U.S. patent application number 12/586725 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for mattress pad with latex liner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hollander Home Fashions Corp.. Invention is credited to Alfred Fang.
Application Number | 20110072591 12/586725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43778671 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110072591 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fang; Alfred |
March 31, 2011 |
Mattress pad with latex liner
Abstract
A padded mattress cover for a mattress has a top panel with a
first perimeter, a first rope attached to the top panel along the
first perimeter, and a gusset attached to the first rope. A second
rope is attached to the gusset opposite the first rope and a bottom
panel with a second perimeter is attached to the second rope along
the second perimeter, the bottom panel being opposed to the top
panel to form an interior within the cover. A latex layer is
positioned beneath the top panel and within the interior. A
non-woven layer is positioned beneath the latex layer and within
the interior. Finally, a plurality of puff balls are positioned
between the non-woven layer and the bottom panel. The padded
mattress cover may be positioned on a mattress with the bottom
panel adjacent said mattress to cover said mattress.
Inventors: |
Fang; Alfred; (Shanghai,
CN) |
Assignee: |
Hollander Home Fashions
Corp.
Boca Raton
FL
|
Family ID: |
43778671 |
Appl. No.: |
12/586725 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/105
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/737 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00; A47G 9/00 20060101 A47G009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2009 |
CN |
200910176197.3 |
Claims
1. A padded mattress cover for covering a mattress comprising: a
top panel having a first perimeter; a first rope attached to said
top panel along said first perimeter; a gusset attached to said
first rope; a second rope attached to said gusset opposite said
first rope; a bottom panel having a second perimeter, the bottom
panel attached to said second rope along said second perimeter, the
bottom panel opposed to said top panel to form an interior within
said top panel, said gusset, and said bottom panel; a latex layer
positioned beneath said top panel and within said interior; a
non-woven layer positioned beneath said latex layer and within said
interior; and, a plurality of puff balls positioned between said
non-woven layer and said bottom panel; wherein the padded mattress
cover may be positioned on a mattress with said bottom panel
adjacent said mattress to cover said mattress.
2. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, wherein said latex layer
comprises approximately 40-60% of said interior and said puff balls
comprise approximately the remainder.
3. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, wherein said latex layer
and said non-woven layer are sewn to said top panel within said
perimeter.
4. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, further comprising a skirt
extending from said second rope.
5. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, wherein said puff balls
are formed from latex.
6. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, wherein said padded
mattress cover is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, or dust mite
resistant.
7. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, wherein the top panel,
latex layer, and non-woven layer are breathable.
8. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, further comprising a
second non-woven layer adjacent said first non-woven layer.
9. The padded mattress cover of claim 8, wherein said latex layer
and said non-woven layers are sewn to said first rope and said
second rope.
10. The padded mattress cover of claim 1, wherein said latex layer
is an open cell latex.
11. A padded mattress cover for covering a mattress, comprising: a
top panel; a bottom panel secured to said top panel around a
perimeter thereof; a layer of latex positioned between said top and
bottom panels.
12. The padded mattress cover of claim 11, wherein said layer of
latex is open cell latex.
13. The padded mattress cover of claim 11, further comprising at
least one non-woven layer, said at least one non-woven layer
positioned between said latex layer and said bottom panel.
14. The padded mattress cover of claim 11, further comprising a
gusset connected between the perimeters of said top panel and said
bottom panel, the gusset forming an available loft, the layer of
latex at least partially filling the available loft.
15. The padded mattress cover of claim 14, further comprising a
first rope connected between said top panel and said gusset,
wherein said latex layer is sewn to said first rope.
16. The padded mattress cover of claim 15, further comprising a
second rope connected between said gusset and said bottom panel,
wherein said latex layer is sewn to said first rope and said second
rope.
17. The padded mattress cover of claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of puff balls between said latex layer and said bottom
panel.
18. The padded mattress cover of claim 17, further comprising a
non-woven layer between said latex layer and said puff balls,
wherein said puff balls are at least partially secured in a
plurality of chambers formed by said non-woven layer and said
bottom panel.
19. The padded mattress cover of claim 17, wherein said puff balls
comprise approximately 40-60% of the inner volume of said padded
mattress cover and said latex layer comprises approximately the
remaining inner volume.
20. The padded mattress cover of claim 11, wherein said latex layer
is approximately 1/4'' thick.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to Chinese Patent
Application No.______ filed Sep. 25, 2009, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Padded mattress covers are a common part of the under
coverings on which bed linens are placed or fitted. Such mattress
covers were conventionally relatively thin and were used solely to
protect the mattress. In recent years, however, mattress covers
have been adopted include thicker padding to increase user comfort
and extend the life of the underlying mattress. Another reason is
to provide isolation and insulation between the mattress and the
user.
[0003] Conventional fill materials for such mattress covers vary
from polyester to down, or even trapped air. These fillers are
lightweight and have exceptional air-trapping capacity that creates
an insulation barrier within the padded mattress cover's shell that
contains the filler. The height of this insulation barrier,
commonly referred to as loft, is important. Generally, the thicker
the fill, or the greater the loft, the greater the insulation and
comfort factor.
[0004] One downside of using polyester, down, or even air fill is
that none of these materials is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, or
dust mite resistant. Thus, for extended use as bedding materials
they are not necessarily the most ideal products. Lofty materials
also require greater sized packaging, which negatively affects
available shelf space and transport of the covers.
[0005] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a padded
mattress cover that includes the insulating and comfort qualities
of a lofty polyester or down, while needing less loft producing
materials, while also being hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, or
dust mite resistant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] To fulfill this need, and in accordance with one aspect of
the present invention, there is provided a padded mattress cover
for covering a mattress. The padded mattress cover has a top panel
with a first perimeter, a first rope attached to the top panel
along the first perimeter, a gusset attached to the first rope, a
second rope attached to the gusset opposite the first rope, and a
bottom panel having a second perimeter, the bottom panel being
attached to the second rope along the second perimeter. The bottom
panel is opposed to the top panel to form an interior within the
top panel, the gusset, and the bottom panel. The padded mattress
cover also has a latex layer positioned beneath the top panel and
within the interior, a non-woven layer positioned beneath the latex
layer and within the interior, and a plurality of puff balls
positioned between the non-woven layer and the bottom panel. The
padded mattress cover may be positioned on a mattress with the
bottom panel adjacent the mattress to cover the mattress.
[0007] The latex layer may comprise approximately 40-60% of the
interior with the puff balls comprising approximately the
remainder.
[0008] The latex layer and the non-woven layer may be sewn to the
top panel within the perimeter.
[0009] The cover may further comprise a skirt extending from the
second rope.
[0010] The puff balls may be formed from latex.
[0011] The padded mattress cover may be hypo-allergenic,
anti-microbial, or dust mite resistant.
[0012] The top panel, latex layer, and non-woven layer may be
breathable.
[0013] The padded mattress cover may further comprise a second
non-woven layer adjacent the first non-woven layer. If so provided,
the latex layer and the non-woven layers may be sewn to the first
rope and the second rope.
[0014] The latex layer may be an open cell latex.
[0015] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, a padded mattress cover comprises a top panel, a bottom
panel secured to the top panel around a perimeter thereof, and a
layer of latex positioned between the top and bottom panels.
[0016] The layer of latex may be open cell latex.
[0017] The cover may further comprise at least one non-woven layer,
the at least one non-woven layer positioned between the latex layer
and the bottom panel.
[0018] The cover may further comprise a gusset connected between
the perimeters of the top panel and the bottom panel, the gusset
forming an available loft, the layer of latex at least partially
filling the available loft. If so provided, the cover may further
comprise a first rope connected between the top panel and the
gusset, wherein the latex layer is sewn to the first rope. The
cover may further comprise a second rope connected between the
gusset and the bottom panel, wherein the latex layer is sewn to the
first rope and the second rope.
[0019] The cover may further comprise a plurality of puff balls
between the latex layer and the bottom panel. If so provided, the
cover may also include a non-woven layer between the latex layer
and the puff balls, wherein the puff balls are at least partially
secured in a plurality of chambers formed by the non-woven layer
and the bottom panel. The puff balls may comprise approximately
40-60% of the inner volume of the padded mattress cover and the
latex layer may comprise approximately the remaining inner
volume.
[0020] The latex layer may be approximately 1/4'' thick.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Other advantages and features of the invention are described
with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to
explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the
drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of an exemplary padded
mattress cover in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of the padded mattress
cover of FIG. 1, taken along section line A-A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following discussion describes, in detail, various
aspects and embodiments of the present invention. This discussion
should not be construed as limiting the invention to those
particular aspects or embodiments. Rather, practitioners skilled in
the art will recognize numerous other aspects and embodiments as
well, which are within the scope of the present invention.
[0025] In describing the preferred embodiments of the present
invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
used for the sake of clarity. However, the present invention is not
intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is
to be understood that each specific term includes all technical
equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar purpose.
[0026] For purposes of explanation, the invention is specifically
described herein with regard to padded mattress covers. However, it
is to be understood that any number of bedding material articles
may utilize the same teachings, for example mattress toppers that
are formed integrally with a mattress.
[0027] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a padded mattress cover 10 (also referred
to as a mattress pad 10), which can be removably disposed onto a
mattress or other bed equipment. Advantages of being removable
include the ability to store and/or clean the padded mattress cover
as well as allow the mattress to be flipped over during its usable
life, while still retaining a padded mattress look and feel.
Another advantage is that the padded mattress cover can be used on
more than one mattress of the same or similar size.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred padded mattress
cover 10 comprises a padded portion 12 and a skirt 14. The padded
portion 12 comprises a top panel 16, a bottom panel 18 (see FIG. 2)
and a gusset 20 secured between the top panel and bottom panel. As
known in the art, the gusset 20 provides room for various layers of
internal materials, described below. Each of the top and bottom
panels 16, 18, and the gusset 20 may be manufactured from any type
of suitable material such as any conventional bed clothing cloth
like cotton, wool, silk, polyester, or any combination of the
aforementioned materials. Other materials will also be readily
apparent to one skilled in the art. In a most preferred embodiment,
the top panel 16 is formed from 100% cotton and the bottom panel 18
is formed from 100% polyester.
[0029] Around the perimeter junction between the top panel 16 and
the gusset 20, and then again between the gusset 20 and the bottom
panel 18, are optionally sewn in two ropes 22a, 22b. Although these
ropes 22a, 22b function to help bolster the connection between the
top panel 16, gusset 20, and bottom panel 18, they are primarily
provided for aesthetic purposes and may be manufactured from satin
or silk-like materials, in addition to conventional materials
listed above, such as wool, cotton, and polyester. It will be
appreciated that the bottom rope 22b is also utilized to help
support the skirt 14. In other embodiments, ropes 22a, 22b may not
be provided and the remaining elements, may be sewn directly to
themselves. In preferred embodiments, the ropes 22a, 22b are formed
from 1/8'' satin cord.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the skirt 14 is a
conventional skirt and includes an elastic band 24 at its inside
end 26. The skirt 14 may be sized to accommodate various height
mattresses, and includes an exposed side 28 and an underside 30,
the underside extending beneath a mattress M. Like the panels 16,
18, the skirt 14 may be manufactured from a variety of materials
including cotton, wool, silk, polyester, or any combination of the
aforementioned materials. In a preferred embodiment, the skirt 14
is formed from 95% polyester and 5% spandex having 2-way stretch
capabilities.
[0031] Within the gusseted area of the padded portion 12, the
mattress pad 10 comprises several layers. The initial layer, or
upper most layer, has already been discussed, and is the top panel
16. Beneath the top panel 16 is provided a layer of latex 32. The
latex layer 32 is preferably configured as open cell foam which is
breathable, and may be approximately 1/8'' to 1/2'' inch thick.
Other thicknesses may also be utilized, for example 1/16'' through
1'' or more. In a preferred embodiment, the latex layer 32 is 1/4''
thick.
[0032] Although it need not be, the latex layer 32 is preferably
sewn directly to both of the ropes 22a, 22b with stitching 34. This
configuration strengthens the connection of the latex layer 32 to
the remainder of the padded mattress 10, and also helps to define
the loft of the padded portion 12 for structural and aesthetic
purposes. In this regard, the latex layer helps to keep the gusset
fully extended and presents a nicely finished overall look to the
padded mattress cover.
[0033] Preferably, immediately below the latex layer 32 are two
layers of non-woven fabric, formed as an upper non-woven layer 36
and a lower non-woven layer 38. Each of these layers is also
preferably sewn to both ropes 22a, 22b. These non-woven layers 36,
38 are typically breathable to permit air to pass, and are
preferably formed from 100% polyester, although other materials
such as cotton, silk, wool, or the like may be utilized.
[0034] It will be appreciated that the latex layer 32, upper
non-woven layer 36, and lower non-woven layer 38 are preferably
therefore secured to the padded mattress 10 at least generally at
their perimeters, where they meet the ropes 22a, 22b. In preferred
embodiments, they may also be sewn to the top panel 16 by quilting
or other stitching means 42. However, in other embodiments they may
not be sewn and instead are permitted to float relative to the top
layer 16. Finally, in still further embodiments only the latex
layer 36 or the latex layer and the upper non-woven layer 36 may be
sewn to the top layer 16 by stitching 42.
[0035] Beneath the lower non-woven layer 38 is a layer of puff
balls 40. In preferred embodiments, the puff ball layer is
comprised of a series of small puff-blown polyester balls 41. Such
fiberfill is known in the art to be resilient, fluffable, and
shapeable, much like natural down. This puff ball layer is
preferably filled such that it represents 40% of the inner volume
of the padded portion 12, with the latex layer 32 comprising
roughly the remaining 60%, or vice versa. In other embodiments, the
percentage ranges can vary from virtually zero to 100% for either
element, but generally a range from 40% to 60% for either element
is preferred. In other embodiments, the puff balls 41 themselves
may be configured from latex, such as puff-blown latex.
[0036] Beneath the puff ball layer 40 is the bottom panel 18. As
discussed above, the bottom panel is typically only sewn to the
lower-most rope 22b. Likewise, it is also not typically secured to
any other element except at this outside perimeter connection, thus
permitting the inner portions, particularly the puff ball layer 40,
to float relative to the other elements. In still further
embodiments, the bottom panel 18 may be sewn to at least the lower
non-woven layer 38 in a manner to create open chambers (not shown).
Such open chambers may comprise a large percentage of closed
stitching, which prevents the puff balls 41 from moving from one
chamber to an adjacent chamber. But, the chambers may also be
partially opened, to permit some level of migration. Typically, the
openings only represent approximately 5-20% of the overall channel
perimeter to limit too much migration, while still permitting some.
Such openings also permit a user to manually move puff balls 41
from one chamber to another if desired.
[0037] In use, a user will typically lay on the padded mattress
cover after the cover is placed on a mattress. By positioning the
latex layer between the user and the puff ball layer, the mattress
pad may be provided with a lesser quantity of puff ball while still
providing equivalent loft, insulation, and comfort level
characteristics as a conventional padded mattress cover with no
latex layer. This is due in part because of the structural
qualities of the latex foam and its ability to mold to a user's
body while being structurally resilient. This also permits an
equivalently performing padded mattress cover to have a lesser
volume than a conventional mattress cover, which is beneficial for
transport and reduced shelf space.
[0038] Moreover, the latex layer permits the mattress pad to remain
air permeable, such that the mattress pad can breath. Latex itself
is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and dust mite resistant.
However, the breathability also helps to contribute to the complete
mattress pad being hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and dust mite
resistant. In addition, the breathability of latex keeps the user
warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These features could not
be achieved if conventional rubber materials were utilized in lieu
of latex, as such materials are air-tight and are not
hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and dust mite resistant.
[0039] While the exemplary embodiment of the mattress pad 10 has
been described with a single latex layer 32, it will be appreciated
that multiple latex layers 32 may also be provided. These layers
may directly abut each other or there may be other layers in
between, such non-woven layers or additional puff ball layers.
Additionally, it will be appreciated that although the mattress pad
10 has been described with multiple non-woven layers 36, 38, it
will be appreciated that the mattress pad may include no non-woven
layers, or more than two non-woven layers.
[0040] Likewise, a skirt 14 may also not be provided. In such
embodiments, the mattress pad 10 may be configured to rest directly
on the mattress M without additional support. Alternatively,
support systems such as conventional straps and the like may be
utilized to prevent relative movement between the mattress pad 10
and the mattress M.
[0041] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *