U.S. patent application number 11/263338 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for posturized bedding or seating product incorporating bonnell coil springs with tapered middle portions.
This patent application is currently assigned to L&P Property Management Company. Invention is credited to Thomas W. Wells.
Application Number | 20070094807 11/263338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37994394 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070094807 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wells; Thomas W. |
May 3, 2007 |
Posturized bedding or seating product incorporating Bonnell coil
springs with tapered middle portions
Abstract
A posturized bedding or seating product is provided comprising a
spring assembly made up of a plurality of parallel rows and columns
of coil springs joined to each other. Each coil spring comprises a
pair of knotted end turns with a plurality of conically tapered
central convolutions therebetween. Certain sections of the product
are made firmer than other sections by inverting the coil springs
of one section relative to another section.
Inventors: |
Wells; Thomas W.; (Joplin,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
L&P Property Management
Company
|
Family ID: |
37994394 |
Appl. No.: |
11/263338 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/716 ; 5/248;
5/727 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/062 20130101;
A47C 27/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/716 ;
005/727; 005/248 |
International
Class: |
A47C 23/04 20060101
A47C023/04 |
Claims
1. A bedding or seating product comprising: a spring core
comprising a plurality of identical coil springs, each of said coil
springs having a first knotted end turn, a second knotted end turn
and a plurality of central convolutions between said knotted end
turns, said central convolutions tapering in diameter from said
first knotted end turn to said second knotted end turn, said spring
core being divided into sections of differing firmness, each of
said sections comprising a plurality of said coil springs, all of
said coil springs of at least one of said sections having said
first knotted end turn above said second knotted end turn and all
of the coil springs of at least one other section having the
springs inverted to locate said first knotted end turn below said
second knotted end turn; padding located above said spring core;
and an upholstered covering surrounding said padding and said
spring core.
2. A bedding or seating product comprising: a spring core
comprising a plurality of identical coil springs arranged in rows
and columns, each of said coil springs having a first knotted end
turn, a second knotted end turn and a plurality of central
convolutions between said knotted end turns, said central
convolutions tapering in diameter from said first knotted end turn
to said second knotted end turn, said spring core being divided
into sections of differing firmness, each of said sections
comprising a plurality of said coil springs, all of said coil
springs of at least one of said sections having said first knotted
end turn above said second knotted end turn and all of the coil
springs of at least one other section having the springs inverted
to locate said first knotted end turn below said second knotted end
turn.
3. The product of claim 2 wherein said sections extend from one
side of the product to an opposing side of the product.
4. The product of claim 2 wherein said sections extend from one end
of the product to an opposing end of the product.
5. The product of claim 2 wherein all of the coil springs are the
same vertical height.
6. The product of claim 2 wherein said coil springs are joined
together with helical lacing wires.
7. The product of claim 6 wherein said helical lacing wires join
coil springs of adjacent rows.
8. The product of claim 6 wherein said helical lacing wires join
coil springs of adjacent columns.
9. The product of claim 2 further comprising at least one border
wire secured to at least some of said coil springs.
10. The product of claim 2 wherein said first and second knotted
end turns of each of said coil springs of said spring core are of
approximately the same diameter.
11. A bedding or seating product having a longitudinal dimension
and a transverse dimension, said longitudinal dimension being
greater than said transverse dimension, said product comprising: a
spring core comprising a plurality of coil springs arranged in
transversely extending rows and longitudinally extending columns,
each of said coil springs having a first knotted end turn, a second
knotted end turn and a plurality of central convolutions between
said knotted end turns, said central convolutions tapering in
diameter from said first knotted end turn to said second knotted
end turn, said spring core being divided into sections of differing
firmness, each of said sections comprising a plurality of said coil
springs, all of said coil springs of at least one of said sections
having said first knotted end turn above said second knotted end
turn and all of the coil springs of at least one other section
having said coil springs inverted to locate said first knotted end
turn below said second knotted end turn.
12. The product of claim 11 wherein all of said coil springs are
substantially identical.
13. The product of claim 11 wherein said spring core further
comprises helical lacing wires encircling adjacent end turns of
adjacent rows of coil springs.
14. The product of claim 11 wherein said spring core further
comprises helical lacing wires encircling adjacent end turns of
adjacent columns of coil springs.
15. The product of claim 11 wherein said spring core further
comprises at least one border wire.
16. The product of claim 11 wherein said first and second end turns
of each of said coil springs have the same diameter.
17. A bedding or seating product comprising: a spring core
comprising a plurality of coil springs arranged in transversely
extending rows and longitudinally extending columns, each of said
coil springs having a first and second knotted end turn of the same
diameter and a plurality of central convolutions between said
knotted end turns, said central convolutions tapering in diameter
from said first knotted end turn to said second knotted end turn,
wherein said spring core has at least one soft section and at least
one firm section, each of said sections comprising a plurality of
said coil springs, all of said coil springs of said at least one
soft section having said coil springs oriented such that said first
knotted end turn is above said second knotted end turn and all of
said coil springs of said at least one firm section having said
coil springs inverted and oriented such that said second knotted
end turn is above said first knotted end turn.
18. The product of claim 17 wherein said spring core further
comprises helical lacing wires joining the end turns of adjacent
coil springs.
19. The product of claim 18 wherein said spring core further
comprises at least one border wire secured to the end turns of the
outermost coil springs of said spring core.
20. The product of claim 17 wherein each of said coil springs is
identical.
21. A method of manufacturing a posturized bedding or seating
product having sections of different firmness comprising the steps
of: a) providing a plurality of identical coil springs arranged in
rows and columns, each of said coil springs having a first knotted
end turn, a second knotted end turn and a plurality of central
convolutions between said knotted end turns, said central
convolutions tapering in diameter from said first knotted end turn
towards said second knotted end turn; b) arranging said coil
springs into rows and columns such that the coil springs of several
adjacent rows are inverted and oriented such that said first
knotted end turn is above said second knotted end turn and the coil
springs of other adjacent rows are oriented such that said second
knotted end turn is above said first knotted end turn; and c)
joining said coil springs together with helical lacing wires.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said rows alternate between
inverted and non-inverted coil springs from one end of said product
to an opposing end of said product.
23. A method of manufacturing a posturized bedding or seating
product having sections of different firmness comprising the steps
of: a) providing a plurality of identical coil springs arranged in
rows and columns, each of said coil springs having a first knotted
end turn, a second knotted end turn and a plurality of central
convolutions between said knotted end turns, said central
convolutions conically tapering in diameter from said first knotted
end turn towards said second knotted end turn; b) arranging said
coil springs into rows and columns such that the coil springs of
several adjacent columns are oriented such that said first knotted
end turn is above said second knotted end turn and the coil springs
of other adjacent columns are inverted and oriented such that said
second knotted end is above said first knotted end turn; and c)
joining said coil springs together with helical lacing wires.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein said columns alternate between
inverted and non-inverted coil springs from one side of said
product to another side of said product.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a posturized bedding or seating
product in which certain sections are firmer than other sections of
the product and the associated method of manufacturing such a
product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional bedding or seating products have a spring core
made of a plurality of coil springs arranged into a matrix of rows
and columns. Each of the coil springs has an upper end turn, a
lower end turn and a plurality of central convolutions
therebetween. The end turns may be knotted or unknotted. Coil
springs having knotted end turns are known as Bonnell springs in
the industry. The diameter of the end turns may be identical to the
diameter of the central convolutions of the coil spring.
Alternatively, the end turns of the coil springs may be of a larger
or smaller diameter than the central convolutions of the coil
spring. In some coil springs, the central convolutions taper from
one end turn to the other. In other coil springs the central
convolutions taper to a smaller diameter and then return to a
larger diameter as they approach the end turns, thereby creating an
"hourglass" shape. Typically, the coil springs are of the same
height for ease of assembly.
[0003] The coil springs are usually connected or joined together by
securing the end turns of adjacent coil springs to each other using
helical lacing wire. The helical lacing wire encircles the end
turns of adjacent coil springs, thus securing adjacent rows or
adjacent columns of coil springs together. By lacing all of the
coil springs together, a unitary spring core or spring assembly is
made. Often one or two generally rectangular border wires are
secured to the outermost coil springs of a spring core or spring
assembly.
[0004] The spring core is commonly covered on one or both surfaces
with padding and then wrapped in an upholstered material. Bedding
or seating products made in this manner using identical coil
springs typically have a uniform feel or firmness across the entire
surface of the product due, at least in part, to the coil springs
being identical and oriented the same direction within the spring
core.
[0005] Other types of products are posturized, that is, different
sections or zones of the bedding or seating product have different
levels of firmness within the product. For example, the middle
region of the mattress, which typically supports a person's torso,
often requires a firmer less resilient support while other areas of
the mattress which support the feet and head of a person require
less support.
[0006] One known method of posturizing a spring unit has been to
incorporate coil springs made of different gauge wire into the
spring core. For example, rows of coil springs within certain
sections or zones of the spring assembly are made of a heavier
gauge wire than the springs incorporated into rows of the other
sections or zones of the spring assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,464
discloses this concept, albeit with continuous bands of springs as
opposed to individual springs. Due to the fact that different coil
springs must be incorporated into the assembled spring core, the
manufacturing cost of producing such a posturized product may be
relatively high and assembly may be difficult.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a posturized spring assembly
and associated method of manufacture which offers the advantages of
posturization of the spring assembly without the higher
manufacturing costs, production difficulties and inefficiencies
associated with known posturized spring assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention comprises a posturized bedding or
seating product made of identical coil springs and its associated
method of manufacture. The bedding or seating product comprises a
posturized spring assembly, one or more pads and an upholstered
covering surrounding the spring assembly and pad(s). The product is
preferably two sided, but may be one sided.
[0009] The spring assembly or spring core within the product
comprises a plurality of identical coil springs arranged in rows
and columns and joined together with helical lacing wires at the
end turns of the coil springs. Each of the coil springs comprises a
first knotted end turn, a second knotted end turn and a plurality
of central convolutions between the knotted end turns. In
accordance with the practice of this invention, the central
convolutions of the spring are conically tapered in diameter from
the first knotted end turn to the second knotted end turn. Such
springs are hereinafter referred to as conically tapered coil
springs and are to be distinguished from cylindrical coil springs
which have all of the central convolutions of approximately the
same diameter or hourglass-shaped springs which have the central
convolutions varying in diameter so as to form an hourglass shape
from top to bottom.
[0010] The bedding or seating product typically has a longitudinal
dimension and a transverse dimension, the longitudinal dimension
being greater than the transverse dimension. However, the
longitudinal dimension and transverse dimension may be identical in
a square bedding or seating product. In the invention, the helical
lacing wires may extend longitudinally or transversely, depending
upon the desired effect.
[0011] At least one border wire may extend around the perimeter of
the spring assembly of the bedding or seating product and be
secured to select outermost coil springs. A first or lower border
may be secured to the lower end turns of the outermost or perimeter
coil springs. A second or upper border wire may be secured to the
upper end turns of the outermost or perimeter coil springs.
Alternatively, either border wire may be secured to intermediate
convolutions of the outermost coil springs.
[0012] The spring core or assembly is divided into zones or
sections of differing firmness, each of the sections comprising a
plurality of rows or a plurality of columns of coil springs secured
together. The zones or sections may extend from side-to-side
(transversely) or from end-to-end (longitudinally) of the
product.
[0013] Due to the conically tapered coil springs in one section,
zone or region of the spring core being oriented differently than
the coil springs in another section of the spring assembly, at
least one section of the spring assembly has a "softer" feel when a
load is placed thereon than at least one other section.
[0014] One aspect of the invention is a bedding or seating product
which includes a spring core having a plurality of identical
conically tapered coil springs. Each of the coil springs has a
first knotted end turn, a second knotted end turn, and a plurality
of central convolutions between the knotted end turns. The central
convolutions taper in diameter from the first knotted end turn to
the second knotted end turn. The spring core is divided into
sections of differing firmness. All of the coil springs of at least
one of the sections have the first knotted end turn above the
second knotted end turn. All of the coil springs of at least one
other section are inverted so as to have the first knotted end turn
below the second knotted end turn. The bedding or seating product
also includes padding located above the spring core and an
upholstered covering surrounding the padding and the spring
core.
[0015] Helical lacing wires join the coil springs together and can
join them in adjacent rows or columns, i.e., extend laterally or
longitudinally of the product. In addition, in some embodiments, a
border wire is secured to some of the coil springs. The differing
firmness sections can extend from one side of the product to the
other side of the product, or, can extend from end-to-end in
different embodiments. In some embodiments, the diameter of the
knotted end turns of the coil springs are identical and in others,
they may differ.
[0016] Another aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing
a posturized bedding or seating product having sections of
different firmness. The method includes providing a plurality of
identical coil springs arranged in rows and columns. Each of the
coil springs has a first knotted end turn, a second knotted end
turn and a plurality of central convolutions between the knotted
end turns. The central convolutions are tapered conically in
diameter from the first knotted end turn towards the second knotted
end turn. The method also includes arranging the coil springs into
rows and columns. The coil springs of several adjacent rows are
oriented such that the first knotted end turn is above the second
knotted end turn, and the coil springs of other adjacent rows are
inverted and oriented such that the second knotted end turn is
above the first knotted end turn. The method also includes joining
the coil springs together with helical lacing wires.
[0017] Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of
manufacturing a posturized bedding or seating product having
sections of different firmness. The method includes providing a
plurality of identical coil springs arranged in rows and columns.
Each of the coil springs has a first knotted end turn, a second
knotted end turn and a plurality of central convolutions between
the knotted end turns. The central convolutions taper conically in
diameter from the first knotted end turn towards the second knotted
end turn. The method also includes arranging the coil springs into
rows and columns. The coil springs of several adjacent columns or
rows are oriented such that the first knotted end turn is above the
second knotted end turn. The coil springs of other adjacent columns
or rows are inverted and oriented such that the second knotted end
turn is above the first knotted end turn. The method also includes
joining the coil springs together with helical lacing wires.
[0018] These and other features of the present invention will be
more readily apparent from the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a posturized bedding product
made in accordance with the present invention comprising a spring
assembly made of identical coil springs surrounded by generally
rectangular border wires;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coil spring made in
accordance with the present invention in a first orientation;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the coil spring of FIG. 2
oriented in a second inverted orientation;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the spring core of
the spring assembly of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4A-4A
of FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top plan view of an alternative
embodiment of spring core assembly made in accordance with the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic top plan view of an alternative
embodiment of spring core assembly made in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top plan view of an alternative
embodiment of spring core assembly made in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there
is illustrated a bedding or seating product in the form of a
mattress 10. Although a mattress 10 is illustrated, the present
invention may be used to construct any bedding or seating product.
The mattress 10 comprises a spring assembly or core 12 having a
generally planar top surface 14 in a top plane P1 and a parallel
generally planar bottom surface 16 in a bottom plane P2. Covering
pads 18 (only one being shown) may be located on the top and bottom
surfaces 14, 16 of the spring core assembly 12. The covering pads
18 are usually formed from a cotton, felt, foam, or a synthetic
fiber, but other materials can be used in other embodiments. An
upholstered covering 20 or ticking encases the spring assembly 12
and the covering pads 18.
[0028] The mattress 10 has a height H defined as the distance
between the top and bottom surfaces 14, 16 of the spring assembly
12. Similarly, the mattress 10 has a transverse dimension or width
W defined between opposed side surfaces 22 and a longitudinal
dimension or length L defined as the distance between the opposed
end surfaces 24 of the mattress 10. The longitudinal dimension is
illustrated as being larger than the transverse dimension of the
mattress 10, although it is within the contemplation of the present
invention that the longitudinal and transverse dimensions be
identical, such as in a square product.
[0029] The spring assembly or core 12 is divided into two sections
26, 28 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. Any number
of sections readily apparent to those skilled in the art may be
used in other embodiments, such as those illustrated herein with
respect to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1, there is a first "soft" section 26 and a second "firm" section
28. The first section 26 is soft or has a "soft" feel because the
coil springs 30 are constructed and oriented such that a
predetermined amount of give or resilience exists within the
springs 30. The second section 28 is a more firm section (firmer
than first section 26) because the coil springs 30 are constructed
and oriented such that a predetermined amount of resilience exists
within the coil springs 30. The construction and orientation of the
coil springs 30 are discussed in detail with respect to FIGS.
2-7.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a single spring 30 of the spring
assembly 12 is illustrated. The coil spring 30 is usually formed
from high carbon steel of between twelve and three-fourths and
fifteen and a half gauge wire. However, those skilled in the art
recognize that other gauges and materials can be used. The spring
30 has a first knotted end turn 32 and a second knotted end turn
34. These types of springs are known as "Bonnell" springs in the
industry. The knotted end turns 32, 34 are formed by bending a wire
into a generally circular shape. The illustrated knotted end turns
32, 34 have identical diameters, but other embodiments have varying
diameters. Positioned between the knotted end turns 32 and 34 is a
middle section 36. The middle section 36 includes a plurality of
convolutions that taper conically from one end of the middle
section 36 to the other. This conically-shaped middle section 36,
which in the illustrated embodiment comprises three full
convolutions, has its largest diameter convolution 37 connected
directly to or terminating at the first end turn 32. The smallest
diameter convolution 37' is connected to the other or second end
turn 34 by a connector section of wire 39. The end of the wire
forming the end turn 32 terminates in a knot 38 that couples the
end turn 32 to the next adjacent convolution and the end turn 34
terminates in a knot 40 that couples end turns 34 to the connector
section 39. The knots 38, 40 are formed by bending or wrapping an
end portion of the length of wire from which the spring is made
around the convolution which is next adjacent the end turns 32, 34.
Positioning or orienting the springs 30 as illustrated in FIG. 2
into a bedding or seating product results in providing more give or
more resilience (softer feel) to the top of the bedding or seating
product having springs so oriented as opposed to having the springs
30 inverted as illustrated in FIG. 3 because the larger turns or
convolutions of the middle section 30 of the spring are at the top
of the product. When the springs are inverted, the smaller diameter
turns of the middle section 36 of the spring 30 are at the top and
the top therefore has a more firm feel and is less resilient
beneath the inverted spring when compressed from the top.
[0031] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, coil
springs 30 are placed inside the mattress 10 in different
orientations. The coil springs 30 of the first section 26 are
oriented as shown in FIG. 2, whereas the coil springs 30 of the
second section 28 are oriented as shown in FIG. 3. In the coil
springs 30 of the first section 26, the first knotted end turn 32
is located proximate to the generally planar top surface 14 of the
mattress 10. Accordingly, the convolutions of the middle section 36
taper from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter as they move
towards the generally planar bottom surface 16. The larger
convolutions located close to the first knotted end turn 32 have a
greater flexibility and deflect more than the smaller convolutions
positioned close to the second knotted end turn 34. Accordingly,
the first section 26 of the mattress 10 has more give and has a
softer feel than the second section 28 of the mattress 10. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the springs 30 of the first section 26 of
the product 10 are positioned in this manner, providing a "soft"
feel.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, like reference characters are used to
denote identical parts. The coil spring 30 is a spring identical to
the coil spring 30 illustrated in FIG. 2 except that the position
or orientation of the coil spring 30 has been inverted. The first
knotted end turn 32 is now below the second knotted end turn 34 in
the illustration. The convolutions of the middle portion 36 now
taper from a large diameter to a smaller diameter as they extend
upwardly. Positioning the coil spring 30 as illustrated in FIG. 3
in the mattress 10 results in more firmness and less resilience in
a portion the bedding or seating product when the coil spring 30 is
compressed from the top.
[0033] For example, placing the spring 30 of FIG. 3 inside the
mattress 10 of FIG. 1 with the second knotted end turn 34 proximate
to the top surface 14 of the mattress 10 provides a firmer top
surface 14 than the bottom surface 16. The second knotted end turn
34 has smaller diameter convolutions positioned close to the
knotted end turn 34 that will not deflect as much as the larger
diameter convolutions. Accordingly, the mattress 10 will have a
firmer feel. The second section 28 of the mattress 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1 has springs 30 positioned in such a manner.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, the spring core 12 of the mattress
10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated from a diagrammical top view. The
mattress 10 of FIG. 1 is commonly referred to as a "his and her"
mattress. The "his and her" name refers to the fact that there are
two sections having different levels of firmness. Therefore, a
couple can choose a mattress and custom design the levels of
firmness to each of their personal preferences. The mattress 10 is
divided into the first section 26 and the second section 28. The
first section 26 has a soft feel, which is illustrated by the coil
springs 30 having two closely spaced concentric circles
representing the first knotted end turn 32 and the larger diameter
convolution 37 of the middle portion 36 of a coil spring 30. In
contrast, the second section 28 of the mattress 10 has a "firm"
feel (firmer than the first section 26) illustrated by the springs
30 having two further spaced concentric circles representing the
second knotted end turn 34 and the smaller diameter convolution 37'
of the middle portion 36 of the coil spring 30.
[0035] All of the springs 30 are joined together using the helical
lacing wires 42. FIG. 4 illustrates the springs being laced
together in columns that run parallel to the length of the mattress
10 or from end-to-end. FIG. 4 illustrates a border wire 44
surrounding the spring assembly 12 and secured to outermost coil
springs 30 of the spring assembly 12, thereby providing edge
support to the spring assembly 12, as is known in the art.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an identical mattress 10' to the one
illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the helical lacing wires 42'
joining the springs 30 together extend in a transverse direction
connecting adjacent rows, as opposed to adjacent columns of springs
30, the helical lacing wires 42' extending from side-to-side. In
addition, FIG. 5 illustrates a border wire 44' surrounding a spring
assembly 12' and providing edge support to the spring assembly 12'.
The mattress 10' has a "soft" section 26' and a "firm" section 28'
due to the orientation of the coil springs 30, as described
above.
[0037] FIG. 4A illustrates how the springs 30 are positioned along
one of the transversely extending rows of springs 30 illustrated in
FIG. 4. The first section 26 of the mattress 10 has springs 30
positioned so that the first knotted end turn 32 is above the
second knotted end turn 34. The first knotted end turn 32 is also
proximate to the top surface 14 of the mattress 10. Due to the
springs 30 having this orientation or positioning, the first
section 26 has a soft feel. Conversely, the second section 28 has
springs 30 inverted and positioned with the first knotted end turn
32 below the second knotted end turn 34. The second knotted end
turn 34 and the smaller convolutions of the middle portions 36 of
the springs 30 are proximate to the top surface 14 of the mattress
10. This positioning results in a firmer feel in the second section
28 compared to the first section 26.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a mattress 46
that has three sections of differing firmness. Identical reference
characters are used to describe identical parts. The three sections
alternate moving along the longitudinal dimension or length of the
mattress 46. Adjacent columns of springs 30 also joined together
using helical lacing wires 42'', the helical lacing wires 42''
extending along the longitudinal dimension of the mattress 46 (from
end-to end). The first section 48 is a soft section. This soft
section 48 as illustrated includes five transversely extending rows
along the longitudinal dimension. This provides a soft area that
will support either the head and shoulder or the feet and legs of a
person lying on the mattress. The first section 48 therefore does
not need as much resilience because the first section 48 is not
supporting the heavier parts of the body. The second section 50 is
a firmer section that includes six transversely extending rows of
springs as illustrated. The second section 50 is firmer than the
first section 48 to provide support for the upper and lower torso,
the heavier parts of the body. Therefore, the second section 50
needs more resistance to support those heavy parts of the body. The
third section 52 is identical to the first section, positioned only
on the other end of the mattress 46. Together, the first, second
and third sections 48, 50, and 52 provide a posturized mattress 46
that increases the support where it is needed most, in the middle
of the product or mattress.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a
mattress 54 is illustrated. Identical reference characters denote
identical parts. In this embodiment, the three sections are
arranged alternatively along the transverse dimension or width of
the mattress 54. The first section 56 is a firm section along the
outer portion of the mattress 54. The second section 58 is a softer
section arranged in the central portion of the mattress 54. In
addition, the third section 60 is another firmer section. This
positioning creates a soft central section 58 surrounded by the
firmer sections 56 and 60. A consumer that desires a soft area to
sleep in with outer support would prefer this arrangement.
[0040] Although I have described several preferred embodiments of
our invention, I do not intend to be limited except by the scope of
the following claims.
* * * * *