U.S. patent application number 14/021763 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for unified, reversible mattress topper cover and bed cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sleep Innovations, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Sleep Innovations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Loomis, Jennifer M. Morzano.
Application Number | 20140068868 14/021763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50231702 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140068868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morzano; Jennifer M. ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
UNIFIED, REVERSIBLE MATTRESS TOPPER COVER AND BED COVER
Abstract
Embodiments provide a bed linen that is a unified and reversible
mattress topper cover and bed cover. A mattress topper cover
includes a first sleep surface defining a first peripheral edge, a
second sleep surface defining a second peripheral edge, and a
gusset extending between the first sleep surface and the second
sleep surface along their respective first and second peripheral
edges to define a cavity therebetween for receiving a mattress
topper. A bed cover includes a skirt affixed at and along
substantially the horizontal midline of the gusset for securing to
a mattress. The bed linen is reversible by flipping the mattress
topper to expose one of the first sleep surface or the second sleep
surface and adjusting the skirt in an appropriate direction to
cover the mattress.
Inventors: |
Morzano; Jennifer M.; (Long
Branch, NJ) ; Loomis; Michael; (Center Valley,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sleep Innovations, Inc. |
West Long Branch |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sleep Innovations, Inc.
West Long Branch
NJ
|
Family ID: |
50231702 |
Appl. No.: |
14/021763 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61698663 |
Sep 9, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/691 ;
5/493 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20130101; A47C
27/14 20130101; A47C 21/00 20130101; A47C 31/105 20130101; A47G
9/0246 20130101; A47G 9/0292 20130101; A47C 27/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/691 ;
5/493 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00; A47C 27/08 20060101 A47C027/08; A47C 27/14 20060101
A47C027/14; A47C 21/00 20060101 A47C021/00 |
Claims
1. A bed linen, comprising: a mattress topper cover comprising: a
first sleep surface comprising a first fabric and defining a first
peripheral edge, a second sleep surface comprising a second fabric
and defining a second peripheral edge, wherein the first fabric has
a different fiber content and/or arrangement of fibers than the
second fabric, a gusset extending between the first sleep surface
and the second sleep surface along their respective first and
second peripheral edge to define a cavity therebetween for
receiving a mattress topper; a skirt affixed at and along
substantially a horizontal midline of the gusset for securing to a
mattress; wherein the bed linen is reversible by flipping the
mattress topper to expose one of the first sleep surface or the
second sleep surface and adjusting the skirt in an appropriate
direction to cover the mattress.
2. The bed linen of claim 1, wherein one of the first sleep surface
or the second sleep surface comprises a heat-dissipating
fabric.
3. The bed linen of claim 2, wherein the heat-dissipating fabric is
selected from wicking type material, cooling gel, natural fibers,
cotton blends, and combinations thereof.
4. The bed linen of claim 1, wherein one of the first sleep surface
or the second sleep surface comprises a heat-retaining fabric.
5. The bed linen of claim 4, wherein the heat-retaining fabric is
selected from velour, wool, flannel, cotton, polyester, and
combinations thereof.
6. The bed linen of claim 1, wherein the first sleep surface
comprises a heat-retaining fabric and the second sleep surface
comprises a heat-dissipating fabric.
7. A mattress topper cover and bed cover, comprising: a mattress
topper portion comprising: a first sleep surface comprising a first
fabric; a second sleep surface comprising a second fabric, wherein
the first fabric has a different fiber content and/or arrangement
of fibers than the second fabric; and a gusset extending between
outer edge portions of the first sleep surface and the second sleep
surface, thereby forming a cavity for containing a mattress topper;
a bed cover portion comprising a skirt affixed at and along
substantially a horizontal midline of the gusset for securing to a
mattress; wherein the mattress topper cover and bed cover is
reversible by flipping the mattress topper portion to expose one of
the first sleep surface or the second sleep surface and adjusting
the skirt in an appropriate direction to cover the mattress.
8. The mattress topper cover and bed cover of claim 7, wherein an
opening is provided in one or more of the first sleep surface, the
second sleep surface, and the gusset to facilitate insertion and
removal of the mattress topper.
9. The mattress topper cover and bed cover of claim 7, wherein the
skirt extends over at least a portion of a bottom surface of the
mattress, the skirt further comprising an edge to secure the
mattress topper portion and bed cover portion in place on the
mattress.
10. The mattress topper cover and bed cover of claim 7, wherein the
skirt is elasticized to form a stretch-to-fit skirt.
11. The mattress topper cover and bed cover of claim 7, wherein the
skirt covers the entirety of the mattress.
12. The mattress topper cover and bed cover of claim 7, wherein the
first sleep surface comprises a heat-retaining fabric and the
second sleep surface comprises a heat-dissipating fabric.
13. A mattress topper assembly comprising: a mattress topper cover
portion comprising: a first sleep surface comprising a first
fabric; a second sleep surface comprising a second fabric, wherein
the first fabric has a different fiber content and/or arrangement
of fibers than the second fabric; a gusset extending between outer
edge portions of the first sleep surface and the second sleep
surface, thereby forming a fabric cover for containing a mattress
topper; a mattress topper contained within the fabric cover,
wherein the mattress topper comprises a first support layer
corresponding to the first sleep surface and a second support layer
corresponding to the second sleep surface; and a bed cover portion
comprising a skirt affixed at and along substantially a horizontal
midline of the gusset for securing to a mattress; wherein the
mattress topper assembly is reversible by flipping the mattress
topper portion to expose one of the first sleep surface or the
second sleep surface and adjusting the skirt in an appropriate
direction to cover the mattress.
14. The mattress topper assembly of claim 13, wherein the first
support layer of the mattress topper comprises a gel-foam and the
second support layer of the mattress topper comprises a closed-cell
foam.
15. The mattress topper assembly of claim 13, wherein the first
sleep surface comprises a first colored fabric and the second sleep
surface comprises a second colored fabric, wherein the first
colored fabric is a different color than the second colored fabric.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/698,663 filed Sep. 9, 2012, entitled
"Unified, Reversible Mattress Topper Cover and Bed Cover," which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNOLOGY FIELD
[0002] This description relates generally to bed linens,
particularly a unified mattress topper cover and bed cover. More
particularly, this description relates to a unified, reversible
mattress topper and bed cover combination.
BACKGROUND
[0003] To add desired mattress properties, such as softness,
support, etc., to a bedding product, today's consumers often turn
to the use of a mattress topper made from a variety of materials.
Often the toppers and/or mattresses are covered with a bed cover to
protect the underlying topper and mattress or to impart additional
properties. Topper covers traditionally are separate from bed
covers, and often are just zippered enclosures encasing the topper.
The covered topper is then laid on the mattress.
[0004] There is a continuing need for enhanced topper properties
and for an easy way to change those properties as well as secure
the topper to the mattress.
SUMMARY
[0005] Some embodiments provide a bed linen, comprising a mattress
topper cover, itself comprising a first sleep surface comprising a
first fabric and defining a first peripheral edge, a second sleep
surface comprising a second fabric and defining a second peripheral
edge, wherein the first fabric has a different fiber content and/or
arrangement of fibers than the second fabric, a gusset extending
between the first sleep surface and the second sleep surface along
their respective first and second peripheral edges to define a
cavity therebetween for receiving a mattress topper; and a skirt
affixed at and along substantially the horizontal midline of the
gusset for securing to a mattress; wherein the bed linen is
reversible by flipping the mattress topper to expose one of the
first sleep surface or the second sleep surface and adjusting the
skirt in an appropriate direction to cover the mattress.
[0006] In some embodiments, one of the first sleep surface or the
second sleep surface comprises a heat-dissipating fabric.
[0007] In some embodiments, the heat-dissipating fabric is selected
from wicking type material, cooling gel, cotton, polyester, nylon,
spandex, lycra, polycotton, polyblend, stretch knit, circular knit
jacquard, natural fibers such as silk and different cotton blends,
including percale, sateen and jersey, and combinations thereof.
[0008] In some embodiments, one of the first sleep surface or the
second sleep surface comprises a heat-retaining fabric.
[0009] In some embodiments, the heat-retaining fabric is selected
from velour, wool, flannel, cotton, polyester, wool, microfiber,
woven jacquard, plain weave, recycled acrylic, polyamide,
polypropylene, natural fibers such as silk and different cotton
blends, including percale, sateen and jersey, and combinations
thereof.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first sleep surface comprises a
heat-dissipating fabric and the second sleep surface comprises a
heat-retaining fabric.
[0011] Some embodiments provide a mattress topper cover and bed
cover comprising a mattress topper portion and a bed cover portion.
The mattress topper portion comprises: a first sleep surface
comprising a first fabric; a second sleep surface comprising a
second fabric, wherein the first fabric has a different fiber
content and/or arrangement of fibers than the second fabric; and a
gusset extending between outer edge portions of the first sleep
surface and the second sleep surface, thereby forming a cavity for
containing a mattress topper. The bed cover portion comprises a
skirt affixed at and along substantially a horizontal midline of
the gusset for securing to a mattress. The mattress topper cover
and bed cover is reversible by flipping the mattress topper portion
to expose one of the first sleep surface or the second sleep
surface and adjusting the skirt in an appropriate direction to
cover the mattress.
[0012] In some embodiments, an opening is provided in one or more
of the first sleep surface, the second sleep surface, and the
gusset to facilitate insertion and removal of the mattress
topper.
[0013] In some embodiments, the skirt extends over at least a
portion of a bottom surface of the mattress, the skirt further
comprising an edge to secure the mattress topper portion and bed
cover portion in place on the mattress.
[0014] In some embodiments, the skirt is elasticized to form a
stretch-to-fit skirt.
[0015] In some embodiments, the skirt covers the entirety of the
mattress.
[0016] Some embodiments provide a mattress topper assembly that
includes: a mattress topper cover portion comprising: a first sleep
surface comprising a first fabric; a second sleep surface
comprising a second fabric, wherein the first fabric has a
different fiber content and/or arrangement of fibers than the
second fabric; a gusset extending between outer edge portions of
the first sleep surface and the second sleep surface, thereby
forming a fabric cover for containing a mattress topper; a mattress
topper contained within the fabric cover, wherein the mattress
topper comprises a first support layer corresponding to the first
sleep surface and a second support layer corresponding to the
second sleep surface; and a bed cover portion comprising a skirt
affixed at and along substantially a horizontal midline of the
gusset for securing to a mattress; wherein the mattress topper
assembly is reversible by flipping the mattress topper portion to
expose one of the first sleep surface or the second sleep surface
and adjusting the skirt in an appropriate direction to cover the
mattress.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first support layer of the mattress
topper includes a gel-foam and the second support layer of the
mattress topper includes a closed-cell foam.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first sleep surface includes a
first colored fabric and the second sleep surface includes a second
colored fabric, wherein the first colored fabric is a different
color than the second colored fabric.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are
best understood from the following detailed description when read
in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings
embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the specific
instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the
following Figures:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary unified
mattress topper cover and bed cover according to some
embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a partial cut-away view of an exemplary unified
mattress topper cover and bed cover according to some embodiments;
and
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a unified mattress topper
cover and bed cover according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] This invention is not limited to the particular processes,
compositions, or methodologies described, as these may vary. The
terminology used in the description is for the purpose of
describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and it is
not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will
be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise,
all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to
those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
embodiments of the present invention, the preferred methods,
devices, and materials are now described. All publications
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the
invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of
prior invention.
[0024] As used in this document, the singular forms "a", "an", and
"the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "foam" is a reference
to one or more foams and equivalents thereof known to those skilled
in the art, and so forth.
[0025] As used in this document, the term "about" means plus or
minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is
being used. Therefore, about 50% means in the range of 45% to
55%.
[0026] As used in this document, the term "comprises or comprising"
means includes at least the following but does not exclude
others.
[0027] The term "distributed" as used in this document includes
distributed, spread, immersed, embedded, immersed, saturated,
deposited, disseminated, scattered, diffused, infused, dispersed,
interspersed, encapsulated or the like.
[0028] The term "heat-dissipating" as used in this document
includes materials or fabrics that have a cooling effect on the
body temperature of a user in contact with the material or
fabric.
[0029] The term "heat-retaining" as used in this document includes
materials or fabrics that have a warming effect on the body
temperature of a user in contact with the material or fabric.
[0030] The term "foam" as used in this document refers to any type
of air filled matrix structures including, without limitation,
conventional foam, high resilience foam, latex foam rubber,
viscoelastic foam, polyurethane foam, memory foam, slow recovery
foam, ground foam, latex foam, reflex foam, continuous foam,
hyper-soft resilient foam, hyper-soft high airflow viscoelastic
foam such as that disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0278852,
which is hereby incorporated by reference, or the combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the foam may be hyper-soft high
airflow viscoelastic foam. In particular embodiments, the foam may
be viscoelastic polyurethane foam or memory foam. Memory foam is
generally temperature-sensitive, so environmental temperatures or a
user's body heat may affect how the foam feels. For example, memory
foam responds to a user's body heat and molds around the user, thus
the foam may aid in relieving pressure points, preventing pressure
sores, improving circulation and the like. Higher density memory
foam may mold to a warm human body in a few minutes.
[0031] In particular embodiments, the foam may be polyurethane foam
created from a formulation comprising an isocyanate, a surfactant,
and a polyol blend comprising a vegetable oil polyol as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,700,661, which is hereby incorporated by
reference. In further embodiments, the polyurethane foam may be
made from a formulation comprising a polyol blend comprising a
petrochemical polyol and a vegetable oil polyol, and an isocyanate
blend comprising a 2, 4 toluene diisocyanate (TDI) isomer and a 2,
6 TDI isomer, wherein the ratio of petrochemical polyol to
vegetable oil polyol in the polyol blend is about equal to the
ratio of the 2, 4 TDI isomer to the 2, 6 TDI isomer in the
isocyanate blend, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,700,661. In some
embodiments, the foam may further include additives such as,
without limitation, activators, stabilizers, amines, colorants,
dyes, pigments, chain-extending agents, surface-active agents
(i.e., surfactants), fillers, and the like.
[0032] As used in this document, the term "gel-foam" means a foam
comprising gel particles dispersed within. The term "gel" as used
in this document means any liquid-extended polymer composition. In
some aspects, the gel composition may contain a three-dimensional
network of cross-linked molecular chains (gels), or it may merely
behave as if it contained such a network (gelloids). The gel of
embodiments described in this document may be any liquid-extended
polymer or gelatinous composition having a molecular weight and
durometer characteristics that allow the gel to deform under load
of a typical human, while having a resilience that allows it to
rebound into its original shape quickly, such as within one second
or less, when the load is removed. Examples of gels used in aspects
of the invention include, without limitation, oil-extended triblock
copolymer compositions such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,485,787, U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,387, U.S. Pat. No. 3,827,999, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,176,240, U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,540, U.S. Pat. No.
4,351,913, U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,607, U.S. Pat. No. 4,492,428, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,497,538, U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,821, U.S. Pat. No.
4,709,982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,183, U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,193, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,942,270, U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,736, U.S. Pat. No.
5,331,036, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,450; and thermoplastic elastomer
gelatinous compositions such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,369,284, U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,213, U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,468, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,508,334, U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,254, U.S. Pat. No.
5,334,646, U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,273, U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,890, and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,708. Each of the above references is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0033] Gel-foams may be made by blending a gel (which would be in
particle form, optionally encapsulated with a material to preserve
the integrity of the gel while it is suspended in the foam) with a
polyol to form a blend. In an alternate embodiment, the gel may be
encapsulated before being blended with the polyol. Compositions
used for encapsulating the gel may comprise polyol, fabric,
plastic, elastomers, thermoplastic materials, or the like. The gel
particles may be dispersed and suspended throughout the foam
composition.
[0034] In some embodiments, a foamed gel may be made by pouring a
gel into a mold, mixing in a blowing agent into the gel. Examples
of blowing agents include isocyanate, water, nitrogen-based
materials, sodium bicarbonate, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, or the
like.
[0035] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a
mattress topper comprising at least one first support layer having
distributed material dispersed throughout the first support layer.
In some embodiments, the mattress topper further comprises at least
one second support layer that is free of the distributed material.
In particular embodiments, the distributed material is gel. In some
embodiments, the gel is encapsulated. In some embodiments, the gel
may be encapsulated using polyol, fabric, plastic, elastomers,
thermoplastic materials, or a combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the foam is memory foam, viscoelastic polyurethane
foam or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first
support layer comprises gel foam. In some embodiments, the first
support layer comprises foamed gel.
[0036] For example, distributed material may be encapsulated and
blended with the polyol before mixing in other foam ingredients
such as isocyanate, blowing agent and additives to form the blend.
Compositions used for encapsulating the gel may comprise polyol,
fabric, plastic, elastomers, thermoplastic materials, or the like.
Suitable thermoplastic materials of embodiments include soft
polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene,
fluoropolymers, urethane, copolymers of polyvinyl chloride and
vinyl acetate, silicon rubber, and mixtures of polyvinyl chloride
and synthetic rubber. The thermoplastic material may also be
composed of a composite, such as a woven nylon material with a
protective coating of urethane or vinyl. Suitable elastomers
include poly(ethylene/butylene), hydrogenated poly(isoprene),
hydrogenated poly(butadiene), hydrogenated
poly(isoprene+butadiene), poly(ethylene/propylene), hydrogenated
poly(ethylene/butylene+ethylene/propylene), polyurethane,
polyisoprene, polybutadiene, or the like.
[0037] In some embodiments, the method further comprises grinding
the encapsulated gel before blending the gel with a polyol. In an
embodiment, the polyol and gel may be blended in a high shear
blending unit configured for receiving and blending polyol and gel
particles and discharging a blend. In a particular embodiment, the
gel particles and polyol may be added in a two step process wherein
in a first step, a pre-blend of gel particles and polyol is formed
and in a second step, the pre-blend is subjected to high shear to
form a final blend. In an alternative embodiment, the pre-blending
and shearing are performed simultaneously. In particular
embodiments, the method of dispersing gel into foam comprises
grinding, chopping, or otherwise cutting a slab or block of gel
into particles, encapsulating the gel particles to form
encapsulated gel particles, and dispersing the gel particles into
foam.
[0038] Some embodiments relate to a reversible mattress topper
cover and bed cover. It will be appreciated from the drawings and
the description below that many different arrangements may be used
within the spirit and scope of the disclosure contained herein.
Some embodiments generally provide a mattress topper cover having
at least a first sleeping surface and a second sleeping surface on
opposite sides of the topper cover and defining a cavity for
receiving a mattress topper therebetween. Each of the first
sleeping surface and the second sleeping surface may be provided
with a different look and/or feel. For example, one side could be
provided with a cool fabric (e.g. heat-dissipating) for
warm-weather sleeping while the other side could be provided with a
warm fabric (e.g. heat-retaining) for cool-weather sleeping. A
peripherally extending side surface defines the sides of a bed
cover. The peripherally extending side surface extends from
substantially the midline of the sides of the topper cover and
substantially around the entire periphery of the topper cover, and
extends at least a distance sufficient to wrap around the side of
the mattress and at least partially onto the underside of the
mattress. The bottom edge may be elasticized to secure the topper
cover and bed cover in place. In some embodiments, the side surface
may extend into a bottom surface such that substantially the entire
bottom surface of the mattress in enclosed. By extending the
peripherally extending side surfaces from substantially the midline
of the side of the topper cover, the topper cover can be flipped or
reversed easily to expose the opposite sleeping surface. The side
surfaces can likewise be reversed and still be used to engage the
mattress and secure the topper cover in place. In this manner, the
consumer can use a single mattress topper and easily switch between
two desired properties based on the choice of materials of the two
sleeping surfaces.
[0039] Although attaching the skirt (i.e., the peripherally
extending side surface) at approximately the horizontal midline
facilitates easy flipping and reversing, in some embodiments, it is
possible to attach the skirt skewed from the midline. In such
instances, the sidewall of the skirt should be such that regardless
of the topper orientation, the skirt is able to be tucked around
and under the mattress so that the topper is secured and the
mattress fully protected.
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary topper cover
and bed cover 100 is shown. The mattress topper 200 may be any type
of mattress topper including those made from traditional foam,
viscoelastic foam, reticulated foam, convoluted foam, or
combinations thereof. Similarly, mattress 300 can be any type of
mattress, including inner spring, foam, or even an air mattress.
Mattress sizes are standardized throughout the world, and both the
topper 200 and the underlying mattress 300 can be made to any size,
standard or non-standard.
[0041] As shown in the cross-sectional representation of FIG. 1,
the topper cover and bed cover 100 has a first sleeping surface 110
and a second sleeping surface 120. The two sleeping surfaces 110
and 120 define a pocket for accepting the mattress topper 200. The
pocket so defined may be further defined by a sidewall or gusset
130 extending from the first sleeping surface 110 to the second
sleeping surface 120. The gusset 130 is sized depending on the
thickness of the mattress topper 200 to be held within. In some
instances, the gusset 130 is about 1 inch, about 2 inches, about 3
inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, or a range
between any two such values. Depending on the material choice for
the sleeping surfaces 110 and 120, the material used in the gusset
130 may extend under the sleeping surface 110 and/or 120 to provide
support. In some embodiments, the two sleeping surfaces 110 and 120
may be joined along the outer edge with a portion of each defining
the sidewall or gusset 130.
[0042] From the approximate horizontal midline of sidewall 130 is a
side surface, or skirt, 150 extending around substantially the
entire periphery of the topper cover portion of the topper cover
and bed cover 100 to form a bed cover portion. The side surface 150
can be affixed to the sidewall 130 or formed as an integral part
thereof through appropriate fabrication techniques such as sewing,
knitting, weaving, bonding, etc. The side surface 150, as depicted
in FIG. 1, extends over at least a portion of the bottom surface of
the mattress 300. An edge 160, such as an elasticized edge, is
provided so as to secure the topper cover and bed cover 100 in
place on the mattress 300. In some embodiments, the skirt 150 is
elasticized to form a stretch-to-fit skirt that easily accommodates
various thicknesses of mattress 300. Other securing means may be
used, such as extending a portion of skirt 150 such that it covers
the entirety of the mattress 300 and may be secured by a zipper or
other closure device on a bottom portion or side portion of the
mattress 300.
[0043] Arrows A in FIG. 3 indicate that by simply lifting side
surface 150 over the topper cover portion, and flipping the topper
200 itself, the entire assembly can be reversed, exposing the
second sleeping surface 120. In such a manner, a single product
(i.e., the topper cover and bed cover 100) can be used to protect
both the mattress topper 200 and the mattress 300, while securing
the topper 200 to the mattress 300, and allowing a user to choose
between two different surfaces (i.e., the first surface 110 and the
second surface 120).
[0044] As noted above, the two sleeping surfaces 110 and 120 can be
different materials (e.g. fabrics) to achieve different properties
such as warming (e.g. heat-retaining) or cooling (e.g.
heat-dissipating). The two sleeping surfaces 110 and 120 could just
as easily be made of the same material, for quick switching, should
one of the surfaces become soiled or worn, for example.
[0045] In one embodiment, the bed linen includes a mattress topper
cover that has a first sleep surface that includes a first fabric
and defines a first peripheral edge and a second sleep surface
comprising a second fabric and defines a second peripheral edge,
wherein the first fabric has a different fiber content and/or
arrangement of fibers than the second fabric.
[0046] Suitable fibers for either sleeping surface 110 and/or
sleeping surface 120 include natural fibers, such as, for example,
cotton, silk, wool, and linen; synthetic fibers, such as, for
example, polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra, rayon, satin,
microfiber, acrylic, recycled acrylic, polyamide, and
polypropylene; and combinations thereof, such as, for example,
cotton blends, silk blends, wool blends, polycotton, and polyblend.
Leather materials are also suitable for use in sleeping surface 110
and/or sleeping surface 120. Suitable arrangements of fibers for
either sleeping surface 110 and/or sleeping surface 120 include
woven (e.g. percale, sateen, flannel, woven jacquard, plain weave),
non-woven, knitted (e.g. stretch-knit, circular knit jacquard,
jersey, velour), and crocheted fibers.
[0047] In one embodiment, the topper cover and bed cover 100
includes a mattress topper 200 contained within a pocket defined by
the two sleeping surfaces 110 and 120. The mattress topper 200
includes one or two support layers. In an embodiment where the
mattress topper 200 includes two support layers corresponding to
the sleeping surfaces 110 and 120, the two support layers can be
different materials to achieve different properties such as
heat-retaining in one layer and heat-dissipating in the other
layer. In other words, the heat-retaining layer of the mattress
topper 200 is in contact with (e.g. corresponds to) the
heat-retaining sleeping surface of the topper cover, and the
heat-dissipating layer of the mattress topper 200 is in contact
with (e.g. corresponds to) the heat-dissipating sleeping surface of
the topper cover. Similar to the sleeping surfaces 110 and 120,
mattress topper 200 could just as easily be made of one
material.
[0048] Exemplary heat-retaining materials for use in one or more of
the support layers of the mattress topper include closed-cell
foams, gel-free-foams, and warming phase change materials such as
those disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2012/019357, which is
hereby incorporated by reference. Exemplary heat-dissipating
materials for use in one or more of the support layers of the
mattress topper include open-cell foams, gel foams, and cooling
phase change materials such as those disclosed in U.S. Publication
No. 2012/019357, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0049] In another embodiment, when the two sleeping surfaces 110
and 120 and/or the support layers of the mattress topper 200
corresponding to the sleeping surfaces 110 and 120 are different
materials, each sleeping surface 110 or 120 is made from a
differently colored material than the other sleeping surface 110 or
120. Each color is used to identify a property of the sleeping
surface and/or support layer of the mattress topper 200 with which
it is associated. Any color can be used. Furthermore, the
manufacturer is free to use any color to define a certain property.
In one embodiment, sleeping surface 110 and the support layer of
mattress topper 200 which corresponds to sleeping surface 110 are
both made from heat-retaining materials; and sleeping surface 120
and the support layer of mattress topper 200 which corresponds to
sleeping surface 120 are both made from heat-dissipating materials.
In this embodiment, the sleeping surface 110 is, for example, an
orange material and the sleeping surface 120 is, for example, a
green material to differentiate these properties.
[0050] Potential properties and combinations of the two sleeping
surfaces 110 and 120, as well as the support layers of mattress
topper 200 which correspond to sleeping surfaces 110 and 120,
include but are not limited to hot/cold (e.g.
heat-retaining/heat-dissipating), firm/soft, scented/unscented,
treated/untreated, and others. The desired properties can be
achieved through a combination of various materials, for example,
different types of material include viscoelastic/viscoelastic with
different densities and/or IFDs (indentation force deflections),
viscoelastic/polyurethane foam, viscoelastic/polyethylene foam,
viscoelastic/reticulated foam, viscoelastic/fiber, polyurethane
foam/polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam/polyethylene foam,
gel-foam/gel-foam, gel-foam/gel-free-foam (e.g. foam that does not
contain a gel in its finished form), polyurethane foam/fiber,
polyethylene foam/fiber, each of which may be infused with scent
(vanilla, green tea, lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, etc.) or with
a treatment (such as an anti-fungal, antimicrobial, bed-bug
replant, etc.).
[0051] In some embodiments, one sleeping surface 110 or 120
comprises a material suitable for warm-weather sleeping (e.g. a
heat-dissipating fabric), such as, but not limited to, wicking type
material, cooling gel, cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra,
polycotton, polyblend, stretch knit, circular knit jacquard,
natural fibers such as silk and different cotton blends, including
percale, sateen and jersey, and combinations thereof.
[0052] In some embodiments, one sleeping surface 110 or 120
comprises a material suitable for cold-weather sleeping (e.g. a
heat-retaining fabric), such as but not limited to velour, wool,
flannel, cotton, polyester, wool, microfiber, woven jacquard, plain
weave, recycled acrylic, polyamide, polypropylene, natural fibers
such as silk and different cotton blends, including percale, sateen
and jersey, and combinations thereof.
[0053] In one embodiment, a topper cover portion having a first
sleeping surface 110 and a second sleeping surface 120 is provided
having a three inch gusset 130 therebetween. The first sleeping
surface 110 includes 260 gsm pin dot velour (80% cotton, 20% poly)
with a polypropylene lining. The second sleeping surface 120 is
athletic performance material (with moisture wicking capability).
The gusset 130 itself is 215 TC polyester microfiber materials. An
elasticized skirt 150, approximately seventeen inches in height, is
provided about the periphery of the topper cover portion and
secured there by stitching.
[0054] As a result, a unified topper and bed cover 100 having a
cooling surface and a warming surface is provided. Although the
unified, reversible topper and bed cover 100 is described herein as
providing two different surfaces for sleeping (e.g. warm/cool), it
could also simply provide two different aesthetics, having one
pattern on one side and a different pattern on the other. As
described above, the combinations of topper properties is nearly
limitless.
[0055] An opening may be provided in one or more of the first
sleeping surface 110, the second sleeping surface 120, and the
sidewall 130 to facilitate insertion and removal of the topper 200.
The opening may be placed in any suitable location, such as along
one or more edges, concealed by cording for aesthetic reasons. The
opening may be closeable with, for example, a zipper, Velcro, or
other fastening mechanism.
[0056] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and
modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the
invention and that such changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is
therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover
all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and
scope of the invention.
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