CUSHIONING AND SUPPORT SYSTEM
In some embodiments, a support structures can be formed from a support structure matrix comprising a plurality of spring structures embedded within the support structure matrix. The plurality of spring structures can be formed from the same material or a different material, and can have the same or different durometers. The plurality of spring structures can be configured to deform and return to its original shape after deformation. The orientation and structure of the spring structures can vary depending on a desired durometer and/or function within the support structure.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 17/950,981, filed Sep. 22, 2022, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/248,317, filed Sep. 24, 2021. Both applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELDThe present disclosure relates to cushion and support systems, such as mattresses and other furniture or supporting structures.
BACKGROUNDA current shortcoming in certain cushioning devices, such as gel-based mattresses, is that one or more cushioning and supportive systems can only exist in one of two states. That is, the cushioning and supportive systems of these products exist only in a first erect, uncompressed state, and a second fully compressed and collapsed state. Because these products only exist in one of these two states, they do not offer effective and adequate support to the user. Improvements to such conventional cushioning devices are desirable.
SUMMARYIn some embodiments, a support structure can comprise a support structure matrix comprising a plurality of layers and a plurality of spring structures embedded within the plurality of layers of the support structure matrix. The plurality of spring structures have a plurality of different durometers, and the plurality of spring structures are configured to deform and return to its original shape after deformation. In other embodiments, methods of forming a support structure having a plurality of spring structures are also disclosed.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
The following description proceeds with reference to the attached figures, which are part of the application.
As used in this application the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “and/or” means any one item or combination of items in the phrase. In addition, the term “exemplary” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example,” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting embodiments, examples, instances, and/or illustrations.
Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed things and methods can be used in conjunction with other things and methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “provide,” “produce,” “determine,” and “select” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level descriptions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms will vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
As used herein, the term “gel-based mattress” refers to a mattress that contains at least one layer of a gel-infused matrix, such as memory foam or polyfoam.
As used herein, the term “embedded” refers to a material that is embedded into a matrix. In some embodiments, the embedded material extends at least 0.5 inches into the matrix and is a “deeply embedded material.” In some embodiments, the embedded material is “partially embedded,” which means that at least a portion of the material is exposed on at least one side of the layer. In other embodiments, the embedded material is entirely within the matrix and is a “fully embedded material.”
Described herein are cushioning and support systems that provide comfort and support beyond that support provided by conventional systems. The cushioning and support systems of the present disclosure include a single or series of springs, each including two or more layers of material having varying stiffness and/or hardness (e.g., as determined by a corresponding durometer number). The springs are configured to provide progressive resistance, as additional force is applied (e.g., the weight of the user), resulting in a true variable response and in increased comfort and supportive experience to the user.
In some embodiments, the examples provided herein are in reference to mattress systems that use elastomeric polymers. However, it should be understood that the cushioning systems described herein can also function in other cushioning applications, such as pillows, seat cushions (e.g., automotive and furniture), as well as any other application in which a comfortable and supportive structure is desirable.
As shown
In
In other embodiments, the springs 100a-100d can comprise a single materials (with a single durometer). For example, as shown in
As illustrated in the drawing of
Similar to the examples shown in
In some examples, the springs need not be arranged sequentially or aligned along a common axial direction (e.g., the X or Y direction), but can be offset from one another. In other examples, the springs extending beyond the top surface of the support structure can be configured or positioned along the surface of the support structure to contact directly or indirectly a particular portion of the user’s body (e.g., the lower back, shoulders, neck, etc.). In still further examples, one or more springs can extend beyond a first matrix layer and into a second matrix layer.
In some examples, such as where material of the support structure matrix is positioned between the lower most surface of the spring and the bottom surface of the support structure, the material composing the matrix can provide a certain degree of resistance in addition to the resistance provided by that spring. Such additional resistance as provided by the matrix can, for example, be determined by the material characteristics of that matrix’s material, such as a top cover layer of a support structure (e.g., a mattress).
In representative examples, the body of the support structure matrix can be fashioned as to form molds to fabricate one or more springs. For instance, the matrices of
Although the springs are described as being embedded and/or associated with a single support structure matrix, it should be understood that any support structure comprising the springs of the present disclosure can include two or more support structure matrices, each which can have their own combination and/or arrangement of springs. A support structure which includes multiple matrices in this way can, for example, be layered atop one another, with or without other materials therebetween.
As discussed in more detail below, the spring material for any of the spring structures described herein can be the same or different throughout the support structure. Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the same spring material can be used throughout the support structure (or a layer thereof). Thus, although the shape, size, and/or orientations of the spring structures may vary, the spring material remains the same throughout. In other embodiments, the spring material may vary within the support structure (or a layer thereof). Thus, for example, a first spring material may form some spring structures and one or more other spring materials may form additional spring structures.
Turning now to
The number of stacked ring-shaped layers can vary.
As illustrated in the drawing of
In some examples, the layers of one spring can have a depth or height which differs from a depth or height of the layers of another spring. For instance, the spring 300 and spring 302 can have the same overall height. However, the spring 300 to the left of
As shown in the drawings of
For instance, the spring 400 of
In an opposite manner, as shown on
Accordingly, the hardness of one or more springs can be said to increase or decrease incrementally across the longitudinal length of the springs depending on their respective layers, such as those configurations described above in reference to the springs 400, 500. In some examples, however, the hardness of the springs need not increase or decrease incrementally across the length of the spring. For instance, the springs can have a middle layer which has a hardness greater than or lesser than both the adjacent upper and lower layers.
In some examples, the springs can have any combination of layers with distinct degrees of hardness. As one example, the spring 302 of
In representative implementations, each layer of the springs can comprise one or more elastomeric polymers which allow each layer to deform and return to its original size and shape after deformation. Elastomeric polymers can include, for instance, homopolymers, copolymers, and/or elastomeric polymers comprising blocks or groups of linked homopolymers. In some implementations, a plasticizer can be added to the elastomeric polymer, for example, to increase plasticity, decrease viscosity and/or friction, and can make elastomeric polymer softer and more flexible. Plasticizers can include hydrocarbon fluids such as mineral oils, and can be aliphatic or aromatic, for instance.
Each layer of the springs can comprise a thermoplastic elastomeric polymer (TPEG) which has thermoplastic and elastic qualities. A TPEG can, for example, include elastomeric polymers and/or a plasticizer such that the TPEG is capable of deforming and returning to its original shape and size after deformation. Generally, TPEGs can be melted when heated and formed into a plastic when cooled, such as to form the hybrid spring elastomeric polymers described herein. The TPEG can be a Bio-based and/or fossil-based. For example, the TPEG can be derived from sources such as corn, beets, cellulose, vegetable oil, soya beans, sugar cane, and/or any other suitable plant matter. TPEG can also comprise styrenic block copolymers (e.g., SEPTON®, Kraton polymers, etc.). The TPEG used herein can also include a rubber and/or a hydrogenated rubber, such as ethylene/propylene, ethylene/butylene, or ethylene/ethylene/propylene, etc., which can be plasticized with hydrocarbon fluids.
One or more TPEGs can also be combined with antioxidants, which can, for example, improve the longevity of the product and reduce the effects of thermal degradation in manufacturing (e.g., IRGANOX®, EVERNOX®, etc.). TPEGs can also be formulated to avoid the need for external support, such as a barrier, so the layers have sufficient structural integrity as to not break under normal use.
In some implementations, the layers of the springs of the present disclosure can also be composed of silicone, polyurethane, and/or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
As shown on
In other examples, the inner diameter and wall thickness of each layer can be varied in any combination and/or arrangement. One layer can, for instance, have a wall thickness greater than each adjacent layer such that the wall thicknesses of the spring does not increase or decrease linearly along its length.
In addition to, or in lieu of having varied inner diameters, the right and left springs 700a-700b depicted in
As shown on
In some examples, the layers of springs need not be coaxially aligned. As one example, each layer can be arranged side-by-side with one another in a vertical arrangement. As one example and as illustrated on
As shown in
In other embodiments, the spring 1000 can comprise a single materials (with a single durometer). For example, as shown in
In some examples, such as that illustrated in
As best shown in
Alternatively, each section of spring 1200 (e.g., 1211, 1213, or 1215) can form its own spring structure for a particular application. Thus, for example, the first series of layers 1211 can form a spring structure for a mattress or other application without layers 1213 and 1215. Similarly, the second series of layers 1213 and the third series of layers 1215 can also be used independently and separately from the other layers, such that layers 1213 or layers 1215 can form the spring structure for particular application. Of course, as described elsewhere herein, the number of layers for any of these structures can vary, whether functioning in a stacked arrangement (1200) or not (e.g., 1211, 1213, 1215 independently).
As shown in
Alternatively, each individual layer depicted in
The spring members disclosed herein can be deeply embedded, such that it is embedded at least 0.5 inches from a surface of the matrix of the layer, or fully embedded so that the spring member does not extend to a surface of the matrix of the layer.
As discussed above, including for example with respect to
In some embodiments, the openings 1605 can comprise different size or type openings. For example, as shown in
The openings 1605 can be filled with a spring material. In some embodiments, the spring material is the same in each opening. In others, the spring material can change depending on the depth of the opening and/or the position of the opening along the support structure 1602.
As described herein, one or more mold shapes (e.g., channels of one or more depths) can be provided. Thus, for example, referring to
Thus, in some embodiments, the spring material can be deposited into openings of the support structure (e.g., channels or other shapes) in a flowable state (e.g., a liquified, elastomeric polymer). As the flowable spring material (e.g., liquified elastomeric polymer) is deposited into the openings, the spring material solidifies and bonds to the walls of the spring structure forming a combined cushioning system. Thus, for example, if the spring material is an elastomeric polymer and the support structure is a foam, the bonding of the two materials forms a synergistic combination of elastomeric polymer and foam member that provides a desired amount of cushioning (e.g., spring effect) and also increasing the resilience of the foam member.
The specific embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting of the invention, but rather are examples of a broad array of different embodiments that the inventors have envisioned that include the technology disclosed herein. Any of the features or characteristics disclosed herein can be combined in any way with any of the other features or characteristics disclosed herein, as well as with any other known support structure technologies, to form a variety of different embodiments that include or relate to the inventive technology disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A support structure comprising:
- a support structure matrix formed with a plurality of openings; and
- a plurality of spring structures embedded within the plurality of openings of the support structure matrix, the spring structures comprising a spring material that is bonded to the support structure matrix;
- wherein the plurality of openings comprise at least a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings, the first openings having a different size, shape, and/or orientation that is different from the second openings relative to the support structure matrix.
- wherein the plurality of spring structures are configured to deform and return to its original shape after deformation.
2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the spring material of at least some of the spring structures comprise a thermoplastic elastomeric polymer.
3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic elastomeric polymer comprises styrenic block copolymers.
4. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic elastomeric polymer comprises a rubber and/or a hydrogenated rubber.
5. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the first openings and second openings comprise channels, and the channels of the first openings have a different depth than the channels of the second openings.
6. The support structure of claim 5, wherein the channels of the first openings are interspersed between at least some channels of the second openings.
7. The support structure of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of openings are fully-embedded in the support structure matrix.
8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of openings are fully-embedded in the support structure matrix.
9. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the support structure matrix comprises a plurality of layers that comprise at least a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, and the first layer is bonded to the second layer, and the second layer is bonded to the third layer,
- wherein the plurality of openings are formed in one or more of the first layer, second layer, and third layer.
10. The support structure of claim 1, wherein at least some of the spring structures are vertically stacked to form a stacked spring system.
11. The support structure of claim 10, wherein the stacked spring system comprises spring structures that have different wall thicknesses.
12. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the spring material is the same in each of the plurality of openings.
13. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the spring material is the same in each of the plurality of openings.
14. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the spring material of the first plurality of openings is different than the spring material of the second plurality of openings.
15. The support structure of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of spring structures comprise ring-shaped structures.
16. The support structure of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of spring structures form honeycombed-shaped structures.
17. The support structure of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of spring structures are spaced apart from one another and positioned within different horizontal planes, such that some of the plurality of spring structures are at a different height than others of the plurality of spring structures.
18. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the spring structure comprises an elastomer, silicone, expanded metal, wood foam, bamboo foam, natural materials, or a combination thereof.
19. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the support structure is a mattress.
20. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the support structure is a cushion for a seat and/or item of furniture.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 1, 2022
Publication Date: Mar 30, 2023
Applicant: Inconceivable Ventures, Inc. (Heber, UT)
Inventors: Chris Knudsen (Heber, UT), Peter Lemon (Cedar Hills, UT), Joe Nilson (Alpine, UT), Lavon Bennett (Mesa, AZ)
Application Number: 18/073,348