U.S. patent application number 12/025888 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for variable coil density anisotropic innersprings.
Invention is credited to James A. Beamon, Larry K. DeMoss, Brian M. Manuszak, Wayne Rumbaugh.
Application Number | 20090193591 12/025888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40930207 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090193591 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeMoss; Larry K. ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
VARIABLE COIL DENSITY ANISOTROPIC INNERSPRINGS
Abstract
Variable coil density anisotropic innersprings in which the
placement and density of the coils or spring units varies between
one or more regions or areas of the innerspring to provide
innersprings with different average spring rates in different zones
or regions of the innerspring. Various anisotropic arrangements of
coils in innersprings are disclosed.
Inventors: |
DeMoss; Larry K.;
(Greensboro, NC) ; Beamon; James A.; (Jamestown,
NC) ; Manuszak; Brian M.; (Thomasville, NC) ;
Rumbaugh; Wayne; (High Point, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROETZEL & ANDRESS
1375 EAST 9TH STREET
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
40930207 |
Appl. No.: |
12/025888 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/716 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 23/0522 20130101;
A47C 23/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/716 |
International
Class: |
A47C 23/04 20060101
A47C023/04 |
Claims
1. An anisotropic variable coil density innerspring comprising a
plurality of coils interconnected in an anisotropic array wherein
relative spacing between axes of the coils arranged in rows and
columns in the array is not constant throughout the innerspring,
and lacing wires which extend between the coils to interconnect the
coils in the anisotropic array and maintain the relative spacing
between the axes of the coils.
2. The innerspring of claim 1 wherein the coils in at least two
columns of coils of the array located at longitudinal perimeters of
the innerspring are more closely spaced than other coils in the
array.
3. The innerspring of claim 1 wherein the spacing of coils in each
row of the coils of the innerspring is not constant and the spacing
of coils in each column of coils of the innerspring is
constant.
4. The innerspring of claim 1 wherein a density of coils in the
longitudinal perimeter regions of the innerspring is greater than a
density of coils in other regions of the innerspring.
5. The innerspring of claim 1 wherein an average spring rate of the
longitudinal perimeter regions is greater than an average spring
rate of other regions of the innerspring.
6. An innerspring comprising: an anisotropic array of
interconnected coils arranged in columns in rows with a common
number of coils in each column and row; at least two columns of
coils spaced apart at a first distance, and at least two other
column of coils spaced at a second distance which is greater than
the first distance; the coils being interconnected by lacing wires
located between each row of coils and oriented transverse to the
columns of coils.
7. The innerspring of claim 6 wherein perimeter longitudinal
regions of the innerspring each comprise at least two columns of
coils spaced apart at the first distance.
8. The innerspring of claim 6 wherein a central longitudinal region
is comprised of at least two columns of coils spaced at the first
distance, and columns of coils lateral to the central longitudinal
region are spaced from the central longitudinal region at the
second distance.
9. The innerspring of claim 6 wherein the lacing wires extend
between columns of coils spaced at the first distance and columns
of coils spaced at the second distance.
10. An anisotropic innerspring with different numbers of coils in
different regions of the innerspring, the innerspring comprising; a
plurality of interconnected coils arranged with axes of the coils
parallel and ends of the coils located in common respective planes,
the innerspring having multiple regions defined by groups of coils
with axes of the coils spaced apart at a common distance, including
a first region with coil axes spaced at a first distance and a
second region with coil axes spaced at a second distance which is
greater than the first distance; the coils of the multiple regions
of the innerspring being interconnected by lacing wires which
extend between the coils and from one region of the innerspring to
another region of the innerspring.
11. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein the plurality
of interconnected coils are arranged in columns and rows.
12. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 11 wherein the first
region includes at least a portion of a perimeter of the
innerspring.
13. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein the first
region includes at least two adjacent rows or columns of coils.
14. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein the second
region includes at least two adjacent rows or columns of coils.
15. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein the first
region extends along a length of the innerspring.
16. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein rows of coils
of the innerspring are spaced apart at a constant distance in all
regions of the innerspring.
17. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein the lacing
wires extend transversely between columns of coils and from one
region of the innerspring to another region of the innerspring.
18. The anisotopic innerspring of claim 10 wherein columns of coils
of the innerspring are spaced apart at a constant distance in all
regions of the innerspring.
19. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein a coil density
in one region of the innerspring is at least 25% greater than a
coil density in another region of the innerspring.
20. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein a region of the
innerspring with a relatively greater density of coils than another
region includes at least a portion of a perimeter of the
innerspring.
21. The anisotropic innerspring of claim 10 wherein a region of the
innerspring with a relatively greater density of coils than another
region is at least partially located in a central region of the
innerspring.
22. An innerspring comprising: a plurality of interconnected coils
arranged with axes of the coils parallel and respective ends of the
coils in common planes which define opposed support planes of the
innerspring; a first group of coils arranged with axes of the coils
of the first group spaced apart at a common first distance, the
first group of coils defining a first region of the innerspring; a
second group of coils arranged with axes of the coils of the second
group spaced apart at a common second distance which is greater
than the common first distance, the second group of coils defining
a second region of the innerspring, whereby a density of coils in
the first region is greater than a density of coils in the second
region, and a coil density of the first region is greater than a
coil density of the second region.
23. The innerspring of claim 22 wherein the first region of the
innerspring has a higher spring rate than the second region of the
innerspring.
24. The innerspring of claim 22 wherein all of the coils of the
innerspring are located in parallel rows which extend through the
first region and through the second region.
25. The innerspring of claim 22 wherein all of the coils of the
innerspring are located in parallel columns which extend through
the first region and through the second region.
26. The innerspring of claim 22 wherein the coils are arranged in
columns and rows and wherein the coils are spaced at a common
distance in each row of coils of the innerspring.
27. The innerspring of claim 22 wherein the coils are arranged in
columns and rows and wherein the coils are spaced at a common
distance in each column of coils of the innerspring.
28. The innerspring of claim 22 wherein the coils are
interconnected by lacing wires which extend between each row of
coils and which extend from the first region to the second region
of the innerspring.
29. The innerspring of claim 22 further comprising a third group of
coils defining a third region of the innerspring wherein axes of
the coils in the third group are spaced at a common third distance
which is different from the spacing of coils in the first region
and different from the spacing of coils in the second region.
30. The innerspring of claim 22 in a one-sided mattress.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] There are no pending applications related to this
application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is in the general field of support
structures and systems and, more particularly, flexible support
structures which include springs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Spring systems for mattress and other reflexive support
structures as used in furniture and seating typically have an array
of interconnected springs or other recoil devices which support a
reflexive support surface. Internal springs in mattresses
("innersprings") commonly have a plurality of interconnected
individual spring units in a matrix with parallel rows and columns.
In one of the most common types of mattress innersprings, which can
be made by an automated wire-forming process, rows of helical wire
springs or "coils" are produced and lined up for insertion into an
innerspring assembler which connects adjacent rows of coils by a
lacing wire which runs between the rows transverse to a length of
the innerspring. The spacing between the coils in each row is
uniform, and can be set by adjustment of the innerspring assembler
and held in position by the lacing wire. Innersprings of different
sizes are made by changing the number of coils in each row and the
total number of rows. The coil density and resultant spring rate,
support characteristics and feel, such as stiffness and extent of
recoil, however is uniform throughout the innerspring where the
coils are evenly distributed. Some innersprings also have a larger
diameter border wire which is connected to the tops of the coils
about a perimeter of the innerspring.
[0004] Sleeping mattresses are constructed with a wide variety of
materials over and about the innerspring. Some of the materials are
provided for enhancing the structural and reflexive properties of
the innerspring, including support characteristics at the edges of
the innerspring and mattress. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,532
discloses foam wall structures which fit with the perimeter coils
of a mattress innerspring to stiffen the edges of the mattress.
Regardless of the amount or different types of materials positioned
about the innerspring or even connected to the innerspring, the
homogeneous isotropic spring properties and support characteristics
of the innerspring as a result of the even spacing and placement of
the coils or spring units is not altered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present disclosure is of anisotropic innersprings in
which the placement and density of the coils or spring units varies
between one or more regions or areas of the innerspring. As used
herein, the terms "anisotropic" and "anisotropy" are used with
reference to innersprings in the physical meaning, i.e., having
unequal physical properties in different areas or zones or regions
or in different dimensions. In the context of innersprings, the
anisotropy refers to the density of springs or coils and the
consequent average spring rate and/or firmness of different regions
of the innerspring resulting from the density and arrangement of
coils in one or more regions of the innerspring, which differs from
the density and arrangement of coils and average spring rate in
other regions of the same innerspring. A region of an anisotropic
innerspring of the disclosure is defined by groups of a plurality
of coils which are positioned relatively at a common spacing or
density. The spacing of the coils within the regions is different
from region to region, so that the coil density is different from
region to region. The padding and upholstery materials which are
combined with the innerspring to form a mattress may be selected
and arranged according to the density of coils of the region of the
innerspring over which the materials are positioned.
[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure and invention is an
anisotropic innerspring with different numbers of coils in
different regions of the innerspring, the innerspring having a
plurality of interconnected coils arranged with axes of the coils
parallel and ends of the coils located in common respective planes,
the innerspring having multiple regions defined by groups of coils
with axes of the coils spaced apart at a common distance, including
a first region with coil axes spaced at a first distance and a
second region with coil axes spaced at a second distance which is
greater than the first distance; the coils of the multiple regions
of the innerspring being interconnected by lacing wires which
extend between the coils and from one region of the innerspring to
another region of the innerspring.
[0007] And a further general concept of the disclosure and
invention is an innerspring of the type which can be used in a
mattress or other flexible support system which has a plurality of
interconnected coils arranged with axes of the coils parallel and
respective ends of the coils in common planes which define opposed
support planes of the innerspring; a first group of coils arranged
with axes of the coils of the first group spaced apart at a common
first distance, the first group of coils defining a first region of
the innerspring; a second group of coils arranged with axes of the
coils of the second group spaced apart at a common second distance
which is greater than the second fixed distance, the second group
of coils defining a second region of the innerspring, whereby a
density of coils in the first region is greater than a density of
coils in the second region, and a coil density of the first region
is greater than a coil density of the second region.
[0008] These and other concepts and aspects of the disclosure and
the inventions hereof are described in further detail in the
following Detailed Description made with reference to the
accompanying Drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a variable coil
density anisotropic innerspring and an enlargement of an edge
region thereof, and
[0010] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a the variable coil density
anisotropic innerspring of FIG. 1, and
[0011] FIGS. 3-12 are plan views of alternate embodiments of
variable coil density anisotropic innersprings of the disclosure,
each having different patterns, arrangements and zones of coils in
the innersprings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0012] As shown in the Figures, a variable coil density anisotropic
innerspring, indicated in its entirety at 10, is assembled with a
plurality of springs or coils 20, shown as generally helical form
coils with first and second (or upper and lower) ends 21, 22 and a
coil body 23, which as illustrated is in the form of a helix which
extends between the coil ends. Other types and shapes of springs or
coils may be used in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure, which is primarily concerned with the placement and
relative placement of springs or coils within an innerspring, and
is therefore not limited to any particular type or shape of spring
or coil. As used herein, the term "coil" means and includes all
forms of springs and coils which can be used in an innerspring
constructed according to the principles of the disclosure.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the innerspring 10 is made up of a
plurality of coils 20 arranged in a matrix or array, with coils
generally aligned in rows R and columns C, with axes of the coils
parallel, and respective ends of the coils in common planes which
define planar support or spring surfaces of the innerspring. The
number of coils in each row and column is dictated by the overall
design size of the innerspring. The innerspring width W is
generally determined by the number and spacing of coils in each row
R. The innerspring length L is generally determined by the number
and spacing of coils in each column C. Although described with
reference to width W and length L, such reference is for
explanatory purposes only and the relative anisotropic arrangement
of the coils is not limited to the exact form shown.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary variable coil density
anisotropic innerspring in which the columns C11-C13 and columns
Cr1-Cr3, located at respective longitudinal perimeters or perimeter
regions of the innerspring 10, are arranged at a lateral spacing
between the columns (or between the axes of the coils) less than a
lateral spacing between the coils of the remaining columns C.
Although illustrated in groupings of he adjacent columns C11-C13
and Cr1-Cr3 which define the longitudinal perimeters or perimeter
regions of the innerspring, the disclosure includes other numbers
or groupings of columns or rows with spacings different than, i.e.
less than or greater than, other numbers or groups of columns or
rows of coils within an innerspring, which form groups or regions
of coils which are distinct from other groups or regions of coils
by the difference in relative spacing between the axes of the coils
within a group or region. For a mattress innerspring, the present
disclosure provides coil anisotropy by greater coil density, as a
result of closer relative spacing between coil axes and columns, in
this example along the longitudinal peripheral regions defined by
columns C11-C13 and columns Cr1-Cr3. This produces greater rigidity
and stiffness along the longitudinal edge region of the mattress
which is desirable for increased edge support, anti-roll-off, and
resistance to permanent set resulting from use of the longitudinal
edge as a seating surface.
[0015] In conventional innersprings, the relative lateral spacing
between helical form coils in each row of coils, i.e., the lateral
distance between the axes of two adjacent coils or between the
outermost radii of two adjacent coils, is commonly measured and set
with reference to the coil pitch, which is the linear distance from
one convolution of the coil to an adjacent convolution, measured at
the outer radius of the coil convolutions and parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the coil. A typical uniform coil spacing in an
innerspring may be, for example, two pitches, meaning that each
coil is laterally spaced from adjacent coils in a row at a distance
of one to two times the coil pitch. The coil spacing thus set
determines the coil density and overall spring rate of the
innerspring. The coil spacing between adjacent rows of coils is
generally very close, even to the point of being tangent or with
some overlap, as is necessary for the small diameter helical lacing
wire to wrap around the adjacent convolutions at the ends of the
coils. Thus the lateral spacing of the coils in each row can be
adjusted and varied in accordance with the present disclosure, as
for example by setting the innerspring assembler spacing. One
representative example of lateral spacing of coils in the rows, as
shown in FIG. 1, is zero or tangential spacing of the coils in
columns C11-C31 and C1r-C3r, and one to two pitch or more spacing
of the remaining coils in each row. The disclosure includes any
spacing or variable spacing of any coils or groups of coils in a
row, which spacing may or may not be repeated from row to row.
[0016] Other non-limiting examples and embodiments include closer
coil spacing on one side or end of an innerspring; spacing which
gradually or abruptly increases or decreases in the width or length
directions of the innerspring or in both the width and length
directions; variable spacing which alternates, such as pairs or
groups of coils which are closely spaced or tangent with the pairs
or groups separated by larger spacings; or different coil spacings
from row to row, such as one row wherein the coils are closely
spaced or tangent, and another row wherein the coils are at greater
spacings. For automated assembly of innersprings of the disclosure,
any coil spacing which the innerspring assembler can establish can
be used to produce a variable coil density anisotropic innerspring
of the disclosure.
[0017] The variable coil density anisotropic innersprings of the
disclosure can be manufactured with the same total number of coils
as in conventional isotropic innersprings of the same overall size,
e.g. twin, queen, king, because the conservation of coil spaces in
the more dense regions is used in the less dense regions.
[0018] Another aspect of the innerspring designs of the disclosure,
wherein there are regions of the innerspring with differing coil
density as a result of variable lateral spacing in the coil rows R,
is that each region by itself may be isotropic so that it provides
uniform spring effect and support. The boundary of one region of
lesser coil density by a region of greater coil density contributes
to torsional rigidity of the innerspring as a whole, laterally or
longitudinally. For example, the greater coil density of the
regions defined by columns C11-C31 and C1r-C3r provided mechanical
resistance to any tendency of the remaining central region to
deflect or compress laterally from lateral or torsional forces on
the coils of the central region.
[0019] Another aspect of the disclosure, and in particular an
aspect of the anisotropic nature of the innersprings of the
disclosure, is the gauge of wire which is used to form the coils.
The wire gauge may be varied according to the location and density
(i.e., spacing) of the coils. For example, coils which are located
in areas or regions of greater density, such as the coils in
columns C11-C31 and C1r-C3r, may be made of wire of a different
size gauge (smaller or larger) than the wire of the coils in the
remaining areas where the coil density is less. For example, the
coils of columns C11-C31 and C1r-C3r if made of heavier gauge wire
will produce an innerspring with even greater stiffness in the
perimeter regions than if all of the coils of the innerspring are
made of the same gauge wire. Related to this design variable is the
size and configuration of the coils. For example, the coils located
in regions of greater coil density may have a different (greater or
smaller) diameter to the coil ends and/or the helical coil body
than that of the coils in the regions of lesser coil density. By
varying these parameters, the overall spring rates of the various
regions of an innerspring can be formed to close specifications.
Another non-limiting design example of this aspect of the
disclosure is to form the coils located at the perimeter of the
innerspring from relatively heavier gauge wire to further
contribute to edge support and anti-roll-off characteristics.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a variable coil
density anisotropic innerspring 10 in which coils 20 are arranged
in columns C in a repeating pattern of lateral spacing along the
width W of the innerspring. The longitudinal edges of the
innerspring are formed by the closely adjacent columns C11-C12 and
Cr1-Cr2 to provide edge support similar to that described with
reference to FIG. 1. A central longitudinal region of the
innerspring is defined by closely adjacent or tangential coils
columns C1n and Crn. The central longitudinal region of relatively
greater coil density and consequent spring rate can be enlarged by
additional closely adjacent columns of coils. In the areas between
the longitudinal peripheral regions and the central longitudinal
region the coil density and consequent spring rate is relatively
less as a result of the increased lateral spacing of the columns Ci
of coils 20. The density of the wire of the coils in columns Ci may
be the same or greater as that of the coils in the other columns.
Also the overlying materials which make up the mattress may be
selected and arranged according to the coil density of the
underlying region of the innerspring.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a right/left version of an anisotropic
variable coil density innerspring 10 of the disclosure, wherein one
lateral half or region of the innerspring 10 has a greater density
of coils 20 than the other. This type of innerspring is suitable
for use in a his/hers type mattress constructed to have distinctly
different support characteristics and feel on each lateral half or
portion thereof of the sleep surface. As illustrated, the spacing
of the columns C1 of coils 20 on the left lateral half or portion
thereof of the innerspring may be standard tangential or
substantially tangential, and the spacing of the columns Cr of
coils 20 on the right lateral half or portion thereof being
relatively greater, resulting in lesser coil density and average
spring rate. For example, the spacing of coil columns Cr may be one
pitch or more greater than the spacing of coil columns C1. In this
embodiment, the spacing or rows R is uniform along the length of
the innerspring, but does not necessarily have to be tangential or
substantially tangential as shown, but rather with some degree of
spacing between the coils of the rows.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a head/foot or upper body/lower body
version of an anisotropic variable coil density innerspring 10 of
the disclosure, wherein one upper or lower body region of the
innerspring 10 has a greater density of coils 20 than the other.
This type of innerspring is suitable for use in a mattress
constructed to have distinctly different support characteristics
and feel on upper body or lower body regions of the sleep surface.
As illustrated, the spacing of the rows Ru of coils 20 in an upper
region of the innerspring, for example oriented toward the head of
the mattress, may be tangentially or substantially tangentially
spaced, and the spacing of the rows R1 of coils 20 being relatively
greater, resulting in lesser coil density and a lower average
spring rate over that region as compared to the region defined by
coil rows Ru. For example, the spacing of coil columns Cr may be
one pitch or more greater than the spacing of coil columns C1. The
relatively greater spacing of the rows R1 of the coils results in a
lesser number of columns C1 than columns Cu, as illustrated by a
ratio of 12:16, although other ratios are possible as related to
the spacing of rows R1. In this embodiment also, the longitudinal
spacing or rows Ru and R1 is uniform along the length of the
innerspring, but does not necessarily have to be tangential or
substantially tangential as shown, but rather with some degree of
spacing between the coils of the rows Ru, R1.
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an additional alternate embodiment of an
anisotropic variable coil density innerspring of the disclosure
wherein a central longitudinal region of the innerspring 10,
defined by coil columns Cc which are spaced tangentially, provides
an area of relatively greater coil density and higher spring rate
than that of the bi-lateral regions defined by coil columns C1. As
with the other innerspring configurations, the overlying material
which is used to construct a mattress, and particularly the padding
layers beneath the upholstery, can be selected and arranged
according to the support characteristics and spring rates of the
underlying regions of the innerspring, such in this case for
example padding of greater density in the bi-lateral regions and/or
additional layers to compensate for or work with the lower spring
rate of the bi-lateral regions.
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an anisotropic
variable coil density innerspring of the disclosure in which a
pattern of coil spacing in each coil row is repeated, and the
repeated pattern is out of phase with the next adjacent coil row.
For example, beginning with coil row R1, from right to left, a
pattern of three closely or tangentially spaced coils and three
spaced apart coils is repeated throughout the row. In the next
adjacent row R2, the same pattern is repeated, but beginning at the
right with three spaced apart coils. This alternating shaft of the
coil spacing pattern is then repeated. The coil density thus varies
within each row Rn, and from row to row throughout the entire
innerspring.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an anisotropic
variable coil density innerspring 10 of the disclosure in which the
spacing rows R of coils of the innerspring gradually increases
along the length of the innerspring, the spacing increasing either
from the head end to the foot end or vice versa. Though merely
exemplary as shown, rows R1 and R2 may be tangential or
substantially tangential and repeated as such, or increasing
according to pitch, such as one pitch or one-half pitch increase
per row or greater. The gradation of the row spacing increase may
be linear or non-linear. The spacing of the rows R beyond
tangential results in entire rows being devoid of coils. In order
to lace the coils together, the lacing wires 21 are run
longitudinally to interconnect the coils which are adjacent or
tangent in each row.
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an anisotropic
variable coil density innerspring 10 of the disclosure in which the
spacing in the rows R and columns C is, with the exception of the
end rows Re, non-tangential and preferably with a column intra-coil
distance of one or more pitches. The coil spacing in the rows R is
at every other column C. The coil spacing in the columns C is out
of phase with the adjacent columns so that the coils of adjacent
columns are not laterally aligned, with the exception of rows Re.
Conversely, the coils of every other column C are laterally
aligned. This creates a desirable offset pattern of distributed
coil placement which is isotropic throughout a major expanse of the
innerspring, and which can include greater density at the ends,
rows Re, and/or along the longitudinal sides. Also, although
illustrated with the lacing wires 21 in a longitudinal orientation,
conventional lateral lacing is also possible where the outer
diameters of the laterally adjacent coils are generally
aligned.
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a zoned type
anisotropic variable coil density innerspring 10 of the disclosure
in which there are multiple (e.g., three) zones or regions Ru, R1,
Ru, of varying densities of coils 20 which are generally
longitudinally arranged, for example head-to-foot, to form the
anisotropic innerspring 10. One way in which the coil density of
the zones or regions Ru, R1 can be made different from other zones
or regions is by varying the spacing of the columns C. As with
other embodiments of the innerspring 10, the coil spacing within
the columns C does not have to be the same in one region such as
region Ru at the head of the innerspring, as in another region Ru
at the foot of the innerspring.
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a zoned type
anisotropic variable coil density innerspring 10 of the disclosure
in which there multiple (e.g., five) zones or regions Ru, R1, of
varying densities of coils 20 which are generally longitudinally
arranged, for example head-to-foot to form the anisotropic
innerspring 10. As with the embodiment of FIG. 10, one way in which
the coil density of the zones or regions Ru, R1 can be made
different from other zones or regions is by varying the spacing of
the columns C. As with the embodiment of FIG. 10, the coil spacing
within the columns C does not have to be the same in one region
such as region Ru at the head of the innerspring, as in another
region Ru at the foot of the innerspring.
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates a further alternate embodiment of a
zoned type anisotropic variable coil density innerspring 10 of the
disclosure in which there multiple (e.g., seven) zones or regions
Ru, R1, of varying densities of coils 20 which are generally
longitudinally arranged, for example head-to-foot to form the
anisotropic innerspring 10. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and
11, one way in which the coil density of the zones or regions Ru,
R1 can be made different from other zones or regions is by varying
the spacing of the columns C. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 10
and 11, the coil spacing within the columns C does not have to be
the same in one region such as region Ru at the head of the
innerspring, as in another region Ru at the foot of the
innerspring. The zones or regions of the embodiments of FIGS. 10-12
and the other embodiments may be aligned or registered with
overlying and/or underlying layers of material which are positioned
with the innerspring to form a mattress.
[0030] The foregoing descriptions are of representative embodiments
of the principles and concepts of the disclosure which encompass
and include other types of anisotropic innersprings with variable
coil densities.
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