U.S. patent application number 10/853786 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for mattress having a light-transmissive cover and method of using.
Invention is credited to Miller, Norma.
Application Number | 20050262642 10/853786 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35423562 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050262642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller, Norma |
December 1, 2005 |
Mattress having a light-transmissive cover and method of using
Abstract
A mattress with a light-transmissive cover directed at
preventing the hiding of contraband in institutional facilities.
The mattress has a solid or partially solid core and a
light-transmissive cover that envelops the core. A
light-transmissive reinforcement section may be provided in the
cover. When provided as a mattress for an inmate in a confinement
area, the mattress permits visual inspection for contraband hidden
in the mattress by looking through the light-transmissive cover of
the mattress.
Inventors: |
Miller, Norma;
(Fuquay-Varina, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COATS & BENNETT, PLLC
P O BOX 5
RALEIGH
NC
27602
US
|
Family ID: |
35423562 |
Appl. No.: |
10/853786 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/737 ;
5/690 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/74 20130101; A47C
27/00 20130101; A47C 27/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/737 ;
005/690 |
International
Class: |
A47C 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mattress comprising: a liquidless core that is at least
partially solid; and a cover that binds and envelops the core, the
cover being light-transmissive to allow visual inspection of the
core.
2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the core is completely
solid.
3. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a plurality
of sections, each section joined to another section at a seam.
4. The mattress of claim 3, wherein the seam is positioned
substantially on a vertical side of the mattress.
5. The mattress of claim 3, wherein the seam is
light-transmissive.
6. The mattress of claim 3, wherein at least one of the sections is
a reinforcing section.
7. The mattress of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing section is
comprised of scrim.
8. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the core is constructed of a
plurality of pieces aligned and contained by the cover.
9. A mattress comprising: a core at least partially including a
solid material; and a cover that envelops the core, the cover
having a light-transmissive section in direct contact with the
solid material to allow visual observation of the solid
material.
10. The mattress of claim 9, wherein the cover further comprises an
opaque section.
11. The mattress of claim 9, wherein substantially the entire cover
is light-transmissive.
12. The mattress of claim 9, wherein the cover comprises a
light-transmissive scrim.
13. The mattress of claim 9, wherein the cover is comprised of a
multiple pieces, at least one of which is a reinforcing
material.
14. The mattress of claim 9, wherein the cover binds the core.
15. The mattress of claim 14, wherein the core is comprised of
multiple members.
16. A method of preventing the hiding of contraband in a mattress
in institutional facilities, comprising the steps of: providing a
mattress for an inmate in a confinement area; visually inspecting
for contraband in the mattress by looking through a
light-transmissive cover of the mattress; wherein the
light-transmissive cover allows visual detection of contraband
within the mattress.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of visually inspecting
for contraband occurs from a location exterior to the confinement
area.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing any
contraband detected during the visual inspection.
19. A mattress for use in institutional facilities comprising: an
interior means within the mattress for supporting the weight of a
body; and a cover for enveloping the interior means, the cover
including means for permitting visual inspection of the contents
within the cover.
20. A mattress comprising: a partially solid core; and a cover that
envelops the core, the cover being at least partially
light-transmissive to allow visual inspection of the contents
within the cover, the cover being at least partially comprised of
scrim.
21. The mattress of claim 20 wherein the scrim is
light-transmissive.
22. The mattress of claim 20 wherein the scrim is positioned at a
high stress area of the mattress.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Institutional facilities, including correctional
institutions, hospitals, schools, and the like, accommodate persons
during sleeping hours. Some of these facilities provide regular
beds that include a frame and mattress. In the interest of cost,
space, or other factors, other institutional facilities merely
provide a simple mattress on which an inmate, student, or patient
may rest or sleep. Persons detained or residing within these
institutional facilities often look to unusual places in which to
store contraband such as drugs, weapons, or other un-permitted
items.
[0002] Existing mattresses are typically constructed of a core
which provides the support for mattress. The mattress also includes
an opaque cover that surrounds the core. The cover may also
function to maintain the position of the elements that comprise the
core. These types of mattresses may provide a hiding place for
contraband for inmates housed in institutional facilities. Since
the cover that envelops the core is opaque, contraband can be
hidden inside the mattress by cutting or tearing an access hole in
the cover, thereby providing access to the interior of the mattress
as a hiding place for contraband. The contraband may be drugs,
weapons, tools, utensils, or some innocuous item that is otherwise
forbidden in the institutional facility. A cursory search of the
mattress by institution personnel will generally not reveal the
contents of the mattress and the contraband will remain safely
hidden. Further, the contraband may be small in size so that a pat
down of the mattress by institution personnel might not reveal the
mattress contents either. A handheld metal detector might be used
to locate forbidden metallic items, but would not be suitable for
drugs or other nonmetallic paraphernalia. Similarly, a metal
detector may not be of value where the interior of the mattress
includes metal coil springs that will always trigger the metal
detector alarm. Thus, about the only way to accurately reveal the
contraband is to destroy the mattress by pulling back the exterior
cover to reveal the contents within. Naturally, destructive
inspections of this nature will tend to be costly and time
consuming. Accordingly, an improved mattress design is disclosed
herein.
[0003] Transparent or translucent covers have been used on waterbed
mattresses to observe the liquid contained therein. However, the
reasons for including such a transparent or translucent cover on a
waterbed are completely different than the need to see into the
interior of an institutional mattress. For a waterbed, the
usefulness of a transparent or translucent mattress cover is
centrally related to the liquid-bearing nature of the mattress. End
users of waterbeds can more easily detect leaks, remove air bubbles
from the mattress, or determine when to add water purification
chemicals to the water all as a result of the translucent or
transparent nature of the mattress cover. In contrast, the need to
see within a mattress in an institutional facility is directed less
at the intended contents of the mattress (e.g., liquid, foam,
springs, etc . . . ) and more at unintended contents (e.g.,
contraband) placed in the mattress.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention is directed to a mattress with a
light-transmissive cover. The mattress can be used in institutional
facilities to aid in preventing the hiding of contraband. The
mattress has a solid or partially solid core and a
light-transmissive cover that envelops the core. In one embodiment,
seams joining sections of the cover may be light-transmissive,
minimally opaque, or of minimal size so as not to interfere with
the light-transmissive nature of the cover. When provided as a
mattress for an inmate in a confinement area, the mattress permits
visual inspection for contraband hidden in the mattress by looking
through the light-transmissive cover of the mattress. The visual
inspection for contraband may occur from a location exterior to the
confinement area.
[0005] The mattress may include a liquidless core that is at least
partially solid or completely solid. The mattress cover may be
seamless or may comprise a plurality of sections, with each section
joined together. A variety of permanent or detachable joining
techniques may be used to attach the sections together.
[0006] The mattress may have a cover with a light-transmissive
section exterior to a solid portion of the mattress core to allow
visual observation of the solid portion. A side or section of the
cover may be opaque or substantially the entire cover may be
light-transmissive. The cover may comprise a single or multiple
plies. A light-transmissive reinforcement section may be provided
in the cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
mattress of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
mattress of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded view of one embodiment of the
mattress of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the mattress of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the mattress
of the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
mattress of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] One embodiment of a mattress, illustrated as 10 in FIG. 1,
includes a first surface 12, second surface 14, and side surfaces
16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Surfaces 14, 16c, and 16d are not expressly
visible, but are indicated generally by arrows in the perspective
view of FIG. 1. A light-transmissive cover 26 envelops an interior
core 20 of the mattress 10 and extends over the surfaces 12, 14,
16a-16d. The light-transmissive cover 26 permits visual observation
of the core 20 and any contraband 30 that may be hidden within the
interior of the cover 26. The light-transmissive cover 26 allows
institution personnel to conduct visual, non-destructive
inspections of the mattress 10 for contraband 30. Furthermore,
given appropriate lighting conditions, this visual inspection may
be conducted from a safe distance, for instance beyond the room or
cell in which the mattress 10 is located. Similarly, visual
inspection may be conducted with the aid of a surveillance camera
so as to preserve the safety of institution personnel or other
inmates. The term "light transmissive" should be understood to
represent that characteristic of a medium that permits the
transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum
so as to enable one to visually distinguish an object through the
medium. The term light-transmissive encompasses, but is not
intended to be limited to, the terms translucent and
transparent.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a side-sectional view of one embodiment of the
mattress 10 having the mattress core 20 contained within a
light-transmissive cover 26. The mattress core 20 is configured to
support the body of a user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
mattress core 20 is constructed of one or more separate members 45
contained within the cover 26. The individual members may be
constructed of a variety of materials, including foam, cotton, or
polyester. Alternatively, the core 20 may be fabricated from a
single piece. The mattress core 20 may also be constructed of
various materials. Other embodiments of the mattress core 20 might
also include conventional coil springs or other components known to
those skilled in the art of mattress construction. In one
embodiment, the core has a size of approximately
25".times.75".times.4" and weighs about 18 lbs.
[0015] The cover 26 functions to allow visual observation of the
core 20. In one embodiment, the cover 20 is positioned directly
against the core 20 to allow visual observation of the core and
interior of the mattress 10. In one embodiment, the cover 26
directly contacts each of the separate core members 45. The cover
26 also functions to contain or bind the core 20 by keeping the
separate core members 45 in relative position to form the overall
dimensions of the mattress 10. Without the binding cover 26, the
core 20 would be exposed, and the separate core members 45 would
not be maintained in position. Even in embodiments where the core
20 is comprised of a single member, cover 26 may function to bind
the core 20 to maintain the shape and integrity of the mattress
10.
[0016] In one embodiment, foam pads are constructed of highly flame
resistant polymerized synthetic open celled cushioning foam. One
embodiment of the foam pad is FIRE SEAL available from Foamex of
Compton, Calif. In one embodiment, cotton pads comprise re-cycled
post industrial denim and cotton fibers bonded together by poly
fibers (maximum 10%). One embodiment of the cotton pad is available
from Bonded Logic of Chandler, Ariz. In one embodiment, the cotton
pad is composed of re-cycled post industrial denim and cotton
fibers with a ply fiber (maximum of 10%) that binds and solidifies
the cotton matrix. Batting 36 may also be included within mattress
core 42. In one embodiment, batting is a sheet-like member that is
wound around the pads. One embodiment of batting materials is boric
acid treated 100% virgin cotton batting manufactured by Trace
Industries.
[0017] In one embodiment, a polyester pad is constructed of
thermally bonded polyester fiber available from Cumulus Fibre of
Statesville, N.C. In one embodiment, the polyester pad is made of
thermally bonded polyester fiber. The polyester fibers are
processed through either a garneting operation or air-layering.
[0018] The mattress core 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes a perforated
pad member 45 having a series of apertures 46. In one embodiment,
apertures 46 are substantially vertical cylinders with a diameter
of about 3/4 inch and are spaced on a 5-inch square pattern. When
constructed with apertures 46 of this type, the core 20 is
therefore partially solid and partially gaseous (air). The
apertures 46 provide for a more comfortable feel for the user, and
also allows for bending the cotton pad such that the mattress 10
can be stored in a folded orientation. In one embodiment, the pad
is constructed of cotton and has a thickness of about five
inches.
[0019] The light-transmissive cover 26 shown in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-2 is constructed of a single piece of material. In this
particular embodiment, the one piece of light-transmissive material
is wrapped around core 20 and the ends of the material are joined
together and secured around the core 20 using a conventional
joining technique, such as stitching or thermal or adhesive
bonding. Alternatively, the one-piece, light-transmissive cover 26
in FIGS. 1-2 may be a seamless cover. That is, cover 26 may be
comprised of a single piece of material that is applied to the core
20 using a molding or spraying process. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate the structural and operational advantages offered
by a seamless design. Such a design may be applicable for larger
run quantities. Other alternative embodiments of the mattress cover
containing multiple pieces of light-transmissive material, such as
those embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-6, may provide equally effective
solutions.
[0020] In one embodiment, the light-transmissive cover 26 is made
of multiple plies of light-transmissive material. In one
embodiment, the light-transmissive cover 26 is made of a single ply
of light-transmissive material. The light-transmissive cover may be
constructed of a vinyl or flexible PVC film material. The
light-transmissive material is fire resistant as determined using
NFPA-701 Large Scale Test. A flexible PVC material used for
constructing the cover 26 is available from TMI Incorporated of
Pittsburgh, Pa. The thickness of the light-transmissive material
may vary, and embodiments include material thickness within the
range of about 15 mil-26 mil, and may have a weight in ounces per
yard ranging from about 7.0 to about 13.0. In one embodiment, the
light-transmissive material is a 2-ply flexible PVC sheet with a
thickness of about 20 mils.
[0021] In FIG. 3, another embodiment of mattress 10 is shown with a
multi-piece light-transmissive cover, generally designated 130. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, cover 130 is comprised of two
sections 132 and 134. Section 132 is fabricated as a one-piece bag
structure that is rectangular in shape and hollow in design with an
open end 136 used for slipping section 132 over core 20. Section
134 is constructed as a flat, one-piece panel, and is joined with
section 132 to envelop core 20. A number of means or methods may be
used to join the two sections 132, 134. The sections may be
chemically or thermally bonded, stitched, clamped, or otherwise
secured together. The sections may also be semi-permanently joined
together using other mechanisms such as zippers, hook-and-loop
materials, magnets, or resealable adhesives or fasteners so as to
make the cover 130 removable. Those skilled in the art of material
fabrication will appreciate alternative means or methods of joining
the sections of cover 130. These illustrative joining techniques
are used to join sections 132, 134 or other sections of the
light-transmissive cover 130 at a seam 138. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 3, the seam 138 is positioned at substantially one end of
mattress 10. In one embodiment, such as where thermal or chemical
bonding techniques are employed, the seam 138 is
light-transmissive. In one embodiment, the seam 138 is opaque, but
minimally obscures the light-transmissive nature of the cover
130.
[0022] Where a single piece or various pieces are joined together
using a stitching or similar method, it may be desirable to hide
the stitch at the seam 138 to inhibit access to the interior of the
cover. Various techniques are known to those skilled in the art of
textile manufacturing to accomplish this task. For instance, the
various pieces of light-transmissive material may be joined
together while the cover is in an inside out orientation. Prior to
inserting the core 20 into the cover, the cover is re-inverted so
as to hide the stitches. Other stitching techniques, such as a
blind stitch or a tuck stitch may also be used.
[0023] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a light-transmissive
cover comprises of an upper section 142 and a lower section 144
joined together at seam 146. In one embodiment, seam 146 is located
on a vertical side 16b of the mattress 10. In one embodiment, seam
146 is located on a vertical side of mattress 10, positioned
equidistant from top surface 12 and bottom surface 14. In one
embodiment, seam 146 is positioned on or near top surface 12. In
one embodiment, seam 146 is positioned on or near bottom surface
14.
[0024] In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 5,
light-transmissive cover 150 may be comprised of a plurality of
segments, some of which may be partially or wholly opaque. As a
non-limiting example, an opaque cover section 152 extends around
the sides 16a-d of mattress core 20. The ends of section 152,
represented by 154a and 154b may be joined together to form a first
seam on a vertical side of the core 20. The light-transmissive
cover 150 further includes a light-transmissive top section 156
that can be joined with cover 152 to form a seam at the perimeter
of cover 156 and at the top end of section 152. The top section
156, as shown in FIG. 5, thereby covers the top surface 12 of
mattress 10. Similarly, the light-transmissive cover 150 shown in
FIG. 5 further includes a light-transmissive bottom section 158
that can be joined with cover 152 to form a seam at the perimeter
of cover 158 and at the bottom end of section 152. When joined to
section 152 in this manner, bottom section 158 thereby covers the
bottom surface 14 of mattress 10.
[0025] The embodiment of cover 150 shown in FIG. 5 includes an
opaque section, but does not detract from the ability to inspect
for contraband within mattress 10. Even where contraband is hidden
behind the opaque section 152, institution personnel may still
visually inspect the contents of the mattress 10 through the
light-transmissive portions 156, 158 of cover 150. Gravity may also
play a part in such inspections because contraband hidden behind
the opaque, vertical section 152 will tend to fall towards the
light-transmissive lower section 158 of cover 150.
[0026] Section 152 in FIG. 5 may be constructed, in part or in
whole, of a different material than sections 156 and 158. In one
embodiment, sections 156 and 158 are constructed of the same
light-transmissive material. In one embodiment, sections 156 and
158 are constructed of different materials. In one embodiment,
section 152 may be constructed, in whole or in part, of an opaque,
high tensile-strength material. In one embodiment, section 152 may
be constructed, in whole or in part, of an opaque, tear-resistant
material. In one embodiment, part or the entirety of section 156 or
section 158 may be constructed of an opaque material. In general,
different combinations of material choice may be incorporated into
the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 or into embodiments not specifically
shown, but embodying a multi-section light-transmissive cover in
accordance with this disclosure.
[0027] Section 152 may also be constructed of a strengthening or
reinforcing material to improve the strength of the cover 150. The
reinforcing material may be an opaque material such as Kevlar or a
light-transmissive material such as scrim. The term scrim is
understood in the textile industry to mean a durable, loosely woven
cotton or linen fabric used for curtains or upholstery lining. In
the theatrical arts, the word scrim is used to describe a
transparent fabric used as a drop to create special lighting or
atmosphere effects. In the present context, scrim should be
understood to mean a combination of these definitions. That is, the
durable, loosely woven characteristics and the transparent
characteristic of the material are relevant to the present
discussion. In one embodiment, the reinforcing material is a
three-layer fabric, constructed of a light-transmissive vinyl top
and bottom layer, and an intermediate scrim layer that consists of
a loosely woven grid forming half inch apertures and having a
weight of about 7 ounces per square yard. When provided in this
manner, the reinforcing material is light-transmissive in that it
permits transmission of light in the visible spectrum so as to
distinguish objects behind the material. One embodiment of the
reinforcing material is WATERCLEAR scrim material available from
Herculite Products, Inc. of Emigsville, Pa.
[0028] The reinforcing material may be incorporated into those
areas of the light-transmissive cover that are high-stress areas as
depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the mattress 10 is
oriented in an inverted position compared to the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, the second surface 14 of the mattress 10 is
facing upward while the first surface 12 is hidden from view. Side
surfaces 16a-d extend in a generally vertical direction between the
first 12 and second 14 surfaces. End surface 16d represents the
head of the mattress and is disposed at the end of the mattress at
which a user's head will rest. Since the bulk of the weight
supported by mattress 10 is towards the end 16d that supports the
torso of a user, it follows that the head of the mattress will be
the high-stress or weight bearing area of the mattress 10.
Reinforcing material 162 is therefore positioned at the junction
between the bottom surface 14 and end surface 16d. In another
embodiment, reinforcing material 162 may be positioned at ends 16d
and 16b to make the mattress 10 symmetric. In another embodiment,
reinforcing material may be positioned at sides 16a or 16c.
[0029] The term "mattress" herein is used broadly to include a pad,
bag, cot, sack, cushion, mat, or similar item of any shape on which
a person may rest or sleep. In one embodiment, the mattress
includes an arrangement of coiled springs.
[0030] The present invention may be carried out in other specific
ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope
and essential characteristics of the invention. For instance,
manufacturing considerations may determine the overall shape and
quantity of sections needed to form the light-transmissive cover.
Thus, combinations other than those specifically shown in the
Figures are certainly possible. The present embodiments are,
therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and
equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be
embraced therein.
* * * * *