U.S. patent application number 10/655734 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for dual air ventilation pad.
Invention is credited to Hawkins, John, Webster, Kara.
Application Number | 20040237206 10/655734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33457537 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040237206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webster, Kara ; et
al. |
December 2, 2004 |
Dual air ventilation pad
Abstract
A pad for cushioning a user uses visco-elastic foam to provide
contouring support. In accordance with one embodiment, the foam is
provided with a plurality of holes. In accordance with another
embodiment, two layers of foam are used with different densities to
allow the user to select the degree to which the foam contours to
the body. Likewise, the foam may be color coded or otherwise
visually distinct to indicate which side is softer.
Inventors: |
Webster, Kara; (Sandy,
UT) ; Hawkins, John; (Draper, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RANDALL B. BATEMAN
BATEMAN IP LAW GROUP
4 TRIAD CENTER, SUITE 825
PO BOX 1319
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
33457537 |
Appl. No.: |
10/655734 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60474041 |
May 29, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/727 ; 5/730;
5/740 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/046 20130101;
A47C 27/15 20130101; A47C 27/146 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/727 ;
005/740; 005/730 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/15 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mattress pad comprising: an upper layer of visco-elastic foam
having an upper surface and a lower layer of visco-elastic foam
having a lower surface; and a plurality of spaced holes in the foam
extending from the upper surface of the upper layer to the lower
surface of the lower layer.
2. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the lower layer of foam is
of a greater density than the upper layer of foam.
3. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the lower layer of foam is
of a firmer foam than the upper layer of foam.
4. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the upper layer and the
lower layer are bonded together.
5. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the visco-elastic foam is
resistant to the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria.
6. The mattress pad of claim 1, further comprising a cover that
surrounds the foam pad.
7. The mattress pad of claim 1 wherein the holes extending through
the foam are between 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch in diameter and spaced
between 3/4 inch and 2 inches apart from each other.
8. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the holes extending through
the foam are approximately 1/4 inch in diameter and spaced
approximately 1 inch apart from each other.
9. A mattress pad for a bed comprising a separate pad for each half
of the bed.
10. The mattress pad of claim 9, wherein the two mattress pads
further comprise two layers of foam and wherein the upper layer is
of a lighter density foam than the lower layer of foam.
11. The mattress pad of claim 10, further comprising visco-elastic
foam.
12. The mattress pad of claim 9, further comprising uniformly
spaced holes extending from the top surface of the pad to the
bottom surface of the pad.
13. The mattress pad of claim 12, wherein the holes extending
through the foam are between 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch in diameter and
spaced between 3/4 inch and 2 inches apart from each other.
14. The mattress pad of claim 12, wherein the holes extending
through the foam are approximately 1/4 inch in diameter and spaced
approximately 1 inch apart from each other.
15. A pad comprising: an upper layer of visco-elastic foam; and a
lower layer of visco elastic foam.
16. The pad of claim 15, further comprising holes extending from
the top surface of the pad to the bottom surface of the pad.
17. The pad of claim 15, wherein the upper layer and the lower
layer are bonded together.
18. The pad of claim 15, further comprising a cover which surrounds
the pad.
19. The pad of claim 15, wherein the lower layer of foam is of a
higher density foam than the upper layer.
20. The pad of claim 15, wherein the foam is resistant to the
growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria.
21. The pad of claim 15, wherein the pad is shaped to fit a
chair.
22. The pad of claim 15, wherein the pad is shaped to fit a lounge
chair.
23. The pad of claim 15, wherein the pad is shaped to fit a
bed.
24. The pad of claim 15, wherein the pad is shaped to fit in a
boat.
25. The pad of claim 15, wherein the pad is shaped to fit inside a
camper trailer.
26. A method for increasing the comfort of a bed, comprising:
selecting a mattress pad comprised of an upper layer and a lower
layer of foam; placing the mattress pad on the bed.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the mattress pad is made of
visco-elastic foam.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the lower layer of foam is of a
firmer foam than the upper layer.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the mattress pad is
reversible to change the firmness of the mattress pad.
30. The method according to claim 26, wherein the mattress pad
further comprises holes through the pad extending from the upper
surface to the lower surface of the pad.
31. The method of claim 26 wherein the mattress pad further
comprises a separate pad for each side of the bed.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the pad on each side of the bed
can be flipped over independently to change the firmness of the
pad.
33. The method of claim 26, wherein the upper layer and the lower
layer are different colors.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/ 74,041, filed May 29, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to padding. More particularly,
the present invention relates to mattress pads or toppers and bench
or seat padding which are designed to conform to the anatomy of a
person using the pad.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Many persons are affected by symptoms common to a loss of
sleep., Additionally, there are many persons who get enough sleep
but experience similar symptoms because, due to discomfort while
sleeping, they are not able to gain the full benefit of sleep and
their body is not well rested. While there are many symptoms
associated with a lack of good sleep, some common symptoms include:
trouble concentrating or remembering, losing one's sense of humor,
tiredness in the morning or throughout the day, reduced immunity to
disease and viral infections, having mood shifts, feeling depressed
or irritable, or experiencing weight gain or loss.
[0006] Symptoms like these often result from poor sleep. If a
person is not sleeping well, their body will not recover from the
stress and physical and emotional depletion of the previous day.
Consequentially, their physical and emotional wellbeing suffer.
[0007] There are many reasons that a person does not sleep well.
Many of these reasons are caused by a mattress that is of poor
quality, too old, or the wrong type of mattress for the individual.
Many mattresses cause the individual to feel too cold or hot, or do
not properly support the individual while sleeping.
[0008] If an individual is not properly supported while sleeping,
the individual's body is not held comfortably by the mattress. The
individual will experience too much pressure on prominent areas of
the body, such as the shoulders or hips. An individual who is not
properly supported by their mattress will also experience improper
alignment of areas of the body such as the neck, spine, shoulders,
or pelvis. Improper alignment of such areas of the body while
sleeping may promote joint problems such as arthritis, back or neck
pain, or soreness of the muscles associated with the misaligned
joint.
[0009] An individual that feels too cold or hot while sleeping will
also experience reduced quality of sleep. A person who feels too
cold while sleeping will often tighten up and curl up into an
uncomfortable position, causing further misalignment of the body
and subsequent discomfort. A person who is too cold may also
experience muscle tension and soreness, because the muscles may not
be fully relaxed while sleeping. A person who feels too hot while
sleeping may have difficulty falling asleep and may turn more
during the night.
[0010] Thus persons with uncomfortable mattresses experience a
number of problems while sleeping which are caused by the mattress
and which reduce the quality of sleep they experience. These
problems often cause a deterioration of the person's physical and
emotional well-being.
[0011] Many of the persons experiencing sleep problems as described
are unable to purchase a proper mattress to relieve the problems
because of the high cost of a premium mattress. Premium mattresses
solve many of the described sleep problems by inclusion of many
layers of various types of padding including foam and woven cloth
or plastic fibers. The premium mattresses, however, commonly sell
for thousands of dollars. Many persons are unable to purchase a
mattress that expensive and must purchase a mattress of lesser
quality. The less expensive mattresses typically do not have the
number of layers of padding that the premium mattresses have, and
persons purchasing less expensive mattresses typically experience
more discomfort and other problems while sleeping.
[0012] Additionally, many can not afford to replace an old
mattress, as even less expensive mattresses can easily cost five
hundred dollars or more.
[0013] There is thus a need for a way to eliminate the discomfort
associated with a less expensive or old mattress without requiring
the purchase of a new premium mattress which is too expensive for
many persons.
[0014] Additionally, there are many other situations when a person
would desire a sleeping pad or mattress pad or topper to enhance
the quality of sleep. A few common situations include camping in a
tent or trailer, sleeping on a boat, or staying with relatives.
[0015] It is common when camping to sleep on the ground, or on top
of a thin camping pad or thin trailer mattress. The person will
then experience the aforementioned problems caused by discomfort
while sleeping. It is desirable to have a pad to place on top of
the camping pad or mattress to increase the comfort and quality of
sleep. Similarly, a person sleeping or resting in a boat would
desire the greater comfort achieved through the use of a mattress
pad.
[0016] Additionally, it is common for persons who are visiting
relatives or friends and staying overnight to sleep on the floor,
on a thin pad, or on an old bed. These persons will typically
experience discomfort while sleeping caused by areas of high
pressure and improper alignment of the body. It is thus desirable
to have a sleeping pad or mattress topper to eliminate these
problems.
[0017] It is also desirable for the mattress pad or topper to
easily transported to be useful in increasing the comfort and
quality of sleep when camping, boating, or visiting friends or
relatives.
[0018] It is further desirable to have an improved pad for chairs,
benches, or other sitting areas to eliminate sitting discomfort
caused by areas of high pressure and improper support of the person
sitting.
[0019] It is not uncommon for a person to experience discomfort
while sitting caused by ineffective support from the chair pad.
This discomfort is common in offices where persons will spend
extended periods of time seated while working. While sitting,
persons may commonly experience areas of high pressure or poor
sitting posture caused by an ineffective chair pad. Areas of high
pressure caused by a ineffective chair pad may commonly cause
bruising, soreness, or ulceration of the tissue. A chair pad that
does not properly support the occupant may also result in poor
sitting posture, which in turn may cause back and neck pain, back
and shoulder fatigue, stress, and further discomfort.
[0020] Many persons also experience discomfort while sitting in
lawn chairs, pool lounges, or other portable chairs. Such portable
chairs often have little or no padding. The person may commonly sit
on chairs constructed with plastic or metal slats or plastic
webbing. Such chair designs often do not properly support and
cushion the occupant and may cause bruising and discomfort.
[0021] It is thus desirable to have a pad for chairs and lounges to
provide the occupant with greater comfort while sitting.
[0022] The above and other advantages are realized by the
improvement in a Dual Air Ventilation Pad.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention resolves some or all of these concerns
through the use of improved pad for use when sitting, laying down,
or sleeping.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, a pad is
constructed from a polyurethane memory foam, also known as a
visco-elastic foam.
[0025] Memory foam is an open-celled foam. The cells of the foam
are not a series of closed bubbles, as a conventional closed-cell
foam, but a web-like matrix of the foam fibers. The open-celled
nature of the memory foam allows faster movement of fluids, such as
air, through the foam.
[0026] Memory foam has a low resilience, or low resistance to
deformation. The low resilience and open-celled mature of the foam
allow the foam to quickly and completely conform to a person's body
providing greater support and comfort. As a pad conforms more
completely to the person's body, the pressure is distributed more
evenly across the body, relieving areas of high pressure. This
alleviates the bruises, sores, or ulceration associated with areas
of high pressure while sitting or sleeping.
[0027] Memory foam is also temperature sensitive, becoming slightly
softer and conforming better with the heat from a person's body.
Memory foam thus continuously reacts to the weight and body
temperature of the user, dramatically minimizing areas of high
pressure.
[0028] The greater conformation of memory foam to a person as
compared with conventional foam or pads will result in better
posture. Because the foam conforms to the shape of the person's
body, the body is held in a natural position, yielding better
sleeping or sitting posture. Better sleeping and sitting posture
results in lower pain, discomfort, and joint problems.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
holes are formed in the memory foam pad. The holes, or sleep air
columns, extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the
pad. The sleep air columns are typically spaced about one inch
apart and are about one quarter of an inch in diameter. One of
skill in the art of making foam pad will appreciate that other
diameters of sleep air columns and spacing length between holes
will accomplish the same result.
[0030] The sleep air columns in the memory foam allow for easier
air passage in and out of the foam. This improves the foam's
ability to conform to the person's body and increases the
deformation and recovery speed of the foam. This is advantageous
because it allows the foam to conform more quickly to the person's
body as they sit, sleep, or move while on the foam.
[0031] Another advantage of using sleep air columns in the mattress
pad is the corresponding reduction of weight of the pad. For
example, if ten percent of the pad area is occupied by sleep air
columns, as may be typical, the pad would be ten percent lighter
than a similar pad without sleep air columns. Likewise, a pad with
ten percent of its area covered by sleep air columns may be made
ten percent thicker or ten percent more dense without a gain in
weight as compared to a similar pad without sleep air columns. The
corresponding gain in thickness or density would provide greater
comfort, while the lighter pad would be easier to move.
[0032] The sleep air columns can be uniformly shaped and
distributed throughout the throughout the memory foam to maintain
the structural integrity of the foam and preserve all of the
benefits of the foam while increasing the ability of the foam to
conform to the person's body.
[0033] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, the pad is made with multiple layers of memory foam,
each layer having a different density of memory foam. The memory
foam used is typically in the density range of between 3 and 10
pounds per cubic foot of foam. Foam of about five pounds per cubic
foot density is commonly used in a more preferred embodiment. A pad
may then have two layers, for example, with one layer being of a
density somewhat less than five pounds and a second layer with a
density of somewhat more than five pounds. The two layers would
then be bonded together into one pad. Likewise, pads with three,
four or more layers are possible.
[0034] Pads with multiple layers of different density foam are
advantageous because the less dense (and thus softer) layer may
provide gentle support to the entire body while the more dense (and
firmer) layer provides greater support to a heavier area of the
body that sinks deeper into the pad. Additionally, a multiple layer
pad is advantageous because it allows a user to adjust the firmness
of the pad. A user who wants a softer pad may use the pad with the
soft side up while a user desiring a firmer pad may use the pad
with the firm side up.
[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
mattress pads for beds where individuals share a bed (such as is
commonly found with full, queen, or king beds) are made with two
separate sides, allowing each person to chose the firmness desired
from a multiple layer mattress pad by placing the appropriate side
of the pad facing upward.
[0036] The ability to change the firmness of one side of the bed
without affecting the other side is advantageous because two
persons sharing a bed will often have different likes and dislike
in the comfort and firmness of the bedding. The present invention
allows two persons to customize their bedding without requiring the
purchase of a new mattress.
[0037] Accordingly, the above described pads allow a person to
increase the comfort of their bed without requiring the purchase of
a new and expensive bed. Instead of spending thousands on a new
premium bed, a person may spend only hundreds on a mattress pad or
topper and achieve a similar level of comfort as compared to a
premium bed.
[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
portable sleeping pads may be made of memory foam for use camping,
boating, or when visiting friends or relatives. Similar to the
above described pads, these pads may contain multiple layers of
different densities of foam to allow for greater comfort and allow
a person to select the degree of firmness desired from the pad. The
pads may also comprise sleep air columns to enhance the ability of
the foam to conform to the person's body. Additionally, pads
designed for camping, boating, or for use in visiting a friend or
relative are designed to be resistant to the growth of mold,
mildew, bacteria, and the like, and may have an outer fabric shell
to inhibit dust and dirt from entering the foam pad and allow for
easier cleaning of the pad.
[0039] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, similar pads may be made to fit chairs, such as office
or table chairs, lawn chairs, patio furniture, pool lounges, or the
like. In accordance with a more preferred embodiment, the pads may
contain multiple layers of different density foam, may be
reversible to adjust the firmness of the pad, and may contain
uniformly spaced and symmetrical holes extending from the top
surface to the bottom surface of the pad.
[0040] Such pads allow a person to increase the comfort of their
chairs or lounges without requiring the purchase of new
furniture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and
described in reference to the drawings. It will be appreciated that
the preferred embodiments are illustrative but not limiting to the
scope of the present invention which is set forth in the appended
claims.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mattress pad.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a side cross sectional view of a mattress pad,
illustrating the multiple layers of foam and the sleep air
columns.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a person resting on a mattress using a memory
foam pad.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a pad designed for use camping, boating, or
traveling.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a chair pad made from memory foam.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows a pool or lawn lounge chair with a chair
pad.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows a bed having two pads formed in accordance with
principles of the present invention disposed thereon to customize
the feel of the bed for the owners.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] The drawings will now be discussed in reference to numerals
provided therefore so as to enable one skilled in the art to make
and use the present invention. It is to be understood that the
drawings and description thereof are for explanatory purposes and
are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a mattress topper
10. The mattress topper 10 is made from memory foam and has both an
upper layer 12 and a lower layer 14. The upper layer 12 is made
from a lighter density memory foam, typically approximately 3-5
pounds per cubic foot. The lower layer 14 is made from a higher
density foam, typically approximately 4.5-7 pounds per cubic foot.
The use of an upper layer 12 and a lower layer 14 provide greater
comfort to the person using the mattress topper 10. The upper layer
12 and the lower layer 14 are bonded together 16 so as to form a
one piece mattress pad 10.
[0051] The mattress topper is also formed with sleep air columns
18. The sleep air columns 18 are holes that extend from the upper
surface 20 to the lower surface 22 of the mattress pad 10. The
sleep air columns 18 allow easier movement of air in and out of the
memory foam and allow the foam to compress and recover from
compression quicker, improving the ability of the foam to conform
to the person using the mattress pad 10. The sleep air columns 18
are uniformly distributed throughout the mattress pad 10 to
maintain the structural integrity and beneficial properties of the
foam while increasing the ability of the foam to conform to the
person's body.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 2, a cross sectional view of a mattress
pad 30 is shown. The mattress pad 30 is formed with an upper layer
32, a middle layer 34, and a lower layer 36. The layers are bonded
together to form a one piece mattress pad 30. The sleep air columns
38 are shown, extending from the top surface 40 to the bottom
surface 42 of the mattress pad 30.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3, a person 50 is shown using a
mattress pad 52 made from memory foam. The use of the mattress pad
52 allows for proper alignment of the head 54, shoulders 56, hips
58, knees 60, and feet 62. The mattress pad 52 substantially
conforms to the person 50, allowing such beneficial alignment of
the body while sleeping. The proper alignment of the body allows
the person 50 to maintain a properly aligned back 64 and neck 66.
Similarly, a person 50 sleeping on their side will experience such
beneficial alignment of their body.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4, a mattress pad, indicated generally
at 70, is shown. The mattress pad 70 is designed for use when
camping, boating, traveling, etc. The mattress pad 70 is made from
a memory foam 72 which has been treated so as to inhibit growth of
bacteria, mold, or mildew. The mattress pad 70 uses a cover 74 made
of fabric to protect the pad 70 from dirt. The cover 74 has been
partially removed in the drawing to allow viewing of the foam 72.
The mattress pad 70 is formed with an upper layer 76 of lighter
density foam and a lower layer 78 of greater density foam. The two
layer 76 and 78 of foam 72 allow the person to select the level of
firmness desired and maximize comfort. The mattress pad 70 also
utilizes sleep air columns 80 to maximize comfort.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, an office chair, indicated
generally at 90, is shown. The chair is equipped with a seat pad 92
made of memory foam. The pad 92 has a cover 94 made of fabric. The
pad 92 may be made with multiple layers of different density memory
foam and may be reversible to maximize comfort. The pad 92 also may
contain holes, similar to the sleep air columns that extend from
the top surface to the bottom surface of the foam pad 92. The pad
92 is sized to fit the seat 96 of most office chairs.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 6, a lounge chair 100 is shown. The
chair 100 has a chair pad 102 fitted for use. The pad 102 has a
cloth cover 104, which has been partially removed, indicated
generally at 106, to expose the memory foam 108. The foam 108 has
an upper layer 110 of less dense foam, and a lower layer 112 of
more dense foam, making the pad 102 reversible so the person using
the pad may select the degree of firmness of the pad 102. The pad
102 also has holes 114 extending through the upper layer 110 and
the lower layer 112, allowing quicker compression and recovery of
the pad 102 and allowing the pad 102 to conform better to the
person's body.
[0057] Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shows a perspective view of
a bed 150. Disposed on the top of the bed is a first foam pad 154
and a second foam pad 156. The first foam pad 154 has an upper
layer 154a and a lower layer 154b with the lower layer having a
greater density than the upper layer. The lower layer 154b is also
a darker color to visually distinguish which layer is heavier.
[0058] The second foam pad 156 also includes a lower density layer
156a and a higher density layer 156b which are color coded or
otherwise visually distinct. By selecting which layer of the pad is
facing up, the user is able to customize the degree to which the
pad 154 or 156 conforms to his or her body. Thus, for example, a
woman may like a softer feel and dispose the lower density side up,
while a man may prefer more support and place the higher density
side up. Thus, a couple is able to customize their own sides of the
bed to fit their particular sleep preferences.
[0059] There is thus disclosed an improvement in a Dual Air
Ventilation Pad. One of skill in the art will appreciate numerous
modifications which can be made without departing from the scope or
spirit of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover
such modifications.
* * * * *