U.S. patent application number 11/536773 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for integrated mattress encasings and apparatuses and methods to encase mattress topper.
Invention is credited to Linda H. Poston.
Application Number | 20070067916 11/536773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37907097 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070067916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poston; Linda H. |
March 29, 2007 |
Integrated Mattress Encasings and Apparatuses and Methods to Encase
Mattress Topper
Abstract
Mattress cover systems are disclosed. One such system includes a
mattress encasing configured to fit snugly over a mattress and a
mattress topper encasing coupled to the mattress encasing. The
mattress topper encasing is configured to fit snugly around a
mattress topper. The mattress cover system restricts the movement
of the mattress topper relative to the mattress. Also disclosed are
beds, and methods of incorporating the disclosed mattress cover
system.
Inventors: |
Poston; Linda H.; (Cumming,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
100 GALLERIA PARKWAY, NW
STE 1750
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5948
US
|
Family ID: |
37907097 |
Appl. No.: |
11/536773 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60721893 |
Sep 29, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/691 ; 5/690;
5/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/022 20130101;
A47C 31/105 20130101; A47C 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/691 ;
005/690; 005/737 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/00 20070101
A47C027/00 |
Claims
1. A mattress cover system, comprising: a mattress encasing
configured to fit snugly over a mattress; and a mattress topper
encasing coupled to the mattress encasing, the mattress topper
encasing configured to fit snugly around a mattress topper; wherein
the mattress cover system fits over the mattress and the mattress
topper and is configured to restrict the movement of the mattress
topper relative to the mattress and prevent warping of the mattress
topper.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing are separated by at least one layer of
material.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing share at least one layer of fabric
material.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress topper encasing is
configured such that the mattress topper is removable and
insertable when the mattress cover system is installed.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the mattress topper encasing
comprises at least one zipper, wherein the zipper is configured to
provide access within the mattress topper encasing for removal and
insertion of the mattress topper.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the mattress topper encasing
comprises a hook and loop fastener, the hook and loop fastener
being configured to provide access within the mattress topper
encasing for removal and insertion of the mattress topper.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the mattress topper encasing
comprises a fastener configured to provide access within the
mattress topper encasing for removal and insertion of the mattress
topper.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing are substantially comprised of a
non-allergenic material.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing are substantially comprised of a
fire-retardant material.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing are substantially comprised of a material
substantially impassable by dust-mites and dust-mite allergens.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing are substantially comprised of a material
substantially impassable by at least one of the following: insects
and vermin.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing are substantially comprised of a
substantially waterproof material.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and the
mattress topper encasing are fastened together by stitches.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress cover system is
configured to fit at least one of the following mattress sizes:
crib, twin, extra-long twin, full, double, queen, king, European
queen, and California king.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and
mattress topper encasing are substantially made of woven
polyester.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and
mattress topper encasing are substantially made of a material
chosen from at least one of: cotton, nylon, rayon, fiber cotton,
polyester, nylon blends, and combinations thereof.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress encasing and
mattress topper encasing are substantially made of a material
designed to prevent the passage of allergens.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the mattress topper encasing
comprises: a distal edge, a proximal edge and two side edges,
wherein at least one edge is configured to allow for removal and
insertion of a mattress topper.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the proximal edge and the two
side edges are coupled by a zipper spanning the proximal edge and
two side edges, the zipper configured to allow for opening and
closing of the proximal edge and the two side edges.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the proximal edge and the two
side edges are coupled by a fastening system spanning the proximal
edge and two side edges, the fastening system configured to allow
for opening and closing of the proximal edge and the two side
edges.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the fastening system is chosen
from at least one of the following: zipper, hook and loop
fasteners, hooks, buttons, and combinations thereof.
22. A bed comprising: a mattress; and a mattress cover system,
wherein the mattress cover system comprises a mattress encasing
configured to fit snugly over a mattress, a mattress topper
encasing coupled to the mattress encasing, the mattress topper
encasing configured to fit snugly around a mattress topper, wherein
the mattress cover system fits over the mattress and the mattress
topper, thereby restricting the movement of the mattress topper
relative to the mattress and preventing warping of the mattress
topper.
23. The bed of claim 22, wherein the mattress cover system
substantially comprises material chosen from at least one of the
following: cotton, nylon, rayon fiber cotton, polyester, nylon
blends, and combinations thereof.
24. The bed of claim 22, wherein the mattress cover system
substantially comprises a material configured to prevent dust mites
and dust mite allergens from passing therethrough.
25. The bed of claim 22, wherein the mattress cover system
substantially comprises a fire-retardant material.
26. The bed of claim 22, wherein the mattress cover system
comprises a material configured to prevent dust mites and dust mite
allergens from passing therethrough.
27. The bed of claim 22, wherein: the mattress is chosen from at
least one of the following sizes: crib, twin, extra-long twin,
full, double, queen, king, European queen, and California king.
28. A method of installing a mattress topper, comprising: disposing
a mattress encasing coupled to a mattress topper encasing on a
mattress; and disposing the mattress topper encasing on a mattress
topper, the mattress topper encasing fitting snugly around the
mattress topper, wherein the mattress topper encasing restricts
movement of the mattress topper relative to the mattress and
prevents warping of the mattress topper.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein at least one of the mattress
encasing and mattress topper encasing are comprised of a fabric
that has one of the following properties: fire retardant, water
resistance, impermeability to dust-mites and dust-mite allergens,
non-allergenic, hypo-allergenic, breathability, and combinations
thereof.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the mattress topper encasing
has at least one edge that opens, allowing for removal and
insertion of the mattress topper.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S.
provisional application entitled, "Integrated Mattress Encasings
and Apparatuses and Methods to Encase Mattress Topper," having Ser.
No. 60/721,893, filed Sep. 29, 2005, which is entirely incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to technology,
materials, and methods for protecting and increasing the comfort of
bedding products, particularly a mattress. More specifically, the
disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods involving mattress
encasings and mattress toppers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of mattress toppers and pillowtop mattresses is
popular among certain consumers who desire to increase the comfort
of a bed or bedding products. Mattress toppers are typically used
in conjunction with a conventional mattress, and are typically slim
relative to the thickness of a mattress (approximately 1 to 5 or
more inches in thickness). A mattress topper is generally
substantially coextensive with the length and width of a mattress
and the various sizes of mattresses. The mattress can be any size,
including, but not limited to: crib, twin, extra-long twin, full,
double, queen, king, European queen, and California king. The
mattress topper is further usually positioned on top of the surface
of a mattress and can be constructed out of a cover made of fabric
or similar material, which is filled with feathers, fabric filling,
foam, or other materials. A mattress topper can also be made
without a cover and entirely of foam or other materials.
[0004] One disadvantage of using of a mattress topper is that a
mattress topper may often shift in response to weight being placed
upon it or upon the application of a mattress pad or bed sheet
after the mattress topper is positioned on a mattress. A mattress
topper may shift or warp in response to these or other forces,
lessening the performance of a mattress topper in increasing the
comfort or support or altering other characteristics of the
mattress that a consumer may desire. The shifting leads to less
than ideal placement of a mattress topper where one or more sides
of the mattress topper overhangs the edge of a mattress or where
the mattress topper rests in a position off-center of a mattress.
Warping results in reduced performance of a mattress topper by
causing an uneven surface of a bed. Further, the mattress topper is
often left relatively unprotected from potential soiling or
infiltration by dust-mites, dust-mite allergens or other allergens
when resting atop a mattress and secured only by a bed sheet. Also,
a consumer may desire to protect a mattress topper with a material
having one or more of the following features: water resistant,
fire-retardant, breathable, or non-allergenic.
[0005] Pillowtop mattresses are popular among certain consumers
desiring a more comfortable, durable, or otherwise improved bedding
product and who prefer the properties of such a mattress. A
pillowtop mattress typically comprises an enclosed panel
substantially coextentive with the length and width of a mattress
containing additional padding or foam that is sewn or otherwise
affixed to a mattress innerspring or to the edges of the mattress.
However, a pillowtop mattress can often cost considerably more than
a mattress without a pillowtop, and as a result, consumers may have
to choose a mattress without a pillowtop despite preferring the
characteristics and features offered by a pillowtop mattress. One
potential reason for the higher cost of a pillowtop mattress can be
increased manufacturing complexity, increased material, and
increased labor costs that arise when permanently attaching the
pillowtop section to the mattress innerspring or mattress edges.
The pillowtop section may also be attached in other ways apparent
to those skilled in the art, most of which add to the cost of
manufacturing the mattress and hence a higher retail price to the
consumer.
[0006] A pillowtop mattress further offers little consumer
flexibility in choosing the properties of the material enclosed in
a pillowtop section of a such a mattress, and also offers little
flexibility in easily replacing the pillowtop section with a
different padding or support material should the consumer desire
such a change. One reason for this lack of flexibility is that the
pillowtop section is typically permanently affixed or sewn to the
mattress innerspring or mattress edges.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a heretofore unaddressed need to
overcome the deficiencies and shortcomings described above.
SUMMARY
[0008] Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure
include beds, mattress cover systems for mattresses and mattress
toppers, as well as systems and methods for protecting mattresses
and mattress toppers. In particular, one embodiment of the
disclosed systems is a mattress cover system that includes a
mattress encasing configured to fit snugly over a mattress, a
mattress topper encasing coupled to the mattress encasing, the
mattress topper encasing configured to fit snugly around a mattress
topper, and the mattress cover system substantially covering the
mattress and the mattress topper and restricts the movement of the
mattress topper relative to the mattress.
[0009] One embodiment of the disclosed beds is a bed including a
mattress and a mattress cover system, the mattress cover system
comprising a mattress encasing configured to fit snugly over a
mattress, a mattress topper encasing coupled to the mattress
encasing, the mattress topper encasing configured to fit snugly
around a mattress topper, and the mattress cover system fitting
over the mattress and the mattress topper and restricts the
movement of the mattress topper relative to the mattress.
[0010] One embodiment of the disclosed methods includes disposing a
mattress encasing coupled to a mattress topper encasing on a
mattress, disposing the mattress topper encasing on a mattress
topper, the mattress topper encasing fitting snugly around the
mattress topper, the at least one edge of the mattress topper
encasing being opened to allow for removal or insertion of the
mattress topper.
[0011] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with
skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood
with reference to the following drawings. The components in the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating the principles of this disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
disclosed mattress cover systems.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
disclosed mattress cover systems.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
disclosed mattress cover systems.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
disclosed mattress cover systems.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for covering a
mattress and securing and covering a mattress topper to a mattress.
One exemplary system includes an encasing for a mattress and an
encasing for a mattress topper, the mattress encasing and mattress
topper encasing coupled together. One exemplary method includes
encasing a mattress and mattress topper including fitting at least
one encasing piece snugly around a mattress and a mattress topper
while allowing for insertion and removal of the mattress
topper.
[0018] A mattress topper is often desired by consumers to increase
the comfort of or to alter the properties of a consumer's bedding.
A mattress topper is a device overlaid onto a mattress, having a
width and length substantially coextensive with the underlying
mattress and having a varying thickness (e.g., typically about 1 to
5 inches). A mattress topper can be comprised of viscous elastic
foam, down feather inserts, faux down feather inserts, cotton,
polyester, or any material desired by a consumer or known in the
art. A mattress topper can also be constructed in various shapes
and textures, including but not limited to flat and "egg-crate." A
mattress and mattress topper of varying sizes known in the art can
be used with the disclosed methods and systems. The mattress and
mattress topper can be any size, including, but not limited to:
crib, twin, extra-long twin, full, double, queen, king, European
queen, and California king.
[0019] One embodiment of a mattress cover system includes a
mattress encasing coupled to a mattress topper encasing. The
mattress cover system of FIG. 1, similar to the remaining figures,
is depicted in a cutaway view such that a person of ordinary skill
in the art should appreciate the various components of the system
and how a mattress cover system may be implemented in practice. The
mattress encasing 108 can completely surround the underside of a
mattress 106, as depicted in FIG. 1. The mattress topper encasing
102 may be accessed via a zipper 104 to reveal a mattress topper
107 disposed within. Other similar fastening or securing devices
such as buttons, anchor straps, hook and loop fasteners or other
devices that should be appreciated can be used to allow the
mattress topper encasing to be accessed. The mattress topper
encasing may enclose a mattress topper 107 to offer additional
protection for the mattress topper 107 relative to a bed sheet or
other bedding material.
[0020] In the depicted embodiment, the zipper 104 may span all four
sides of the mattress cover system and cause the mattress cover
system to be split into at least two pieces. In this way, the
mattress cover system may be removed and/or installed. Together, a
mattress topper encasing 102 and a mattress encasing 108 may form a
mattress cover system of FIG. 1 by completely surrounding a
mattress and mattress topper while providing access for the
mattress topper via a compartment that surrounds the mattress
topper 107. It should also be appreciated that the zipper 104 may
span less than four sides of the mattress and mattress topper while
still providing access to insert and/or remove a mattress
topper.
[0021] Alternatively, rather than completely surrounding a mattress
the mattress encasing of a mattress cover system can substantially
or partially surround a mattress as depicted in FIG. 2. The
mattress cover system of FIG. 2 may be secured to the mattress 206
in a similar fashion to a fitted bed sheet. Elastic material 212
shown in FIG. 3 may be integrated into a portion of the mattress
encasing 208 to secure the system to at least one side of the
mattress. The mattress cover system may still include a zipper 204
or other similar fastening system to provide access to insert or
remove a mattress topper 207. The zipper 204 may span less than
four sides of the mattress cover system while still providing
access to a mattress topper 207 disposed within.
[0022] The mattress encasing may serve more than one purpose, for
example, it can serve to cover and protect the mattress by
completely or substantially surrounding the surface of the
mattress. The mattress encasing can also be used to secure the
mattress cover system to the mattress. The mattress encasing may
comprise a material that completely covers all sides of a mattress,
as in FIG. 1, or partially covers a mattress like a fitted bed
sheet, as shown in FIG. 2. The mattress encasing may exhibit
elastic properties around one or more edge or corner to aid in
securing the system to the mattress. The mattress encasing can also
comprise at least one strap or anchor band that secures the
mattress cover system to at least one edge or corner of the
mattress, as depicted in FIG. 4. The mattress cover system of FIG.
4 includes at least one anchor band or strap 414 that secures a
mattress topper encasing 402 to a mattress 406. In this manner a
lower cost mattress cover system that leaves the mattress 406
exposed while covering the mattress topper 407. It should be
appreciated that the at least one strap 414 can be made of an
elastic material to assure the mattress cover system is securely
fastened to the mattress 406.
[0023] In the above embodiments, the mattress encasing is
preferably coupled to a mattress topper encasing by stitching;
however, this coupling can also be accomplished by hooks, hook and
loop fasteners, Velcro.RTM. brand fasteners, or other fasteners
known in the art. The mattress topper encasing and mattress
encasing are preferably separated by at least one layer of
material; however, the mattress encasing and mattress topper
encasing may also be communicatively coupled. A mattress topper
encasing is adapted to accept and substantially or partially
surround a mattress topper of varying thickness (e.g., about 1 to 5
inches or more). It would be appreciated by one possessing ordinary
skill in the art that the mattress topper encasing could be adapted
pursuant to this disclosure to accept a mattress topper of
virtually any thickness desirable to consumers or available on the
market. Preferably, as depicted in the drawings, the mattress
topper encasing is configured to completely surround a mattress
topper. In addition, the mattress topper encasing might comprise at
least one strap or similar structure that secures the mattress
topper relative to the mattress. Alternative embodiments of the
aforementioned mattress cover system can include a mattress topper
encasing that covers only one or more edge or comer of the mattress
topper, restricting the movement of the mattress topper relative to
the mattress while surrounding and/or covering the mattress topper
only minimally. The mattress topper encasing can extend over any
portion of the mattress topper to restrict the movement of the
mattress topper relative to the mattress.
[0024] The mattress topper encasing preferably comprises a proximal
edge, two side edges, and a distal edge. As shown in the drawings,
it can include a fastener, such as a zipper, spanning at least one
edge or preferably three edges (the two side edges and the distal
edge) to allow for access into the inner portion of the mattress
topper encasing, providing for removal or insertion of a mattress
topper without removing the mattress cover system from a mattress.
Alternatively, the mattress topper encasing may be configured with
Velcro.RTM. brand fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, buttons,
hooks, or other fasteners known in the art that allow for the
opening and closing of the mattress topper encasing. The mattress
topper encasing may alternatively provide no edge that can be
opened or closed. Instead, the mattress cover system can be
disposed on top of a mattress and mattress topper without allowing
for insertion or removal of the mattress topper while still
restricting the movement of the mattress topper relative to the
mattress and preventing warping of the mattress topper.
[0025] A mattress cover system can be comprised of a fabric that
can be woven material, non-woven material, knits made of polyester
and/or blends with other textile fibers, and fabrics such as
cotton, nylon, rayon, fiber cotton, polyester, nylon blends, or
other materials known. The mattress encasing and mattress topper
encasing can be comprised of the same or similar materials;
however, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the mattress
encasing and mattress topper encasing could be comprised of
different materials or a combination of different materials.
Further, the mattress cover system may or may not be comprised of a
material that possesses one or more of the following
characteristics: fire retardant, waterproof, non-allergenic,
breathable, substantially impermeable to dust-mites, substantially
impermeable to mold, substantially impermeable to bacteria, and/or
substantially impermeable to fungi. A mattress cover system can be
comprised of materials offering other features desirable to
consumers, including the above-mentioned features and others known
in the field.
[0026] Also disclosed is a bed incorporating the disclosed mattress
cover system. A bed pursuant to the present disclosure includes a
mattress of a standard size known in the art or a custom-sized
mattress. A mattress cover system according to the present
disclosure is disposed on the mattress of the bed. The mattress can
be any size, including, but not limited to: crib, twin, extra-long
twin, full, double, queen, king, European queen, and California
king.
[0027] Also disclosed is a method of installing a mattress topper,
which generally includes disposing the disclosed mattress cover
system on a mattress. The method can also include disposing the
mattress topper in or on the mattress cover system after the
mattress cover system is in place on the mattress.
[0028] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the mattress cover systems, beds, and methods are merely
possible examples of implementations of the mattress cover systems,
beds, and methods, and are merely set forth for a clear
understanding of the principles set forth herein. A person of
ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that other similar
materials can be used pursuant to the present disclosure, and the
teachings of the present disclosure can be adapted to accommodate
other sizes of mattresses, mattress toppers and beds. Many
variations and modifications may be made to the mattress cover
systems, beds, and methods disclosed herein without departing
substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the
following claims.
* * * * *