The various aspects and embodiments thereof relate to a support construction for conditioned furniture, in particular a ventilated bed, and associated systems and methods. BACKGROUND

Beds having integral air -ventilation (so-called “ventilated beds”) typically include a permeable mattress supported by a support platform.

The platform includes internal plenum chambers and a fan to provide filtered, as well as heated, airflow up through the permeable mattress of the bed and into contact with a recumbent user, as controlled by the user. It is believed that providing a user in bed with a controlled up-flow of conditioned air improves the comfort and quality of the user’s sleep, as well as the user’s overall health.

EP 1804616A1 discloses environmentally conditioned furniture, such as a bed, with a permeable mattress or cushion set upon a plenum chamber base, with a ventilator fan, a distribution duct and heater, co operatively disposed to intake ambient air and expel conditioned chamber air through the mattress under temperature and relative humidity control, for the comfort and/or respiratory benefit of a bed occupant.

SUMMARY

It is preferred to provide a ventilated bed or other ventilated furniture that provides no noise or at least less noise compared to existing beds or other furniture, e.g., by addressing constructions that may cause squeaking or cracking noises during movement. As such, it may be beneficial to provide more stable constructions and/or constructions in which particular elements are separated to prevent contact that may cause noises during movement.

A representative embodiment of the present technology provides a support construction for a conditioned piece of furniture that effectively supports an upholstery or cushioning item, e.g., a mattress, and is easy to assemble. It can also provide a support construction for a conditioned bed that accommodates a conditioning unit, and that provides convenient access to the conditioning unit. Examples of furniture are beds, couches, chairs, convertible sofas, sleeper sofas, chaises longues, or any other furniture comprising a mattress or cushion on which a person may sit and/or lie down.

A first aspect provides a support construction for a conditioned piece of furniture (e.g., a bed), comprising a shell structure having an opening providing access to a plenum chamber defined by the shell structure, and an upholstery support supported by the shell structure and arranged to support an upholstered item above the opening. The furniture can further comprise a conditioning unit arranged to condition air and provide conditioned air to the upholstered item, a rigid base frame connected to the shell structure, at least partially surrounded by the shell structure, and arranged to support the shell structure; and a leg module extending from the base frame and arranged to support the base frame.

The shell structure may have an open top, wherein a mattress support platform such as a slatted bed base can be provided atop the outer shell for supporting a mattress thereon, e.g., an air permeable mattress. The conditioning unit is arranged to provide conditioned air through the permeable mattress, cushioning or other upholstered item provided on the frame. Such conditioning may include one or more of providing air through the upholstered item (e.g., a mattress) or withdrawing air therefrom, heating, cooling, filtering, humidifying, dehumidifying, sterihsing, scenting, de-scenting, other, and/or a combination thereof. For the purpose of conditioning, the conditioning unit may comprise a fan and a heating element, to establish an airflow. The conditioning unit may draw air in from the environment outside the support construction, and even outside the furniture, for example through an air inlet opening in the tub-shaped outer shell. The outer shell can be generally closed, so as to direct the flow of air upward, towards and through the mattress. By virtue of the conditioning unit, an air pressure may be built up inside the plenum chamber, which constitutes a flow of air from the plenum chamber through the mattress and into the ambient.

The leg module may comprise one or more legs, extending downward from the base frame. In case of one leg, the leg may be provided with a foot structure having dimensions suited to provide proper balance to the shell structure. In case of two legs, each leg may be provided at opposite ends of the base frame. One option, when the base frame has a rectangular shape, is to provide a leg in the middle of the short sides of the rectangle. Also four or more legs may be provided. In case of four legs and a generally rectangular base frame, legs are connected to the base frame at or close to the corners of the rectangle, either on the long or short side.

By providing the base frame and connecting the legs thereto, rather than to the shell structure, more freedom of design may be provided. Beds may have legs connected to an external structure, which external structure provides support for a mattress. With beds having the leg module, with one, two, three, four or more legs connected to an external structure of the beds, the external structure has to be rigid and the material has to be strong enough to support the weight of the bed and the forces of the legs acting on the external structure. With an insufficiently rigid and/or strong external structure, for example due to at least one of choice of material, material thickness, design of shape, other, or a combination thereof, this may result in breaking of the structure, a loose connection or loosening of the connection between the external structure and the legs, or an otherwise poor connection. This, in turn, may result in squeaking connections that make noises when one or more persons in the bed move, and/or may result in poor stability of the bed.

With a rigid base frame, apart from the shell structure, a sturdy frame and a sturdy, rigid and reliable connection between the frame may be provided by a proper choice of materials and design, fit for the purpose of providing mechanical support to the bed or other furniture. The shell structure is subsequently supported by the base frame. The mattress may be supported by the shell structure, in turn. Internally, the shell structure may be designed to transfer forces from the mattress to the base frame and externally, the shell structure may present an aesthetically appealing shape. With beds having legs directly connected to the external structure, as visible places, this is not possible in a rehable way - or in any case, is far more difficult to execute.

Preferably, at least part of the leg module extends through the shell structure, and in use allows the shell structure to be supported above a ground surface such as a bedroom floor.

Typically, the shell structure comprises an outer shell and an inner shell, and the base frame is positioned in-between the outer shell and the inner shell. The base frame may even be sandwiched between the outer shell and the inner shell, in particular between an upwards facing surface of the outer shell and a downward facing surface of the inner shell.

At least part of the conditioning unit, or even the entire conditioning unit, may be surrounded by the base frame. Preferably, the condition unit is fully surrounded by the shell structure.

In use, the inner shell may rest on the outer shell and on the base frame. Preferably, the base frame carries a majority of the load onto the inner shell, which load may comprise a weight of one or more users sitting or lying on a mattress on top of the support construction. Preferably, the majority or even all of this weight is directed to the ground surface via the inner shell, the base frame, and the leg module, in particular in that order. Legs comprised by the leg module may be directly connected to the base frame. Preferably, the legs are not directly connected or even not directly in contact with the shell structure.

A second aspect provides another embodiment of the support construction for a ventilated bed, comprising a tub -shaped outer shell forming a cavity for accommodating a ventilation unit; a base frame provided in the cavity and being attached to the outer shell for supporting the outer shell; and at least four legs as a leg module extending from the base frame, wherein the at least four legs extend from the base frame through respective openings in a bottom of the outer shell. The base frame provides a sturdy base structure for supporting other components of the support construction.

In general, the base frame may be manufactured from aluminium, titanium, steel, another metal or metal alloy, an organic polymer, wood, a pressed composite material, other, or a combination thereof. The legs extending through respective openings in the outer shell enable a direct connection of the legs to the base frame (e.g., a metal base frame) such that a rigid and robust construction can be obtained, while the metal base frame is compactly accommodated in the cavity of the outer shell. The outer shell and the shell structure in general may, for example, be manufactured from a plastic to minimise the weight of the support construction. The legs can support the support construction on any suitable support surface, e.g., the floor.

In general, the leg module supports the base frame on a support surface, such as a bedroom floor. The shell structure, which generally forms the outside of the support construction, is supported by the base frame, and is thus typically indirectly connected to the leg module. In use, the shell structure may form the outside of a bed, and it is preferred to position components comprised by the bed inside the shell structure - such as the base frame and the conditioning unit. As such, these components remain out of sight, and the shell structure may block noise originating from components such as the conditioning unit.

In an embodiment, the base frame forms a rectangular frame, wherein the leg module, for example comprising at least four legs or any other number of legs, extends from the rectangular frame at or near respective corners thereof.

In an embodiment, the base frame comprises one or more hollow beams. Hence, a lightweight and stiff construction can be obtained.

In an embodiment, the support construction comprises a first foot and a second foot for supporting the ventilated bed on a floor surface, wherein each foot of the first and second foot is coupled to at least two legs of the at least four legs, and extends generally parallel to the bottom of the outer shell. The first foot and the second foot increase the footprint of the bed, e.g., the contact interface of the support construction and the ground, to evenly distribute the load of the bed, and a person laying on the bed, over a larger ground contact area.

In an embodiment, the first foot and the second foot both extend in a width or width-wise direction of the support construction, the first foot being coupled to two legs at or near a head-side of the support construction, the second foot being coupled to two foot-sides of the support construction. A length or length-wise direction can be defined as the direction from the intended foot-side of the support construction to the intended head-side of the support construction. The width direction is defined as the direction transverse to the length direction, parallel to a mattress support platform.

In one embodiment, the width dimension of the furniture or a part thereof is smaller than the length dimension of the furniture or a part thereof. Alternatively, the length dimension is defined by an intended sleeping position of a user of the furniture; if the furniture is a bed, the length is defined parallel to the length of a person in an intended (sleeping) position on the bed. In an embodiment, the first foot and the second foot span approximately the entire width of the outer shell.

In an embodiment, at least one leg, or even each leg, has a bore that extends through the leg, wherein a bolt is provided through the bore so as to couple each leg at one end to the metal base frame and at an opposite end to the first foot or the second foot.

In an embodiment, at least one leg, or even each leg, has associated therewith a washer plate for forming an engagement point for the bolt, the metal base frame, or at least part thereof, being provided between the washer plate and the leg.

In an embodiment, the support construction comprises a mattress support that defines a mattress support platform for supporting a mattress, wherein the mattress support comprises an inner shell provided at a top side of the outer shell, and having a central opening for providing access to the cavity.

In an embodiment, the mattress support comprises a ventilation grille arranged in a plane of the central opening of the inner shell.

In an embodiment, the central opening is formed by a recessed portion of the mattress support, recessed towards the bottom of the outer shell, the recessed portion having a support surface configured for supporting the mattress support on the metal base frame.

In an embodiment, the recessed portion of the inner shell comprises a seat for receiving a ventilation unit.

In an embodiment, the inner shell comprises, in the recessed portion, an air inlet opening.

In an embodiment, the tub-shaped outer shell comprises, at the bottom side, an air inlet opening.

A third aspect provides a mattress support for a support construction, particularly for a support construction in accordance with the first and second aspect. The mattress support comprises a mattress support platform for supporting a mattress thereon. The mattress support platform comprises an opening for allowing a flow of air therethrough, and is provided with an upstanding ridge projecting from the support platform, and extending around the opening. The upstanding ridge provides a seal between the mattress support platform and the mattress. Hence, when a mattress is positioned on the mattress support platform, the upstanding ridge projects into tight contact with the bottom mattress surface, thereby locally compressing the mattress to create a barrier that prevents or at least reduces air from escaping laterally between the mattress and the support platform.

This aspect particularly provides an improved seal with the mattress if a cover is provided around the mattress, for example by means of one or more sheets. In such cover, there may be folds and/or wrinkles if provided around the mattress, which may provide channels that may provide a leakage path to the environment, rather than forcing air to pass to and through the mattress. With an improved seal, such leakage is reduced or may even be prevented. Furthermore, this aspect and embodiments thereof may provide an improved sealing between the support platform and a ventilation grille or grid of slats provided in the support. A broad support platform provided around an opening in the bed support may in that sense also contribute to an improved seal. To further improve the seal, a coating may be provided on the support platform.

The mattress may further comprise an at least approximately air- impermeable sidewall, such that the air introduced into the mattress is prevented (or at least inhibited) from escaping through the side walls.

In an embodiment, the mattress support comprises a ventilation grille arranged in a plane of the opening, wherein the upstanding ridge is provided generally along the perimeter of the ventilation grille. The ventilation grille can be a slatted panel, comprising a plurahty of slats, spaced apart to define, a plurality of openings for allowing an air flow therethrough.

In an embodiment, the upstanding ridge is detachably coupled to the ventilation grille. For example, the upstanding ridge is detachably coupled to a perimeter edge of the ventilation grille.

In an embodiment, the upstanding ridge projects upwardly between 2 mm and 8 mm, for example between 4mm and 6 mm, as measured from an upper surface of the support platform.

A fourth aspect provides a ventilated bed, comprising a support construction in accordance with the first or second aspect, and a mattress positioned on the support construction. Optionally, the ventilated bed also comprises a mattress support according to the third aspect, with the mattress position on the mattress support.

It will be appreciated that any one or more of the above aspects, features and embodiments can be combined. It will be appreciated that any one of the embodiments described in view of one of the aspects can be apphed equally to any of the other aspects. It will also be clear that all aspects, features and embodiments described in view of the support construction apply equally to the mattress support, and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology will further be elucidated on the basis of representative embodiments which are represented in the drawings. The representative embodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustration. It is noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments of the present technology that are given by way of non limiting example.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a double bed;

Fig. IB shows a perspective view of a single bed; Fig. 1C shows a perspective view of a single bed without a mattress and with a ventilation grille;

Fig. ID shows a perspective view of a single bed without a mattress without the ventilation grille;

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a base frame for a support construction, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 2B shows a bottom plan view of the frame of Fig. 2A, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 2C shows a sectional view of the frame of Fig. 2A, taken generally along line 2C-2C of Fig. 2A, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2D shows a perspective view of one end of the frame of Fig.

2A, showing details thereof, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 3A and 3B show cross sectional views of an outer and inner shell for a support construction, taken generally along hnes 3A-3A, and 3B- 3B, respectively, of Fig. ID;

Figs. 4A-4C show cross sectional views of an outer and inner shell for a shell structure taken generally along line 4A-4A of Fig. 1C (for Figs. 4A and 4B), and generally along line 4C-4D (for Fig. 4C);

Figs. 5A-5C show a representative support construction for a ventilated bed;

Figs. 6A-6C show a representative support construction for a ventilated bed.

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a double bed;

Fig. 7B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a single bed; and

Fig. 7C shown a section view of the single bed of Fig. 7B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1A shows a ventilated bed 1 with a representative first support construction. The bed 1 is in particular a double bed. The support construction comprises a support having a first outer shell 20 for supporting a first person, a second outer shell 20’ for supporting a second person, a mattress 70 as a first upholstered item, supported at least partially by the first outer shell 20 and the second outer shell 20’ and a topper mattress 80 as a second upholstered item.

Fig. IB shows another embodiment of a bed 1 comprising a representative support construction. The bed 1 in particular is a single bed. The support construction comprises a shell structure having an outer shell 20, a mattress 70 as a first upholstered item, supported by the outer shell 20, and a topper mattress 80 as a second upholstered item.

Fig. 1C shows a representative support construction with the mattress 70 removed. Removing the mattress exposes a ventilation grille 60, for example formed as a slatted bed base. Fig. 1 D shows the support construction with the ventilation grille 60 removed.

Figs. 2A-2D show a base frame 10 for a support construction. The base frame 10 includes four beams 11a, lib, 11c, lid, which may be metal beams, such as aluminium beams, forming a rectangular frame, defining an open centre 15. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the four beams 11a, lib, 11c and lid may be at least partially and optionally fully provided in a composite material. As used herein, a composite material refers generally to a compound comprising at least two materials having different material characteristics. A first material may be a cured polymer, like epoxy or polyester. A second material may be a fibrous material, including, but not limited to glass, polymers or natural fibres.

To reduce the weight of the base frame 10, the beams 11a, lib, 11c, lid are generally hollow or open. In this example, the head-side beam 1 la (that is, the beam located adjacent and parallel to the head side of the bed) and an opposing foot-side beam 11c both have a tubular profile. Side beams lib, lid have a C-shaped profile, but it will be appreciated that other beam profiles can be used, such as I-shaped, H-shaped, rectangularly shaped, circularly or otherwise curved, L-shaped, open, closed, other, or a combination thereof. Beams 11a, lib, 11c, lid are secured to each other to form the generally-rectangular shape shown in Fig. 2A, using known techniques, for instance, welding, use of mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts), using an appropriate adhesive, and/or other suitable techniques or any combination of the foregoing techniques.

When a beam has a C-shape cross-section, the beam has a main body and two extending portions extending substantially perpendicular to the main body. The extending portions typically extend parallel to each other, and form an opening in-between them. Openings of the beams, in particular beams with a C-shaped cross-section, may face one another, as can be seen for example in Figs. 2A and 2C.

Fig. 2B shows a bottom view of the base frame 10, wherein a multitude of mounting holes 13 are provided in the bottom of the head-side beam 11a and foot-side beam 11c. The mounting holes are used to receive mechanical fasteners for mounting legs, e.g. four legs, to the base frame 10, as described below. Mounting holes 13 are particularly provided near the corners of the rectangular base frame 10. As described below, a shell component of the shell structure can also be mounted to the base frame 10, using one or more of the mounting holes 13. A mounting hole 13 is also indicated in Figs. 5A and 5B.

Fig. 2D shows two washer plates 12a, 12b, positioned within hollow head-side beam 11a and foot-side beam 11c (Fig. 2A) of base frame 10. As shown in Fig. 5B, washer plates 12a, 12b comprise bores, optionally having a thread - also possibly having a smooth bore without a thread - that are sized to engagingly receive a mechanical fastener, as described in greater detail below, for connecting one or more legs to base frame 10. Washer plates 12a, 12b are arranged to distribute the compressive and torque forces generated by engaged mechanical fasteners and any such forces associated with the weight of the support construction and anybody using the bed. Washer plates 12a, 12b may be made from steel, but also from any other suitable material, and can be the same material as is used for the base frame 10, or part thereof, or another material, or a combination thereof.

Figs. 3A and 3B show, respectively, a transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional view of an assembly of an outer shell 20 and an inner shell 30 of a support construction, taken generally along hnes 3A - 3A and 3B - 3B as shown in Fig, ID. The outer shell 20 and the inner shell 30 together form a shell structure. In embodiments, the shell structure may comprise further shell parts. The outer shell 20 is generally tub-shaped, and defines a cavity 25 for accommodating a ventilation unit 92, (e.g., a type of conditioning unit, as schematically shown in Figure 4A). The outer shell 20 has a generally closed surface and has an open top to direct a flow of air generated by the ventilation unit 92, in an upward direction. In the support construction, the outer shell 20 and the inner shell 30 are glued together to provide a monocoque shell structure. The outer shell 20 may be provided with an air inlet opening, for example in a bottom surface.

A plenum chamber 90 is defined by the shell structure, in particular by the inner shell 30. The plenum chamber 90 may be used to build up an air pressure in, and to distribute air to an upholstered item such as a mattress.

In the illustrated example, the outer shell 20 has a generally flat bottom portion 21. The inner shell 30 is secured to outer shell 20, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B and is shaped to define a central recess 31, located adjacent to the bottom portion 21 of the outer shell 20. The inner shell 30 provides, at least partially, a mattress support for supporting a mattress.

For example, a peripheral portion 38 of inner shell 30 forms at least a part of a mattress support platform 50 for supporting a mattress, wherein the central recessed portion 31 defines an opening 51 in the support platform 50, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. The support platform 50 is an example of an upholstery support, and may generally formed as a slatted base. The inner shell 30 can rest on an upper edge 22 of the outer shell 20.

The central recess 31 of the inner shell 30 includes a seat 32 for holding a ventilation unit 92 (shown in Figures 4A and 5A). As can be seen in Fig. 4A, for example, the ventilation unit 92 may at least partially surrounded by the base frame 10. In other words, the ventilation unit 92 may be at least partially positioned inside the base frame 10, while being supported by the shell structure - as shown in Fig. 4A - or alternatively directly by the base frame 10. The ventilation unit 92 may be conventional and may comprise a fan and a heater, and is only schematically depicted in the figures.

In the assembled state, the seat 32 is spaced from the bottom 21 of the outer shell 20, as shown in Fig. 3A, to allow for airflow between the inner shell 30 and outer shell 20. The inner shell 30 further comprises a support surface 34 for supporting the inner shell 30 on the base frame 10, as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B. The support surface 34 extends around the seat 32. The seat 32 is recessed relative to the support surface 34 to lower the centre of gravity of the support construction 1. Moreover, a side wall 35 located adjacent to the seat 32 may provide structural rigidity of the shell assembly by preventing a lateral displacement of the inner shell 30 relative to the base frame 10. The inner shell 30 may be fixed to the base frame 10, for example, by means of an appropriate adhesive or mechanical fastener, thereby forming a releasable or non-releasable connection. This connection may be provided by means of various techniques, including gluing, screwing, welding, bolting, nailing, using a snap-fit connection, and/or other appropriate techniques, and/or a combination thereof. The central recess 31 also includes a ventilation grille seat 36 for receiving a ventilation grille, described below, e.g., a slatted bed base 60.

The ventilation grille seat 36 is recessed relative to the mattress support platform 50, such that a top face of the ventilation grille is flush with the support platform 50. Hence, the recess 31 is generally stepped.

Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C show respectively a transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional view of an assembly of an outer shell 20 and an inner shell 30 of a support construction 1, taken generally along line 4A - 4A (Figs. 4A and 4B),and generally along hne 4C - 4C (Fig. 4C) as shown in Fig. 1C. In Figs. 4A-4C, a slatted bed base 60 as an example of a ventilation grille is shown positioned in the ventilation grille seat 36 of the inner shell 30, wherein the ventilation grille 60 resides in a plane defined by the mattress support platform 50. In this example, slatted bed base 60 includes a plurality of slats, laterally arranged with respect to the support construction 1 (in the width direction) and spaced from each other to form open spaces therebetween. Openings are provided to allow air to flow from the cavity 25 up through a mattress, when supported on the mattress support platform 50.

It will be understood that in Figs. 4A-4C, the leg module is omitted for conciseness of the figures. In general, legs comprised by the leg module may extend through the outer shell towards the base frame. Preferably, the legs do not directly contact the outer shell. The legs are shown in Figs. 5A-5C.

It will be appreciated that other ventilation grilles can be used. Such other ventilation grilles may be provided by means of individual slats, connected to one another or not, planar vents with holes having other oblong shapes or other shapes, other arrangements, or a combination thereof. Although other grills may be used, it is relevant that the total area of the grill-openings is sufficient to pass the airflow generated by the ventilation unit 92 without unwanted resistance or obstruction. Figs. 4A-4C further show that base frame 10 is positioned in- between the outer shell 20 and the inner shell 30, and is preferably even sandwiched in between the outer shell 20 and the inner shell 30. As such, the base frame 10 may be out of sight of a user, for example for aesthetic reasons. This allows the base frame 10 to look different from the outer shell 20 and the inner shell 30, and thus for example allows different materials and/or finishes to be used for the base frame 10. The base frame 10 supports the inner shell 30, and thus in use also the mattress and the user or users lying on the mattress. The seat 32, used to hold the ventilation unit 92 is recessed into the central opening 15 (Figs. 2A, 2B) of the rectangular base frame 10.

The configurations of the flat bottom portion 21 of the outer shell 20 and base frame 10 are adapted to one another, to facilitate the alignment of the base frame 10 relative to the outer shell 20 during assembly of the support construction 1. In other words, the base frame 10 is sized and shaped to fit along the flat bottom portion 21 within the cavity 25. The outer shell 20 can be attached to the base frame 10, for example at a bottom side of the base frame 10, by means of e.g. an adhesive and/or mechanical, e.g. threaded, faster.

As best seen in Fig. 4C, seat 32 can be located closer to the foot- side of the support construction 1 to reduce (e.g., minimize) noise perceived by a person lying on the bed. The outer shell 20 comprises, at the flat bottom portion 21, an outer air inlet opening 23, which is in fluid communication with an inner air inlet opening 37, of the inner shell 30. The air inlet openings 23, 37 may be offset with respect to one another. Hence, a fluid path is provided between the outer air inlet opening(s) 23 of the outer shell 20 and the central opening 51 of the mattress support platform 50, via inner air inlet opening(s) 37.

Fig. 5A shows a transverse cross section of the support construction 1, wherein two legs 40a, 40b are mounted directly to the base frame 10, particularly directly to the head-side beam 11a. In some implementations, the legs are not directly connected to the outer shell, the inner shell, and/or the shell structure in general, or do not even contact the shell structure directly at all.

Fig. 5B shows a detailed enlarged partial view of the cross sectional view of Fig. 5A. The legs 40a, 40b extend through respective openings 41a, 41b of outer shell 20 so that the legs are directly connected to the base frame 10. The outer shell 20 is not positioned between the legs 40a, 40b and the base frame 10. This arrangement allows for increased (e.g., optimized) stiffness of the support construction 1 and also allows the outer shell 20 to be made of lightweight and/or more resilient material, such as a plastic - an organic polymer -, metal, wood, any other suitable material and/or a combination thereof. Also the outer shell 20 may be made from a plastic material, for example, the same material as inner shell 30. The support construction 1 may include four legs or more.

A foot can be provided for supporting and distributing a load of the support construction on a floor surface. In this example, a first foot 42 of the support construction 1 is shown extending in a width direction of the support construction, and being coupled to both of the legs 40a, 40b. Similarly, the support construction 1 can also include a second foot (not shown), which also extends in a width direction of the support construction, and connects with the remaining two legs located at the opposite side of the support construction 1. It will be understood that any embodiment disclosed herein is also envisioned without any feet. For example, the legs 40a, 40b may directly support the support construction 1 on a surface, such as the floor of a bedroom.

The first foot 42, and the opposite second foot (not shown), extends laterally between their respective first leg 40a and the second leg 40b (in the width direction of the support construction), in order to increase the stability and structural rigidity of the support construction as it is being used. The first foot 42 may span generally the entire width of the outer shell 20, e.g., a dimension of the first foot 42 in a width direction of the support construction approximately equals a width of the outer shell 22, though other dimensions, either longer or shorter, are possible as well. It will be appreciated that first foot 42 and the second foot extend in a plane parallel to the mattress support platform 50, such that the mattress support platform (and therefore the mattress) is parallel to, and level with the floor surface where the bed 1 resides.

The legs 40a, 40b each include a corresponding through hole 44a, 44b which is sized and shaped to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough. In this example, a bolt 45a, 45b is provided through each through hole 44a, 44b in the legs 40a, 40b. The bolts 45a, 45b engage the first foot 42 at one end of the bolt, and threadingly engage threaded bores of washer plates 12a, 12b (see also Fig. 2D). It will be appreciated that the bolt can additionally or alternatively engage the base frame 10 with or without the use of the washer plates 12a, 12b. This way, the legs 40a, 40b can be tightly compressed or clamped between the base frame 10 and the first foot 42, optionally owing to the tightening action of bolts 45a, 45b. When no feet are used, the legs 40a,, 40b can be clamped between a head of the respective bolt and the base frame 10. Hence, each leg can be mounted to the base frame 10, as well as to the first or second foot 42, by means of a single bolt. This facihtates convenient and efficient assembly of the support construction 1. The bolts 45a, 45b can be insertable from the bottom side of the support construction, wherein, in this example, the first and second feet include a recess for accommodating a head of the bolts.

Figs. 6A-6C show a support construction, in particular, a mattress support platform 50 for supporting a mattress 70. The mattress support platform 50 includes a central opening 51, in which a ventilation grille 60 extends. The ventilation grille 60 defines a plurality of openings for allowing a flow of air therethrough, and may be formed as a slatted bed base. Extending from support platform 50 is an upwardly-directed ridge 52 which operates as a seal, and which extends around the central opening 51. The upwardly-directed ridge 52 provides, in cooperation with the mattress 70, a seal to prevent air from escaping laterally between the mattress support platform 50 and the mattress 70, or at least to reduce air flow between the mattress 70 and the support platform 50. This forces most, if not all airflow generated by the ventilation unit 92 to pass through the mattress 70 and not be wasted by leaking out below the mattress.

An airflow, e.g., the one generated by the ventilation unit 92 mounted within the seat 32 (Fig. 4C), is directed through the central opening 51, through the openings in the ventilation grille 60, and eventually, through the mattress 70, into direct contact with a sleeping user.

The upwardly-directed ridge 52, in this example, has a D-shaped profile, but it will be appreciated that other profiles shapes and configurations are possible, either hollow or solid. The upwardly-directed ridge 52 can further be detachably coupled to the support platform 50, for example detachably coupled to the ventilation grille 60. For example, the ridge 52 can attach to the perimeter edge of the ventilation grille 60, as shown in Fig. 6A, 6B. The ridge 52 may extend upwardly by any amount or distance, e.g., by a distance between 2 milhmetres and 30 milhmetres, from any value of 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20 millimetres to any value of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30 millimetres.

In order to facilitate selective securement of the upwardly- directed ridge 52 to the ventilation grille 60, the upwardly-directed ridge 52 may comprise a coupling rim that fits around the perimeter of the ventilation grille 60. The coupling rim may have a C-shaped cross-section that is sized and shaped to receive and hold the edge of the grille 60. In other embodiments, the upwardly-directed ridge 52 may be secured, as a separate part, to the support platform 50 so that it surrounds the opening 21 (Fig. 5C), or integrally -formed with the grille 60, or the support platform 50. As such, the upwardly-directed ridge 52 may provide improved sealing between the support platform and the grille 60.

In one embodiment, the upwardly-directed ridge 52 has a profile that includes an L-shaped section, which is sized and shaped to receive and hold edge of the grille 60, as shown in Fig. 6C, and further provide a seal between a lower surface of the grille 60 and a seat 36, integrally -formed into the inner shell 30.

The upwardly-directed ridge 52 may be manufactured by extrusion moulding, injection moulding, other, and/or a combination thereof, of an elastomer, rubber in particular, either natural or synthetic, and/or another resilient material. The material used to make the upwardly- directed seal 52 optionally does not mark or damage the underside of the mattress 70 and can be made with a material that forms a suitable seal between grille 60 and the underside of mattress 70.

Fig. 7A shows another embodiment of a double bed 1, in a perspective view. The double bed 1 comprises a first outer shell 20 for supporting a first person, a second outer shell 20’ for supporting a second person, a mattress 70 as a first upholstered item, supported at least partially by the first outer shell 20 and the second outer shell 20’ and a topper mattress 80 as a second upholstered item. In use, the two outer shell 20, 20’ may be connected to each other. Conceivably, the bed 1 may comprise a single outer shell 20 for supporting the first and second persons. As further options, the bed 1 may be provided without the topper mattress 80, and/or with more than one mattress 70, for example with two mattresses.

In the particular embodiment of Fig. 7 A, the first outer shell 20 is supported by four legs, of which two legs 40a, 40b are visible in Fig. 7 A. The second outer shell 20’ is also supported by four legs, of which three legs 40a, 40b, 40c are visible in Fig. 7 A. In general, for any embodiment disclosed herein, an outer shell may be supported by any number of legs, for example three, four, or even more than four.

Fig. 7B shows another embodiment of a single bed 1’, in a perspective view. The bed G comprises an outer shell 20 on which a mattress 70 as a first upholstered item is supported, together with an optional topper mattress 80. The outer shell 20 is supported by four legs, of which three legs 40a, 40b, 40c are visible in Fig. 7B. The four legs may be generally disposed on corners of a rectangle.

Respectively compared to the beds shown in Fig. 1A and IB, the beds shown in Fig. 7A and 7B are only supported by vertical legs, without the horizontal feet 42. This may allow for a smaller footprint of the bed, and aesthetically changes the appearance of the bed. The vertical legs may not be directly connected to each other, in particular in absence of the feet.

Fig. 7C shows a section view of the bed V of Fig. 7B, with the mattress 70 and topper mattress 80 omitted for conciseness of the figure. As can be seen, the legs 40a, 40b are directly connected to the base frame 10 of the bed 1, using for example bolts 45a, 45b which extend through a bore (not shown) of the legs 40a, 40b. Washer plates 12a, 12b are used to clamp the legs 40a, 40b to the base frame 10. The washer plates 12a, 12b may comprises a threaded bore into which part of the respective bolt 45a, 45b can be threaded. Alternatively, bolts may be directly threaded into the base frame 10.

The legs 40a, 40b extend through respective openings 41a, 41b of outer shell 20, preferably without the legs 40a, 40b directly contacting the outer frame 20. As an option, which is as other options disclosed herein readily apphcable to other embodiments of beds, one or more legs 40a, 40b may have a generally tapered shaped, which is tapered towards the base frame 10. The tapered shape implies that in use, an upper part of the legs 40a, 40b has a smaller diameter, width, or outer footprint than a lower part of the legs 40a, 40b, as can for example be seen in Fig. 1C. The tapered shape may be gradual, for example at least part of the legs may resemble part of a cone, triangle, or pyramid, and/or the tapered shape may be discrete, with one or more distinct sections with a different diameter, width, or outer footprint.

As an option, one or more of the legs 40a, 40b comprises a bottom cavity 71, arranged to accommodate part of the bolts 45a, for example a head of the bolts 45a, 45b. This allows the bed 1 to rest on the legs 40a, 40b, instead of on the heads of the bolts 45a, 45b.

It will be understood that features disclosed herein, in particular in conjunction with any of the figures 1A-6C, may be readily applied to the beds 1, 1’ of Figs. 7A-7B, and vice versa.

Herein, the technology is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications, variations, alternatives and changes may be made therein, without departing from the presently disclosed technology.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments; however, other embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged and understood to fall within the framework of the present technology as outlined by the claims. The specification, figures and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The presently disclosed technology is intended to embrace all suitable alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as hmiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

As used herein, the term "and/or," as in "A and/or B" refers to A alone, B alone and both A and B. As used herein, the terms “about,” and “approximately” refer to values within 10% of the stated value.