Patent Publication Number: US-2021186226-A1

Title: Air mattress

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air mattress. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     There are air mattresses in which air cells are used. The air mattresses are desired to be more comfortable. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1: JP-A-2011-160894 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a more comfortable air mattress. 
     Solution to Problem 
     According to the embodiments, an air mattress includes an air cell unit, a first side edge unit, and a first pump unit. The air cell unit includes a plurality of air cells that are arranged along a first direction. The first side edge unit includes a polymeric foam. A direction from the first side edge unit to a first portion of the air cell unit is along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The first pump unit performs supply and exhaust of air to and from at least apart of the plurality of the air cells. A direction from the first pump unit to a second portion of the air cell unit is along the second direction. A direction from the first side edge to the first pump unit is along the first direction. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The embodiments of the present invention can provide a more comfortable air mattress. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view exemplifying an air mattress according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view exemplifying the air mattress according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view exemplifying an air mattress according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side view exemplifying a use state of the air mattress according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view exemplifying an air mattress according to a third embodiment. 
         FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( d )  are schematic perspective views exemplifying a part of an air mattress according to a fourth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relation between the thickness and the width in each portion, and the ratio of the sizes between portions, and the like are not necessarily the same as actual ones. Even when the same portion is illustrated, the same portion is illustrated mutually differently in the size and the ratio depending on the drawing in some cases. 
     In the specification of the present application and the respective drawings, the similar elements having been described related to the already described drawing are assigned with the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof are omitted as appropriate. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are schematic perspective views exemplifying an air mattress according to a first embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an air mattress  110  according to the embodiment includes an air cell unit  10 , a first side edge unit  21 , and a first pump unit  31 . In this example, a second side edge unit  22  is further provided. 
     In  FIG. 2 , for easy recognition of the drawing, a state where the first side edge unit  21  and the second side edge unit  22  have been removed is exemplified. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the air cell unit  10  includes a plurality of air cells  11 . The plurality of the air cells  11  are arranged along a first direction. 
     An X axis direction is set as the first direction. One direction perpendicular to the X axis direction is set as a Z axis direction. A direction perpendicular to the X axis direction and the Z axis direction is set as a Y axis direction. 
     The first direction corresponds to, for example, a direction from the head to the legs when a user is laid on the air mattress  110 . The Y axis direction corresponds to a right-and-left direction. The Z axis direction corresponds to a direction from a lower surface to an upper surface of the air mattress  110 . 
     The air cell unit  10  includes a first portion  11 A and a second portion  11 B. The first portion  11 A is, for example, a portion at a head side. The second portion  11 B is, for example, a portion at a feet side. The first portion  11 A includes a plurality of the air cells  11 . The second portion  11 B includes another plurality of the air cells  11 . A direction from the first portion  11 A to the second portion  11 B is along the first direction (X axis direction). 
     The first side edge unit  21  includes a polymeric foam. The polymeric foam includes, for example, an urethane foam. The first side edge unit  21  is porous. The polymeric foam includes a plurality of holes. 
     A direction from the first side edge unit  21  to the first portion  11 A of the air cell unit  10  is along the second direction. The second direction intersects the first direction (X axis direction). In this example, the second direction is along the Y axis direction. 
     The first pump unit  31  performs supply and exhaust of air to and from at least a part of the plurality of the air cells  11 . A direction from the first pump unit  31  to the second portion  11 B of the air cell unit  10  is along the second direction (for example, Y axis direction). A direction from the first side edge unit  21  to the first pump unit  31  is along the first direction (X axis direction). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the first pump unit  31  is connected to the plurality of the air cells  11  through a plurality of tubes  11   p . Supply and exhaust of air are performed through the plurality of the tubes  11 . 
     The air that is sent from the first pump unit  31  raises internal pressures in the plurality of the air cells  11 . Exhaust of air by the first pump unit  31  lowers the internal pressures in the plurality of the air cells  11 . The internal pressures in the plurality of the air cells  11  are capable of being adjusted, for example so as to match a preference of a user of the air mattress  110 . 
     The user lies down on the air cell unit  10 . The internal pressure in the air cell  11  is adjusted so as to obtain a suitable repulsion force in a state where the user is laid on the air cell unit  10 . 
     For example, in a case where a user of the air mattress is a care recipient or the like, the user hardly gets up from the air mattress. Meanwhile, in a case where a user is a healthy individual, the user gets up from the air mattress with his/her own power. For example, there is a reference example in which no side edge unit is provided but only the air cell unit  10  is provided. In such a reference example, it has been understood that when the user is in a sitting-on-bed-edge of the air cell unit  10 , the posture of the user becomes unstable in some cases. It can be considered that this is because the user is likely to slip down due to each air cell with an edge portion having a curved surface shape, in addition to each air cell being soft. For example, it has been understood that in a case where intending to get up from the sitting-on-bed-edge, the user becomes an unstable posture in some cases. 
     In the embodiment, the first side edge unit  21  is provided. The first side edge unit  21  is, for example, a cushion such as an urethane foam. The first side edge unit  21  includes no air cell. Accordingly, the sitting-on-bed-edge on the first side edge unit  21  is stable similar to the general mattress. Therefore, the posture of the user in the sitting-on-bed-edge on the first side edge unit  21  is stable. When the user intends to stand up from the sitting-on-bed-edge, the posture of the user is also stable. 
     With the embodiment, a more comfortable air mattress can be provided. 
     In the embodiment, the first pump unit  31  is disposed in the vicinity of a feet unit. This can prevent the vibration (including sound and the like) due to the operation by the pump from hindering the sleep of the user. 
     In the embodiment, the first side edge unit  21  does not overlap with the air cell unit  10  in a third direction (for example, the Z axis direction) that intersects a plane (for example an X-Y plane) including the first direction and the second direction. The first side edge unit  21  does not overlap with the air cell unit  10 , for example, so that comfortable softness can be provided. 
     The first pump unit  31  does not overlap with the air cell unit  10  in the third direction (for example, the Z axis direction). The first pump unit  31  does not overlap with the air cell unit  10 , so that the internal pressure in the air cell  11  can be easily and adequately controlled. For example, comfortable softness can be provided. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the air mattress  110  may further include the second side edge unit  22 . The second side edge unit  22  includes a polymeric foam (for example, an urethane foam). The second side edge unit  22  is porous. The first portion  11 A is present, in the second direction (for example, the Y axis direction), between the first side edge unit  21  and a part (third portion  22 C) of the second side edge unit  22 . The second portion  11 B is present, in the second direction (for example, the Y axis direction), between the first pump unit  31  and another part (fourth portion  22 D) of the second side edge unit. 
     The first side edge unit  21  and the second side edge unit  22  are provided, so that in the both left and right sides, the sitting-on-bed-edge of the user can be stabilized. The user can easily stand up from either of the left and right sides. 
     The thickness of the first side edge unit  21  is set to a thickness H 1  (see  FIG. 6( a ) ). The thickness of the second side edge unit  22  is set to a thickness H 2  (see  FIG. 1 ). The thickness of the first pump unit  31  is set to a thickness H 3  (see  FIG. 1 ). These thicknesses respectively correspond to the lengths in the Z axis direction. These thicknesses may be substantially identical with one another. A difference among these thicknesses is equal to or less than 20% of a mean value of these thicknesses. The overall thickness of the air mattress  110  becomes uniform, so that comfortable sleep can be easily provided. 
     The first pump unit  31  may include a pump case, an upper-side resin layer, and a lower-side resin layer. The pump case between the upper-side resin layer and the lower-side resin layer is provided. The thickness H 3  of the first pump unit  31  corresponds to a total thickness pf the pump case, the upper-side resin layer, and the lower-side resin layer. 
     The thickness of the air cell unit  10  is set to a thickness T 1  (see  FIG. 1 ). The thickness T 1  corresponds to a length in the Z axis direction of the air cells  11  when the air cells  11  inflate (for example, when the user is laid). The thickness T 1  may be substantially identical with each of thicknesses H 1  to H 3 . A difference between the thickness T 1  and the thickness H 1  is, for example, equal to or more than 0.8 times and equal to or less than 1.2 times the thickness H 1 . 
     A length (width W 21 ) along the second direction (Y axis direction) of the first side edge unit  21  may be substantially identical with a length (width W 31 ) along the second direction of the first pump unit  31 . The width W 21  is equal to or more than 0.8 times and equal to or less than 1.2 times the width W 31 . The air mattress  110  has a substantially rectangular appearance, and is likely to be used. 
     In the embodiment, the respective widths of the plurality of the air cells  11  may be substantially the same. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the respective lengths of the plurality of the air cells  11  along the second direction (Y axis direction) are set to lengths L 1 . In the plurality of the air cells  11 , the fluctuation in the lengths L 1  is equal to or less 20%. The plurality of the air cells  11  have the substantially same length L 1 , so that, for example, manufacturing thereof becomes easy. The lengths L 1  become substantially the same, so that, for example, the respective capacitances of the plurality of the air cells  11  become the same. Therefore, the control of the internal pressures in the air cells  11  becomes easy. 
     In the embodiment, the length L 1  of the air cells  11  in a portion corresponding to feet of the user is similar to that in the other portions. The left-right lengths in the soft portions (air cell portions) from the upper body to the feet unit are substantially the same. Even if the user moves his/her feet in the width similar to the left-right width of his/her upper body, comfortable sleep can be provided. 
     The plurality of the air cells  11  extend along the second direction (Y axis direction). The length L 1  along the second direction of one in the plurality of the air cells  11  is longer than a length W 1  along the first direction (X axis direction) in the one of the plurality of the air cells  11  (see  FIG. 2 ). The length L 1  is longer than the thickness T 1  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the length along the first direction (X axis direction) of the first side edge unit  21  is set to a length L 21 . The length along the first direction of the first pump unit  31  is set to a length L 31 . The length L 21  is preferably longer than the length L 31 . The length L 21  is, for example, equal to or more than 2 times the length L 31 . The first side edge unit  21  is softer than the first pump unit  31 . The length L 21  is longer than the length L 31  to allow a region of a soft portion in the side unit of the air mattress  110  to make longer. A region in which comfortable sitting-on-bed-edge can be obtained can be made wider. The length L 21  may be, for example, equal to or less than 20 times the length L 31 . 
     In the embodiment, when in use, the air cell unit  10 , the first side edge unit  21 , the second side edge unit  22 , the first pump unit  31 , and the like exemplified in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are contained into a bag-like cover unit (which is not illustrated). 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view exemplifying the air mattress according to a second embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , an air mattress  111  according to the embodiment includes the air cell unit  10 , the first side edge unit  21 , and the first pump unit  31 . In this example, the second side edge unit  22  is further provided. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in the air mattress  111 , the first side edge unit  21  includes a plurality of first side edge elements (in this example, elements  21   a  to  21   c ). The second side edge unit  22  includes a plurality of second side edge elements (in this example, elements  22   a  to  22   d ). 
     The plurality of the first side edge elements are joined to a first side edge base material  21   f . The plurality of the second side edge elements are joined to a second side edge base material  22   f . The first side edge base material  21   f  and the second side edge base material  21   f  include, for example, a polymeric foam (for example, an urethane foam). In the embodiment, “joining” includes bonding or fusing. 
     The first side edge base material  21   f  and the second side edge base material  22   f  have, for example, stretching-contracting properties and cushioning properties. The direction from the plurality of the first side edge elements to the first side edge base material  21   f  is along the Z axis direction. The direction from the plurality of the second side edge elements to the second side edge base material  22   f  is along the Z axis direction. 
     An angle θ 1  (see  FIG. 3 ) between two of the plurality of the first side edge elements is changeable. An angle θ 2  (see  FIG. 3 ) between two of the plurality of the second side edge elements is changeable. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic side view exemplifying a use state of the air mattress according to the second embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the air mattress  111  may be disposed on a bed  70 . The bed  70  is, for example, a motorized bed. The bed  70  includes, for example, a back section  70   a , a hip section  70   b , an upper leg section  70   c , and a lower leg section  70   d . These sections are supported, for example, by a frame  75 . An angle between these sections is changeable. 
     The air mattress  111  is disposed on such the bed  70  in some cases. The air mattress  111  and the bed  70  are included in a motorized furniture  310 . 
     In the present embodiment, the side edge unit includes a plurality of side edge elements, and the angle (the angle  81 , the angle  82 , or the like) between two of the plurality of the side edge elements is changeable. When such the air mattress  111  is disposed on the bed  70 , and the section unit of the bed  70  is deformed, the air mattress  111  easily follows the deformation of the section unit. For example, a force to be applied to the side edge units is distributed, so that the side edge units can be prevented from being broken. 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view exemplifying an air mattress according to a third embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , an air mattress  112  according to the embodiment includes, in addition to the air cell unit  10 , the first side edge unit  21 , and the first pump unit  31 , the second side edge unit  22  and a second pump unit  32 . 
     The second side edge unit  22  includes a polymeric foam (for example, an urethane foam). The second pump unit  32  performs supply and exhaust of air to and from at least a part of the plurality of the air cells  11 . The second pump unit  32  is connected to at least a part of the plurality of the air cells  11  through tubes (illustration is omitted in  FIG. 5 ) similar to the tubes  11   p  and the like exemplified in  FIG. 2 . 
     The first portion  11 A of the air cell unit  10  is present, in the second direction (for example, the Y axis direction), between the first side edge unit  21  and the second side edge unit  22 . The second portion  11 B of the air cell unit  10  is present, in the second direction (for example, the Y axis direction), between the first pump unit  31  and the second pump unit  32 . A direction from the second side edge unit  22  to the second pump unit  32  is along the first direction (X axis direction). 
     The plurality of the pump units are provided, so that the internal pressures in the plurality of the air cells  11  are likely to be controlled more appropriately. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
       FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( d )  are schematic perspective views exemplifying a part of an air mattress according to a fourth embodiment. 
     These drawings exemplify states of the tube  11   p . The tube  11   p  connects at least a part of the plurality of the air cells  11  to the first pump unit  31 . 
     In  FIG. 6( a ) , for easy recognition of the drawing, one of the plurality of the air cells  11  is drawn. As illustrated in  FIG. 6( a ) , at least a part of the tube  11   p  passes through an inside of the first side edge unit  21 . 
     As the example in  FIG. 6( b ) , for example, the first side edge unit  21  includes a hole  21   h . The hole  21   h  includes an opening part  21   o . At least a part of the tube  11   p  passes through the hole  21   h  (and the opening part  21   o ). 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6( c ) , the first side edge unit  21  includes a slit  21   q . At least a part of the tube  11   p  passes through the slit  21   q.    
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6( d ) , the first side edge unit  21  includes a concave part  21   r . At least a part of the tube  11   p  is present in the concave part  21   r.    
     At least apart of the tube  11   p  passes through the inside of the first side edge unit  21 , so that, for example, the tube  11   p  can be prevented from being crushed or bent. The internal pressure in the air cell  11  is likely to be stably controlled. 
     In the embodiment, the first side edge unit  21  is provided to stabilize the sitting-on-bed-edge. The length L 1  of the air cell  11  in the feet portion is identical with that in the other portions, so that the user is comfortable even if moving his/her feet largely. In a case where the user is a healthy individual, the air mattress especially becomes easy to use. 
     The embodiments may include the following configurations. 
     (Configuration 1) 
     An air mattress provided with: an air cell unit including a plurality of air cells that are arranged along a first direction; 
     a first side edge unit including a polymeric foam, in the first side edge unit, a direction from the first side edge unit to a first portion of the air cell unit being along a second direction that intersects the first direction; and 
     a first pump unit that performs supply and exhaust of air to and from at least a part of the plurality of the air cells, in the first pump unit, a direction from the first pump unit to a second portion of the air cell unit being along the second direction, and a direction from the first side edge to the first pump unit being along the first direction. 
     (Configuration 2) 
     The air mattress according to Configuration 1, further provided with a second side edge unit including a polymeric foam, in which 
     the first portion is present, in the second direction, between the first side edge unit and a third portion of the second side edge unit, and 
     the second portion is present, in the second direction, between the first pump unit and a fourth portion of the second side edge unit. 
     (Configuration 3) 
     The air mattress according to Configuration 1, provided with: the second side edge unit including the polymeric foam, and 
     a second pump unit that performs supply and exhaust of air to and from at least a part of the plurality of the air cells, in which 
     the first portion is present, in the second direction, between the first side edge unit and the second side edge unit, 
     the second portion is present, in the second direction, between the first pump unit and the second pump unit, and 
     a direction from the second side edge unit to the second pump unit is along the first direction. 
     (Configuration 4) 
     The air mattress according to Configuration 2 or 3, in which 
     the second side edge unit includes a plurality of second side edge elements, and 
     an angle between two of the plurality of the second side edge elements is changeable. 
     (Configuration 5) 
     The air mattress according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, in which 
     the first side edge unit includes a plurality of first side edge elements, and 
     an angle between two of the plurality of the first side edge elements is changeable. 
     (Configuration 6) 
     The air mattress according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, further provided with a tube that connects at least a part of the plurality of the air cells to the first pump, in which 
     at least a part of the tube passes through an inside of the first side edge unit. 
     (Configuration 7) 
     The air mattress according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, further provided with a tube that connects at least a part of the plurality of the air cells to the first pump, in which 
     the first side edge unit includes a concave part, and 
     at least a part of the tube is present in the concave part. 
     With the embodiments, a more comfortable air mattress can be provided. 
     In the foregoing, the embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to the specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of the respective elements such as the air cell unit, the side edge units, and the pump unit, which are included in the air mattress, can be included in the scope of the present invention, as long as those skilled in the art can similarly implement the present invention by the appropriate selection from the publicly known range, and obtain the similar effects. 
     The combination of any two or more elements in the specific examples within a technically possible range is included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention. 
     In addition, all the air mattresses that can be implemented through the design changes as appropriate by those skilled in the art based on the air mattresses described above as the embodiments of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is included. 
     In addition, within the spirit of the present invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of various changes and modifications, and it is understood that these changes and modifications also belong to the scope of the present invention. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       10  . . . air cell unit,  11  . . . air cell,  11 A,  11 B . . . first, second portion,  11   p  . . . tube,  21  . . . first side edge unit,  21   a  to  21   c  . . . element,  21   f  . . . side edge base material,  21   h  . . . hole,  21   o  . . . opening part,  21   q  . . . slit,  21   r  . . . concave part,  22  . . . second side edge unit,  22 C . . . third portion,  22 D . . . fourth portion,  22   a  to  22   d  . . . element,  22   f  . . . second side edge base material,  31 ,  32  . . . first, second pump unit,  70  . . . bed,  70   a  . . . back section,  70   b  . . . hip section,  70   c  . . . upper leg section,  70   d  . . . lower leg section,  75  . . . frame, θ 1 , θ 2  . . . angle,  110 ,  111  . . . air mattress,  310  . . . motorized furniture, H 1  to H 3  . . . thickness, L 1 , L 21 , L 31  . . . length, T 1  . . . thickness, W 1 , W 21 , W 31  . . . width