In-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device

Abstract

An in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device includes (a) a mattress formed of viscoelastic foam, and having a rectangular top view footprint with a predetermined width at its widest point, and a predetermined length at its longest point, and having a left area cut-in and a right area cut-in, each of the cut-ins having a cut-in width equal to at least 12% of the predetermined width of the mattress, and each of the cut-ins having a cut-in length equal to at least twice the cut-in width; and, (b) a-protective cover containing the mattress, and having a shape, thickness, width and length sufficient to encompass the mattress. In some embodiments, the left cut-in and right cut-in are mirror images of one another. In other embodiments, the device is made wherein one of the left cut-in and the right cut-in is longer than the other, e.g. to accommodate a spare tire well or other protrusion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to creating sleeping and resting opportunities in the rear portions of sport utility vehicles, minivans, vans, pickup trucks and station wagons. More specifically, the present invention relates to in-vehicle viscoelastic bedding devices that have been uniquely conformed to contour wheel wells and spare tire wells. The viscoelastic bedding device, as compared to other mattress materials, inhibits a sleeper from rolling into wheel wells and provides a more evenly distributed support arrangement to provide enhanced sleep and rest.

2. Information Disclosure Statement

The following prior art is representative of the state of the art in the field of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,415 describes a novel, lightweight portable seat cushion using low-to-medium density cellular elastomer foams with pressure-reducing properties to maximize user comfort and a method for manufacturing one configuration of said cushion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,851 describes a mattress which increases the surface area contacting the patient's skin, and which conforms evenly to the skin over the skin/surface interface. The mattress includes a flat layer of foam that is temperature sensitive and which has rate-dependent deflection which provides maximal hysteric dampening and maximal tissue/surface interface contact. Different stiffnesses of foam are used under key areas to allow support and at the same time to allow the tissue to reach mechanical equilibrium. The maximal surface contact will apply constant low pressure to the tissues, thus reducing the shear force and the risk of-tissue injury.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,821 B1 describes a mattress system including a first section of foam material forming the head section of a mattress, a second section of foam material forming, the central section of the mattress, and a third section of foam material forming the foot section of the mattress. The second section of foam material has a load responsive characteristic different from the load responsive characteristic of the first and third sections. The central section may be replaced by an inflatable air chamber.

U.S. Pate. No. 6,653,363 B1 describes foaming a polyurethane foam at above atmospheric pressure conditions using a mixture of polyisocyanate and a specific mixture of low molecular weight (high OH number) polyether and graft polyols producing viscoelastic foams with high firmness, low energy losses and high temperature sensitivity such that the firmness is reduced by at least 25% when the foam is heated from room temperature (e.g., about 70° F. (21° C.)) to 100° F. (38° C.). The foam-forming ingredients are mixed together and foamed at controlled pressures in the range 1.05 to 1.5 bar (absolute), preferably 1.1 to 1.3 bar (absolute).

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device. The device includes (a) a mattress formed of viscoelastic foam, and having a predetermined thickness and elasticity, and having a rectangular top view footprint with a predetermined width at its widest point, and a predetermined length at its longest point, and having a left area cut-in and a right area cut-in, each of the cut-ins having a cut-in width equal to at least 12% of the predetermined width of the mattress, and each of the cut-ins having a cut-in length equal to at least twice the cut-in width; and, (b) a protective cover containing the mattress, and having a shape, thickness, width and length sufficient to encompass the mattress.

In some embodiments, the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device left cut-in and right cut-in are mirror images of one another. In other embodiments, the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device is made wherein one of the left cut-in and the right cut-in is longer than the other, e.g. to accommodate a spare tire well or other protrusion.

In some embodiments, the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device cover has a sealable open peripheral section for insertion and removal of the mattress. In some embodiments, the sealable open peripheral section includes a fastener. In some preferred embodiments, the fastener is selected from the group consisting of pull string, hook and loop system, zipper, clasp and button.

In some embodiments, the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device viscoelastic mattress is a viscoelastic urethane foam.

In some embodiments, the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device, the mattress footprint is established to conform to a top view of a motor vehicle back area, selected from the group consisting of sport utility vehicles, family vans, panel trucks and pick up trucks, and the cut-ins are established to encompass wheel wells, especially wherein the motor vehicle back area is a sport utility back area.

In other embodiments, the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device includes, (a) a mattress formed of at least two layers, including a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the top layer is a viscoelastic foam, the mattress having a predetermined thickness and elasticity, and having a rectangular top view footprint with a predetermined width at its widest point, and a predetermined length at its longest point, and having a left area cut-in and a right area cut-in, each of the cut-ins having a cut-in width equal to at least 12% of the predetermined width of the-mattress, and each of the cut-ins having a cut-in length equal to at least twice the cut-in width; and, (b) a protective cover containing the mattress, and having a shape, thickness, width and length sufficient to encompass the mattress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention should be more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a partial cut rear oblique view of a pickup truck;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the FIG. 1 pickup truck, but with a present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device;

FIG. 3 shows a top view present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device;

FIG. 4 shows an end cut view of the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows an uncut end view of the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows an cut end view of an alternative embodiment composite present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device mattress;

FIG. 7 shows a partial top view of a sport utility vehicle with its roof removed and showing a present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device; and,

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a modified present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device that is adapted to fit a sport utility vehicle or sport utility truck with a spare tire well adjacent a wheel well on one side of the cargo bay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention should be more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a partial cut rear oblique view of pickup truck 1. Pickup truck 1 includes a cab 3 and a cargo bed 10. Cargo bed 10 has a bottom 5, walls 7 and 9 and a front wall 11. Wheel wells 13 and 15 extend upwardly into cargo bed 10. This is conventional for pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, sport utility trucks, vans, minivans, and station wagons. The design is nearly universal as it increases the available volume for storage, seating, etc., and still permits a generally flat inside bottom for maximum cargo stability. The turn “vehicle” as used herein means any vehicle having a cargo area with wheel wells extending into the area and, hence, being higher than the cargo area base. Most significant is the sport utility vehicle, but the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device may be used for sleeping, napping, child containment and child napping, as well as other recreational and business travel uses.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the FIG. 1 pickup truck, but with a present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device 20 placed in its cargo bed 10. As can be seen, present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device 20 has been formed to contour around wheel wells 13 and 15 and to fit adjacent walls 7, 9 and 11.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device 20 shown in FIG. 2 above. Device 20 is made up of a mattress of viscoelastic material with a protective cover that has a similar shape, height, width and length to accommodate the mattress. Device 20 has a front 27, a back 29, left side 31, right side 33, and top 21. Left cut-out 23 and right cut out 25 are mirror images and are established to circumvent wheel wells, such as wheel wells 13 and 15 in FIG. 2.

Device 21 mattress has dimensions substantially identical to the device, as the cover has negligible thickness. It is the thickness of cloth or canvass, or plastic coated webbing. For purposes of this application, the dimensions of the mattress and the device, within a fraction of an inch, are identical. Thus the mattress length is shown as L_m and the mattress width W_m. These are the maximum lengths and widths of the mattress. Each of the cut-outs 23 and 25 have a predetermined length L_c and a predetermined width W_c, wherein W_c is at least 12% of W_m and wherein L_c is at least twice W_c.

FIG. 4 shows an end cut view of the present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device 20 of FIG. 2. The mattress 41 is a single layer having a predetermined height H_m. Thus, the entire mattress is formed of a viscoelastic material such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,363 B1, incorporated herein by reference. Mattress 41 is totally enclosed by protective cover 43. FIG. 5 shows an uncut end view of the in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device 20 shown in FIG. 4. Protective cover 43 has an end 45 with a zipper seam 47 and zipper 49 that traverses the entire width and optionally around the corner a few inches to permit removal and insertion of the mattress 41. In place of zipper 49 could be any known fastening mechanism.

FIG. 6 shows an cut end view of an alternative embodiment composite present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device mattress 60. Mattress 60 includes a top layer 61 of viscoelastic material and a bottom layer 63 that may be viscoelastic material of a different density or non viscoelastic material such as conventional mattress foam or similar material.

FIG. 7 shows a partial top view of a sport utility vehicle 70 with its roof removed and showing a present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device 90. Sport utility vehicle 70 has front seats 73 and 75 and back seats 77, 79 and 87 (folded down and positioned under part of bedding device 90). Sport utility vehicle also has side walls 71 and 81 and back walls 89. Wheel wells 83 and 85 project upwardly above the floor level of the cargo bay. Present invention device 90 has the same configuration as present invention device 20 in FIGS. 2 and 3, except that it is not as wide or long as what might be used in a pickup truck. The cutouts 91 and 93 conform around wheel wells 83 and 85, respectively. The outer protective cover and the mattress may be formed in accordance with any of the prior descriptions.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a modified present invention in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device 100 that is adapted to fit a sport utility vehicle or truck or other cargo bay area with a spare tire well adjacent a wheel well on one side of the cargo bay area. Thus, present invention bedding device 100 has a front 103, a back 105, left side 107, right side 109 and top 101. Right side cutout 111 has been made to circumvent a wheel well, while cutout 113 extends all the way to back 105 and has been cut to conform to extended projections on the left side 107 of a vehicle, mainly a combination wheel well and spare tire.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device, which comprises:

(a) a mattress formed of viscoelastic foam, and having a predetermined thickness and elasticity, and having a rectangular top view footprint with a predetermined width at its widest point, and a predetermined length at its longest point, and having a left area cut-in and a right area cut-in, each of said cut-ins having a cut-in width equal to at least 12% of said predetermined width of said mattress, and each of said cut-ins having a cut-in length equal to at least twice said cut-in width; and,

(b) a protective cover containing said mattress, and having a shape, thickness, width and length sufficient to encompass said mattress.

2. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 1 wherein said left cut-in and said right cut-in are mirror images of one another.

3. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 1 wherein one of said left cut-in and said right cut-in is longer than the other.

4. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 1 wherein said cover has a sealable open peripheral section for insertion and removal of said mattress.

5. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 4 wherein said sealable open peripheral section includes a fastener.

6. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 5 wherein said fastener is selected from the group consisting of pull string, hook and loop system, zipper, clasp and button.

7. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 1 wherein said viscoelastic foam is a viscoelastic urethane foam.

8. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 1 wherein said mattress footprint is established to conform to a top view of a motor vehicle back area, selected from the group consisting of sport utility vehicles, family vans, panel trucks and pick up trucks, and said cut-ins are established to encompass wheel wells.

9. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 1 wherein said motor vehicle back area is a sport utility back area

10. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 1 wherein said mattress includes a third cut-in adapted to conform to a spare tire well of a vehicle.

11. An in-vehicle removable viscoelasuc bedding device, which comprises:

(a) a mattress formed of at least two layers, including a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein said top layer is a viscoelastic foam, said mattress having a predetermined thickness and elasticity, and having a rectangular top view footprint with a predetermined width at its widest point, and a predetermined length at its longest point, and having a left area cut-in and a right area cut-in, each of said cut-ins having a cut-in width equal to at least 12% of said predetermined width of said mattress, and each of said cut-ins having a cut-in length equal to at least twice said cut-in width; and,

(b) a protective cover containing said mattress, and having a shape, thickness, width and length sufficient to encompass said mattress.

12. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 11 wherein said left cut-in and said right cut-in are mirror images of one another.

13. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 11 wherein one of said left cut-in and said right cut-in is longer than the other.

14. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 11 wherein said cover has a sealable open peripheral section for insertion and removal of said mattress.

15. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 14 wherein said sealable open peripheral section includes a fastener.

16. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 15 wherein said fastener is selected from the group consisting of pull string, hook and loop system, zipper, clasp and button.

17. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 11 wherein said viscoelastic foam is a viscoelastic urethane foam.

18. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 11 wherein said mattress footprint is established to conform to a top view of a motor vehicle back area, selected from the group consisting of sport utility vehicles, family vans, panel trucks and pick up trucks, and said cut-ins are established to encompass wheel wells.

19. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 11 wherein said motor vehicle back area is a sport utility back area.

20. The in-vehicle removable viscoelastic bedding device of claim 11 wherein said mattress includes a third cut-in adapted to conform to a spare tire well of a vehicle.