U.S. patent application number 15/844204 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-20 for method for preparing a mattress for storage or transport.
The applicant listed for this patent is de Werth Group AG. Invention is credited to Eckhart DEWERT, Johannes SCHNEIDER.
Application Number | 20180360226 15/844204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62251378 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180360226 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DEWERT; Eckhart ; et
al. |
December 20, 2018 |
METHOD FOR PREPARING A MATTRESS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT
Abstract
In a method for preparing a mattress for storage or transport, a
mattress is used in which an elastically deformable cushion
structure and a support apparatus, adjustable by electric motor and
having a dimensionally stable base body, are accommodated in a
casing. The support apparatus has at least two support parts that
are pivotable relative to one another. The mattress is introduced
into an essentially gas-tight wrapping, and the wrapping is sealed
essentially gas-tight, and a negative pressure is generated in the
wrapping to achieve vacuum-induced compression of the cushion
element of the mattress. In the compressed state of the cushion
element or during the compression of the cushion structure, the
support parts are folded together, and the casing is sealed
essentially gas-tight so that the mattress in the compressed and
folded-up state forms a compact storage and transport unit.
Inventors: |
DEWERT; Eckhart; (Goldingen,
CH) ; SCHNEIDER; Johannes; (Wurzburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
de Werth Group AG |
Zurich |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
62251378 |
Appl. No.: |
15/844204 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 23/005 20130101;
B65D 85/07 20180101; B65B 63/02 20130101; B65D 81/2023 20130101;
A47C 20/08 20130101; B65B 31/04 20130101; B65B 25/00 20130101; A47C
27/14 20130101; B65B 61/24 20130101; A47C 23/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 23/00 20060101
A47C023/00; A47C 23/02 20060101 A47C023/02; B65B 31/04 20060101
B65B031/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 15, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 124 513.5 |
Jul 18, 2017 |
DE |
10 2017 116 129.5 |
Claims
1. A method for preparing a mattress for storage or transport, the
method comprising: a) providing a mattress, the mattress including
an elastically deformable cushion structure and a support
apparatus, adjustable by electric motor and having a dimensionally
stable base body, are accommodated in a casing, and the support
apparatus has at least two support parts that are pivotable
relative to one another; b) introducing the mattress into an
essentially gas-tight wrapping, and the wrapping is sealed
essentially gas-tight; c) generating a negative pressure in the
wrapping to achieve vacuum-induced compression of the cushion
element of the mattress; d) in the compressed state of the cushion
element or during the compression of the cushion structure, the
support parts are folded together; and e) sealing the casing
essentially gas-tight so that the mattress in the compressed and
folded-up state forms a compact storage and transport unit.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: a) an at least
three-membered support apparatus is used which has a middle first
support part, one end of which is articulatedly connected to a
second support part so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis,
and the other end of which is articulatedly connected to a third
support part so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis that
is parallel to the first pivot axis.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: a) either the second
support part is folded onto the first support part and subsequently
the third support part is folded onto the second support part, or
the third support part is folded onto the first support part and
subsequently the second support part is folded onto the third
support part.
4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: a) a first
intermediate support part which is connected to the second support
part and to the first support part via mutually parallel pivot axes
is situated between the second support part and the first support
part, the second support part in the folded-up state of the
mattress being situated essentially parallel to the first support
part, and the length of the first intermediate support part being
selected in such a way that in the folded-up state, including the
cushion structure, the distance between mutually facing surfaces of
the second support part and of the first support part corresponds
essentially to the thickness of the third support part, including
the cushion structure, and the surfaces of the third support part
rest against the respective facing surface of the second support
part and of the first support part.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: a) a second
intermediate support part which is connected to the third support
part and to the first support part via mutually parallel pivot axes
is situated between the third support part and the first support
part, the length of the second support part being dimensioned in
such a way that when the second support part is folded onto the
first support part, the third support part and the first support
part are situated parallel or approximately parallel to one
another.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: a) the cushion
structure has at least two horizontal cushion layers situated one
above the other.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: a) the support
apparatus is accommodated in a sandwich-like manner between two
cushion layers.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: a) the storage and
transport unit is stackable.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: a) the casing is made
of a recyclable material.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: a) the casing is made
of a plastic film.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: a) a transparent
plastic film is used.
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein: a) a slatted frame is
used as the support apparatus.
13. A multi-membered support apparatus that is adjustable by
electric motor, for use in the method according to claim 1, the
multi-membered support apparatus having: a) a middle first support
part whose ends are pivotably or foldably connected on the one hand
to a second support part and on the other hand to a third support
part about mutually parallel pivot axes; and b) the connection
between the second support part and the first support part on the
one hand, and between the third support part and the first support
part on the other hand, is designed in such a way that the third
support part, including the cushion structure, is foldable onto the
first support part and subsequently the second support part is
foldable onto the side of the third support part facing away from
the first support part.
14. The support apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: a) a
first intermediate support part which is connected to the second
support part and to the first support part via mutually parallel
pivot axes is situated between the second support part and the
first support part, the second support part in the folded-up state
of the mattress being situated essentially parallel to the first
support part, and the length of the first intermediate support part
being selected in such a way that in the folded-up state the
distance between mutually facing surfaces of the second support
part and of the first support part corresponds essentially to the
thickness of the third support part, including the cushion
structure, and the surfaces of the third support part rest against
the respective facing surface of the second support part and of the
first support part.
15. The support apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: a) a
second intermediate support part which is connected to the third
support part and to the first support part via mutually parallel
pivot axes is situated between the third support part and the first
support part, the length of the second intermediate support part
being dimensioned in such a way that when the third support part is
folded onto the first support part, the third support part and the
first support part are situated parallel or approximately parallel
to one another.
16. The support apparatus according to claims 13, wherein: a) the
second support part is adjustable relative to the first support
part by use of at least one electric motor-driven adjustment
apparatus.
17. The support apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: a) the
adjustment apparatus has an adjustment element which is in drive
connection with at least one electric motor, and which acts loosely
on the second support part or on a component connected thereto.
18. A storage and transport unit that is formed according to the
method according to claim 1.
19. A storage and transport unit that is formed according to the
method according to claim 1, wherein: a) the storage and transport
unit is provided with a roller means for rolling the storage and
transport unit on the ground.
20. The storage and transport unit according to claim 19, wherein:
a) the roller means has at least two laterally spaced-apart rollers
or roller systems, in particular pairs of rollers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of German Application
No. 10 2016 124 513.5, filed Dec. 15, 2016, and this application
claims the priority of German Application No. 10 2017 116 129.5,
filed Jul. 18, 2017, and each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a method for preparing a mattress
for storage or transport.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Regardless of whether a mattress is purchased in a mattress
store or furniture outlet, for example, and taken in person, or the
mattress is ordered over the Internet, for example, and delivered
by a parcel service or a freight forwarder, the task is to package
the mattress as compactly as possible for storage or transport.
This is important in particular due to the fact that mattresses
with common dimensions are usually not transported by a parcel
service because they are too large. In such a case, it is then
necessary to deliver the mattress via a freight forwarder, which
entails high costs.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An object of the invention is to simplify storage or
transport of a mattress.
[0005] This object is achieved by the invention set forth herein.
The basic concept of the invention is to prepare the mattress in
such a way that its total volume as well as its longest dimension
are reduced.
[0006] On this basis, the underlying concept of the invention is to
both fold and compress the mattress.
[0007] Since the cushion structure of a mattress has an elastically
deformable design, folding the mattress without an aid is
difficult. The invention provides that a mattress is used in which
an elastically deformable cushion structure and a support
apparatus, adjustable by electric motor and having a dimensionally
stable base body, are accommodated in a casing. According to the
invention, the support apparatus that is adjustable by electric
motor has a dual function, in that on account of its dimensionally
stable base body it forms a folding aid for folding the mattress.
On the other hand, in the state of use the support apparatus that
is adjustable by electric motor provides additional functionality
and convenience, in that the mattress is made adjustable by an
electric motor.
[0008] According to the invention, the mattress is introduced into
an essentially gas-tight wrapping, and the wrapping is sealed
essentially gas-tight. To reduce the volume of the mattress, a
negative pressure is then generated in the casing to achieve
vacuum-induced compression of the cushion structure of the
mattress. The volume of the mattress, in particular its thickness,
is reduced in this way.
[0009] In the compressed state or during the compression of the
cushion element, the support parts of the support apparatus are
then folded together, wherein for fixing the mattress in the state
that is then achieved, the casing is sealed essentially gas-tight
so that the mattress in the compressed and folded-up state forms a
compact storage and transport unit.
[0010] The storage and transport unit formed according to the
invention is much more compact than the mattress in the unprepared
state. On the one hand, due to the compression of the cushion
element, the volume of the storage and transport unit is
significantly less than the volume of the unprepared mattress. On
the other hand, the longest dimension, which is defined by the
longitudinal extension of the mattress, is much smaller in the
folded-up state than in the unprepared state of the mattress.
[0011] The invention thus provides a compact storage and transport
unit. Due to its compactness, the storage and transport unit
requires only a relatively small amount of space. This saves on
costs for storage as well as transport.
[0012] Compared to mattresses that are rolled up for transport, the
storage and transport unit according to the invention offers the
advantage that it may have a cuboidal or cube-like design, and thus
simplifies stacking of a plurality of identical storage and
transport units in an easy manner. For a rolled-up mattress, such
stacking is very difficult or impossible.
[0013] One particular advantage of the invention is that the
storage and transport unit may have such a compact design that it
may be easily shipped via a parcel service. Therefore, shipping via
a freight forwarder is not necessary. This results in significant
cost savings and simplifies shipment of the mattress.
[0014] Also when the mattress is picked up by the customer, the
storage and transport unit offers advantages due to the fact that
it can be handled by the purchaser more easily and, for example,
transported in a passenger vehicle without problems. According to
the invention, an essentially gas-tight casing or an essentially
gas-tight sealing of the casing is understood to mean that the
degree of gas-tightness is so high that the mattress may be
compressed in a vacuum-induced manner, and the compressed state is
maintained during transport.
[0015] The design of the support apparatus is selectable within a
broad range, depending on the particular requirements. In this
regard, one advantageous further embodiment of the invention
provides that an at least three-membered support apparatus is used
which has a middle first support part, one end of which is
articulatedly connected to a second support part so as to be
pivotable about a first pivot axis, and the other end of which is
articulatedly connected to a third support part so as to be
pivotable about a second pivot axis that is parallel to the first
pivot axis. For example, and in particular, the second support part
may form an upper body support part, and the third support part may
form a lower body support part.
[0016] One further embodiment of the embodiment mentioned above
provides that either the second support part is folded onto the
middle support part and subsequently the third support part is
folded onto the second support part, or the third support part is
folded onto the middle support part and subsequently the second
support part is folded onto the third support part. In this
embodiment, the longest dimension of the mattress is reduced by
folding twice.
[0017] To simplify folding up the support parts, one particularly
advantageous further embodiment of the invention provides that a
first intermediate support part which is connected to the second
support part and to the middle support part via mutually parallel
pivot axes is situated between the second support part and the
middle support part, wherein the second support part in the
folded-up state of the mattress is situated essentially parallel to
the middle support part, and the length of the first intermediate
support part is selected in such a way that in the folded-up state
the distance between mutually facing surfaces of the second support
part and of the middle support part corresponds essentially to the
thickness of the third support part, and the surfaces of the third
support part rest against the respective facing surface of the
second support part and of the middle support part. The first
intermediate support part primarily has the function of a folding
aid, in that it facilitates folding up the support parts together
with the cushion element situated thereon.
[0018] In a corresponding manner and with the same objective,
another advantageous further embodiment provides that a second
intermediate support part which is connected to the third support
part and to the middle support part via mutually parallel pivot
axes is situated between the third support part and the middle
support part, the length of the second support part being
dimensioned in such a way that when the second support part is
folded onto the middle support part, the third support part and the
middle support part are situated parallel or approximately parallel
to one another.
[0019] The cushion structure of the mattress may be designed in any
suitable manner, depending on the particular requirements. In this
regard, one further embodiment of the invention provides that the
cushion structure has at least two horizontal cushion layers
situated one above the other.
[0020] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the support apparatus may
be accommodated in a sandwich-like manner between two cushion
layers, as provided in one advantageous further embodiment.
[0021] To simplify storage and transport, another further
embodiment of the invention provides that the storage and transport
unit is stackable.
[0022] Another advantageous further embodiment of the invention
provides that the casing is made of a recyclable material. In this
way, after the mattress is put into use the casing may be disposed
of in an environmentally friendly manner.
[0023] To make the casing economical, another advantageous further
embodiment provides that the casing is made of a plastic film. In
the above-mentioned embodiment, in particular a transparent plastic
film may be used, as provided in another further embodiment.
[0024] The support apparatus used according to the invention may
have any suitable design. In this regard, one advantageous further
embodiment of the invention provides that a slatted frame is used
as the support apparatus. Such slatted frames offer a high level of
suspension comfort and have a simple, economical design.
[0025] A multi-membered support apparatus that is adjustable by
electric motor, in particular for use in a method according to the
invention, is set forth in claim 13. It has a middle first support
part, whose ends are connected on the one hand to a second support
part and on the other hand to a third support part about mutually
parallel pivot axes, wherein the connection between the second
support part and the middle support part on the one hand, and
between the third support part and the middle support part on the
other hand, is designed in such a way that the third support part
is foldable onto the middle support part and subsequently the
second support part is foldable onto the surface of the third
support part facing away from the middle support part. In this way,
a compact storage and transport unit may be formed by folding up
the support apparatus together with the cushion structure.
[0026] Advantageous, practical further embodiments of the support
apparatus according to the invention are set forth in subclaims 14
through 17.
[0027] A storage and transport unit according to the invention is
set forth in claim 18, and is formed according to a method
according to one of claims 1 through 12.
[0028] One advantageous further embodiment of the storage and
transport unit according to the invention provides that it is
provided with a roller means for rolling the storage and transport
unit on the ground. In this way, transport is simplified when the
mattress is picked up in a mattress store or furniture outlet by a
user.
[0029] To improve the rolling function and the rolling convenience
in the embodiment mentioned above, one advantageous further
embodiment provides that the roller means has at least two
laterally spaced-apart rollers or roller systems, in particular
pairs of rollers.
[0030] The invention is explained in greater detail below based on
one embodiment, with reference to the appended highly schematic
drawings. All features illustrated in the drawings, described in
the description, and claimed in the patent claims, alone or in any
combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention,
independently of their recapitulation in the claims, and
independently of their description or illustration in the drawings.
The subject matter and disclosed content of the invention also
include subcombinations of the claims in which individual features
in the claims are omitted and/or replaced by other features.
[0031] Relative terms such as left, right, up, and down are for
convenience only and are not intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The drawings show the following:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of a support
apparatus that is adjustable by electric motor and used for
carrying out a method according to the invention,
[0034] FIG. 2 shows the support apparatus according to FIG. 1 in a
perspective view, with the support parts of the support apparatus
illustrated in an unadjusted starting position,
[0035] FIG. 3 shows the support apparatus according to FIG. 1 in an
illustration similar to FIG. 2, with the support parts of the
support apparatus in a maximally adjusted adjustment position
relative to one another,
[0036] FIG. 4 shows the support apparatus according to FIG. 1 in
the folded-up state,
[0037] FIG. 5 shows the support apparatus according to FIG. 1
during introduction into a cushion structure of a mattress, in a
perspective view,
[0038] FIG. 6 shows, in the same illustration as FIG. 5, the
support apparatus that is introduced into the cushion
structure,
[0039] FIG. 7A shows a step of successive method steps in carrying
out one embodiment of a method according to the invention,
[0040] FIG. 7B shows another step of successive method steps in
carrying out one embodiment of a method according to the
invention,
[0041] FIG. 7C shows another step of successive method steps in
carrying out one embodiment of a method according to the
invention,
[0042] FIG. 7D shows another step of successive method steps in
carrying out one embodiment of a method according to the
invention,
[0043] FIG. 7E shows another step of successive method steps in
carrying out one embodiment of a method according to the
invention,
[0044] FIG. 7F shows another step of successive method steps in
carrying out one embodiment of a method according to the
invention,
[0045] FIG. 8 shows a storage and transport unit that is formed
using the method according to FIGS. 7A through 7E, and
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the packaged storage and
transport unit according to FIG. 8, ready for transport.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] One embodiment of a multi-membered support apparatus 2, in
the form of a slatted frame, that is adjustable by electric motor
and used for carrying out an embodiment of the method according to
the invention is explained in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 4.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the support apparatus 2 has a
middle first support part 4 whose ends are connected on the one
hand to a second support part 10 that forms an upper body support
part, and on the other hand to a third support part 12 that forms a
lower body support part, about mutually parallel pivot axes 6, 8,
respectively. The connection between the second support part 10 and
the first support part 4 on the one hand, and between the third
support part 12 and the first support part 4 on the other hand, is
designed in such a way that the third support part 12 is foldable
onto the first support part and subsequently the second support
part 10 is foldable onto the side of the third support part 12
facing away from the middle support part.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection between the
first support part 4 and the second support part 10 is established
via a first intermediate support part 14 that is connected to the
first support part 4 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis 6.
The second support part 10 is connected to the first intermediate
support part 14 via a pivot axis 16 that is parallel to the pivot
axis 6.
[0050] In the folded-up state of the mattress (see FIG. 8), the
second support part 10 is situated essentially parallel to the
first support part 4, the length of the first intermediate support
part 14 being selected in such a way that in the folded-up state,
including the cushion structure of the mattress, the distance
between a facing surface of the second support part 10 and of the
first support part 4 essentially corresponds to the thickness of
the third support part 12 together with the cushion structure, and
the surfaces of the third support part 12 rest against the
respective facing surface of the second support part 12 and of the
first support part 4.
[0051] Correspondingly, the connection between the third support
part 12 and the first support part 4 is established via a second
intermediate support part 18 that on the one hand is connected to
the first support part 4 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis
8. The third support part 12 is connected to the other end of the
second intermediate support part 18 via a pivot axis 20 that is
parallel to the pivot axis 8, the length of the second intermediate
support part 18 being dimensioned in such a way that when the third
support part 12, including the cushion structure, is folded onto
the first support part 4, the third support part 12 and the first
support part 4 are situated essentially parallel to one another
(see FIG. 8).
[0052] An electric motor-driven adjustment apparatus is provided
for adjusting the second support part 10 relative to the first
support part 4. The design of such electric motor-driven adjustment
apparatuses is generally known to those skilled in the art, and
therefore is not explained here in greater detail. The electric
motor-driven adjustment apparatus may be designed, for example and
in particular, as known from EP 2 418 984 B1. However, other
designs are also possible, depending on the particular
requirements.
[0053] The electric motor-driven adjustment apparatus is designed
in such a way that the second support part 10 together with the
cushion structure may be folded onto the first support part 4 (see
FIG. 4 and FIG. 8). For this purpose, an adjustment element of the
electric motor-driven adjustment apparatus acts loosely on the
second support part or on the first intermediate support part
connected thereto to allow folding of the second support part 10
onto the first support part 4, beyond the maximally adjusted end
position of the adjustment movement defined by the electric
motor-driven adjustment apparatus.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the third support part 12 is
foldably connected to the first support part 4 via the second
intermediate support part 8 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 8), but is not
adjustable by electric motor. If desired, however, depending on the
particular requirements, the third support part 12 may also be
adjustable by electric motor relative to the first support part
4.
[0055] FIG. 2 shows the support apparatus 2 in a perspective view,
it being apparent that the support apparatus 2 in this embodiment
is designed as a slatted frame. However, other designs are
possible. The design and operating principle of such a slatted
frame are generally known to those skilled in the art, and
therefore are not explained here in greater detail.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows the support parts in an unadjusted starting
position, in which the second support part 10 together with the
first intermediate support part 14 in addition to the first support
part 4 and the third support part 12 together with the second
intermediate support part 18 span an essentially horizontal support
plane.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows the support apparatus 2 in a maximally adjusted
end position of the adjustment movement, in which the second
support part 12 together with the first intermediate support part
14 is maximally pivoted relative to the first support part 4.
[0058] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the folding of the support
parts 2, 12 onto one another and onto the first support part 4,
with components of the support apparatus 2 omitted for reasons of
clarity.
[0059] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the introduction of the support
apparatus 2 into a mattress 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the
mattress 28 has a cushion structure 30 which in the illustrated
embodiment has at least two horizontal cushion layers situated one
above the other, of which only one cushion layer, provided with
reference numeral 32, is discernible in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0060] The cushion structure has a lower horizontal cushion layer
on which the support apparatus 2 is laid, as illustrated in FIG. 6.
After the support apparatus 2 is laid on the lower cushion layer,
the upper horizontal cushion layer 32 may then be laid on the
support apparatus 2, so that the support apparatus 2 is
accommodated in a sandwich-like manner between the lower cushion
layer and the upper cushion layer 32. The cushion structure 30
together with the inserted slatted frame may subsequently be
introduced into a casing of the mattress 28, as illustrated in FIG.
7A.
[0061] One embodiment of a method according to the invention is
explained below with reference to FIGS. 7A through 7F.
[0062] FIG. 7A shows the mattress 28 in its starting state. To form
a compact transport and storage unit, the mattress 28 is introduced
into an essentially gas-tight wrapping 34, which in this embodiment
is formed by a transparent plastic film.
[0063] FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate how the wrapping is pulled over
the mattress 28.
[0064] FIG. 7D shows the mattress in a state in which the mattress
28 is completely accommodated in the wrapping 34.
[0065] As is apparent from FIGS. 7B through 7D, the second support
part 10 has been moved beforehand relative to the first support
part 4, into the end position of the adjustment movement, by means
of the electric motor-driven adjustment apparatus.
[0066] A negative pressure device is subsequently connected to the
wrapping 34 via a tube 36 and a negative pressure is generated in
the wrapping 34, whereupon the cushion structure 30 of the mattress
28 begins to compress.
[0067] FIG. 7F shows the mattress 28 in a state in which the
cushion structure 34 is maximally compressed. In this state, the
third support part 12 is folded onto the first support part 4, and
subsequently the second support part 10 is folded onto the third
support part 12, as indicated in FIG. 7F.
[0068] FIG. 8 shows the storage and transport unit 36 that is
formed upon conclusion of the method. It is apparent that the third
support part 12 is folded onto the first support part 4 and the
second support part 10 is folded onto the third support part 12, so
that the second support part 10 and the first support part 4 are
situated essentially parallel to one another, and the surfaces of
the third support part 12 rest against the respective facing
surface of the first support part 4 and of the second support part
10. In this state, an opening in the wrapping 34 to which the tube
36 has been connected may be sealed gas-tight, for example by
heat-sealing the plastic film.
[0069] It is apparent that a compact storage and transport unit has
thus been formed, in which in particular the longest extension
defined by the longitudinal extension of the mattress 28 is
significantly reduced.
[0070] Due to its compactness, the storage and transport unit may
be easily shipped via a parcel service. For self-pickup by a user,
transport is likewise simplified due to the compactness of the
storage and transport unit 38, and is easily possible in a
passenger vehicle.
[0071] To simplify the transport even further, the storage and
transport unit 38 may be provided with a roller means.
[0072] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment in which the storage and
transport unit 38 is accommodated in an outer container 40 made of
cardboard, for example, to protect the wrapping from damage during
transport and storage. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller
means 2 has two laterally spaced-apart rollers 42, 44 that are
affixed to the outer container 40. For this purpose, a holder for
each of the rollers 42, 44 may be provided by means of a dowel or a
pin-like fastening element that is pushed or driven into the outer
container 40.
[0073] After transport to a user, the user may unpack the storage
and transport unit 38 from the outer container 40 and remove the
wrapping 34, whereby the cushion structure 30 of the mattress 28
re-expands and assumes its original state, and the support parts
10, 12 may be unfolded. In this state, the mattress 28 is then
ready for use.
[0074] The method according to the invention allows a mattress to
be easily and inexpensively prepared for storage or transport by
forming a space-saving, compact storage and transport unit.
[0075] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further
modifications, and uses and/or adaptations of the invention and
following in general the principle of the invention and including
such departures from the present disclosure as come within the
known or customary practice in the art to which the invention
pertains, and as may be applied to the central features
hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *