a is vertically arranged and a second rigid support 30b integrally formed between the intermediate wiring 25 and the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20 in such a manner that the second rigid support 30b is vertically arranged.

Preferably, a lower end of the first rigid support 30a may be integrally connected to an end point of an upper end of the intermediate wiring 25 and an upper end of the first rigid support 30a may be integrally connected to a start point of the uppermost wiring 22. Moreover, an upper end of the second rigid support 30b may be integrally connected to an end point of a lower end of the intermediate wiring 25 and a lower end of the second rigid support 30b may be integrally connected to a start point of the lowermost wiring 26.

Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the impact is absorbed by the intermediate members 16 (i.e., the multi-layered cushion means including air band foam, memory foam, felt, non-woven fabric etc.) stacked over the pocket springs 10 and resisted by the first rigid support 30a, thereby preventing the compressive strength due to the small load from being transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14.

As such, since the uppermost wiring 22 over the first rigid support 30a absorbs the impact due to the applied small load and, at the same time, prevents the compressive strength due to the small load from being transmitted to the bottom of the first rigid support 30a, the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

On the contrary, when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the compressive strength due to the large load is transferred to the spring 12 in the pocket 14 through the first rigid support 30a such that the body spring 20 of the spring 12 is compressed by the impact to smoothly absorb the impact. At the same time, as the second rigid support 30b supports the body spring 20, the intrinsic function of the pocket spring 10 can be performed and further the spring 12 can be protected from being substantially deformed by the supporting force of the second rigid support 30b, thereby preventing the deformation of the spring 12 in the pocket 14 and increasing its durability.

As such, the impact absorbing function of the pocket spring 10 is performed in such a manner that the impact absorbing process is clearly separated by the first rigid support 30a based on the magnitude of the applied load. Moreover, when a large load is applied, the pocket spring 10 is entirely protected by the supporting force of the second rigid support 30b, and thus it is possible to provide the user with elasticity and comfort suitable for the user according to the magnitude of the load, prevent the deformation of the spring, and improve its durability.

Next, the structures and operations of pocket spring structure for bed mattress according to eighth to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention will be descried with reference to FIGS. 8A to 14C.

Each of pocket springs 10 according to the eighth to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention comprises a pocket 14 formed of fabric, a spring 12 mounted in the pocket 14 and sealed, and a rigid support 30 integrally formed at a body spring 20 of the spring 12, the rigid support 30 being bent at an obtuse or acute angle.

In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, a rigid support 30 is formed at the same position as the first embodiment (at the uppermost wiring) and, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are bent and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to their connecting portions. Although not shown in the figures, the upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 may be bent and inclined at an acute angle with respect to their connecting portions.

In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, a rigid support 30 is formed at the same position as the second embodiment (at the lowermost wiring) and, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are bent and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to their connecting portions. Although not shown in the figures, the upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 may be bent and inclined at an acute angle with respect to their connecting portions.

In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, a rigid support 30 is formed at the same position as the third embodiment (at the uppermost wiring and at the lowermost wiring) and, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, upper and lower ends of first and second rigid supports 30a and 30b are bent and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to their connecting portions. Although not shown in the figures, the upper and lower ends of the first and second rigid supports 30a and 30b may be bent and inclined at an acute angle with respect to their connecting portions.

In the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, a rigid support 30 is formed at the same position as the fourth embodiment (in the middle region of the body spring) and, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are bent and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to their connecting portions. Although not shown in the figures, the upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 may be bent and inclined at an acute angle with respect to their connecting portions.

In the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, a rigid support 30 is formed at the same position as the fifth embodiment (in the upper region of the spring between the uppermost wiring and the intermediate wiring) and, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are bent and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to their connecting portions. Although not shown in the figures, the upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 may be bent and inclined at an acute angle with respect to their connecting portions.

In the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, a rigid support 30 is formed at the same position as the sixth embodiment (in the lower region of the spring between the intermediate wiring and the lowermost wiring) and, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 are bent and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to their connecting portions. Although not shown in the figures, the upper and lower ends of the rigid support 30 may be bent and inclined at an acute angle with respect to their connecting portions.

In the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, a rigid support 30 is formed at the same position as the seventh embodiment (in the upper region of the spring between the uppermost wiring and the intermediate wiring and in the lower region of the spring between the intermediate wiring and the lowermost wiring) and, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, upper and lower ends of first and second rigid supports 30a and 30b are bent and inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to their connecting portions. Although not shown in the figures, the upper and lower ends of the first and second rigid supports 30a and 30b may be bent and inclined at an acute angle with respect to their connecting portions.

As such, according to the pocket spring structures of the eighth to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention, since the upper and lower ends of the rigid supports 30 are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle, the vertical rigidity is somewhat lower than that of the vertical rigid supports according to the first to seventh embodiments. However, the impact absorbing process can be clearly separated based on the magnitude of the load applied to the mattress and, at the same time, the impact absorption can be more smoothly performed.

That is, since the rigid supports 30 according to the eighth to fourteenth embodiments are inclined, the rigid supports 30 themselves are partially compressed by the applied load, and thus the impact absorbing process can be clearly separated based on the magnitude of the load applied to the mattress and, at the same time, the impact absorption can be more smoothly performed.

In the same manner, according to the eighth to fourteenth embodiments, the inclined rigid supports 30 can provide the user with elasticity and comfort suitable for the user according to the magnitude of the load in such a manner that the impact absorbing process is clearly separated by the rigid supports 30 based on the magnitude of the applied load. Especially, the compressive action of the springs 12 in the pockets 14 is separately performed by the rigid supports 30 based on the magnitude of the applied load, thereby preventing the deformation of the springs and improving the durability.

Meanwhile, while the rigid support 30 is integrally formed with the body spring 20 of the pocket spring in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, a total of three rigid supports 30 may be simultaneously formed at the intermediate wiring 25, the uppermost wiring 22, and the lowermost wiring 26 of the body spring 20. Moreover, a total of three rigid supports 30 may be simultaneously formed at the intermediate wiring 25 of the body spring 20, at the wiring between the uppermost wiring 22 and the intermediate wiring 25, and at the wiring between the intermediate wiring 25 and the lowermost wiring 26.

As such, while the rigid support 30 applied to the pocket spring structure of the present invention is formed at the uppermost wiring 22, at the lowermost wiring 26, and at the uppermost and lowermost wirings 22 and 26, and at the intermediate wiring 25 of the body spring 20, the rigid support 30 can be formed in any region of the body spring 20 of the pocket spring 10.

As described above, the present invention provides the following effects.

According to the pocket spring structure of the present invention, in which a separate rigid support capable of resisting compressive strength due to applied load is integrally formed in a partial region of the spring mounted in the pocket formed of fabric such that the spring is not compressed by the rigid support and only the intermediate members provide a cushion force when a small load is applied to the bed mattress, and the spring is compressed to provide a cushion force when a large load is applied to the bed mattress, it is possible to provide the user with elasticity and comfort suitable for the user and prevent deformation of the spring.

That is, when a small load (to such a degree that a user tosses and turns) is applied to the bed mattress, the rigid support prevents the load from being transferred to the spring to allow the intermediate members to absorb the impact, and when a larger load (to such a degree that the user suddenly sits) is applied to the bed mattress, the rigid support transfers the load to the spring to allow the spring to absorb the impact.

As such, the spring in the pocket is compressed while the large and small loads are dispersed by the rigid support of the present invention, and thus it is possible to prevent the deformation of the spring and improve the durability of the spring.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pocket spring structure for a bed mattress, the pocket spring structure comprising:

a spring including a body spring wound a predetermined number of turns, an upper end spring integrally connected to the top of the body spring, and a lower end spring integrally connected to the bottom of the body spring; and

a pocket in which the spring is mounted and sealed,

wherein the pocket spring structure further comprises a rigid support resisting compressive strength due to applied load and integrally formed in a partial region of the body spring of the spring.

2. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

3. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

4. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

5. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

6. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support comprises:

a first rigid support integrally formed at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that the first rigid support is vertically arranged, and

a second rigid support integrally formed at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that the second rigid support is vertically arranged.

7. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support comprises;

a first rigid support integrally formed at an uppermost wiring of the body spring connected to the upper end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the first rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle, and

a second rigid support integrally formed at a lowermost wiring of the body spring connected to the lower end spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the second rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

8. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed at an intermediate wiring of the body spring in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

9. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed at an intermediate wiring of the body spring in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

10. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

11. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

12. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the rigid support is vertically arranged.

13. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is integrally formed only in a region where an intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.

14. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support comprises:

a first rigid support integrally formed in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the first rigid support is vertically arranged, and

a second rigid support integrally formed in a region where the intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that the second rigid support is vertically arranged.

15. The pocket spring structure of claim 1, wherein the rigid support comprises:

a first rigid support integrally formed in a region where an intermediate wiring and an uppermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the first rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle, and

a second rigid support integrally formed in a region where the intermediate wiring and a lowermost wiring of the body spring are connected to each other in such a manner that upper and lower ends of the second rigid support are bent and inclined at an obtuse or acute angle.