U.S. patent application number 10/508501 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for mattress with removable cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to OMICRON I NDUSTRIES PTY LTD. Invention is credited to Vrionis, Peter.
Application Number | 20050132498 10/508501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28455350 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050132498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vrionis, Peter |
June 23, 2005 |
Mattress with removable cover
Abstract
A mattress with a cover (1), said mattress having a first
sleeping surface (9) and a second sleeping surface and said cover
comprising a first removable portion (3) for covering the first
sleeping surface, a second removable portion (5) for covering the
second sleeping surface and a third portion (7) positioned around
the lateral periphery of the mattress for removably attaching said
first and second removable portions of the mattress cover to the
mattress.
Inventors: |
Vrionis, Peter; (Epping,
Victoria, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Assignee: |
OMICRON I NDUSTRIES PTY LTD
537 HIGH STREET
Epping, Victoria
AU
3076
|
Family ID: |
28455350 |
Appl. No.: |
10/508501 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 20, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU03/00337 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/737 ;
5/738 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/007 20130101;
A47G 9/0238 20130101; A47C 27/005 20130101; A47G 9/0246 20130101;
A47C 31/105 20130101; A47G 2009/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/737 ;
005/738 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2002 |
AU |
PS 1252 |
Sep 19, 2002 |
AU |
2002951550 |
Claims
1. A mattress with a cover, said mattress having a first sleeping
surface and a second sleeping surface and said cover comprising a
first removable portion for covering the first sleeping surface, a
second removable portion for covering the second sleeping surface
and a third portion positioned around the lateral periphery of the
mattress for removably attaching said first and second removable
portions of the mattress cover to the mattress.
2. A mattress with a cover according to claim 1 wherein the third
portion is sewn onto the mattress.
3. A mattress with a cover according to claim 1 wherein the third
portion is fixed to the mattress by means of any one of studs,
hooks, adhesive or by any other means capable of fixing the third
portion to the mattress.
4. A mattress with a cover according to claim 1 wherein the third
portion comprises one half of a first closure member that is
fixable to the complementary half of the first closure member
attached to the first removable portion of the mattress cover and
further comprises one half of a second closure member that is
fixable to the complementary half of the second closure member
attached to the second removable portion of the mattress cover.
5. A mattress with a cover according to claim 4 wherein the first
and second closure members are zips.
6. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the third
portion extends continuously around the periphery of the
mattress.
7. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the first
removable portion and the second removable portion are
interchangeable so that the first removable portion is attachable
to the mattress for covering the second sleeping surface and the
second removable portion is attachable to the mattress for covering
the first sleeping surface.
8. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the third
portion is of a width that is less than a thickness of the mattress
such that the first closure member attached to the first removable
portion is positioned at a distance from the edge of the first
sleeping surface and the second closure member attached to the
second removable portion is positioned at a distance from the edge
of the second sleeping surface.
9. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the third
portion is manufactured from a permeable material.
10. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the third
portion comprises at least one ventilation port.
11. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 for use with a
conventional adult-sized mattress.
12. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 for use with an
infant-sized mattress.
13. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein said first
and second sleeping surfaces of the mattress are made from an
impermeable material.
14. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the first
and second surfaces of the mattress are lined with an impermeable
material.
15. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the first
removable portion and the second removable portion of the cover are
lined with an impermeable material.
16. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the
impermeable material is waterproof to prevent soilage of the
underlying mattress.
17. A mattress with cover according to claim 1 wherein the
impermeable material is waterproof and is impermeable to dust and
dust mites.
18. A mattress with a cover, said mattress having a first sleeping
surface and a second sleeping surface and said cover comprising a
first removable portion for covering the first sleeping surface and
a second removable portion for covering a second sleeping surface
wherein the first removable portion and the second removable
portion are interchangeable so that the first removable portion is
attachable to the mattress for covering the second sleeping surface
and the second removable portion is attachable to the mattress for
covering the first sleeping surface.
19. A cover that is removably attachable to a mattress, said cover
comprising a first portion that is removably attachable to the
mattress for covering a first sleeping surface of the mattress, and
a second portion that is removably attachable to the mattress for
covering a second sleeping surface of the mattress.
20. A cover according to claim 19 wherein means of attaching the
first and second portions of the cover to the mattress is by first
and second closure members each positioned around the lateral
periphery of the mattress, wherein one half of the first closure
member is attached to the mattress and is fixable to the
complementary half of the first closure member attached to the
first removable portion of the cover and wherein one half of the
second closure member is attached to the mattress and is fixable to
the complementary half of the second closure member attached to the
second removable portion of the cover.
21. A cover according to claim 20 wherein the first and second
closure members are zip fasteners.
22. A cover according to claim 19 wherein the first portion of the
cover is extendable beyond the edge of the first sleeping surface
so as to partially cover a lateral periphery of the mattress and
the second portion of the cover is extendable beyond the edge of
the second sleeping surface of the mattress so as to partially
cover the lateral periphery of the mattress.
23. A removable cover for a mattress, wherein the removable cover
comprises a first element of a closure member for removably
attaching the cover to the mattress for covering a first sleeping
surface by attachment to a complementary element of the closure
member, and wherein the first element of the closure member of the
removable cover is also operable for attachment to a complementary
element of a closure member for attachment of the cover to the
mattress for covering a second sleeping surface.
24. A lateral portion of a cover capable of being affixed to a
mattress in a position around the lateral periphery of the
mattress, said lateral portion being adapted for removably
attaching a first portion of the cover for covering a first
sleeping surface to the mattress.
25. A lateral portion of a cover according to claim 24 that is
adapted for removably attaching a second removable portion of the
cover for covering a second sleeping surface.
26. A lateral portion of a cover according to claim 24 or claim 25
wherein the lateral portion is adapted to be sewn onto the
mattress.
27. A lateral portion of a cover according to claim 24 or claim 25
wherein the third portion is adapted to be fixed to the mattress by
means of any one of studs, hooks, adhesive or by any other means
capable of fixing the third portion of the cover to the
mattress.
28. A removable cover for a mattress comprising a sleeping surface
portion and a base portion, said sleeping surface portion
comprising a first element of a closure member for removable
attachment to a complementary element of the closure member
attached to the base portion, wherein the base portion further
comprises a side portion for covering a part of the lateral
periphery of said mattress and further comprises means for securing
said cover to said mattress.
29. A removable cover for a mattress according to claim 28 wherein
the means for securing the removable cover to the mattress is
elasticised means.
30. A removable cover for a mattress according to claim 28 wherein
the means for securing the removable cover to the mattress is by
any one of a drawstring, hooks, studs or any other means capable of
removably securing the cover to the mattress.
31. A removable cover according to claim 28 wherein the means for
securing forms part of the base portion.
32. A removable cover according to claim 28 wherein the removable
mattress cover is able to be secured to any conventional
mattress.
33. A removable mattress cover according to claim 28 wherein the
base portion is lined with impermeable material.
34. A removable mattress cover according to claim 33 wherein the
impermeable material is waterproof to prevent soilage of the
underlying mattress.
35. A removable mattress cover according to claim 33 wherein the
impermeable material is waterproof and is impermeable to dust and
dust mites.
36. A removable mattress cover according to claim 28 wherein the
side portion covering a part of the lateral periphery of the
mattress is made of a breathable material which allows any dust
mites and dust to be expelled laterally through the sides of the
mattress.
37. A method of manufacturing a removable mattress cover, said
method comprising the steps of: forming a lateral periphery of the
removable mattress cover, the lateral periphery of the removable
mattress cover comprising attachment means for removably attaching
the mattress cover to a mattress; attaching the lateral periphery
to a mattress template using said attachment means, the mattress
template corresponding to a mattress to which the removable cover
is to be removably attached; positioning a sleeping surface portion
of the removable cover over the mattress template; and securing
said lateral periphery of the removable cover to the sleeping
surface portion of the removable cover while both the lateral
periphery and the sleeping surface portion are in position on the
mattress template.
38. A method of forming a mattress for receiving removable covers,
the method comprising the steps of: forming mattress attachment
means for attachment of removable covers to the mattress; attaching
said attachment means to a cover template, the cover template
corresponding to a cover to be placed on the mattress; positioning
the mattress in the template; and securing said mattress attachment
means to the mattress while both the mattress and the mattress
attachment means are in position on the template.
39. A template for forming a mattress for receiving removable
covers, the template operable to receive a mattress and comprising
cover attachment means arranged so as to correspond to a removable
cover, such that placement of a mattress into the template enables
mattress attachment means to be accurately aligned on the mattress
with reference to the cover attachment means of the template.
40. A template according to claim 39 wherein the cover attachment
means of the template comprises a male portion of a zip, arranged
so as to extend around substantially an entire lateral periphery of
a mattress when placed in the template.
41. A template for forming a removable cover for a mattress,
wherein the template is arranged so as to receive a removable cover
such that cover attachment means may be secured to the template,
and a sleeping surface portion of the cover may be secured to the
cover attachment means while both the cover attachment means and
the sleeping surface portion of the removable cover are in place on
the template, such that formation of the cover while in position on
the template ensures that the cover will sufficiently accurately
fit a mattress to which the template corresponds.
42. A template for positioning first and second mattress attachment
means for a mattress having first and second removably coverable
sleeping surfaces, the template comprising first and second cover
attachment means corresponding to attachment means of covers to be
attached to the mattress, the first and second cover attachment
means being positioned on the template relative to each other in
the same manner as cover attachment means when positioned on the
mattress, such that mattress attachment means may be attached to
the template and secured in position relative to each other.
43. A method of manufacturing a removable cover for a mattress,
said method comprising the steps of: forming a lateral periphery of
the removable cover, the lateral periphery of the removable cover
comprising attachment means for removably attaching a base portion
of the removable cover to a sleeping surface portion of the
removable cover; attaching the lateral periphery to a mattress
template using said attachment means; positioning the sleeping
surface portion of the removable cover over the mattress template;
and securing said lateral periphery of the removable cover to the
sleeping surface portion of the removable cover while both the
lateral periphery and the sleeping surface portion are in position
on the mattress template.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to mattresses, in particular a
mattress with a cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In order to protect conventional mattresses from soiling, a
plastic lining or protector is usually positioned over a sleeping
surface of the mattress, beneath any bed linen. This configuration
is both uncomfortable and inconvenient as the plastic protector
tends to shift under the pressure of a person's body weight.
[0003] Such a configuration is of an even greater disadvantage in
the care of infants, bed-ridden or elderly people, as upon soiling
of the bed linen and mattress, the person/infant has to be lifted,
the soiled linen removed and fresh linen replaced on the bed. Such
a task is time consuming and laborious, and often proves to be
highly inconvenient not only for the bed-ridden person/infant, but
also for the carer such as, for example, a parent or nurse.
[0004] Additionally, where no plastic protector is used, dust and
dust mites tend to filter through the mattress (usually made out of
some breathable material such as cotton) directly onto the face of
the sleeping person/infant. This is particularly problematic for
elderly people, infants, and people with respiratory problems such
as asthmatics.
[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices,
articles or the like which has been included in the present
specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for
the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that
any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were
common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present
invention as it existed in Australia before the priority date of
each claim of this application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mattress
with a cover, said mattress having a first sleeping surface and a
second sleeping surface and said cover comprising a first removable
portion for covering the first sleeping surface, a second removable
portion for covering the second sleeping surface and a third
portion positioned around the lateral periphery of the mattress for
removably attaching said first and second removable portions of the
mattress cover to the mattress.
[0007] Preferably, the third portion is sewn onto the mattress.
However, the third portion may be fixed to the mattress by means of
studs, hooks, adhesive or by any other means capable of fixing the
third portion to the mattress.
[0008] Preferably, the third portion comprises one half of a first
closure member that is fixable to the complementary half of the
first closure member attached to the first removable portion of the
mattress cover and further comprises one half of a second closure
member that is fixable to the complementary half of the second
closure member attached to the second removable portion of the
mattress cover. Most preferably, the first and second closure
members are zips. Preferably, the third portion extends
continuously around the periphery of the mattress.
[0009] Preferably also, the first removable portion and the second
removable portion are interchangeable so that the first removable
portion is attachable to the mattress for covering the second
sleeping surface and the second removable portion is attachable to
the mattress for covering the first sleeping surface.
[0010] Preferably, the third portion is of a width that is less
than a thickness of the mattress. As such, the first closure member
attached to the first removable portion is positioned at a distance
from the edge of the first sleeping surface and the second closure
member attached to the second removable portion is positioned at a
distance from the edge of the second sleeping surface. When the
mattress is weighted, such positioning of the closure members on
the mattress reduces the force that is directly applied to the
region at which the first removable portion and second removable
portion of the cover are attached to the mattress. This therefore
allows the mattress with cover to withstand higher loads.
[0011] Preferably, the third portion is manufactured from a
permeable material. This allows the mattress to "breathe" (i.e.,
allows the expulsion of dust and dust mites which are not able to
filter through the first and second sleeping surfaces of the
mattress that are lined with an impermeable material). Most
preferably, the third portion comprises at least one ventilation
port. Such a ventilation port also aids in the expulsion of dust
and dust mites laterally of the mattress.
[0012] It is expected that such a mattress with cover would be
applicable for use with conventional adult-sized mattresses,
infant-sized mattresses and any other mattress such as, for
example, pet mattresses.
[0013] Preferably, said first and second sleeping surfaces of the
mattress are made from an impermeable material. However, the first
and second surfaces of the mattress may be lined with an
impermeable material or alternatively, the first removable portion
and the second removable portion of the cover may be lined with an
impermeable material. It is to be appreciated that the arrangement
wherein the first and second removable portions of the cover are
lined with an impermeable material would be particularly
advantageous from an aesthetic perspective, since the mattress
itself need not be lined with an impermeable lining, but rather,
may be covered in fabric such as, for example, cotton, which looks
and feels more attractive in comparison to an impermeable plastic
lining. In such embodiments the mattress may be functional and
comfortable with or without the removable covers.
[0014] Preferably, the impermeable material is waterproof to
prevent soilage of the underlying mattress. Most preferably, the
impermeable material is waterproof and is impermeable to dust and
dust mites.
[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a
mattress with a cover, said mattress having a first sleeping
surface and a second sleeping surface and said cover comprising a
first removable portion for covering the first sleeping surface and
a second removable portion for covering a second sleeping
surface.
[0016] Preferably, the mattress of the second aspect further
comprises a first means of attaching said first removable portion
in a position over the first sleeping surface and a second means of
attaching said second removable portion in a position over the
second sleeping surface. Most preferably, said means of attachment
are zip fasteners.
[0017] Preferably also, the first removable portion and the second
removable portion are interchangeable so that the first removable
portion is attachable to the mattress for covering the second
sleeping surface and the second removable portion is attachable to
the mattress for covering the first sleeping surface.
[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a cover
that is removably attachable to a mattress, said cover comprising a
first portion that is removably attachable to the mattress for
covering a first sleeping surface of the mattress, and a second
portion that is removably attachable to the mattress for covering a
second sleeping surface of the mattress.
[0019] Preferably, the means of attaching the first and second
portions of the cover to the mattress is by first and second
closure members each positioned around the lateral periphery of the
mattress, wherein one half of the first closure member is attached
to the mattress and is fixable to the complementary half of the
first closure member attached to the first removable portion of the
cover and wherein one half of the second closure member is attached
to the mattress and is fixable to the complementary half of the
second closure member attached to the second removable portion of
the cover. Most preferably, the first and second closure members
are zip fasteners.
[0020] Preferably the first portion of the cover is extendable
beyond the edge of the first sleeping surface so as to partially
cover a lateral periphery of the mattress and the second portion of
the cover is extendable beyond the edge of the second sleeping
surface of the mattress so as to partially cover the lateral
periphery of the mattress.
[0021] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a
removable cover for a mattress, wherein the removable cover
comprises a first element of a closure member for removably
attaching the cover to the mattress for covering a first sleeping
surface by attachment to a complementary element of the closure
member, and wherein the first element of the closure member of the
removable cover is also operable for attachment to a complementary
element of a closure member for attachment of the cover to the
mattress for covering a second sleeping surface.
[0022] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a lateral
(or third) portion of a cover capable of being affixed to a
mattress in a position around the lateral periphery of the
mattress, said lateral portion being adapted for removably
attaching a first portion of the cover for covering a first
sleeping surface to the mattress. Preferably, the lateral portion
is also adapted for removably attaching a second removable portion
of the cover for covering a second sleeping surface. Preferably,
the lateral portion is adapted to be sewn onto the mattress
However, the lateral portion may be adapted to be fixed to the
mattress by means of studs, hooks, adhesive or by any other means
capable of fixing the third portion of the cover to the
mattress.
[0023] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a
removable cover for a mattress comprising a sleeping surface
portion and a base portion, said sleeping surface portion
comprising a first element of a closure member for removable
attachment to a complementary element of the closure member
attached to the base portion, wherein the base portion further
comprises a side portion for covering a part of the lateral
periphery of said mattress. Preferably, the removable cover further
comprises means for securing said cover to said mattress.
[0024] Preferably, the means for securing the removable cover to
the mattress is elasticised means. However, means such as a
drawstring, hooks, studs or any other means capable of removably
securing the cover to the mattress may also be adopted. Preferably,
the means for securing forms part of the base portion.
[0025] Advantageously, this arrangement allows the removable
mattress cover according to invention to be secured to any
conventional mattress.
[0026] Preferably, the base portion is lined with impermeable
material. Preferably also, the impermeable material is waterproof
to prevent soilage of the underlying mattress. Most preferably, the
impermeable material is waterproof and is impermeable to dust and
dust mites.
[0027] Preferably, the side portion covering the lateral periphery
of the mattress is made of a breathable material which allows any
dust mites and dust to be expelled laterally through the sides of
the mattress.
[0028] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method
of manufacturing a removable mattress cover, said method comprising
the steps of:
[0029] forming a lateral periphery of the removable mattress cover,
the lateral periphery of the removable mattress cover comprising
attachment means for removably attaching the mattress cover to a
mattress;
[0030] attaching the lateral periphery to a mattress template using
said attachment means, the mattress template corresponding to a
mattress to which the removable cover is to be removably
attached;
[0031] positioning a sleeping surface portion of the removable
cover over the mattress template; and
[0032] securing said lateral periphery of the removable cover to
the sleeping surface portion of the removable cover while both the
lateral periphery and the sleeping surface portion are in position
on the mattress template.
[0033] By using a mattress template in this manner, the present
invention allows mattress covers to be accurately formed, which are
interchangeable from one mattress to the next.
[0034] According to a eighth aspect, the present invention provides
a method of forming a mattress for receiving removable covers, the
method comprising the steps of:
[0035] forming mattress attachment means for attachment of
removable covers to the mattress;
[0036] attaching said attachment means to a cover template, the
cover template corresponding to a cover to be placed on the
mattress;
[0037] positioning the mattress in the template; and
[0038] securing said mattress attachment means to the mattress
while both the mattress and the mattress attachment means are in
position on the template.
[0039] By using a cover template in this manner, the present
invention allows the mattress attachment means to be consistently
positioned on all mattresses so formed. Accordingly, an appropriate
removable cover may be attached to all such mattresses, thus
providing for interchangeable mattresses and covers.
[0040] It is envisioned that such a method may be used to
manufacture a mattress having a removable cover over one sleeping
surface only or a mattress having a removable cover over both
sleeping surfaces.
[0041] According to an ninth aspect the present invention provides
a first template for forming a mattress for receiving removable
covers, the first template operable to receive a mattress and
comprising cover attachment means arranged so as to correspond to a
removable cover, such that placement of a mattress into the first
template enables mattress attachment means to be accurately aligned
on the mattress with reference to the cover attachment means of the
first template.
[0042] The cover attachment means of the first template may
comprise a male portion of a zip, arranged so as to extend around
substantially an entire lateral periphery of a mattress when placed
in the template. In such embodiments, the mattress attachment means
would comprise a female portion of a zip, which may be zipped to
the male portion of the template, and secured to the mattress while
in position.
[0043] According to a tenth aspect the present invention provides a
second template for forming a removable cover for a mattress,
wherein the second template is arranged so as to receive the
removable cover in substantially the same manner as a mattress to
which the removable cover is to be attached, such that cover
attachment means may be secured to the template, and a sleeping
surface portion of the cover may be secured to the cover attachment
means while both the cover attachment means and the sleeping
surface portion of the removable cover are in place on the second
template.
[0044] As such a template receives the removable cover in
substantially the same manner as a mattress, formation of the cover
while in position on the template ensures that the cover will
sufficiently accurately fit a mattress to which the template
corresponds.
[0045] According to a eleventh aspect the present invention
provides a third template for positioning first and second mattress
attachment means for a mattress having first and second removably
coverable sleeping surfaces, the third template comprising first
and second cover attachment means corresponding to attachment means
of covers to be attached to the mattress, the first and second
cover attachment means being positioned on the third template
relative to each other in the same manner as cover attachment means
when positioned on the mattress, such that mattress attachment
means may be attached to the third template and secured in position
relative to each other.
[0046] For example, where the first and second cover attachment
means of the third template are female zip portions, male zip
portions intended to serve as mattress attachment means may be
zipped onto the template, and then secured to a mattress side
border while in position on the template. Consequently, such female
zip portions may be accurately positioned on the side border of a
mattress relative to each other, in a manner which is repeatable
for each subsequent mattress side border. This facilitates
interchangeability between such mattresses.
[0047] According to a twelfth aspect, the present invention
provides a method of manufacturing a removable cover for a
mattress, said method comprising the steps of:
[0048] forming a lateral periphery of the removable cover, the
lateral periphery of the removable cover comprising attachment
means for removably attaching a base portion of the removable cover
to a sleeping surface portion of the removable cover;
[0049] attaching the lateral periphery to a mattress template using
said attachment means;
[0050] positioning the sleeping surface portion of the removable
cover over the mattress template; and
[0051] securing said lateral periphery of the removable cover to
the sleeping surface portion of the removable cover while both the
lateral periphery and the sleeping surface portion are in position
on the mattress template.
[0052] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is
provided a cover removably attachable to a mattress, said cover
having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first
portion is adapted to cover a sleeping surface of said mattress and
is removably attachable to said second portion, and wherein said
second portion is affixable in a position around the lateral
periphery of said mattress.
[0053] By using a mattress template in this manner, the present
invention allows mattress covers to be accurately formed, which are
interchangeable from one mattress to the next.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0054] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
in detail with reference to the following non-limiting accompanying
figures, in which:
[0055] FIG. 1 depicts a mattress with cover in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention with the first and second
closure members in a fully closed position so that the first and
second sleeping surfaces of the mattress are covered;
[0056] FIG. 2 depicts the mattress with cover of FIG. 1 with the
first and second closure members in a partially open position;
[0057] FIG. 3 depicts the mattress with cover of FIGS. 1 & 2
with the first and second closure members in a more fully open
position than that depicted in FIG. 2;
[0058] FIG. 4 depicts the mattress of FIGS. 1 to 3 wherein the
first and second removable portions of the cover have been
removed;
[0059] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a first template used to
manufacture the mattress with cover of FIGS. 1 to 4;
[0060] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a second template used to
manufacture the mattress with cover of FIGS. 1 to 4; and
[0061] FIG. 5c is a perspective view of a third template used to
manufacture the mattress with cover of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0062] FIG. 6 depicts a mattress with removable cover in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention wherein the cover
has a base portion and sleeping surface portion.
[0063] FIG. 7 depicts the mattress with removable cover in
accordance with FIG. 6 in a vertically-flipped orientation so as to
depict the elasticised means of securing the removable cover to the
mattress.
[0064] FIG. 8 depicts the mattress with removable cover in
accordance with FIG. 6 in which the sleeping surface portion is in
a partially open position so as to expose the underlying surface of
the base portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0065] FIGS. 1 to 4 depict a mattress with cover 1 in accordance
with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention which
comprises a first removable portion 3, a second removable portion 5
and a third portion 7, wherein both of the first and second
removable portions 3, 5 are attachable to the third portion 7. As
is depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4, the third portion 7 surrounds the
lateral periphery of the mattress and is sewn to the mattress. The
first and second removable portions 3, 5 of the cover may be
removed to expose a mattress having a first sleeping surface (9)
and a second sleeping surface opposite the first sleeping surface 9
(not shown).
[0066] In the embodiment shown, both of the first and second
removable portions 3, 5 of the cover are made out of cotton, which
is breathable, absorbent and washable. However, materials such as
linen and polyester fleece may also be used for the first and
second portions 3, 5 of the removable cover. In the embodiment
shown, the first sleeping surface 9 and second sleeping surface,
are made from an impermeable material so as to protect the mattress
from soiling and also, to prevent dust mites and dust from
filtering through the mattress onto the face of a sleeping
infant/person. In alternative embodiments, the first and second
removable portions 3, 5 of the cover may be lined with an
impermeable material. In the present embodiment, the impermeable
material is plastic, however materials such as vinyl or cotton may
alternatively be used.
[0067] The present invention allows the first removable portion 3
to be readily detached from the mattress by unzipping the zip 4
that attaches the first removable portion 3 of the cover to the
mattress. Hence, should removable cover 3 be soiled, it can be
quickly removed. Further, the whole mattress can then be turned
over, and the second removable portion 5 of the cover is ready for
immediate use. The second removable portion 5 may also be removed
by unzipping zip 6. Such a configuration precludes the need for the
use of a separate plastic protector over the mattress and beneath
bed linen. Such a configuration also precludes the need for the use
of bed linen as the first and second removable portions 3, 5 of the
cover are made of a comfortable material, cotton, and may be
readily and conveniently removed and washed as required.
[0068] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the third portion 7
is of a width w that is less than the thickness T of the mattress.
As such, zip 4 is positioned at a distance from the edge 8 of the
first sleeping surface 9 and zip 6 is positioned at a distance from
the edge 10 of the second sleeping surface. Such positioning of the
zips 4, 6 on the mattress reduces the force that is directly
applied to the zips when the mattress is loaded. As zips are often
the point of failure during heavy loading, this arrangement may
allow the mattress with cover 1 to withstand higher loads.
[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the third portion 7
is made of a breathable material which allows any dust mites and
dust to be expelled laterally through the sides of the mattress. As
previously mentioned, the impermeable lining on the first and
second sleeping surfaces of the mattress prevents the filter of
dust and dust mites through the first and second sleeping surfaces.
This therefore avoids dust mites and dust from being expelled
directly onto the face of a sleeping person or infant. Further, the
third portion 7 comprises a plurality of ventilation ports 13 so as
to further aid in the filter of dust mites and dust laterally from
the mattress in a direction away from the face of a sleeping
person/infant. Such a system is hygienic and provides great benefit
to, in particular, infants, elderly persons and/or persons with
respiratory problems.
[0070] In the embodiment shown, the first removable portion 3 and
the second removable portion 5 are interchangeable on mattress 1.
That is, the first removable portion 3 may be attached to the third
portion 7 by means of zip 4 so as to fit over the first sleeping
surface 9, or may be attached to zip 6 so as to fit over the second
sleeping surface 11 of the mattress 1. Similarly, the second
removable portion 5 may be attached to the third portion 7 by means
of a zip 6, so as to fit over the second sleeping surface 11 of the
mattress 1, or may be attached to zip 4 so as to fit over the first
sleeping surface 9. Such an arrangement, wherein the first and
second removable portions 3, 5 are interchangeable between the
first or second sleeping surfaces 9, 11 of the mattress 1, requires
sliders 25, 27 of the first and second zips 4, 6 to travel in
opposite directions around the periphery of the mattress 1 in
relation to each other when being opened. This enables the slider
25 located on the first zip 4 and the slider 27 located on the
second zip 6 to be locked to one another so as to prevent the
sliders from being unzipped in the opposite directions thereby
preventing the removal of the first and second removable portions
3, 5 of the mattress cover from the mattress 1. A small padlock may
be used to lock the sliders together. Alternatively, one or both of
the slides 25, 27 may be locked to the mattress to prevent removal
of the removable portions 3, 5. Such an arrangement may be
particularly advantageous when used in hotels, to assist in the
prevention of theft of bed linen and the like.
[0071] It is also envisioned that the first and second removable
mattress covers 3, 5 of the present invention may be manufactured
to particular sizes or with the zips 4, 6 in a particular, unique,
position, so as to fit specially manufactured mattresses having a
complementary yet non-conventional size to a standard mattress.
This system may be advantageous in preventing or at least
minimising the incidence of theft of the removable covers from, for
example, hotels due to their non-compatibility with standard
mattresses.
[0072] In the present embodiment, the mattress with removable cover
of the present invention is formed by carrying out the following
steps.
[0073] 1) Construct Mattress Side Border 20.
[0074] The mattress side border is the portion of the mattress
which extends around the lateral periphery of the mattress, as
indicated by 20 in FIG. 4. In the present embodiment, the mattress
side border 20 must extend over the full thickness of the mattress,
and must comprise two female zip portions 24 and 26, each extending
around the periphery of the mattress 1. Zip portion 24 must be
positioned a substantially constant distance from the edge 8 of the
sleeping surface 9 of the mattress all the way around the mattress,
and zip portion 26 must be positioned a substantially constant
distance from the edge 10 of the other sleeping surface of the
mattress, all the way around the mattress. Each of female zip
portions 24, 26, have a female slider 25, 27 for closing the zips
when a male zip portion is in place. As will be appreciated, female
zip portions 24, 26 respectively form a part of zips 4, 6. In FIG.
4, the sliders 25, 27 are shown at the starting position of each of
zips 4, 6, which has been chosen to be at the centre of an end of
the mattress for aesthetic purposes.
[0075] To enable interchangeability of a cover from one side of the
mattress to the other, and from one mattress to the next, female
zip portions 24, 26 must be accurately positioned on the mattress
side border 20, in a manner which is repeatable from one mattress
to the next. This is achieved by use of template C shown in FIG.
5c, as follows.
[0076] 1a) The two female zip portions are each sewn to respective
fabric strips 21, 22, which are to form the outer portions of
mattress side border 20. At this stage, the female zips 24, 26 and
fabric strips 21, 22 must simply be long enough to extend around
the entire circumference of the mattress.
[0077] 1b) The two female zip portions 24, 26, with attached fabric
strips 21, 22, are attached to the male zip portions of template C,
and the zips so formed are then closed along the full length
L.sub.c of template C. Length L.sub.c of template C (see FIG. 5c)
corresponds to the length of the circumference of the lateral
periphery of the mattress. Template C has first and second male zip
portions 51, 52 positioned substantially parallel to each other
across an orifice 53 through template C. Starting points 54, 55 of
male zip portions 51, 52 are at opposite ends of template C, and
the zip portions are separated by a distance w corresponding to the
width w of the third portion 7 (see FIGS. 1, 2). The starting
points of the female zip portions 24, 26 are thus at opposite ends
of the template C when attached to the template.
[0078] 1c) A fabric strip, to act as third portion 7 of the
mattress side border 20, is placed between the two female zips 24,
26 along the length of template C, and placed under slight tension.
The fabric strip 7 is then stapled or pinned to the female zip
portions 24, 26. As the female zip portions 24, 26 are fixed in
place by template C, they are correctly positioned relative to each
other.
[0079] 1d) The proper length of the mattress side border is marked
on one or more of the elements in place on template C, using the
indicators 56, 57 on template C. The indicators 56, 57 have been
positioned such that the mattress side border 20 will accurately
fit around the lateral periphery of the mattress.
[0080] 1e) The combination of the strips 21, 22, female zip
portions 24, 26 and fabric strip 7, is then removed from template C
by opening the zips. Female zip portions 24 and 26 are then sewn to
the fabric strip 7 along the full length of the fabric strip 7.
[0081] 1f) The combination is then pulled into a loop and sewn
where marked such that the loop is of the same circumference as the
mattress, completing the mattress side border 20. It is to be noted
that, due to the placement of the starting points 54, 55 at
opposing ends of template C, the travel of the female sliding
portions along zip portions 24 and 26 is in opposed orientation,
when viewed from the same perspective. For example, when, from a
given perspective, opening of one of said zips involves clockwise
movement of the respective female slider, opening of the other of
said zips will involve anti-clockwise movement of the respective
female slider. This arrangement facilitates the interchangeability
of a cover between both sleeping surfaces of the same mattress, as
the orientation of each zip will in fact be the same, when viewed
from above the sleeping surface associated with each resepective
zip. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, both zips 4 and 6
travel clockwise when opening, when viewed from the sleeping
surface associated with each respective zip. Consequently, covers 3
and 5 are interchangeable on mattress 1.
[0082] 2) Forming Mattress 1, Without Covers
[0083] To form the mattress 1 such that the female zip portions 24,
26 are appropriately positioned, template A is used, shown in FIG.
5a.
[0084] 2a) Mattress side border 20 is placed around the lateral
periphery of a mattress inner, for example a steel spring mattress
blank. The mattress blank has insulation positioned over the
sleeping surfaces defined by the steel springs, and has foam
substantially surrounding the springs and insulation. The mattress
side border 20 will fit snugly around the lateral periphery of the
mattress blank, as the fabric strip 7 was placed under slight
tension during formation of mattress side border 20.
[0085] 2b) The mattress blank and mattress side border 20 are then
placed into template A. The length 1.sub.A and width W.sub.A of
template B are such that the mattress fits closely into recess 61,
and that male zip portion 60 of template A is positioned to connect
to a female zip portion of the inserted mattress. The depth d.sub.A
of the recess 61 corresponds to the width of each of strips 21, 22
of mattress side border 20. The starting point 62 of male zip
portion 60 is positioned at the centre of one end of template A.
Female zip portion 26 is attached to the male zip portion 60 of
template A and the zip thus formed is closed around the entire
lateral periphery of the mattress blank. Female zip portion 24 is
then held above the rim of template A by about the thickness of
fabric strip 7.
[0086] 2c) A sheet of impermeable fabric, to serve as sleeping
surface 9, is placed over the exposed sleeping surface of the
mattress blank. The sheet of fabric 9 is then securely sewn to
fabric strip 21 of the mattress side border 20, all the way around
the edge 8 of the sleeping surface 9, while both the sheet of
fabric 9 and mattress side border 20 are under slight tension
against male zip portion 60.
[0087] 2d) The mattress blank is removed from template A, turned
over, and placed back into template A. The same template may be
used for positioning both zips, due to the interchangeability of
covers on the mattress.
[0088] 2e) Female zip portion 24 is attached to the male zip
portion 60 of template A, and the zip thus formed is closed around
the entire periphery of the mattress, positioning female zip
portion 26 above the rim of template A by the thickness of fabric
strip 7.
[0089] 2f) A second sheet of impermeable fabric, to serve as the
second sleeping surface of the mattress 1, is place over the
mattress blank, and sewn to the fabric strip 22 of the mattress
side border 20 all the way around the edge 10 of the second
sleeping surface, while both the second sheet of impermeable fabric
and the mattress side border 20 are held under slight tension
against template A. This completes formation of the mattress 1
without covers, with the female zip portions 24, 26 properly
positioned on the mattress 1 due to use of template A. Mattress 1
can then be removed from template A by unzipping female zip portion
24 from the male zip portion 60 of template A.
[0090] 3) Forming a Removable Cover
[0091] Removable covers 3 and 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are
substantially identical. Importantly, the covers 3, 5 are
interchangeable on mattress 1, and may also be interchanged with
covers on other such mattresses. To form such a cover, template B
is used, as described below with reference to formation of cover 3
shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Although the method of the present
embodiment will be described with reference to a mattress having
two removable covers, one over each sleeping surface, it is
envisioned that the method may be applied to form a mattress having
a removable cover over only one sleeping surface.
[0092] 3a) A strip of fabric, to serve as lateral portion 18 of
cover 3, is sewn to a male zip portion 19 (see FIG. 3). At this
stage, the male zip portion and fabric 18 simply need to be long
enough to pass around the entire lateral periphery of the
mattress.
[0093] 3b) The male zip portion 19 is attached to female zip
portion 70 of template B, and the zip thus formed is closed by
sliding slider portion 71, shown at a starting position of zip 70,
all the way around template B. The male zip portion 19 and fabric
18 are marked to the correct length using indicator 72.
[0094] 3c) The male zip portion 19 is then removed from template B,
and the fabric strip 18 and the male zip 19 are formed into a loop
and sewn at the marking, such that the loop fits snugly around the
mattress.
[0095] 3c) The sewn loop is then zipped to the template using
female zip portion 70. The distance dB of template B corresponds to
the width of fabric strip 18.
[0096] 3d) A cover sleeping portion is then placed over template B,
which has a length 1.sub.B and a width w.sub.B substantially equal
to the sleeping surfaces of the mattress 1. The cover sleeping
portion is then sewn to the fabric strip 18 all the way around the
edge 8 of the sleeping surface. The cover 3 is then complete and
can be unzipped from template B. The working surface of template B
is covered with a layer of foam so as to protect the needle of a
sewing machine that is used to sew the cover sleeping portion to
the fabric strip 18. Such a foam layer also protects the cover
placed or formed over the working surface of template B from
tearing.
[0097] As will be appreciated, the use of three templates in the
previously described manner assists in achieving accurate
workmanship, and assists in repeated construction of
interchangeable mattresses and mattress covers. Each of the three
templates provides a rigid support structure which allows for
accurate measurement, marking, alignment and mounting of a zip to a
mattress cover or mattress. Such templates ensure that zips are
consistently placed in the same position on each mattress and
mattress cover formed by using the templates, resulting in
removable covers that can be interchanged between different
mattresses and between different sides of the same mattress. In the
embodiment described, the male part of a zip is attached to each of
the first and second removable portions of the cover while the
female part of a zip is fixedly attached to the mattress. This
ensures that the zip with a slidable closure member is not attached
to the first or second removable portions of the cover, and
therefore is not removed with either of the first or second
removable portions. One advantage of this arrangement is that
washing of a cover comprising a slidable closure member in a
washing machine could potentially cause damage to both the slidable
closure member and the washing machine.
[0098] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict a mattress with cover in accordance
with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention which
comprises a sleeping surface portion 80 and a base portion 82
having elasticised means 86 to secure the removable cover to the
mattress. The sleeping surface portion 80 is readily detachable
from the base portion 82 by unzipping the zip 84 positioned around
the lateral periphery of the mattress. This arrangement
advantageously allows the removable mattress cover according to the
invention to be secured to any conventional mattress.
[0099] In the embodiment shown, the surface 88 of the base portion
82 that underlies the sleeping surface portion 80 is made out of
cotton. However, it is envisaged that this surface 88 of the base
portion 82 may be made of any material that is impermeable to dust
mites and moisture. In this way, should the sleeping surface
portion 80 be soiled, it can be readily detached from the base
portion 82 and the base portion 82 may be wiped clean before
another clean sleeping surface portion 80 is attached to the base
portion 82.
[0100] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any
other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or
steps.
[0101] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *