Supporting device, notably mattress, mattress support or for a seat

[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT application No. PCT/CH01/00331 filed May 28, 2001 under Swiss priority, the content of which is hereby incorporated.

[0002] The present invention concerns mattresses, mattress supports for beds or seats, comprising a group of fluid-holding chambers that communicate their pressure.

[0003] In order to find a solution to the comfort inconveniences of traditional mattresses (latex, springs, foam) and of water mattresses, several constructions of fluid-holding beds have been attempted.

[0004] None meets fully the requirements of ease of assembly, advanced modularity, reduced space requirement, flexibility, hygiene and comfort.

[0005] It is an aim of the present invention to propose a mattress or mattress support for beds or seats that avoids the inconveniences of the prior art mattresses.

[0006] According to the present invention, this aim is achieved in particular through the characteristics of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are moreover described in the dependent claims and in the description.

[0007] In particular, this aim is achieved by means of a mattress or mattress support for beds or seats comprising a group of fluid-holding chambers that transmit their pressure.

[0008] The invention will be better understood by reading the description of a preferred embodiment given by way of example and illustrated by the attached drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a cross section of two elements of the network with a representation of the water and air-circuits.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows the assembly of the device.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates the flexibility of the device.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a body resting on the device.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates the principle of the invention.

[0014] The device of the invention consists of a group of elements whose arrangement in a grid network forms a supporting device, notably a mattress, mattress support or seating device. Each element is composed of a bloc (1), whose lateral sides have openings enabling it to communicate with neighboring elements by means of flexible conduits (4), and, on its upper part, of a double flexible wall forming a double vertical cylindrical chamber (2), shown here bulging and filled with a light foam in order to retain a vertical position by default whilst exerting a force that is barely perceptible by the body.

[0015] The device comprises first a fluids circuit (A), isolated from external pressure and supporting the weight of a body. An air stream (B) diffuses at the upper extremities of the chambers and is capable of being fed by a ventilation (5).

[0016] Each flexible chamber transmits a small part of the body's weight to the fluid contained in the chambers of the neighboring elements. The fluid is put under pressure and this force is transmitted further to the other chambers through the conduits, so as to enable the pressure to be spread without zones of peaks or hollows on the body, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0017] The epidermal compression is diminished by the use of a padding (3) very permeable to air and placed on the upper part of each element.

[0018] Comfort is further increased by the air stream whose temperature and intensity are controlled by an adaptable ventilation (5).

[0019] The fluid's initial pressure is regulated by a pump (6) by means of a gauge (7) so that the body sinks as much as possible into the network of elements, thus minimizing the epidermal compression.

[0020] In order to simplify the description, the flexible conduits (4) have been superimposed in FIG. 1. In a variant embodiment of the invention, a better flexibility of adjustable mattresses or seat structures is achieved with juxtaposed flexible conduits as shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] It is also possible to conceive a double wall that can be folded in the manner of an accordion or of bellows, or that can be associated with a rigid and telescopic mechanism enabling a vertical guiding.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, air is used in the fluids circuit (A). If tightness to air or water is not an issue, it is possible to contemplate a communication between the two circuits. This solution enables the ventilator, air pump and gauge to be centralized.

[0023] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0024] 1. Ease of assembly and modularity: the elements are assembled as indicated in FIG. 2, by putting together the blocs by means of the conduits (4). As illustrated in FIG. 2, each element, when placed on the sides or corners of the device, does not require any additional part to ensure the air or water tightness of its outer sides. If the network is used as a mattress, the dismantled device is lighter and requires less space than a traditional mattress of the same size. It can be disassembled and reassembled equally well on a bed of other dimensions as long as the available number of elements covers its surface. The flexible chambers require much less space than known jack solutions.

[0025] 2. Flexibility: the network's design makes it suitable for being used on adjustable mattress supports. FIG. 3 illustrates the profile of the mattress capable of adapting to an adjustable mattress support.

[0026] 3. Hygiene and comfort: the air circulation at the upper extremities of the cylindrical chambers promotes the evaporation of any perspiration, which ensures a better respiration of the body parts in contact therewith. The possibility of modifying the temperature of the air circuit constitutes a certain advantage. Since it can be fully dismantled, the device can be entirely sterilized.