Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress core formed as a unitary assembly from one or more resiliently compressible materials and defining a generally planar deck surface. A pillow top layer assembly extends coextensively with the deck surface and includes a quilt panel which forms an envelope with the core. A plurality of closely spaced coil springs are positioned within the envelope. The springs retain nearly all of the their resilience over the life of the mattress assembly, thus, providing for continued comfort to the user over an extended period of time.

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 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.