U.S. patent application number 11/343050 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-02 for mattress protector.
Invention is credited to Mary Smith.
Application Number | 20070174962 11/343050 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38320513 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070174962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Mary |
August 2, 2007 |
Mattress protector
Abstract
A mattress or surface protector is provided. The mattress or
surface protector comprises a generally non-absorbent top layer and
a waterproof/breathable bottom layer. The top layer and bottom
layer are connected by borders providing a mechanism to inhibit
spills from traversing the edges of the protector. The borders have
straps that can be secured about the corners of the mattress or
surface to anchor the protector.
Inventors: |
Smith; Mary; (Denver,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLLAND & HART, LLP
P.O BOX 8749
DENVER
CO
80201
US
|
Family ID: |
38320513 |
Appl. No.: |
11/343050 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/484 ;
5/691 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/484 ;
005/691 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/12 20060101
A47C027/12; A47G 9/00 20060101 A47G009/00 |
Claims
1. A surface protector having, comprising: a top water permeable
layer having a first length and a second length a
waterproof/breathable bottom layer substantially aligned with the
top layer; at least one border connecting in a non-removable manner
the top layer and the waterproof/breathable layer of the surface
protector at an edge, the border forming a lip on the top layer,
the lip substantially surrounding the top layer; and a pair of
straps at a plurality of corners such that for each of the
plurality of corners having a pair of straps each strap of the pair
of straps are to extend from the top of the surface to be protected
and are connectable to each other having a portion beneath the
surface to be protected.
2. The protector of claim 1, wherein the top water permeable layer
is non-absorbent.
3. The protector of claim 1, further comprising a padding layer
between the top layer and the waterproof/breathable layer.
4. The protector of claim 1, wherein the at least one border
comprises a plurality of border.
5. The protector of claim 4, wherein the plurality of border
comprises: a first border along a first side of the protector, the
first boarder terminating in straps at either end extending beyond
the first side of the protector; a second border along a second
side of the protector, the second side opposite the first side and
substantially parallel the first side, the second border
terminating in straps and extending beyond the second side of the
protector; a third border along a third side of the protector, the
third side connecting the first side and the second side and
substantially perpendicular to the first side, the third border
terminating in straps and extending beyond the third side of the
protector; and a fourth border along a forth side of the protector,
the fourth side opposite and parallel to the third side and
connecting the first side and the second side, the fourth border
terminating in straps and extending beyond the fourth side of the
protector, wherein the straps are tied to secure the protector to a
surface being protected.
6. The protector of claim 1, wherein the at least one border
comprises an absorbent material.
7. The protector of claim 1, wherein the border comprises a
waterproof/breathable material.
8. An apparatus to prevent liquid from penetrating to a surface;
the apparatus comprising: a pad, the pad comprising a plurality of
edges, each edge have an edge length; the pad comprising a top
water permeable fabric layer and a bottom waterproof/breathable
fabric layer; and a border along each of the plurality of edges
such that the borders substantially surround the pad, the border
connecting in a non-removable manner the top water permeable fabric
layer and the bottom waterproof/breathable layer, each border
having a boarder length longer than the edge length and terminating
at each end in a strap, wherein the pad is connected to a surface
by tying the straps of successive boarders together, such that the
straps extend from above the surface to under the surface to be
protected.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pad further comprises a
padding layer between the top fabric layer and bottom
waterproof/breathable fabric layer.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the border are stitched to
the pad.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the border are adhered to the
pad.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the border are welded to the
pad.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the border comprise: an upper
border connected to the top fabric layer; a bottom border connected
to the bottom waterproof/breathable fabric layer; and a side
connecting the upper border to the bottom border.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a lip where the
upper border connects to the top fabric layer.
15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the border comprises a
waterproof material.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the border is a
waterproof/breathable material.
17. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the border is an absorbent
material.
18. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the top water permeable layer
is non-absorbent.
19. A mattress protector releasably connectable to a mattress
having a length and a width, the mattress having a first side, a
second side opposite the first side, a third side connecting the
first side and second side, and a fourth connecting the first side
and the second side opposite the third side forming a generally
rectangular shape, the mattress protector comprising: a top water
permeable fabric, the top water permeable fabric having a length
and width substantially identical to the mattress length and width;
a bottom waterproof/breathable fabric, the bottom
waterproof/breathable fabric substantially aligned with the top
water permeable layer; a padding interspersed between the top water
permeable fabric and the bottom waterproof/breathable fabric; a
plurality of U-shaped borders substantially surrounding the
protector, the plurality of U-shaped borders comprising an upper
border connected to the top water permeable fabric, a lower border
connected to the bottom waterproof/breathable fabric, and a side
connecting the upper border and the lower boarder and non-removably
connecting the top water permeable fabric, the padding, and bottom
waterproof/breathable fabric, a plurality of straps corresponding
to a plurality of corners of the mattress for releasably coupling
the mattress protector with the mattress by connecting the
plurality of straps such that at least one of the straps extends
from above to below the mattress at each corner, wherein the border
inhibits liquid from traversing edges of the pad.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to bedding and, more
particularly, to a mattress protector or pad to prevent seepage of
liquid to or soiling of a mattress or top sheet of a made bed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Preventing fluid from contacting a bedding top sheet or
seeping through to a mattress is an age-old problem. Many solutions
have been presented, but those solutions leave much to be
desired.
[0003] One popular solution is a "mattress pad." Mattress pads,
however, are typically waterproof vinyl sheets. While the
waterproof vinyl sheet prevents liquid from passing or seeping
through, large spills or accidents traverse the sides of the
mattress pad and contaminate the underlying mattress or top sheet.
Also, a vinyl back sheet is not breathable and causes the bedding
to become hot and uncomfortable to a person.
[0004] To inhibit liquid from traversing the sides of the mattress
pad, some products include a super moisture absorbent material on
the vinyl sheet. The waterproof vinyl sheet resides between the
super absorbent material and the surface to be protected, such as
the mattress. The super absorbent material wicks or pulls moisture
from the source, for example, the person, and retains the liquid
suspended in the material. The liquid moves from the source through
the material by convection or the like. By pulling the moisture
away from the source, a person (for example) would not feel the
discomfort associated with the moisture. Over time, the super
absorbent material may become saturated or traverse to the edge of
the super absorbent material. At which time, the liquid may
traverse the edge of the mattress pad or penetrate the mattress pad
and contaminate the underlying mattress or top sheet.
[0005] Moreover, with lesser amounts of liquid, the spill may be
retained in the super absorbent material undetected by the users.
The waterproof backing causes the moisture (whether retained in the
super absorbent material or not) to stagnate. The stagnated liquid
can become infected and is at a minimum unhygienic. Some pads with
absorbent material include antibacterial materials to reduce the
probability of bacteria growing. Adding antibacterial material
partially solves the issue, but increases costs and complexity of
the protector. Also, antibacterial material only partially inhibits
the growth of bacteria.
[0006] The conventional mattress pad provides limited protection
and hygienic issues as described above in the best of situations.
Most mattress pads suffer the additional drawback of being either
fitted sheets, connectable only to bed posts or rails, or free
standing.
[0007] Fitted sheets work well to protect a mattress and prevent
movement of the pad. But once liquid is spilled on the fitted
sheet, the sheet is difficult to remove. In some instances, liquid
contained by the fitted sheet can contact the mattress during the
struggle to remove a contaminated sheet. Sheets connectable to bed
posts or rails only have limited applicability. These pads have
ties or snaps on the edges that hook around crib rails or bedposts.
Freestanding sheets can be used on most beds. But they tend to
move, bunch, or the like even if tucked under the mattress causing
the underlying surface to become exposed. Other solutions to fix
the pad to the mattress tend to involve complex attachment
mechanisms.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,621,149, to Blissitt, discloses an early
mattress pad. Blissitt comprises a protective sheet above and below
a mattress. The protective sheets each consist of a rubber, water
impervious, non-breathable bottom layer closest to the mattress
proper. The protective sheets are maintained in place by straps on
the top sheet connectable to buckles attached to the bottom
sheet.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,620,494, to Kay, discloses another mattress
pad. Kay comprises rubber water impervious, non-breathable layer
closest to the mattress. Sewn to the rubber layer is a pair of mesh
materials. Loops coupled to the edges of the mesh materials allow a
strap to be threaded through the loops. When placed on the
mattress, the strap is tightened causing the loops to pull the
edges down and secure the sheet to the mattress.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,761,973, to Leventhal, discloses another
mattress pad. Leventhal provides a series absorption pads, with
water impervious, non-breathable bottoms, sealed to each other. The
series of absorption pads are attached to a bottom sheet, which can
be tucked to secure the mattress pad protector. As each of the
series are spoiled, they can be removed by ripping the soiled
absorption pads away from the series of absorption pads.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,002, to Strong, discloses a mattress pad
including absorbent material. Strong provides a bottom non-liquid
permeable sheet on which shredded material is located. The shredded
material absorbs any spills.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,391,010, to Kronman, discloses another
absorbent mattress pad. Kronman provides a thin liquid impervious
material that supports a liquid absorbent material. The sheet is
sufficiently wide to allow it to be tucked under the mattress to
secure the mattress pad in place.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,474, to Svensson, discloses another
absorbent mattress pad. In particular, Svensson provides filaments
in the absorbent layer to section the absorbent layer and prevent
it from stiffening while it becomes saturated with liquid to
further the use of pad after it is soiled.
[0014] United States Patent Application Publication 2002/0124313,
to Cook et al., discloses another mattress pad. Cook et al.
discloses a flexible sheet having a "pouch pair." The pouch pair
releasable holds an absorbent article. As the absorbent article is
soiled, it can be removed, replaced, and washed. The flexible sheet
is secured to the mattress by tucking the flexible sheet under the
mattress.
[0015] United States Patent Application Publication 2003/0121101,
to Corzani et al., and United States Patent Application Publication
2003/0163870, to Porter et al., disclose disposable mattress pads.
In particular, the disposable pad comprises a moisture permeable
fibrous layer having a waterproof/breathable thermoplastic coating.
Corzani et al. and Porter et al. are disposable pads because the
waterproof/breathable thermoplastic coating washes away after a few
washings.
[0016] Thus, it would be desirous to provide a mattress protector
that is easily securable to any type of mattress and bed frame to
prevent the protector from moving, bunching, and the like.
Moreover, it would be desirous to provide a mattress protector that
did not lose its waterproof/breathable backing after a few washes.
Also, it would be desirous to provide a mattress protector that
inhibited liquid from traversing the edges of the protector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] To attain the advantages of and in accordance with the
purpose of the present invention, a surface protector is provided.
The surface protector comprises a top water top water permeable
layer having a first length and a second length. The lengths are
typically consistent with the mattress or surface being protected.
A waterproof/breathable bottom layer is substantially aligned with
the top layer. The top and bottom layer are connected with at least
one border connecting the top layer and the waterproof/breathable
layer of the surface protector at an edge, the border forming a lip
on the top layer. A pair of straps at a plurality of corners such
that the pair of straps can be connected beneath the surface to be
protected
[0018] The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the following more
particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention
as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts
throughout, and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an top side plan view of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a corner of the invention
partially exploded;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows the invention of FIG. 1 attached to an
underlying surface;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows an alternative connector to the one shown in
FIG. 4; and
[0025] FIG. 6 shows another connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention will be described with reference to
FIGS. 1-6. While the present invention is described with reference
to a mattress protector, one of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize on reading the disclosure that the invention described
herein can be used to protect any number of surfaces including, for
example, chairs, car seats, tabletops, and the like.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a top elevation view of mattress
protector 100 is shown. Mattress protector 100 includes a top layer
102 and a bottom layer 104 (which is better seen in FIGS. 2 and 3).
Top layer 102 can be any fabric and is designed primarily for
comfort. Top layer 102 my be, for example, a cotton, fleece, knit,
woven, or non-woven. Bottom layer 104 is a waterproof breathable
fabric, such as, for example, GOR-TEX.RTM. available from W. L.
Gore & Associates, Inc. Unlike the waterproof/breathable
treatments described above, waterproof/breathable fabrics retain
the waterproof/breathability after numerous washings. Optionally,
one or more padding layers 106 (seen in FIGS. 2 and 3) may be
provided between top layer 102 and bottom layer 104 for comfort.
Padding layer 106 may be a woven or non-woven fabric, with or
without foams. Top layer 102 and any padding layer 106 are water
permeable layers, but not especially designed to be absorbent.
Because they are not particularly absorbent, a user or caregiver
would readily detect when the pad is wet or soiled. Generally, top
layer 102, bottom layer 104, and any padding layer 106 are the same
size and comprise a width W and length L.
[0028] Top layer 102 and bottom layer 104, as well as padding layer
106 if used, are connected together by a plurality of borders 108
and 110. Border 108 is aligned along the length of mattress
protector 100 and has a length L'. Border 110 is aligned along the
width of mattress protector 100 and has a length W'. L' and W' are
each longer than L and W such that each of borders 108 and 110 have
a pair of straps 118 extending beyond edges 120 of mattress
protector 100. While shown as separate, borders 108 and 110 may be
combined into a single board. Moreover, straps 118 are shown as
contiguous with borders 108 and 110, but straps 118 may be separate
as a matter of design choice. As seen in FIG. 3, borders 108 and
110 comprise a U shaped ribbon fabric with an upper border 112, a
side 114, and a lower border 116. Upper border 112 is attached to
top layer 102 using a stitch 124. Lower border 116 is attached to
bottom layer 104 using stitch 124 also. Stitch 124 can be replaced
with an adhesive layer 126 on the inside of borders 108 and 110.
Borders 108 and 110 inhibit any liquid from traversing past the
edges of mattress protector 100 and potentially soiling the
underlying mattress. Borders 108 and 110 may comprise a waterproof
material, such as vinyl, or a waterproof/breathable materials, such
as GORE-TEX.RTM.. Alternatively, borders 108 and 110 may comprise
an absorbent material to inhibit liquid from traversing the
edges.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, a corner 122 of mattress protector 100
is shown partially exploded. For convenience and easy of reference,
borders 108 and 110 as well as straps 118 have been removed in FIG.
2. As shown, top layer 102, bottom layer 104, and padding layer 106
are shown as generally the same size. However, the layers can vary
in size as a matter of design choice. Optionally, an adhesive 202
could be applied between top layer 102 and padding layer 106 to
maintain the alignment of top layer 102 and padding layer 106.
Adhesive 202 also may inhibit bunching. An adhesive 204 could be
applied between padding 106 and bottom layer 104 as well. Adhesives
202 and 204 could be used together or separately. Adhesives 202 and
204 could be the same or different material and comprise a glue or
heat weld material.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of mattress
protector 100 along width W is shown. Mattress protector 100
includes optional padding layer 106 between top layer 102 and
bottom layer 104. U shaped borders 108 reside on opposite ends of
mattress protector 100. A cross-sectional view of mattress
protector 100 along length L would be substantially the same and is
not shown for convenience. Borders 108 including upper border 112,
lower border 116 and side 114. Borders 108, top layer 102, bottom
layer 104, and optional padding layer 106 may be connected together
using stitch 124, as shown for the left border 108 in FIG. 2.
Alternatively, coupling material 126, such as an adhesive or a
thermal weld, may be used to connect the layers together as shown
on the right border 108 in FIG. 2. While shown as a continuous
adhesive or weld layer, coupling material 126 may be
non-contiguous.
[0031] As shown, upper border 112 provides a lip 302. For large
spills or accidents, lip 302 inhibits liquid from traversing the
edges of mattress protector 100 and further inhibits the ability of
spills or accidents to soil the surface or bedding beneath the
protector. Lower border 116 provides a similar lip 304. Lip 302 and
lip 304 extend substantially around edge 120 of protector 100 to
inhibit large spills from traversing the edges.
[0032] As mentioned in relation to the prior art, one of the
defects with current mattress pads are that they either use fitted
sheets, are free standing, have complex attachment mechanisms, or
are designed for use with particular types of bed frames. Mattress
protector 100 is generally sized with a length L and a width W
sufficient for a particular style mattress 400, such as crib, twin,
double, queen, king, or the like. Borders 108 and 110 are arranged
such that a pair of straps 118 exist at each corner of mattress
protector 100. Straps 118 can be tied together using a knot 402
under each corner 404 of mattress 400. Thus, the mattress protector
100 is easily fitted to any style mattress and bed frame.
Alternative to the knot 402, which could be any conventional knot
although a bow is envisioned, straps 118 could be connected using
snaps 500, shown in FIG. 5. Snaps 500 include a male portion 502
snapped into female potion 504. Alternatively, each pair of straps
118 could have a hook and loop connector 600. Hook and loop
connector 600 would comprise hook material 602 and corresponding
loop material 604 on ends 606 of straps 118. The loop and hook
material would engage and hold straps 118 in place, similar to
VELCRO.RTM., which is available from Velcro Industries B.V.
[0033] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes
in the form and details may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *