Abstract: A method of packaging a resiliently compressible article comprises the steps of inserting the article into a tube of deformable material such that excess material is provided at the ends of the tube. A first end of the tube is then sealed closed. Air is then evacuated from the tube through the second end thereby deforming the tube around the article and causing the article to compress. While a vacuum is maintained in the tube, the second end of the tube is sealed closed. A containment sleeve is fitted over the sealed tube to maintain the article in a compressed state. When the article is unpackaged, the containment sleeve is severed and the tube is allowed to expand in a gradual controlled fashion by the bleeding of air back into the tube.

Abstract: A knock down mattress system comprises a generally rectangular box-like shell having a bottom panel, a top panel and side panels interposed therebetween. A plurality of generally elongate bolsters are dimensioned and configured to be positioned within the shell in abutment with the side panels thereof. Each bolster comprises a casing containing resiliently compressible, pocketed coil springs, thereby providing a firm but compliant perimeter around the bed. The bolsters are maintained in proper position within the shell by straps which cooperate with loops formed in the bottom panel of the shell. By this configuration, the bolsters define an interior bounded space within the shell to contain a water mattress, an air mattress or other suitable mattress member. Because the bed system comprises an assembly of discrete pieces, it can be shipped conveniently to the customer in disassembled form and is readily assembled at final destination.

Abstract: A bed foundation comprises a pair of parallel spaced side rails with ends connected by corner braces to the ends of parallel, spaced cross rails thereby defining a rectangular box frame. Upwardly facing edges of the cross rails and side rails lie in a common plane. A pair of generally planar top panels are positioned on the frame with their peripheral edges flush with the outer edges of the frame. The corner braces extend above the plane defined by the upwardly facing edges of the rails providing lips which cooperate with corners of the panels to retain the panels immovable on the frame. A third panel may be positioned between the pair of panels and a clip engages both an edge of the third panel and the upwardly facing edge of a cross rail to retain the third panel immovable relative to the frame.

Abstract: A water mattress configuration is provided which includes a tray having a peripheral flange having a downturned edge. A load placed atop the flange causes side walls of the tray to deflect, providing a cushion effect.

Abstract: A method of packaging a resiliently compressible article comprises the steps of inserting the article into a tube of deformable material such that excess material is provided at the ends of the tube. A first end of the tube is then sealed closed. Air is then evacuated from the tube through the second end thereby deforming the tube around the article and causing the article to compress. While a vacuum is maintained in the tube, the second end of the tube is sealed closed. A containment sleeve is fitted over the sealed tube to maintain the article in a compressed state. When the article is unpackaged, the containment sleeve is severed and the tube is allowed to expand in a gradual controlled fashion by the bleeding of air back into the tube.