Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a zipper to a length of material. The system involves the feeding of the material to a sewing machine while simultaneously locating separate zipper tape sections on the material whereby the tape sections are attached to the material. These sections are attached with the teeth supporting edges thereof facing outwardly and with the opposite edges thereof facing inwardly and being positioned adjacent each other. The material is then cut along a line adjacent these opposite edges whereby the material is formed into separate pieces. Thereafter, the teeth supporting edges are folded back toward each other whereby the material can be rejoined by the zipper. The apparatus preferably includes a spreading device to hold the opposite edges of the zipper in spaced relationship during the cutting operation whereby the cutter will not engage the tape. The zipper sections are preferably fed from a source which involves joined sections.

Abstract: A mattress construction comprising a filler with a surrounding mattress cover. The cover defines an opening along at least one of its ends, and a zipper is provided for closing the opening. A fabric section of the cover is positioned in overlapping relationship with one end of the zipper. This section defines a pocket for receipt of the zipper closure when the zipper is closed to thereby reduce the likelihood that the zipper will be opened during use of the mattress.

Abstract: A coil spring assembly for mattresses and box springs in which the coil springs are arranged in lengthwise and crosswise rows in the assembly with the outermost coil springs in each of the rows and in the middle rows extending lengthwise and crosswise of the spring assembly being formed of coil springs of greater firmness than the coil springs immediately adjacent the outermost rows and the middle rows but in which the number of rows formed of coil springs of greater firmness is at least equal to if not greater than the number of rows of coil springs of less firmness.

Abstract: Mattress constructions and apparatus for producing the constructions wherein a resilient filler is located in a hopper and a flexible mattress cover is positioned for communication with the open end of the hopper. Means are provided for driving the filler into the cover, and the apparatus provides adhesive dispensers which apply adhesive to the filler surfaces so that this adhesive forms a bond between these surfaces and the associated cover. The apparatus employs engaging members for driving the filler out of the hopper, the engaging members automatically accommodate to differences in filler widths and thicknesses so that proper pushing engagement with the filler is reliably achieved. The resulting mattress is provided with a secure adhesive bond between the cover and filler, avoiding movement between the cover and filler during handling and use.

Abstract: A system for measuring or testing the firmness of a resilient object such as a mattress. A pressure applying platen or the like is driven by a motor into the object, and the pressure applied is measured through the utilization of a pressure sensitive transducer or the like. This generates electrical power proportional to the pressure, and a recorder displays information to provide a reading of the power generated. The generating means is also connected to control means for the motor, and a threshold circuit or the like is adapted to shut off and reverse the motor when the power generated reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A foam foundation unit for bedding in which a foam layer is supported on a wire grid that is fixed to the top side of the wooden base frame.

Abstract: Mattress constructions and apparatus for producing the constructions wherein a resilient filler is located in a hopper and a flexible mattress cover is positioned for communication with the open end of the hopper. Means are provided for driving the filler into the cover, and the apparatus provides adhesive dispensers which apply adhesive to the filler surfaces so that this adhesive forms a bond between these surfaces and the associated cover. The apparatus employs engaging members for driving the filler out of the hopper, the engaging members automatically accommodate to differences in filler widths and thicknesses so that proper pushing engagement with the filler is reliably achieved. The resulting mattress is provided with a secure adhesive bond between the cover and filler, avoiding movement between the cover and filler during handling and use.

Abstract: A coil spring assembly for mattresses and box springs in which the coil springs are arranged in lengthwise and crosswise rows in the assembly with the outermost coil springs in each of the rows and in the middle rows extending lengthwise of the spring assembly being formed of coil springs of greater firmness than the coil springs in the lengthwise rows immediately adjacent the outermost rows but in which the number of rows formed of coil springs of greater firmness is at least equal to if not greater than the number of rows of coil springs of less firmness.

Abstract: Mattress constructions and apparatus for producing the constructions wherein a resilient filler is located in a hopper and a flexible mattress cover is positioned for communication with the open end of the hopper. Means are provided for driving the filler into the cover, and the apparatus provides adhesive dispensers which apply adhesive to the filler surfaces so that this adhesive forms a bond between these surfaces and the associated cover. The apparatus employs engaging members for driving the filler out of the hopper, the engaging members automatically accommodate to differences in filler widths and thicknesses so that proper pushing engagement with the filler is reliably achieved. The resulting mattress is provided with a secure adhesive bond between the cover and filler, avoiding movement between the cover and filler during handling and use.

Abstract: A spring assembly formed of multiple coil springs arranged in lengthwise and crosswise rows and a sub-assembly for use in the manufacture of such spring assemblies in which the sub-assembly is formed of elongate slats having longitudinally spaced nodules extending from the upper surfaces thereof for mounting coil springs thereon in corresponding longitudinally spaced relation with the coil springs extending upwardly from the top surface of the slats.

Abstract: A compression tester for resilient objects such as springs and foam articles, including a supporting bed for the object to be tested. A platen is positioned on the object and a driving handle is engaged for forcing the platen into the object. A scale measures the amount of force applied and the distance of movement of the platen into the object is simultaneously indicated. This provides a tester which will determine the force required for depressing a resilient object through a given distance.

Abstract: A mattress base or support member is formed by a metal frame assembly having a plurality of metal frame members that define the outer periphery of the mattress base and that support a plurality of struts for alternately mounting a resilient cushion, such as a sheet of polyurethane foam, thereon to form a foundation when the frame assembly is disposed in a first condition or mounting a spring assembly thereon to form a box or inner spring when the frame assembly is disposed in a second, inverted condition. The frame assembly includes corner braces disposed at each corner that receive and retain vertical support means, such as legs, rollers or casters, thereby eliminating the customary lowermost adjustable bed frame. A fabric cover is placed over either the box spring or the foundation and is secured to the frame assembly by a resilient clip band, which is preferably sewn to the lowermost edges of the cover, to form an upholstered mattress base.