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.

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.