A body support platform

The present invention relates to a body supporting platform to provide its support.

Fundamentals of the Invention

There is a need to provide man with a comfortable platform supporting the body. The most common platforms that support the body include furniture, including beds, sofas, sofas, armchairs, benches, chairs etc. As other platforms that support the body, you can mention: operating tables, physiotherapy tables, dental chairs, tanning beds, etc. Thus, the term body supporting platform means any structure having a support plane that is intended to hold the human body for a certain period of time in a sitting or lying plane.

The support plane that is expected to hold the body for the longest period is the bed. To provide man with comfortable positions, sleep was carried out in series. One of the different work on conventional bed and mattress issues regarding this issue is the fact that people differ in body length, body weight, and physical condition. For example, some people have back problems.

are susceptible to

Traditional mattresses consist of a certain amount of appropriately connected springs. Springs of this type cannot move independently of the others.

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This problem was overcome by placing individual springs in individual pockets, although it is a solution used in mattresses available to consumers at a higher price. It is worth noting that in order to increase the user's comfort, the mattress must contain pockets of this kind, and a significant part of the layer of cushioning material should be placed above the springs. This layer prevents one spring from working independently of the others. To adapt mattresses to the needs of people of different body weights, you can equip them with springs of different voltages, e.g. soft, medium and hard. However, a certain spring tension is used throughout the mattress, and therefore cannot compensate for the different shapes of users' bodies. In addition, if, over time, some mattress springs become damaged or worn, or if the body shape or weight of the user changes, it is not possible to replace these springs. The mattress is a closed unit. It can only be inverted to provide different areas of the user's body with a different area of ​​elasticity.

When the mattress is worn out, sometimes the only sensible solution is to get rid of it. Recycling traditional mattresses is very difficult due to the uniform nature of the mattress and the combination of different materials used to make it. It cannot be denied that from the environmental point of view this situation is a significant problem.

The uniformity of traditional mattresses is a barrier to providing custom-made mattresses to users. The design of the spring pocket with cotton wool layers placed on them significantly reduces the possibility of offering the customer models of custom beds.

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In addition, traditional mattresses, which are formed from springs and factory-made fabrics, are difficult and expensive to clean, which they require when they get dirty, or are attacked by lice or other human pathogens.

EP0736278 presents an inflatable multi-layer body support pillow.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to introduce an improved body holding platform.

Summary of the Invention

One aspect of the present invention includes a body supporting platform designed to support the human body comprising one or more support units, each of these support units being:

many columns, each of which is a stack of substantially spherical and resilient balls that can be filled with fluid, where each ball belonging to the respective column is physically and fluidly associated only with adjacent balls within this column so that the column can be compressed independently from adjacent columns; and also the base constituting the main fluid reservoir;

the above-mentioned columns are arranged in series with the above-mentioned bases, and each of the above-mentioned columns is connected to this base in such a way that the lowest-placed balls of the respective columns are directly flow-connected to the main fluid tank; and wherein the uppermost balls of the respective columns together define the body support plane.

It is preferred that at least one ball in the column has a different strength than at least one of the others

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EP 2 542 201 balls in this column. It is important that the strength of at least one of the balls in the column is less than the strength of the one or more balls below that belonging to that column. It is preferred that the strength of each ball in the column is less than the strength of the ball belonging to the same column that is directly below it. It is important that at least one ball in the column is made of a different material from at least one other ball in the same column. It is preferred that at least one ball in the column has a thicker wall than at least one other ball belonging to the same column. It is important that at least one ball in the column has a different surface structure than at least one other ball in the same column. It is preferred that the surface of at least one ball in the column has at least one protrusion on its surface.

In the embodiment, at least one rim was placed around one or each unit to affect the strength of the units. It is preferred that the rim height is less than the ball height. Furthermore, it is preferred that the rim is positioned around the outer columns of the unit so that it lies essentially horizontally and has a dimension suitable for the supporting plane. It is expected that the rim will come into contact with the equators of the corresponding balls, at least some of the outer columns, and be substantially located in the plane encompassing the equator of each of the above balls. It is convenient for the connector to be located in a plane including physical connections between the respective adjacent balls belonging to each of the outer columns.

In an embodiment, multiple hoops have been placed around one unit, including the corresponding one

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EP 2 542 201 distance between them. It is worth noting that the strength of each of the hoops around the above unit is different than the strength of at least one of the other hoops gathered around the same unit. It is preferred that at least one hoop placed around the above mentioned unit was made of a different material than another hoop centered around the same unit. It is preferred that at least one rim around the above mentioned unit is thicker than another rim centered around the same unit.

In the example of embodiment, a sleeve has been arranged around at least one part of the aforementioned unit in order to affect its strength. It is preferred that the sleeve substantially surrounds the outer column. In addition, it is important that the sleeve has adequate strength.

In the embodiment example, there are adjacent balls located within a given column are physically connected to each other using various means of joining, glue, mechanical fastening or Velcro ™.

In an embodiment, the balls located within a given column are fluidly connected to each other by means of various holes, valves or liquid lines that pass through the entire height of said column.

In an embodiment, at least one column is movably connected to the base.

In the embodiment, the unit is a series of columns with dimensions N x M, which are arranged in a manner corresponding to a regular grid pattern.

In the embodiment, the balls are arranged in layers parallel to the plane supporting the body. It is preferred that the balls are made of flexible and substantially

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EP 2 542 201 air-impermeable material. It is preferred that the balls are made of elastomer.

In the embodiment, the base is concave and has a plurality of through holes, each of which serves to receive the lowest ball in a given column of the unit, including the opening that allows each of these balls to be in fluid communication with the main fluid reservoir. It is preferred that the through hole provides a spherical support plane to support at least a portion of the balls taken therefrom. It is convenient if the base is still equipped with a feed-through tank, thanks to which the main fluid tank can be refilled with liquid, the supply part is equipped with a one-way valve, which is to prevent the possible outflow of liquid from the main fluid tank. Preferably, each main fluid reservoir has an independent liquid source. It is convenient for this source to be one of the main channels.

In an embodiment, the body holding platform is one or more modules, each of which comprises multiple units. Preferably, the body supporting platform is equipped with one or more trays, while each of them receives the appropriate module.

In the embodiment, each base is further equipped with at least one opening to allow air to be divided among the columns belonging to the given units. Preferably, the body support platform includes a fan connected to at least one opening.

In the embodiment, the body supporting platform is also equipped with many actuators, each of which is adapted to move the respective column in a direction perpendicular to the supporting plane.

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The body is located at the end of said column so that it is distant from the plane supporting the body.

In an embodiment, the body supporting platform is further equipped with pressure sensors for determining the pressure applied to the body supporting plane, including a control unit that controls the actuators depending on the signals from said pressure sensors.

In an embodiment, the body holding platform includes a user interface that allows the user to select a body holding platform program, while said control unit is adapted to control said actuators according to the selected program.

In the embodiment, the body supporting platform further includes a ventilation system, included to provide ventilation through said support plane and a control system supervising said actuators and ventilation system, equipped with a user interface that allows selection of appropriate ventilation and tactile conditions of the support plane, as well as controlling said servomotors and ventilation system depending on user's settings. It is preferred that said control system is adapted to monitor the conditions of said actuators and equipped with an internet interface to enable remote monitoring of said conditions and the ventilation system.

In an embodiment, the balls comprise weldable air inlets that allow them to be controlled by pumping controlled by an aeration mechanism. It is best if the body support platform is also equipped with aeration means that are responsible for supplying the balls with gas in order to inflate them. It is desirable that mentioned

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The aeration means were adapted to pump balls with different final pressures. It is preferred that the aforementioned aeration means are adapted to inflate balls in various balls, columns, modules or units, with the possibility of achieving different end pressures.

It is convenient if the above-mentioned bed is equipped with additional elements, including servomotors providing a tactile impression on the support plane that is part of the body supporting platform, a ventilation system responsible for proper ventilation of the support plane and a control system used to control the above-mentioned cylinders and / or ventilation system and interface enabling system communication with external devices.

In the embodiment, the platform supporting the body includes a bed, which is equipped with many actuators activating the above-mentioned body support units, as well as a control system that is responsible for controlling the above-mentioned actuators, actuating in response to at least one excitation signal, system signal fire safety signal from smoke detector, anti-theft system signal and carbon monoxide detector system signal, and is also adapted to control the above-mentioned servomotors to create warning vibrations in the above-mentioned support plane.

In the embodiment, the platform supporting the body is equipped with many servomotors, which are used to activate the above-mentioned body support units, a ventilation system to ensure proper ventilation through the above-mentioned support surface and a control system supervising the above-mentioned actuators and ventilation system, equipped with an interface user, which allows selection of appropriate ventilation and tactile support surfaces, as well as

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EP 2 542 201 controlling the above mentioned actuators and ventilation system, both depending on the user's settings.

In the example of implementation, the control system is adapted to monitor the condition of the above-mentioned actuators and is equipped with an Internet interface that allows remote monitoring of the above-mentioned actuators and ventilation system.

In the embodiment, the control system is adapted to receive a signal from at least one excitation signal, a fire system signal, from an anti-burglar sensor and a carbon signal, and is also adapted to control the above-mentioned servomotors in order to generate warning vibrations above-mentioned support plane.

smoke oxide system signal, detector system signal

In the example of implementation, in a room (e.g. hotel) there may be many beds whose respective control systems can be connected to each other. For example, emergency conditions (such as e.g. fire, smoke, burglary, etc.) should be detected in the area of ​​one of the beds, and a distress notification can be sent to other beds in the network so that the actuators of these beds can also be activated, to warn other tenants.

The present invention also includes a body supporting platform, equipped with a vibrating unit, responsible for generating vibration signals in the body support plane, depending on the receipt of at least one excitation signal, a fire system signal from the burglar sensor and a carbon signal. For example, the vibrating unit may catch on the body supporting platform.

smoke signal system signal, oxide detector system

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In an embodiment, the control system is adapted to control the sound system. In an embodiment, the control system is adapted to control the video system. In an embodiment, the control system is adapted to control at least one lighting and heating system in order to control lighting and heating conditions prevailing in the environment.

In the embodiment, each of the columns is a pile of many substantially spherical balls filled with air and made of a flexible and air-impermeable material, the above-mentioned balls located in the above-mentioned column are permanently connected together, the above-mentioned columns being independently and movably embedded in the above base so that they are movable and able to move reciprocally, thus creating a plane of support for the body; and the parts are replaced by at least one of the removable and replaceable columns, selected from columns having different strength, and one of the removable and replaceable units and / or modules.

In an embodiment, the bed utilizing the solutions forming part of the present invention may include additional elements, including actuators to provide a tactile impression on the support plane, which is part of the body supporting platform, a ventilation system providing ventilation to the support plane, and a control system responsible for controlling the / in actuators and / or ventilation system, as well as an interface system for communication with external devices.

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Brief description of the attached drawings / illustrations

Figure 1 is a diagram of a bed representing a body supporting platform, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagram representing a column composed of connected beads in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a diagram of a rim placed around the unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a diagram of a sleeve disposed around the unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a diagram of a ball having a rib surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a diagram of the balls having protrusions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a diagram of an elongated ball, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a diagram of the use of air-filled clips to control the amount of air filling the beads belonging to a given column, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the bed and tray frame in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

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Figure 10 is a diagram of the bed frame shown in Figure 9 with multiple trays;

Figure 11 is a diagram of the technical solution presented in Figure 10, showing the arrangement of unit bases (shown without columns);

Figure 12 is a diagram of the technical solution presented in Figure 11, showing one complete unit placed on the bed frame;

Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the technical solution of the present invention with a below spherical cup-like actuator;

Figure 14 is a diagram of the bed shown in Figure 1 with a cover;

Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of the plane supporting the body supporting platform, indicating the connection of the balls within adjacent outer columns in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 of the meaning of the invention shows a schematic view of one side of the bed in the technical solutions of the present in which module y can rotate relatively;

Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow in bed 899, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 890 modules are connected to each other through channels allowing free flow of air through the entire base. The 891 ventilation device is located under the module in the corner of the bed 899 and the arrow indicates the direction of air flow through the base, which allows air to enter each module and ventilates the surfaces that support each module. Ventilation device

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EP 2 542 201 can provide a controlled level of air flow, temperature and humidity, as well as odor.

Figure 18 is a diagram of an activation system equipped with an activation controller in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 19 is a diagram of a control system intended for use with a bed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Detailed description of individual embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in this section regarding the bed. It should, however, be obvious that said embodiments can be used in the context of any other body supporting platform.

Figure 1 shows the bed 1, which was made of many balls 2, implemented according to one embodiment. The balls 2 shown in Figure 1 are generally arranged in four layers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and columns 4. The upper surface of the topmost layer of balls 3a is the body support plane. Although four layers of the balls are shown in this embodiment, any other number of layers may be used as desired. For example, Figures 2-4 and Figure 8 illustrate an embodiment of the invention incorporating columns of three balls 2.

As shown in Figure 1, bed 1 was formed from the bed frame 51 (shown in more detail in figures 9-12). The columns of 4 balls 2 were arranged in a number of independent 50 units. In Figure 1, the 50 units are shown in various shades. Unit design 50

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EP 2 542 201 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4, with more details.

Each unit 50 comprises a plurality of columns of 4 balls 2. As shown in Figure 2, each ball 2 of the respective column 4 is connected physically and in flow only to the adjacent ball (s) 2 that are within said column. 4 in such a way that the above-mentioned column 4 can be compressed independently of the adjacent column 4. As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 12, the unit 50 includes a base 52, which is equipped with a main fluid tank. The columns 4 are arranged in series throughout the said base 52, in addition, each of the above-mentioned columns 4 is connected to the above-mentioned base 52, so that the lowest ball 2 in each respective column 4 is directly fluidly connected to the above main fluid tank. Ideally, the balls 2 are arranged in a manner that matches the regular grid pattern across base 52 in a matrix of N x M.

The balls 2a, 2b and 2c can be physically connected to each other in any way, such as e.g. by joining (e.g. by means of heat or chemical methods), gluing or by using a mechanical fastening system. They can also be connected to each other in a detachable way that allows the balls in the column to be separated and exchanged, e.g. by means of hooking fasteners, such as Velcro ™, which requires a threshold force to separate the balls. In view of the above, each ball may have one or two areas on the surface in which a separating material was used to ensure their separate separation in columns, without the possible risk of undesirable joining through individual layers.

In an embodiment, the physically and permanently connected balls 2 are individually disconnected by force

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EP 2 542 201 exceeding a certain threshold value, this is done in order to be able to exchange individual balls 2.

While the topmost ball 4 is squeezed, the fluid pressure inside the ball 2 increases and the fluid flows freely into the main fluid reservoir. While the ball 2 located highest in column 4 is squeezed, the fluid under pressure travels to the second ball and then to the third ball. As a result, the fluid under pressure flows into the tank until the pressure between the column and the tank is balanced. The fluid does not necessarily have to flow into other columns 4. One of the advantages of this solution is the fact that it promotes the balance of pressure in the balls 2, distributed throughout the body support plane. Preferably, the volume of the tank is much larger than the volume of the individual balls 2. The use of the tank substantially eliminates the compression resistance of the ball 2 or column 4. For comparison, connecting multiple columns 4 to a network of connected conduits increases the resistance to fluid flowing through it and creates back pressure.

In the embodiment, the base 52 is concave and has a plurality of through holes 53, each of which is intended to receive the lowest ball 2 in a given column 4 belonging to the unit 50. Each through hole 53 has a hole allowing said the lowest balls 2 could be directly flow-connected to the main fluid tank. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flow holes 53 consist of a spherical support plane in order to enable them to capture and stop said lowest positioned ball 2 of each column 4. In the center of each flow hole 53 there is a hole through which the lowest ball ( and therefore also

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EP 2 542 201 column) is in fluid communication with the main fluid reservoir.

The lowest ball 2 in each column 4 should be movably connected to the base 52. In the embodiment shown in figures 11 and 12, the base 52 is equipped with a bayonet pin 54 to which a suitable element can be attached, placed on the lowest ball 2 columns 4. Alternatively, column 2 can be movably connected by means of a screw fastener, a robust fit or other suitable methods.

In the exemplary embodiment, the base 52 is further provided with a tank feed port (not illustrated), through which the main fluid tank can be filled with pressurized fluid. The feed-through port should have a non-return valve to substantially prevent any fluid from escaping from the main fluid reservoir.

In the embodiment, each main fluid reservoir has an independent fluid source connected to the inlet port supplying the reservoir to individually and selectively increase the pressure in the reservoir and thus in the balls.

It is preferred that it is possible to change the strength of the balls 2 and / or the unit 50. In the embodiment, the limiting arrangement is configured to stop the balls that belong to the columns mentioned above and are located on the periphery of these columns 4, in order to prevent the occurrence of possible transverse movements of these columns 4.

In the embodiment, with reference to Figure 3, the behavior of the unit 50 can be changed by using the rim 7 around the unit 50. The height of the rim 7 shown is smaller than the height of the ball 2 and lies in

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In a plane substantially parallel to the layers 3, thus to the body support plane. As shown, the rim 7 is positioned around the unit in such a way that it fits between adjacent balls 2 located within each outer column. Accordingly, the rim 7 lies in a plane allowing physical connections between the respective adjacent balls of each of the outer columns.

In an alternative arrangement (not illustrated), the rim 7 may be positioned around the unit 50 so that it will contact the equators of the respective balls 2 from at least some of the outer columns 4 essentially lying on the plane being the equator of each of the aforementioned balls 2, for example with appropriate columns.

execution with balls

For example in

The hoop can be attached to those located in the outer hoop can be glued to some or all of the balls. Alternatively, the ball equator may be equipped with a band for mounting the assembly. In an embodiment, to maintain its specific location, the ball may have two spaced horizontal ridges between which a rim is placed.

It is preferred that a plurality of parallel rims 7 are arranged around the unit 50, the strength of each rim may vary. Rims of different strengths can be assembled by using different materials or rims of different thickness.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment in which a sleeve 9 is arranged around the unit 50. The sleeve 9 generally extends along the total height of the balls in the peripheral column 4. The elasticity of the sleeve 9 causes the sleeve 9 to accurately reflect the shape of the balls 2. In turn, in another embodiment, the sleeve 9 may have a height greater or smaller than the ball 2. The sleeve 9 may extend substantially through the height of the unit 50.

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The above describes the rims and sleeves that were placed around the outermost columns of the unit. Additionally or alternatively, a rim or sleeve may be placed around some of the columns of the unit. For example, the rim or sleeve may be placed around the inner balls of the columns of the unit, instead or in addition, the rim or sleeve may be placed around the entire unit.

In the case where two units are next to each other, the hoop or sleeve may be arranged around at least one column belonging to the given unit and at least one other column belonging to the adjacent unit.

The behavior of the unit can also be configured by using 2 balls of varying strength. In an embodiment, the strength of at least one ball 2 in column 4 is less than the strength of one or more balls under it in that column. It is preferred that the strength of each ball 2 in column 4 is less than the strength of ball 2 directly below it in the above column 4.

In another embodiment, at least one ball of the column is made of a different material than at least one other ball within the same column.

In an embodiment, at least one ball in the column has a thicker wall than at least one other ball within the same column. Accordingly, if the column is made as a unitary shaped element, the same material can be used to make the balls, although the strength of the individual balls can be varied by making the walls of the balls of a certain thickness.

In an embodiment, in order to affect the strength of the balls, at least one ball in the column has a different structure

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EP 2 542 201 surface than at least one other ball within the same column.

In an embodiment, the surface of at least one ball in the column is provided with at least one protrusion, as shown in Figure 5.

The illustrated ball has "ribs" on the entire surface, which allow you to modify its elasticity (strength) in a specific way so as to change the characteristics of the bed in a given way. As shown schematically in Figure 6, at least some of the balls in the upper layer may contain protrusions to change the feeling of the body support plane.

It is preferred that the balls located in the lowest row 3 are the most durable, as this provides a solid base. The balls above row 3 should be less durable. The balls in the above rows are gradually getting less durable. The balls located in the top row are therefore the least durable. Generally speaking, such a system ensures that the body supporting platform has a progressive strength response resulting from the body weight resting on it.

According to figures 3 and 4, the columns 4 of the balls 2 are connected to an adjustable base 52, which provides a stable support structure. The included through holes 53 are intended to allow flow connections to each of the columns 4, and the adjustable base 52 is equipped with ventilation channels (not shown) through which the ventilation air passes from the ventilation source to ventilation port 55 (see Figures 11 and 12) . Air can enter the bed using an external ventilation system or by supplying one or more fans.

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In the embodiment, the platform supporting the body is one or more modules, in turn each of them is a lot of independent units. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 10-12, each of the modules consists of three units that are distributed throughout the bed frame.

Each module (i.e. a set of units) is received and supported by tray 56, as shown in figures 10 and 11. Each tray 56 belongs to the bed frame 51, although it can be detached. Trays 56 are arranged side by side in a border contact relationship. In aspect of use, the trays 56 can optionally be attached to the bed frame to prevent them from detaching.

Multiple units 50 - in this embodiment three - are received in a tray. The respective bases 52 of these units in the tray are arranged next to each other while contacting each other. It is convenient that the outer columns in the unit lean against columns belonging to the neighboring unit. It is preferred that the outer columns of the adjacent units are spaced apart by the same distance that divides the columns within one unit. Therefore, units collectively define a continuous support plane that has no significant gaps.

The rims or sleeves described above can also be placed around the module, rather than around each individual unit. Rims or sleeves may also be around the entire body supporting platform.

In an embodiment, the fluid may be delivered directly from a common fluid source to the main fluid reservoir of each of the bases. Accordingly, the network

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EP 2 542 201 main flow channels can be connected with one end to the inlet opening supplying the tank and with the other end to the liquid distributor in the circuit of the main fluid source. The flow valve with actuators can selectively control the fluid supply of each unit.

In another embodiment, each module may be a local fluid source. For example, a local fluid source may be located in any tray capable of delivering fluid only to units in the module. It is convenient that the fluid supply can be isolated within each module, depending on user requirements.

In an embodiment, a ventilation system may be included. For example, the vent can be placed on any base (as described above) to which a central or local ventilation pump is connected.

In the embodiment, each tray is equipped with a pressure pump supplying fluid to the tank of each unit and a ventilation pump supplying liquid.

The balls used in the bed are made of a material that can be cleaned to allow easy cleaning of the bed. The balls can also be color-coded to indicate specific fluid pressure and / or flexibility.

The detachable nature of the balls makes it possible to make the bed in a modular way and based on the arrangement of a column on a column or a ball on a ball. Columns can be produced by e.g. gluing balls into stacks. The bed can be made by connecting columns of balls with the right pressure and flexibility to meet customer requirements.

The connection points between the balls can be made so that the first set of balls is inflated to the size of the first pressure, and then isolated. A second set of balls can

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EP 2 542 201 be inflated to the second pressure and then isolated, and so on. Figure 8 illustrates the valve mechanisms or clips 11 that can be used between the balls 2a, 2b and 2c in column 4. The aeration port 11 is located on the bottom ball 2c with the isolation valve 13, therefore the upper ball 2a can be inflated and isolated as first, then the middle ball 2b, and finally the bottom ball 2c. This process can be used in production and modification after sale, renovation or maintenance.

In the event that an "active" bed is required, forces can be placed on the base of each column. The cylinders can be equipped with piston devices that can provide two-way movement or force. Such actuators may be placed on at least some of the lower layers of the balls.

Figure 13 shows the lower ball-shaped cylinder 13, shown in the open and closed position 14. The lower ball is shown in balanced gas pressure with the upper balls 16 and under compressed pressure, in its deformed shape 17. The said cylinder-shaped cylinder has a central pin 15 to provide a "claw" -like compression movement. This action will cause the internal gas divided by all the balls to increase and thus provide greater internal pressure for the balls located higher to provide more support for a specific section or the entire spherical surface of the mattress.

In another embodiment, the operation of the actuator may be multiplied by changing the pressure supplied by the liquid to the unit balls between predetermined pressures. For example, a liquid can repeatedly increase or decrease the pressure of fluid delivered to a unit's balls to gently massage or warn the user. If there are multiple units in the module and the module is equipped with one fluid supply, the pressure in all balls is all

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EP 2 542 201 units can be adapted as described. In the case where the bed is equipped with multiple modules, the pressure in each of the modules (i.e. module units) can be adjusted / changed independently.

Figure 14 illustrates the bed with cover 5 in figure 1. Cover 5 can provide a soft upper covering of the body supporting surface and additionally cover the structure. The sides of the cover 5 may assist in preventing bulging of the balls outside during use. The cover can be made of stretchable material to allow the columns of balls to move freely. The ventilation openings can be placed in the upper part on the body supporting surface to allow air to flow through the surface and thus provide ventilation. It is best that the side walls of the cover are impervious to air (fluid). Accordingly, in the embodiment where the ventilation air flows between the columns, the air escapes only through the body support plane and not through the side walls of the body supporting platform.

Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of the body support plane and shows how adjacent balls from the top layer around the entire bottom of the bed can potentially be joined together to maintain the shape of the bed. Coupling 6 can have the same form as between the balls in column 4. Coupling the balls in the upper layer around the perimeter of the bed bottom helps maintain shape and prevent columns from displacing beyond the side of the bed.

Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of a bed that has relatively sloping 801, 802 and 803 modules (or units). The bed position regulator can be included in the platform to start and control the actuators of the three modules 801, 802 and 803, thereby enabling controlling the height and configuration of the bed.

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The 801, 802 and 803 modules are relatively hinged to allow their proper slope. Although the implementation method presents three modules, any number of them can be combined in the same way to obtain their relative slope.

Balls are usually spherical because it is the shape that provides the best properties. For the purposes of the present invention, this should be interpreted not in the literal geometrical sense but in the functional sense in accordance with the present invention, and this includes the formation of numerous planes that are almost spherical in shape or extend beyond the spherical shape in accordance with Figure 7.

Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a bed airflow system 899 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The 890 modules are interconnected with airflow connections to allow free airflow across the entire base. The 891 ventilation unit is located under the module, in the corner of the bed 899, and the arrow indicates the direction of air flow through the base to supply air in each module to allow ventilation of the supporting surface of each module. The ventilation unit can provide controlled airflow with controlled temperature and humidity, and even smell.

Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement and control of actuators in bed 901. The bed consists of many 902 modules. Each 902 module consists of many columns, each of which is equipped with a 905 actuator located underneath or on top. Each module is connected and 903 electrical connectors are placed to power the power and control the signals transmitted to each actuator 905. The actuator regulator 904 is located under the module, in a corner or near the end of the bed 901 on the head side. The actuator regulator provides power and control of signals to regulate operation

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EP 2 542 201 of each actuator. The controller receives feedback signals coupled with 905 servomotors.

actuator 904 will also have power or pressure sensors

In this way, the actuator controller 904 is able to control the actuators to provide a tactile sensation to the user of the body holding platform. Actuator controller 904 receives program instructions from the computer based on the user's choices, which will be described in more detail later.

For maintenance purposes, each actuator can be monitored by the actuator controller 904 and / or can generate a monitoring signal to indicate the condition of the actuator. In this way, the actuator controller 904 can run a maintenance program to determine when maintenance is required.

Figure 19 shows the control systems for controlling the bed and additional functions designed to give the user a pleasant and relaxing impression.

The bed 950 is equipped with an actuator controller 951 to control the actuators in each column, as described in relation to figure 14, ventilation unit 953, to control the flow and temperature of the air flow to the modules as described in relation to figure 13, and a bed position controller 952 for height adjustment and bed configuration as described in relation to figure 12.

The computer acting as the 954 controller provides total control over the activation of the 951 regulator, bed position regulator 952, and the ventilation unit 953 in accordance with external parameters selected by the user through a user interface, such as a 955 touch screen or 957 remote control, which communicates with the 956 remote control relay connected to controller 954. External parameters can

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EP 2 542 201 be introduced by multimedia unit 959, burglar alarm 960, fire and smoke alarm 961, internet interface 962 and interface of local internet network 963. The controller can send signals to external devices such as heating controller 958, multimedia unit 959, interface Internet 962, Local Area Network 963 interface and 964 Emergency Dialer. In this way, the user has the ability to control the environment on and around the bed and communicate outside.

The user can thus adjust the media unit 959 to listen to music or watch videos, and control the 951 actuator regulator to adjust the actuators, which provides an active feeling of deviation synchronized with the music or video. Multimedia files can also be downloaded from the Internet or local networks.

The user interface allows the user to choose control of the 951 actuator controller to start the massage. The massage program can be selected for medical or relaxation purposes.

Platform controller, sound, entertainment,

954 can control individual components to enable synchronized oscillation with digital moving images, massage or other therapy files.

The 954 controller can control ventilation devices, the platform position adjustment segment and a full touch screen multimedia center to control and monitor the platform supporting the body, watching TV and connecting to the Internet. The 954 controller accepts SD cards or other forms of magnetic or digital programmable input media. The 954 controller can be connected to the Internet wirelessly or via a cable to download music, movies and massage programs and to

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EP 2 542 201 to enable remote operation of monitoring the body holding platform and its components.

The 961 fire and smoke alarm is connected to the controller wirelessly or via a cable, which allows the user to be notified of smoke or heat detection by activating the vibration of actuators on the holding surface. It may also happen that in order to give users instructions in accordance with safety guidelines or in the event of an escape, a pre-recorded message will be activated. Emergency dialer 964 can be controlled in such a way that it is possible to dial the number of security services or any private person.

The 954 controller can be connected to other home computers or networks via the Internet or local network to allow synchronization with calendar software and thus notify the user about meetings using the built-in audible and suspend oscillating alarm system.

The controller 954 is also connected to the burglar alarm 960 wirelessly or via a cable by activating the actuators on the oscillating holding surface. Emergency dialer 964 can be controlled so that you can call the number of security services or any private person.

Due to the fact that the controller 954 is connected to the Internet, the ventilation unit 953 can be remotely controlled to heat the bed.

Each column can be independently started, and each actuator can be independently controlled by a processor operating a computer program or operating on the basis of instructions. The computer program or instruction may be contained on a data carrier such as a CD-ROM, diskette or

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EP 2 542 201 a permanent memory device or it can be downloaded in the form of a digital signal from a connected PC, local network or wide area network, such as the Internet. Alternatively, a processor adapted to perform processing steps may be determined to enter the program.

Each column can be moved up and down, at any distance (at the possible distance of column movement), at any speed (within the limits of the actuators) and at any time or in the diagram. Thus, the columns can oscillate in waves or other established patterns, including for medical, therapeutic, relaxation or entertainment purposes.

Two steering program packages are foreseen: one for treatment or physiotherapy recovery, and the other for rest and entertainment. The processor can be connected to audio and / or video sources such as a CD player, DVD player or other audio, video or audiovisual player. Thanks to the software, it is possible to synchronize the movement of the platform supporting the body with any media signal in a manner similar to that which is currently used to synchronize disco lights with music. Alternatively, said software may enable the analysis of a given melody and / or its rhythm and create an appropriate scheme of column operation. Files containing control data that are pre-configured to provide specific actuator movement patterns or rhythms can also be downloaded from a website or received via a data carrier or network.

The software can also connect the movement of the body support platform with computer games and MP3 files etc. The software can also be introduced via a memory card, permanent memory devices, smart cards, portable devices such as iPods etc.

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The body support platform can be powered by electricity, but can also be started using a rechargeable battery, kinetic methods, EAP or solar electricity.

The functions of the body support platform can be controlled by means of the 955 touch screen, which can be connected wirelessly to the 954 controller. The screen can be mounted on a movable arm so that it can be rotated from the side of the platform holding the body towards the user's straight direction. The wireless screen ensures a more elegant character of the device, and also makes it easier to move it to another place (or place it on one side) if necessary. The screen can be activated by means of position sensors or other devices that are always in front of the user.

The 955 visual display is under the control of the 954 controller and is able to provide the user with interfaces through which he can control one or more functions of the body supporting platform (including movement and / or speed, or ventilation / air temperature through the platform), lighting and any related external devices such as music players, video players and other audio-video or multimedia equipment. It is best if user input is entered via a touch screen, although other input devices such as buttons, pads or keyboards and / or a mouse or ball manipulator etc. can also be used. The sound activity system can also be used to control the functions of the body supporting platform.

The touch screen can be configured to retract automatically if / when the user falls asleep. Sensors can detect when the user falls asleep or this can be inferred from the user's movement on the device components.

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The controller 954 can be operated to cause the platform components to move or vibrate according to one or more specific programs. For example, you can run a massage program to relax stiff joints and muscles, or you can run a therapeutic program to help people suffering from diseases or sleep problems, or to gently massage the user while sleeping. Alternative programs can be launched for entertainment purposes. Platform components can move or vibrate synchronously to music or images displayed on a visual screen. This can help the user to relax or fall asleep. It can also be useful in therapeutic or entertainment applications. Providing ventilation through a body supporting platform can help in hospital treatment of patients, and is also useful for home and commercial users.

The physician may provide the patient with one or more movement programs (e.g. for physiotherapy) and / or fixed platform configuration data on a smart card or other portable storage medium. The patient may then take the program (s) home with him and run it on the platform keeping the body at home. Similarly, the user can save his preferred programs on a portable storage medium and take them with him to the hotel, after which the programs can be transferred and run on the body retaining platform (which can be the user's hotel bed).

The touch screen can additionally act as a TV or be used for computer games or interaction with other processor devices.

In alternative embodiments, the visual screen may be in a projector adapted to project digital images on the ceiling or wall in front of the user. Displayed images may include

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EP 2 542 201 moving images synchronized with the movement of platform components, alarm images (if used in conjunction with a fire, smoke or burglar alarm as described below) or any other images.

The advantage of a 954 network-connected controller that can be wired or wireless, can be a local area network, wide area network, or the internet, is that data can be sent from a body support platform, e.g. for medical monitoring purposes, and sent to a body support platform, e.g. for updating the motion / vibration program. User sleep or movement patterns can be monitored, which can be useful for both hospital / medical and home use, and sleep / movement data can be sent to a physician if needed.

In this way, the controller can be configured to send data from the body holding platform to a remote device, e.g. operated by a physician, to enable it to monitor and record the use and movement of the body holding platform. Additional medical devices and / or monitoring devices may be connected to the controller to provide other medical applications and monitoring functions.

This can enable patients to recover at home rather than at the hospital, and monitor the patient at home, thus enabling healthcare to discharge the patient earlier than currently. A camera can be placed on the platform that maintains the body at home (or in the hospital) to allow the doctor to observe the patient remotely.

Alternatively, it should be noted that the body supporting platform can be placed in a hospital and monitoring data can be sent from any body supporting platform (and any associated medical device) to the station

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EP 2 542 201 monitoring supervised by a doctor or healthcare worker.

In addition, the processor can be configured to receive data from a remote device, e.g. a doctor's, to allow a change in the operation of the body supporting platform.

A smoke or heat detector is connected to the controller and the network or other such body holding platforms to activate the movement of platform components and / or enable audible alarms. This application is considered to be particularly beneficial in hospitals and hotels, e.g. to wake up sleeping people in the event of a fire. This application for responding to fires or other disasters can also be implemented elsewhere and it should be noted that the number of body support devices can be used and connected wirelessly or otherwise in the same apartment (e.g. your own home), building or place.

The body support platform is connected to alarm surveillance systems, security or anti-theft systems, as well as to any systems related to the detection or monitoring of devices, such as motion sensors, cameras, travel sensors, heat sensors, etc. Platform components can be launched to warn the user of the presence of an intruder or other suspected dangerous event, and details and / or images of the event can be displayed on the screen. An audible alarm can be activated. Alternatively, platform components can be turned on essentially quietly without issuing an alarm sound to provide a warning to the user without disturbing others.

Alternatively or additionally, the body support platform can be connected to electronic calendars or calendars.

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This can be done via a PC that is directly connected to the body support platform, or through a remote computer or server connected to the body support platform via the network. Alternatively, a remote control unit with a built-in alarm clock may be included. Thus, the support platform can operate in a way that will enable the eventual activation of platform components, or trigger an alarm or voice message to alert the user of an upcoming meeting or other entry in the calendar or electronic schedule. This alarm can be connected to an electronic schedule system to notify or wake up the user in a timely manner, as well as to provide him with information about a limited lifetime.

The body holding platform can be equipped with or connected to the lights in or around the body holding platform. The platform can be equipped with sensors that detect movement around the bed and turn on the lights in response.

One embodiment of the present invention allows the bed to be designed according to the personal requirements of the customer / user. The choice of design can take place in a private place measuring the company's retail outlet or at the customer's home. This is possible because the project is modular, making it mobile. The body holding platform can be provided in the form of a set of parts constituting a plurality of bases, columns and separate balls. In addition, any additional elements can also be delivered, e.g. servomotors and controllers or central control unit, air flow unit, computer functionality control, trays (designed for the purpose of adding a specific type of body supporting platform to a given furniture frame), frame

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EP 2 542 201 furniture. This allows you to customize the specifications and functionality of the body holding platform to the special and exclusive needs of the client.

The design method involves receiving additional information to carry out the order for a body supporting platform, e.g. a bed that has specific dimensions and the indicated level of comfort or adjustment to the client's weight, so as to allow the selection of the initial set of columns or balls that will have stiffness similar to personal requirements of the client. The bed of the desired dimensions can be assembled from many units and / or modules, and columns or balls can be placed in the base to allow the customer to try a given furniture design. Any modifications to the bed design that are dependent on the customer's personal comments are considered. In the case of beds, it seems reasonable to provide the client with a bed for the night to try it out at home. Alternatively, after a short trial period, the customer will be asked to provide their opinion on the given bed design, thanks to which it will be possible to get the level of the covering lining and the stiffness of the balls and columns for the needs of the given user. After the introduced modifications, the customer can try the bed again. The design modification process in response to customer feedback can be repeated until the customer is completely satisfied. While the customer is satisfied with the design, and the bed has been put together in his home, it can stay at the customer's home or a new bed with the same design parameters can be delivered on his request. In the event that the bed was assembled in a private place where the retail outlet of the company was set up, a new bed with identical design parameters will be delivered to the customer.

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The modular nature of the body support platform is conducive to the development of a new business model for selling the body support platform. Individual parts are easily replaceable and adapted for expansion. Therefore, the customer does not have to buy a platform supporting the body, and can rent it for a long period. During the rental period, the customer pays for the service as a minimum, which includes the use of the body maintenance platform and its maintenance. The rental business model allows the salesperson to offer different levels of service. For example, the basic level of service may include designing a body holding platform in accordance with the client's personal requirements, providing a body holding platform and maintenance of the body holding platform during and after the rental period.

A higher level of service may include improvements such as:

1. Modifications to the stiffness of the columns or balls, made at the request of the client, e.g. due to medical ailments, weight gain and loss, pregnancy, divorce, etc.

2. Changes in the dimensions of the body supporting platform, e.g. changing from a single bed to a double bed

3. Improving or removing functions such as ventilation, control, multimedia, alarm functionality etc.

The provision of the service requires payment, which can be made both in advance and under a loan agreement. The service level of the selected package can be changed by making changes to the contract and adjusting the payment for services. Due to the above, a customer who decided on a basic service package may extend the services offered to him.

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If the body supporting platform is worn, and thus not suitable for further use, the modular nature of the design essentially facilitates recycling, carried out in order to reuse individual components of the platform. In addition, the components can be renewed and reused. This allows the value of the used item to be preserved, due to hygiene reasons. Individual parts can be cleaned if necessary (e.g. steam cleaning) and individually renewed. Therefore, the parts can be reused in any combination. Parts that, due to excessive wear or damage, cannot be re-used, can easily be recycled because they are essentially made of one or more types of materials.

Collecting stocks of columns, balls and other components can be carried out using specially designed delivery vehicles, which can receive data about the specific specification of the bed chosen by the customer in the sales room, thus they are able to provide the customer with and assemble the bed ordered by him, in accordance with the requirements for its room. The delivery of goods can take place on the same day as the purchase was made or even until the customer returns home (if he is nearby).

It is possible to provide downloadable sound and image media with pre-synchronized activation programs for entertainment or medical purposes. The introduction of this possibility generates an additional stream of sales revenues. The service may be purchased individually or included in the initial service contract or upgraded at a later date.

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In one embodiment of the present invention, the base is provided with ducts and / or air duct connections enabling modular improvement of the bed by adding elements or replacing them with parts with higher functional capacity. Therefore, it is possible to increase the functionality of the bed. Functionality in this sense includes e.g. startup, music, ventilation, television or video functions, internet functions, audio performance, lighting (e.g. mood lighting) etc.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples of its implementation, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that all modifications thereof are within the scope and scope of the present invention.

Although particular embodiments have been described with reference to a modular base that is lightweight, which in particular simplifies its manufacture and airflow, the present invention is not limited to that modular base, and therefore may include making any hard form of base, including materials such as hard plastic or metal. The term "hard" as used herein refers to the physical properties of the base, e.g. stands in opposition to the term "soft" and should not be used to infer surface properties.

The present invention includes any type of body support platform, e.g., beds, sofas, couches, armchairs, benches, chairs, etc. Other body support platforms may include operating tables, beach chairs, etc. Therefore, the term "body support platform" refers to any structure having a support plane on which a person sits or lies for a given period of time.

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Although in the embodiments of the invention, the modules have been shown without a ventilation unit, and the central ventilation unit was used to supply air flowing through the base, each module may be equipped with a ventilation unit, which in the simplest form may be the fan itself. Each ventilation unit can be equipped with an air-conditioning unit responsible for controlling air, humidity and even smell to allow local differences in ventilation across the entire support plane of the body supporting platform. Local ventilation units can be connected to the controller and directly controlled by means of the controller (computer). With such local ventilation, it is not necessary to install interconnected ventilation channels.

In embodiments of the present invention, lighting can be placed in the bed base, and can also be controlled by a controller and can be set to respond to sounds or images so as to provide mood lighting.

In the embodiment, aeration means are provided that are responsible for supplying gas to the above balls for inflation. In an embodiment, the aeration means are adapted to pump the above-mentioned balls to various final pressures. In an embodiment, the aeration means are adapted to pump the above-mentioned balls to different end pressures, in different layers of these balls or in different areas within the body support plane.

Balluga Ltd

Proxy:

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