Mattress Cover

Abstract

A cover assembly for bedding products, such as mattresses and/or box springs, that includes a sleeve shaped body and a selectively operable closure assembly disposed about an opening formed in the sleeve. The closure assembly includes first and second closure mechanisms that each, when closed, isolate a cavity defined by the sleeve from atmosphere. The first and second closure mechanisms overlie one another so that, when closed, only one of the closure mechanisms is exposed to atmosphere. The first and second closure mechanisms are preferably provided as zippers that can extend the entire longitudinal length of the sleeve opening and operate in generally opposite longitudinal directions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to bedding product coverings, and more particularly, to a mattress or box spring cover that includes a pair of overlapping closure mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are currently available many types of bedding mattress and box springs. Most mattresses and box springs, regardless of construction, come in a variety of shapes and at a wide variety of costs. The cost of such devices is commonly driven by one or more of the costs associated with the materials, research investments, and/or the complexity and thereby the manufacturing costs associated with the same. Regardless of the specific cost of any such bedding product, most users prefer to protect the same from damage or degradation that may or may not be commonly associated with the intended use of such bedding products. Accordingly, many users commonly augment box spring and mattress purchases with a cover that can removably cooperate with the underlying bedding product. Such covers are commonly constructed to withstand machine washing such that, should a user inadvertently or unintentionally soil the bedding product or associated linens, the cover can simply be removed, washed and replaced so as protect the integrity of the underlying bedding product.

Another consideration to the usable life of such bedding products is the susceptibility to the presence of insects. In recent years, the common bed bug has proved to be particularly problematic in those industries that provide sleeping accommodations for travelers or the like. Although modern housekeeping practices rely on the frequent replacement of bed linens, insect presence that goes unabated for even limited amounts of can extend to the mattress and/or the box spring of the bedding products. Such infestations can be particularly problematic to resolve. Changing of only the bed sheets or linens is commonly inadequate to resolve the invasion of such insects into the confines of both the internal and external structures and surfaces of the bedding products. In an attempt to provide bedding covers that prevent the progression of the insects into the bedding structures, others provide bedding covers that include closure structures intended to maintain a closed configuration of the closure structure. Unfortunately, such bedding product covers are not without their respective drawbacks.

One such system includes a catch that cooperates with a pull associated with a slider of a zipper. The catch is configured to prevent translation of the slider associated with the zipper in an opening direction so as to maintain a closed orientation of the zipper. Others have provided securable closure assemblies that include a flap that movably cooperates with the zipper. When the zipper is fully closed, a hook and loop fastener secures the flap generally over an area proximate the slider of the zipper such that the slider is hidden behind the flap but a majority of the length of the zipper remains exposed to atmosphere.

Although such systems provide at most a partially overlapping closure arrangement, a majority of the longitudinal length of the closure mechanism remains exposed as the only separation between the bedding product and atmosphere. Although most problematic insects cannot traverse directly through the toothed interface of the zipper closure, the limited overlapping configuration of the closure mechanisms and the concealment offered by the flap provide concealed but insect accessible areas.

There is therefore a need for an improved bedding product cover that provides an improved closure arrangement that is securable, operable to allow expedient inspection of the underlying bedding product, and preferably provides redundancy in the closure arrangement to mitigate insect infiltration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of forming a bedding product cover or cover assembly that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks. A cover assembly for bedding products, such as mattresses and/or box springs, according to one aspect of the disclosure, discloses a body having a sleeve shape that includes a selectively operable closure assembly disposed about an opening formed in the sleeve. The closure assembly includes first and second closure mechanisms that each, when closed, isolate a cavity defined by the sleeve from atmosphere. The first and second closure mechanisms overlie one another so that, when closed, only one of the closure mechanisms is exposed to atmosphere. The first and second closure mechanisms are preferably provided as zippers that can extend the entire longitudinal length of the sleeve opening and operate in generally opposite longitudinal directions.

Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one or more of the above features discloses a cover for bedding products. The cover includes a body having an interior surface that faces a bedding product and an exterior surface that is exposed to atmosphere. An opening is provided along an edge portion of the body and is shaped to allow ingress and egress of the bedding product from the body. A first closure mechanism and a second closure mechanism are coupled to the body proximate the opening. Only one of the first and second closure mechanisms is exposed to atmosphere when both the first and second closure mechanisms are closed.

Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one or more of the features or aspects disclosed above discloses a cover that includes a sleeve formed of a flexible material. An opening is formed in the sleeve and shaped to allow passage of a bedding product into the sleeve. A first closure mechanism and a second closure mechanism are each secured to the sleeve about the opening and selectively operable to open and close the sleeve. The first and second closure mechanisms are further arranged such that the first closure mechanism is disposed between the bedding product and the second closure mechanism and isolates the bedding product from the second closure mechanism when the first closure mechanism is closed.

Another aspect of the invention that includes various aspects or features that can be combined with one or more of the aspects or features disclosed above discloses a method of forming a cover for a bedding product. The method includes forming a pocket having an interior surface shaped to face a bedding product and an exterior surface that faces atmosphere. Forming the pocket includes forming an opening shaped to allow ingress and egress of the bedding product from the pocket. A first zipper and a second zipper are connected to the pocket about the opening and the second zipper is connected to the pocket about the opening such that a first side of the first zipper faces a cavity defined by the pocket, a second side of the first zipper faces a first side of the second zipper, and a second side of the second zipper faces atmosphere.

These and various other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings as discussed therein. That is, many or all of the aspects above may be achieved with any particular embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be embodied in a manner preferential to one aspect or group of aspects and advantages as taught herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a bedding product cover having first and second closure mechanisms whose operation overlap each other according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and shows the first closure mechanism fully open and the second closure mechanism partly open;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a portion of the closure mechanism with an inner closure mechanism partly opened and disposed behind the outer closure mechanism which is shown as being fully open thereby exposing the operator of the inner closure mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and shows the inner closure mechanism fully closed and the outer closure mechanism partly closed thereby concealing the operator of the inner closure mechanism; and

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the cover and shows a securing mechanism engaged with the outer closure mechanism when the outer closure mechanism is fully closed thereby preventing operation of the closure mechanism when the securing mechanism is engaged therewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a sleep or bedding product 10, such as a mattress, box spring, or similar function product, disposed or encased in an encasement, cover assembly, or cover 12 that includes a closure assembly 40 according to the present invention. Cover 12 defines a volume that is shaped to cover a bedding product and is formed by a body 14. Body 14 of cover 12 is preferably constructed of fabric but may be constructed of any flexible type material so as to generally correspond to the underlying shape associated with bedding product 10. When woven from fabric, body 14 is preferably formed or woven so as to be generally impervious to non-liquid materials as well as bugs.

Body 14 includes a first end 16 and a second end 18 that are disposed at generally opposite longitudinal ends of an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 22 of cover 12. A number of sides 24, 26, 28, 30 extend between upper and lower surfaces 20, 22 of body 14. When closure assembly 40 is closed, body 14 defines an outer or exterior surface 32 that faces atmosphere and an interior surface 34 that faces bedding product 10. As explained further below, operation of closure assembly 40 controls ingress and egress or exchanges between the interior cavity defined by body 14 of cover 12 and atmosphere.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, closure assembly 40 is selectively operable so as to allow and prevent access to the interior space, volume, or inner surface 34 of body 14. As used herein, the closure assembly 40 defines access into and out of the cavity associated with cover 12 and the closure assembly 40 includes two discretely operable closure mechanisms that must both be open to open the closure assembly 40 and must both be closed to achieve a fully closed configuration of the closure assembly. The cover 12 closure assembly 40 is not considered fully closed if either of the inner or outer closure mechanisms remain partly open.

Closure assembly 40 is preferably formed to extend along one or more of sides 24, 26, 28, 30 of body 14 and shaped to allow passage of the bedding product 10 into and out of cover 12. As described further below with respect to FIGS. 3-5, closure assembly 40 includes a first or inner closure mechanism 42 and a second or outer closure mechanism 44 that are positioned to generally overlie, overlap, or bypass one another during the opening and closing operations of cover 12. As disclosed further below with respect to FIGS. 3-5, closure assemblies 42, 44 are each preferably formed as a zipper configuration and each included a discrete operator that is configured to manipulate the open and/or closed orientation of the respective closure assembly 42, 44. Said in another way, inner and outer closure assemblies are preferably not concurrently operable.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the outer closure mechanism 44 must preferably be fully opened to expose the operator associated operation of the inner closure mechanism 42 during access to the cavity defined by body 14. Although outer closure mechanism 44 is shown as being secured to a supplemental flap 46 associated with body 14, it is appreciated that the inner and outer closure mechanisms can be secured to body 14 in generally very close proximity to one another. For instance, mechanisms 42, 44 can be configured so that only a person's fingers can pass through an open outer closure mechanism 44 and the inner closure mechanism 42 remains closed to allow the user to interact with the operator associated with the inner closure mechanism 42.

It is further appreciated that, when closure assembly 40 is fully closed, closure mechanism 44 includes a first side that is exposed to atmosphere and a second side that is isolated from the bedding product 10 or faces the inner closure mechanism 42. Inner closure mechanism 42 includes a first side that faces bedding product 10 and a second side that faces outer closure mechanism 44 and more specifically, a side of outer closure mechanism 44 that faces away from atmosphere. Inner closure mechanism 42 is only exposed to atmosphere and/or operable when outer closure mechanism 44 is not fully closed. As explained further below with respect to FIGS. 3-5, inner and outer closure mechanisms 42, 44 of closure assembly 40 operate in such a manner that the outer closure mechanism 44 must be opened to expose the operator associated with operation of the inner closure mechanism 42 so as to provide a redundant closure mechanism to prevent the progression of any pestilence beyond the exterior surface of cover 12 and/or into bedding product 10.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, inner closure mechanism 42 is defined as a zipper having a slider 50, a pull tab 52, and first and second rows of teeth 54, 56 that movable cooperate with one another. The operation is a zipper is fully understood in many arts and need not be further explained herein. As is commonly understood, translation of slider 50 in a first or closing direction, indicated by arrow 58, meshes the alternate teeth 54, 56 thereby closing the opening associated with the operation of the zipper of closure mechanism 42 and translation of slider 50 in an alternate or opening direction, indicated by arrow 60, disengages the alternating teeth 54, 56 thereby opening the closure associated with closure mechanism 42. Teeth 54, 56 are preferably supported by a flexible backing 62 that is secured to body 14 of cover 12. Outer closure mechanism 44 is constructed in a similar manner and defines a zipper that includes a slider 66 that movably cooperates with a plurality of alternating teeth 68, 70 and includes a pull tab 72 shape to be gripped by a user. Like the zipper of inner closure mechanism 42, translation of slider 66 in alternate closing and opening directions 74, 76 allow selective separation and/or connection of the portions of body 14 proximate the respective closure mechanism 42, 44. Alternating teeth 68, 70 of closure mechanism 44 are supported by a flexible backing 78 that is secured to body 14 of cover 12 such that, when closed, closure mechanism 44 provides a secure connection of the sides of body 14 adjacent the closure mechanism.

The orientation of slider's 50, 66 of closure mechanisms 42, 44 shown in FIG. 3 is indicative of a nearly midpoint or half open configuration associated with the opening of cover 12. That is, slider 50 associated with inner closure mechanism 42 is approaching a closed-end 84 of first closure mechanism 42 whereas slider 66 associated with outer closure mechanism 44 is oriented at a fully open end 86 of closure mechanism 44. From the orientation shown in FIG. 3, slider 50 of inner closure mechanism 42 can be translated in opening direction 60 so as to expose the interior cavity associated with cover 12 to atmosphere or translated in closing direction 58 toward closed end 84 of inner closure mechanism 42 so as to fully isolate the cavity of cover 12 from atmosphere even though outer closure mechanism 44 remains open.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, during a closing operation, slider 50 of inner closure mechanism 42 is translated in closing direction 58 to closed end 84 of first closure mechanism 42 such that the pull tab 52 and slider 50 of first closure mechanism 42 are disposed generally behind even the only partially closed orientation of outer closure mechanism 44 (FIG. 4). Referring to FIG. 4, with first closure mechanism 42 in a fully closed configuration, slider 66 of outer closure mechanism 44 can be translated in closing direction 74 so as to substantially overlie and generally enclose first closure mechanism 42 completely behind the closed configuration of outer closure mechanism 44. During an opening operation, slider 66 of outer closure mechanism 44 must be translated to the fully open end 86 of outer closure mechanism 44 so as to expose slider 50 associated with first closure mechanism 42. Once exposed, the user can manipulate slider 50 of first closure mechanism to fully expose the cavity generally confined by the closed cover 12. It should be appreciated that inner and outer closure assemblies can be described as operating in opposite directions relative to one another. That is, translation of slider 50 in direction 58 closes inner closure mechanism 42 and translation of slider 66 of outer closure mechanism 44 in direction 76 (which is the same direction as direction 58) opens outer closure mechanism. Inversely, translation of inner slider 50 in direction 60 opens inner closure mechanism 42 and translation of slider 66 in similar direction 74 closes outer closure mechanism 44.

Referring to FIG. 5, slider 66 is shaped to cooperate with an alternate or closed end 88 of the zipper of outer closure mechanism 44. A stop, latch, for a catch 90 is secured to body 14 of cover 12 and is configured to removably cooperate with one or more of pull tab 72 or slider 66 of outer closure mechanism 44 so as to maintain the closed orientation of slider 66 of the zipper associated with outer closure mechanism 44 such that slider 66 is preferably maintained in an abutting and preferably compressed engagement with end 88 of closure mechanism 44. Such a configuration provides a secure closure methodology and reduces the potential for the unintended or incidental opening of the zipper associated with outer closure mechanism 44 during use of bedding products equipped with cover 12. As shown in FIG. 5, catch 90 is preferably offset or skewed relative to the longitudinal axis, indicated by line 92, associated with operation of the zipper of outer closure mechanism 44. Preferably, catch 90 is secured to body 14 of cover 12 so as to engage pull tab 72 such that the pull tab 72 and catch 90 extend at an angle, indicated by dimension line 96, relative to axis 92. Preferably angle 96 is greater than 20 degrees and is more preferably approximately 45 degrees.

Regardless of the degree of the skewed orientation of pull tab 72, the overlapping and bidirectional operation of inner and outer closure mechanisms provides a bedding product cover or encasement that provides an added degree of security to maintaining the integrity of the bedding products contained therein.

Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a cover for use over bedding products. The cover includes a body having an interior surface that faces a bedding product and an exterior surface that is exposed to atmosphere. An opening is provided along an edge portion of the body and is shaped to allow ingress and egress of the bedding product from the body. A first closure mechanism and a second closure mechanism are coupled to the body proximate the opening and arranged such that only one of the first and second closure mechanisms is exposed to atmosphere when both the first and second closure mechanisms are closed.

Another embodiment of the invention that is usable with one or more features of the above embodiment includes a cover having a sleeve formed of a flexible material. An opening is formed in the sleeve and shaped to allow passage of a bedding product into the sleeve. A first closure mechanism is secured to the sleeve about the opening and selectively operable to open and close the sleeve. A second closure mechanism is also secured to the sleeve about the opening and selectively operable to open and close the sleeve and so that the first closure mechanism is disposed between the bedding product and the second closure mechanism and isolates the bedding product from the second closure mechanism when the first closure mechanism is closed.

Another embodiment of the invention that is usable with one or more features of the above embodiments includes a method of forming a cover for a bedding product. The method includes forming a pocket to have an interior surface shaped to face a bedding product and an exterior surface that faces atmosphere. An opening is formed in the pocket and shaped to allow ingress and egress of the bedding product from the pocket. A first zipper and a second zipper are connected to the pocket about the opening and oriented such that a first side of the first zipper faces a cavity defined by the pocket, a second side of the first zipper faces a first side of the second zipper, and a second side of the second zipper faces atmosphere.

The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. It is further appreciated that the respective features of any one of the embodiments discussed above is not necessarily solely exclusive thereto. That is, as described in the forth coming claims, the invention includes all of the embodiments as well as aspects specific thereto. Many changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes will become apparent from the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cover for bedding products, the cover comprising:

a body having an interior surface that faces a bedding product and an exterior surface that is exposed to atmosphere;

an opening provided along an edge portion of the body, the opening shaped to allow ingress and egress of the bedding product from the body; and

a first closure mechanism coupled to the body proximate the opening and a second closure mechanism coupled to the body proximate the opening and wherein only one of the first and second closure mechanisms is exposed to atmosphere when both the first and second closure mechanisms are closed.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the body of the cover is shaped to surround a bedding product that is further defined as at least one of a mattress and a box spring.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein the first closure mechanism is further defined as a first zipper that extends a total length of the opening and the second closure mechanism is further defined as a second zipper that extends the total length of the opening.

4. The cover of claim 1 wherein the first zipper operates in a closing direction that is opposite a closing direction of the second zipper.

5. The cover of claim 1 further comprising at least one catch that is secured to the body and cooperates with one of the first and second closure mechanisms to bias the respective closure mechanism toward a closed position.

6. The cover of claim 5 wherein the at least one catch is exposed to atmosphere and cooperates with the one of the first closure and second closure mechanisms that is exposed to atmosphere.

7. The cover of claim 5 wherein the at least one catch is oriented at a crossing direction relative to a longitudinal axis associated with operation of the one of the first and second closure mechanisms.

8. The cover of claim 5 wherein the at least one catch is diagonally oriented relative to the one of the first and second closure mechanisms.

9. A cover comprising:

a sleeve formed of a flexible material;

an opening formed in the sleeve and shaped to allow passage of a bedding product into the sleeve;

a first closure mechanism secured to the sleeve about the opening and selectively operable to open and close the sleeve; and

a second closure mechanism secured to the sleeve about the opening and selectively operable to open and close the sleeve and so that the first closure mechanism is disposed between the bedding product and the second closure mechanism and isolates the bedding product from the second closure mechanism when the first closure mechanism is closed.

10. The cover of claim 9 wherein the first closure mechanism is further defined as an internal zipper and the second closure mechanism is further defined as an external zipper that overlies the internal zipper.

11. The cover of claim 10 wherein the internal zipper operates in a first closing direction and the external zipper operates in a second closing direction that is opposite the first closing direction.

12. The cover of claim 10 further comprising a catch having a first end secured to an exterior surface of the sleeve and a second end selectively engageable with at least one of a pull and a slider of the external zipper when the external zipper is in a closed position.

13. The cover of claim 12 wherein the catch is secured to the sleeve at a position offset from the at least one of the pull and the slider when the external zipper is in the closed position to bias the external zipper toward the closed position.

14. The cover of claim 13 wherein the catch includes a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end and is diagonally oriented relative to the slider when the external zipper is in the closed position.

15. A method of forming a cover for a bedding product, the method comprising;

forming a pocket having an interior surface shaped to face a bedding product and an exterior surface that faces atmosphere and an opening shaped to allow ingress and egress of the bedding product from the pocket;

connecting a first zipper to the pocket about the opening; and

connecting a second zipper to the pocket about the opening such that a first side of the first zipper faces a cavity defined by the pocket, a second side of the first zipper faces a first side of the second zipper, and a second side of the second zipper faces atmosphere.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising orienting the first zipper relative to the pocket so that the first zipper opens when a slider of the first zipper moves in a first direction and closes when the slider of the first zipper moves in a second direction and orienting the second zipper relative to the pocket so that the second zipper opens when a slider of the second zipper moves in the second direction and closes when the slider of the second zipper moves in the first direction.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising orienting the first zipper and the second zipper relative to the pocket so that the second zipper must be open to allow manipulation of the first zipper.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising securing a catch to the exterior surface of the pocket proximate a location of a slider of the second zipper when the second zipper is closed.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising orienting the catch at an oblique angle relative to the location of the slider of the second zipper when the second zipper is closed.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising spacing the catch from the slider of the second zipper to bias the slider toward a closed position.