Having Substantial Means To Form Or Strengthen The Edge, Border, Or Corner Of The Mattress Patents (Class 5/739)
  • Publication number: 20100175197
    Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Kevin Damewood
  • Publication number: 20100170042
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an improved foam mattress. In one embodiment, the mattress has a base layer coupled to rectangular side sections each having a top surface. The top surfaces of the side sections extend above the top surface of the base layer and define a periphery of a space. The base layer and side sections are made of a material having a first resiliency. A central core layer is configured to fit entirely within the space defined by the side sections and is made of a material having a second resiliency, where the second resiliency is lower than said first resiliency. A top layer rests on the top surface of the central core layer and the top surface of the side sections. The top layer is made of a material of having a resiliency equal to or less than the second resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: William H. Rose
  • Patent number: 7743442
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the safety of a sleeping arrangement for a child on a bed. The bed includes a mattress and a boxspring. The system includes a frame to enclose a perimeter of the mattress and the boxspring. The frame includes a plurality of sections, which are removably attached at respective junctures with hook and loop fasteners. An outer surface of the frame is formed from a plush material. The plurality of sections includes a pair of side sections which extend along a respective pair of opposing side surfaces of the mattress and the boxspring. The pair of side sections includes a respective vertical bumper configured to extend from a top portion of the side sections by a predetermined height, to prevent the child on the bed from passing outside the side surfaces of the mattress and falling from the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The Incredibeds LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Maloney, Randy Ray Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7631381
    Abstract: A mattress core unit, such as an innerspring, is placed inside a foam envelope, which in turn is covered with fabric. The side and end rails of the envelope overlap the bottom panel, to provide good support for all edges of the mattress. The top panel of the envelope overlaps the side and end rails. To make a reversible mattress, an overlapping bottom foam panel is used. The method simplifies matress construction, reduces the number of required stock keeping units, and provides a comfortable, yet firm, feel at the edges of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kingsdown, Incorporated
    Inventor: James Patrick Flippin
  • Patent number: 7617556
    Abstract: Mattress systems and methods for their construction are provided. One such mattress includes a first mattress core and a second mattress core positioned on top of the first mattress core. A border material extends along an outer first edge of the first mattress core and along an outer second edge of the second mattress core. The border material has an intermediate portion which extends between the first and second mattress cores and is coupled to at least one of the first and second mattress cores, and in some aspects to both cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Denver Mattress Co., LLC
    Inventor: Robert L Rensink
  • Patent number: 7574763
    Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Kevin Damewood
  • Publication number: 20090188048
    Abstract: A support surface assembly for a sleeping person that comprises a rigid frame with an upper edge for supporting an air-permeable layer and an air-permeable layer that is fixedly joined to the upper edge in a desired tension, such that the upper edge is entirely covered by the outer perimeter of the air-permeable layer. The air-permeable layer comprises a lattice grid structure such as a mesh material, a netting or a web-like material. The outer perimeter of the air-permeable layer is joined to the frame at the side wall or at the bottom wall of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Abadi Shlomo
  • Patent number: 7565710
    Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion and a width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the core portion. The mattress has independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenith W. Chambers, Suzanne Bish, Mary Butler
  • Publication number: 20090077747
    Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating bed and methods of operating the bed. The articulating bed includes a top frame and one or two underlying frames. The top frame includes a first side section and a second side section. One of the side sections is configured to slide in a lateral direction of the bed so as to vary a width of the bed. Further, the sections are configured to hingedly rotate. Various methods include sliding and hingedly rotating the side sections. Further, the methods includes sitting up a person lying on the bed and changing liners while the person is staying on the bed, using the sliding and hinged rotation features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: WILLIE W. KIM
  • Patent number: 7478448
    Abstract: An inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress comprises a support system having upper and lower inflatable support chambers arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber comprises a top layer and a bottom layer. The inflatable mattress further comprises an inflatable reinforcing chamber disposed between the upper and lower inflatable support chambers and attached to the lower inflatable support chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Aero Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen L. Boso, Chen Ching-Chin
  • Patent number: 7464425
    Abstract: A hospital bed including a mattress and a frame. The width of the frame of the hospital bed is adjustable and the width of the mattress is adjustable. The hospital bed may include a frame and mattress adapted to support a heavy or large patient, including a bariatric or obese patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenith W. Chambers, Sandy Richards, Dennis Flessate
  • Publication number: 20080256716
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate generally to the manufacture and assembly of mattresses, and comprise an interlocking system used to join foam support rails together to form a support frame about the perimeter of a mattress cover and/or a banding system for securing the support frame in place with respect to the mattress cover. The interlocking system generally comprises interlocking mechanical coupling portions at the ends of each support rail, allowing the ends of the support rails to be joined together to form a support frame without hard corner blocks that might reduce mattress comfort. The banding system comprises banding flaps that enwrap the support rails and attach them to the mattress cover. This allows for improved structural integrity during the assembly process, since the support frame is securely held in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Sleep Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Wahrmund, James A. Warren
  • Patent number: 7424762
    Abstract: A mattress and a method of manufacturing a mattress are disclosed. The mattress includes a mattress core, a side rail joined to the mattress core by a one or more adhesive patches, optionally a deck applied over an area of the mattress core and joined to the mattress core by adhesive patches, and an upholstery layer defining a sleep surface applied over the deck or the mattress core and joined to the deck by adhesive patches. The adhesive patches have a bonding strength sufficient to maintain a relative position between the various mattress components at least during assembly of the mattress. The upholstery layer is permanently secured to the side rail by, for example, sewing or stapling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard S. Wright, Timothy F. Watson
  • Publication number: 20080115288
    Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is providing including an encasing housing a base layer and a patient support layer in a cavity of the encasing. The base layer has a foam base member and foam side panels connected to the base member. The patient support layer is provided above the base layer and has a plurality of sections or zones. One of the plurality of sections is made of an inflatable component, and another of the plurality of sections is made of a non-inflatable component. In one embodiment, the zones of the patient support surface include a head zone adjacent a head of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, a seat zone adjacent the head zone, and a knee zone between the seat zone and the foot zone. A foam mattress is provided in the head zone, and an air mattress having a plurality of individual air cells fluidly interconnected is provided in the foot zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Poulos
  • Publication number: 20080010751
    Abstract: A therapeutic support apparatus comprises multiple layers of foam having different densities and memories. The support apparatus comfortably supports the weight of a user while minimizing pressure points between the user and the support apparatus. Each foam layer has a unique density and memory based upon the type of tissue the layer is intended to support. A relatively low-memory outer foam layer made from latex non-viscoelastic foam substantially supports skin and subcutaneous tissue. A relatively high-density and medium-memory intermediate layer made from polyurethane foam supports muscle tissue. A relatively high-density and high-high memory core layer made from polyurethane foam supports the spine. In combination, these layers minimize hyperextension and promote blood circulation and comfort while the support apparatus is used by a user positioned in a supine, recumbent, or sideways-lying position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher E. Kemper, Kristi L. Sonsteby
  • Patent number: 7287291
    Abstract: A mattress is provided comprising a plurality of inner coil springs and an edge support. The edge support comprises a foam border extending along the outer perimeter of the mattress and around the inner coil springs, a plurality of spaced slits inserted into the foam border, and a plurality of edge springs inserted into the plurality of spaced slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mattress Development Company
    Inventor: Stuart Scott Carlitz
  • Patent number: 7269866
    Abstract: An air bed with a stable supporting structure comprises a periphery sheet, a top sheet, and a bottom sheet. A middle sheet separates the air bed into an upper air-chamber and a lower air-chamber, an outer extending strip separates the upper air-chamber into a peripheral air-chamber and an upper main air-chamber, a first set of extending strips is provided in the upper main air-chamber, a second set of extending strips, which is welded to the middle sheet and the bottom sheet, is provided in the lower air-chamber, and an oblique extending strip is provided around the periphery of the second set of extending strips and is welded with the periphery sheet and the bottom sheet to separate the lower air-chamber into a lower main air-chamber and a peripheral auxiliary air-chamber. The lower main air-chamber is a space which has a shape of an inverse cone and receives air therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Bestway (USA) Inc.
    Inventor: Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 7251847
    Abstract: A mattress or seating spring core assembly and method of manufacture which comprises interconnected rows of coil springs wherein each row terminates in a cut wire end which is bent inwardly into one of the end coils and in which the spring core assembly is surrounded on all sides by foam panels and is devoid of any border rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Thomas W. Wells
  • Patent number: 7219381
    Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Damewood, Richard F. Gladney
  • Patent number: 7216390
    Abstract: A corner guard arrangement for a box spring, the corner guard arrangement having first and second members formed of a sheet material and being interlocked together, the interlocking arrangement being such that the first and second members are in sliding engagement to permit adjustment for different height box springs, one end of each of the first and second members being engaged with a perimeter wire on the box spring. The arrangement permits a smooth covering of fabric material on the box spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Istvan Vaskuthy
  • Patent number: 7216389
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame having a deck support and a step deck positioned on the deck support. The step deck has an upper deck, a lower deck, and a side wall, the upper deck being spaced apart from the lower deck to define a recess of the deck. A mattress section and a mattress section support are supported by the step deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory W. Branson, David J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7200884
    Abstract: A mattress and a method of manufacturing a mattress are disclosed. The mattress includes a mattress core, a side rail joined to the mattress core by a one or more adhesive patches, optionally a deck applied over an area of the mattress core and joined to the mattress core by adhesive patches, and an upholstery layer defining a sleep surface applied over the deck or the mattress core and joined to the deck by adhesive patches. The adhesive patches have a bonding strength sufficient to maintain a relative position between the various mattress components at least during assembly of the mattress. The upholstery layer is permanently secured to the side rail by, for example, sewing or stapling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dreamwell Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard S. Wright, Timothy F. Watson
  • Patent number: 7181794
    Abstract: A fire retardant pillow top mattress has a base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and sidewalls for the mattress. In a pillow top mattress, the pillow top and the gusset between the mattress and the pillow top are formed in a like manner. The intersecting planar surfaces are mated between a flame-retardant treated edge binding tape. The mated surfaces are sewn with a flame retardant thread and the mattress, pillow top and gusset are encapsulated with fire retardant components. The edges of the sidewalls and the mattress cover are serge stitched with a flame retardant thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Vincent Diaz
  • Patent number: 7174589
    Abstract: An inflatable device for people to sit, lie or sleep on is provided, which device allows water vapor produced by the person's perspiration or condensation to escape from the vicinity of his/her body, which device can be readily manufactured without undue amounts of human labor, which device is suitable for disposable use, and which device is of such a construction that in the event that there is a rupture or loss of pressure the entire device will not collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Trlby Innovative LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Mileti
  • Patent number: 7165283
    Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided having an upper and a lower inflatable support chamber which are arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a side gusset. At least one inflatable stabilizing component is attached at the bottom layer of the lower inflatable support chamber and is of a height less than the height of the lower inflatable support chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Aero Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen L. Boso, Chen Ching-Chin
  • Patent number: 7165282
    Abstract: Edge rails for a mattress core are combined with an upholstery layer to provide a pre-assembled work piece that provides a perimeter about a mattress core. The edge rails, which may be foam, may be attached to the upholstery layer with hinges that permit each edge rail to rotate relative to the upholstery layer between an unassembled, flat position and an assembled, upright position. In the unassembled position, the work piece may present a relatively flat profile for more convenient bulk storage. In the assembled position, the edge rails are positioned to closely surround a mattress core of suitable size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy Franklin Watson
  • Patent number: 7127765
    Abstract: Specifically conceived for mattresses with springs (4), the mattress consists of a cylindrical tubular body (1, 1?) with a longitudinal cut line (2) in correspondence with one of its lines of symmetry, that connects its two open ends, towards which open a number of wide notches (3, 3?), with an isosceles trapezoid configuration that, together with the longitudinal opening (2) allow the male-female coupling of the corner piece to the springs (4) of the mattress, externally closing the set of springs at the corresponding corner to provide a smooth, continuous surface without any bulges, recesses or deformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Flex Equipos de Descanso,S.A.
    Inventor: Tomas Romero Ruiz
  • Patent number: 7117655
    Abstract: A method of applying at least one web of insulator material to a plurality of spring assemblies is provided. Each web of insulator material is unwound from a roll, passed along a roller and applied to multiple spring assemblies which are passed between rollers. Each web of insulator material is folded around outermost coil springs along longitudinal edges of the spring assemblies. Side portions of each web of insulator material are glued, welded or otherwise permanently secured to a middle portion of the web of insulator material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 7107640
    Abstract: An alternating pad consisting of transverse inflatable cells (1 and 2) alternately inflated and deflated. An internal cell (5) is provided at the outermost edges of each transverse cell (1,2). The internal cell (5) is constantly inflated at a higher pressure than the traverse cells (1, 2). The internal cell (5) is at a lower height than the cells (1,2) and preferably of a chamfered shape to provide optimum pressure relief across the whole surface of the pad. The internal cell (5) provides stable patient exit, entry or transfer from a bed or seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology, PLC
    Inventors: Paul William Chapman, Clive Russell Perry
  • Patent number: 7089618
    Abstract: An air mattress or bed is disclosed. The air mattress has a first panel, a spaced second panel, and at least one side panel extending between the first panel and the second panel, each panel being joined to the other along their common peripheral edges to define a single air chamber therebetween. At least one mattress coil is disposed within the air chamber and is affixed to and extends therein from the first panel to the second panel. The air mattress further comprises at least one side support beam extending in the lengthwise direction of the at least one side panel. The side support beam has a first edge affixed to the at least one side panel and a spaced second edge affixed to at least one of the first panel and the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew T. Metzger
  • Patent number: 7086107
    Abstract: A patient support is provided comprising a frame including a deck support and a step deck positioned on the deck support. The step deck has an upper deck, a lower deck, and a side wall, the upper deck being spaced apart from the lower deck to define a recess of the deck. The step deck includes a first section and a second section configured to articulate relative to the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory W. Branson, David J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6996867
    Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided having an upper and a lower inflatable support chamber which are arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a side gusset. At least one inflatable stabilizing component is attached at the bottom layer of the lower inflatable support chamber and is of a height less than the height of the lower inflatable support chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Aero Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen L. Boso, Chen Ching-Chin
  • Patent number: 6954956
    Abstract: A fire retardant pillow top mattress has a base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and side walls for the mattress, the pillow top and the gusset between the mattress and the pillow top. The intersecting planar surfaces are mated between a fire-retardant treated edge binding tape. The mated surfaces are sewn with a fire retardant thread and the mattress, pillow top and gusset are encapsulated with fire retardant components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Vincent Diaz
  • Patent number: 6948204
    Abstract: An air mattress includes top sheet and bottom sheet which are disposed to be opposing. The mattress has a side sheet coupled to the top and bottom sheets. The mattress has plural threads coupled to the top and bottom sheets so that they are spaced each other with a certain distance when the air is inflated. The mattress has a foamed body filled in the inside of the mattress so that the foamed body is penetrated by the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jung-Soo Chae
  • Patent number: 6944900
    Abstract: A mattress having an inverted top panel/border seam, with an optional appended decorative rope welting on the border is described. An inverted seam secures the top panel to the border portion of a mattress cover to eliminate bumps and creases found in conventional welted top seam. Manufacturing costs may be reduced by eliminating the need for an expensive table-mounted tape edge closure machine and/or skilled operators, since the inverted seam may be flay sewn with a conventional sewing machine or even hand-stitched. Alternatively, a conventional tape edge machine can be used with less-skilled labor and or reduced tape/welting material, as all of the stitches and welting are hidden inside the mattress by the inverted seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Dreamwell Ltd.
    Inventor: Neal Charles Van Patten
  • Patent number: 6848130
    Abstract: A bed pad wedge system for inhibiting a person from falling out of bed. The system includes a fitted mattress pad fastened to a mattress. Each lateral edge of the fitted pad has pockets located therein that contain foam rubber wedges having the shape of an obtuse triangle. The pockets are installed on an underside of the fitted pad and are facing an outer edge of the mattress. The triangular foam rubber wedges are each encased in a slippery material to aid in installing the wedges in the pockets. A third wedge or triangle may be installed in the middle of a mattress between the outer wedges that are located at each edge of the mattress. The wedge system may be covered by standard sheets and bedding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: William H Wilson
  • Patent number: 6842927
    Abstract: A crowned mattress having an inner spring unit with a plurality of spring members, a foam layer, and a cover. Peripheral edges of the inner spring unit are compressed together by compression members to provide a crowning or bowing of the inner spring unit that is translated into a crowning of the mattress. The foam layer can also be crowned to provide additional crowning. Spring members within inner spring unit can be reinforced by resilient members to increase an effective spring rate of a reinforced spring member. Reinforced spring members are dispersed throughout the inner spring unit in a desired pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: England, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney England
  • Patent number: 6804849
    Abstract: A mattress having an inverted top panel/border seam, with an optional appended decorative rope welting on the border is described. An inverted seam secures the top panel to the border portion of a mattress cover to eliminate bumps and creases found in conventional welted top seam. Manufacturing costs may be reduced by eliminating the need for an expensive table-mounted tape edge closure machine and/or skilled operators, since the inverted seam may be flay sewn with a conventional sewing machine or even hand-stitched. Alternatively, a conventional tape edge machine can be used with less-skilled labor and or reduced tape/welting material, as all of the stitches and welting are hidden inside the mattress by the inverted seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Dreamwell Ltd.
    Inventor: Neal Charles Van Patten
  • Patent number: 6782575
    Abstract: A mattress core is defined by a base core to which is bonded upper and lower corrugated outer layers each having oppositely directed corrugations, and side rails bonded to at least sides of the base core. The side rails have a height corresponding to the distance between valleys of opposite corrugated outer layers. The mattress core and mattress have an ILD range of substantially 26 ILD to 50 ILD for the side rails, 24 to 40 ILD for the base core and 12 to 45 ILD for each of the corrugated outer layers. The base core and the outer layers also collectively define a torso firmness zone and opposite head and foot firmness zones with the torso firmness zone being substantially between 20% to 30% more dense than the head and foot firmness zones. Ends of the mattress core and mattress are devoid of end rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Rick D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6775868
    Abstract: An air mattress system is provided wherein longitudinal air supply tubes supply air to alternating laterally extending cross support tubes that extend between two longitudinal side rails. The side rails remain inflated despite failure of the pump or ruptures of the lateral support tubes. The structure of the air mattress is such that it can be produced as a continuous rolled product. A method for making the individual mattress of this construction is also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Trlby Innovative LLC
    Inventors: Robert Mileti, Stephen M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6772463
    Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Dreamwell Ltd.
    Inventors: Rick Gladney, Kevin Damewood
  • Patent number: 6718583
    Abstract: A fire retardant mattress, sofa cushion and pillow has a foam base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and sidewalls for the mattress. The intersecting planar surfaces are formed as a flange which is sandwiched between a fire-retardant treated edge binding tape. The flange is sewn with a fire retardant thread to encapsulate the mattress with fire retardant components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent Diaz
  • Patent number: 6708357
    Abstract: A rigid corner piece for maintaining the square appearance of a mattress having foam sides. The corner piece anchors two of the foam pieces together to form a butt joint. The corner piece is constructed and arranged to be relatively undetectable by a person sitting on the side of the bed. The corner piece preferably defines a groove into which the two foam pieces may be placed at a relatively right angle to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Gaboury, James E. Gifft, Anna Khoruts, Daniel J. Koughan
  • Patent number: 6701559
    Abstract: An increased height inflatable support system consisting of two or more vertically stacked chambers. Such a support system can have one or more stabilizer bars attached to said support system, to help keep said support system from rolling over. In addition, the present invention introduces the concept of using a support chamber to provide additional strength at junctions between said vertically stacked chambers. Additionally, fabric, padding, or flocking may be added to one or more surfaces of an upper chamber to improve overall support system comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Aero Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen L. Boso, Chen Ching-Chin
  • Patent number: 6665897
    Abstract: A cuddle bed (10) for pet includes a bottom cushion (11) surrounded by a ring (12) having a scalloped upper border (14). High sections (16) of the ring (12) provide posture support for a pet cuddling thereto. The pet can stretch itself over low sections (18) of the ring (12). In addition, the high sections (16) provide a relatively isolated environment to the pet cuddling in the cuddle bed (10) and the low sections (18) provide the pet with easy access to the cuddle bed (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lionel A. Walpin
  • Patent number: 6662393
    Abstract: A composite mattress made of both high resilience foam and low resilience foam. The base is made of the low resilience foam. The sleep surface is made of the high resilience foam. Edge supports are provided to prevent bottoming out. The sleep surface covers the base and the edge supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Boyd
  • Patent number: 6658683
    Abstract: A posturized foam topper pad (12) for use in a bedding or seating product (10) has at least one section (28) which includes latex, and at least one section (26) which is free of latex, thereby providing the foam topper pad (12) with different degrees of firmness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Eddie L. Parvin
  • Patent number: 6631529
    Abstract: A cover assembly designed and structured to protectively enclose a mattress of the type used in medical facilities such as on hospital beds, stretchers, gurneys, etc. A casing is formed from a flexible, high strength, water impermeable material which is resistant to rupture or abrasion and which has characteristics which facilitates its use in the environment of a hospital or other medical facility. The casing includes a reinforcement assembly in the form of one or more flexible material panels, which may be formed from a material similar or identical to that from which the casing is formed and which are attached to different elongated outer walls of the casing so as to extend over a mid-portion thereof and be aligned substantially with a mid-portion of a body supported on the mattress, thereby providing supplementary support to the body so as to resist the mid-portion of the body sinking excessively into the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Tomiko Erickson
  • Publication number: 20030177585
    Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Rick Gladney, Kevin Damewood
  • Patent number: 6609261
    Abstract: A mattress resistant to bursting at the seam binding joining the upper and side tickings when subjected to flame conditions, is disclosed. The binding includes a tape overlying the junction of the fabrics defining the top and side tickings. The tape and ticking components are held together by a stitching thread such as lock stitching penetrating the tape, the ticking junctures and the tape again at an opposite side of the binding. The tape is selected to be thermoplastic, fire retardant and flowable at a temperature substantially lower than the char temperature of the thread which is thermo set. As a result of this combination, a flame directed against the binding will first induce the thermoplastic tape to melt and flow around and into the binding thread protecting the thread from charring and consequently losing its tensile strength for a significant period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: John Mortensen, Cindy Colucci, Edward Tierney, Janet Jones