Multi-zone support

Details Multi-zone support Multi-zone support

1999-02-25

2001-03-20

Trettel, Michael F. (Department: 3628)

Beds

Mattress

Sectional with regard to firmness

C005S713000, C005S736000, C005S740000, C005S724000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06202239

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to supports for the human body and, more particularly, to supports having different degrees of support corresponding generally to the pressure points exhibited by the human anatomy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Support apparatus' for humans reposing in a generally horizontal disposition range from near board-like firmness to near down pillow-like softness. Most people find that a support that is somewhere between the two aforementioned extremes is the most desirable. There are compromises to be made in manufacturing such a support that universally accommodates humans of different sizes, and more particularly, weights.
As such, there is a need in the sleep industry to provide a support that is deemed to be comfortable by humans having a wide range of physical characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The needs described above are in large measure solved by a multi-zone support of the present invention. The multi-zone support generally includes a top foam layer, a middle foam layer located beneath the top foam layer, and a bottom foam layer located beneath the middle foam layer. The resistance to a compressing force generally increases per layer from top to bottom. The top layer has a top and bottom planar surface. The middle layer incorporates five zones of support. Three of the zones include a sinusoidal surface for supporting the head/shoulder, hips, and legs/feet while the other two zones include a solid surface for supporting the back and thighs. The bottom surface includes a number of channels that help to carry heat and moisture away from the support. Each of the layers is preferably coated with an anti-microbial agent to help provide a barrier against mold and mildew.
Multi-zone support may be used alone or as a component of an overall sleep system. The sleep system additionally and preferably includes a pillow top, that is located just above the top layer, and a fluid support system. The fluid support system generally includes one or more air bladders, an air pump and a remote control that allows a user to adjust the air pressure in the air bladders.
The multi-zone support, alone or as part of a sleep system, is designed to put more of the user's body in substantial weight supporting contact with the support to aid in distributing weight across the entire support and to aid in eliminating body pressure points, e.g. head, shoulders, hips and feet, that are usually associated with common, spring-supported mattresses.


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