Patents by Inventor Darin T. Thomas

Darin T. Thomas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250017390
    Abstract: A pocket coil spring assembly is provided that includes a coil spring having an upper portion and a lower portion collectively defining an interior cavity of the coil spring. The pocket coil spring assembly further includes a fabric pocket encasing the coil spring with a top area covering the upper portion of the coil spring and a bottom area covering the lower portion of the coil spring. A discrete amount of flexible foam is poured on the top of the fabric pocket such that a top surface of the flexible foam extends above the coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes the flexible foam dispensed in continuous or discrete amounts between rows of pocket coil springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Darin T. Thomas, Brian M. Manuszak, Stephen Wallace
  • Patent number: 12135066
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: SEALY TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Kevin M. Tar, Darin T. Thomas, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Patent number: 12127679
    Abstract: A pocket coil spring assembly is provided that includes a coil spring having an upper portion and a lower portion collectively defining an interior cavity of the coil spring. The pocket coil spring assembly further includes a fabric pocket encasing the coil spring with a top area covering the upper portion of the coil spring and a bottom area covering the lower portion of the coil spring. A discrete amount of flexible foam is poured on the top of the fabric pocket such that a top surface of the flexible foam extends above the coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes the flexible foam dispensed in continuous or discrete amounts between rows of pocket coil springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Darin T. Thomas, Brian M. Manuszak, Stephen Wallace
  • Publication number: 20240349907
    Abstract: A spring core is provided that includes a plurality of coil springs having an upper portion and a lower portion that collectively define an interior cavity. The spring core further includes a continuous upper fabric layer that covers each coil spring and defines a recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A cushioning layer is positioned atop the continuous upper fabric layer and extends into the recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes the spring core, an upper body supporting layer, and a lower foundation layer. Methods of producing a spring core are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Darin T. Thomas, Stephen Wallace, Christina Pollock
  • Publication number: 20240280155
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Kevin M. Tar, Darin T. Thomas, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Publication number: 20240280154
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Kevin M. Tar, Darin T. Thomas, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Publication number: 20240280156
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Kevin M. Tar, Darin T. Thomas, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Patent number: 12048380
    Abstract: A spring core is provided that includes a plurality of coil springs having an upper portion and a lower portion that collectively define an interior cavity. The spring core further includes a continuous upper fabric layer that covers each coil spring and defines a recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A cushioning layer is positioned atop the continuous upper fabric layer and extends into the recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes the spring core, an upper body supporting layer, and a lower foundation layer. Methods of producing a spring core are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: SEALY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Darin T. Thomas, Stephen Wallace, Christina Pollock
  • Patent number: 11910929
    Abstract: In systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress assembly and/or modulating the pressure in a mattress assembly, a mattress assembly includes: a two-dimensional array of bladders; at least one pump that is in fluid communication with the bladders to provide air and/or fluid to the bladders; multiple valves that are interposed between the pump and the bladders to control the flow of air and/or fluid to or from the bladders; a pressure sensor operably connected to one or more of the bladders; and a controller in communication with the pump, the valves, and the pressure sensors. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the pump and one or more of the valves, while receiving feedback from the pressure sensors, in order to adjust the firmness of the mattress assembly and/or modulate the pressure in the mattress assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SEALY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Darin T. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11608869
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Darin T. Thomas, Kevin M. Tar, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Publication number: 20230076379
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Darin T. Thomas, Kevin M. Tar, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Publication number: 20230072656
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Kevin M. Tar, Darin T. Thomas, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Patent number: 11480228
    Abstract: Present embodiments provide various open coil spring assemblies which perform like an encased spring assembly. The embodiments have elastic lacings or connections which connect springs to springs or springs to lacings. Various spring embodiments are provided as well as various arrangements for the elastic lacings. All of these features improve compliance and stability while reducing motion transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SEALY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Kevin M. Tar, Darin T. Thomas, Daniel W. Green, Morrison J. Just
  • Publication number: 20210315390
    Abstract: A spring core is provided that includes a plurality of coil springs having an upper portion and a lower portion that collectively define an interior cavity. The spring core further includes a continuous upper fabric layer that covers each coil spring and defines a recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A cushioning layer is positioned atop the continuous upper fabric layer and extends into the recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes the spring core, an upper body supporting layer, and a lower foundation layer. Methods of producing a spring core are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Darin T. Thomas, Stephen Wallace, Christina Pollock
  • Publication number: 20210307533
    Abstract: In systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress assembly and/or modulating the pressure in a mattress assembly, a mattress assembly includes: a two-dimensional array of bladders; at least one pump that is in fluid communication with the bladders to provide air and/or fluid to the bladders; multiple valves that are interposed between the pump and the bladders to control the flow of air and/or fluid to or from the bladders; a pressure sensor operably connected to one or more of the bladders; and a controller in communication with the pump, the valves, and the pressure sensors. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the pump and one or more of the valves, while receiving feedback from the pressure sensors, in order to adjust the firmness of the mattress assembly and/or modulate the pressure in the mattress assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Darin T. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11076705
    Abstract: A spring core is provided that includes a plurality of coil springs having an upper portion and a lower portion that collectively define an interior cavity. The spring core further includes a continuous upper fabric layer that covers each coil spring and defines a recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A cushioning layer is positioned atop the continuous upper fabric layer and extends into the recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes the spring core, an upper body supporting layer, and a lower foundation layer. Methods of producing a spring core are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Darin T. Thomas, Stephen Wallace, Christina Pollock
  • Patent number: 11058227
    Abstract: In systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress assembly and/or modulating the pressure in a mattress assembly, a mattress assembly includes: a two-dimensional array of bladders; at least one pump that is in fluid communication with the bladders to provide air and/or fluid to the bladders: multiple valves that are interposed between the pump and the bladders to control the flow of air and/or fluid to or from the bladders; a pressure sensor operably connected to one or more of the bladders; and a controller in communication with the pump, the valves, and the pressure sensors. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the pump and one or more of the valves, while receiving feedback from the pressure sensors, in order to adjust the firmness of the mattress assembly and/or modulate the pressure in the mattress assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Darin T Thomas
  • Patent number: 11051631
    Abstract: A coil-in-coil spring is provided that exhibits a variable and non-linear loading response upon compression. The spring comprises a continuous wire including a first spring portion having a first spring constant, a second spring portion having a second spring constant less than the first spring constant, and a third spring portion having a third spring constant less than the first spring constant and less than the second spring constant. In the coil-in-coil spring, the first spring portion forms an outer coil of the coil-in-coil spring and the second spring portion, the third spring portion, or both the second spring portion and the third spring portion are positioned within the first spring portion and form an inner coil of the coil-in-coil spring. A multi-coil spring is also provided that includes an outer coil, an intermediate coil positioned within the outer coil, and an inner coil positioned with the intermediate coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Darin T. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11026517
    Abstract: A mattress assembly is provided that includes a mattress core having a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a mattress topper positioned adjacent to the top surface of the mattress core. The mattress topper includes a plurality of coil springs, an upper fabric layer extending above the plurality of coil springs, and a lower fabric layer extending below the plurality of coil springs. The lower fabric layer is connected to the upper fabric layer around each coil spring such that the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer collectively form a fabric pocket encasing each coil spring. The mattress topper further includes a padded layer positioned atop the upper fabric layer, with the padded layer connected to the upper fabric layer by ultrasonic welds and/or tufts. Methods of producing a mattress topper for connection to a mattress core are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Darin T. Thomas, Kevin Tar
  • Patent number: 10986935
    Abstract: A pocketed spring, such as that used in a mattress, comprises: a compression spring having an upper end convolution and a lower end convolution opposite the upper end convolution, and a plurality of helical intermediate convolutions between the upper end convolution and the lower end convolution; a flexible enclosure including a top wall positioned adjacent to the upper end convolution of the compression spring, a bottom wall positioned adjacent to the lower end convolution of the compression spring, and a side wall that extends from the top wall to the bottom wall; and a tension member connected to the flexible enclosure. The tension member acts in opposition to the compression spring until the pocketed spring is compressed to a point at which the tension member no longer applies any force. Thus, the pocketed spring exhibits a non-linear response when compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Sealy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Darin T. Thomas, Brian M. Manuszak, Larry K. DeMoss, Christina Pollock, Wesley D. Ballew, Christopher J. Kennedy, Abed Khaskia