U.S. patent application number 14/033190 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-26 for bedding article having a cooling insert.
This patent application is currently assigned to Standard Fiber LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Standard Fiber LLC. Invention is credited to Russ Holbrook.
Application Number | 20150082545 14/033190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52689645 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150082545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holbrook; Russ |
March 26, 2015 |
BEDDING ARTICLE HAVING A COOLING INSERT
Abstract
A bedding article is provided. A bedding article may include a
mattress pad, a pillow shell, comforter, blanket and/or a pillow
protector. The bedding article includes a first layer having a
first edge region defining a size and a shape of the first layer.
The first layer includes a gel pack, the gel pack having an outer
surface storing a gel therein. The gel is configured to provide
temperature control, and in particular a cooling effect to a user
in contact with the bedding article. The bedding article may
alternatively include a mesh insert including a plurality of
apertures configured to allow ambient air adjacent to a first side
of the bedding article to fluidly communicate with air adjacent to
a second side of the bedding article.
Inventors: |
Holbrook; Russ; (Matthews,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Standard Fiber LLC |
Burlingame |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Standard Fiber LLC
Burlingame
CA
|
Family ID: |
52689645 |
Appl. No.: |
14/033190 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/636 ;
5/421 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/0215 20130101;
A47G 9/0292 20130101; A47G 9/0253 20130101; A47C 31/105 20130101;
A47C 21/046 20130101; A47G 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/636 ;
5/421 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A bedding article comprising: a first layer having a first edge
region defining a size and a shape of the first layer, the first
layer comprising a gel pack, the gel pack having an outer surface
and storing a gel therein.
2. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the gel pack defines the
first edge region of the first layer.
3. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the first layer further
comprises a first material and the gel pack is secured to the first
material.
4. The bedding article of claim 3, wherein the first material
defines the first edge region, and includes an opening having a
size and shape, wherein the gel pack has a size and shape
substantially the same as the size and shape of the opening, and is
positioned in the opening and secured to the first material about a
periphery of the gel pack.
5. The bedding article of claim 3, wherein the first material
defines the first edge region and an area of the first layer and
the gel pack is disposed on the first material.
6. The bedding article of claim 5, wherein the gel pack is secured
to the first material by stitching or adhesive.
7. The bedding article of claim 6, where the gel pack is secured to
the first material by stitching, and the stitching forms at least
one seam about a periphery of the gel pack.
8. The bedding article of claim 3, further comprising a cover layer
having a cover layer edge region, wherein a first portion of the
cover layer edge region is secured to the first material to define
a pocket between the cover layer and first material, and an opening
to the pocket is formed along a second portion of the cover layer
edge region such that the gel pack may be received in the pocket
through the opening and secured to the first material by the cover
layer.
9. The bedding article of claim 8, further comprising a fastener
disposed along the second portion of cover layer edge region and a
mating fastener disposed on the first material adjacent to the
second portion of the cover layer edge region, such that the
opening to the pocket may be selectively opened or closed with the
fastener and mating fastener.
10. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising skirting
extending around the first edge region, wherein the skirting is a
material extending from the first edge region, and the first layer
is configured to be disposed on a top side of a mattress and the
skirting is configured to extend around sides of the mattress to
maintain the bedding article in a desired position.
11. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising a second
layer, the second layer having a second edge region defining a size
and shape of the second layer, wherein the size and shape of the
second layer are substantially the same as the size and shape of
the first layer, and a first portion of the second edge region is
secured to a first portion of the first edge region so as to define
a receptacle between the first layer and the second layer, and an
article opening is formed between a second portion of the first
edge region and a second portion of the second edge region through
which a filler may be received in the receptacle.
12. The bedding article of claim 11, further comprising a closure
fastener disposed along the second portion of the first edge region
and a mating closure fastener disposed along the second portion of
the second edge region adjacent to the second portion of the first
edge region of the first layer, such that the receptacle opening to
the receptacle may be selectively opened or closed with the closure
fastener and the mating closure fastener.
13. The bedding article of claim 11, wherein the filler is a
pillow.
14. The bedding article of claim 11, wherein the filler is a
natural or polyester fiber fill.
15. The bedding article of claim 11, further comprising a gusset
positioned between the first edge region of the first layer and the
second edge region of the second layer to space the first edge
region from the second edge region, wherein the gusset is secured
to the first portion of the first edge region and the first portion
of the second edge region, and is secured to one of the second
portion of the first edge region and the second portion of second
edge region such that the receptacle opening is formed between a
free edge of the gusset and the second portion of the first edge
region or the second portion of the second edge region to which the
gusset is not secured.
16. The bedding article of claim 15, further comprising a closure
fastener disposed along one of the second portion of the first edge
region and second portion of the second edge region, and a mating
closure fastener disposed along the free edge of the gusset, such
that the receptacle opening to the receptacle may be selectively
opened or closed with the closure fastener and the mating closure
fastener.
17. The bedding article of claim 11, wherein the first layer
further comprises a first material and the gel pack is secured to
the first material, and the first material defines the first edge
region, and includes an opening having a size and shape, wherein
the gel pack has a size and shape substantially the same as the
size and shape of the opening, and the gel pack is positioned in
the opening and secured to the first material about a periphery of
the gel pack.
18. The bedding article of claim 17, wherein the first layer
further comprises a cover layer covering the gel pack, and the
cover layer is made from a fabric or mesh material.
19. The bedding article of claim 11, wherein the first layer
further comprises a first material and the gel pack is secured to
the first material, and the bedding article further comprises a
cover layer having a cover layer edge region, wherein a first
portion of the cover layer edge region is secured to the first
material to define a pocket between the cover layer and first
material, and an opening to the pocket is formed along a second
portion of the cover layer edge region such that the gel pack may
be received the pocket and secured to the first material by the
cover layer.
20. The bedding article of claim 19, wherein the cover layer is
made from a fabric or mesh material.
21. A bedding article comprising: a first side facing outward; a
second side facing inward; and a mesh insert including a plurality
of apertures configured to allow ambient air adjacent to the first
side to fluidly communicate with air adjacent to the second
side.
22. The bedding article of claim 21, wherein a filler is disposed
between the first side and second side.
23. The bedding article of claim 21, wherein the mesh insert is
formed as a strip of material extending along a length or width of
the bedding article.
24. The bedding article of claim 21, further comprising a plurality
of baffles containing a filler therein, and the mesh insert extends
between adjacent baffles.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The following description relates to a bedding article
having a cooling insert, and in particular, a bedding article such
as a pillow shell, pillow protector, blanket, comforter and/or a
mattress pad having an insert for providing increased comfort.
[0002] Bedding articles may include pillow shells, pillow
protectors, blankets, comforters and mattress pads. A pillow shell
may refer to a stitched piece or pieces of fabric, typically
rectangular in shape, and formed with an opening to receive padding
or other filling. The opening may be closed by, for example, a
zipper. A pillow protector may refer to a stitched piece or pieces
of fabric having an open end configured to receive the pillow
shell. A mattress pad generally includes a padded surface top
surface configured to be disposed across a top surface of a
mattress. The mattress pad may also include four depending sides
configured to fit around corresponding sides of a mattress. The
depending sides may include an elastic material so that the
depending sides snuggly engage the sides of mattress to secure the
mattress pad to the mattress.
[0003] Bedding articles are typically made from a single fabric or
blend of fabrics, and may include a filling or other padding
material therein. These fabrics and/or filling may retain heat,
causing an increase in temperature as a result of a person
remaining in contact with, or being covered by, the bedding
article. In addition, some bedding articles may restrict the flow
of air so that heat may build up due to body heat from a user. In
some cases, the bedding article or area enclosed by the bedding
article may reach an uncomfortable temperature.
[0004] Accordingly, is desirable to provide a bedding article that
may maintain a comfortable a temperature and/or provide a cooling
effect as perceived by the user.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to one embodiment, there is provided a bedding
article having a first layer including a first edge region defining
a size and a shape of the first layer, the first layer comprising a
gel pack, the gel pack having an outer surface storing a gel
therein.
[0006] The gel pack may define the first edge region of the first
layer.
[0007] The first layer may further include a first material and the
gel pack is secured to the first material. The first material may
define the first edge region, and include an opening having a size
and shape, wherein the gel pack has a size and shape substantially
the same as the size and shape of the opening, and is positioned in
the opening and secured to the first material about a periphery of
the gel pack.
[0008] The first material may define the first edge region and an
area of the first layer and the gel pack may be disposed on the
first material. The gel pack may be secured to the first material
by stitching or adhesive. The stitching may form at least one seam
about a periphery of the gel pack.
[0009] The bedding article may also include a cover layer having a
cover layer edge region, wherein a first portion of the cover layer
edge region may be secured to the first material to define a pocket
between the cover layer and first material, and an opening to the
pocket is formed along a second portion of the cover layer edge
region such that the gel pack may be received in the pocket through
the opening and secured to the first material by the cover layer.
The cover layer may be made from a fabric or mesh material.
[0010] A fastener may be disposed along the second portion of cover
layer edge region and a mating fastener may be disposed on the
first material adjacent to the second portion of the cover layer
edge region, such that the opening to the pocket may be selectively
opened or closed with the fastener and mating fastener.
[0011] The bedding article may also include a skirting extending
around the first edge region, wherein the skirting may be a
material extending from the first edge region, and the first layer
may be configured to be disposed on a top side of a mattress and
the skirting may be configured to extend around sides of the
mattress to maintain the bedding article in a desired position.
[0012] The bedding article may further include a second layer, the
second layer having a second edge region defining a size and shape
of the second layer, wherein the size and shape of the second layer
may be substantially the same as the size and shape of the first
layer. A first portion of the second edge region may be secured to
a first portion of the first edge region so as to define a
receptacle between the first layer and the second layer. An article
opening may be formed between a second portion of the first edge
region and a second portion of the second edge region through which
a filler may be received in the receptacle. The filler may be a
pillow or a natural or polyester fiber fill.
[0013] A closure fastener may disposed along the second portion of
the first edge region and a mating closure fastener may disposed
along the second portion of the second edge region adjacent to the
second portion of the first edge region of the first layer, such
that the receptacle opening to the receptacle may be selectively
opened or closed with the closure fastener and the mating closure
fastener.
[0014] A gusset may be positioned between the first edge region of
the first layer and the second edge region of the second layer to
space the first edge region from the second edge region, wherein
the gusset may be secured to the first portion of the first edge
region and the first portion of the second edge region. The gusset
may also be secured to one of the second portion of the first edge
region and the second portion of second edge region such that the
receptacle opening is formed between a free edge of the gusset and
the second portion of the first edge region or the second portion
of the second edge region to which the gusset is not secured.
[0015] According to another embodiment, a bedding article may
include a first side facing outward, a second side facing inward
and a mesh insert including a plurality of apertures configured to
allow ambient air adjacent to the first side to fluidly communicate
with air adjacent to the second side.
[0016] The mesh insert may be formed as a strip of material
extending along a length or width of the bedding article. A filler
may be disposed between the first side and second side. A plurality
of baffles may be formed in the bedding article. The baffles may
container the filler therein, and the mesh insert may extend
between adjacent baffles.
[0017] Other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure
will be apparent from the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps, and
processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example of a bedding article
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an example of the
bedding article of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of an example of another bedding
article according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example of a bedding article
shown in FIG. 3 according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an example of still
another bedding article according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of another example of the
bedding article of FIG. 6 according an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another example of the
bedding article shown in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a top view of example of a bedding article having
a cooling insert according to another embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the bedding article 110 in FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described one or more embodiments with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative only and is
not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment
described or illustrated.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an example of a bedding article
10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
bedding article may include a first layer 12 having a first edge
region 14 defining a size and a shape of the first layer. The first
layer 12 further includes a cooling insert or attachment, such as a
gel pack 16. The gel pack 16 includes an outer surface 18 that
envelops a gel material 20. That is, the outer surface 18 of the
gel pack 16 may function as a bladder storing the gel material 20
therein. The gel pack 16 may include a plurality of discrete gel
containing squares that are sealed off from adjacent gel containing
squares. The outer surface 18 may be formed from a flexible
material such as a plastic, thermoplastic or rubber based material,
or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the bedding article
10 is configured so that the gel pack 16 is positioned on an
exterior side thereof so that the gel pack 16 interfaces with a
user. Further, in some examples, the gel pack 16 may define the
first edge region 14 of the first layer 12.
[0029] With further reference to FIG. 1, the first layer 12 may
also include a first material 22. The first material 22 may be a
fabric material made from either natural or synthetic fibers or a
blend thereof. The gel pack 16 may be secured to the first material
22. In one embodiment, the gel pack may be secured to the first
material 22, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive. For
instance, the gel pack 16 may include an outer periphery 24 which
may be stitched to the first material 22. The outer periphery 24
may be separated from the portion in which the gel material 20 is
disposed such that stitching through the outer periphery 24 does
not cause gel to leak from the gel pack 16. That is, the outer
surface 18 of the gel pack 16 may include portions in which gel is
not disposed so that he gel pack 16 may be stitched to the first
material 22 The stitching may form at least one seam 26 about the
outer periphery 24 of the gel pack 16. Alternatively, or in
addition to the stitching, a suitable adhesive may be applied to
the outer periphery 24 or other portions, including central
portions, of the outer surface 18 of the gel pack 16 to secure the
gel pack 16 to the first material 22.
[0030] In some examples, the first material 22 may define the first
edge region 14. The first material 22 may include an opening, for
example, a substantially centrally located opening, having a size
and a shape. The gel pack 16 may have a size and shape
substantially the same as the size and shape of the opening, and
may be positioned in the opening. The gel pack 16 may be secured to
the first material 22 at, for example, a portion of the gel pack 16
that overlaps with the first material 22. For instance, in some
configurations, the outer periphery 24 of the gel pack may overlap
with the first material 22. In other configurations, a plurality of
tabs may extend from the gel pack 16 to over lap with the first
material 22. The gel pack 16 may be secured to first material 22,
as noted above, by way of stitching, adhesive, or other suitable
securing mechanism. Alternatively, the gel pack 16 may be disposed
entirely, or substantially entirely, on the first material 22 and
secured thereto by stitching, adhesive or other suitable
fastener.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an example of the
bedding article of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the bedding article 10 may
further include a cover layer 28 for at least partially covering
the gel pack 16. The cover layer 28 includes a cover layer edge
region 30. A first portion 32 of the cover layer edge region 30 may
be secured to the first material 22 to define a pocket 34 between
the cover layer 28 and first material 22. An opening 36 to the
pocket 34 may be formed along a second portion 38 of the cover
layer edge region 30 such that the gel pack 16 may be received in
the pocket 34 through the opening 36. Accordingly, the gel pack 16
may be secured to the first material 22 by the cover layer 28. In
this example, "secured" may refer a situation where the gel pack 16
may be held in place against or adjacent to the first material 22
during normal use, while remaining selectively removable from the
bedding article 10 based on a user's preference.
[0032] A fastener 40 may be disposed along the second portion 38 of
cover layer edge region 30 and a mating fastener 42 may be disposed
on the first material 22 adjacent to the second portion 38 of the
cover layer edge region 30. Accordingly, the opening 36 to the
pocket 34 may be selectively opened or closed with the fastener 40
and mating fastener 42. The fastener 40 and mating fastener 42 may
be, for example, a slide fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a snap
or a button. It is understood, however, that the fastener 40 and
mating fastener 42 are not limited to these examples.
[0033] In one example, the bedding article 10 may be a mattress
pad. The mattress pad may be disposed on top of a mattress such
that a user in a supine or a prone position, for example, may be
positioned on the first layer 12, and in particular, on at least a
portion of the gel pack 16. The gel 20 stored in the gel pack 16
may be configured to provide a cooling effect to enhance the user's
comfort. For example, the gel may generally be at a temperature of
the ambient air. The physical properties of the gel allow the gel
resist temperature change or to remain at the temperature of
ambient air for a greater period of time than a simple fabric
material when a user is positioned on the mattress pad. That is,
the gel material may resist a temperature change caused by a user's
body heat more than a simple fabric material, so that the user may
perceive a cooling effect from the gel pack 16.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bedding article 10, i.e.,
the mattress pad, may include skirting 44 extending around the
first edge region 14. The skirting 44 may be made from a material,
such as fabric similar to the first material 22, extending from the
first edge region 14. The first layer 12 is configured to be
disposed on a top side of a mattress (not shown) and the skirting
44 is configured to extend around sides of the mattress to maintain
the bedding article 10, i.e., the mattress pad, in a desired
position. The skirting 44 may include a stretch or elastic material
so as to snuggly fit the mattress. Alternatively, anchor bands may
be used as well. It is further understood that the skirting 44 is
not required, and that the mattress pad, without skirting, may be
positioned on a top side of a mattress.
[0035] In the embodiments above, it is understood that the gel pack
16 could cover or form the entire surface of the bedding article,
or may be limited to specifically zoned areas. It is also
understood that multiple gel packs 16 may be used at different
locations on the bedding article 10, and that the specific
configuration of the bedding article 10 may vary accordingly to
accommodate multiple gel packs 16. The bedding article 10 may also
include a layer of polyester batting (not shown), for example,
below the first layer 12. The bedding article 10 may be formed in a
substantially rectangular shape such that the first edge region 14
includes four (4) edges.
[0036] FIGS. 3 and 4 show examples of another bedding article 10
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In these
embodiments, the bedding article 10 may be, for example a pillow
shell. Further, FIGS. 5-7 show examples of still another bedding
article 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In
FIGS. 5-7, the bedding article may be, for example, a pillow
protector. The bedding articles shown in FIGS. 3-7 include
similarities to the bedding articles described above. Accordingly,
similar features may be referred to with similar terminology and
reference characters. It is understood that feature of the bedding
articles 10 described above not specifically referred to below may
be implemented below, and vice versa. Further still, similar
features between the bedding article 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and
FIGS. 5-7 may be referred to using similar terminology and
reference characters.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the bedding article 10 may include the
various features of the first layer 12 described above, and may
further include a second layer 46. The second layer 46 includes a
second edge region 48 defining a size and a shape of the second
layer 46. In one example, the size and shape of the second layer 46
are substantially the same as the size and shape of the first layer
12. A first portion 50 of the second edge region 48 may be secured
to a first portion 52 of the first edge region 14 so as to define a
receptacle 54 between the first layer 12 and the second layer 46. A
receptacle opening 56 is formed between a second portion 58 of the
first edge region 14 and a second portion 60 of the second edge
region 48 through which a filler 62 may be received in the
receptacle 54. The filler 62 may be, for example, a natural or
polyester fiber fill inserted in a receptacle of a pillow shell.
Alternatively, the filler may be, for example, a pillow inserted in
a receptacle 54 of a pillow protector.
[0038] A closure fastener 64 may be disposed along the second
portion 58 of the first edge region 14 and a mating closure
fastener 66 may be disposed along the second portion 60 of the
second edge region 48 adjacent to the second portion 58 of the
first edge region 14 on the first layer 12, such that the
receptacle opening 56 to the receptacle 54 may be selectively
opened or closed with the closure fastener 64 and the mating
closure fastener 66.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, which show the bedding article
10 as a pillow shell and pillow protector, respectively, the
bedding article 10 may further include a gusset 68 positioned
between the first edge region 14 of the first layer 12 and the
second edge region 48 of the second layer 46, thereby spacing apart
the first edge region 14 and the second edge region 48. In some
embodiments, the gusset 68 may be secured to the first portion 52
of the first edge region 14 and the first portion 50 of the second
edge region 48. The gusset 68 may also be secured to one of the
second portion 58 of the first edge region 14 and the second
portion 60 of second edge region 48 such that the receptacle
opening 56 is formed between a free edge 70 of the gusset 68 and
the second portion 58 of the first edge region 14 or the second
portion 60 of the second edge region 48 to which the gusset is not
secured. The gusset 68 may be secured to the first layer 12 and
second layer 46 by, for example, stitching, or other suitable
methods.
[0040] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the closure
fastener 64 may be disposed along one of the second portion 58 of
the first edge region 14 and the second portion 60 of the second
edge region 48. The mating closure fastener 66 may be disposed
along the free edge 70 of the gusset 68, such that the receptacle
opening 56 to the receptacle 54 may be selectively opened or closed
with the closure fastener 64 and the mating closure fastener
66.
[0041] As in the examples above, the first material 22 and gel pack
16 may be secured to one another. For example, in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6,
the gel pack 16 may be positioned in the opening of the first
material 22, and may be secured to the first material 22 at the
outer periphery 24 of the gel pack 16. Alternatively, the gel pack
16 may be disposed on the first material 22. The cover layer 28 may
cover the gel pack 16, and be made from a fabric or mesh
material.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the bedding article 10, as a
pillow protector, may include the pocket 34 formed between the
cover 28 and first material 22 such that the gel pack 16 may be
received therein, and secured to the first material 22 by the cover
layer. A suitable fastener, such as a slide fastener, hook and loop
fastener, buttons or snaps may selectively open and close the
opening 36 to the pocket 34 so that the gel pack 16 may be
selectively received in, and removed from the pocket 34. As
described above, the cover layer 28 may be made from a fabric or
mesh material.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a top view of a bedding article 110 having a
cooling insert according to another embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the bedding article 110 in
FIG. 8. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bedding article 110 may be
a comforter, blanket or similar article. The bedding article 110
includes a first side 112 and a second side 114. The first side 112
and the second side 114 may present a substantially uniform and
solid surface that limits or restricts passage of air therethrough.
A mesh insert 116 may be disposed in the bedding article 110. The
mesh insert includes a plurality of apertures 118 configured to
allow fluid communication between air positioned adjacent to the
first side 112 and air positioned adjacent to the second side
114.
[0044] The mesh insert 116 may be formed as a strip of material
extending along at least a portion of a length or width of the
bedding article 110. In some examples, the mesh insert 116 may
extend the entire length or width of the bedding article 110. More
than one mesh insert 116 may be provided for a bedding article 110.
Multiple mesh inserts 116 may extend parallel to one another or
intersect with one another.
[0045] In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bedding article
110 is a comforter. The comforter includes a filler 120 between the
first side 112 and second side 114. The filler may be a natural
filler or a polyester fiber fill, for example. The first side 112
and second side 114 may be stitched together in a pattern, for
example, a plurality of squares, to form a plurality of baffles 122
containing the filler 120. The mesh insert 116 may extend between
adjacent baffles 122. For example, the mesh insert 116 may extend
between adjacent rows or columns of baffles 122. Alternatively, the
mesh insert 116 may surround a baffle or baffles 122.
[0046] It is understood that the present invention is not limited
to the examples above, and other configurations are envisioned. For
example, the mesh insert 116 may take any shape, such as a square
or circle, and may be positioned, for example, at a central
portion, or equally spaced apart portions, of the bedding article
110.
[0047] In use, a user may cover themselves with the bedding article
110 such that the first side 112 faces outward and is exposed to
ambient air, and the second side 114 faces inward toward the user.
The bedding article 110 may trap a portion of air between the
second side 114, the user, and a surface on which the user is
positioned. This portion of air, adjacent to the second side, may
increase in temperature due to body heat of the user. The air
adjacent to the second side 114 may flow outward through the
plurality of apertures 118 to the cooler ambient air adjacent to
the first side 112. Similarly, the cooler ambient air adjacent to
the first side 112 may flow through the plurality of apertures 118
to an area adjacent to the second side 114 and the user's body.
Accordingly, a cooling effect may be provided to the user.
[0048] In the embodiments above, a bedding article may be a
mattress pad, pillow shell and/or a pillow protector. It is
understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to
these examples, and other bedding articles having the features
described above are envisioned. For example, the features above may
also be implemented on a bottom sheet or fitted sheet. In use, the
gel material in the gel packs may initially be at an ambient room
temperature. Because the gel does not conduct heat as quickly as
traditional fabrics, the gel may provide a cooling effect to a user
who is in contact with, and nearly in contact with the gel packs.
Accordingly, the bedding articles with the gel packs as described
above may enhance a user's comfort with respect to temperature.
Further, by using a mesh insert in a blanket or comforter, air may
flow from the first side to second side and vice versa, such that
warmer air, for example air nearest a user, may escape from the
second side to the first side, and cooler, ambient air, may
circulate from the first side to the second side to provide a
cooling effect. It is understood that the various features
described with respect to certain embodiments above may be
implemented across the other embodiments as well, and vice
versa.
[0049] It should also be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently disclosed embodiments will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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