Beds – Mattress – Having innerspring-type core
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-05
2001-09-25
Trettel, Michael F. (Department: 3628)
Beds
Mattress
Having innerspring-type core
C005S721000, C005S727000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292965
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to mattresses, and in particular to coil spring mattresses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a variety of mattress types, distinguished in general by their construction. One particular type of mattress construction is generally referred to as a spring mattress. This type has a two dimensional matrix of resilient metal coils bound within a metal frame and covered with a pallet composed of several layers of materials. The coils resist compression, such as occurs when weight is applied to them, and thus could provide a firmer sleeping surface than other mattress construction types, if desired, such as foam mattresses.
A number of improvements have been made to the spring mattress, including varying the compressive strength of the individual coils in the matrix so that those which are likely to bear the greatest compressive loads have the most compressive strength. Springs with greater spring force are placed in that matrix where the load is expected to be greater, based on generalized assumptions about the load.
The material coverings that form the pallet have also improved. A spring mattress coil array could typically be covered by a thin mesh material to isolate the coils from the layers of materials above it. A thin fiber layer covers the mesh layer and then a thicker layer of foam is applied on top of the fiber layer. Finally, the mattress is finished with a quilted textile layer. The textile layer is bound to the balance of the mattress using a side wrap that covers the sides of the coil array and is sewn to quilted top and bottom panels.
Human beings spend one third of their lives in bed. Sleep is a vital part of human activity and essential for good health. It is believed that a mattress with support and good weight distribution provides a more restful sleep than one that is too soft and sinks in the middle. Therefore, mattress construction that improves comfortable firmness and weight distribution is a continuing objective of those who design mattresses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to its major aspects and briefly stated, the present invention is a mattress with an added layer to increase desired firmness and to help with body weight distribution. In addition to other layers that may commonly be found in modern spring mattress construction, the present invention includes, preferably, two bands running across the approximate mid-section of a mattress's spring assembly. These bands include panels of a highly resilient material fastened to non-resilient panels. The resilient panels are positioned where the greatest load concentrations are likely to be when the mattress is in use. The resilient panels are oriented to stretch in a direction parallel to the major dimension of the band and, as they are stretched, increase in tension in proportion to the weight of the load. The greater the load, the greater the tension on the resilient panels. The result is a mattress with greater firmness when and where needed and proportional to the load applied, as in body weight distribution.
An important feature of the present invention is the use of strategically placed panels of highly resilient material. These panels, in addition to cooperating with the coils springs in resisting the downward force of a load, increase in their resistance to the amount of the applied load. Thus, the panels, strategically placed, augment the springs where most needed to increase firmness. The present invention can be used with a matrix of uniform coils.
Another feature of the present invention is the combination of resilient panels with non-resilient panels elsewhere in the bands. This combination allows strategic placement of panels for a localized benefit but makes the attachment of the resilient panels together to make the bands a simple matter. The present bands are constructed of resilient and non-resilient panels in the sequence and size desired and can then simply be attached to the sides (or ends) of the coil spring system so that the resilient panels are located where needed. The number, width and height of the various panels can be selected based on the size of mattress and anticipated location of the load.
Other features and their advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art of mattress construction from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments, accompanied by the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2558166 (1951-06-01), Barnes
patent: 3626523 (1971-12-01), Robins
patent: 5027459 (1991-07-01), Perry, Jr. et al.
patent: 5649332 (1997-07-01), Wells et al.
patent: 5953778 (1999-09-01), Hiatt
patent: 5957438 (1999-09-01), Workman et al.
Mann Michael A
Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard LLC
Trettel Michael F.
LandOfFree
Mattress does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Mattress, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mattress will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2489227