[0001] The present invention relates to an article for supporting the human body of the
type comprising a shaped panel, hereinafter referred to with the term panel, for supporting
the body and an outer cover containing the panel. Depending on the shape of the panel,
the article made in accordance with the present invention may be, in particular, a
mattress, a seat for a motor vehicle, an armchair, a sofa, etc.
[0002] Recent years have seen a significant increase in the use of foams, latexes and their
derivatives, whether synthetic, natural or mixed, for the production of panels of
the desired shape.
[0003] Such panels are increasingly appreciated by consumers both because of their hygienic
and anallergic characteristics, and because of their capacity for local deformation
proportional to the force applied and, therefore, the fact that they anatomically
adapt to the shape of the body they support.
[0004] Therefore, in the description below, the term latex is used without distinction to
mean both natural and synthetic latex, and so the term latex foam also means polyurethane
foam or substantially equivalent materials for the production of the above-mentioned
panels.
[0005] Such foams are often used in the production of mattresses, to which the following
description refers, without in any way limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0006] Generally speaking, mattresses made of such foams have a removable outer cover, that
is to say, their outer cover may be removed for both washing and changing. For this
purpose, the outer cover normally has a zip extending along the outer edge of the
panel.
[0007] Sometimes, to prevent temporary removal of the outer cover from leaving the panel
unprotected, for example against accidental cuts or scrapes, stains, etc., the panel
may be contained in a protective inner cover, normally made of fabric such as cotton
or, in any case, of a breathable material to promote panel airing.
[0008] The outer cover, also breathable, may consist of a single layer of material, but
more often consists of three layers of material, and specifically of one outer layer
of superior quality material, which may bear decorative patterns, one inner layer
of more economical material, usually a rather thin cotton voile, and one filler layer
normally made of polyester, cotton and/or other types of fibres, inserted between
the internal and external layers.
[0009] The three layers may be combined, fixing them together by quilting or bonding (a
special type of stitching).
[0010] As is known, in order to keep the elasticity of a foam mattress unchanged with the
passage of time, the mattress must periodically be turned over and turned through
180° relative to the mesh which supports it. These operations, together with the movements
normally made by a sleeping person, very often result in an annoying sliding, due
to slipping, of the outer cover relative to the panel, irrespective of whether or
not the panel has the above-mentioned protective inner cover.
[0011] In the former case, the sliding occurs both between the protective inner cover and
the panel and between the outer cover and the protective inner cover. However, the
sliding between the protective inner cover and the panel is most apparent due to the
natural slipperiness of the fabric surface of the protective inner cover in contact
with the panel.
[0012] After the sliding and slipping, the outer cover's shape stitching, which defines
the shape of the panel on which it is applied, no longer matches the edges of the
panel as it should. This is on one hand an aesthetic disadvantage and on the other
hand results in unwanted deformation of the panel, with evident serious consequences
for its functionality.
[0013] However, due to the significant weight of latex mattresses, in particular double
mattresses, and due to the form and structure of the material with which they are
made (latex foams) which is not particularly rigid but easily deformed, realigning
the outer cover shape stitching with the edges of the panel is very difficult and
laborious.
[0014] To solve the above-mentioned problem, outer covers and/or protective inner covers
have been proposed which are impregnated on the inside with resins or similar sticky
substances. However, resins, whether natural or synthetic, may be toxic, or may cause
allergies or intolerances. Moreover, in the long-term such resins may alter the characteristics
of the panel, irreversibly damaging it.
[0015] The aim of the present invention is to produce an article for supporting the human
body, comprising a shaped panel for supporting the body and a panel outer cover, which
overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.
[0016] The technical characteristics of the invention, with reference to the above aim,
are clearly described in the claims below, in particular claim 1 and, preferably,
in any of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.
[0017] The advantageous aspects of the invention are more apparent from the detailed description
which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred
embodiment of the invention provided merely by way of example without restricting
the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view, with some parts cut away for clarity, of a first embodiment,
consisting of a mattress, of the article made in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a cross-section, with some parts cut away for clarity, of the mattress
illustrated in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a scaled-up view of a detail from Figure 2;
- Figure 4 illustrates a detail of the weave used to produce the fabric of the article
made in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 5 illustrates one side of the fabric of the article made in accordance with
the present invention;
- Figure 6 is a cross-section, with some parts cut away for clarity, of an alternative
embodiment of the mattress illustrated in Figure 1; and
- Figure 7 is a perspective view, with some parts cut away for clarity, of a second
embodiment, consisting of a motor vehicle seat, of the article made in accordance
with the present invention.
[0018] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the article for supporting the human body disclosed
is in the form of a mattress 1 and comprises a shaped panel 2 for supporting the body
and a breathable outer cover 3 for the panel 2.
[0019] The mattress 1 has a removable outer cover, that is to say, the outer cover 3 may
be removed for easy washing or changing. For this purpose, the outer cover 3 has,
for example, a zip 4 extending along the outer edge of the panel 2. Obviously, the
zip may be substituted by two Velcro strips or the like.
[0020] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the panel 2 is of the known type and is obtained
in the shape of a parallelepiped from a foam material, specifically natural latex
or synthetic latex, for example polyurethane.
[0021] The outer cover 3 is also of the known type, and in particular may, without distinction,
be of the single-layer or multi-layer type. In the latter case, not illustrated in
Figure 2, the outer cover 3 consists of one external layer of fabric, one internal
layer of fabric and a thin padding filler layer made of various types of fibres, for
example cotton and/or wool, inserted between the internal and external layers.
[0022] Between the panel 2 and the outer cover 3 there is a cotton fabric 5, in particular,
as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5, a raised grosgrain fabric, that is to say, having
raised cords 6, or ribs, separated from one another by a predetermined spacing p.
[0023] The particular weave of the above-mentioned fabric gives the fabric 5 a certain elasticity
even though it is completely made of cotton. Alternatively, the fabric 5 may be made
of synthetic fibres, which may be elastic, or a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibres.
Whatever the case, the fabric 5 is breathable, to promote panel 2 airing.
[0024] As illustrated in Figure 2, the fabric 5 has a first side 7 facing the panel 2 and
a second side 8, opposite to the first, facing the outer cover 3. To be precise, the
first side 7, illustrated in detail in Figure 5, is in contact with the panel 2 and
the second side 8 is in contact with the outer cover 3.
[0025] According to the particular weave of the velvet illustrated in Figure 4, the second
side 8 is substantially smooth, whilst the first side 7 has a plurality of loops 9,
forming projections, designed to form the above-mentioned cords 6 and to give the
first side 7 a friction coefficient and a roughness which prevent the fabric 5 and
the panel 2 from sliding or slipping relative to one another.
[0026] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 3, the cords 6 constitute longitudinal projections
which locally deform the panel 2 resulting in accordingly lowered zones 10. The longitudinal
projections, together with their respective lowered zones 10, form means 11 for anchoring
the fabric 5 to the panel 2.
[0027] It should be noticed that the local deformation of the panel 2 is generated by the
weight of the fabric 5 and of the outer cover 3, by the force with which the fabric
5 and the outer cover 3 elastically compress the panel 2 and by the latex foam's capacity
for local deformation proportional to the force applied, even if the force is of limited
intensity. It should also be considered that the weight of the person sleeping on
the mattress contributes to increased local deformation of the panel 2.
[0028] The fabric 5 is obtained in the known way, not illustrated, using a machine, not
illustrated, comprising two sets of needles. A first set produces the base fabric,
in particular the side 8, and a second set produces the loops 9, therefore, the side
7.
[0029] Unlike the first set of needles, a plurality of needles are missing from the second
set, according to a succession of gaps arranged according to the above-mentioned spacing
p.
[0030] In a first embodiment of the mattress 1, the fabric 5 forms an inner cover for the
panel 2. In this case, the outer cover 3 is separate from the inner cover and covers
the latter. In other words, when the outer cover 3 is removed, for example so that
it can be washed or changed, the panel 2 is still contained in and protected by the
inner cover made of the fabric 5.
[0031] Said inner cover may, in turn, be removable.
[0032] In another embodiment of the mattress 1, the fabric 5 is fixed to the inside of the
outer cover 3. In this case, the fabric 5 and the outer cover 3 together form a panel
2 cover which, when removed, for example so that it can be washed, leaves the panel
2 bare and unprotected.
[0033] It should be highlighted that Figures 1 and 2 illustrate both of the above-mentioned
embodiments. In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the side 8 of the fabric
5 is substantially the same as the side 7, that is to say, they both have raised cords
6.
[0034] In a third embodiment of the mattress 1, illustrated in Figure 6, the fabric 5 is
laid over another fabric 12, in turn encompassing the panel 2 like an inner cover.
Said inner cover may or may not be removable.
[0035] The fabric 12 may be of the known type normally used to protect the panel, or substantially
smooth on both sides, or, preferably, the same type as the fabric 5.
[0036] In both cases, the fabric 5 is fixed to the inside of the outer cover 3, the side
7 of the fabric 12 is in contact with the panel 2 and the side 7 of the fabric 5 is
in contact with the fabric 12.
[0037] As already indicated, the present invention is not limited to the production of mattresses,
but may also be advantageously applied in the production of other types of articles
for supporting the human body. For example, Figure 7 illustrates a motor vehicle seat
13 whose panel 14, like the panel 2, is obtained from a foam material, and whose outer
cover 15 covers and protects the panel 14 with a fabric 16 identical to the fabric
5 separating them. In particular, it should be noticed how the natural elasticity
of the fabric 16, already highlighted with reference to the fabric 5, allows the fabric
16 to adhere to the panel 14, following its shape perfectly. Again, there may be an
alternative embodiment with two fabrics inserted between the panel 14 and the outer
cover 15, as described with reference to Figure 6.
[0038] Obvious alternative embodiments of the motor vehicle seat 13 are seats in general
and armchairs or sofas in particular.
[0039] The invention described has evident industrial applications and can be subject to
modifications and variations without thereby departing from the scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
1. An article for supporting the human body, comprising a shaped panel (2; 14) for supporting
the body and an outer cover (3; 15) for the panel (2; 14) ; between the panel (2;
14) and the outer cover (3; 15) there being at least one fabric (5, 12; 16) having
a first side (7) facing the panel (2; 14) and a second side (8), opposite the first,
facing the outer cover (3; 15); at least the first side (7) being rough;
the article (1; 13) being characterised in that at least the first side (7) has a plurality of projections (6), designed to allow
local deformation of the panel (2; 14) according to a plurality of respective lowered
zones (10); said projections (6), together with the respective lowered zones (10),
forming anchoring means (11) designed to prevent the fabric (5, 12; 16) and the panel
(2; 14) from sliding relative to one another.
2. The article according to claim 1, characterised in that at least the first side (7) has a plurality of loops (9), forming projections (6),
designed to give the first side (7) a predetermined friction coefficient; the loops
(9) forming anchoring means (11) designed to prevent the fabric (5, 12; 16) and the
panel (2; 14) from sliding relative to one another.
3. The article according to claim 2, characterised in that the fabric (5, 12; 16) is a looped or grosgrain fabric having raised cords (6), or
ribs, separated from one another by a predetermined spacing (p).
4. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, characterised in that the fabric (5, 12; 16) forms an inner cover for the panel (2; 14); the first side
(7) being in contact with the panel (2; 14) and the outer cover (3; 15) being separate
from the inner cover and covering the latter.
5. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, characterised in that the fabric (5; 16) is fixed to the inside of the outer cover (3; 15) ; the second
side (8) being in contact with the outer cover (3; 15) and the fabric (5; 16) together
with the outer cover (3; 15) forming a cover for the panel (2; 14).
6. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises a first and a second fabric (12, 5) ; the first fabric (12) forming
a panel (2) inner cover and the second fabric (5) fixed to the inside of the outer
cover (3); the first side (7) of the first fabric (12) in contact with the panel (2)
and the first side (7) of the second fabric (5) in contact with the-first fabric (12).
7. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 6, characterised in that the fabric (5, 12; 16) at least partially consists of cotton or similar fibres.
8. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 7, characterised in that the fabric (5, 12; 16) at least partially consists of synthetic fibres or the like.
9. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 8, characterised in that the fabric (5, 12; 16) is elastic.
10. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 9, characterised in that it is a mattress (1) in which the panel (2) is obtained from a latex foam material.
11. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 9, characterised in that it is a motor vehicle seat (13) in which the panel (14) is obtained from a latex
foam material.
12. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 9, characterised in that it is an armchair or a sofa in which the panel is obtained from a latex foam material.
13. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 12, characterised in that the panel (2; 14) is made of latex and its derivatives, whether natural, synthetic
or mixed.
1. Artikel zur Abstützung des menschlichen Körpers, bestehend aus einer geformten Polsterplatte
(2; 14) zur Abstützung des Körpers und einem äußeren Bezug (3; 15) für die Polsterplatte
(2; 14); wobei zwischen der Polsterplatte (2; 14) und dem äußeren Bezug (3; 15) zumindest
ein Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) angeordnet ist, das eine erste Seite (7) aufweist, die
der Polsterplatte (2; 14) zugewandt ist, und eine zweite Seite (8), die gegenüber
der ersten liegt und dem äußeren Bezug (3; 15) zugewandt ist; wobei zumindest die
erste Seite (7) rau ist;
wobei der Artikel (1; 13) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass zumindest die erste Seite (7) mehrere Erhebungen (6) aufweist, die dafür ausgelegt
sind, die lokale Verformung der Polsterplatte (2; 14) gemäß mehrerer entsprechender
vertiefter Zonen (10) zu ermöglichen; wobei diese Erhebungen (6), zusammen mit den
entsprechenden vertieften Zonen (10), Verankerungsmittel (11) bilden, die dazu dienen,
zu verhindern, dass das Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) und die Polsterplatte (2; 14) gegeneinander
verrutschen können.
2. Artikel nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest die erste Seite (7) mehrere Schlingen (9) aufweist, die Erhebungen (6)
bilden und dafür ausgelegt sind, der ersten Seite (7) einen bestimmten Reibungskoeffizienten
zu verleihen; wobei die Schlingen (9) Verankerungsmittel (11) bilden, die dazu dienen,
zu verhindern, dass das Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) und die Polsterplatte (2; 14) gegeneinander
verrutschen können.
3. Artikel nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) ein Schlingen- oder Ripsgewebe ist, das erhöhte Kordeln
(6), oder Rippen, aufweist, die durch einen vorbestimmten Abstand (p) voneinander
getrennt sind.
4. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) einen inneren Bezug für die Polsterplatte (2; 14) bildet;
wobei die erste Seite (7) in Berührung mit der Polsterplatte (2; 14) ist und der äußere
Bezug (3; 15) vom inneren Bezug getrennt ist und letztgenannten bedeckt.
5. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Textilgewebe (5; 16) an der Innenseite des äußeren Bezuges (3; 15) befestigt
ist; wobei die zweite Seite (8) in Berührung mit dem äußeren Bezug (3; 15) ist und
das Textilgewebe (5; 16) zusammen mit dem äußeren Bezug (3; 15) einen Bezug für die
Polsterplatte (2; 14) bildet.
6. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass er ein erstes und ein zweites Textilgewebe (12, 5) beinhaltet; wobei das erste Textilgewebe
(12) einen inneren Bezug für die Polsterplatte (2) bildet und das zweite Textilgewebe
(5) an der Innenseite des äußeren Bezuges (3) befestigt ist; und wobei die erste Seite
(7) des ersten Textilgewebes (12) in Berührung mit der Polsterplatte (2) und die erste
Seite (7) des zweiten Textilgewebes (5) in Berührung mit dem ersten Textilgewebe (12)
ist.
7. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) zumindest teilweise aus Baumwolle oder ähnlichen Fasern
besteht.
8. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) zumindest teilweise aus Synthetikfasern oder dergleichen
besteht.
9. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Textilgewebe (5, 12; 16) elastisch ist.
10. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Artikel eine Matratze (1) ist, bei der die Polsterplatte (2) aus einem geschäumten
Latexmaterial gefertigt ist.
11. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Artikel ein Kraftfahrzeugsitz (13) ist, bei dem die Polsterplatte (14) aus einem
geschäumten Latexmaterial gefertigt ist.
12. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Artikel ein Sessel oder Sofa ist, bei dem die Polsterplatte aus einem geschäumten
Latexmaterial gefertigt ist.
13. Artikel nach einem der Ansprüche von 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Polsterplatte (2; 14) aus natürlichem, synthetischem oder gemischtem Latex oder
Latexderivat gefertigt ist.
1. Un article pour supporter le corps humain, comprenant un panneau profilé (2; 14) de
support du corps et un revêtement extérieur (3; 15) pour ledit panneau (2; 14) ; entre
le panneau (2; 14) et le revêtement extérieur (3; 15) au moins un tissu (5, 12; 16)
étant présent, ayant un premier côté (7) orienté vers le panneau (2; 14) et un deuxième
côté (8), opposé au premier, orienté vers le revêtement extérieur (3; 15) ; au moins
le premier côté (7) étant rugueux ;
l'article (1; 13) étant caractérisé en ce qu'au moins le premier côté (7) a une pluralité de saillies (6) destinées à permettre
une déformation locale du panneau (2; 14) selon une pluralité de zones abaissées (10)
respectives ; lesdites saillies (6), de pair avec les zones abaissées (10) respectives,
formant des moyens d'ancrage (11) destinés à empêcher le tissu (5, 12; 16) et le panneau
(2; 14) de glisser l'un par rapport à l'autre.
2. L'article selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins le premier côté (7) a une pluralité de boucles (9), formant des saillies
(6), destinées à conférer au premier côté (7) un coefficient de frottement prédéfini
; les boucles (9) formant des moyens d'ancrage (11) destinés à empêcher le tissu (5,
12; 16) et le panneau (2; 14) de glisser l'un par rapport à l'autre.
3. L'article selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le tissu (5, 12; 16) est un tissu bouclé ou ottoman avec des côtes en relief (6),
ou nervures, séparées les unes des autres d'un espacement (p) prédéfini.
4. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le tissu (5, 12; 16) forme un revêtement intérieur pour le panneau (2; 14) ; le premier
côté (7) étant en contact avec le panneau (2; 14) et le revêtement extérieur (3; 15)
étant séparé du revêtement intérieur et recouvrant ce dernier.
5. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le tissu (5; 16) est fixé à la face intérieure du revêtement extérieur (3; 15) ;
le deuxième côté (8) étant en contact avec le revêtement extérieur (3; 15) et le tissu
(5; 16) avec ce même revêtement extérieur (3; 15) formant une enveloppe pour le panneau
(2; 14).
6. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un premier et un deuxième tissus (12, 5) ; le premier tissu (12) formant
un revêtement intérieur du panneau (2) et le deuxième tissu (5) étant fixé à la face
intérieure du revêtement extérieur (3) ; le premier côté (7) du premier tissu (12)
étant en contact avec le panneau (2) et le premier côté (7) du deuxième tissu (5)
étant en contact avec le premier tissu (12).
7. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le tissu (5, 12; 16) consiste au moins en partie en coton ou fibres similaires.
8. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le tissu (5, 12; 16) consiste au moins en partie en fibres synthétiques ou similaires.
9. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que le tissu (5, 12; 16) est élastique.
10. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il s'agit d'un matelas (1) dans lequel le panneau (2) est obtenu à partir d'un matériau
en mousse de latex.
11. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il s'agit d'un siège (13) pour véhicules automobiles dans lequel le panneau (14) est
obtenu à partir d'un matériau en mousse de latex.
12. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il s'agit d'un fauteuil ou d'un canapé dans lequel le panneau est obtenu à partir
d'un matériau en mousse de latex.
13. L'article selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce que le panneau (2; 14) est réalisé en latex et ses dérivés, naturels, synthétiques ou
mixtes.