U.S. patent application number 12/393638 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for mattress with a cavity and airway channel.
Invention is credited to Stewart S. Rudolph.
Application Number | 20090217459 12/393638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41012051 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090217459 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rudolph; Stewart S. |
September 3, 2009 |
MATTRESS WITH A CAVITY AND AIRWAY CHANNEL
Abstract
A mattress comprises one or more cavities disposed within the
mattress. A filter assembly is removably mounted within the cavity
at a first distance from the mattress' upper surface. One or more
channels are disposed laterally within the mattress and connect the
cavity to the mattress sidewall so that intake air is allowed in
and exhaust air can escape. In one version an aroma assembly is
also removably mounted within the cavity. Within the channels there
may be disposed one-way valves to allow air to flow only in a first
direction or a second opposite direction so that exhaust air is not
mixed with intake air. A fitted sheet used in combination with the
mattress may include a sleeve corresponding in size and location to
the cavity, where the sleeve is made from an odorless washable
material. The sleeve may be retained within the cavity by a plastic
ring.
Inventors: |
Rudolph; Stewart S.;
(Freeport, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 770, Church Street Station
New York
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Family ID: |
41012051 |
Appl. No.: |
12/393638 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61067481 |
Feb 28, 2008 |
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61068868 |
Mar 10, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/706 ; 5/496;
5/725 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/042 20130101;
A47G 9/0246 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/706 ; 5/725;
5/496 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/00 20060101
A47C027/00; A47C 27/08 20060101 A47C027/08; A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A mattress comprising: a mattress body having a first surface
and a second surface substantially parallel to each other and
connected by substantially perpendicular sidewalls; a cavity
disposed within the mattress body and extending from the first
surface toward the second surface; a first aperture defined where
the cavity intersects the first surface; a filter assembly
removably mounted in the cavity transverse to the extent of the
cavity at a first distance from the first surface; and a first
channel disposed laterally within the mattress, wherein the first
channel has a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end being
connected to a first opening in the cavity at a second distance
from the first surface which is greater than the first distance,
and the proximal end being connected to an opening in the sidewall
of the mattress.
2. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein an aroma assembly is
removably mounted within the cavity at a third distance from the
first surface which is greater than the second distance.
3. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the cavity extends
completely from the first surface to the second surface and the
mattress is reversible, and further comprises: a second aperture
defined where the cavity intersects the second surface; and wherein
the filter assembly is removably mounted transverse to the cavity
at the third distance, and the aroma assembly is removably mounted
within the cavity at the first distance.
4. The mattress according to claim 1, further comprising: at least
a second channel, having a distal and a proximal end, disposed
laterally within the mattress, said second channel distal end being
connected to a second opening in the cavity at a distance between
the first distance and the third distance, and the second channel
proximal end being connected to the a second opening in the
mattress sidewall; a first valve disposed within the first channel
and configured to allow air to flow in a first direction; and a
second valve disposed within the second channel and configured to
allow air to flow in a second direction, wherein the first
direction and the second directions are opposing directions.
5. The mattress according to claim 1, further comprising: a second
cavity disposed within the mattress body; a respective channel
disposed within the mattress body, the respective channel having a
distal end connected to the second cavity and a proximal end
connected to the sidewall; and the second cavity having disposed
therein a respective filter assembly.
5. The mattress according to claim 4, further comprising a
respective aroma assembly in said second cavity.
6. The mattress according to claim 4, further comprising:
additional respective channels connected to the second cavity; and
single respective valves disposed within each of the respective
channels, wherein each respective valve is configured to allow air
to flow only in one of the first direction and the second
direction.
7. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein an area adjacent the
first aperture and a portion of the cavity abutting the first
aperture are lined with an odorless, washable removable
material.
8. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has an
oval cross-sectional shape transverse to the extent of the
cavity.
9. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the channel is formed
from flexible, odorless material.
10. The mattress according to claim 5, wherein an insertable plug
is disposed within one of the first aperture and the second
aperture.
11. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the mattress body is
an inflatable air mattress.
12. In combination with the mattress of claim 1, a fitted sheet
comprising: a sleeve corresponding in size and location to the
cavity, the sleeve being made of an odorless washable material; and
a plastic ring insertable within the sleeve to retain the sleeve
within the cavity.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/067,481, filed Feb. 28, 2008, entitled "Non Limiting
Size State of the Art Mattress With at Least One (1) Functionally
Shaped Cavity for Face or Back of Head." This patent application
also claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/068,868, filed Mar.
10, 2008, entitled "Non Limiting Size State of the Art Mattress
With at Least One (1) Functionally Shaped Cavity, Made in Varying
Sizes and Shapes for the Face or Back of Head to Rest Without
Mattress Interference." The disclosures of each of the
aforementioned priority documents are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to mattresses, and in
particular to mattresses with at least one cavity connected to a
dedicated set of airway channels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Beds and mattresses are an important part of each
individual's everyday life. A mattress' main function is to provide
the individual a comfortable platform for a restful sleep. The
construction of the mattress is important to the comfort obtained
by the individual during their sleep. To achieve maximum comfort
the mattress' construction should accommodate the various positions
that a person might assume while resting on the mattress. These
various positions include lying on the back, the left or right
side, and the abdomen.
[0004] For some individuals, sleeping on their abdomen is the
position which provides the most ideal comfort. However,
conventional mattresses prohibit a full face-down sleeping
position. As readily perceived, an individual encounters difficulty
in inhaling fresh air with their face down on the conventional
mattress. In order overcome this limitation of sleeping face down
on a conventional mattress some people bend their neck so that
their head rests to either side. Other people crook their elbow and
place their forearm under their head to create a slight pocket of
air between their face and the mattress. These approaches do not
provide full satisfaction and fail to offer optimum comfort during
the resting period of the individual.
[0005] By bending their neck, the individual's spinal column is not
completely straight, and not in a natural position. Crooking the
elbow can result in muscle strain and spasm. Each alternative
position can result in less than optimal blood circulation. Without
optimal positioning and comfort, the individual will assume new
positions. This repeated change of position reduces the quality of
sleep preventing the individual from achieving sufficient rest.
Individuals could suffer stiff and sore necks, back aches, numb
arms, and strained elbows. Sleep disturbances bring physical and
psychological problems, e.g., tiredness, daytime sleepiness, and
depression. These problems can cause a lot of daytime distress and
disability, and can even lead to work disability. Individuals that
suffer from these sleep disturbances experience a poor quality of
sleep night after night without any resolution.
[0006] Missing from the art is a mattress that facilitates and
accommodates an individual's desire to recline on their abdomen in
a full face-down position. The present invention can satisfy this
and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a mattress
comprises a mattress body having a first upper planar surface and a
lower planar second surface connected by substantially
perpendicular side walls. A vertical cavity is disposed within the
mattress body extending from an aperture at the upper surface to
the vicinity of the lower surface. A filter assembly is removably
mounted transverse to the cavity vertical axis at a first distance
from the upper surface. A first channel is disposed laterally
within the mattress and has a distal end connected to a first
opening in the cavity at a second distance from the upper surface
which is greater than the first distance so as to be below the
filter assembly, and a proximal end connected to an opening in the
mattress side wall.
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention an aroma assembly is
removably mounted within the cavity at a third distance from the
upper surface which is greater than the second distance so as to be
below the entrance of the first channel into the cavity.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
mattress further comprises at least a second channel disposed
laterally within the mattress and having a distal end connected to
a second opening into the cavity at a distance between the first
distance and the third distance, and a proximal end connected to a
second opening in the mattress side wall. The two channels may
enter the cavity at the same distance below the upper surface and
at a position below the filter assembly.
[0010] In a still further embodiment of the invention a first valve
is disposed within the first channel and is configured to allow air
to flow only in a first direction; and a second valve is disposed
within the second channel and is configured to allow air to flow
only in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the
second directions are opposing directions. As a result, air will
follow through one channel into the cavity for the user to breath
and the air exhaled by the user into the cavity will flow out of
the cavity through the other channel.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the invention, a fitted sheet is
used in combination with the mattress with the cavity. The sheet
comprises a sleeve corresponding in size and location to the
cavity. The sleeve is made of an odorless washable material. A
plastic ring may be inserted within the sleeve when it is located
within the cavity so as to retain the sleeve within the cavity.
[0012] These and other aspects, features, steps and advantages can
be further appreciated from the accompanying figures and
description of certain illustrative embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0013] The foregoing and other features of the present invention
will be more readily apparent from the following detailed
description and drawings of illustrative embodiments of the
invention in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a mattress with a face cavity in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a plug for the face cavity of the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIGS. 3-5 depict various sleeping positions a user can
assume while using embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a face cavity with nylon netting along a
portion thereof and along a side wall of the mattress to allow air
to enter the cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of a portion of the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a mattress with air channels connected
between openings in the side walls of the mattress and a face
cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of a portion of the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a mattress with multiple face cavities and
corresponding air channels in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 10A depicts an enlarged portion of the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 10;
[0023] FIG. 11 depicts a cross sectional view of a cavity in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 12 depicts an air mattress in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 13 depicts a plug for the face cavity of the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 depicts a fitted sheet in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention; and
[0027] FIG. 15 depicts a retaining ring for the fitted sheet
depicted in FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] By way of overview and introduction, presented and described
are embodiments of a mattress with a face cavity. The face cavity,
made in varying sizes and proportions provides a comfortable fit
with a user's face, enables sleepers to sleep flat on their
stomachs while maintaining a straight spine from the lower back
right through to the top vertebrae of their neck. A sleeper's spine
is also maintained in a straight line if the user sleeps on their
back and rests their head in a face-down position at the aperture
of the cavity.
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a mattress 100 with a cavity 110. The
mattress 100 can be of any size or construction. In typical use the
mattress 100 has an upper surface 102, a lower horizontal planar
surface 104 and vertical side walls 106 that connect the upper and
lower surfaces. As is common, the interior of the mattress is
constructed with cushioning materials, e.g., coil springs, foam,
air, etc.
[0030] The cavity 110 can be a blind hole (i.e., it does not pass
through the opposite or lower surface of the mattress), or it can
completely traverse the entire thickness of the mattress.
Embodiments where the mattress 100 is completely traversed by the
cavity 110 may be reversible.
[0031] The immediate area of the cavity 110 and its surroundings
can be lined with an odorless, washable material which can be made
removable to facilitate cleaning of the cavity lining. The cavity
110 can be filled with a removable plug 112 as depicted in FIG. 2.
The removable plug 112 allows for a smooth and continuous mattress
surface to accommodate alternative sleeping positions.
[0032] The cavity 110 can be oval in cross section with the oval's
long axis oriented to be parallel to a user's spinal column. In one
embodiment, the oval has a width of 5'' and a length of 7''.
However, the invention is not so limited, other sizes, shapes, and
orientations of the cavity 110 are equally within the scope of the
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the positions a user can assume as they
recline on mattress 100 due to the presence of cavity 110. As
illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows the user from the side of the
bed, a user is able to lie on mattress 100 in a completely prone
position with their stomach down and their face nestled in a
face-down position at the aperture of the cavity 110. FIG. 4 shows
the same position for the user, except from the head of the bed.
Should a user desire to sleep flat on their back, as shown in FIG.
5, the cavity 110 provides a receptacle for the back of their head
so as to maintain a straight spine from their lumbar right through
their cervical discs.
[0034] In FIGS. 6 and 7 the cavity 110 is shown with a mesh 114,
e.g., nylon netting, in a lower portion which allows air
communication with the interior of the mattress. In addition, a
similar mesh 116 is provided along a portion of one or more of the
side walls. If the interior of the mattress is not completely
filled, e.g., as is a coil spring mattress, air can travel from
outside the mattress through mesh 116 and the interior of the
mattress, and can enter the cavity though mesh 114. Likewise, when
the user breaths out, the air can travel from the cavity into the
mattress and out through mesh 116. If the interior of the mattress
is made of foam, air will not be able to travel through it and this
method of providing and removing air from the cavity will not
work.
[0035] FIG. 8 depicts a mattress 200 with a cavity 210 which has
access to air through channels provided through the mattress, and
thus would be suitable for a coil spring mattress or a foam
mattress. As described previously, mattress 200 has one cavity 210
to accommodate a user's head. However, the invention is not so
limited. As is readily understood, and depicted in FIG. 10, the
mattress 200 can have more than one cavity 210 to simultaneously
accommodate multiple users of the mattress 200. Depicted in FIG. 8
are multiple channels 220 which connect to a single cavity 210
through the mattress 200. In an alternative embodiment a single
channel 220 can be connected to the cavity 210. Each cavity 210 and
its respective channel(s) 220 are isolated from any other cavity
210 and its respective channel(s). By isolating the cavities and
channels, the breaths of individual users are not comingled,
thereby reducing the exposure of users to potentially infectious
disease and unpleasant odors. Additionally, because the channels
are isolated between the users, there is no conduit to expose one
user to the breathing noises of another user.
[0036] In one embodiment, where the cavity 210 has two or more
channels 220 connected, a single one-way valve 214 is disposed
within each of the channels. The one-way valves 214A, 214B are
placed in opposing configurations so that upon a user inhaling,
only one path opens between the cavity 210 and the external air.
Similarly, upon a user exhaling another path opens. In this manner
fresh air and exhausted air are not commingled. In one embodiment,
a set of one-way valves 214A, 214B can be configured by placing a
simple flap on opposing sides of a flange or stop internal to their
respective channels 220. As air is inhaled, one of the valves will
move away from the internal stop, and the complimentary valve will
be drawn towards its corresponding internal stop.
[0037] The channel 220 is disposed through the interior
construction of the mattress 200 to provide the cavity 210 with an
air source external of the mattress 200. The channel 220 can be
made by boring out the internal material of the mattress, or it can
be made by disposing tubing, piping, or hoses through the mattress'
internal material. As is understood by a person of ordinary skill
in the art, all materials need to be fireproof, fire retardant, and
fire resistant in accordance with government and industry
requirements. In one embodiment, channel 220 is made from a
flexible material such as plastic or rubber. Additionally, the
flexible material forming the channel 220 can have corrugations
along its length to increase its flexibility. Forming the channel
220 from flexible and/or corrugated materials will reduce the
likelihood of creating uncomfortable hard spots within the mattress
200. In one embodiment, channel 220 is made from odorless material
so as not to offend a user's sense of smell.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates channel 220 leading to the side of the
mattress 200 where it terminates at the mattress sidewalls 206A,
206B, for example. Other embodiments which provide the cavity 210
with access to an air source are equally within the scope of the
invention. For example the channel can extend to through the lower
surface of the mattress, but this is considered less desirable. The
terminating end of the channel 220 can be provided with a vent cap
224.
[0039] FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of the vent cap 224 which
can include a screen 226 covering its opening so as to prevent dirt
and insects from entering channel 220. The screen 226 can be made
from a soft, pliable material--e.g., a mesh fabric. The screen 226
is disposed over the opening at a proximal end of the vent cap 224
and extends towards a distal end of the vent cap. A clamp mechanism
228 secures the screen 226 to the vent cap 224 or to the channel
220 itself. The clamp mechanism 228 can be a metallic retaining
ring, an elastic O-ring, a vinyl tie, a hose claim, or any other
suitable mechanism of suitable material. The clamp mechanism can
engage a groove (not shown) scored into the surface of the vent cap
224 for greater security of the screen 226. The distal end of the
vent cap 224 can be removably connected to channel 220 by
engagement of threaded sections, bayonet mounts, or other
mechanical mechanisms (not shown). Removal of the vent cap 224 can
facilitate the replacement of the screen 226. Further, disposed
within the vent cap 224 can be filtration material capable of
removing particulate and/or biological contaminant from the air as
it enters channel 220. This material could also be made to reduce
dust, pollen, tobacco smoke and other irritants, thus providing
more comfort to the user.
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a mattress with multiple face cavities
210a, 210b. FIG. 10A depicts an enlarged portion of FIG. 10 showing
the features of the face cavities 210a, 210b. Each of the face
cavities has two channels 220A, 220B leading to a side of the
mattress 200 where it terminates at a mattress sidewalls 206A,
206B, for example. As described above, complimentary one-way valves
214A, 214B are disposed within the channels so as to prevent the
re-inhalation of previously exhaled air.
[0041] To maintain a circulation of fresh air in the channel 220,
the diameter of the channel is made of sufficient size, and the
length of the channel from the cavity 210 to the vent cap 224 is
made sufficiently short so that exhaled breath reaches the outside
of the mattress, and is not re-inhaled by the user. The channel 220
has enough volume to provide an air flow that accommodates the
breathing needs of the user. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional
diameter of the channel 220 is 11/2.times.3.0 inches.
[0042] FIG. 11 depicts a partial cross sectional view of a cavity
310 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cavity
310 depicted in FIG. 11 is a blind hole, however, embodiments that
completely traverse the mattress 300 are within the contemplation
of the invention. A portion of cavity 310 where it meets the upper
surface 302 of the mattress 300 is slightly concave to better
conform to the shape of a user's head. In addition, the side wall
330 of the cavity may be made, in part or whole, with an accordion
shape to prevent the cavity from presenting a hard region on the
upper surface of the mattress.
[0043] A filter assembly 330 is disposed laterally across the
cavity at a location below the concave surface. The filter 330 is
removably mounted to the sidewalls of the cavity by recesses 350
located in the cavity sidewall which mate with corresponding
projections 352 along the outer perimeter of the filter 330.
Alternative approaches for removably mounting the filter 330
include mating screw threads and snap-fit mechanisms. At the bottom
of the cavity 310 an aroma assembly 340 is removably mounted. The
aroma assembly can introduce soothing aromas to enhance the user's
rest, as well as act to adjust the humidity content of the air
presented to the user for their personal comfort. An independent
humidifying system (lacking aroma component can also be mounted
within the cavity. Medicinal formulations can be introduced into
the cavity's air through either the aroma assembly, the humidifying
system, or the filter assembly. For embodiments of the cavity 310
that traverse the entire mattress, a plug 315 can be inserted to
close off one end of the cavity 310.
[0044] An air channel 320 enters the cavity 310 at a point between
where the filter assembly 340 and the aroma assembly 350 are
mounted. As will be readily understood, for mattresses 300 which
are reversible, the locations of the filter assembly 340 and the
aroma assembly 350 are reversed.
[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the
mattress 400 is an air mattress that has a cavity 410 and an air
plug 408. Channels (not shown) within the mattress 400 connect the
cavity 410 to air sources external to the mattress, and include the
features of filters, aroma therapy inserts, and end caps as
described above. FIG. 13 depicts an inflatable plug 412 with an air
plug 414. Insertion of the inflatable plug 412 into the cavity 410
provides the mattress 400 with a smooth and continuous surface to
accommodate alternative sleeping positions.
[0046] FIG. 14 depicts a mattress 500 with a cavity 510 in
combination with a fitted sheet 520 that has a sleeve 512 that
lines cavity 510. The sleeve is retained in place by a retaining
ring 522 (FIG. 15) which presses the sleeve against the interior of
the cavity 510. The retaining ring has holes that correspond in
position to the channel locations within the mattress cavity so
that the retaining ring 522 does not impede a user's breathing.
Alternatively, the retaining ring 522 can have a series of holes
(about 1/8 inch diameter) spaced apart by about 3/8 inch. As would
be understood by a person of skill in the art, the invention is not
so limited and other alternative mesh configurations are
contemplated as well. The sleeve itself can be made of a washable
material. The sleeve 512 may also have a mesh section (e.g., nylon
netting), which corresponds in position with the channels so as to
allow air to travel to and from the cavity through the channels, or
a coil-spring mattress interior. The sleeve also can be made
entirely from the mesh material.
[0047] A thin mattress in accordance with the embodiments described
above, can be made to lie over a conventional mattress so as to
provide a user with the benefits of the present invention is also
within the scope of the invention.
[0048] Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed
out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to
several embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the
illustrated embodiments, and in their operation, may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one
embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. The
invention is defined solely with regard to the claims appended
hereto, and equivalents of the recitations therein.
* * * * *