U.S. patent application number 13/083135 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-11 for adaptable encasements.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mattress Safe, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrea P. Hancock, Linda Hill Poston, Wilbur F. Poston.
Application Number | 20120255120 13/083135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46964950 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120255120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poston; Wilbur F. ; et
al. |
October 11, 2012 |
ADAPTABLE ENCASEMENTS
Abstract
In one embodiment, an adaptable cover configured to
substantially surround and encase a mattress or box spring is
disclosed. The encasement is stretchable, and can be adapted for
use with at least two different sizes of mattresses or box
springs.
Inventors: |
Poston; Wilbur F.; (Cumming,
GA) ; Hancock; Andrea P.; (Duluth, GA) ;
Poston; Linda Hill; (Cumming, GA) |
Assignee: |
Mattress Safe, Inc.
Cumming
GA
|
Family ID: |
46964950 |
Appl. No.: |
13/083135 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/499 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2009/001 20130101;
A47C 31/105 20130101; A47G 9/0253 20130101; A47C 31/007
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/499 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00; A47C 31/00 20060101 A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. A system for encasing, comprising: a cover configured to
substantially surround a mattress, wherein the cover comprises a
top cover portion comprised of a stretchable polyester knit fabric
with polyurethane laminated thereon; and a bottom cover portion
comprised of the stretchable polyester knit fabric, and wherein the
cover is adapted to fit at least two different sizes of mattresses,
with the proviso that the cover is not the exact dimensions of a
standard United States-sized Twin, Long Twin, Full, Long Full,
Queen, King, Hotel King, or California King mattress.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises material
chosen from at least one of: a hypoallergenic fabric, a dust-mite
resistant fabric, and a porous fabric.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to
substantially restrict passage of at least one of: bed bugs,
microbial waste, and allergens.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises stretchable
polyester knit fabric further includes at least one of: spandex,
cotton, nylon, and microfiber, and combinations thereof.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover is adapted to fit at
least two different sizes for at least one of the following sets of
mattresses: (1) Twin and Long Twin; (2) Full and Long Full; and (3)
Hotel King and California King.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the cover is adapted to fit at
least two mattresses of different heights.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises at least one
of the following sets of dimensions: approximately 72 inches wide
by approximately 81-83 inches long by approximately 10.5 inches
high; approximately 72 inches wide by approximately 81-83 inches
long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 54 inches wide
by approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 10 inches high;
approximately 54 inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long by
approximately 17 inches high; approximately 39 inches wide by
approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 10 inches high;
and approximately 39 inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long
by approximately 17 inches high.
8. A system for encasing, comprising: a cover configured to
substantially surround a mattress, wherein the cover comprises a
top cover portion comprised of a stretchable polyester knit fabric
with polyurethane laminated thereon; and a bottom cover portion
comprised of the stretchable polyester knit fabric with
polyurethane laminated thereon, the top cover portion and the
bottom cover portion being mated at a horizontally-oriented seam,
and wherein the cover is adapted to fit at least two different
sizes of mattresses.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the cover comprises at least one
of the following sets of dimensions: approximately 76 inches wide
by approximately 80 inches long by approximately 10.5 inches high;
approximately 76 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by
approximately 17 inches high; approximately 60 inches wide by
approximately 80 inches long by approximately 10.5 inches high; and
approximately 60 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by
approximately 17 inches high.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the cover is adapted to fit at
least two different sizes for at least one of the following sets of
mattresses: (1) Twin and Long Twin; (2) Full and Long Full; and (3)
Hotel King and California King.
11. A system, comprising: means for encasing a mattress, wherein
the means for encasing the mattress comprises a stretchable
polyester knit fabric with a layer of polyurethane laminated
thereon, and wherein the means for encasing the mattress is adapted
to fit at least two different sizes of mattresses, with the proviso
that the means for encasing is not the exact dimensions of a
standard United States-sized Twin, Long Twin, Full, Long Full,
Queen, King, Hotel King, or California King mattress.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for encasing
comprises a stretchable polyester knit fabric material further
includes at least one of: spandex, cotton, nylon, microfiber, and
combinations thereof.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for encasing
comprises: a top cover portion comprised of the stretchable
polyester knit fabric with the polyurethane laminated thereon; and
a bottom cover portion comprised of the stretchable polyester knit
fabric with the polyurethane laminated thereon, and wherein the top
cover portion and the bottom cover portion are mated at a
horizontally-oriented seam.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for encasing is
adapted to fit at least two different sizes for at least one of the
following sets of mattresses: (1) Twin and Long Twin; (2) Full and
Long Full; and (3) Hotel King and California King.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for encasing
comprises at least one of the following sets of dimensions:
approximately 72 inches wide by approximately 81-83 inches long by
approximately 10.5 inches high; approximately 72 inches wide by
approximately 81-83 inches long by approximately 17 inches high;
approximately 54 inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long by
approximately 10 inches high; approximately 54 inches wide by
approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 17 inches high;
approximately 39 inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long by
approximately 10 inches high; and approximately 39 inches wide by
approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 17 inches
high.
16. A system for encasing, comprising: a cover configured to
substantially surround a mattress, wherein the cover comprises a
top cover portion comprised of a stretchable polyester knit fabric
with polyurethane laminated thereon; and a bottom cover portion
comprised of the stretchable polyester knit fabric with the
polyurethane laminated thereon, and wherein the cover is adapted to
fit at least two different sizes for at least one of the following
sets of mattresses: (1) Twin and Long Twin; (2) Full and Long Full;
(3) Hotel King and California King; (4) Twin and Long Twin-sized
beds of different heights; (5) Full and Long Full-sized beds of
different heights; (6) Queen-sized beds of different heights; (7)
King-sized beds of different heights; and (8) Hotel King and
California King-sized beds of different heights.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the cover comprises at least
one of the following sets of dimensions: approximately 72 inches
wide by approximately 81-83 inches long by approximately 10.5
inches high; approximately 72 inches wide by approximately 81-83
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 54
inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 10
inches high; approximately 54 inches wide by approximately 77-79
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 39
inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 10
inches high; approximately 39 inches wide by approximately 77-79
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 39
inches wide by approximately 75 inches long by approximately 10
inches high; approximately 39 inches wide by approximately 75
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 39
inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by approximately 10
inches high; approximately 39 inches wide by approximately 80
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 54
inches wide by approximately 75 inches long by approximately 10
inches high; approximately 54 inches wide by approximately 75
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 54
inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by approximately 10
inches high; approximately 54 inches wide by approximately 80
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 60
inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by approximately 10.5
inches high; approximately 60 inches wide by approximately 80
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 76
inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by approximately 10.5
inches high; approximately 76 inches wide by approximately 80
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 72
inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by approximately 10.5
inches high; approximately 72 inches wide by approximately 80
inches long by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 72
inches wide by approximately 84 inches long by approximately 10.5
inches high; and approximately 72 inches wide by approximately 84
inches long by approximately 17 inches high.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the cover comprises at least
one of the following sets of dimensions: approximately 72 inches
wide by approximately 82 inches long by approximately 10.5 inches
high; approximately 72 inches wide by approximately 82 inches long
by approximately 17 inches high; approximately 54 inches wide by
approximately 77 inches long by approximately 10 inches high;
approximately 54 inches wide by approximately 77 inches long by
approximately 17 inches high; approximately 39 inches wide by
approximately 77 inches long by approximately 10 inches high;
approximately 39 inches wide by approximately 77 inches long by
approximately 17 inches high;
19. A system for encasing, comprising: a cover configured to
substantially surround a box spring, wherein the cover comprises a
top cover portion composed of a stretchable polyester knit fabric;
and a bottom cover portion composed of the stretchable polyester
knit fabric, and wherein the cover is adapted to fit at least two
different sizes of box springs, with the proviso that the cover is
not the exact dimensions of a standard United States-sized Twin,
Long Twin, Full, Long Full, Queen, King, Hotel King, or California
King box spring.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the cover comprises at least
one of the following sets of dimensions: approximately 72 inches
wide by approximately 81-83 inches long by approximately 9 inches
high; approximately 54 inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches
long by approximately 9 inches high; approximately 39 inches wide
by approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 9 inches high;
and approximately 36 inches wide by approximately 82 inches long by
approximately 9 inches high.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to encasements, and, more
specifically, is related to adaptable mattress and/or box spring
encasements.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bed bugs are on the rise all over the world, having
increased approximately 500 percent over the last three years in
the Unites States alone. Pest control professionals report
infestations in hotels, multi-family housing, apartments, and
hospitals. Although mostly eradicated in the U.S. around World War
II, the current resurgence is attributed to an increase in
international travel and immigration combined with less frequent
use of strong pest-killing products. Mattress and box spring
encasements protect bedding from bed bugs.
[0003] Additionally, over approximately 50 million people in the
U.S. today are affected by airborne allergens such as dust mites,
mold, pollen and pet dander. Those who are prone to allergies can
suffer from itchy skin, hay fever, and other allergic symptoms
because of the dust, pollen, and dust mites that are present in
their beds. Allergy treatment professionals recommend allergen
barrier encasements for bedding as a first line of defense for dust
mite allergies and asthma. Encasing a mattress, box spring, and/or
pillow helps protect a user from inhaling allergens that become
airborne from the user's movement in bed. Encasements can be made
to be waterproof, breathable, fire-retardant, and impermeable to
dust mites, bed bugs, mold, and bacteria.
SUMMARY
[0004] Systems, methods, features, and advantages of this
disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art
upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description and be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0005] In one embodiment, a system for encasing a mattress, box
spring, pillow, or cushion is disclosed. The system includes an
adaptable cover configured to substantially surround a mattress,
box spring, pillow, or cushion. The cover of each encasement
includes a stretchable material. The cover can be dimensioned
and/or made of a material such that the cover is versatile in size,
so as to stretch to fit over at least two different lengths,
widths, and/or heights of mattresses or box springs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of an encasement; and
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view illustrating an
exemplary embodiment of an encasement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Disclosed are stretchable encasements or encasement systems
for a mattress and/or a box spring that are adaptable for use on at
least two different sizes (e.g., lengths, widths, and/or heights)
of mattresses or box springs. The encasements are of a size and/or
type that prevents and discourages microbiological waste, organisms
such as bed bugs, and/or other allergens from entering or egressing
the encasement. FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting exemplary
embodiment of a mattress or box spring encasement 100. The
encasement comprises a cover 102 that has an opening 103 on at
least one side of the cover 102, and in which the encasement
substantially or completely covers a mattress or box spring (not
separately depicted). The opening 103 may be secured closed with a
fastening means 104 and may be of any size or length, so long as it
is configured to allow the mattress or box spring to be placed in
the encasement 100.
[0010] It should be appreciated that the encasement can take the
form of any one of a number of shapes and sizes (e.g., lengths,
widths, and/or heights) to fit a variety of types of mattresses or
box springs. In one embodiment, the encasement can fit at least two
different sizes of mattresses or box springs, with the proviso that
the encasement is not the exact dimensions of a standard U.S.-sized
Twin, Long Twin, Full, Long Full, Hotel King, or California King
mattresses or box springs. In another embodiment, the encasement
can be the exact dimensions of a standard U.S.-sized Twin, Long
Twin, Full, Long Full, Queen, King, Hotel King, or California King
mattress or box spring, with the proviso that it is configured to
stretch in the height direction only. Additionally, the encasement
cover may be manufactured from a number of different materials,
examples of which are discussed hereinbelow. These materials may be
hypo-allergenic and/or porous. The encasement 100 can include a
fastening means 104, such as for example, but not limited to, a
zipper, in which fastening means 104 may also be of a size and/or
type that prevents and discourages microbiological waste, organisms
such as bed bugs, and/or other allergens from entering or egressing
the encasement. It should further be appreciated that the depicted
placement of the fastening means 104 on the cover 102 is merely
exemplary, as it should be appreciated that the fastening means 104
can be located on any surface of the cover 102 such that the
fastening means 104 is configured to provide an opening 103 to open
and/or remove the cover 102 from the mattress or box spring.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates another non-limiting exemplary embodiment
of an encasement 300. The encasement comprises a cover 302 that has
an opening 303 on at least one side of the cover 302, and which
substantially or completely covers a mattress or box spring. The
opening 303 may be secured closed with a fastening means 304 and
may be of any size or length, so long as it is configured to allow
the mattress or box spring to be placed in the encasement 300.
[0012] As noted above, the disclosed encasements can be made from a
variety of materials that are suitable for encasing mattresses or
box springs, and of the type that discourages, decreases, and/or
prevents microbiological waste, organisms such as bed bugs, and/or
other allergens from entering or egressing the encasement. These
materials may be hypo-allergenic and/or porous. In one embodiment,
the encasement cover is a stretchable fabric dimensioned so that
the encasement will stretch to accommodate various sizes (e.g.,
lengths, widths, and/or heights) of mattresses or box springs in a
fit that will discourage, decrease, and/or prevent microbiological
waste, organisms such as bed bugs, and/or other allergens from
entering or egressing the encasement. For example, the encasement
cover may be dimensioned to accommodate the mattress or box spring
of beds of at least one of the following three sizes, such as for
example: (1) a Twin and Long Twin; (2) a Full and Long Full; or (3)
a Hotel King and a California King.
[0013] For example, the encasement cover can be made of a
stretchable fabric made of a synthetic elastic
polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, also known as spandex or elastane
(brand names of which include Lycra.RTM. (made by Invista),
Elaspan.RTM. (Invista), Creora.RTM. (Hyosung), ROICA.RTM. and
Dorlastan.RTM. (Asahi Kasei), Linel.RTM. (Fillattice), and ESPA.TM.
(Toyobo)). For example, the encasement cover can be made of a
fabric comprising any fiber blended with spandex, which can become
stretchable, elastic, and provide a close fit around a mattress or
box spring that is desired in an encasement. The fiber blended with
spandex may be, for example, cotton, nylon, polyester, a
microfiber, and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the fabric
of the cover can be made of any of the following exemplary
materials, such as but not limited to, spandex, cotton, nylon,
polyester, a microfiber, and/or combinations thereof so long as the
encasement can stretch to fit at least two different sizes of
mattresses or box springs and provides the close fit desired in an
encasement. The polyester can be a polyester knit or polyester
stretch fabric. The polyester knit fabric may be, for example but
not limited to, a "mock interlock knit" (also referred to as a
no-run interlock). In one embodiment, the polyester stretch fabric
has the property of 105 grams per square meter (GSM).
[0014] In one embodiment, the stretchable fabric of the cover may
have an optional laminate thereon on all or any part of the
encasement that further discourages, decreases, and/or prevents
microbiological waste, organisms such as bed bugs, and/or other
allergens from entering or egressing the encasement. The laminate
may be, for example but not limited to, a polyurethane membrane.
The polyurethane membrane may be, for example but not limited to, a
1 mil polyurethane membrane or a 2 mil polyurethane membrane. In
one embodiment, the polyurethane has over 200% stretch and
recovery, and therefore conforms or stretches with the stretchable
fabric, and aid the fabric in its recovery. In one embodiment, the
polyurethane is adhered to the stretchable fabric.
[0015] In one embodiment depicted in, for example, FIG. 2, the top
cover portion 308 is made of a stretch knit polyester fabric with a
layer of polyurethane membrane laminated thereon and the bottom
cover portion 310 is made of interlock stretch knit polyester with
no layer of polyurethane membrane laminated thereon. In an
alternative embodiment, both the top cover portion 308 and the
bottom cover portion 310 are made of a stretch knit polyester
fabric, with the stretch knit polyester fabric of both the top and
bottom cover portions 308, 310 having a layer of polyurethane
membrane laminated thereon. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2,
an optional horizontally-oriented seam 312 mates the top cover
portion 308 with the bottom cover portion 310. The seam 312 may run
around all or a portion of the encasement 300. The encasement may
be manufactured from a number of different materials, examples of
which are discussed hereinbelow.
[0016] The fastening means 304 (e.g., a zipper) may also be of a
size and/or type that prevents microbiological waste, organisms
such as bed bugs, and/or other allergens from entering or egressing
the encasement. It should further be appreciated that the depicted
placement of the fastening means 304 on the cover 302 is merely
exemplary, as it should be appreciated that the fastening means 304
can be located on any surface of the cover 302 such that the
fastening means 304 is configured to provide an opening 303 to open
and/or remove the cover 302 from the mattress or box spring. In one
embodiment, the fastening means 304 is located at the approximate
center of the height of the encasement, between the top cover
portion 308 and the bottom cover portion 310. The fastening means
can be located closer to the top cover portion 308 or the bottom
cover portion 310 than the exact location depicted in FIG. 2.
[0017] It should be appreciated that the encasement can take the
form of any one of a number of shapes and sizes (e.g., lengths,
widths, and/or heights) to fit a variety of types of mattresses or
box springs. In one embodiment, the dimensions are not the exact
same dimensions of a standard U.S. bed size. For example, the
dimensions of the encasement can vary anywhere between the size of
a standard Twin and a Long Twin, or between the size of a standard
Full and a Long Full, or between the size of a Hotel King and a
California (or Western) King. The dimensions of the encasement will
vary as a function of the elasticity of the fabric of the
encasement. In other words, a more highly elastic or stretchable
fabric cover can be made of smaller dimensions than an encasement
cover made of fabric that is less elastic or stretchable.
[0018] In one embodiment, the encasement provides the advantage of
having one encasement that fits two different lengths of mattresses
or box springs, and is made of a stretchable material, such as that
disclosed herein, and dimensioned so as to fit both a Twin-sized
bed (dimensioned at 39 inches by 75 inches) and Long Twin-sized bed
(dimensioned at 39 inches by 80 inches). In this embodiment, the
encasement is made of a stretchable material, dimensioned so as to
fit both Twin- and Long Twin-sized mattresses of any height from
about 9 inches up to about 15 inches, or alternatively of any
height from about 16 inches up to about 22 inches, providing a
close fit as desired in an encasement and fitting in a manner that
prevents or discourages microbiological waste, organisms such as
bed bugs, and/or other allergens from entering or egressing the
encasement. In this embodiment, the approximate dimensions of the
encasement are approximately 39 inches wide (in direction Won FIGS.
1-3) by approximately 77-79 inches long (in direction L on FIGS.
1-3) by approximately 10 inches in height (in direction H on FIGS.
1-3). Alternatively, the approximate dimensions of the encasement
are approximately 39 inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long
by approximately 17 inches high. In one embodiment, the Twin- and
Long Twin-sized encasement is approximately 77 inches long.
[0019] In one embodiment, the encasement provides the advantage of
having one encasement that fits two different lengths of mattresses
or box springs, and is made of a stretchable material, such as that
disclosed herein, and dimensioned so as to fit both a Full-sized
bed (dimensioned at 54 inches wide by 75 inches long) and Long
Full-sized bed (dimensioned at 54 inches wide by 80 inches long).
In this embodiment, the encasement is made of a stretchable
material, dimensioned so as to fit both Full- and Long Full-sized
mattresses of any height from about 9 inches up to about 15 inches,
or alternatively of any height from about 16 inches up to about 22
inches, providing a close fit as desired in an encasement and
fitting in a manner that prevents or discourages microbiological
waste, organisms such as bed bugs, and/or other allergens from
entering or egressing the encasement. In this embodiment, the
approximate dimensions of the encasement are approximately 54
inches wide (in direction Won FIGS. 1-3) by approximately 77-79
inches long (in direction L on FIGS. 1-3) by approximately 10
inches in height (in direction H on FIGS. 1-3). Alternatively, the
approximate dimensions of the encasement are approximately 54
inches wide by approximately 77-79 inches long by approximately 17
inches high. In one embodiment, the Full- and Long Full-sized
encasement is approximately 77 inches long.
[0020] In one embodiment, the encasement provides the advantage of
having one encasement that fits at least two different heights of
mattresses, and is made of a stretchable material, such as that
disclosed herein, and dimensioned so as to fit at least two
different heights of Queen-sized mattresses (e.g., different
Queen-sized mattresses, each dimensioned at 60 inches by 80 inches,
with different heights). In this embodiment, the encasement is made
of a stretchable material such as that disclosed herein, and
dimensioned so as to fit two different Queen-sized mattresses of
any height from about 9 inches up to about 15 inches, or
alternatively of any height from about 16 inches up to about 22
inches, providing a close fit as desired in an encasement and
fitting in a manner that prevents or discourages microbiological
waste, organisms such as bed bugs, and/or other allergens from
entering or egressing the encasement. In this embodiment, the
approximate dimensions of the encasement are approximately 60
inches wide (in direction W on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately 80
inches long, (in direction L on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately
10.5 inches in height (in direction H on FIGS. 1 and 2).
Alternatively, the approximate dimensions of the encasement are
approximately 60 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by
approximately 17 inches high.
[0021] In one embodiment, the encasement provides the advantage of
having one encasement that fits two different lengths of mattresses
or box springs, and is made of a stretchable material, such as that
disclosed herein, and dimensioned so as to fit both a Hotel
King-sized mattress or box spring (dimensioned at 72 inches wide by
80 inches long) and a California (or Western) King-sized mattress
or box spring (dimensioned at 72 inches wide by 84 inches long). In
this embodiment, the encasement is made of a stretchable material,
and dimensioned so as to fit both Hotel King- and California
King-sized mattresses of any height from about 9 inches up to about
15 inches, or alternatively of any height from about 16 inches up
to about 22 inches, providing a close fit as desired in an
encasement and fitting in a manner that prevents or discourages
microbiological waste, organisms such as bed bugs, and/or other
allergens from entering or egressing the encasement. In this
embodiment, the approximate dimensions of the encasement are
approximately 72 inches wide (in direction W on FIGS. 1 and 2) by
approximately 81-83 inches long, or alternatively 82 inches long,
(in direction L on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately 10.5 inches in
height (in direction H on FIGS. 1 and 2). Alternatively, the
approximate dimensions of the encasement are approximately 72
inches wide by approximately 81-83 inches long, or alternatively 82
inches long, by approximately 17 inches high.
[0022] In one embodiment, the encasement provides the advantage of
having one encasement that fits at least two different heights of
mattresses, and is made of a stretchable material, such as that
disclosed herein, and dimensioned so as to fit at least two
different heights of King-sized mattresses (e.g., different
King-sized mattresses, each dimensioned at 76 inches wide by 80
inches long, of different heights). In this embodiment, the
encasement is made of a stretchable material such as that disclosed
herein, and dimensioned so as to fit two different King-sized
mattresses of any height from about 9 inches up to about 15 inches,
or alternatively of any height from about 16 inches up to about 22
inches, providing a close fit as desired in an encasement and
fitting in a manner that prevents or discourages microbiological
waste, organisms such as bed bugs, and/or other allergens from
entering or egressing the encasement. In this embodiment, the
approximate dimensions of the encasement are approximately 76
inches wide (in direction W on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately 80
inches long, (in direction L on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately
10.5 inches in height (in direction H on FIGS. 1 and 2).
Alternatively, the approximate dimensions of the encasement are
approximately 76 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long by
approximately 17 inches high.
[0023] Box spring encasements for Hotel King and California King
can either be in a "split box spring" configuration (with two box
springs supporting a single mattress), or in a single box spring
configuration. In one embodiment, box spring encasement is made
entirely of the knit polyester stretchable material (excepting
seams and/or securing mechanisms such as a zipper). In one
embodiment, approximate dimensions of the box spring encasement are
approximately 36 inches wide (in direction W on FIGS. 1 and 2) by
approximately 82 inches long (in direction L on FIGS. 1 and 2) by
approximately 9 inches in height (in direction H on FIGS. 1 and 2).
In another embodiment, the approximate dimensions of the box spring
encasement are approximately 72 inches wide (in direction W on
FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately 81-83, or 82, inches long, (in
direction L on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately 9 inches in height
(in direction H on FIGS. 1 and 2). In another embodiment, the
approximate dimensions of the box spring encasement are
approximately 54 inches wide (in direction W on FIGS. 1 and 2) by
approximately 77-79 inches long, (in direction L on FIGS. 1 and 2)
by approximately 9 inches in height (in direction H on FIGS. 1 and
2). In another embodiment, the approximate dimensions of the box
spring encasement are approximately 39 inches wide (in direction W
on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately 77-79 inches long, (in direction
L on FIGS. 1 and 2) by approximately 9 inches in height (in
direction H on FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0024] In any of the Twin/Long Twin-, Full/Long Full-, or Hotel
King/California King-sized embodiments, or any embodiment of
encasements with different heights, the fastening means 304 can be
located at the approximate center of the height (in direction H on
FIGS. 1 and 2) of the encasement, between the top cover portion 308
and the bottom cover portion 310, e.g., at approximately halfway
between the top cover portion 308 and the bottom cover portion 310,
e.g., at about 5.25 inches from the top of the top cover portion
308. In one embodiment, the fastening means 304 can be located at
the approximate center of the height (in direction H on FIGS. 1-2)
of the encasement, between the top cover portion 308 and the bottom
cover portion 310, e.g., at about 8.5 inches from the top of the
top cover portion 308. Alternatively, the fastening means can be
located closer to the top cover portion 308 or the bottom cover
portion 310 than the exact location of approximately 5.25 or 8.5
inches from the top of the top cover portion 308.
[0025] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
are merely possible examples of implementations of the encasements,
and are merely set forth for a clear understanding of the
principles set forth herein. Many variations and modifications may
be made to the devices and methods without departing substantially
from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such
modifications and variations are intended to be included herein
within the scope of this disclosure.
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