Mat for controlling heat and excess perspiration
A bedding apparatus including a first layer including a heat absorbing and releasing material, and a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer including a wicking material.
This document claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/624,415, filed Nov. 2, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and is incorporated herein by reference. This document also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/624,420, filed Nov. 2, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis document is related to mats used for bedding. More specifically, this document is related to a mat for controlling heat and excess perspiration used for living beings, such as humans and animals, such as pets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBed mats have been produced in the past generally for urinary incontinence. There are also bed mats that use a poly stuffing which actually hold in body heat and do not have sweat absorbing capabilities. There is a pillow (Pat. No. 4,649,582) by Cheng-Hsiung Cho of gauze cloth or cotton cloth that does not have bacteria and odor control features.
Pet beds have also been produced in the past with both natural and synthetic materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures and:
The description set out herein illustrates the various embodiments of the invention and such description is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIn the following detailed description of the example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrating specific example embodiments. The example embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other example embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Now, referring to
In order to use the bed mat set, the user places the bed mat on top of the bed's bottom bed sheet. The bed's top sheet and blankets may be placed over the bed mat set, if desired, for extra warmth.
The bed mat is reversible and the side without the pockets may be a preference for some people. The reversed side with the four pockets can be used when either cold or hot packs are desired for comfort in the neck, shoulder, mid-lower back, thigh/leg areas. The pockets can also be used for extra padding for pressure point relief along the body.
The bed mat set achieves its results as follows:
The bed mat assembly is shown in perspective view in
This allows for movement while sleeping but keeps the blanket from coming off the body.
This blanket is made to the measurements that are comfortable for one person. Due to its smaller size it may slip off a person, so attachment 26 is provided in one example. The blanket is made smaller for two reasons. One is to transport easily when traveling such as hotel use, sleeping bag, and camper. The other reason is that the moisture and heat absorption qualities do not affect another person sleeping next to the individual. It can be easily washed without stripping the entire bed.
The bed mat set
The blanket
An internal cut out view of the bed mat is shown in
The diagram
The diagram
In
The diagram
These are not the only example embodiments of the invention. For example, the bed mat 11 and blanket 26, 28 may have a shape other than a rectangle, such as an oval. The bed mat 11 can have an opening 18 in different areas around the bed mat for easy removal of the cover. In still another example embodiment, pockets 14C, 14D, 14E on the bed mat may have different positions and quantities and/or occupy both sides of the mat. Other example embodiments include different materials, sizes, and interconnections can be used for all components. In lieu of hook-and-loop fasteners 18 along the length of the bed mat and buttons 20, and button holes/slits 30, may include other components such as snaps, hooks. In still other embodiments, tabs or hook-and-loop or snap fasteners, may be added to a fabric loop to secure the mat onto outdoor furniture, chair, wheelchair, bed frame. Another embodiment includes different inserts 32, 34, that are added for extra use of the pockets, such as aromatherapy, menthol based items for allergies or colds. Pockets 14C, 14D, 14E may include fasteners to secure or close the opening on the pocket.
Further embodiments are also contemplated. For example, a layer of foam, stuffing type material such as natural material or a poly may be inserted between the two adjacent fabrics 28, 26 of the blanket.
In another embodiment, the two inside foam materials in the bed mat 22, 24 may be reversed. Or 22 may be the only inside foam. Two pieces of 22, may be used eliminating 24. The foam placed back to back so that the phase change materials are placed upward so when the mat is reversed the molecules are next to the body on either reversed side.
In yet another embodiment, the entire cover on the bed mat may be constructed of phase change fabric 43 instead of wicking style fabric 12.
In still another embodiment, the blanket 28, 26 can be attached to the bed mat 11, at different points along the bed mat. The buttons 20, can also be sewn at the top of the bed mat near the head area. It would keep the blanket from falling off the person around the head/neck area. Since it is a loose fit it can be attached anywhere along the bed mat.
In one embodiment, the bed mat set that fits one person, and is simple to use by placing the bed mat on top of the existing bed sheets. A specialty blanket is attached to the end of the bed mat. They work in combination to control night sweats, hot flashes, body odor and bacteria control. This combination of materials pull moisture off the body, stores excessive heat inside the fabric, and releases the stored heat later when the body cools off. It is mobile, as it can be rolled for traveling, which can make a hotel bed more comfortable. It is versatile since it can also be used in regular and reclining chairs, wheelchairs, and in sleeping bags. Outdoor use is also contemplated when placing the mat, without the blanket attached, on top of a lawn chair. As the body heats up from the sun, the excess heat and body perspiration are absorbed into the mat. As the day progresses or clouds pass over obstructing the sun, then the absorbed heat will be released back to the body thus keeping the body at a comfortable heat level.
The invention is preferable over previous mats due to the overall comfort level achieved by a combination of materials.
One example has two inner mats. The bottom mat is foam which dissipates moisture, offers greater breath ability, and eliminates body impressions by retaining its loft for many years. 90% of loft is retained 10 years later. The top inner mat is made with phase change molecules. This coated foam is effective for heat control, compared to other alternative such as fabric. 6,100 ACR compared to fabric's 2,000 ACR. It absorbs excess body heat, such as hot flashes, stores it inside the micro-encapsulated molecules and releases this stored heat back to the body, after the person's skin temperature has cooled down. It eliminates chilling of the body which normally happens when it is overheated and then cools down. The combination of these two mats working together offers padded, comfort and effectiveness for heat and moisture control.
A combination of fabrics makes one example of the outside of the mat and the blanket effective. The outside cover of the mat has wicking capabilities combined with odor and bacterial control within the fabric fibers. It pulls the moisture off the body, in the form of excess perspiration, thru the fibers so that it spreads out quickly to dissipate on the other side of the material. The skin stays dry since the moisture is pulled away from the body. This material is on the bed mat and on one side of the blanket. Odor and bacterial control are provided in perspiration areas. The bed mat has four pockets for two reasons. One reason that it allows the insertion of heat/cold packs for the neck, shoulder, lower back, thighs. They are constructed with extra heat control phase change materials. This makes a double layer of micro-encapsulated molecules. One on the main pocket area which is situated on general areas of the body and the other is the inner mat which also has heat control.
The adjacent side of the blanket has heat control with phase change materials. On the reversible side of the blanket it contains the wicking capabilities. It pulls the perspiration off the body and by spreading it on the other side of the blanket, it dries quickly. It also has the odor and bacteria control on this side of the blanket.
Now, referring to
The pet bed achieves its results as follows:
The pet bed assembly is shown in perspective view in
An internal cutout view of the pet bed is shown in
The diagram
The diagram
These are not the only embodiments of the invention. Alternatively:
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- The pet bed 111 may have a shape other than a rectangle, such as an oval.
- The pet bed 111 can have an opening 114 in different areas around the pet bed for easy removal of the cover 112.
- Different materials, sizes, and interconnections can be used for all components. In lieu of the cover zipper 114 along the length of the pet bed, may include other components such as snaps, hook-and-loop.
- The inner mat does not currently open for filling of extra buckwheat or millet hulls. The entire inner mat can be replaced in a timely manner, instead of filling, for better hygiene. An opening may be provided in one example.
- The phase change material 118 may be sewn on additional parts of the pet bed.
- The position in the inner mat 120 of the buckwheat hulls 126 and millet hulls 128 may be different in various examples. For example, the outer perimeter can contain millet hulls 128 and the inner area contain buckwheat hulls 126. Alternatively, the buckwheat hulls 126 can be mixed with the millet hulls 128.
- Catnip and other enhancing materials, including bells that jingle, may be mixed in the inner mat filling.
The pet bed that combines three natural products with the latest fabric technology that controls heat and moisture. They work in combination to provide pet comfort and also appeal to an animal's sense of smell. The top portion of the cover contains a soft fleece material that has phase change molecules embedded in the fabric's fiber. These molecules pull excess heat from the pet's body and store it within these micro-encapsulated molecules or cells. It releases the stored heat back to the pet, after the pet's skin temperature has cooled down. It stops the cycle of heating up and getting chilled as the body cools. Often pets will move around from a cooler area to a warmer area, and visa versa, to keep their body temperature comfortable. This pet bed will eliminate that need to move. The moisture is controlled partially from this molecular fabric and also from hemp fabric. Moisture chills the pet after experiencing rain, dew, snow from the outside elements and then coming back inside the home, or doghouse and experiencing temperature change. The pet bed material will minimize or eliminate this body chilling cycle. Both the molecular fabric and the hemp fabric wick away excess moisture.
The present invention may be preferable over previous pet beds due to the overall comfort level achieved by a combination of materials.
One example of the pet bed cover is constructed with three different materials. The upper portion where the pet lays is the soft fleece phase change molecular material. A natural hemp roping divides this fleece material from the hemp covering. This natural hemp material is the remaining portion of the cover. Hemp has a natural anti-bacterial quality that helps prevent odor. It helps to keep the pet fresh with the anti-mold and anti-fungal properties which are inherent to hemp. It is strong and durable natural fiber which can withstand a cat or dog's paws and nails. Hemp is grown and treated without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides so it is considered a natural organic product. This cover has a zipper so that it is convenient to pull off to wash and dry.
The pet bed inner portion is covered in cotton nylon twill for strength and breath ability. It has a channel strip sewn around the inside perimeter that is filled with buckwheat hulls. Buckwheat hulls are a crop that is 100% organic. They are a little heavier than millet hulls, so they will add a small amount of reinforcement around the inside perimeter. They do not hold in body heat and therefore allows natural airflow so that they keep the pet bed fresher. This offers another natural scent that pets may enjoy. The inside of the bag is filled with 100% organic, pesticide free millet hulls. This natural material containing thousands of hulls conforms to the pet's body and adjusts to their movements. It satisfies a dog's natural characteristic of circling around an area until they find a comfortable spot. They can move the hulls around for their own comfort level and again this crop adds an additional natural scent. Three natural products contribute to this pet bed. Hemp material, millet and buckwheat hulls, along with a material that is manufactured to regulate the heat and moisture levels of a pet.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt it for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and therefore such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A bedding apparatus comprising:
- a first layer including a heat absorbing and releasing material; and
- a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer including a wicking material.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 2, 2005
Publication Date: Jun 1, 2006
Inventor: Jan Buehner (Canistota, SD)
Application Number: 11/265,559
International Classification: A47C 27/00 (20060101); A47G 9/00 (20060101);