U.S. patent application number 13/136197 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-31 for apparatus and method of use for a pvc composite mattress frame.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edgar A. Southgate, Glenn Syrowitz. Invention is credited to Edgar A. Southgate, Glenn Syrowitz.
Application Number | 20130025050 13/136197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47595985 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130025050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Syrowitz; Glenn ; et
al. |
January 31, 2013 |
Apparatus and method of use for a PVC composite mattress frame
Abstract
A mattress frame that is lightweight, durable, and minimizes
material use. The apparatus includes a pair of side rails connected
to a pair of end rails via four end caps to form a generally
rectangular shape. The side rails and the end rails can vary in
length and each of the side rails and end rails has an identical
cross-section shape made up of five sections surrounding a slot.
The end caps each include two tabs for insertion into the slots of
the side rails and end rails. The side rails and end rails further
include a pair of strengthening steel ribs. An alternate embodiment
includes slats which extend from side rail to side rail or from end
rail to end rail. Each slat has a generally U-shaped cross section
and further includes two galvanized steel ribs running their entire
length. Another alternate embodiment includes feet.
Inventors: |
Syrowitz; Glenn; (Okotoks,
CA) ; Southgate; Edgar A.; (Calgary, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Syrowitz; Glenn
Southgate; Edgar A. |
Okotoks
Calgary |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
47595985 |
Appl. No.: |
13/136197 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/246 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 19/025 20130101;
A47C 19/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/246 |
International
Class: |
A47C 23/00 20060101
A47C023/00 |
Claims
1. A mattress frame comprising: a first non-metallic side rail
connected to a first non-metallic end rail by a first end cap; the
first non-metallic end rail connected to a second non-metallic side
rail by a second end cap; the second non-metallic side rail
connected to a second non-metallic end rail by a third end cap; the
second non-metallic end rail connected to the first non-metallic
side rail by a fourth end cap; the first non-metallic side rail,
second non-metallic side rail, first non-metallic end rail and
second non-metallic end rail each having a cross-section; wherein
the cross section comprises: a first section, second section and
third section integrally formed to define a rectangular channel; a
tab support, attached to the first section, adjacent to and
extending into the rectangular channel; and a slat support,
attached to the third section and extending away from the
rectangular channel.
2. The mattress frame of claim 1 further comprises: a first
metallic strengthening rib, encapsulated in the first section; and
a second metallic strengthening rib, encapsulated in the third
section.
3. The mattress frame of claim 2 wherein the first metallic
strengthening rib encapsulated in the first section of the first
side rail and the second metallic strengthening rib encapsulated in
the third section of the first side rail are of greater height than
the first metallic strengthening rib encapsulated in the first
section of the first end rail and the second metallic strengthening
rib encapsulated in the third section of the first end rail.
4. The mattress frame of claim 2 wherein the first metallic
strengthening rib includes a knurled section encapsulated by the
first section.
5. The mattress frame of claim 2 wherein the first metallic
strengthening rib includes a plurality of holes encapsulated by the
first section.
6. The mattress frame of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of
non-metallic slats, supported by the slat support of the first
non-metallic side rail and the slat support of the second
non-metallic side rail.
7. The mattress frame of claim 6 where each of the plurality of
non-metallic slats further comprises: a first vertical stanchion; a
second vertical stanchion; a horizontal base section, connected to
the first vertical stanchion and the second vertical stanchion; a
third non-metallic strengthening rib encapsulated in the first
vertical stanchion; and, a fourth non-metallic strengthening rib
encapsulated in the second vertical stanchion.
8. The mattress frame of claim 7 where: the third non-metallic
strengthening rib includes a first knurled section and a first
plurality of holes encapsulated in the first vertical stanchion;
and the fourth non-metallic strengthening rib includes a second
knurled section and a second plurality of holes encapsulated in the
second vertical stanchion.
9. The mattress frame of claim 1 where the first end cap further
comprises: a non-metallic arcurate corner having an inside
semi-cylindrical wall integrally and an outside semi-cylindrical
wall; the inside semi-cylindrical wall and the outside
semi-cylindrical wall connected by a first radial vertical wall and
a second radial vertical wall; the first vertical wall and the
second vertical wall forming a generally right angle; a first tab
extending generally perpendicularly from the first vertical wall; a
second tab extending generally perpendicularly from the second
vertical wall; wherein the first tab removably engages the first
non-metallic side rail; and the second tab removably engages the
first non-metallic end rail.
10. The mattress frame of claim 9 further comprising a foot,
removably secured to the non-metallic arcurate corner.
11. The mattress frame of claim 10 wherein the first tab further
includes a first longitudinal strengthening channel and the second
tab includes a second longitudinal strengthening channel.
12. The mattress frame of claim 2 further comprising: a first
plurality of non-metallic slats, extending from the slat support of
the first non-metallic end rail to the slat support of the second
non-metallic end rail; a second plurality of non-metallic slats,
supported by the second section of the first non-metallic side rail
and the second section of the second non-metallic side rail and
adjacent to and intersecting generally perpendicularly with the
first plurality of non-metallic slats; wherein the first plurality
of non-metallic slats and the second plurality of non-metallic
slats each comprise: a first vertical stanchion; a second vertical
stanchion; a horizontal base section, connected to the first
vertical stanchion and the second vertical stanchion; a third
metallic strengthening rib encapsulated in the first vertical
stanchion; and, a fourth metallic strengthening rib encapsulated in
the second vertical stanchion.
13. A mattress support comprising: a first non-metallic rail,
having a first longitudinal slot, a first tab support adjacent the
first longitudinal slot and a first slat support parallel to the
first tab support; a second non-metallic rail, having a second
longitudinal slot, a second tab support adjacent the second
longitudinal slot and a second slat support parallel to the second
tab support; a third non-metallic rail, having a third longitudinal
slot, a third tab support adjacent the third longitudinal slot and
a third slat support parallel to the third tab support; a fourth
non-metallic rail, having a fourth longitudinal slot, a fourth tab
support adjacent the fourth longitudinal slot and a fourth slat
support parallel to the fourth tab support; a first corner piece,
having a first tab perpendicularly opposed to a second tab; a
second corner piece, having a third tab perpendicularly opposed to
a fourth tab; a third corner piece, having a fifth tab
perpendicularly opposed to a sixth tab; a fourth corner piece,
having a seventh tab perpendicularly opposed to an eighth tab; the
first tab contacting the first tab support and removably joining
the first longitudinal slot; the second tab contacting the second
tab support and removably joining the second longitudinal slot; the
third tab contacting the second tab support and removably joining
the second longitudinal slot; the fourth tab contacting the third
tab support and removably joining the third longitudinal slot; the
fifth tab contacting the third tab support and removably joining
the third longitudinal slot; the sixth tab contacting the fourth
tab support and removably joining the fourth longitudinal slot; the
seventh tab contacting the fourth tab support and removably joining
the fourth longitudinal slot; and the eighth tab contacting the
first tab support and removably joining the first longitudinal
slot.
14. The mattress support of claim 13 wherein: the first
non-metallic rail encapsulates a first pair of vertical
strengthening ribs; the second non-metallic rail encapsulates a
second pair of vertical strengthening ribs; the third non-metallic
rail encapsulates a third pair of vertical strengthening ribs; and
the fourth non-metallic rail encapsulates a fourth pair of vertical
strengthening ribs.
15. The mattress support of claim 14 wherein: the first pair of
vertical strengthening ribs includes a first plurality of roughened
surfaces and a first plurality of holes; the second pair of
vertical strengthening ribs includes a second plurality of
roughened surfaces and a second plurality of holes; the third pair
of vertical strengthening ribs includes a third plurality of
roughened surfaces and a third plurality of holes; and the fourth
pair of vertical strengthening ribs includes a fourth plurality of
roughened surfaces and a fourth plurality of holes.
16. The mattress support of claim 14 wherein the: first pair of
vertical strengthening ribs is formed of one of the group of steel,
aluminum, fiberglass and Kevlar.RTM. fibers.
17. The mattress support of claim 16 wherein: each slat of the
plurality of non-metallic slats encapsulates a pair of vertical
strengthening ribs.
18. The mattress support of claim 17 wherein: each of the pair of
vertical strengthening ribs includes a set of roughened areas and a
set of holes.
19. The mattress support of claim 18 further comprises: a first
foot removably attached to the first corner piece adjacent the
first tab and the second tab; a second foot removably attached to
the second corner piece adjacent the third tab and the fourth tab;
a third foot removably attached to the third corner piece adjacent
the fifth tab and the sixth tab; and a fourth foot removably
attached to the fourth corner piece adjacent the seventh tab and
the eighth tab
20. The mattress support of claim 14 further comprising: a first
plurality of non-metallic slats, extending from the first slat
support of the first non-metallic rail to the third slat support of
the third non-metallic rail; a second plurality of non-metallic
slats, supported by the second non-metallic rail and the fourth
non-metallic rail and adjacent to and intersecting generally
perpendicularly with the first plurality of non-metallic slats;
wherein the first plurality of non-metallic slats and the second
plurality of non-metallic slats each comprise: a first vertical
stanchion; a second vertical stanchion; a horizontal base section,
connected to the first vertical stanchion and the second vertical
stanchion; a first metallic strengthening strip encapsulated in the
first vertical stanchion; and, a second metallic strengthening
strip encapsulated in the second vertical stanchion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to mattress frames.
In particular, the invention relates to a lightweight and high
strength extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composite mattress
frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A mattress frame, commonly known as a set of box-springs, is
a type of bed base typically consisting of a sturdy wooden frame
covered in fabric, and containing springs. In use, the mattress
frame is placed on a metal bed frame which supports the mattress
frame and acts as a stand to raise the bed frame to a desirable
height. The mattress frame supports a mattress. The bed frame,
mattress frame and mattress make up a standard bed structure.
However, the mattress frame typically cannot function without the
cooperation of a bed frame. Structural support for the bed comes
mainly from the bed frame underneath. In most applications, the
mattress frame is made of a light, inexpensive wood such as pine.
However, the rejection rate of the wood used to manufacture a
typical mattress frame can be as high as 15% due to natural faults
in the wood leading to large amounts of waste. The mattress frame
is stapled together during manufacture and serves only as a support
for the internal components of the bed frame, springs, padding
covers and the like. The bed frame is typically made of angled
steel and offers more than adequate support for any average bed
loading.
[0003] The purpose of the mattress frame or box-spring is
threefold; to raise the mattress' height, to absorb shock and
reduce wear to the mattress, and to create a flat and firm
structure to support the mattress.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,085 to Cretsinger, et al. discloses
sleep system providing a bed including a frame with cross support
members coupled with panel assemblies. The frame includes two rail
members and two end rails connected by corner connectors. The
corner connectors incorporate a tongue and groove assembly for
connection. The Cretsinger device incorporates many intricate parts
which complicate the manufacturing process and exhaust unnecessary
amounts of material.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,876 to Petruzella discloses a mattress
like structure of a rigid tubular plastic material such as
polyvinyl chloride including a generally rectangular shaped rigid
frame, a pair of opposed sides, a pair of opposed ends,
frictionally engaged elbows which serve to connect the sides and
ends to form the rectangular frame, and a flexible fabric tightly
stretched over the frame to form a top and bottom surface wherein
the frame is of a type that is easily assembled and disassembled
into its component parts. The Petruzella device is not easily
re-configurable and does not support a mattress as it is the
mattress itself.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,589 to Steed, et al. discloses a bed
foundation comprising a pair of parallel spaced side rails with
ends connected by corner braces to the ends of parallel cross rails
thereby defining a rectangular box frame wherein the side rails and
cross rails may be constructed from a thermoplastic compound. The
Steed device requires additional hardware for assembly.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,822 to Sheehy discloses a "knock-down"
bed frame assembly formed from extruded plastic components
including a frame having a pair of side rails, a pair of end rails,
and connector brackets wherein the entire knock-down bed frame can
be disassembled into individual components that can be contained
within a conventional shipping container. The Sheehy device
requires extra hardware for assembly and incorporates additional
connecting pieces between the side rails.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,397 to Gaboury, et al. discloses a bed
foundation made from blow molded plastic material, having
interlocking joints between rails and between joists and rails.
When assembled, it has a top panel which overhangs the side rails
to permit an oversized mattress to be placed thereon. It may be
assembled without the use of tools. When disassembled the
components compactly ship within a container. The Gaboury bed
foundation requires additional hardware for assembly of the
connecting joints.
[0009] It is desirable to have a mattress support system that is
lightweight, durable, flexible, configurable, is easily
manufactured of common inexpensive materials, and minimizes total
material used to avoid waste. It is also desirable to have a bed
frame of sufficient strength to support normal loading without
deformation. It is also desirable to eliminate the need for a bed
frame by strengthening a mattress frame to support additional
loading. The art is replete with mattress frames and bedding
apparatus, but none include all the features and functionality
disclosed herein.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] An embodiment of the apparatus includes a pair of side rails
connected to a pair of end rails via four end caps to form a
lightweight, durable mattress frame in generally rectangular shape
which minimizes the amount of material used and eliminates extra
fastening hardware. The side rails and the end rails may vary in
length depending on the particular use desired but each of the side
rails and end rails has an identical cross-section shape made up of
five sections surrounding a slot. The end caps are a generally
quarter circle shape and each includes two tabs for insertion into
the slots of the side rails and end rails. The side rails and end
rails further include encapsulated steel ribs.
[0011] In an alternate embodiment, the side rails, end rails and
end caps incorporate strengthening inserts to the frame. In another
embodiment, feet are included to raise the mattress frame in order
to eliminate the need for a bed frame.
[0012] In an alternate embodiment, slats are included for added
strength and to support springs internal to the mattress frame. The
slats can extend from side rail to side rail or from end rail to
end rail. Depending on the amount of added strength required for a
particular use, one or a plurality of slats can be added. Each slat
has a generally U-shaped cross section and further includes
encapsulated strengthening ribs.
[0013] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned
features and advantages of the invention together with other
important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description
that follows in conjunction with the drawings provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments
presented below, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment where
a mattress is in shadow.
[0016] FIG. 2 is partial isometric view from the bottom of a
preferred embodiment of the mattress frame.
[0017] FIG. 3 is partial isometric view from the top of a preferred
embodiment of the mattress frame.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of a
side rail.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of
an end rail.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of and
end cap.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial exploded isometric view of a preferred
embodiment of an end cap, a side rail, and an end rail.
[0022] FIG. 8A is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a
side rail taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 8B is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a
rib.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of a
slat.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a
slat taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 9.
[0026] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment
including longitudinal and lateral slats.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals,
respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to
scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or
generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, mattress frame 100 is comprised of a
pair of side rails connected to a pair of end rails via end caps.
In the preferred embodiment, the side rails and the end rails are
made of an extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, but other
lightweight, flexible plastics will suffice. In the preferred
embodiment, the end caps are made of a fiber reinforced nylon
consisting of at least 20% glass or Kevlar.RTM. fibers. Side rails
102 and 104 are generally longer in length than end rails 106 and
108 so when assembled as shown in FIGS. 1-3 form a generally
rectangular shape and are comprised of the dimensions typical of
bed frames and mattresses found in the industry. It is understood
that different ratios than those depicted could be incorporated to
construct bed sizes including but not limited to twin, double,
queen, and king size. It is also possible that the side rails and
the end rails are of the same length to create a generally square
shaped frame. Side rails 102 and 104 have the same cross-section
shape as end rails 106 and 108. FIG. 1 shows mattress frame 100 as
would be incorporated within box springs 150 (shown in shadow)
where box springs 150 would include springs and fabric cover as is
common in the art. A set of four feet 195 is included to raise the
mattress frame when in use.
[0029] End cap 120 connects side rail 102 to end rail 106. End cap
122 connects end rail 106 to side rail 104. End cap 124 connects
side rail 104 to end rail 108 and end cap 126 connects end rail 108
to side rail 102 to form the four sided mattress frame 100.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, end cap 120, side rail 102,
and end rail 106 is shown. It is understood by those skilled in the
art that end caps 122, 124, and 126 are identical to end cap 120
and thus will not be described further. End cap 120 is comprised of
a middle section 930 and two tabs 920 and 922. It is understood
that each end cap is integrally formed. Middle section 930 is
shaped in a quarter circle and includes outside curved edge 904,
edge 909, inside curved edge 902, edge 906 and an approximately
centrally positioned hole 197. The height of outside curved edge
904, edge 909, inside curved edge 902, and edge 906 is generally
equal to the height of sections 404 and 408 of the side rails and
end rails. Outside curved edge 904 is connected to a first end of
edge 906 and a first end of edge 909. Inside curved edge 902 is
connected to a second end of edge 906 and a second end of edge 909
and includes hole 197 located generally at the midpoint. Braces 907
and 908 extend radially from inside curved section 902 to outside
curved section 904. Edges 906 and 909 extend past inside curved
edge 902 to meet and form a generally right angle shown as corner
910. The height of corner 910 is generally equal to the height of
slat support 406 and tab support 414 of the side rails and end
rails. Extending generally perpendicularly from edge 906 is tab
920. Extending generally perpendicularly from edge 909 and
generally perpendicular to tab 920 is tab 922. The tabs include
braces 918 and 919. Both tabs 920 and 922 are shown having a
generally L-shaped cross-section. It is understood that the
cross-section of tabs 920 and 922 could be other shapes adapted to
fit within the slots of the end rails and side rails.
[0031] Four feet 195 are provided, each of which incorporates a
single threaded stanchion 196. Threaded stanchion 196 is adapted to
engage threads inside hole 197. In an alternate embodiment,
threaded stanchion 196 extends through hole 197 and is retained in
place by a nut (not shown). The width of each foot 195 is
sufficient so that it extends from edge 909 or the base of tab 922
to edge 906 or the base of tab 920, thereby supporting end cap
120.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 8A, cross-section 400 of side rail 104 is
shown. The cross-sectional dimensions of side rails 102 and 104 and
end rails 106 and 108 are identical. Cross-section 400 shows that
the side rails and end rails are comprised of five sections
configured to form an opening leading to a slot. Each side rail and
end rail are integrally formed.
[0033] Section 404 extends generally perpendicularly from slat
support 406. Section 402 extends generally perpendicularly from
section 404 in a direction away from slat support 406 and is also
generally parallel with slat support 406. Section 408 extends
generally perpendicularly from section 402 in a direction towards
slat support 406 and is generally parallel with section 404. Tab
support 414 extends generally perpendicularly from section 408 in a
direction towards slat support 406 and is parallel to section 402
and slat support 406. Between tab support 414 and slat support 406
is gap 410 which leads to slot 412. Slot 412 is surrounded by
sections 404, 402, 408, tab support 414, and gap 410. Slot 412 is
depicted as rectangular shaped but other polygonal shapes would
suffice. It is understood that the shape of slot 412 paired with
gap 410 should permit connection with tabs 920 and 922. Section 404
includes rib 422. Section 408 includes rib 420. Ribs 420 and 422
are galvanized steel bars running the full length of each side rail
and end rail. In an alternate preferred embodiment, in order to
reduce weight further, the ribs are not present. In other preferred
embodiments, the ribs are constructed from a heavy gauge steel
mesh, fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM. or aluminum.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 8B, the ribs of the preferred embodiment
include knurled surfaces 700 on both sides to aid in bonding with
the plastic encapsulation to achieve a unitary construction. The
positions of the knurled surfaces are shown at each end of the rib.
In other embodiments, additional knurled surfaces are included as
other lengths along the rib. The ribs also include holes 702 to
reduce weight and aid in bonding with the plastic encapsulation. In
a preferred embodiment, the height "x" of ribs placed in longer
side rails is increased compared to those of the end rails to
offset greater bending loads. In another embodiment, the
cross-section shape of the ribs is an "I"-beam in order to
withstand additional weight.
[0035] In use, side rails 102 and 104 are connected to end rails
106 and 108 via end caps 120, 122, 124, and 126. At each corner of
mattress frame 100, tabs 920 and 922 are inserted into slots 412
and gaps 410 as is shown in FIG. 7. The corners and ribs are held
together with a tolerance press fit. There is no need for
additional tools or connecting hardware to assemble mattress frame
100. Ribs 420 and 422 provide extra strength for the side rails and
end rails. Mattress frame 100 is then attached to box springs 150
with staples or adhesive as is common in the art.
[0036] The preferred method of manufacture of the end rails and
side rails includes extrusion through a co-extrusion die such as is
known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the steel insert is
fed into the die. The PVC plastic is then extended through the
co-extrusion die as the insert material is deployed from a roll.
The steel insert is pre-heated through induction heating, or other
methods known in the art, until the plastic adjacent the metal
insert fuses around and into the metal insert. After cooling, the
side rail or end rail may be considered integrally formed or
"encapsulated." Other methods of molding or encapsulation may be
used with equal success.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, slat 900 is shown. Slat 900
is comprised of three sections forming a "U-shape." Slat 900 is one
continuous piece of material. Base section 906 is flanked by
sections 902 and 904. Sections 902 and 904 are both generally
perpendicular to base section 906 and are generally parallel to
each other. Section 902 includes rib 922. Section 904 includes rib
920. Ribs 920 and 922 are galvanized steel bars running the full
length of slat 900. Ribs 920 and 922 provide extra strength for the
slats.
[0038] In an alternate preferred embodiment, a single or a
plurality of slats can be incorporated in mattress frame 100 as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 11. Slats can be positioned perpendicularly to
the side rails and parallel to the end rails (lateral slats 940) or
parallel to the side rails and perpendicular to the end rails
(longitudinal slats 950). When in place, one end of slat 900 is
adjacent to section 404 and rests on slat support 406 of a side
rail or end rail while the opposite end of slat 900 is adjacent
section 404 and rests on slat support 406 of an opposing side rail
or end rail. The location of slats 900 relative to each other and
relative to the end rails or side rails depends on the amount of
support and flexibility desired. Where more support is required,
additional slats can be added. For added support, slats 900 can be
pinned to the side rails and end rails with rivets or similar
attachment hardware as is common in the art. In an alternate
embodiment, the slats are bonded to the end rails and side rails
with a suitable adhesive or inductive welding.
[0039] When both longitudinal slats 950 and lateral slats 940 are
incorporated in mattress frame 100, longitudinal slats 950 are
placed adjacent section 404 and slat support 406 of opposing end
rails as previously described with the U-shape facing downwards.
Lateral slats 940 are then placed on top of and generally
perpendicularly to longitudinal slat 950 and additionally rest on
section 402 of the opposing side rails with the U-shape facing
upwards. At the intersection of the slats, the slats can be pinned
together with rivets or similar attachment hardware as is common in
the art. Additionally, adhesive or inductive welding may also be
used to attach the intersecting slats together.
[0040] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *