CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/360,049, filed on Jan. 27, 2012, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/772,386, filed on May 3, 2010, hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a four-in-one passive mattress management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all sizes including: making beds; rotating mattresses; holding a bed skirt in place while a mattress is rotated; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A conventional bed includes a box spring or bottom mattress and an upper mattress. The box spring is normally carried by a bed frame which, in turn, carries a top mattress, which ends up being suspended about 13-16 inches from the floor. The top mattress (hereinafter “mattress”) may be placed on top of the box spring or alternatively placed upon a platform forming a platform bed. In both applications, the mattress is held in place by friction and its weight.
Various types of mattresses are known. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,617,556 and 7,644,671 disclose conventional mattresses. Such conventional mattresses include a “casing” which is formed from material for holding the internal components of the mattress. The casing includes a bottom panel and four (4) vertical panels connected to the periphery of the bottom panel forming an open top container. In one such conventional mattress, a spring core is disposed in the container and rests against the bottom floor and fits snugly against the vertical panels. One or more layers of foam padding is placed on top of the spring core and covered with a top cover which is secured to the vertical panels.
In other known mattresses, a foam core is used in place of the spring core. The foam core is encased in a zippered encasement. Other known mattresses are known to include a so-called “pillow-top”. The pillow top is generally formed as a comforter secured to the top cover and filled with cotton or some type of fibrous material.
A problem with the various types of mattresses, as discussed above, is that over time the mattress materials lose their resiliency causing body depressions to develop. In order to even out the wear in the mattress, it is known to rotate the mattress in the horizontal plane to relocate the body depressions, as shown for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. Depending on the size of the mattress, one or two people may be required to rotate the mattress. For example, king and queen size mattresses may likely require two people to rotate the mattress, as shown in FIG. 1, while full and twin size mattresses can likely be rotated by a single person, as shown in FIG. 2.
Mattresses are relatively heavy items. The weight of a mattress varies as a function of the coil core, the gauge of the coil and the type of foam material used. An average king size mattress weighs between 85 and 115 pounds. High end king size mattresses with latex or memory foam can weigh as much as 300 pounds (http://www.mattressdirectonline.com).
In order to rotate a mattress, the mattress must first be lifted and then rotated, As such, rotating a mattress is hard work. Depending on the weight of the mattress, rotating a mattress can be virtually impossible for some people, such as senior citizens, as well as people that are handicapped or disabled and others.
In order to address this problem, mattresses with removable pillow tops have been developed. An example of such a mattress is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,882. The '882 patent discloses a mattress with a pillow top that is secured to the top cover of the mattress by way of a zipper. With such a configuration, the pillow top can be relatively easily rotated by unzipping the pillow top, rotating it and zipping the pillow top back in place. While such a configuration enables body depressions in the pillow top to be relocated, it has no effect on body depressions that result in the mattress itself. Thus there is a need for a system to facilitate rotation of a mattress.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention relates to a four-in-one passive mattress management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all sizes including making beds; rotating a mattress while holding a bed skirt in place; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. Both single cover and two cover embodiments In addition, embodiments are disclosed in which the cover in accordance with the present invention is embedded in the underside of the mattress or top side of the foundation. The invention is suitable for conventional beds on box springs or beds that are supported by fixed or variable platforms.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing illustrating two people lifting a conventional mattress carried by a box spring in an attempt to rotate the mattress in a horizontal plane.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one person rotating a conventional mattress carried by a box spring, shown with the mattress partially rotated.
FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of the invention illustrating a conventional box spring and a conventional mattress and two covers in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 illustrating one of the covers shown in FIG. 3 installed on the mattress and one cover installed on the box spring.
FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, partially in section, illustrating one of the covers installed on the mattress and one cover installed on the box spring and shown in a rotate configuration in which the slick surfaces of the two covers are in contact with each other, securing the bed skirt into position prior to rotating.
FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of an application of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 in which the bottom cover is to be placed over a bed skirt on the box spring.
FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, shown with one of the covers installed on the mattress and the other cover installed over the bed skirt on the box spring illustrating a rotate configuration in which both slick surfaces are in contact with each other while the bed skirt is held in place.
FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 but shown with both covers installed on the mattress, illustrating a normal configuration in which a non-slick surface of the bottom cover is in contact with the surface of the bed skirt.
FIG. 9 is an alternative application of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 in which the bed skirt is used to hide both covers in a normal configuration, shown in a rotation configuration.
FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view of the application illustrated in FIG. 9 in a normal configuration in which the bed skirt is pulled down over the box spring hiding both of the covers.
FIG. 11 is a partial elevation view of the box spring illustrated in FIG. 10, partially in section, shown in a normal configuration.
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of one person rotating a conventional mattress, carried by a platform, shown with the mattress partially rotated.
FIG. 13 is an alternate embodiment of the invention in which slick surfaces are integrated into the mattress and box spring, shown with the mattress removed from the box spring and fastener strips integrated into the corners of the mattress and box spring.
FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13 but shown with the mattress placed on the box spring illustrating integrated fastener strips aligned with one another.
FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14, illustrating cooperating removable fastener strips attached to the integrated fastener strips in order to secure the mattress to the box spring.
FIG. 16 is a partial elevation view illustrating one corner of a mattress disposed on a box spring illustrating integrated fastener strips aligned on each of the box spring and mattress, shown with a cooperating removable fastener strip removed.
FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16 but shown with the cooperating removable fastener strip attached to the integrated fastener strips on the mattress and box spring.
FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an alternative fastener configuration for securing the mattress to the box spring, illustrating a mattress disposed on a box spring in which the integrated fastener is disposed around the periphery of the box spring and the mattress.
FIG. 19 is similar to FIG. 18 but shown with a cooperating removable fastener strip attached to the integrated fastener strips on the mattress and the box spring.
FIG. 20 is similar to FIG. 19 but illustrating a bed skirt which incorporates a removable fastening strip attached to the integrated fastening strips on the mattress and box spring.
FIGS. 21, 22 and 72,73 illustrate alternate embodiments of a two cover embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 in which the mattress cover is a protective cover having at least one slick surface, shown with the protective cover removed from the mattress and the mattress suspended relative to the box spring.
FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21 but shown with the protective cover installed on the mattress.
FIG. 23a is a partial isometric view of a material blank for use as a cover with the present invention, shown with fold lines on adjacent edges and an obtuse angle cut-out at one corner.
FIG. 23b is similar to FIG. 23a but illustrating an elastic material joining the strips defined by the fold lines and bridging the cut-out.
FIG. 24a is similar to FIG. 24a but illustrates a cut-out at other than an obtuse angle.
FIG. 24b illustrates the material blank illustrated in FIG. 24a with an integrated fastener strip on the strips defined by the fold lines shown with a cooperating removable fastener strip partially attached to the integrated fastener strip.
FIG. 24c is similar to FIG. 24b but shown with the cooperating removable fastener strip completely attached to the integrated fastener strip.
FIGS. 24d and 24e illustrate an application of the mattress management system which includes a cover with four side panels in which conventional fasteners attached to the mattress and the foundation to hold the cover in place.
FIGS. 24f and 24g are similar to FIGS. 24d and 24e but only includes four corner pieces that are used to hold the cover in place.
FIGS. 24h and 24i illustrate alternate configurations for securing the cover with respect to the foundation or mattress. FIGS. 24h and 24i illustrate a cover in which the connection of the side panels is adjustable.
FIG. 24j illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the side panels to the mattress or foundation.
FIG. 24k illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the side panels to the mattress or foundation.
FIG. 24l illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the side panels to the mattress or foundation.
FIG. 24m is similar to FIG. 24d but illustrating an embodiment in which the mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 24n is similar to FIG. 24e but illustrating an embodiment in which the mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 24o is similar to FIG. 24f but illustrating an embodiment in which the mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 24p is similar to FIG. 24g but illustrating an embodiment in which the mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 25 is an isometric drawing illustrating an embodiment of the invention over a platform utilizing a single cover, shown with one corner turned up.
FIG. 26 is similar to FIG. 25 shown with the cover fully attached to the platform illustrating a rotate mode of operation.
FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate rotation of a mattress relative to the platform with the cover illustrated in FIG. 26.
FIG. 29a is an isometric drawing of a mattress on a platform in which the cover, illustrated in FIG. 26 is partially turned up and attached to the mattress.
FIG. 29b is similar to FIG. 29a but illustrated with the top mattress covered with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 30a is similar to FIG. 29a but illustrating the cover fully attached to the mattress illustrating a normal mode of operation.
FIG. 30b is similar to FIG. 30a but illustrated with the top mattress covered with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 31a is an isomeric view of a conventional bed with an adjustable platform shown in an adjusted position without.
FIG. 31b is similar to FIG. 31a but shown with a mattress.
FIG. 31c is an isometric view of an adjustable platform, shown in a sleeping position.
FIG. 32 is similar to FIG. 31c but shown with a cover in accordance with the present invention attached to the adjustable platform.
FIG. 33 illustrates rotation of a mattress relative to the adjustable platform illustrated in FIG. 32 in which the cover in accordance with the present invention is embedded in the foundation.
FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment which incorporates a bed skirt and a cover in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 35 illustrates rotation of the mattress relative to the foundation.
FIGS. 36-41 illustrate an application of the cover in accordance with the present invention which facilitates replacement of the bed skirt.
FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a conventional fixed platform bed, shown with the foam mattress removed.
FIG. 43 is similar to FIG. 42 but illustrating an exploded view of the mattress.
FIG. 44 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention which illustrates a cover in accordance with the present invention embedded in the underside of the mattress.
FIG. 45 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which one cover is embedded in an underside of the mattress and a second cover is used.
FIG. 46 is an exploded isometric illustrating a conventional mattress and box spring and a cover and a method of vertically attaching the cover to the mattress.
FIG. 47 is similar to 46 but illustrating a different conventional foam mattress with a zip-out bottom panel.
FIG. 48 is similar to FIG. 46 but illustrating the mattress covered in an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21, 22 or 72,73.
FIGS. 49 and 50 are partial side elevational views illustrating a single cover being attached to an encasement and secured thereto by way of a first vertical attachment method.
FIGS. 51 and 52 are similar to FIGS. 13 and 14 but illustrating an alternate method of securing the foundation to the mattress.
FIG. 53 is similar to FIG. 48 but shown with a cover with no flippable panels.
FIGS. 54 and 55 are similar to FIGS. 49 and 50 but shown with a cover with no flippable side panels.
FIG. 56 is similar to FIG. 46 but shown with a cover with no flippable side panels.
FIG. 57 is similar to FIG. 47 but shown with a cover with no flippable side panels.
FIGS. 58 and 59 are similar to FIGS. 49 and 50 but shown without an encasement and for the cover illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57.
FIG. 60 is similar to FIG. 46 but shown with an alternate method of attaching the cover to the mattress.
FIG. 61 is similar to FIG. 47 but shown with an alternate method of attaching the cover to the mattress.
FIGS. 62 and 63 are similar to FIGS. 58 and 59 but shown with the alternate method of vertical attachment illustrated in FIG. 61.
FIG. 64 is similar to FIG. 46 but shown with another alternate method of attaching the cover to the mattress.
FIGS. 65 and 66 are similar to FIGS. 58 and 59 but shown with the alternate method of vertical attachment illustrated in FIG. 64.
FIG. 67 is similar to FIG. 46 but shown with another alternate method of attaching the cover to the mattress.
FIG. 68 is similar to FIG. 46 but the mattress encased in an encasement and shown with another alternate method of attaching the cover to the mattress.
FIG. 69 is similar to FIG. 47 but the mattress encased in an encasement and shown with another alternate method of attaching the cover to the mattress.
FIGS. 70 and 71 are similar to FIGS. 58 and 59 but shown with the alternate method of vertical attachment illustrated in FIG. 69.
FIGS. 72 and 73 are similar to FIGS. 21 and 22 but shown with an alternate zip on encasement.
FIGS. 74 and 75 are similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 but shown with the mattress covered with an encasement.
FIG. 76 is similar to FIG. 12 but shown with the mattress covered with an encasement.
FIGS. 77 and 78 are similar to FIGS. 27 and 28 but shown with the mattress encased with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIGS. 79 and 80 are similar to FIGS. 34 and 35, but shown with the mattress encased with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIGS. 81-86 are similar to FIGS. 36-41 but shown with the mattress encased with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a four-in-one passive mattress management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all sizes including making beds; rotating a mattress while holding a bed skirt in place; and installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. FIGS. 27-30b; 33-41; and 76-86 relate to the passive mattress management system.
FIGS. 1-26 relate to other aspects of the invention. For example, FIGS. 2-12 illustrate a two cover embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 21, 22 and 72, 73 relate to encasement embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 25, 26 and 44 illustrate a one cover embodiment of the invention. FIG. 32 illustrates an embedded embodiment of the invention while FIG. 45 relates to a two cover embodiment in which only one cover is embedded.
Mattress Management System The present invention relates to a mattress management system. As mentioned above, the mattress management system enables the following tasks to be performed with respect the mattress. These tasks include:
-
- passive bed making
- installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt.
- rotating the mattress in a horizontal plane
- in applications where bed skirts are used, holding the bed skirt in place.
The mattress management system may be implemented with conventional beds supported by a box spring or with fixed or adjustable platform beds. In addition, the mattress management system may be implemented with one cover or two cover and with a cover embedded in the underside of the mattress or the foundation. FIGS. 21, 22 and 72, 73 illustrate embodiments in which the cover is embedded in an encasement.
One or more of the various permutations of the invention as discussed herein can be combined to form a mattress management system in accordance with the present invention. All such combinations are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention. It is to be understood that only exemplary combinations of those permutations are illustrated and discussed below.
FIG. 12 illustrates mattress rotation in an embodiment with two covers. In this embodiment, a bed skirt 36 is disposed over the foundation. As discussed below, the cover 22 holds the bed skirt 36 in place while the mattress 28 is rotated. FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate mattress rotation in an embodiment with one cover. FIG. 33 illustrates mattress rotation in a two cover embodiment in which one cover is embedded.
FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate mattress rotation with a one cover embodiment. In this embodiment, a single cover 206, as described below is attached to the foundation 202. As shown, a bed skirt 204 is disposed over the foundation 202. During rotation, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the cover 206 holds the bed skirt 204 in place.
FIGS. 36-41 illustrate removal of a mattress 200 in order to change the bed skirt 204. As shown in FIG. 36, a single cover 206 is attached to the foundation 202 so that a slick side of the cover 206 faces the underside of the mattress 200. As illustrated by the arrows 201 in FIGS. 37 and 38, the mattress 200 is off the foundation 202. At some point the mattress will rotate and one edge of the mattress 200 will touch the ground. As illustrated in FIG. 39, the mattress is then rotated, as indicated by the arrow 212 additionally, as indicated by the arrow 212, until it is clear of the foundation 202 as shown. Preferably, the position of the mattress 200 is stabilized by placing a top edge 214 of the mattress 200 against a wall (not shown). The cover 206 is then removed along with the existing bed skirt 204. Next, a new bed skirt 204 is placed on the foundation 202. The cover 206 is re-installed to the foundation 202, over the cover 204 so that a slick side of the cover 206 faces upward. The mattress 200 is then rotated in the direction of the arrow 218 until gravity causes the mattress 200 to fall onto the foundation, as indicated in FIG. 40. The mattress 200 is then slid into position, as indicated by the arrows 220, as illustrated in FIG. 41. The cover 204 may be detached from the foundation and attached to the underside of the mattress so that a rough or non-slick side is in contact with the bed skirt. FIGS. 81-86 are similar to FIGS. 36-41 but illustrate the mattress covered with an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21, 22 or 72, 73.
Single Cover Embodiments In one embodiment of the invention, a single cover may be used to facilitate rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a fixed or adjustable platform. Multiple embodiments of the single cover version are provided. In one embodiment, a slick surface is embedded in the mattress, box spring, platform, encasement, as illustrated in FIG. 21, or the mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel, as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43. In an alternate embodiment, the invention relies on the inherent surface characteristic of either the mattress, box spring, platform, encasement, as illustrated in FIG. 21, or the mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel, as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43.
Embedded Slick Surface In addition to the embodiments discussed below which require two covers, alternate embodiments are discussed below which require only one cover. For example, one of the covers 20, 22 (FIGS. 3-11) may be eliminated and a slick surface embedded into the box spring or platform. In an exemplary embodiment, the box spring or platform includes an integral or embedded slick surface facing upwardly and is configured to contact the mattress. In such an embodiment, a single cover 20, as described below, may be attached to the underside of the mattress such that the slick surface faces downwardly and the non-slick surface is in contact with the underside of the mattress In a rotate mode of operation, the slick surface of the cover 20 is in contact with the slick surface integrally formed in the box spring or platform. Once the mattress is rotated and in the desired location, the cover 20 is attached to the box spring or platform so that the two slick surfaces are in contact with each other and the non-slick surface is in contact with underside of the mattress defining a normal mode of operation. Alternatively, the slick surface can be embedded into mattress and in contact with the slick side of the cover.
Alternative Single Cover Embodiment In this embodiment, a single cover can be used with one slick side and one non-slick side. In such an embodiment, the invention relies on the inherent surface roughness and friction of either the mattress, box spring, platform, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel. In an embodiment with a cover having two slick surfaces, the cover is attached to either the mattress, box spring, platform, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel and remains in place during both a rotate mode and a normal mode. Additional means, as discussed below, are provided to secure the mattress with respect to the box spring or mattress to prevent unintended movement of the mattress.
An alternative embodiment of the single cover invention utilizes a cover having a slick side and a non-slick side. The cover is attached to either the mattress, box spring, platform, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel. In this embodiment, the invention relies on the inherent surface roughness of either the mattress, box spring, platform, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel. For example, in a normal mode of operation, the cover may be attached to the mattress, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel so that its non-slick side faces outwardly and contacts the inherent surface roughness of the box spring or platform to prevent unintended movement of the mattress. In a rotate mode of operation, the cover is attached to the box spring or platform so that the slick surface contacts the mattress, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel and the non-slick side contacts the box spring or platform. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the invention relies on the inherent surface roughness of the mattress, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel. The mattress is rotated and the cover is re-attached to the mattress, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. In one exemplary embodiment shown, FIGS. 25-30b illustrate an embodiment of the invention on a fixed platform. FIGS. 31c-32 illustrate an embodiment of the invention on an adjustable platform.
As illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the cover, generally identified with the reference numeral 100, includes a rectangular portion 102. An attachment portion may be used to secure the rectangular portion in place with respect to the box spring or mattress. The attachment portion may be implemented as a side portion 104, as discussed below, or various other means, also discussed below and virtually any means that can secure the rectangular portion 102 of the cover 100 with respect to the platform or box spring or mattress. The rectangular portion 102 of the cover 100 is formed to fit a fixed platform 106 (FIG. 25) or an adjustable platform 108 (FIG. 29a) or a box spring. The side portion 104 may be continuous around the perimeter of the rectangular portion. In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least a portion of the rectangular portion 102 or the entire rectangular portion 102 includes a slick surface 108 on one side and may include at least a portion or the entire opposing side may form a non-slick surface 110.
The generally rectangular portion 102 of the cover 100 may be formed from a 70D×70D T210 nylon ripstop material or other material with similar non-elastic properties. The size of the rectangular portion 109 may be selected to be the same size as the horizontal portion 111 of the platform 106.
At least a portion of one side of the generally rectangular portion 102 may be coated to form the slick side 109. The slick side 109 may be provided by way of various coating including a silicone coating or other coating providing a similar co-efficient of friction. The silicone coating is optional on the slick side 109. The inherent surface roughness of the material may be used alone as the slick side 109. At least a portion of the other side of the generally rectangular portion 102 may be formed as a non-slick side 110. The non-slick side may be provided by various coatings including a polyurethane coating or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating or other coating having a similar co-efficient of friction. Alternatively, materials which inherently have a slick side and a non-slick side may be used without any coatings.
The side portion 104 may be formed from various elastic materials including 90 gram, 100% polyester material, otherwise known as Jersey Knit or other materials having similar elasticity properties. One side of the side portion may optionally be coated with a non-slick coating, such as 1-3 mil of polyurethane or PVC. The optional coating is applied to a side that will be in contact with the platform 106. The side portion may be made from the same material as the sides of the mattress, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel.
The side portion 104 is attached around the perimeter of the rectangular portion 102 to secure the generally rectangular portion 109 in place over the platform 106 or 108 (FIG. 29a, 30a). As shown, the side portion 104 may be provided with a width generally equal to the width of the vertical rails forming the platform 106 or 108 (FIG. 29a, 30a).
The function of the side portion 104 is to hold the generally rectangular portion 109 in place. Other means can be used to hold the rectangular portion 109 in place relative to the platform 106 or 108 in a rotate mode of operation or alternatively with respect to the mattress in a normal mode of operation. For example, various fasteners including Velcro fasteners, snaps, buttons and the like can be used. Virtually any type of fasteners are suitable, including fasteners, for example, as disclosed in http:/www.questoutfitters.com/plastic.htm. Also, straps, for example, nylon webbing, with or without buckles, d-rings, or fasteners can be used. All such devices are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention.
As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, in a rotate mode of operation, the cover 102 is attached to the platform 106 so that the non-slick surface 110 of the cover 102 is in contact with the horizontal portion 111 of the platform 106 defining a rotate mode of operation. If an optional coating, as discussed above, is applied to the side portion 104 of the cover 102, the optional coating (not shown) will be in contact with the vertical rails of the platform 106.
Referring to FIGS. 27-30a, operation of the single cover embodiment is illustrated. FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a rotate mode of operation. In a rotate mode of operation, the cover 104 is attached to the platform 106 or 108 (FIG. 30a). As mentioned above, in this mode of operation, the slick side 109 of the cover 100 (FIG. 25) is in contact with the underside of the mattress 112. As such, a user can rotate the mattress relatively effortlessly, as indicated by the arrow 113. FIGS. 77 and 78 are similar to FIGS. 27 and 28 but illustrate the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21, 22 or 72, 73. FIGS. 79 and 80 are similar to FIGS. 34 and 35 but illustrate the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21,22 or 72,73.
FIG. 28 illustrates the mattress 112 in place after rotation. After the mattress 112 is in place, the sides 104 of the cover 100 (FIG. 25) are attached to the mattress 112, as shown in FIGS. 29a and 30a, illustrating a normal mode of operation. FIGS. 29b and 30b are similar to Figs. FIGS. 29a and 30a but illustrating the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21, 22 or 72,73.
FIGS. 31a and 31b illustrate a conventional bed on an adjustable platform. The adjustable platform bed, generally identified with the reference numeral 390, includes a foundation 394. The foundation 394 includes a base 396 and an adjustable platform 398. The adjustable platform 398 is mechanically supported by the base 396. Electric motors (not shown) are used to adjust the position of the adjustable platform 396. The mattress 392 is known to have a zip-out panel 408. One or more slick surfaces may be incorporated into the adjustable platform bed 390 to facilitate bed making. Specifically, the adjustable platform 398 may be covered with a relatively a material having a relatively slick surface. The zip-out panel 408 may be alternatively or in addition be replaced by different panel (not shown) with a slick surface. One or both of these slick surfaces can be used to facilitate bed making, thus forming a passive bed maker. In such a configuration, the mattress 392 may be secured to the platform 398, for example, with conventional fastening means, such as a zipper or other means.
The exemplary platform 398 is illustrated in FIG. 31c. The adjustable platform 398 includes a plurality of sections 114, 116, 118 and 120 which are movable about the various axes 122, 124 and 126. Various mechanical drives (not shown) are located beneath the platform 108 that enable the various sections to be adjusted by way of a controller (not shown). FIG. 31c illustrates the adjustable platform 398 in a sleep position in which all of the adjustable sections 114, 116, 118 and 120 are flat defining a sleep position.
FIG. 32 illustrates the application of the single cover embodiment to a bed with an adjustable platform 398 (FIG. 31c). The cover 100 functions on an adjustable platform 398 in the same manner as a fixed platform 106 (FIG. 25). In particular, the cover 100 is attached to the adjustable platform 109 with the adjustable platform in a sleep position. In a rotate mode of operation, as generally illustrated in FIG. 32, the cover 100 is attached so that the slick side 109 faces upwardly and contacts the underside of the mattress 112. The mattress 112 is rotated, for example, in the direction of the arrow 114, relatively easily. Once the mattress 112 is in position, as shown in FIG. 30, the cover 100 is attached to the mattress 112, as shown in FIGS. 29a, 29b and 30a, 30b, defining a normal mode of operation. FIG. 33 is similar to FIG. 32 except an additional cover with a relatively slick surface is embedded in the underside of the mattress 112. The slick surface on the embedded cover (not shown) co-operates with a slick surface on the cover 109 when the cover 109 is attached to the foundation 104. Once the mattress is rotated, the cover 109 is detached from the foundation and attached to the underside of the mattress 112, so that a non-slick surface of the cover 109 is in contact with the foundation.
FIG. 42 illustrates a conventional foam mattress 366 that includes a mattress cover 370 with a zip-in bottom panel 374 and a foundation 368 that are known in the prior art. FIG. 43 illustrates the mattress 366 and the foundation 368, with the conventional mattress 366 shown in an exploded view. Referring to FIG. 43, the mattress 366 includes a mattress shell 370, a foam rubber mattress support 372 and a bottom panel 374, attached to the mattress shell 370 by way of a zipper (not shown). A plurality of friction strips 376 is located on the underside of the panel 374. The friction strips 376 help prevent the mattress assembly 366 from sliding with respect to the foundation 368. The foundation 368 consists of fixed platform, for example, box springs.
Alternatively, the mattress shell 370 and zip-out panel 367 may be provided as an aftermarket encasement item to be installed over a different type of conventional mattress conventional mattress in the same sense as the encasements illustrated in FIGS. 21,22 and 72,73.
FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrate various embodiments of the cover in accordance with the present invention incorporated into a fixed platform bed as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43. In a first embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 44, a zip out panel 367 (FIG. 42) may be zipped out and replaced with a zippered panel 381 that has a slick surface facing downwardly. FIG. 45 is similar and additionally includes a cover 383. The cover 383 is formed with a non-slick side 387 and a slick side (not shown). In a non-rotate mode, the cover is attached to the mattress 366 so that the non-slick side 387 is facing downwardly. In a rotate mode, the cover 383 is attached to the foundation to cause the slick side of the cover 383 to be in contact with an optional embedded slick cover 381. Optionally, the slick surfaces in contact with each other facilitate rotation. Moreover, the cover 383 can be used to hold the bed skirt down as well as facilitate removal of the bed skirt, as discussed above. In a configuration in which the two optional slick surfaces are in contact with each other, bed making is also facilitated. Alternatively, the inherent surface of the underside of the mattress, encasement, or zip-in bottom panel (FIGS. 42 and 43), may be placed in contact with a slick side of the cover to facilitate rotation.
FIGS. 46-48 illustrate other single cover embodiments which include a first embodiment of an attachment mechanism for securely attaching the cover 600 to a mattress 601. As shown, the cover 600 and the mattress 601 have cooperating attachment members 604 and 602. In a first position the cover is attached to the foundation 603 over the bed skirt 605. Side panels 606 on the cover 600 hold the bed skirt 605 down. When the cover 600 is flipped up, the side panels 606 are attached to the mattress 601 or encasement and the cooperating attachment members 602 and 604 are attached together to secure the cover 605 to the mattress 601.
FIG. 47 is similar to FIG. 46 but for a mattress as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43. FIG. 48 is also similar to FIG. 46 but illustrates a mattress encased by an encasement as illustrated in FIG. 21,22 or 72,73. FIGS. 49 and 50 are partial side elevation views illustrating a single cover being attached to an encasement, as illustrated in FIG. 21,22 or 72,73 and secured thereto by way of vertical attachment method, illustrated in FIG. 46.
FIGS. 53-55 are similar to FIGS. 46, 49 and 50, respectively. FIG. 53 illustrates a cover 610 with no side panels. In this embodiment, the mattress is encased in an encasement, as illustrated in FIG. 21,22 or 72,73, and the cooperating attachment member 602, 604 is attached to an edge of the cover 610. FIGS. 56 and 57 are similar to to FIG. 53 but shown with the upper cooperating attachment members attached to a mattress cover, or aftermarket encasement as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43. FIG. 57 is also similar to FIG. 53 but shown with the upper cooperating attachment members attached to a mattress as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43. FIGS. 58 and 59 are similar to FIGS. 49 and 50 but are shown without an encasement and for the cover illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57.
FIGS. 60-63, 67 and 68 illustrate an alternate attachment method of securing a cover to a mattress for various embodiments of a mattress. FIGS. 64-66 are similar but illustrate a mattress coverd with an aftermarket encasement. FIGS. 69-71 illustrate another alternate attachment method of securing a cover to a mattress with a zip-out bottom panel as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43.
Two Cover Embodiment In a two cover embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-11, the slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. One cover is provided with a slick and non-slick side. The other cover is provided with at least one slick side and may have two slick sides. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, one cover may be a protective cover, such as an encasement, that encapsulates the entire mattress and permanently exposes a slick surface relative to the box spring or platform. In another alternate embodiment, one cover may be provided that cooperates with a slick surface that is integrally provided on one or the other of the mattress or box spring or platform. In yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 12-20, slick surfaces may be provided on both the mattress and the box spring or platform. In this embodiment, in order to prevent movement of the mattress with respect to the box spring or platform, the mattress is secured relative to the box spring or platform by removable fasteners in a normal mode of operation.
In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-11 and 21-22, two (2) covers are provided which enable slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform to be selectively placed in contact with each other to reduce the normal friction therebetween to enable the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane without lifting the mattress. Alternate embodiments, operate on the same principle but require only one separate cover that cooperates with a slick surface integrated into one or the other of the mattress or box spring or platform. In yet other embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-20, the slick surfaces on the mattress and box spring or platform are constantly in engagement with each other when the mattress is placed on top of the box spring or platform. In these embodiments, one or more fasteners, as discussed below, are used to secure the mattress to the box spring or platform to prevent unintended movement therebetween in a normal mode of operation.
Referring first to FIGS. 3-5, the invention comprises a first cover 20 and a second cover 22. The covers 20 and 22 each include a rectangular panel 24 and 26, respectively, configured to the size of a mattress 28 and a box spring 30. Each of the covers 20, 22 includes a band 32, 34, attached to the periphery of the panels 24, 26 respectively. The bands or side panels 32, 34, allow the covers 20, 22 be removably secured to the mattress 28 and the box spring 30, as generally shown in FIG. 4.
The bands or side panels 32, 34 can also be formed from an elastic material, for example, spandex and other stretchable materials, such as mesh or an elastic band and attached to the panels 24, 26 respectively, for example, by sewing. Alternatively, the bands 32, 34 can be formed from a mesh or stretchable fabric. The bands 32, 34 can also be formed from the same material as the panels 24, 26 or same materials as sides of the mattress, mattress encasement, or box spring and secured to the mattress 28 and box spring or platform 30 by way of the vertical attachments methods, as discussed below. Horizontal attachments methods may also be used to tighten the grip of the cover with respect to the mattress, box spring, or foundation. The single cover and coverless embodiments, including aftermarket encasements and mattress covers with zip-out bottom panels as discussed above may also include the attachment methods described in conjunction with the two cover embodiment.
The bands 32 and 34 may also be formed by less labor-intensive methods, as illustrated in FIGS. 23a-23b and FIGS. 24a-24c. The methods illustrated in these figures, reduce the amount of sewing and thus the labor involved. For simplicity, only one cover 20 is described and illustrated. Referring first to FIGS. 23a and 23b, one corner of a cover blank, generally identified with the reference numeral 21, is illustrated for simplicity. The cover blank is formed as a generally rectangular piece of material with fold lines, generally identified with the reference numeral 23, adjacent to each edge of the rectangular piece of material. As shown in FIG. 23a, a piece of material is cut out of each corner defining, for example, an obtuse angle. The cut-out is identified with the reference numeral 25. The bands 32′ are folded down as shown in FIG. 23b. A piece of flexible material, such as elastic, identified with the reference number 27, is used to bridge the cut-out 25. The flexible material 27 is secured to the ends of the contiguous bands 32′. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 23a and 23b significantly reduces the labor costs.
A second technique to reduce labor costs is illustrated in FIGS. 24a-24c. In this embodiment, the corners of the material blank 21′ are cut to form a cut-out 25′ that is not an obtuse angle. The exemplary cut-out 25′ is shown at roughly a 90 degree angle. In this embodiment, a fastener strip 29 is affixed to each end of the band 32″, adjacent the cut-out 25′. A cooperating removable fastener strip 31 may be attached to the fastener strips 29 to secure the adjacent bands 32″ together. The fastener strips 29 and 31 may be Velcro or other type of fastener. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a-24c allows the material blank 21′ to be juxtaposed over the mattress 28 or box spring 30 with the removable fastener strips 31, as least partially removed, for example, as shown in FIG. 24b. and secured to the exposed cooperating fastener strip 29, or any of the attachment methods discussed below.
FIGS. 24e-24j illustrate various techniques to tighten the grip of the cover, for example, the one cover mattress management system described herein, with respect to a mattress or foundation. Other attachment methods are discussed below. As shown in FIGS. 24d and 24e, conventional fasteners, such as snaps, Velcro or buttons, generally identified with the reference numeral 504 are rigidly affixed to the mattress 500 and/or the foundation 502. Mating fasteners 506 may be provided on the cover 503. As shown in FIG. 24d, the cover 503 is attached to the foundation 502. As the cover 503 is attached to the mattress 500, the mating fasteners 500 and 506 are joined together to secure the cover 503 relative to the mattress, as illustrated in FIG. 24e. It is also contemplated to dispose additional mating fasteners on the cover 503 and the foundation to secure the cover 503 to the foundation 502. FIGS. 24m and FIG. 24n are similar to FIGS. 24d and 24e but illustrate the mattress encased in an encasement illustrated in FIG. 21, 22 or 72, 73.
FIGS. 24f and 24g are similar to FIGS. 24d and 24e. In this embodiment, the cover 503 is not provided with full side panels 505, as illustrated in FIGS. 24d and 24e, but rather corner flaps, generally identified with the reference numeral 507.
FIGS. 24h and 24i illustrate different exemplary techniques for providing a tight grip between the cover 503. In these embodiments, at least two of the side panels 509, 510 are not attached together, as shown. In FIG. 29h, the end of one side panel 509 includes a loop 512. The adjacent side panel 509 includes a plurality of buttons, generally identified with the reference numeral 514, for receiving the loop 512. The grip of the cover 503 is adjusted depending on the particular button selected to catch the loop. FIG. 29i is similar but utilizes a drawstring 514, or other attachment method as discussed below, to tighten the grip of the cover 503 with respect to a mattress or foundation.
FIGS. 24k and 24l are similar to FIG. 24h but illustrate the use of the buttons 514 with one or more cooperating buttonholes 515.
FIG. 24j illustrates a cover 503 in which all of the side panels are connected forming a fitted sheet. In this embodiment, each side panel may include a strap and Velcro, as generally indicated by the reference numeral 516. In this embodiment the strap can be tightened and attached to the Velcro in the tightened position to tighten the grip of the cover 503 relative to the mattress 518 or foundation (not shown.
In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, one cover 20, 22 has a “slick” side having a relatively low co-efficient of friction and a non-slick side having a relatively higher co-efficient of friction. The other cover 20, 22 has at least one slick side and may have two slick sides. As such, when the slick surfaces of the two covers 20, 22 are selectively placed in contact with each other, the mattress 28 can be rotated in a horizontal plane with minimal effort by one person in a configuration defining a rotate mode of operation, as discussed in more detail below. The non-slick side is used to selectively be placed in contact with an uncovered surface of the mattress 28 or an uncovered surface of the box spring 30 or platform or bed skirt. The non-slick side provides a relatively high co-efficient of friction when in contact with either an uncovered surface of the box spring 30 or an uncovered surface of the mattress 28 or bed skirt (FIG. 6) or platform (FIGS. 12 and 76) in order to reduce if not prevent unintended rotation of the mattress in a normal configuration.
Referring to FIG. 4, a first cover 20 is attached to the underside mattress 28 so that its non-slick side is in contact with the mattress 28 and its slick side is facing downwardly. Similarly, the cover 22 is attached to the box spring 30 so that its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring 30 and its slick side is facing upwardly. Alternatively, the covers 20, 22 may be provided with two slick sides. In such an embodiment, one slick side is in contact with the mattress 28, box spring 30, respectively, and the other slick side is facing downwardly or upwardly, respectively.
When the mattress 28 is then brought into contact with the box spring 30, as generally illustrated in FIG. 5, the slick sides of the covers 20 and 22 will be in contact with each other, enabling the mattress 28 to be rotated in a horizontal position with reduced effort by a single person defining a rotate mode of operation.
Once the mattress 28 has been rotated and is in the desired position, the top cover 20 may be detached from the mattress 28 and attached to the box spring 30 over the cover 22. This places the non-slick side of the cover 20 in contact with an uncovered surface of the mattress 28, thereby reducing unintended rotation of the mattress 28 with respect to the box spring 30. In this configuration, both covers 20 and 22 are attached to the box spring 30. Alternatively, in embodiments in which each of the covers has a slick side and a non-slick side, once the mattress 28 is in the desired position, the bottom cover 22 can be detached from the box spring 30 and attached to the mattress 28 over the cover 20, exposing the non-slick side of the cover 22 to the box spring 30. In this configuration, both covers 20 and 22 are attached to the mattress 30.
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate operation of the covers 20 and 22 in an application in which a bed skirt 36 is draped over the box spring 30, as generally shown in FIG. 6. Heretofore rotation of a mattress 28 with a bed skirt 36 draped over the box spring 30 was a relatively cumbersome task. The present invention greatly simplifies rotation of the mattress 28 in such an application while keeping the bed skirt 36 in place.
More specifically, in this application, the first cover 20 is attached to the underside of the mattress 28 so that its slick side is facing downward and its non-slick side (or alternatively its second slick side) is in contact with the mattress 28. The second cover 22 is attached to the box spring 30 over the bed skirt 36 so that its non-slick side is in contact with the bed skirt 36 and its slick side is facing upward, thereby placing the slick sides of the covers 20 and 22 in contact with each other, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 74. The mattress 28 can then be rotated with reduced effort, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 76.
After the mattress 28 is rotated to the desired position, the cover 22 is detached from the box spring 30 and attached to the mattress 28 over the cover 20, as shown in FIG. 8. This places the non-slick side of the cover 22 in contact with the bed skirt 36 to reduce if not prevent unintended rotation of the mattress 28. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 75, the bed skirt 36 is uncovered and undisturbed since the cover 22 holds the bed skirt 36 in place during the rotation of the mattress 28.
FIGS. 9-11 are similar to FIGS. 6-8 and illustrate another application in which the bed skirt is used to hide the first and second covers 20 and 22 in a normal configuration. Referring to FIG. 9, the bed skirt 36 is disposed around the mattress 28 so that its finished side is in contact with the mattress 28 and its unfinished side is facing outwardly. The first cover 20 is attached to the mattress 28 over the bed skirt 36 so that its non-slick side is in contact with the bed skirt 36 and its slick side is facing downwardly. The second cover 22 is attached to the box spring 30 so that its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring 30 and its slick side is facing upwardly, thus placing the slick sides of the first and second covers 20 and 22 in contact with each other. The mattress 28 can then be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly by one person. Once the mattress 28 is in the desired position, the first cover 20 is detached from the mattress 28 and attached to the box spring 30, over the second cover 22, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. This places the non-slick side of the first cover 20 in contact with the bed skirt 28, in contact with the mattress, thereby reducing unintended rotation of the mattress 28. Once the first cover 20 is attached to the box spring 30, the bed skirt 36 is folded down over the box spring 30, thereby hiding both the first and second covers 20 and 22, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIGS. 21, 22 and 72, 73 illustrate an embodiment in which the first cover is replaced with a protective cover 40, such as a protective cover, that encapsulates the mattress 28. The protective cover 40 is to size and shape of the mattress 28 to provide a relatively snug fit. An opening 42 is provided along one edge of the protective cover 40 to enable the mattress 28 to be placed inside the protective cover 40. A conventional fastener, such as a zipper 44 may be used to close the opening 42. In this embodiment, one surface 46 of the cover 40 may be provided with a slick surface 46. The mattress 28 and cover 40 is configured so that the slick surface 46 faces the box spring 30. The slick surface 46 of the cover 40 cooperates with the cover (FIGS. 72, 73) attached to the box spring 30 to facilitate rotation of the covered mattress 28 in a rotate mode. The cover 22 is as described above with a slick surface and a non-slick surface. More particularly, in a rotate mode of operation, the cover 22 is attached to the box spring 30 so that its non-slick surface is in contact with the box spring 30 and the slick surface faces upwardly in order to contact the slick surface of the protective cover 40. In this mode, the mattress 28 can be rotated with reduced effort in a horizontal plane. Once the mattress 28 has been rotated to the desired position, the cover 22 is attached to the mattress 28 causing its non-slick surface to be in contact with the box spring 30.
Coverless Embodiment The embodiments discussed above are based on the use of one or more covers which can be selectively configured in a rotate mode of operation or alternatively a normal mode of operation. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13-20, there are no covers. In these embodiments, slick surfaces 50 and 52 are integrally provided on the mattress 28 and box spring 30, respectively, or aftermarket encasement, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, or the zip-out bottom panel 367, as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43. In particular, as best shown in FIG. 13, the mattress 28 is formed with an integral slick surface 50 on it is underside. Similarly, the box spring 30 can be formed with integral slick surface 52 facing upwardly. As such, when the mattress 28 is properly placed on the box spring 30, the slick surfaces 50 and 52 are in contact with each other. In such a configuration, the mattress 28 can be freely rotated with respect to the box spring 30.
In order to prevent movement of the mattress 28 with respect to the box spring 30 in a normal mode of operation, fastener systems, for example, Velcro fasteners, may be provided on the corners of both the mattress 28 and the box spring 30. In particular, permanent fastener strips 54 are provided on the corners of the mattress 28, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 16. Similarly, permanent fastener strips 56 are provided on the corners of the box spring 30. As shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 16, when the mattress 28 is correctly aligned with the box spring 30, the permanent fastener strips 54 are aligned with the permanent fastener strips 56. In order to secure the mattress 28 relative to the box spring 30, removable cooperating fastener strips 58 are selectively attached to the permanent fastener strips 54 and 56 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 defining a normal mode of operation. The removable fastener strips 58 are simply removed in order to rotate the mattress 28 and replaced once the mattress 28 has been rotated.
FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate are similar to FIGS. 13-15 but illustrate a method of securing the foundation 30 to the mattress using the vertical attachment method as illustrated in FIG. 46.
Two alternate embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, permanent fastener strips 60 and 62 are located around the peripheries of the mattress 28 and the box spring 30, adjacent to the edges where the mattress 28 and the box spring 30 come together, as shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 19, a cooperating removable fastener strip 64 is attached to the permanent fastener strips 60 and 62 on the mattress 28 and box spring 30, respectively. In yet another alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 20, the cooperating removable fastener strip 64 may be affixed to the inside of a bed skirt 66. With such a configuration, not only are the mattress 28 and box spring 30 secured together, the configuration also allows a bed skirt 66 to be easily installed.
Cover Materials In addition to the above, various other materials, such as cloth, and other materials that are bendable and amenable to being folded and are suitable for the various covers, slick surfaces, as well as the panels 24, 26 for the covers 20, 22, mentioned above. The material for one cover 20, 22 need only have a slick side and a non-slick side. The non-slick side can be created on one side of a slick material by way of a coating or sewing or fusing a non-slick backing to one side of the non-slick material. Various conventionally available materials are suitable for the cover having a slick side and a non-slick side. For example, “70 Denier Heat Sealable (backside) 100% Nylon Rip Stop” material is suitable for use with the present invention or other materials with similar coefficients of friction on the slick and non-slick sides. Such material may be nylon, for example, 100% nylon with a coating on one side, for example, urethane or other thermal plastic or heat sealable coating Such nylon rip stop material is known to come in widths of 58-86″ inches wide and weighs about 1.9 to 4.4 ounces per square yard. Such material can easily be pieced together to accommodate various mattress widths if necessary.
Nylon rip stop material suitable for use with the—present invention is available from various sources, such as, Quest Outfitters of Sarasota, Fla. (http:/questoutfitters.com). Their nylon taffeta material is described in detail at http:/questouffitters.com/coated.html#HEAT SEALABLE, hereby incorporated by reference. Suitable nylon taffeta material is also available from Rockywoods in Loveland, Colo. (http:/www.rockywoods.com). Their nylon taffeta material is described in detail at http:/www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Hardware-Patterns-Kits/Medium-Weight-NvIon-Fabrics/Heat-Sealable-70-Denier-Nylon-Taffeta, hereby incorporated by reference.
Non-woven materials may also be used for the cover 20, 22 having a slick side and a non-slick side. For example, Tyvek® polyethylene non-woven fabric, as manufactured by the DuPont Corporation and described in detail at http:/www2.dupont.com/Products and Services/en VN/nwn.html may be used. Other materials having two slick sides can also be used, such as, silicone impregnated nylon rip stop, for example, as available from Seattle Fabrics, Inc., http:/www.seattlefabrics.com/nylons.html. Other materials can also be used with a coating applied to one side. Moreover, different materials can be used for each cover in an application.
Various embodiments discussed herein require one or two covers with a slick side and a non-slick side. The following materials are suitable for this purpose and are described below. For example, the following exemplary materials may be used:
-
- warp-knit fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone coating.
- a non-woven material with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone coating.
- Tricot fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone coating.
- a stitch bond fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone coating.
- Nylon or polyester ripstop with a silicone coating on one side and a polyurethane coating on the other side
- a stitch bond fabric, available from Tietex, item no 944164, style no. C243, wherein the fabric is 32% rayon, 22% polyester, 6% twaron and 40% coat.
Materials having a similar co-efficient of friction and porosity characteristics may also be used. All such materials are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention.
The following textile materials may be also be used for the various surfaces discussed above. These textile materials can be used uncoated or coated on one side as indicated below to control the co-efficient of friction to create a slick surface or a non-slick surface relative to the co-efficient of friction on the uncoated side.
70 DENIER×70 DENIER NYLON RIPSTOP
70 DENIER×70 DENIER POLYESTER RIPSTOP
70 DENIER NYLON & POLYESTER BLEND
70 DENIER NYLON TAFFETA
70 DENIER POLYESTER TAFFETA
30 DENIER POLYESTER OR NYLON RIPSTOP OR TAFFETA
210 DENIER OXFORD NYLON
210 DENIER OXFORM POLYESTER
210 DENIER NYLON & POLYESTER BLEND
WARP-KNIT FABRIC
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
POLYETHELENE SHEETING
POLYPROPOLENE SHEETING
NON-WOVEN FABRIC
OLEFIN (a.k.a. polyethylene & polypropylene)
STITCH-BOND FABRIC
COTTON BLEND
TERRY MATERIAL
TRICOT
HIGH DENSITY & MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHELYNE FILM
The following coatings have a relatively high co-efficient of friction. These coatings may be used to provide a rough or non-slick surface.
POLYURETHANE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
POLYVINYL CHOLRIDE (PVC) coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
THERMO PLASTIC coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
RUBBER coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
HEAT SEALABLE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
WATER REPELENT coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
ACRYLIC coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
ADHESIVE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE
UNCOATED (inherent COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF uncoated fabric)
The following coatings may be coated on a side of the materials provide a relatively low co-efficient of friction and thus may be used to provide a slick surface:
SILICONE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
TEFLON coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
PETROLEUM BASE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE
SLICK FIBER WOVEN INTO FABRIC
UNCOATED (inherent COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF uncoated fabric)
Attachment Means Various vertical and horizontal attachments are disclosed herein. Horizontal attachments are used to secure side panels together, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 23a-24c, 24h, 24i, 24k, and 24l. Other attachment means such as illustrated in FIG. 24j may be used as well. Such horizontal attachments may also be used to tighten the grip of the side panels of the cover, or optionally the encasement, to a mattress or a foundation.
Vertical attachments are used to secure a cover to a mattress (FIGS. 46, 56, 60, and 67); a cover to a mattress with a zip out bottom panel (FIGS. 47, 58, 61, and 69); and an aftermarket encasement (FIGS. 48, 53, 62, and 68). Various other vertical attachments are illustrated for attaching a cover to a mattress (FIGS. 24m, 24n) and a mattress covered with an aftermarket encasement (FIGS. 24o and 24p).
In addition, a flip panel, straps, or other members (not shown) can either be attached to a mattress, mattress cover, encasement, or foundation. A fastener system can be imbedded in the flip panel, straps, or other members that cooperates with a mating fastener such as a zipper, buttons, buckles, or other fasteners to a cover or the foundation to secure the mattress to the foundation or to secure a cover to the mattress, mattress cover, or encasement, or foundation.
All fastener systems described and illustrated herein are suitable for both the vertical and horizontal attachments for all embodiments of the invention and can be used interchangeably or in combination with each other.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, materials for the covers and slick surfaces other than those mentioned above can be which have similar co-efficient of friction characteristics. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.
What is claimed and desired to be secured by a Letters Patent of the United States is:
