CN103228183A - Adjustable contour mattress system - Google Patents

Abstract

A contourable mattress is provided with a plurality of belts, each belt having a mattress height that is independently adjustable by a corresponding electromechanical actuator. The actuator is disposed within the mattress between a base member and an upper mattress layer. A control unit is connected to the actuator for operating the actuator to alternately raise and lower the corresponding belt of the upper mattress layer. A remote controller is operably connected to the control unit and includes command input elements that enable a single user to selectively operate the actuator independently of the other actuators, thereby enabling the user to adjust the height of the belts independently of each other.

Description

Adjustable Contour Mattress System

technical field

The present invention relates to a mattress having an adjustable contour.

Background technique

Standard off-the-shelf mattresses and pillows are not designed to meet an individual's needs for contour and firmness, and thus fail to provide proper support to the user's spine and neck. In particular, many seniors have difficulty finding a mattress and pillow on the market that fits 100% of their needs to relieve shoulder pain due to the suboptimal contour and firmness of their mattress for inadequate body support , neck pain, back pain.

The prior art includes air-filled mattresses for pressure sore relief and air-filled mattresses with low contact pressure for comfort. Adjustable bed support frames (like those commonly used in hospitals) are also commercially available.

However, there are no mattresses and pillows on the market that can be customized to fit a mattress to an individual's needs in the same way that custom-made shoes and clothing can be used.

Therefore, there is a need to mass-produce mattresses and pillows that are affordable to the public but also allow users to adjust the contours themselves according to their desires.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mattress. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mattress that enables custom modification of the mattress profile according to the needs and preferences of an individual user. As used herein, the term "profile" refers to the shape of the upper surface of a mattress. The profile is changeable upon operation of a plurality of mattress height manipulators and is user adjustable. The mattress profile may be adjustably variable in only one dimension along the length of the mattress or in two dimensions including both length and width.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a manually adjustable electromechanical mattress that allows the user to adjust and change the contour of the mattress and pillows to get the best support he or she desires.

The present invention specifically contemplates a mattress system provided with a plurality of straps starting from the ends of the pillow along its entire or partial length (see Figure 1).

An adjustable contour mattress system according to the present invention includes a support frame, a mattress, manipulators, a control unit and a remote controller. The support frame has at least one floor member along the bottom perimeter of the frame, and the mattress has an at least partially elastic upper layer and is provided with a plurality of height adjustable straps. The manipulators are equal in number to the mattress straps and are placed between the mattress topper member and the upper layer. A control unit is operatively connected to the manipulator for operating the manipulator in a manner that alternately raises and lowers the corresponding belt of the upper level. A remote controller is operatively connected to the control unit and includes command input elements enabling a single user to selectively operate the manipulator independently of the other manipulators, whereby the users can adjust the height of the belt independently of each other. Control with height can be done in real-time, ie, while the user is on the mattress. Alternatively, or in addition, user adjustments to mattress strap height may be effected via electronic storage of the user-adjusted mattress profile and subsequent operation of the mattress height manipulator in accordance with the stored mattress profile. Typically, adjusting the mattress contour is done while the user is lying on the mattress. Contour adjustments may be stored as "canned" contours at user direction.

The control unit and the remote control can be incorporated into the same housing, which can be a hand-held device or a desktop control room. The remote controller and control unit can be operatively connected to the manipulator via wires or wireless transmission paths. Where a hand-held remote and a control unit are provided in separate cases, the hand-held remote and control unit may be operatively connected to the control unit via a hardwired or a wireless transmission path.

It is contemplated that the manipulator comprises a mechanical linkage, preferably electric. Each manipulator may include a motor with a reduction gearbox operatively connected to a screw shaft for rotating the shaft alternately in two opposite directions. At each end the screw shaft is connected to the drive gearbox and a nut.

Optionally, each manipulator may comprise a scissor-like linkage, at least one cam member, a screw jack manipulator, or a rack and pinion assembly.

In another optional embodiment, the manipulator is a linear manipulator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or a motorized ball screw linear manipulator.

According to the invention, a method for adjusting a mattress comprises providing a mattress having a plurality of height-adjustable straps and a plurality of manipulators equal in number to the straps and placed within the mattress, operating the manipulators To lift the belt to the corresponding height, and operate the remote controller to selectively adjust a single one of the manipulators to adjust the height of the corresponding mattress belt.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is partly open schematic isometric view and partly is a block diagram of a mattress system according to the present invention.

2 is a schematic partial side view of a manipulator assembly in the height adjustment strap of the mattress system of FIG. 1 in a folded or low-elevation configuration.

Figure 3 is a schematic partial side view similar to Figure 2 showing the manipulator in a raised or high elevation configuration.

Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal section view of the mattress of Figure 1 showing a contoured mattress topper.

5A-5D are schematic partial side views of alternative mattress height manipulators in accordance with the present invention.

6 is a schematic isometric view of a partially open mattress in another adjustable mattress height system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of a linear mattress height manipulator that may be used with the mattress of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of components of the control unit and remote controller shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of components of the central processing unit shown in FIG. 8 .

Detailed ways

As shown in FIG. 1 , a contour-adjustable mattress system includes a support frame 10 , a mattress 12 , manipulators 14 , a control unit 16 and a remote controller 18 . The support frame 10 has at least one floor member 20 along the bottom perimeter of the frame. Mattress 12 has an at least partially resilient upper layer 22 of padded or foam material and is provided with a plurality of height-adjustable straps 24 . Manipulators 14 are equal in number to mattress straps 24 and are positioned between inner floor member 20 and upper layer 22 of mattress 12 . A control unit 16 is operatively connected to the manipulators 14 for operating the manipulators independently of each other to alternately raise and lower the respective belts 24 of the upper tier 22 . Remote controller 18 is operatively connected to control unit 16 and includes command input elements 26 (eg keypad in FIG. 4 ) enabling a human user USR ( FIG. 4 ) to selectively or separately operate manipulator 14 , enabling the user to adjust the height of the straps 24 independently of each other. Typically, adjusting the mattress contour is done while the user is lying on the mattress. Contour adjustments may be stored as "canned" contours at user direction. Thus, direct adjustment of a pair of mattress contours in response to user manipulation of the remote control 18 is only possible during the calibration phase. Subsequent changes to the mattress profile will only occur in response to the user's selection of a specially stored mattress profile. Of course, once the user selects a stored mattress profile, whether that profile is according to factory instructions or a pre-programmed profile that includes a user-selected mattress height adjustment, the user can operate the remote control 18 to adjust or " Fine-tune” various mattress strap heights.

The control unit 16 and the remote control 18 may be incorporated into the same housing 28, which may be a handheld device box or a desktop control cabinet. Alternatively, the remote controller 18 and the control unit 16 may be provided in separate enclosures, and the hand-held device may be operatively connected to the control unit via a direct wired or a wireless transmission path 34 (FIG. 4). Remote controller 18 and control unit 16 may be operably connected to manipulator 14 via electrical wires 30 or wireless transmission connection 32 ( FIG. 2 ).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the manipulator 14 includes pairs of mechanical linkages 36 each connected to a drive shaft 40 via a respective nut 38 . Each manipulator 14 further includes an electric motor 42 with a built-in reduction gearbox operatively connected to the drive shaft or screw shaft 40 for rotating the shaft alternately in two opposite directions. In response to instructions from the user USR via the remote control 18, the control unit 16 activates each motor 42 to rotate the corresponding screw shaft 40 in one or the other direction to raise or lower the corresponding belt 24 of the mattress topper 22 as required.

Linkage 36 lifts the corresponding height adjustable strap 24 when nuts 38 are moved inwardly (towards each other, see FIG. 3 ), or lowers the bottom of the adjustable strap when the nuts are moved outward (towards opposite sides). The linkage 36 is pivotally connected at its bottom end to the base plate 20 and at its upper end to a corresponding generally rigid upper plate portion 43 . Each upper panel portion 43 supports a corresponding foam mattress lower portion 45 upon which the mattress topper 22 is placed.

FIG. 4 shows the upper layer 22 of the mattress 12 contoured according to the preferences and needs of the user USR.

As shown in FIG. 5A , each manipulator 14 may include a scissor-like linkage 44 . Each scissors-like linkage 44 includes a pair of arms 46 pivotally connected to each other at pin 48, a pair of arms 46 connected to base plate 20 and an upper plate portion 50 at pivot pin 52 Block 54 is slidably connected to upper plate portion 50 and bottom plate 20 . As indicated by arrow 58, a linear force 56 applied to linkage 44 causes upper panel portion 50 and an overlying mattress belt 24 to translate upwardly.

As shown in FIG. 5B, each manipulator 14 may optionally include a pair of cam members 60, 62 mounted on respective pulleys or gears 64, 66 that are alternately drawn in through a motor 72. An endless belt or chain 68 movable in alternate directions.

As shown in FIG. 5C , each mattress height manipulator 14 may optionally take the form of a jack screw manipulator comprising a screw rod 74 secured at an upper end to an upper plate portion 76 . The screw 74 threadably engages a drive gear 78 which is rotatably held in a fixed vertical position by a support plate 80 and which is in driving engagement with a pinion 82 of an electric motor 84 . Upper plate portion 76 carries a pair of guide pins that slideably pass through openings (not shown) in support plate 80 . Other effective configurations of screw jack manipulators will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 5D shows a rack and pinion assembly 86 that can be used as a mattress height manipulator 14 . The rack and pinion assembly 86 includes two racks 88 , two pinions 90 and a guide plate 92 .

In FIG. 1, the height adjustment straps 24 are elongated regions each extending across a substantial portion of the width of the mattress. Figure 6 shows a mattress 94 having a grid of height adjustment straps 96 in a central region, and corresponding elongated straps 98 and 100 at a head region and foot region (not separately labeled). Within the grid area, the mattress 94 includes linear actuators 102 in the form of hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders (see also FIG. 7 ) or motorized ball screw linear actuators. Each linear manipulator 102 includes a body 104 and a piston 106 . The main body 104 is secured to a bottom (generally firm) plate 108 of the mattress 94, while an upper end of the piston 106 is secured to a generally firm upper plate portion 110, which supports a portion of a soft mattress lower portion 112.

The remote controller 18 and/or a console (not separately shown) of the control unit 16 may provide a display (not shown) which provides menu selections or options, instructions, messages and advice to the user USR. The control unit 16, via a keypad or touch screen interface 114 of the remote control 18 (see FIG. 6), may provide the user USR with the option to select from a number of "canned" or pre-programmed sets of mattress strap heights. Other selections may also be made from user-generated or user-modified sets of mattress strap heights. Based on this pre-existing selection of mattress strap height series, the user has the ability to adjust the height of each strap 24, 96, 98, 100 to meet the user's needs and preferences at the time. Such modifications can be stored in the control unit 16 as individual mattress profiles for later selection and adjustment.

The control unit 16 typically stores mattress profiles or sets of belt heights for the following basic sleeping positions: lying flat, lying flat, lying on the left side and lying on the right side. Modifications to these may include corresponding head tilt and thigh inclination. The modification of the reclining position is the bending of the lumbar to a greater or lesser degree close to the seated position.

The width "W" of the straps 24, 96, 98, 100 can vary and typically range from 1 inch to 24 inches. The length "L" of the "mesh" strip 96 (FIG. 6) may have a value between 3 inches and 12 inches.

The range of vertical displacement of each belt 24, 96, 98, 100 is variable and ranges from 1 inch to 10 inches. The control unit 16 can be programmed to limit the height difference between adjacent belts where a large height difference would be impractical or place undue stress on the mattress topper 22 and the user USR.

The height adjustment of the mattress straps under the pillows 116, 118 (FIGS. 1, 4, 6) also changes the pillow profile and provides head and neck support as desired by the user USR.

Any desired pillow and mattress profile can be obtained by combining the positions of the individual straps 24, 96, 98, 100 (see Fig. 4).

A mattress 12 as described herein may include a non-height adjustable padding or foam portion 120 .

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 16 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 124 that accesses a memory 126 containing program instructions for directing and enabling the control unit to communicate with the user via the remote control 18 and to manipulate various Height adjustment manipulator 128 . The first data store 130 contains a pre-programmed set of mattress belt heights consisting of a number of "canned" sleeping positions. The second data store 132 contains sets of mattress belt heights that have been modified based on user input. CPU 124 communicates with remote controller 18 via a transmitter 134 and a receiver 136 of control unit 16 and a receiver 138 and transmitter 140 of remote unit 18 . Remote unit 18 further includes a CPU 142 which operates under instructions from resident program memory 143 to control a display 144 and to receive user instructions from a command input device 146 in the form of a keypad. The functions of display 144 and keypad 146 may be combined in a touch screen.

Control unit 16 and remote controller 18 may incorporate or include one or more microprocessors. Therefore, CPU 124 may be realized by a microprocessor. In this case, CPU 124 includes general purpose digital processing circuitry modified by programming from instruction memory 126 to perform the altitude adjustment functions described herein. Optionally, control unit 16 and/or remote controller 18 may include circuitry partially integrated with hardware-connected components for processing user selection of mattress strap height, storing coded mattress profile data containing user height adjustments ( For example, in the data storage device 132 ), and send signals to the manipulator 128 for controlling the mattress profile in accordance with user input. A combination of hardware connection and general program modification circuit is also another optional embodiment. Such alternative control unit embodiments are within the purview of those skilled in the art.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the CPU 124 includes functional modules including a contour selection module 148 , a manipulator activation module 150 and a height adjustment module 152 . Contour selection module 148 is connected at input to data storage devices 130 and 132 and memory 126 and is connected at input and output to full manipulator activation module 150 and height adjustment module 152 . The manipulator activation module 150 is in turn connected to the instruction or program memory 126 and at an output to the manipulator 128 ( FIG. 8 ). Altitude adjustment module 152 is connected to memory 126 and remote controller 18 via transmitter 134 and receiver 136 .

In response to a user's profile selection (eg, lying flat, lying on the right side, etc.) received from remote controller 18 via height adjustment module 152 , profile selection module 128 retrieves the appropriate profile data from storage device 130 . The profile selection module 128 checks by accessing the data store 132 whether the user has previously modified the profile data for the selected gesture. The profile selection module 128 forwards the profile information (and adjusted altitude data, if any) to the manipulator activation module 150 for operating the manipulator 128 . The manipulator activation module 150 periodically queries the height adjustment module 152 as to whether any mattress strap heights have been modified from the stored value. The height adjustment module 152 communicates with the remote controller 18 to receive any requests from the user to make adjustments to the current mattress profile, as well as to store requests for adjustments. In the case of the latter type of request, the height adjustment module 152 accesses the storage device 132 to appropriately change the height or profile information stored therein. CPU 142 of remote controller 18 includes modular components for powering display 144 and collecting user input requests via keypad 146 .

As noted above, the profile selection module 148, the manipulator activation module 150, and the height adjustment module 152 may be implemented by general purpose digital processing circuitry modified by programming from the instruction memory 126 to effectuate the height adjustments described herein Function. Alternatively the contour selection module 148, the manipulator activation module 150 and the height adjustment module 152 may comprise hardwired integrated circuits or a combination of hardwired and general program modified circuits.

While the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art can, based on this teaching, make further modifications without departing from the spirit or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Examples and modifications. For example, the control unit and remote controller may be pre-programmed with different series of belt heights, each different series of belt heights corresponding to a respective sleeping posture or position of a typical user. During initial use of the mattress system, the user selects a desired preferred series of heights and lays down on the bed (not necessarily in that order). The user then optionally adjusts the belt height to his liking. Once a comfortable configuration is found, the user can instruct the control unit via the remote control (or a separate console or keypad) to store the configuration for future use.

Adjustment of mattress belt height may be accomplished by other types of manipulators than the electro-mechanical manipulators discussed here above. For example, a mattress may include a plurality of pressurized compartments operably connected to a source of compressed air via corresponding valves, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,107,642, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. . In accordance with the present invention, a single user interacts with a control unit to adjust the height (or pressure) of individual mattress compartments to create a customized mattress profile stored in coded format in memory. During subsequent use of the mattress adjusting device, the control unit operates the valves to increase or decrease the pressure in the individual compartments according to the stored custom mattress profile data.

Therefore, it should be understood that the drawings and description herein are provided by way of example to aid understanding of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Claims (15)

1. the mattress system that can adjust profile, it comprises:

One support frame, it has at least one base plate member along the bottom periphery of described framework;

One mattress, it has to the resilient upper strata of small part and provides the band of a plurality of independently height-adjustable;

A plurality of executors, it quantitatively equates with described band and is placed between inherent described base plate member of described mattress and the described upper strata;

One control module, it may be operably coupled to described executor, is used to operate described executor, alternately to improve and to reduce the corresponding band on described upper strata; And

One remote controllers, it may be operably coupled to described control module, and described remote controllers have the order input element, and it makes unique user can select the height of described band independently of each other.

2. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, described executor comprises mechanical linkage.

3. mattress system according to claim 2, wherein, described executor is electronic.

4. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, each described executor comprises that all one has the motor of Speed Decreaser Gearbox, it may be operably coupled to a helical axis and is used for alternately rotating described axle in opposite direction.

5. mattress system according to claim 4, wherein, described helical axis is connected to a driving gearbox and a nut in each end.

6. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, each described executor comprises a scissors-like linkage.

7. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, each described executor comprises at least one cam member.

8. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, each described executor comprises a screw jack executor.

9. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, each described executor comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly.

10. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, each described executor comprises a linear executor.

11. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, described linear executor is selected from the group of being made up of the linear executor of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder and a motorization ball screw.

12. mattress system according to claim 1, wherein, described remote controllers have makes unique user can select the order input element of the height of described band independently of each other.

13. a method of adjusting mattress, it comprises:

Provide one have a plurality of height-adjustable band mattress and quantitatively equate with described band and place a plurality of executors with exercisable relation with respect to described mattress with the adjustment of finishing the mattress profile;

Operate described executor so that described band is promoted to corresponding height; And

Operate remote controllers and select the height of the single band of described band, the operation of described executor be consistent as height via the single band of the selected described band of operation of described remote controllers.

14. method according to claim 13, wherein, the operation of described remote controllers comprises the storage data of the height of the single band that produces the Height Adjustment signal and revise the described band of coding automatically.

15. method according to claim 13, wherein, the operation of described executor comprises that operation one control module reference to storage extracts at least in part by the determined mattress altitude information of the operation of described remote controllers.

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