Patent Description:
With urbanization, population movement is accelerated and more frequent. In the house-moving process, disassembling and moving large furniture, like a couch, bed, etc., is difficult. At times, large and still useable furniture is discarded to ease the burden of the move. Accordingly, designing furniture so that it can be easily disassembled and/or assembled (e.g. with or without using tools), may greatly reduce the energy, time and economic costs consumed in the moving process. RS <NUM><NUM> U1 discloses a multipurpose bed adaptable to the anatomical needs of a person, wherein the bed consists of a base, a bedding tray, a mattress, a cover, and an inlay, wherein the mattress comprises a core formed by elastic springs interconnected by connectors. <CIT> discloses a modular supporting element, in particular a mattress, for harmonized support in a way adaptable to the body of a person or parts thereof. <CIT> discloses a padding body formed of a plurality of individual foam blocks releasably secured within apertures formed in a supporting, flexible grid structure.

A couch or bed typically consists of a frame (a bed frame or couch frame), a spring pad (couch cushion or bed mattress) and an outer cover (a cloth or leather cover, etc.). Most spring pads have a traditional form in which a plurality of overlaid layers and springs are formed into an integral pad. The integral pad conventionally includes a plurality of elastic elements (e.g. springs) substantially arranged in a plane and various sponge or rubber mass layers integrally covering the outer sides of the springs to provide a comfortable support. Generally the spring pad is an un-detachable integral structure.

A so-called "independently bagged spring" bed mattress is intended to prevent two or more persons simultaneously lying on a bed from influencing one another (e.g. if the weight difference between individuals is relatively great, one person inevitably influences the other(s) when turning over or moving his/her body). In this type of mattress, each spring is separately packaged in a bag or sleeve made of non-woven fabrics or other materials. The spring bags are arranged in a pattern and afterwards the outside of the arranged spring bag group is covered by an integral piece of foam rubber by adhesion, binding, etc., to produce the desired spring pad in the form of a furniture pad or mattress. However, the finished spring pad is still an integral product. Since the individually packaged spring bags are not separable or removable from the mattress, the mattress is still overly large, making it difficult to move or store.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved furniture designs, and for designs which can be more easily disassembled, moved and re-assembled, and also more easily stored.

The invention provides a mattress as claimed in independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the claimed invention are defined in the dependent claims. In one aspect that is not part of the claimed invention but is useful for understanding the claimed invention, an elastic or spring module includes at least one spring, and an outer covering layer formed of a foam or sponge type material surrounding the spring. The elastic module may also have an end member on a bottom or end face of the outer covering layer. The end member, if used, includes a module connecting structure for attaching the elastic module to another optionally identical elastic module. The end member may also include a frame connecting element for attaching the elastic module to a support frame, such as a bed frame or a couch frame. The module connecting structure, and the frame connecting element, if used, can be manually attached and detached preferably without using tools. The module connecting structure and the frame connecting element may optionally be attached to the outer covering layer if desired, or if no end member is used.

In the elastic module the springs and an outer covering layer (e.g. an outer foam rubber or similar covering layer of e.g., polyurethane) provide a comfortable support for a user. A spring pad or mattress made up of elastic modules may be quickly assembled or dis-assembled. Thus, furniture which can be much more easily moved and stored is provided.

An outer end face of the elastic module may have an ergonomic curvature, such that a plurality of elastic modules, when assembled as for example into a couch, can have a configuration conforming to the back of the human body.

The module connecting structure, which may be on the end member, in one form includes a recess in a sidewall of a plate of the end member of a first elastic module, and a protrusion on a sidewall of a plate of the module connecting structure of an adjoining second elastic module, with the protrusion configured to engage into the recess. As another example, the module connecting structure includes a recess on the outward surface of the end member of a first elastic module, and a protrusion on the outward surface of the end member of an adjoining second elastic module, with the protrusion configured to have a shape complementary to the recess. By snapping the recess of the end member of one elastic module into engagement with a complementary protrusion of the end member on another elastic module, the two elastic modules may be horizontally or vertically mounted. Alternatively, the module connecting structure may have a mounting hole formed on a body or plate of the end member, with the hole receiving a separate locking piece such that a plurality of the elastic modules can be detachably coupled together. The end member may be metal, plastic or a sponge material.

In another aspect that is not part of the claimed invention but is useful for understanding the claimed invention, the spring may be a spiral spring, specifically a cylinder spiral spring, conical spiral spring, middle-portion-convex or concave spiral spring, or a spiral spring formed by nesting a left-handed spring and a right-handed spring. The outer covering layer and the spring can be integrally foam-molded within a mold. That is, the spring may be a metal spring, or the spring may be non-metal plastic or molded material. At least one spring may be nested on a core located in the middle of the mold before molding. The outer covering layer may be foam-molded independently of the spring, with the middle portion removed for arranging the spring. The outer covering layer may partially surround the spring. With the spring molded together with the outer covering layer, the spring and the outer covering layer are provided as integral unit, with the spring made of the molding material.

In a separate aspect that is not part of the claimed invention but is useful for understanding the claimed invention a mattress includes a plurality of individual spring assemblies, with each spring assembly including at least one conical spring and a spring cap. Each spring cap has at least one first attachment fitting and at least one second attachment fitting with each first attachment fitting engageable into or onto, and removable from, a second attachment fitting of an adjoining spring cap. The spring assemblies may be identical to each other. The spring assemblies are attached to each other via the first and second attachment fittings, forming the individual spring assemblies into a spring core. A top pad is positioned on top of the spring core. Side pads may be positioned around a perimeter of the top pad and/or the spring core. The mattress can be quickly and easily assembled and dis-assembled, without tools, and stored in a compact space by removing the top pad and separating the spring assemblies from each other. The springs and spring caps can then be formed in nested stacked columns, with the column of springs contained inside of the column of spring caps. Spring clips may be used instead of spring caps.

In another aspect that is not part of the claimed invention but is useful for understanding the claimed invention, a mattress includes a flat webbing and a plurality of spring caps attachable to the flat webbing. A plurality of springs are provided with each spring attachable to a spring cap. A top pad is positioned on top of the springs. The flat webbing may be flexible to allow the webbing to be rolled up into a tube or folded up, and the flat webbing may be perforated or have a grid pattern of through openings.

Elements described in one embodiment may of course be used separately or in combination in other embodiments.

In the drawings, the dimensions do not necessarily represent actual dimensions or scale of the designs. The drawings are only illustrative, and certain non-essential elements may be omitted for clarity. Unless otherwise explicitly indicated below, the following drawings show embodiments which are not part of the claimed invention but useful for understanding the claimed invention.

<FIG> are respectively a perspective view and a sectional view schematically illustrating an elastic module <NUM> having a spring <NUM>, and an elastic outer covering layer <NUM> formed of e.g., polyurethane sponge and surrounding the spring completely or partially. The spring <NUM> is disposed in the outer covering layer <NUM> in such a manner that the spring <NUM> can be substantially static relative to the outer covering layer <NUM>, so that the spring moves with the outer covering layer <NUM>. The elastic module <NUM> may be made in at least two ways.

In the first way mainly by utilizing a foaming process, the spring <NUM> and the outer covering layer <NUM> are simultaneously integrally formed with each other. The specific operation steps can be similar to those of the foaming process for a vehicle seat. In brief, the spring <NUM> is nested on a mold core located in a middle of a mold, like a foam box. Since the elastic deformation of foam-molded polyurethane sponge cannot be readily recovered, the elastic force of the spring <NUM> may be adversely influenced. Nesting the spring <NUM> over the core avoids this undesirable possibility. In this first way the integrally formed spring <NUM> and outer covering layer <NUM> are obtained when the foaming or molding process is completed.

In the second way, the foaming process is first used to make the outer covering layer <NUM> of polyurethane foam material, and then the middle portion of the foaming-formed outer covering layer is hollowed out. The volume of the hollowed region may be adjusted based on the number of the springs <NUM> to be included in the elastic module. Next, the springs <NUM> are placed in the hollowed region. To form an interference fit between the springs <NUM> and the outer covering layer <NUM>, the dimension of the hollowed region should be smaller than the space occupied by the springs <NUM>. In this embodiment, the spring may be attached to the outer covering layer <NUM>, or it may be only contained within the outer covering layer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, four springs <NUM> are disposed in one outer covering layer <NUM>, with each of springs <NUM> preferably spaced apart by a portion of the outer covering layer <NUM>. In other words, in the first way of the integral foaming process, the number of the cores is preferably equal to the number of springs <NUM>, while in the second way of forming a hollow portion by removing a portion of a foaming body, a portion of polyurethane foaming body is preferably retained between each of the hollow portions, providing a dividing wall between adjacent springs.

In either case the spring <NUM> should have a certain pre-load or pre-tension after the mounting or assembling is completed, so as to better achieve a relatively static relation of the springs with the outer covering layer <NUM>.

In order to detachably assemble elastic modules <NUM>, a user may purchase elastic modules <NUM> in a certain number conforming to a dimension of a desired furniture, as well as a fabric cover having a dimension matching with the volume of the certain number of the elastic modules <NUM>, like a couch cover, a bed cover, etc. The user can then place the elastic modules <NUM> into the cover, arrange them in a certain mode, and finally close the cover (via a zipper, snaps, hook and loop tape, etc.) to provide an integral and detachable bed mattress. Ideally, the elastic modules <NUM> are preferably not movable in horizontal directions after being placed into the cover; in other words, the elastic modules <NUM> will remain in place relative to the cover.

To combine a plurality of elastic modules <NUM> more firmly as a whole, the surface of the outer covering layer <NUM> may be provided with non-permanent connection structures, like straps tape, snap buttons, hooks <NUM>, etc., which are for example sewn on the outer covering layer <NUM>. In this way, a tighter connection among the elastic modules <NUM> will be created, making the couch, mattress, etc. more comfortable.

<FIG> show another example of a plurality of springs arranged simultaneously within one elastic module <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of the elastic module <NUM> (or it may be a bottom view, depending on how an end member <NUM> is disposed relative to the outer covering layer <NUM>). In <FIG>, the six springs <NUM> of the same dimension are mounted as described above. The dimensions or configurations of these six springs may be different. <FIG> is a side view of an elastic module <NUM> comprising six springs <NUM>. <FIG> are respectively a side view and a top view of a spring pad assembled from the elastic modules <NUM>.

Simultaneously mounting a plurality of springs <NUM> in one elastic module <NUM> has the following advantages: as compared to an elastic module <NUM> having a small volume (e.g. an elastic module <NUM> having only one spring <NUM> of the same or similar dimensions), when a user needs to assemble a larger spring pad, like a double mattress, from the elastic modules <NUM>, this multi-spring elastic module <NUM> having a relatively large volume achieves the purpose of easy assembly or disassembly and simultaneously saves time spent on assembling and dissembling the elastic modules <NUM>. This is because, in the case that the spring pad has an identical or similar volume, the number of the required elastic modules <NUM> is reduced, and the required assembling or disassembling steps are reduced accordingly. Based on a desired size and characteristics, the elastic module s100 can be provided with for example two, four, six, eight or even more springs.

Although the elastic modules <NUM> are shown as a cube or cuboid, the elastic modules <NUM> may be for example a triangular or pyramid shaped. In this case, the number of springs <NUM> may be one, three, five, etc..

Preferably, the spring <NUM> is a spiral spring. For example, the spring <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is a middle-portion-convex spiral spring, the one as shown in <FIG> is a middle-portion-concave spiral spring, and the one as shown in <FIG> is a truncated conical spiral spring. The spring <NUM> may be preferably any one of a cylinder spiral spring, a conical spiral spring, a middle-portion-convex or concave spiral spring, or a spiral spring formed by nesting a left-handed spring and a right-handed spring together. In the spiral spring formed by nesting a left-handed spring and a right-handed spring together, the dual-spring configuration avoids the defect that a single spring is vulnerable to be broken and it may have improved elastic performance. In practice, any type of spring capable of solving the technical problem may be used.

As shown in <FIG> the elastic module <NUM> may have an end member <NUM> attached to a lower end of the outer covering layer <NUM>, with the end member <NUM> formed thereon with a module connecting structure capable of allowing a plurality of elastic modules <NUM> to be detachably coupled with one another. Herein, "an upper end face" and "a lower end face" are oriented relative to a longitudinal (vertical) axis of the spring <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the spring <NUM> and the outer covering layer <NUM> are formed as one integral piece as described above. After the elastic module <NUM> is formed, an end member is provided. A bottom end of the spring <NUM> may abut against or attach to the end member <NUM>, i.e., the end member <NUM> here may act as a support for the spring as shown in <FIG>. The end member <NUM> may be a rigid disk, ring or plate, although in some designs as described below, the end member <NUM> is somewhat flexible.

In the embodiment in <FIG>, the module connecting structure may comprise a recess 2a formed on one side wall of at least one pair of side walls of the body of the end member <NUM>, and a protrusion 2b formed on the opposite side wall. The protrusion 2b is adapted to engage the recess 2a of the end member <NUM> of an adjacent elastic module. The recess 2a and protrusion 2b are attached to each other using a snap fit or a shaped fit, such as a dovetail fit. The recess 2a and the protrusion 2b both extend horizontally, perpendicular to the longitudinal (vertical) axis of the spring <NUM>. This module connecting structure is advantageous for assembling the elastic modules <NUM> horizontally, alongside each other, on a floor or on frame.

In a further embodiment, the module connecting structure may comprise a mounting hole <NUM> formed on the body of the end member <NUM>, and the mounting hole <NUM> is capable of cooperating with a separate locking piece <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>), such that the plurality of elastic modules <NUM> can be detachably coupled together.

In this context, a mounting hole <NUM> may be preferably distributed symmetrically at four comers of the end member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. When two elastic modules <NUM> are transversely assembled side-by-side, as shown in <FIG>, the locking piece <NUM> is fixed or snap-connected to the mounting hole <NUM> by using a pin, screw, etc. or only by using the locking piece <NUM> per se, such that these two elastic modules <NUM> are connected. Any number of elastic modules <NUM> can be assembled horizontally side-by-side into a pad or mattress, as shown in <FIG>. The locking piece <NUM> is described below in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The end member <NUM> may have a shape as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, or a different shape. The end member <NUM> may directly contact the ground or frame, that is, the assembled spring pad can be directly placed on a horizontal contact face with the end member <NUM>.

The end member <NUM> as shown is substantially flat or planar, but it may also be in the form of a frame or of any other appropriate shape so long as it can perform the function of connecting with another elastic module. For use on a frame the end member <NUM> may have certain flexibility to enable the spring pad 100a, 100b (e.g. the bed mattress in <FIG> and the couch cushion in <FIG>) to adaptively match the curved surfaces, if any, of the bed frame, couch frame, etc. The bottom coil <NUM> of the spring <NUM> can rest on, or be attached to, the end member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in addition to transverse (or horizontal) assemblies, the elastic modules <NUM> can be stacked or assembled vertically as well. For example, small elastic modules <NUM> can be built up horizontally and vertically to provide a pad or mattress having a desired height.

An end member <NUM> may be provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the outer covering layer. In this case, the module connecting structure may comprise a recess formed at an edge of an outward end face 1a (<FIG>) of one of the two end members <NUM>, and a protrusion formed on an outward end face 1b (<FIG>) of the other end member, and wherein both the recess and the protrusion extend substantially vertically. By snapping the recess on the outward end face of the end member <NUM> of one elastic module <NUM> with the corresponding protrusion on the outward end face of the end member on another elastic module, the two elastic modules may be vertically mounted or stacked. In this embodiment, the recess and the protrusion for forming the module connecting structure is similar to those of the recess 2a and the protrusion 2b as shown in <FIG>.

The end member <NUM> may be made of polyurethane sponge, or metal or plastic. Preferably, if used, the sponge for producing the end member <NUM> is denser and harder than the outer covering layer <NUM>, such that the end member forms is sufficiently strong and rigid connection to allow end members of adjacent elastic modules to securely form a spring pad or mattress. In this case, the recess 2a and the protrusion 2b of the module connecting structure are formed of polyurethane sponge.

Now turning to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the surface of the outer covering layer <NUM> may be formed with uniformly distributed concave holes <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate elongated rectangle-like holes <NUM> extending vertically on the sides of the elastic module. <FIG> illustrate concave holes <NUM> oriented horizontally on the sides of the elastic module. <FIG> illustrate honeycomb-shaped concave holes <NUM>, optionally on all sides of the elastic module. The concave holes <NUM>, if used, reduce restrictions of the outer covering layer <NUM> on the movement of the spring <NUM> in each orientation so as to optimize the elastic performance of the spring <NUM>, thereby providing better comfort to the user.

Referring to <FIG>, a storage state of unassembled or disassembled elastic modules <NUM> is shown. The separate elastic modules <NUM> are shown in a compressed state within a storage space or container <NUM>, thereby greatly reducing the storage space occupied by the elastic modules. When the consumer purchases the elastic modules <NUM> they may be packaged in a compressed state. Hence they are easily loaded into a vehicle and transported to his/her residence. The elastic modules <NUM> will expand when removed from the container <NUM>. They can then be assembled together without tools. Similarly, the elastic modules can be disassembled and stored temporarily, or moved from one place to another place, by following the reverse procedure. Each elastic module <NUM> can be detached from adjoining elastic modules, compressed and stored in the container <NUM>. Compared to traditional furniture, the volume of the compressed elastic modules can be advantageously reduced by <NUM>-<NUM>%, and therefore lowers transport costs and storage space requirements.

Spring pads or mattresses 100a, 100b formed of the elastic modules <NUM> are also provided. The elastic module <NUM> may include an elastic outer covering layer <NUM> formed of polyurethane couch sponge, at least one spring <NUM> disposed in the middle of the outer covering layer <NUM>, an end member <NUM> attached onto at least one end face of the outer covering layer <NUM>, and a mounting hole <NUM> formed on the body of the end member <NUM>. As a preferable manner, the spring pad further comprises an separate locking piece <NUM> which can be connected with the mounting hole <NUM> via for example a screw, etc., or can engage the mounting hole <NUM> in any appropriate manner, such that a plurality of elastic modules <NUM> can be detachably coupled with one another.

A cloth, fabric or leather cover may be provided around the outer covering layer <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, specific application of the spring pads 100a, 100b are illustrated.

<FIG> schematically illustrate a furniture pad 100a formed of elastic modules <NUM>. The elastic modules <NUM> may be directly laid flat for example on a floor with the end members <NUM> at the bottom of the elastic modules <NUM> on the floor, or may they be mounted to a bed frame 100a1 using frame connecting elements 100a2 such as clamps, clips, straps, etc.. The dimension of the assembled elastic modules <NUM> adaptively matches the bed frame 100a1. <FIG> schematically illustrates the assembling process of the spring pad 100a with the bed frame 100a1, <FIG> shows the spring pad 100a after the assembly is completed, and <FIG> and Fig. 14d are respectively a side view and a top view of the spring pad 100a.

<FIG> schematically illustrate a spring pad 100b formed of elastic modules <NUM> for use as a couch pad. As described above, the elastic modules <NUM> may be directly laid flat for example on a floor via the end members <NUM> at the bottom of the elastic modules <NUM>, or may be mounted to a couch frame 100b1 by using frame connecting elements 100b2. Here, the dimension of the assembled spring pad 100b adaptively matches the couch frame 100b1. <FIG> schematically illustrates an assembling process of an exemplary couch cushion 100b and a couch frame 100b1, and <FIG> schematically illustrates a perspective view of a couch assembled from the spring pad 100b.

To provide furniture having a backrest slightly in an arc shape, like a couch, the end member <NUM> may be preferably made of an elastic material, such as rubber, so that it has certain flexibility. Preferably, the end member <NUM> may be a relatively thin plastic sheet. Referring to <FIG>, in this case, the spring pad 100b uses a flexible end member <NUM>. The elastic outer covering layer <NUM> can fit with a backrest portion of the frame 100b1 with almost no gaps to complete the assembling, offering more comfortable sitting and lying experiences to the user. In other embodiments the end member <NUM> is rigid.

The elastic modules <NUM> may have the same or different sizes and shapes. The elastic modules <NUM> need not be identical to each other, so long as they can be assembled together as described above.

As shown in <FIG>, the spring pad assembled from the elastic modules <NUM> may be folded to form a configuration of the couch as displayed in <FIG>. To allow for folding, firstly, the elastic modules <NUM> are connected in a row having a desired width of the spring pad 100c. Then, based on the desired length or height, multiple rows are assembled and attached together, to form, for example a backrest portion and seat cushion portion. In this example with the backrest portion having four rows and the seat cushion portion also having four rows, the four rows of the elastic modules of the back portion are connected with one another via the module connection structures as described above, and the four rows of the elastic modules of the cushion portion are connected with one another via the module connection structures also as described above. Finally, an articulated connection is preferably used between the elastic modules for engaging the backrest portion with the seat cushion portion, or any other connection allowing the backrest portion and the cushion portion to be pivoted relative to each other may be used. Other folding connections may of course also be used.

Now turning to <FIG> a plurality of elastic modules <NUM> are mounted to a support frame <NUM> by clips 100b2 or equivalent designs similar to the frame connecting elements 100a2 (<FIG> and <FIG>), which enables the elastic module <NUM> to be detachably connected to the support frame <NUM> and kept relatively fixed in place on the support frame. Alternatively, clips may be arranged in a center or at an edge of the end member <NUM>, or a plurality clips may be arranged symmetrically at four comers of the end member <NUM>. When elastic modules <NUM> are to be mounted onto the support frame <NUM>, the user only needs to for example snap or attach the clips onto a frame stem of the support frame <NUM> (e.g. 7c in <FIG>, as well as the frame stem 100a3 in <FIG> and the frame stem 100b3 in <FIG>) to complete the connection.

In <FIG>, the elastic modules <NUM> may, as described above, comprise a module connecting structure for detachably connecting them. In this way, each elastic module <NUM> can be mounted on the support frame <NUM>, and also be connected to adjacent elastic modules. Alternatively, the connection between adjacent elastic modules <NUM> can be omitted, and each elastic module may be directly mounted on the support frame <NUM> via the clips 2c, without attaching the modules <NUM> to each other.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of a clip 2c and a locking piece <NUM>. A frame stem 7c is part of the support frame <NUM>. The clip 2c in the example shown has a semi- cylindrical hollow portion forming opposed flex arms, to clip or clamp onto the frame stem or tube 7c. The clip 2c also has a sheet or plate portion joined to the semi-cylindrical hollow portion, for engaging with the locking piece <NUM>. The semi-cylindrical hollow portion has an opening adapted to clip onto the frame stem 7c. The sheet portion may have four protrusions. The locking piece <NUM> may have a blind hole protruding upwardly along the dotted line in <FIG>, and each locking piece <NUM> is formed with two such portions.

During assembling, each of the two blind holes of the locking piece <NUM> is aligned and engaged with one protrusion on the sheet portion of the clip 2c, for example, using a detachable interference fit. The sheet portion may be simultaneously connected with two locking pieces <NUM>, and the blind hole-like portion of the locking piece <NUM> can be inserted into the mounting hole <NUM> in the end member <NUM>, so as to allow two elastic modules to be engaged with each other.

In addition, the frame connecting element 100a2 in <FIG> and the frame connecting element 100b2 in <FIG> may have the same or similar configuration as the clip 2c.

In <FIG>, or in the case that the elastic module <NUM> has an end member <NUM> only on one end face thereof, the other end face of the elastic module <NUM> opposite the end face provided with the end member <NUM> may have a curvature 100d1 determined based on ergonomics, as shown in <FIG>. This curvature conforming to the ergonomics enables a contact surface fitting with a back structure of a human body to be directly formed immediately after the assembly of a plurality of elastic modules <NUM> is completed, thereby making the user comfortable.

<FIG> are schematic diagrams of a further embodiment which illustrate that the spring <NUM> is partially covered by the outer covering layer <NUM>, and the elastic modules <NUM> are assembled via the recesses 2a and protrusions 2b to form an integral spring pad.

<FIG> are schematic diagrams of a further embodiment which illustrate that the spring <NUM> is partially covered by the outer covering layer <NUM>, and the elastic modules <NUM> are assembled via module connection structure as shown therein to form a furniture pad or mattress. This embodiment differs from <FIG> in that the module connecting structure is comprised of protruding ridges or hooks 3a, 3b formed at opposite edges of the end member <NUM>. In this embodiment, one outer covering layer simultaneously covers a plurality of springs, for example, four springs <NUM> as shown in the figures.

A decorative or protective cloth cover, etc. may be used on the outer surface cover of the couch or bed assembled from the elastic modules <NUM>.

The elastic module enables independent configurations to meet the needs of the user. The elastic modules may be assembled to form furniture wherein vertical deflection of one elastic module has little or no influence on other elastic modules of the spring pad or mattress. The independent configuration is also helpful for cleaning and replacing the elastic modules. Specifically, is elastic modules in the spring pad are stained or damaged, they can be easily replaced without need for replacing the entire spring pad.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a mattress <NUM> has a spring core <NUM> made up of individual spring assemblies <NUM> attached to each other. Each spring assembly includes at least one spring <NUM> and a spring cap <NUM>. A top pad <NUM> is placed on top of the spring core <NUM>. Side pads <NUM> are positioned around the perimeter of the spring core. The top pad <NUM> and the side pads <NUM> may be a foam material, typically <NUM> to <NUM> thick. In the example shown four separate side pads <NUM> are used. However, a single side pad <NUM> wrapped around the corners of the spring core <NUM> and/or the top pad <NUM> may also be used. The side pad <NUM> may optionally be omitted from one or more sides of the mattress depending on its intended use. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mattress <NUM> has no rigid frame or side pieces, each spring assembly is individually attachable to adjoining spring assemblies, and the springs themselves are attached to the spring caps, but not to each other. Similarly, the mattress needs no internal ribs, strips or other structures to attach the springs.

The side pads <NUM> may be attached to the top pad <NUM> via an adhesive, fasteners, Velcro® hook and loop tape or an equivalent. A cloth or fabric cover <NUM> is generally provided over the top pad <NUM> and the side pads <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may optionally also cover the bottom of the mattress. As shown in <FIG>, a zipper <NUM> may be provided on the cover <NUM> at the perimeter of the top pad <NUM> to better facilitate installation and removal of the cover. Also as shown in <FIG>, the spring caps may rest on the floor.

The springs <NUM> may be metal, e.g., steel coil springs generally having a single spiral of wire, although in some embodiments multiple spirals may be used. The springs <NUM> are conical, tapering from a larger diameter bottom coil <NUM> to a smaller diameter top coil <NUM>. The bottom coil may have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>, with the top coil typically having a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>% or <NUM> to <NUM>% of the bottom coil. In most designs the springs <NUM> taper conically and uniformly, and all of the springs are the same.

Referring momentarily also to <FIG> and <FIG> the number of spring assemblies <NUM> used will vary with the size and firmness of the mattress. The mattress as shown in the Figures may have <NUM> rows and <NUM> columns of spring assemblies <NUM>. The spring assemblies may be in a rectangular array as shown in <FIG>, or in a diamond pattern as shown in <FIG>, where the spring assemblies are more closely packed. The spring assemblies or elastic modules of <FIG>, of any type, may also be arranged in a triangle pattern, a rectangle pattern, or a hexagon pattern.

As shown in <FIG>, each interior spring assembly <NUM> (excluding the corners) is attached to four other adjacent spring assemblies, while in <FIG> each interior spring assembly is attached to six other adjacent spring assemblies. Correspondingly, in <FIG>, each exterior or perimeter spring assembly <NUM> is attached to three other adjacent spring assemblies, whereas in <FIG> each perimeter spring assembly is attached to four other adjacent spring assemblies. While a standard conventional mattress may have about <NUM> springs, the number of springs in the present mattress is reduced on reliance of its other design features.

Turning to <FIG>, the bottom coil of the spring <NUM> is dimensioned to fit into the spring cap <NUM>. A top segment <NUM> of the spring <NUM> extends across the top coil of the spring, forming a diameter or a chord of the top coil. Each spring cap <NUM> is generally ring-shaped with a large round central opening in the body <NUM> of the spring cap. <FIG> shows part of a spring core <NUM> formed by attaching spring caps <NUM> to each other.

<FIG> shows a design according to the claimed invention in which a spring clip <NUM> is used to attach the springs together to form a spring core <NUM>. The spring clip <NUM> may be provided as a block of metal or plastic. The spring clip <NUM> has a first slot <NUM> and a second slot <NUM>. The bottom coil <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is placed into the first slot <NUM> and the bottom coil of an adjacent spring is placed into the second slot <NUM>. The bottom coils <NUM> are snaped into the slots. In some designs one or more of the spring clips <NUM> may be permanently attached to the spring <NUM>. Alternatively, the spring clips <NUM> may be separately provided and installed as needed. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, if the spring clips <NUM> are used, generally each spring <NUM> is attached to four adjacent springs, using four spring clips <NUM>. Various other forms of spring clips <NUM> may of course also be used, as any device capable of securing the springs together may serve as a spring clip <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the mattress <NUM> may use spring caps <NUM> that are attached to a webbing or backing sheet <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the webbing is provided as a grid having equally spaced apart through openings. The webbing <NUM> may be a thin flexible material, so that it can be rolled up or folded when the mattress is not in use. Alternatively, the webbing <NUM> may be a rigid plate. In <FIG> the spring caps <NUM> are permanently attached to the webbing <NUM>, although in other designs the spring caps may be removable from the webbing <NUM>. The spring cap <NUM> has an elongated flat base <NUM> with first and second arc sections <NUM> and <NUM> projecting up from the base <NUM>. The arc sections <NUM> and <NUM> may both have inward facing grooves <NUM> or both have outward facing grooves <NUM>. The grooves are adapted to receive and hold the bottom coil of the spring <NUM>. If the groves are both inward facing grooves, the bottom coil of the spring is first compressed and pushed into the grooves, and then released to expand radially outwardly into the inward facing grooves. If the grooves are both outer facing grooves, the bottom coil of the spring is first expanded, placed over the arc sections, and then released to compress inwardly into the outward facing grooves. In the design shown, all of the spring caps <NUM> are aligned parallel to each other, and at an acute angle (e.g. <NUM> to <NUM>°) relative to the rows and columns of the webbing <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a similar design using a solid webbing <NUM> without through holes. The spring caps <NUM> in <FIG> have spaced apart lugs <NUM> on a flat base <NUM>, with an outward-facing groove <NUM> on each lug. The design of <FIG> may have elements assembled and used in the same way as described above relative to <FIG>. With the spring caps <NUM> and <NUM> attached (removably or permanently) to the webbing <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, the spring caps are not attached to each other, as in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an alternative design having a webbing <NUM> with a pattern of pockets or channels <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> has a diameter matching the diameter of the bottom coil of the spring <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> forms an arc generally of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The pocket <NUM> has an open end <NUM> and a closed end <NUM>, although is some embodiments the pocket <NUM> may have two open ends <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> may be stitched or sewn using two layers of webbing material. The springs <NUM> are installed onto the webbing <NUM> by inserting the leading free end <NUM> of the bottom coil of the spring into the open end <NUM> of the pocket, and rotating the spring <NUM> clockwise, typically about <NUM>/<NUM> turn, until the spring <NUM> is fully installed, optionally with the leading free end <NUM> coming to a stop against the closed end <NUM> of the pocket <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is then attached to the webbing <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is removed using the reverse sequence, providing a quick and easy way to assemble a spring core. With the springs removed, the webbing <NUM> may be rolled or folded into a compact form. <FIG> shows several springs for use with the webbing <NUM> with a pattern of pockets or channels <NUM> as shown in <FIG> are stacked together.

As shown in <FIG>, an alternative spring cap <NUM> has a generally hexagonal shape, with a coil floor <NUM> adjoining a coil wall <NUM> on the top side of the spring cap. Inward tabs <NUM> extend radially inwardly over the coil floor <NUM> to help retain the bottom coil <NUM> of the spring <NUM> onto the spring cap <NUM>. The diameter of the coil wall <NUM> and the circular opening through the spring cap <NUM> defined by coil floor <NUM> will vary with the specific springs used, with typical diameters ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. The inward tabs <NUM> may be provided only on one side of the coil floor <NUM> to allow for easier installation of the spring <NUM> onto the spring cap <NUM>. Side tabs <NUM> and side slots <NUM> may be provided on alternating sides of the spring cap <NUM>. Each side tab <NUM> is dimensioned to fit into a side slot <NUM> of an adjacent or adjoining spring cap <NUM>.

The spring cap <NUM> may also have a side post <NUM> projecting radially outward from an apex or corner between two sides of the spring cap <NUM>. A corresponding side socket or recess <NUM> is located opposite from the side post <NUM>. The side post <NUM> is dimensioned to fit into a recess of an adjacent or adjoining spring cap <NUM>. The spring cap <NUM> is flat with a height of about <NUM> to <NUM>, made of metal or plastic. <FIG> shows a spring core <NUM> formed using spring assemblies <NUM> having the spring cap <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The side post <NUM>, if used, helps to hold the spring caps <NUM> in a flat plane when assembled into a spring core <NUM>. Apart from the side tabs <NUM> and side slots <NUM>, the six sides are flat and smooth to allow adjoining spring caps <NUM> to be closely assembled to each other as shown in <FIG>.

Turning to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, another spring cap <NUM> has a hexagonal body, a coil floor <NUM>, a coil wall <NUM>, and tabs <NUM>, and is otherwise similar to the spring cap <NUM> shown in <FIG>, without any side post <NUM>, and except as described below. The spring cap <NUM> has side plates <NUM> extending radially outward from adjacent sides of the spring cap <NUM>. A plate hook <NUM> projects upward from the top side of each side plate <NUM>. The plate hook <NUM> has a height and curvature selected to correspond to the inside diameter of the bottom coil <NUM> of the spring <NUM>. Alignment holes <NUM> may be provided through each side plate <NUM> to better allow for aligning the spring caps <NUM> into a stacked column, as shown in <FIG> and discussed below. Pairs of ring hooks <NUM> are provided on the bottom of the spring cap, on the sides of the spring cap <NUM> opposite from the side plates, adjacent to corners of the spring cap <NUM>. Pairs of notches <NUM> are provided on opposite sides of each side plate <NUM>, with the notches <NUM> positioned and adapted to engage with the ring hooks <NUM> of an adjoining spring cap <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of a spring core <NUM> formed using springs <NUM> and spring caps <NUM>. The bottom coil <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is held in the spring cap <NUM> between the coil tabs <NUM> and the coil floor <NUM>. If the spring <NUM> is rotated slightly when pressed onto the spring cap <NUM>, the bottom coil <NUM> may momentarily slightly contract during installation and then return to its original diameter. In this case, friction may also help to hold the bottom coil <NUM> in place via a radial outward spring force holding the bottom coil <NUM> against the coil wall <NUM>. The plate hooks <NUM> engage with the inner surface of a corresponding segment of the opening of the spring cap of an adjoining spring assembly, e.g., at the lead line of element <NUM> in <FIG>. The ring hooks <NUM> engage the notches <NUM> of adjoining spring caps <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, ramps <NUM> at the top of spring cap <NUM> aligned with the notches <NUM> may be used to guide the ring hooks <NUM> into the notches <NUM>. The ring hooks <NUM> and the plate hook <NUM> have a limited amount of resiliency or flexibility due to their design and dimensions, and also optionally resulting from resiliency characteristics of the material used to manufacture the spring cap <NUM>, for example a plastic material. The plate hooks <NUM> and the ring hooks <NUM> may snap into place during assembly of the spring core.

Referring to <FIG>, another spring cap 184B has a coil floor <NUM>, a coil wall <NUM> and coil tabs <NUM> as described above. The spring cap 184B may also have a spring end socket <NUM> to hold the end of the wire of the spring <NUM>. A pair of split pins <NUM> project outward from bosses <NUM> on a first side of the spring cap 184B. A corresponding pair of pin holes <NUM> extend through bosses <NUM> on a second side of the spring cap 184B, opposite from the first side, with the pin holes <NUM> aligned with the split pins <NUM>. The outer end of each split pin <NUM> may be tapered or angled. <FIG> shows a part of a spring core <NUM> formed using springs <NUM> and spring caps 184A, which are the same as the spring caps 184B but further include corner tabs <NUM>. The corner tabs <NUM>, if used, may help the spring cap 184A rest flat on the floor. The corner tabs <NUM> may also stiffen the spring cap 184A against twisting and bending, and also help to keep the spring caps 184A aligned when stacked into a column for storage, as described below.

As shown in <FIG>, the spring core <NUM> is formed by installing a spring <NUM> into each spring cap 184A (or 184B). The spring caps 184A are then attached to each other by pushing the split pins <NUM> into the pin holes <NUM> of an adjoining spring cap 184A. Each split pin <NUM> may have multiple flexible arms <NUM> that bend inward as the split pin passes into the pin hole <NUM>, and then return to their original position, thereby tending to securely hold adjoining spring caps 184A together. In an alternative method, the spring caps 184A may first be attached to each other, with a spring <NUM> then subsequently installed into each spring cap 184A.

Referring back to <FIG>, the ends of most springs <NUM> are terminated in an end winding <NUM> where the wire forming the spring is wound around itself. When installing a spring into a spring cap, the spring may be rotated until the bottom end winding <NUM> comes to rest against a stopping surface, such as a boss <NUM>. In this way, all of the springs <NUM> in a spring core <NUM> will have the same orientation, as shown for example in <FIG> with all of the top segments <NUM> of the springs <NUM> parallel to each other, and the mattress <NUM> may have more consistent firmness. For springs not having a bottom end winding <NUM>, the bottom end of the spring wire may be bent into a vertical segment and inserted into spring end socket <NUM>, if used.

Referring now to <FIG>, another spring cap <NUM> may be the same as spring cap 184A but with corner tabs <NUM> at the top of the spring cap instead of at the bottom, and with the corner tabs <NUM> provided as part of side frames <NUM> on opposite sides of the spring cap <NUM>. In addition, the spring cap <NUM> has modified split pins <NUM> and pin holes <NUM> extending through bosses <NUM>. A flex tab <NUM> is pivotally attached to each boss <NUM>. The flex tab has a collar <NUM> adapted to close around the split pin <NUM> of an adjoining spring cap <NUM>. A latch hook <NUM> on the bottom surface of the flex tab <NUM> engages with a lip <NUM> on the boss <NUM> when the flex tab <NUM> is pivoted downward into a closed position.

As shown in <FIG>, a spring core <NUM> is formed by installing springs <NUM> into spring caps <NUM>. The spring caps <NUM> are then attached to each other by inserting the split pins <NUM> of a first spring cap <NUM> into the pin holes <NUM> of a second adjoining spring cap <NUM>, with the flex tabs <NUM> in the up or open position as shown in <FIG>. The flex tabs <NUM> are then pivoted into the down or closed position. The latch hook <NUM> snaps into or onto the lip holding the flex tab <NUM> into the down position. The collar <NUM> prevents the split pin <NUM> from withdrawing out of the pin hole <NUM>. Consequently, the spring caps <NUM> cannot be inadvertently separated when the mattress is in use. To disassemble the mattress <NUM>, the flex tabs <NUM> are pulled up to the open position. This allows the split pins to move out of the pin holes <NUM>, allowing the spring caps <NUM> to be separated. The flex tabs <NUM> may be attached to the bosses <NUM> via a so-called living hinge, if the spring caps <NUM> are molded of plastic material. Of course, solid pins may be used in place of split pins.

As shown in <FIG>, the split pins <NUM> are aligned with the pin holes <NUM>, i.e., a single center line on a chord <NUM> of the circular opening of the spring cap passes centrally through both the split pin and the pin hole, on each side of the spring cap. In addition, the chord <NUM> is located by a dimension D2 from the centerline <NUM> of the spring cap, with D2 equal to one quarter of the width D1 of the spring cap. As a result, when assembled into a spring core <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each row of spring assemblies <NUM> is offset from adjoining rows by one half of the width of a spring cap.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, another spring cap <NUM> may be the same as the spring cap 184B shown in <FIG> but further includes a corner frame <NUM> adjacent to each boss having a split pin <NUM>. On the opposite side, the pin holes <NUM> pass through split bosses <NUM>. A release tab <NUM> is attached to the outer half of each split boss <NUM>. A spring core <NUM> using the spring caps <NUM> may be assembled by installing springs <NUM> into the spring caps <NUM>, and then attaching the spring caps <NUM> to each other by inserting the split pins <NUM> through the pin holes <NUM>. The split bosses <NUM> may resiliently momentarily move apart to allow the head of the split pin <NUM> to pass through the pin hole <NUM>. The split pin <NUM> then cannot be withdrawn without pressing the release tab <NUM>. This prevents inadvertent separation of the spring caps <NUM> when the mattress is in use. In some cases it may be easier to assemble the spring caps <NUM> together before installing the springs.

As shown in <FIG>, a projection or boss <NUM> may be provided on the bottom surface of the top pad <NUM>, with the top coil of each spring around a boss. This can help keep the springs <NUM> aligned and vertical when the mattress <NUM> is in use. The boss <NUM> may be D-shaped to better secure the top end of the spring <NUM>, with top segment <NUM> of the spring <NUM> against the straight side of the boss.

As shown in <FIG>, each boss <NUM> may be positioned within a recess <NUM> in the bottom surface of top pad <NUM>, to further prevent inadvertent displacement of the top end <NUM> of the spring <NUM>. The bosses <NUM>, if used, may be of the same material as the top pad <NUM>, or they may be separate pieces adhered to the top pad.

Referring to <FIG>, because the spring caps are separable from each other, and from the springs <NUM>, and because the springs have a conical taper, the springs <NUM> and the spring caps may be stacked into compact columns for storage and transport. As shown in <FIG>, the springs <NUM> may be nested into each other to form a compact column of springs <NUM>. The spring caps can then be formed into a column of spring caps <NUM> which is placed over or around the column of springs <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. A cup <NUM> may be placed over the top end of the column of springs <NUM>. The column of spring caps <NUM> containing the column of springs <NUM> may be placed into a compact container <NUM> for transport or storage. The top pad <NUM> and side pads <NUM> may be stored as is, or they may be rolled, folded or compressed. The mattress <NUM> accordingly can be shipped and stored in a minimized space. If the spring caps are provided with an alignment hole <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a rod may inserted through the alignment holes to help keep the spring caps aligned into a column.

In the designs described above, with the mattress in use, each spring of the spring core is subject to forces individually so that each spring may deflect largely independently of adjoining the springs. The springs can extend and retract individually according to a body contour. Thus, the mattress can evenly and properly support different weights of different positions of the human body. This can help to keep the sleeper's spine straight and flat and provide more comfortable sleep. When force is exerted on one area, other areas do not move. If one sleeper turns and twists, another sleeper on the mattress will not be affected. The cone springs having a smaller diameter top coil and a larger diameter bottom coil can make the deformation of the springs more stable when a force acts on the springs in a diagonal direction, so that left-right swing or noise generated due to spring friction can be reduced or avoided.

The springs may be arranged in a rectangular shape as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> or a diamond shape as shown in <FIG>. The diamond shape arrangement of <FIG> can effectively improve the spring coverage rate, reduce inter-spring gaps, and enhances the comfort of the mattress.

The present mattress has a simple structure that allows the mattress to be quickly and easily assembled and dis-assembled. The mattress can be cleaned and washed conveniently in a way that not only the cover <NUM> can be washed, but the springs <NUM> can also be cleaned, and the mattress can be hung under the sun regularly for cleaning and airing.

During transportation and storage, the springs may be stacked one above another to achieve effective packaging, and the soft structures such as the top and side pads may be compressed, folded or packaged, greatly reducing storage space requirements. The mattress can be carried in a vehicle so that people can enjoy a home-style normal spring mattress outdoors.

Since the springs have a very long service life, when the cover <NUM> needs to be changed, the springs may be reused. Alternatively, one set of springs can match with many sets of cover materials in use. When the mattress is damaged and needs to be disposed or recovered, disposal processing is simple and inexpensive due to the detachable structure of the mattress.

As shown in <FIG>, an upper ring-shaped plastic member <NUM> and a lower ring-shaped plastic member <NUM> are provided, wherein positioning shafts <NUM> are provided at an upper end face and a lower end face of the upper ring-shaped member, and can be engaged into positioning holes <NUM> formed on the lower ring-shaped member. After the spring <NUM> is installed in the lower ring-shaped plastic member, the upper ring is locked with the lower ring-shaped member by the positioning shafts <NUM>, and then the spring is fixed as shown in <FIG>. After each set of plastic members are assembled with the spring, they can be reliably stacked one above another by the positioning shafts and positioning holes as shown in <FIG>, to provide a stack of conical springs, with D1 greater than or equal to D0 +<NUM>*n*d, wherein, D1 represents a larger diameter of the spring, D0 represents a smaller diameter of the spring, n represents the number of coils of the spring, and d represents a wire diameter of the spring. The connection design is as shown in <FIG> The design of <FIG> may be used in the elastic modules or spring assemblies to provide the pads and mattresses discussed above relative to <FIG>.

Turning to <FIG>, a spring mattress is divided into a plurality of independently ascending and descending sections or blocks <NUM>, shown as sections <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. Each block may either be driven by a motion mechanism <NUM> to rise and fall independently, or be linked together to perform a controlled movement. This kind of spring mattress may be applied to a functional bed, a functional sofa, a health care bed, a functional mattress and the like. It can implement the deformation function of the functional bed or the like by virtue of rising and falling blocks, and achieve purposes such as improving human body comfort, stop snoring, providing zero gravity, stretching and pressing. it can also provide simple massage by fast moving the lifting mechanisms via an electrical control.

Each set comprises at least one spring which may be a conical helical spring, a cylindrical helical spring, a middle-convex helical spring or a middle-concave helical spring. A sponge structure <NUM> is attached to the top of the spring, and a mounting base <NUM> is provided at the bottom of the spring. Referring to <FIG>, the base may be pushed by at least one driving mechanism <NUM> such as a gas cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or an electrically-driven cylinder to implement ascending and descending of the spring set. Alternatively, the ascending and descending of the spring set may be implemented by the cooperation of a motor and a cam or an eccentric bearing, or by inflation and deflation of an air bag mounted below the base of the spring.

As shown in <FIG>, the sections <NUM>-<NUM> can be distributed either regularly or irregularly, and each block may be moved vertically independent of the other blocks. As shown in <FIG> different blocks may have varying numbers of spring assemblies and actuators.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, a covering <NUM> of the whole spring mattress may employ a flat and smooth fabric or material or the outer appearance of the covering material may be formed as block-shaped protrusions while the sponge at the top of the springs is partially recessed properly, so that the whole mattress looks natural and attractive when the respective spring sets rise and fall. The fabric may be elastic. The fabric may be pre-formed with pleats <NUM> configured to fit in between adjacent sections, as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, a foam or quilted top layer <NUM> may be provided on top of the sections <NUM>-<NUM>.

in <FIG>, gaps may be provided between adjacent blocks so that the proper ascending and descending of the blocks can maximize a contact area of a human body lying on the mattress and the mattress maintains the spine in a horizontal state, thereby achieving an optimal sleeping experience.

Movement and positioning of the spring blocks may be controlled by an electrical signal control or APP application control. If the frequency of rising and falling the blocks is increased, a vibration or impact massaging effect may be achieved.

As shown in <FIG>, by controlling each spring block to rise and fall properly, a zero gravity function of the mattress may be achieved, in which a user's legs are lifted to a position higher than the level of the heart, and his back and legs form an angle of 126t7 degrees. Additionally, cyclically and repeatedly ascending and descending the blocks enables the mattress to press and extend the human body so as to relax the user and reduce fatigue. Suitable sensors and control systems may be used in cooperation. When a sleeper snores during sleep, spring blocks near the neck and head are lifted to an inclination angle (about <NUM> degrees) to reduce or stop the snoring. Also as shown in <FIG>, the actuators may be pivotally attached to the sections <NUM>-<NUM>.

A control system may store the rising and falling position of each spring block in memory so that a number of memory modes may be implemented. When each of the spring blocks is adjusted in a suitable position for the first time, it may be quickly adjusted to the most conformable position from then on.

The structure of the spring sets lifting and falling in blocks may also be applied to a medical care bed and a daily-used sofa or couch and may realize functionalized and intelligent medical care bed and sofa in cooperation with an intelligent control system.

In each of the embodiments described above, the elastic modules or spring assemblies may be attached to each other using only the module connecting structures described, so that no separate lateral or longitudinal couch or bed frame slats or structural elements or connecting strips are needed. A perimeter frame around the perimeter of a spring pad or mattress made up of the elastic modules or spring assemblies may optionally be used to provide an improved appearance, and to further hold them in place. No base or tray is needed underneath the elastic modules or spring assemblies to support or hold them in place.

Generally, a spring pad or mattress may be assembled with the end members <NUM> or the spring caps placed edge-to-edge, in contact with each other, and with no space or gap between them. Each end member or spring cap is generally directly attached to four adjacent end members or spring caps, except at the corners and edges where each end member or spring cap is attached to two or three others. The spring pads and mattresses described typically have no rigid or hard element at the top, so as to provide a comfortable support surface for the user. Specifically, the top of the elastic module may include only the outer covering layer made of a soft foam material, which material may have a low thermal conductivity so as to act as an insulator.

Claim 1:
A mattress comprising:
a plurality of springs (<NUM>) with each spring having two or more attachment fittings (<NUM>) for releasably attaching adjacent spring together to form the springs into an array of springs;
a top pad (<NUM>) covering top ends of the springs;
side pads (<NUM>) around a perimeter of the top pad (<NUM>);
wherein each attachment fitting comprises a clip (<NUM>) having a first slot (<NUM>) and a second slot (<NUM>), wherein each of the first (<NUM>) and second slots (<NUM>) is adapted to snap onto a bottom coil (<NUM>) of one of the plurality of springs (<NUM>).