FR2846209A1 - Bed base with frame and slats has one or more slats connected to frame by transverse movement limiters in form of crossing straps - Google Patents

Abstract

The bed base (1'), made from parallel slats (2) mounted on a frame (50) with elastic foam elements (3, 3'), incorporates transverse movement limiters in the form of straps (10) connecting the frame to one or more of the slats. The straps can be fitted in an X or V-shaped configuration. The frame can be made with an additional intermediate lengthwise member (5) and elastic element (3) supporting the ends of slats in two rows. The base can be covered by a mattress (8) e.g. of foam with a cover (9) of a natural or synthetic material.

Description

SLEEPING STRUCTURE

  The present invention relates to a sleeping structure comprising slats arranged transversely on a chassis and forming at least partly a sleeping surface, at least part of these slats resting on the chassis by

  intermediate of at least one elastic member.

  Many types of sleeping structure have been developed in order to improve their comfort of use and respect for the anatomical profile of the users. One of the 10 most effective techniques is to make the sleeping structure partially mobile according to the pressure exerted by the weight of the user. This mobility can be obtained in particular by means of mattresses comprising pockets of liquid or mobile balls or by means of box springs, the upper part of which is for example provided with slats articulated with respect to each other. In these 15 solutions, the amplitude of the mobility of the sleeping structure is limited, which does not guarantee optimal comfort. In addition, these solutions are often expensive. Another solution, notably described in publication FR-A-2 807 928, consists in using a sleeping structure comprising a mattress carried by a set of slats arranged on blocks of foam and compression springs. The slats thus have a large range of vertical movement allowing the sleeping structure to conform according to the weight and morphology of the user, while ensuring effective support. In order to guarantee the transverse stability of the sleeping structure, the springs are interconnected by tensioners arranged crosswise. The lateral movements of the slats are thus limited by the tensioners but their arrangement generates significant forces on the springs which is particularly detrimental for their service life. In addition, this solution involves a large number of components and a high mounting cost not suitable for a

mass production.

  Another solution, described in publication DE-A-39 36 788, consists in using a sleeping structure comprising a mattress carried by a set of slats

  arranged on foam blocks held transversely by a rigid frame. The transverse movement of the slats is limited by the rigid frame which acts as a stop.

  The deformation of the foam blocks is also limited transversely by the frame, which has the drawback of stiffening the sleeping structure instead of giving it the greatest possible flexibility.

  These solutions are therefore not satisfactory and are moreover absolutely not

  suitable for wide beds.

  The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a robust sleeping structure, suitable for all sleeping widths, inexpensive, comfortable, respecting the anatomy of the users, having good support and having good resistance over time, of simple construction. and can easily be mass produced by an industrial process. To this end, the invention relates to a sleeping structure of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that it comprises stroke limiting means coupling the chassis to at least one of the slats resting on the elastic member so as to limit its transverse movement. The sleeping structure thus designed 25 makes it possible to avoid excessive stress on the elastic member and any risk of

  wedging between the elastic member and the slat.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the stroke limiting means comprise at least two strands of straps forming a pair limiting the transverse movement of said slats in both directions, these strands of strap being able to be arranged in a cross

or enV.

  Advantageously, the slats are arranged substantially parallel to each other and the chassis comprises at least two longitudinal members each carrying at least one

  elastic member on which the slats rest at least in part.

  The chassis preferably comprises at least one intermediate spar disposed between the spars and also carrying at least one elastic member. This configuration 10 makes it possible to distribute the load in particular for very wide beds, and moreover, to improve the comfort of the user by increasing the elastic capacity of the

sleeping structure.

  The sleeping structure advantageously comprises two rows of slats arranged substantially adjacent, at least part of the slats of each row resting respectively on one of the side members and on the intermediate side member by said corresponding elastic members. The two rows of slats not being integral, this configuration allows to separate the left and right parts of the

sleeping structure.

  According to a first embodiment, the elastic member consists of a block of foam which may comprise at least one housing arranged to receive at least part of a slat, facilitating the positioning of the slats during assembly and their maintenance in position relative to the foam block when using the sleeping structure.

  The elastic member is preferably fixed to at least one of the frame rails and / or to the batten by an assembly means chosen from the group comprising at least the

  gluing, stapling, nailing, riveting, pinning, clipping.

  According to an alternative embodiment, the sleeping structure comprises complementary slats arranged transversely between the frame rails and the elastic members, these complementary slats being able to be fixed on the rails 5 and / or the elastic members by an assembly means chosen from the group comprising at least gluing, stapling, nailing, riveting, pinning, clipping. In this alternative embodiment, each strap strand can advantageously be fixed to the side members by means of at least one of the complementary slats, the mounting of the structure then being facilitated. 10

  The frame, the slats and / or the complementary slats can be made of a material chosen from the group comprising at least wood and synthetic materials.

  The sleeping structure advantageously comprises a mattress arranged to cover the slats, a cover arranged to cover at least the mattress, the elastic members and at least partially the frame, and possibly an over-mattress.

arranged on the cover.

  The mattress and the over-mattress can be at least partly made with a material chosen from the group comprising at least traditional foams, viscoelastic shape memory foams, latex. The foam blocks of the elastic members and / or the mattress and / or the mattress overlay may include zones having different mechanical and / or physical characteristics adapted to the morphology

and / or user weight.

  The mattress and / or the over-mattress can also comprise at least one structure

on springs.

  The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several embodiments with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of

  of nonlimiting examples, in which: - Figures 1A and 1B are respectively cross-sectional and longitudinal views of a sleeping structure according to the invention, - Figures 2A and 2B are respectively cross-sectional and longitudinal views of an alternative embodiment of the sleeping structure of FIGS. 1A and 1B, - FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sleeping structure of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and - FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a variant of the structure

of sleeping of figure 3.

  With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sleeping structure 1 according to the invention comprises a set of slats 2 arranged transversely, substantially parallel to one another. They are carried by elastic members 3 formed from longitudinal foam blocks 3 arranged substantially perpendicular to the slats 2. These foam blocks 3 are themselves placed on complementary slats 4 arranged substantially parallel to the slats 2 and carried by a frame 50 formed at least two side members 5. The use of these 25 complementary slats 4 is optional, the foam blocks 3 being able to be placed directly on the frame 50. The side members S are substantially parallel to the foam blocks 3 which they carry and are connected at their ends by crosspieces 5 'so as to form a rigid frame intended to be placed directly on the ground or supported by feet. This frame can be fixed or articulated to present, for example, a lifting head and / or feet. The foam blocks 3 are fixed to the slats 2 and to the complementary slats 4 by any suitable assembly means (not shown) such as by

  example gluing, stapling, nailing, riveting, pinning, clipping.

  The frame 50 and / or the slats 2 and / or the complementary slats 4 can be made of wood or any other suitable material. The slats 2 and the complementary slats 4 are preferably made of a multilayer or monolayer material such as wood, a synthetic material or any other equivalent material. They can have a curve or be flat. This sleeping structure 1 is completed by a mattress 8 disposed on the slats 2 and covered with a cover 9 to form a sleeping structure 1 complete with mattress integrated into the bed base. At its ends, the mattress 8 is placed on foam blocks 3 'transverse. The mattress 8 is for example cut from a plate of traditional foam, viscoelastic memory foam, latex or any mixture of

  these foams, for example of different densities or any other suitable material. The cover 9 is folded over the mattress 8, the foam blocks 3 and the frame 50.

  The cover 9 can be made with the aid of a fabric assembled or not with a filling material. This fabric is for example woven and made from cotton, polypropylene, polyester, viscose, polyamides or any other material.

  This fabric can also be nonwoven and made from a mixture of viscose and polypropylene. The filling material is, for example, cotton wool,

  foam, wool or any suitable mixture.

  Certain slats 2 are connected to the chassis 50 by means of stroke limiting means comprising a pair of crossed strands of strap 10. The ends of each of the strap strands 10 are fixed one to the slat 2, the other to one of the side members 5. The strap strands 10 partially pass through the sleeping structure 1 passing in the intervals separating the complementary slats 4. By connecting individually, in this example, one batten 2 of two to the side members 5, the strands of straps 10 make it possible to limit the transverse movement of the slats 2 relative to the chassis 50 and therefore to limit the transverse deformation of the foam blocks 3 Therefore, the slats 2 do not disengage from the foam blocks 3 even when the sleeping structure 1 is alternately stressed and at rest. In addition, the limitation of transverse displacement

  slats 2 makes it possible to reduce the deformation of the sleeping structure 1 by preventing it from becoming biased. Of course, the number of slats 2 connected to the chassis 50 and their configuration can be chosen according to the use of the sleeping structure 1.

  Each pair of strands of straps 10 can be formed by a strap folded in two or by two separate straps. The strap strands 10 are for example made of polypropylene or cotton. These strap strands 10 may or may not be elastic. They can of course be advantageously replaced by cords fulfilling the same function or any other equivalent means. The number of slats 2 and of complementary slats 4 is adapted as a function of the use of the sleeping structure 1 and determined so as to avoid the hooking phenomenon which occurs when the foam blocks 3 are compressed to the maximum and form a fixed stop whose damping effect is nonexistent. This hooking phenomenon depends on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the foam as well as on the sections of the foam blocks 3. To avoid this, it is possible to choose a number of complementary slats 4 different from the number of

slats 2.

  When a user is supported on the sleeping structure 1, the mattress 8 is deformed and transmits the force to which it is subjected to the slats 2 arranged in overhang. These slats 2 remain independent and then exert pressure on the foam blocks 3 which deform, allowing a greater amplitude of movement than slats spring alone. This sleeping structure 1 thus easily conforms as a function of the morphology and the weight of the user. The combination of the slats 2, the foam blocks 3 and the mattress 8 ensures the comfort and the flexible and effective support of the user's body. In addition, the elasticity of the foam blocks 3 allows the sleeping structure 1 to quickly return to its rest position as soon as the user is no longer in support.

  According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the foam blocks 3 are sectioned into unitary foam blocks of reduced dimensions and each carrying one or more slats 2. These unitary foam blocks can be connected together or not.

  According to another alternative embodiment, not shown, one of the ends of each strap strand 10 can be fixed to a complementary slat 4, the complementary slat 4 being moreover fixed to the frame 50, by any assembly means 15 such as for example by gluing, nailing, stapling, riveting, pinning,

  clipping. In this configuration, the strands of straps 10 can be arranged crosswise or for example in a V. When they form a V, the base of this V can be fixed on the complementary slat 4 and its ends on the slat 2 or vice versa .

  According to yet another alternative embodiment, the foam blocks 3, 3 'are placed directly on the side rails 5, 5' on which they are fixed and not on the complementary slats 4. In this case, the complementary slats 4 can be deleted. FIGS. 2A, 2B illustrate another embodiment of a sleeping structure 1 ′, substantially similar to the previous one and suitable for very large sleeping arrangements in which the chassis 50 comprises at least one intermediate spar 5 "arranged between the spars 5 substantially parallel to the side members 5 and to the center. In this case, the complementary slats 4 are placed on the side members 5 and the intermediate side member 5 ", and two additional blocks of foam 3" are placed on the complementary slats 4 au- above the spar

intermediate 5 ".

  In a variant embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 2A, 2B and not shown, the chassis 50 does not include an intermediate spar and the slats

  are not supported in the middle part.

  The sleeping structure 1 ′ of FIGS. 2A, 2B comprises two rows of slats 2, 2 '10 arranged substantially adjacent so that each slat 2, 2' rests simultaneously on a block of foam 3 disposed on a transverse spar 5 and on a block of foam 3 "disposed on the intermediate spar 5 '. The slats 2, 2' of each row can be arranged facing each other. Some slats 2, 2 'are connected, as for the previous sleeping structure 1, to the side members 5 and 15 to the intermediate side member 5 "by a pair of strands of crossed or V-shaped straps 10. When the slats 2, 2 ′ of two adjacent rows are facing each other, the strands of the straps 10 , 10 'can be formed by a single strap, by two, three or

by four straps.

  In an alternative embodiment not shown, the slats 2, 2 'rest, in the central area of the sleeping structure 1', on a single block of additional foam 3 ".

  According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the sleeping structure 1, 1 ′ may comprise two rows of complementary slats 4 arranged adjacent to each other.

  Figure 3 illustrates in perspective the alternative embodiment of the structure of

sleeping 1 'of Figures 2A and 2B.

  As illustrated in this figure, the foam blocks 3, 3 "may have on their upper and / or lower parts of the housings 11, for example in the form of grooves, so as to receive for example the ends of the slats 2, 2 ' and / or complementary slats 4. When mounting the sleeping structure 1, 1 ', the regular positioning of the slats 2, 2' and the complementary slats 4 relative to the foam blocks 3, 3 "is thus facilitated. These housings 11 also make it possible to increase the resistance of bonding, stapling, nailing, riveting, pinning, clipping making it possible to fix the slats 2, 2 ′ and / or the complementary slats 4 on the foam blocks 3, 3 ". FIG. 4 illustrates the sleeping structure 1 ′ of FIG. 3 supplemented by a mattress topper 6 disposed on the cover 9. This mattress overlay 6 can itself be enclosed in a protective cover 11. It can be made from memory foam, latex, cotton or any other suitable material.

  In the examples illustrated, the frame 50 forms a substantially parallelepiped frame. It is understood that this frame 50 can have any other suitable shape such as for example a triangle, a hexagon, a trapezoid, etc. The chassis 50 can also be formed by two longitudinal members 5 fixed for example to the ground or to walls.

  Likewise, in the examples illustrated, the slats 2, 2 ′ and the complementary slats 4 are arranged substantially parallel to one another, at regular intervals and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal members 5. They can also be arranged, for example, substantially parallel between them and inclined with respect to the longitudinal members 5. The intervals between the slats 2, 2 ′ can vary according to their location on the chassis 50 and the load they are intended to carry. It is thus possible to provide different lift zones. Slats 2, 2 'can

  also be arranged in a chevron or according to any other suitable arrangement.

he

  This description clearly shows that the sleeping structure 1, 1 ′ according to the invention makes it possible to meet the goals set and that in particular, due to the connection between the strands of strap 10 and the chassis 50, the foam blocks 3 , 3 "are not excessively stressed 5 transversely. User comfort is moreover

  significantly increased due to the limitation of the deformation of the supporting structure 1 which cannot be biased excessively. Thus, the risk of dislocation of the slats 2, 2 'and / or the complementary slats 4 with respect to the foam blocks 3, 3 "are reduced. The fact of using two rows of adjacent slats 2, 2' 10 makes it possible to apply the same construction principle to larger sleeping surfaces. It is therefore possible to manufacture large sleeping surfaces without this being to the detriment of user comfort since the sleeping structure of each user is differentiated from that of its neighbor. The foam blocks 3, 3 ', 3 "allow their resilience that the sleeping structure 1, 1' deforms according to the intensity and the place of application of the load which it carries and that 'she returns to her rest position quickly. The use of a mattress 8 and, where appropriate, a mattress overlay 6 made of memory foam also makes it possible to increase the comfort of the sleeping structure 1, 1 'which conforms to the shape of the body and returns perfectly in its initial resting position. 20 Furthermore, the fact that the strap strands 10 are fixed to the chassis 50 allows easy mounting of the entire sleeping structure 1, 1 ′, the straps being able to be put in place and crossed before the longitudinal foam blocks are inserted. 3, 3 ". This sleeping structure 1, 1 'can be used for any type of application in which it is desirable that the sleeping surface conforms according to the

  shape of the person and / or robjet resting on it.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of the protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

claims   1. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') comprising slats (2, 2') arranged transversely on a frame (50) and forming at least partly a sleeping surface, at least part of these slats (2, 2 ) resting on said chassis (50) by means of at least one elastic member (3, 3 '), characterized in that it comprises stroke limiting means coupling said chassis (50) to at least one of said slats (2 , 2 ') resting on said elastic member so as to limit its transverse displacement.   2. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that said stroke limiting means comprise at least two strands of straps (10) forming   a pair limiting the transverse movement of said slat (2, 2 ') in both directions.   3. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 2, characterized in that said strap strands (10) are crossed.   4. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 2, characterized in that said   strap strands (10) are arranged in V.   5. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that said slats (2, 2') are arranged substantially parallel to each other and in that said frame (50) comprises at least two longitudinal members (5 ) each carrying at least one elastic member (3, 3 ') on which said slats (2, 2') rest at least in part. 25 6. Sleeping structure (1 ') according to claim 5, characterized in that said chassis (50) also comprises at least one intermediate spar (5 ") arranged   between said beams (5) and carrying at least one elastic member (3 ").   7. Sleeping structure (1 ') according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises two rows of slats (2, 2') arranged substantially adjacent, and in that at least part of said slats (2, 2 ') of each row rests respectively on one of said beams (5) and on said intermediate beam (5 ") by said corresponding elastic members (3, 3"). 8. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that said   elastic member (3, 3 ") consists of at least one block of foam.   9. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 8, characterized in that said foam block comprises at least one housing (11) arranged to receive at least part of a slat (2, 2 ').   10. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 5, characterized in that said elastic member (3, 3 ") is fixed to at least one of said beams (5, 5") and / or to said slat (2, 2 ') by an assembly means chosen from the group comprising at least the   gluing, stapling, nailing, riveting, pinning, clipping.   11. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises complementary slats (4) arranged transversely between said said   longitudinal members (5, 5 ") and said elastic members (3, 3").   12. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 11, characterized in that said complementary slats (4) are fixed on said spar (5, 5 ") and said elastic member (3, 3") by a means of assembly chosen from the group comprising at   minus gluing, stapling, nailing, riveting, pinning, clipping.   13. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 12, characterized in that each strap strand (10) is fixed to said beam (5, 5 ") by means of at   at least one of said complementary slats (4).   14. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that at least said frame (50) and / or one of said slats (2, 2 ') and / or one of said complementary slats (4) is made of a material chosen from the   group comprising at least wood, plastics.   15. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it comprises a mattress (8) arranged to cover the said slats (2, 2 ').   16. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a cover (9) arranged to cover at least said mattress (8), said   elastic members (3, 3 ") and at least in part said frame (50).   17. Sleeping structure (1 ') according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a mattress overlay (6) arranged to be disposed on said cover (9). 20   18. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said mattresses (8) and / or said over-mattress (6) is at least partly made with a material chosen from the group comprising at least   traditional foams, viscoelastic shape memory foams, latex. 25   19. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said foam blocks (3, 3 ") and / or said mattress (8) and / or said over-mattress (6) comprises zones having characteristics   different mechanical and / or physical.   (8) and / or said mattress overlay (6) comprises zones having characteristics   different mechanical and / or physical.   20. Sleeping structure (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said mattresses (8) and / or said over-mattress (6)   has at least one spring structure.