U.S. patent application number 16/711161 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for systems and methods for securely sealing a mattress.
This patent application is currently assigned to E & E Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is E & E Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Weihua Wang.
Application Number | 20200187671 16/711161 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71073826 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200187671 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Weihua |
June 18, 2020 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY SEALING A MATTRESS
Abstract
A secure mattress casing comprises a top portion configured to
fit over a top portion of a mattress; a bottom portion configured
to fit over a bottom portion of the mattress; one or more side
portions configured to fit over one or more side portions of the
mattress; a sealing element attached to at least one of the one or
more side portions, and configured to open and close the secure
mattress casing, the sealing element having a terminal gap; and a
backflap configured to cover the terminal gap, thereby securely
sealing the mattress within secure mattress casing, the sealing
element including a first portion and a second portion, the first
portion of the sealing element disposed along a length of the one
or more side portions, the second portion extending into the
backflap, the backflap configured to fold and to use one or more
connector mechanisms to retain the backflap in a folded
position
Inventors: |
Wang; Weihua; (Belmont,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
E & E Co., Ltd. |
Fremont |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
E & E Co., Ltd.
Fremont
CA
|
Family ID: |
71073826 |
Appl. No.: |
16/711161 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62780192 |
Dec 15, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 18/00 20130101;
A47C 31/105 20130101; A44B 19/24 20130101; A47C 27/002
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/10 20060101
A47C031/10; A44B 19/24 20060101 A44B019/24; A44B 18/00 20060101
A44B018/00 |
Claims
1. A secure mattress casing for securely enclosing a mattress, the
secure mattress casing comprising: a top portion configured to fit
over a top portion of a mattress; a bottom portion configured to
fit over a bottom portion of the mattress; one or more side
portions configured to fit over one or more side portions of the
mattress; a sealing element attached to at least one of the one or
more side portions, and configured to open and close the secure
mattress casing, the sealing element having a terminal gap; and a
backflap configured to cover the terminal gap, thereby securely
sealing the mattress within secure mattress casing, the sealing
element including a first portion and a second portion, the first
portion of the sealing element disposed along a length of the one
or more side portions, the second portion extending into the
backflap, the backflap configured to fold and to use one or more
connector mechanisms to retain the backflap in a folded
position.
2. The secure mattress casing of claim 1, wherein the sealing
element comprises a zipper.
3. The secure mattress casing of claim 1, wherein the one or more
connector mechanisms includes a first Velcro.TM. section.
4. The secure mattress casing of claim 3, wherein the backflap is
configured to fold over the first portion and to connect to a
second Velcro.TM. section.
5. The secure mattress casing of claim 1, wherein the one or more
connector mechanisms include a pocket configured to receive at
least a portion of the backflap.
6. The secure mattress casing of claim 1, wherein the secure
mattress casing is rectangular and the backflap is located at a
corner of the secure mattress casing.
7. The secure mattress casing of claim 1, wherein the backflap
includes quilting fabric.
8. The secure mattress casing of claim 1, wherein the sealing
element includes a slider, and the backflap includes a pocket for
receiving the slider.
9. The secure mattress casing of claim 1, wherein the pocket is
positioned at a terminal end of the sealing element.
10. A secure mattress casing for securely enclosing a mattress, the
secure mattress casing comprising: a top portion configured to fit
over a top portion of a mattress; a bottom portion configured to
fit over a bottom portion of the mattress; one or more side
portions configured to fit over one or more side portions of the
mattress; a first sealing element attached to at least one of the
one or more side portions, and configured to open and close the
secure mattress casing, the first sealing element having a terminal
gap; a backflap including, an upper backflap portion affixed to an
upper portion above the first sealing element; a lower backflap
portion affixed to a lower portion below the first sealing element;
a second sealing element affixed to the upper backflap portion and
to the lower backflap portion, and configured to open and close the
backflap by connecting and disconnecting the upper backflap portion
to the lower backflap portion, the backflap overlapping the
terminal gap of the first sealing element; and one or more
connector mechanisms affixed to the backflap for sealing the
backflap at a terminal end of the second sealing element.
11. The secure mattress casing of claim 10, wherein the first
sealing element comprises a zipper.
12. The secure mattress casing of claim 10, wherein the second
sealing element comprises a zipper.
13. The secure mattress casing of claim 10, wherein the first
sealing element terminates at an end.
14. The secure mattress casing of claim 13, wherein the second
sealing element begins at the end of the first sealing element.
15. The secure mattress casing of claim 10, wherein the one or more
connector mechanisms includes a first Velcro.TM. section.
16. The secure mattress casing of claim 10, wherein the secure
mattress casing is rectangular and the backflap is located at a
corner of the secure mattress casing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/780,192, filed Dec. 15,
2018 and entitled "System and Method for Keeping Bugs Away From a
Mattress or From Mattress Contents," which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure pertains to mattresses and mattress casings.
More specifically, this disclosure pertains to systems and methods
for securely sealing a mattress or mattress contents in a mattress
casing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional zippers do not create a secure seal when
zipped, especially at the terminal end of the zipper where there is
often a gap. Accordingly, unwanted elements (e.g., insects) are
free to enter the zone enclosed by the zipper (e.g., through the
zipper gap).
SUMMARY
[0004] In some embodiments, mattress casings may be used to encase
a mattress. The mattress casing may be opened to allow installation
or removal of a mattress through a zipper and closed to secure the
mattress therein. In some embodiments, the zipper may "encircle"
the entire mattress casing, thereby dividing the entire mattress
casing into an upper portion and a lower portion, and the zipper
may secure the upper portion to the lower portion. In some
embodiments, the zipper may be disposed only across part of the
mattress casing, e.g., across one or more sides. As stated in the
background, traditional zippers have a terminal gap when zipped
(e.g., at the terminal end of the zipper). This may allow unwanted
entities (e.g., insects, bugs) to enter the mattress casing.
[0005] Various embodiments described herein are directed to a
secure mattress casing capable of providing improved protection
against insects, bugs, dirt, and/or other unwanted entities. For
example, a secure mattress casing in accordance with some
embodiments may include a backflap disposed to fold over the
terminal gap or to create a pinch point that prevents the unwanted
entities from reaching the interior of the secure mattress casing.
The backflap may be positioned at the terminal end of the zipper,
which may be on a side at a corner or on a side between two
corners.
[0006] Although the description herein may depict and refer to a
zipper as the sealing element for opening and closing the secure
mattress casing, other sealing elements can be used, such as one or
more buttons, snaps, Velcro.TM. seals, Ziploc.TM. seals, etc.
[0007] In some embodiments, the backflap may be used to allow the
same sealing element (e.g., the zipper) that opens and closes the
secure mattress casing to further extend across the backflap. That
is, the sealing element may include a mattress portion to open and
close the secure mattress casing and an extended portion to secure
an upper portion and a lower portion of the backflap. In some
embodiments, the backflap may have its own sealing element or no
sealing element. In some embodiments where the backflap does not
include a sealing element, the backflap may just fold over the
terminal gap and be affixed using a connector mechanism.
[0008] In some embodiments, a secure mattress casing comprises a
top portion configured to fit over a top portion of a mattress; a
bottom portion configured to fit over a bottom portion of the
mattress; one or more side portions configured to fit over one or
more side portions of the mattress; a sealing element attached to
at least one of the one or more side portions, and configured to
open and close the secure mattress casing, the sealing element
having a terminal gap; and a backflap configured to cover the
terminal gap, thereby securely sealing the mattress within secure
mattress casing, the sealing element including a first portion and
a second portion, the first portion of the sealing element disposed
along a length of the one or more side portions, the second portion
extending into the backflap, the backflap configured to fold and to
use one or more connector mechanisms to retain the backflap in a
folded position.
[0009] The sealing element may comprise a zipper. The one or more
connector mechanisms may include a first Velcro.TM. section. The
backflap may be configured to fold over the first portion and to
connect to a second Velcro.TM. section. The one or more connector
mechanisms may include a pocket configured to receive at least a
portion of the backflap. The secure mattress casing may be
rectangular, and the backflap may be located at a corner of the
secure mattress casing. The backflap may include quilting
fabric.
[0010] In some embodiments, a secure mattress casing comprises a
top portion configured to fit over a top portion of a mattress; a
bottom portion configured to fit over a bottom portion of the
mattress; one or more side portions configured to fit over one or
more side portions of the mattress; a first sealing element
attached to at least one of the one or more side portions, and
configured to open and close the secure mattress casing, the first
sealing element having a terminal gap; a backflap including an
upper backflap portion affixed to an upper portion above the first
sealing element, a lower backflap portion affixed to a lower
portion below the first sealing element, a second sealing element
affixed to the upper backflap portion and to the lower backflap
portion, and configured to open and close the backflap by
connecting and disconnecting the upper backflap portion to the
lower backflap portion, the backflap overlapping the terminal gap
of the first sealing element, and one or more connector mechanisms
affixed to the backflap for sealing the backflap at a terminal end
of the second sealing element.
[0011] The first sealing element may comprise a zipper. The second
sealing element may comprise a zipper. The first sealing element
may terminate at an end. The second sealing element may begin at
the end of the first sealing element. The one or more connector
mechanisms may include a first Velcro.TM. section. The secure
mattress casing may be rectangular, and the backflap may be located
at a corner of the secure mattress casing.
[0012] These and other features of the systems and methods
disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation and functions
of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts
and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description and the appended claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a
part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes
of illustration and description only and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a mattress on a frame, according
to some embodiments.
[0014] FIGS. 2A-B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing with
a backflap according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 3A depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in a closed and disengaged position
according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 3B depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in an open position according to some
embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 5 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in an open position according to some
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 6A depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in a closed and disengaged position
according to some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 6B depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 8A depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 8B depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0024] FIGS. 9A-B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing with
a backflap in a closed and engaged position according to some
embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 11 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 12 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according
to some embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 13 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according
to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In some embodiments, mattress casings may be used to encase
a mattress. The mattress casing may be opened to allow installation
or removal of a mattress through a zipper and closed to secure the
mattress therein. In some embodiments, the zipper may "encircle"
the entire mattress casing, thereby dividing the entire mattress
casing into an upper portion and a lower portion, and the zipper
may secure the upper portion to the lower portion. In some
embodiments, the zipper may be disposed only across part of the
mattress casing, e.g., across one or more sides. As stated in the
background, traditional zippers have a terminal gap when zipped
(e.g., at the terminal end of the zipper). This may allow unwanted
entities (e.g., insects, bugs) to enter the mattress casing.
[0030] Various embodiments described herein are directed to a
secure mattress casing capable of providing improved protection
against insects, bugs, dirt, and/or other unwanted entities. For
example, a secure mattress casing in accordance with some
embodiments may include a backflap disposed to fold over the
terminal gap or to create a pinch point that prevents the unwanted
entities from reaching the interior of the secure mattress casing.
The backflap may be positioned at the terminal end of the zipper,
which may be on a side at a corner or on a side between two
corners.
[0031] Although the description herein may depict and refer to a
zipper as the sealing element for opening and closing the secure
mattress casing, other sealing elements can be used, such as one or
more buttons, snaps, Velcro.TM. seals, Ziploc.TM. seals, etc.
[0032] In some embodiments, the backflap may be used to allow the
same sealing element (e.g., the zipper) that opens and closes the
secure mattress casing to further extend across the backflap. That
is, the sealing element may include a mattress portion to open and
close the secure mattress casing and an extended portion to secure
an upper portion and a lower portion of the backflap. In some
embodiments, the backflap may have its own sealing element or no
sealing element. In some embodiments where the backflap does not
include a sealing element, the backflap may just fold over the
terminal gap and be affixed using a connector mechanism.
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a mattress 102 disposed on a
bedframe 104 according to some embodiments. The mattress 102
includes an top 105, a bottom 106, and four sides, namely, a right
side 108, a left side 110, a foot side 112 and a head side 114, as
currently displayed. The top 105 may include the surface upon which
a user rests. The bottom 106 may include the surface in contact
with a support structure (e.g., the bedframe 104, a box spring, a
floor). Although the mattress 102 shown here has a rectangular
shape, the mattress 102 may have other shapes (e.g., ovular,
circular, and/or the like). The mattress 102 may comprise springs,
memory foam, latex, and/or the like.
[0034] The mattress 102 may already include an integrated mattress
casing, that is encased by embodiments herein, and/or not include
an integrated mattress casing such that the embodiments herein
encase the mattress contents. As used herein, a "secure mattress
casing" may refer to the integrated secure mattress casing of a
mattress and/or a secure mattress casing configured to fit over a
mattress with an integrated mattress casing.
[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing
202 with a sealing element 204 that extends into a backflap 206
according to some embodiments. In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B,
the secure mattress casing 202 includes an upper portion 208 and a
lower portion 210. If the sealing element 204 encircles the entire
mattress casing 202, then the upper portion 208 includes the entire
upper portion of the secure mattress casing 202, and the lower
portion 210 includes the entire lower portion of the secure
mattress casing 202. If the sealing element 204 only extends around
only a portion of the secure mattress casing 202, then the upper
portion may be considered only the sections of the secure mattress
casing 202 above the sealing element 204, and the lower portion may
be considered only the sections of the secure mattress casing 202
below the sealing element 204. The secure mattress casing includes
four sides, namely, the right side 212, left side 214, foot side
216 and head side 218. Although the secure mattress casing 202 is
shown here with a rectangular shape and a particular dimensions,
other shapes and/or dimensions may be used as well (e.g., ovular,
circular, and/or the like) as appropriate to cover mattresses of
various shapes and/or dimensions.
[0036] The sealing element 204, e.g. the zipper, may function to
secure the upper portion 208 to the lower portion 210. The sealing
element 204 transitions from an open position to a closed position,
and vice versa. In some zipper embodiments, the sealing element 204
may include a top row of zipper elements 220 (e.g., zipper teeth),
a bottom row of zipper elements 220, and a slider 222. The top row
of zipper elements 220 may be affixed to the upper portion 208. The
bottom row of zipper elements 220 may be affixed to the lower
portion 210.
[0037] In some embodiments, the sealing element 204 is disposed
along at least one of the sides of the secure mattress casing 202,
e.g., as shown along right side portion 212. In some embodiments,
the sealing element 204 may be disposed vertically central to one
or more sides. For example, the right side 212 may have a height of
12.5'', and the sealing element 204 may have a height of 0.5''.
Accordingly, in this example, the sealing element 204 may be
disposed 6'' below the top and 6'' above the bottom. In other
embodiments, the sealing element 204 may be closer to the top,
closer to the bottom, along the periphery of the top or along the
periphery of the bottom.
[0038] In some embodiments, the sealing element 204 may extend into
the backflap 206. Accordingly, the sealing element 204 may include
a mattress portion 221 that opens and closes the secure mattress
casing 202 and a backflap portion that extends into the backflap
206. In some embodiments, the backflap portion is three inches.
[0039] The backflap 206 may comprise a flexible and/or rigid
fabric, and may further be configured to extend from a side (e.g.,
as shown on the right side 212) of the secure mattress casing 202
at a corner (e.g., as shown) or not at a corner. The backflap 206
may be in a "disengaged" position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A) or in
an "engaged" position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B). The backflap 206
may be engaged by being folded over the mattress portion 221 of the
sealing element 204 and/or other parts (e.g., head side 218 of the
secure mattress casing 202). Because the terminal gap extends a
length (e.g., 3'') beyond the mattress portion of the secure
mattress casing 202, there is reduced chance that unwanted entities
can get in. When the backflap 206 is folded, whether forward or
back, the sealing element 204 may create a pinch point, further
blocking unwanted entities from passing through. In some
embodiments, where the backflap 206 is folded over the mattress
portion 221, the sealing element 204 may be substantially pinched.
In some embodiments, where the backflap 206 is configured to fold
over a corner from one side to an adjacent side, the sealing
element 204 may be lightly pinched.
[0040] In some embodiments, the backflap 206 includes or cooperates
with one or more connector mechanisms to remain affixed in the
engaged position. The connector mechanism may include one or more
buttons, ties, one or more snaps, Velcro.TM. seals, Ziploc.TM.
seals, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the backflap 206 may
use a sealing element to both close the backflap and engage the
backflap 206 over the terminal gap, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A and
8B. In some embodiments, the connector mechanism may include a
pocket disposed on a side portion of the secure mattress casing 202
(e.g., right side 212 or head side 218). The backflap 206 may be
configured to be inserted into the pocket to create the pinch
point. In some embodiments, the pocket may be used in addition to
other connector mechanisms (e.g., Velcro.TM., one or more buttons,
snaps).
[0041] The backflap 206 may include velvet cushioning quilted
therein. This may, for example, provide structural depth that
provides further protection against unwanted entities from entering
the secure mattress casing 202. It may further establish the pinch
point. The backflap 206 may be one whole piece of fabric and/or
multiple pieces of fabric (e.g., two fabric segments connected by
the sealing element 204).
[0042] In some embodiments, fabric 230 (e.g., 2'' of fabric) is
positioned behind the sealing element 204 under the mattress
portion 221 of the sealing element 204. This may provide additional
protection against unwanted entities accessing the mattress 102
through sealing element 204. The sealing fabric 230 may include
overlapping segments of fabric that may be biased to overlap but
which may be opened in response to pressure (e.g., a person parting
the overlapping segments with their hand as shown in FIG. 6).
[0043] In operation, a user can position a mattress 102 within the
secure mattress casing 202, seal the secure mattress casing 202
over the mattress 102 using the sealing element 204, and engage the
backflap 206. In some embodiments, the secure mattress casing 202
can be opened by moving a slider 222 in a first direction (e.g.,
across zipper teeth 220) until there is a sufficient opening to
insert the mattress 102. The user may extend the backflap 206 so
that the secure mattress casing 202 may be easily opened. The user
may position the mattress 102 within the secure mattress casing
202, and then move the slider 222 in a second direction (e.g., a
direction opposite of the first direction) to the terminal end at
the end of the backflap 206 (e.g., the end of the zipper teeth
220). The user may then fold the backflap 206 over a section of the
mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204. The user may then
affix the backflap 206 to the side using one or more connector
mechanisms.
[0044] Further, a user can remove a mattress 102 from the secure
mattress casing 202 using the sealing element 204. More
specifically, the user may disengage the backflap 206 from the
connector mechanisms and extend the backflap 206. The user may move
the slider 222 (e.g., along the zipper teeth 220) in the first
direction until there is a sufficient opening in the sealing
element 204 to remove the mattress 102. The user may then remove
the mattress 102 from the secure mattress casing 102 through the
opening.
[0045] FIG. 3A depicts a diagram of a portion 300 a secure mattress
casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in a closed position and a
backflap 206 in a disengaged position according to some
embodiments. As shown, the backflap 206 includes connector parts
302 and 304, and the secure mattress casing 202 includes connector
parts 306 and 308. The connector parts 302 and 304 may be male
portions of snaps, and the connector parts 306 and 308 may be
female portion of snaps. As shown, the sealing element 204 extends
from main portion 201 to the backflap 206.
[0046] FIG. 3B depicts a diagram of a portion 300 of a secure
mattress casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in a closed position
and a backflap 206 in an engaged position according to some
embodiments. As shown, the backflap 206 is folded back over the
mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204 and secured using
the connector parts 302 and 304 that are detachably affixed to the
connector parts 306 and 308. As shown, the terminal gap is covered
and a pinch point has been created at least at the corner.
[0047] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict views 402 and 502 of a portion a secure
mattress casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in open position and
the backflap 206 in a disengaged position according to some
embodiments. As shown, the backflap 206 includes Velcro.TM.
connector parts 404 and 406, and the secure mattress casing 202
includes corresponding Velcro.TM. connector parts 408 and 410. The
connector parts 404 and 406 may detachably affix to the connector
parts 408 and 410 to secure the backflap 206 in an engaged
position. The mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204 is in
an open position exposing a fabric 230 sewn onto the secure
mattress casing 202 under the sealing element 204. The fabric 230
may provide additional protection against unwanted entities
entering the interior cavity. The fabric 230 may be moved to access
a mattress therein (e.g., as shown in view 502 of FIG. 5).
[0048] FIG. 6A depicts a view 602 of a portion of a secure mattress
casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in a closed position and a
backflap 206 in a disengaged position according to some
embodiments. As shown, the sealing element 204 extends into the
backflap 206. The backflap 206 may be configured to fold back over
a portion of the sealing element 204 to create a pinch point and
affixed using the connector mechanisms 404, 406, 408 and 410, e.g.,
as shown in FIG. 6B. As shown in view 650 of FIG. 6B, the backflap
206 is in an engaged position.
[0049] FIG. 7 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress
casing 700 with a backflap 706 in a closed and engaged position
according to some embodiments. As shown, the secure mattress casing
700 includes a sealing element 204 that extends into the backflap
706. The sealing element includes a slider 222. The backflap 706
includes a pocket 708 for receiving the slider 222. In some
embodiments, the pocket 708 is positioned at the terminal end of
the sealing element to receive the slider 222, and cover the
terminal gap at the end of the sealing element 204. The pocket 708
can be at the terminal end of the backflap 706 or between the
terminal end and the start of the backflap 706. The backflap 706
may be configured to fold back over a portion of the sealing
element 204 to create a pinch point and affixed using the connector
mechanisms 404, 406, 408 and 410, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0050] FIG. 8A depicts a diagram of a portion 800 of a secure
mattress casing 802 in some embodiments. Unlike the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 1-7, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-13 show a
backflap partially affixed in a folded position and including a
separate sealing element that is not integrated with the sealing
element of the mattress casing. As shown, the secure mattress
casing 802 includes a first sealing mechanism 803 of a sealing
element 804 in a closed position and a second sealing mechanism 805
of the sealing element 804 in a closed position according to some
embodiments. The first sealing mechanism 803 may include a first
zipper disposed on one or more sides of the secure mattress casing
802 dividing the secure mattress casing 802 into an upper portion
808 and a lower portion 810. The second sealing mechanism 805 may
include a second zipper disposed on the backflap 806. As shown, the
first sealing mechanism 803 and the second sealing mechanism 805
are both in a closed position and the backflap 806 is in an engaged
position over a portion of the first sealing mechanism 803.
[0051] A first slider 822 may be used to open and close the first
sealing mechanism 803, and a second slider 823 may be used to open
and close the second sealing mechanism 805. As shown, upon closing
the second sealing mechanism 805, the backflap 806 automatically
covers the terminal gap of the first sealing mechanism 803. In some
embodiments, engaging the backflap 806 does not create a pinch
point, and instead only covers the terminal gap of the first
sealing mechanism 803.
[0052] In some embodiments, the backflap 806 is at least partially
affixed to a side of the secure mattress casing 802, e.g., the side
having the terminal gap of the first sealing mechanism. In some
embodiments, a bottom edge of a lower portion of the backflap 806
is affixed (e.g., sewn) to the lower portion 810 of the secure
mattress casing 802, and the top edge of an upper portion of the
backflap 806 is affixed to the upper portion 808 of the secure
mattress casing 802. In other embodiments, only one edge is
affixed, and the other edge includes the second sealing mechanism
805.
[0053] It will be appreciated that a secure mattress casing may
include a combination of features described and/or shown in any of
the embodiments described herein. For example, various embodiments
of a secure mattress casing 802 may include features the secure
mattress casing 202, and the secure mattress casing 202 may include
features of the secure mattress casing 802. For example, the
backflap 806 may include the velvet cushioning of the backflap 206.
The backflap 806 may include connector mechanisms. The first
sealing mechanism 803 may include one type, e.g., a zipper, and the
second sealing mechanism 805 may include a different type, e.g.,
one or more buttons.
[0054] FIG. 8B depicts a diagram of a portion 300 of a secure
mattress casing 802 with a first sealing mechanism 803 in a closed
position and a second sealing mechanism 805 in a partially open
position according to some embodiments. As shown, opening the
second sealing mechanism 805 exposes the first sealing mechanism
803, and exposes the terminal gap. In some embodiments, the
backflap 806 and the secure mattress casing 806 include connector
mechanisms, e.g., Velcro.TM. 830 connector parts. As shown, the
Velcro.TM. connector parts and the second slider 823 may be used to
secure the second sealing mechanism 805 to the secure mattress
casing 806.
[0055] FIGS. 9A and 9B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing
802 with a first sealing mechanism 803 in a closed position and a
second sealing mechanism 805 in a closed position according to some
embodiments. The first sealing mechanism 803 may be a first zipper
disposed on a side 912 of the secure mattress casing 802, and the
second sealing mechanism 805 may be a second zipper disposed on the
backflap 806. As shown, the first sealing mechanism 803 and the
second sealing mechanism 805 are both in a closed position (e.g.,
"zipped") and the backflap 806 is in an engaged position over a
portion of the first sealing mechanism 803. A first slider 822 may
be used to open and close the first sealing mechanism 803, and a
second slider 823 may be used to open and close the second sealing
mechanism 805.
[0056] In some embodiments, the backflap 806 may be 3.5'' tall and
4'' long. The backflap 806 may include an upper portion and a lower
portion separated by the second sealing mechanism 805. A
1''.times.2'' connector, e.g., Velcro.TM. seal, may be affixed to
each backflap portion at the side of the terminal portion of the
second sealing mechanism 805. The connector mechanisms may be used
to secure the backflap portions and thus the backflap 806 over a
portion of the first sealing mechanism 803.
[0057] In some embodiments, the secure mattress casing 802 includes
a flap of fabric sewn 930 under the main portion 821 of the sealing
element 804. For example, a 2'' flap of fabric 930 may be sewn
under the first sealing mechanism 803 and/or second sealing
mechanism 805 to provide additional protection against unwanted
entities accessing the interior of the secure mattress casing 802
through first sealing mechanism 803. The fabric 930 may include
overlapping fabric segments biased in an overlapping manner but
which may be opened in response to pressure (e.g., a person parting
the overlapping segments with their hand as shown in FIG. 11). The
backflap 806 may include velvet cushioning quilted inside the
backflap 806.
[0058] In operation, a user can position a mattress 102 within the
secure mattress casing 802, and securely seal the secure mattress
casing 802 over the mattress 102 and engage the backflap 806 using
the sealing element 804. More specifically, the secure mattress
casing 802 can be opened by moving the second slider 823 in a first
direction of the second sealing mechanism 805 until the second
slider 823 reaches an end of the second sealing mechanism 805. The
user may also detach the upper portion and the lower portion of the
backflap 806 by disengaging the connector mechanisms. Once the
second sealing mechanism 805 is in the open position, the
corresponding portion of a first sealing mechanism 803 beneath the
backflap 805 may be exposed. The user may then move the first
slider 822 in a second direction (e.g., in a direction opposite of
the first direction) along the first sealing mechanism 803 until
there is a sufficient opening to place the mattress 102 within the
secure mattress casing 802. The user may then seal the secure
mattress casing 802 by moving the first slider 822 (e.g., in the
second direction) to the terminal end of the first sealing
mechanism 803. The user may then move the second slider 823 (e.g.,
in the first direction) to the opposite end of the backflap 806.
The user may then affix at least a part of the connector mechanisms
to the side of the secure mattress casing 802.
[0059] FIGS. 10 and 11 depict views 1002 and 1102 of a portion of a
secure mattress casing 802 with the first sealing mechanism 803 in
an open position and the second sealing mechanism 805 in an open
position according to some embodiments. The first sealing mechanism
803, the second sealing mechanism 805 and the backflap 806 make up
a sealing element 804. The first sealing mechanism 803 may be a
first zipper or other mechanism, and the second sealing mechanism
805 may be a second zipper or other mechanism. They need not be the
same mechanism. The first sealing mechanism 803 may be extend along
one or more sides of the secure mattress casing 802, along the top
of the secure mattress casing, or along the bottom of the secure
mattress casing. The first sealing mechanism may be positioned
vertically central on one or more sides, closer to the top, or
closer to the bottom. The second sealing mechanism 805 may be
disposed on the backflap 806. As shown, the first sealing mechanism
803 is in an open position exposing a fabric 930 affixed onto the
secure mattress casing 802 under the first sealing mechanism 803.
The fabric 930 may provide additional protection against unwanted
entities. The fabric 930 may be moved (e.g., as shown in view 1102
of FIG. 11) to access a mattress therein.
[0060] FIG. 12 depicts a view 1202 of a portion of a secure
mattress casing 802 with a first sealing mechanism 803 in a closed
position and a second sealing mechanism 805 in an open position
according to some embodiments. The backflap 806 may be configured
to close over a portion of the first sealing mechanism 803. The
backflap 806 may include connector parts to connect the backflap
806 to connector parts disposed on the side of the secure mattress
casing 802. As shown in view 1302 of FIG. 13, the backflap 806 is
in a closed position and the sealing element 804 is engaged.
Although not shown, the slider 822 may be tuck into a pocket, such
as pocket 708 shown in FIG. 7.
[0061] Throughout this specification, plural instances may
implement components, operations, or structures described as a
single instance. Although individual operations of one or more
methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one
or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently,
and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order
illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate
components in example configurations may be implemented as a
combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and
functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as
separate components. These and other variations, modifications,
additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject
matter herein.
[0062] The present invention(s) are described above with reference
to example embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that various modifications may be made and other embodiments
may be used without departing from the broader scope of the present
invention(s). Therefore, these and other variations upon the
example embodiments are intended to be covered by the present
invention(s).
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