Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PASSIVE MATTRESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[00011This application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No.
13/360,049, filed on January 27, 2012, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-
part of US
Patent Application No. 12/772,386, filed on May 3, 2010, hereby incorporated
by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a four-in-one passive mattress
management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with
beds of
all sizes including: making beds; rotating mattresses; holding a bed skirt in
place while a
mattress is rotated; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for
example, in
order to replace a bed skirt.
2. Description of the Prior Art.
[0003] A conventional bed includes a box spring or bottom mattress and an
upper
mattress. The box spring is normally carried by a bed frame which, in turn,
carries a top
mattress, which ends up being suspended about 13-16 inches from the floor. The
top
mattress (hereinafter "mattress") may be placed on top of the box spring or
alternatively
placed upon a platform forming a platform bed. In both applications, the
mattress is held
in place by friction and its weight.
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[0004]
Various types of mattresses are known. For example, US Patent Nos.
7,617,556 and 7,644,671 disclose conventional mattresses. Such conventional
mattresses include a "casing" which is formed from material for holding the
internal
components of the mattress. The casing includes a bottom panel and four (4)
vertical
panels connected to the periphery of the bottom panel forming an open top
container. In
one such conventional mattress, a spring core is disposed in the container and
rests
against the bottom floor and fits snugly against the vertical panels. One or
more layers
of foam padding is placed on top of the spring core and covered with a top
cover which
is secured to the vertical panels.
[0005] In
other known mattresses, a foam core is used in place of the spring
core. The foam core is encased in a zippered encasement. Other known
mattresses are
known to include a so-called "pillow-top". The pillow top is generally formed
as a
comforter secured to the top cover and filled with cotton or some type of
fibrous
material.
[0006] A problem with the various types of mattresses, as discussed
above, is
that over time the mattress materials lose their resiliency causing body
depressions to
develop. In order to even out the wear in the mattress, it is known to rotate
the mattress
in the horizontal plane to relocate the body depressions, as shown for
example, in Figs.
1 and 2. Depending on the size of the mattress, one or two people may be
required to
rotate the mattress. For example, king and queen size mattresses may likely
require two
people to rotate the mattress, as shown in Fig. 1, while full and twin size
mattresses can
likely be rotated by a single person, as shown in Fig. 2.
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[0007] Mattresses are relatively heavy items. The weight of a mattress
varies as
a function of the coil core, the gauge of the coil and the type of foam
material used. An
average king size mattress weighs between 85 and 115 pounds. High end king
size
mattresses with latex or memory foam can weigh as much as 300 pounds
(http://www.mattressdirectonline.com).
[0008] In order to rotate a mattress, the mattress must first be lifted
and then
rotated, As such, rotating a mattress is hard work. Depending on the weight of
the
mattress, rotating a mattress can be virtually impossible for some people,
such as
senior citizens, as well as people that are handicapped or disabled and
others.
[0009] In order to address this problem, mattresses with removable pillow
tops
have been developed. An example of such a mattress is disclosed in US Patent
No.
5,414,882. The '882 patent discloses a mattress with a pillow top that is
secured to the
top cover of the mattress by way of a zipper. With such a configuration, the
pillow top
can be relatively easily rotated by unzipping the pillow top, rotating it and
zipping the
pillow top back in place. While such a configuration enables body depressions
in the
pillow top to be relocated, it has no effect on body depressions that result
in the
mattress itself. Thus there is a need for a system to facilitate rotation of a
mattress.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Briefly, the present invention relates to a four-in-one passive
mattress
management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with
beds of
all sizes including making beds; rotating a mattress while holding a bed skirt
in place;
installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to
replace a bed
skirt. Both single cover and two cover embodiments In addition, embodiments
are
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disclosed in which the cover in accordance with the present invention is
embedded in
the underside of the mattress or top side of the foundation. The invention is
suitable for
conventional beds on box springs or beds that are supported by fixed or
variable
platforms.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] These and other advantages of the present invention will be
readily
understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawing
wherein:
[0012] Fig. 1 is an isometric drawing illustrating two people lifting a
conventional
mattress carried by a box spring in an attempt to rotate the mattress in a
horizontal
plane.
[0013] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of one person rotating a conventional
mattress
carried by a box spring, shown with the mattress partially rotated.
[0014] Fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of the
invention
illustrating a conventional box spring and a conventional mattress and two
covers in
accordance with the present invention.
[0015] Fig. 4 is similar to Fig. 3 illustrating one of the covers shown
in Fig. 3
installed on the mattress and one cover installed on the box spring.
[0016] Fig. 5 is a partial side elevation view of the embodiment
illustrated in Fig.
3, partially in section, illustrating one of the covers installed on the
mattress and one
cover installed on the box spring and shown in a rotate configuration in which
the slick
surfaces of the two covers are in contact with each other, securing the bed
skirt into
position prior to rotating.
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[0017] Fig. 6 is an exploded isometric view of an application of the
invention
illustrated in Figs. 3-5 in which the bottom cover is to be placed over a bed
skirt on the
box spring.
[0018] Fig. 7 is a partial side elevation view of the embodiment
illustrated in Fig.
6, shown with one of the covers installed on the mattress and the other cover
installed
over the bed skirt on the box spring illustrating a rotate configuration in
which both slick
surfaces are in contact with each other while the bed skirt is held in place.
[0019] Fig. 8 is similar to Fig. 7 but shown with both covers installed on
the
mattress, illustrating a normal configuration in which a non- slick surface of
the bottom
cover is in contact with the surface of the bed skirt.
[0020] Fig. 9 is an alternative application of the embodiment illustrated
in Figs. 6-
8 in which the bed skirt is used to hide both covers in a normal
configuration, shown in
a rotation configuration.
[0021] Fig. 10 is a partial elevation view of the application illustrated
in Fig. 9 in a
normal configuration in which the bed skirt is pulled down over the box spring
hiding
both of the covers.
[0022] Fig. 11 is a partial elevation view of the box spring illustrated
in Fig. 10,
partially in section, shown in a normal configuration.
[0023] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of one person rotating a conventional
mattress, carried by a platform, shown with the mattress partially rotated.
[0024] Fig. 13 is an alternate embodiment of the invention in which slick
surfaces
are integrated into the mattress and box spring, shown with the mattress
removed from
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the box spring and fastener strips integrated into the corners of the mattress
and box
spring.
[0025] Fig. 14 is similar to Fig. 13 but shown with the mattress placed
on the box
spring illustrating integrated fastener strips aligned with one another.
[0026] Fig. 15 is similar to Fig. 14, illustrating cooperating removable
fastener
strips attached to the integrated fastener strips in order to secure the
mattress to the
box spring.
[0027] Fig. 16 is a partial elevation view illustrating one corner of a
mattress
disposed on a box spring illustrating integrated fastener strips aligned on
each of the
box spring and mattress, shown with a cooperating removable fastener strip
removed.
[0028] Fig. 17 is similar to Fig. 16 but shown with the cooperating
removable
fastener strip attached to the integrated fastener strips on the mattress and
box spring.
[0029] Fig. 18 is an isometric view of an alternative fastener
configuration for
securing the mattress to the box spring, illustrating a mattress disposed on a
box
spring in which the integrated fastener is disposed around the periphery of
the box
spring and the mattress.
[0030] Fig. 19 is similar to Fig. 18 but shown with a cooperating
removable
fastener strip attached to the integrated fastener strips on the mattress and
the box
spring.
[0031] Fig. 20 is similar to Fig. 19 but illustrating a bed skirt which
incorporates a
removable fastening strip attached to the integrated fastening strips on the
mattress
and box spring.
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[0032] Figs. 21, 22 and 72,73 illustrate alternate embodiments of a two
cover
embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3-5 in which the mattress cover is a
protective cover
having at least one slick surface, shown with the protective cover removed
from the
mattress and the mattress suspended relative to the box spring.
[0033] Fig 22 is similar to Fig 21 but shown with the protective cover
installed on
the mattress.
[0034] Fig. 23a is a partial isometric view of a material blank for use as
a cover
with the present invention, shown with fold lines on adjacent edges and an
obtuse
angle cut-out at one corner.
[0035] Fig. 23b is similar to Fig. 23a but illustrating an elastic
material joining the
strips defined by the fold lines and bridging the cut-out.
[0036] Fig. 24a is similar to Fig. 24a but illustrates a cut-out at other
than an
obtuse angle.
[0037] Fig. 24b illustrates the material blank illustrated in Fig. 24a
with an
integrated fastener strip on the strips defined by the fold lines shown with a
cooperating
removable fastener strip partially attached to the integrated fastener strip.
[0038] Fig. 24c is similar to Fig. 24b but shown with the cooperating
removable
fastener strip completely attached to the integrated fastener strip.
[0039] Figs 24d and 24e illustrate an application of the mattress
management
system which includes a cover with four side panels in which conventional
fasteners
attached to the mattress and the foundation to hold the cover in place.
[0040] Figs. 24f and 24g are similar to Figs. 24d and 24e but only
includes four
corner pieces that are used to hold the cover in place.
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[0041] Figs. 24h and 24i illustrate alternate configurations for securing
the cover
with respect to the foundation or mattress. Figs. 24h and 24i illustrate a
cover in which
the connection of the side panels is adjustable.
[0042] Fig. 24j illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the
side
panels to the mattress or foundation.
[0043] Fig. 24k illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the
side
panels to the mattress or foundation.
[0044] Fig. 241 illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the
side
panels to the mattress or foundation.
[0045] Fig. 24m is similar to Fig. 24d but illustrating an embodiment in
which the
mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0046] Fig. 24n is similar to Fig. 24e but illustrating an embodiment in
which the
mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0047] Fig. 24o is similar to Fig. 24f but illustrating an embodiment in
which the
mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0048] Fig. 24p is similar to Fig. 24g but illustrating an embodiment in
which the
mattress is covered with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0049] Fig. 25 is an isometric drawing illustrating an embodiment of the
invention
over a platform utilizing a single cover, shown with one corner turned up.
[0050] Fig. 26 is similar to Fig. 25 shown with the cover fully attached
to the
platform illustrating a rotate mode of operation.
[0051] Figs. 27 and 28 illustrate rotation of a mattress relative to the
platform with
the cover illustrated in Fig. 26.
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[0052] Fig. 29a is an isometric drawing of a mattress on a platform in
which the
cover, illustrated in Fig. 26 is partially turned up and attached to the
mattress.
[0053] Fig. 29b is similar to Fig. 29a but illustrated with the top
mattress covered
with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0054] Fig. 30a is similar to Fig. 29a but illustrating the cover fully
attached to the
mattress illustrating a normal mode of operation.
[0055] Fig. 30b is similar to Fig. 30a but illustrated with the top
mattress covered
with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0056] Fig. 31a is an isomeric view of a conventional bed with an
adjustable platform
shown in an adjusted position without.
[0057] Fig. 31b is similar to Fig. 31a but shown with a mattress.
[0058] Fig. 31c is an isometric view of an adjustable platform, shown in
a
sleeping position.
[0059] Fig. 32 is similar to Fig. 31c but shown with a cover in
accordance with the
present invention attached to the adjustable platform.
[0060] Fig. 33 illustrates rotation of a mattress relative to the
adjustable platform
illustrated in Fig. 32 in which the cover in accordance with the present
invention is
embedded in the foundation.
[0061] Fig. 34 illustrates an embodiment which incorporates a bed skirt
and a
cover in accordance with the present invention.
[0062] Fig. 35 illustrates rotation of the mattress relative to the
foundation.
[0063] Figs. 36-41 illustrate an application of the cover in accordance
with the
present invention which facilitates replacement of the bed skirt.
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[0064] Fig. 42 is an isometric view of a conventional fixed platform bed,
shown
with the foam mattress removed.
[0065] Fig. 43 is similar to Fig. 42 but illustrating an exploded view of
the
mattress.
[0066] Fig. 44 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention
which
illustrates a cover in accordance with the present invention embedded in the
underside
of the mattress.
[0067] Fig. 45 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention
in which one cover is embedded in an underside of the mattress and a second
cover is
used.
[0068] Fig. 46 is an exploded isometric illustrating a conventional
mattress and
box spring and a cover and a method of vertically attaching the cover to the
mattress.
[0069] Fig. 47 is similar to 46 but illustrating a different conventional
foam
mattress with a zip-out bottom panel.
[0070] Fig. 48 is similar to Fig. 46 but illustrating the mattress
covered in an
encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21, 22 or 72,73.
[0071] Figs. 49 and 50 are partial side elevational views illustrating a
single cover
being attached to an encasement and secured thereto by way of a first vertical
attachment method.
[0072] Figs. 51 and 52 are similar to Figs 13 and 14 but illustrating an
alternate
method of securing the foundation to the mattress.
[0073] Fig. 53 is similar to Fig. 48 but shown with a cover with no
flippable
panels.
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[0074] Figs 54 and 55 are similar to Figs 49 and 50 but shown with a
cover with
no flippable side panels.
[0075] Fig. 56 is similar to Fig. 46 but shown with a cover with no
flippable side
panels.
[0076] Fig. 57 is similar to Fig. 47 but shown with a cover with no
flippable side
panels.
[0077] Figs. 58 and 59 are similar to Figs. 49 and 50 but shown without
an
encasement and for the cover illustrated in Fig. 56 and 57.
[0078] Fig. 60 is similar to Fig. 46 but shown with an alternate method
of
attaching the cover to the mattress.
[0079] Fig. 61 is similar to Fig. 47 but shown with an alternate method
of
attaching the cover to the mattress.
[0080] Figs. 62 and 63 are similar to Figs. 58 and 59 but shown with the
alternate
method of vertical attachment illustrated in Fig. 61.
[0081] Fig. 64 is similar to Fig. 46 but shown with another alternate
method of
attaching the cover to the mattress.
[0082] Figs. 65 and 66 are similar to Figs. 58 and 59 but shown with the
alternate
method of vertical attachment illustrated in Fig. 64.
[0083] Fig. 67 is similar to Fig. 46 but shown with another alternate
method of
attaching the cover to the mattress.
[0084] Fig. 68 is similar to Fig. 46 but the mattress encased in an
encasement
and shown with another alternate method of attaching the cover to the
mattress.
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[0085] Fig. 69 is similar to Fig. 47 but the mattress encased in an
encasement
and shown with another alternate method of attaching the cover to the
mattress.
[0086] Figs. 70 and 71 are similar to Figs. 58 and 59 but shown with the
alternate
method of vertical attachment illustrated in Fig. 69.
[0087] Figs 72 and 73 are similar to Figs. 21 and 22 but shown with an
alternate
zip on encasement.
[0088] Figs. 74 and 75 are similar to Figs 7 and 8 but shown with the
mattress
covered with an encasement.
[0089] Fig. 76 is similar to Fig. 12 but shown with the mattress covered
with an
encasement.
[0090] Figs. 77 and 78 are similar to Figs 27 and 28 but shown with the
mattress
encased with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0091] Figs. 79 and 80 are similar to Figs. 34 and 35, but shown with the
mattress encased with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
[0092] Figs. 81-86 are similar to Figs. 36-41 but shown with the mattress
encased with an encasement as illustrated in Fig. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0093] The present invention relates to a four-in-one passive mattress
management
system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all
sizes
including making beds; rotating a mattress while holding a bed skirt in place;
and
installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to
replace a bed
skirt. Figs. 27-30b; 33-41; and 76-86 relate to the passive mattress
management
system.
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[0094]
Figs. 1-26 relate to other aspects of the invention. For example, Figs 2-12
illustrate a two cover embodiment of the invention. Figs. 21, 22 and 72, 73
relate to
encasement embodiments of the invention. Figs. 25, 26 and 44 illustrate a one
cover
embodiment of the invention. Fig. 32 illustrates an embedded embodiment of the
invention while Fig. 45 relates to a two cover embodiment in which only one
cover is
embedded.
Mattress Management System
[0095] The present invention relates to a mattress management system. As
mentioned above, the mattress management system enables the following tasks to
be
performed with respect the mattress. These tasks include:
= passive bed making
= installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in
order to
replace a bed skirt.
= rotating the mattress in a horizontal plane
= in applications where bed skirts are used, holding the bed skirt in place
.
[0096] The mattress management system may be implemented with
conventional
beds supported by a box spring or with fixed or adjustable platform beds. In
addition,
the mattress management system may be implemented with one cover or two cover
and with a cover embedded in the underside of the mattress or the foundation.
Figs. 21,
22 and 72, 73 illustrate embodiments in which the cover is embedded in an
encasement.
[0097] One
or more of the various permutations of the invention as discussed
herein can be combined to form a mattress management system in accordance with
the
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present invention. All such combinations are considered to be within the broad
scope of
the invention. It is to be understood that only exemplary combinations of
those
permutations are illustrated and discussed below.
[0098] Fig, 12 illustrates mattress rotation in an embodiment with two
covers. In
this embodiment, a bed skirt 36 is disposed over the foundation. As discussed
below,
the cover 22 holds the bed skirt 36 in place while the mattress 28 is rotated.
Figs 27 and
28 illustrate mattress rotation in an embodiment with one cover. Fig. 33
illustrates
mattress rotation in a two cover embodiment in which one cover is embedded.
[0099] Figs. 34 and 35 illustrate mattress rotation with a one cover
embodiment.
In this embodiment, a single cover 206, as described below is attached to the
foundation 202. As shown, a bed skirt 204 is disposed over the foundation 202.
During
rotation, as illustrated in Fig. 35, the cover 206 holds the bed skirt 204 in
place.
[00100] Figs. 36-41 illustrate removal of a mattress 200 in order to
change the bed
skirt 204. As shown in Fig. 36, a single cover 206 is attached to the
foundation 202 so
that a slick side of the cover 206 faces the underside of the mattress 200. As
illustrated
by the arrows 201 in Figs 37 and 38, the mattress 200 is off the foundation
202. At
some point the mattress will rotate and one edge of the mattress 200 will
touch the
ground. As illustrated in Fig. 39, the mattress is then rotated, as indicated
by the arrow
212 additionally, as indicated by the arrow 212, until it is clear of the
foundation 202 as
shown. Preferably, the position of the mattress 200 is stabilized by placing a
top edge
214 of the mattress 200 against a wall (not shown). The cover 206 is then
removed
along with the existing bed skirt 204. Next, a new bed skirt 204 is placed on
the
foundation 202. The cover 206 is re-installed to the foundation 202, over the
cover 204
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so that a slick side of the cover 206 faces upward. The mattress 200 is then
rotated in
the direction of the arrow 218 until gravity causes the mattress 200 to fall
onto the
foundation, as indicated in Fig. 40. The mattress 200 is then slid into
position, as
indicated by the arrows 220, as illustrated in Fig. 41. The cover 204 may be
detached
from the foundation and attached to the underside of the mattress so that a
rough or
non-slick side is in contact with the bed skirt. Figs 81-86 are similar to
Figs. 36-41 but
illustrate the mattress covered with an encasement as illustrated in Figs. 21,
22 or 72,
73.
Single Cover Embodiments
[00101] In one embodiment of the invention, a single cover may be used to
facilitate rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box
spring or a fixed or
adjustable platform. Multiple embodiments of the single cover version are
provided. In
one embodiment, a slick surface is embedded in the mattress, box spring,
platform,
encasement, as illustrated in Fig. 21, or the mattress cover with zip-in
bottom panel, as
illustrated in Figs. 42 and 43. In an alternate embodiment, the invention
relies on the
inherent surface characteristic of either the mattress, box spring, platform,
encasement,
as illustrated in Fig. 21, or the mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel, as
illustrated in
Figs. 42 and 43.
Embedded Slick Surface
[00102] In addition to the embodiments discussed below which require two
covers,
alternate embodiments are discussed below which require only one cover. For
example, one of the covers 20, 22 (Figs. 3-11) may be eliminated and a slick
surface
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embedded into the box spring or platform. In an exemplary embodiment, the box
spring
or platform includes an integral or embedded slick surface facing upwardly and
is
configured to contact the mattress. In such an embodiment, a single cover 20,
as
described below, may be attached to the underside of the mattress such that
the slick
surface faces downwardly and the non-slick surface is in contact with the
underside of
the mattress In a rotate mode of operation, the slick surface of the cover 20
is in
contact with the slick surface integrally formed in the box spring or
platform. Once the
mattress is rotated and in the desired location, the cover 20 is attached to
the box
spring or platform so that the two slick surfaces are in contact with each
other and the
non-slick surface is in contact with underside of the mattress defining a
normal mode of
operation. Alternatively, the slick surface can be embedded into mattress and
in
contact with the slick side of the cover.
Alternative Single Cover Embodiment
[00103] In this embodiment, a single cover can be used with one slick side
and
one non-slick side. In such an embodiment, the invention relies on the
inherent surface
roughness and friction of either the mattress, box spring, platform,
encasement, or
mattress cover with zip-in panel. In an embodiment with a cover having two
slick
surfaces, the cover is attached to either the mattress, box spring, platform,
encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel and remains in place during
both a
rotate mode and a normal mode. Additional means, as discussed below, are
provided
to secure the mattress with respect to the box spring or mattress to prevent
unintended
movement of the mattress.
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[00104] An alternative embodiment of the single cover invention utilizes a
cover
having a slick side and a non-slick side. The cover is attached to either the
mattress,
box spring, platform, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel. In this
embodiment, the invention relies on the inherent surface roughness of either
the
mattress, box spring, platform, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in
panel. For
example, in a normal mode of operation, the cover may be attached to the
mattress,
encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel so that its non-slick
side faces
outwardly and contacts the inherent surface roughness of the box spring or
platform to
prevent unintended movement of the mattress. In a rotate mode of operation,
the
cover is attached to the box spring or platform so that the slick surface
contacts the
mattress, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel and the non-
slick
side contacts the box spring or platform. As mentioned above, in this
embodiment, the
invention relies on the inherent surface roughness of the mattress,
encasement, or
mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel. The mattress is rotated and the cover
is re-
attached to the mattress, encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in panel.
[00105] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. In
one
exemplary embodiment shown, Figs. 25-30b illustrate an embodiment of the
invention
on a fixed platform. Figs. 31c -32 illustrate an embodiment of the invention
on an
adjustable platform.
[00106] As illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, the cover, generally identified
with the
reference numeral 100, includes a rectangular portion 102. An attachment
portion may
be used to secure the rectangular portion in place with respect to the box
spring or
mattress. The attachment portion may be implemented as a side portion 104, as
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discussed below, or various other means, also discussed below and virtually
any means
that can secure the rectangular portion 102 of the cover 100 with respect to
the platform
or box spring or mattress. The rectangular portion 102 of the cover 100 is
formed to fit a
fixed platform 106 (Fig. 25) or an adjustable platform 108 (Fig. 29a) or a box
spring. The
side portion 104 may be continuous around the perimeter of the rectangular
portion. In
the exemplary embodiment shown, at least a portion of the rectangular portion
102 or
the entire rectangular portion 102 includes a slick surface 108 on one side
and may
include at least a portion or the entire opposing side may form a non-slick
surface 110.
[00107] The generally rectangular portion 102 of the cover 100 may be
formed
from a 70D x 70D T210 nylon ripstop material or other material with similar
non-elastic
properties. The size of the rectangular portion 109 may be selected to be the
same size
as the horizontal portion 111 of the platform 106.
[00108] At least a portion of one side of the generally rectangular
portion 102 may
be coated to form the slick side 109. The slick side 109 may be provided by
way of
various coating including a silicone coating or other coating providing a
similar co-
efficient of friction. The silicone coating is optional on the slick side 109.
The inherent
surface roughness of the material may be used alone as the slick side 109. At
least a
portion of the other side of the generally rectangular portion 102 may be
formed as a
non-slick side 110. The non-slick side may be provided by various coatings
including a
polyurethane coating or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating or other coating
having a
similar co-efficient of friction. Alternatively, materials which inherently
have a slick side
and a non-slick side may be used without any coatings.
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[00109] The side portion 104 may be formed from various elastic materials
including 90 gram, 100% polyester material, otherwise known as Jersey Knit or
other
materials having similar elasticity properties. One side of the side portion
may optionally
be coated with a non-slick coating, such as 1-3 mil of polyurethane or PVC.
The
optional coating is applied to a side that will be in contact with the
platform 106. The
side portion may be made from the same material as the sides of the mattress,
encasement, or mattress cover with zip-in bottom panel.
[00110] The side portion 104 is attached around the perimeter of the
rectangular
portion 102 to secure the generally rectangular portion 109 in place over the
platform
106 or 108 (Fig. 29a, 30a). As shown, the side portion 104 may be provided
with a
width generally equal to the width of the vertical rails forming the platform
106 or 108
(Fig. 29a, 30a).
[00111] The function of the side portion 104 is to hold the generally
rectangular
portion 109 in place. Other means can be used to hold the rectangular portion
109 in
place relative to the platform 106 or 108 in a rotate mode of operation or
alternatively
with respect to the mattress in a normal mode of operation. For example,
various
fasteners including Velcro fasteners, snaps, buttons and the like can be used.
Virtually
any type of fasteners are suitable, including fasteners, for example, as
disclosed in
http:/www.questoutfitters.com/plastic.htm . Also, straps, for example, nylon
webbing,
with or without buckles, d-rings, or fasteners can be used. All such devices
are
considered to be within the broad scope of the invention.
[00112] As shown in Figs. 25 and 26, in a rotate mode of operation, the
cover 102
is attached to the platform 106 so that the non-slick surface 110 of the cover
102 is in
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contact with the horizontal portion 111 of the platform 106 defining a rotate
mode of
operation. If an optional coating, as discussed above, is applied to the side
portion 104
of the cover 102, the optional coating (not shown) will be in contact with the
vertical rails
of the platform 106.
[00113] Referring to Figs. 27-30a, operation of the single cover
embodiment is
illustrated. Figs. 27 and 28 illustrate a rotate mode of operation. In a
rotate mode of
operation, the cover 104 is attached to the platform 106 or 108 (Fig. 30a). As
mentioned above, in this mode of operation, the slick side 109 of the cover
100 (Fig. 25)
is in contact with the underside of the mattress 112. As such, a user can
rotate the
mattress relatively effortlessly, as indicated by the arrow 113. Figs. 77 and
78 are
similar to Figs. 27 and 28 but illustrate the mattress encased in an
encasement as
illustrated in Figs. 21, 22 or 72, 73. Figs. 79 and 80 are similar to Figs. 34
and 35 but
illustrate the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in Figs. 21,22
or 72,73.
[00114] Fig. 28 illustrates the mattress 112 in place after rotation.
After the
mattress 112 is in place, the sides 104 of the cover 100 (Fig. 25) are
attached to the
mattress 112, as shown in Figs. 29a and 30a, illustrating a normal mode of
operation.
Figs. 29b and 30b are similar to Figs. Figs. 29a and 30a but illustrating the
mattress
encased in an encasement as illustrated in Figs. 21, 22 or 72,73.
[00115] Figs. 31a and 31b illustrate a conventional bed on an adjustable
platform.
The adjustable platform bed, generally identified with the reference numeral
390,
includes a foundation 394. The foundation 394 includes a base 396 and an
adjustable
platform 398. The adjustable platform 398 is mechanically supported by the
base 396.
Electric motors (not shown) are used to adjust the position of the adjustable
platform
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396. The mattress 392 is known to have a zip-out panel 408. One or more slick
surfaces
may be incorporated into the adjustable platform bed 390 to facilitate bed
making.
Specifically, the adjustable platform 398 may be covered with a relatively a
material
having a relatively slick surface. The zip-out panel 408 may be alternatively
or in
addition be replaced by different panel (not shown) with a slick surface. One
or both of
these slick surfaces can be used to facilitate bed making, thus forming a
passive bed
maker. In such a configuration, the mattress 392 may be secured to the
platform 398,
for example, with conventional fastening means, such as a zipper or other
means.
[00116] The exemplary platform 398 is illustrated in Fig. 31c. The
adjustable
platform 398 includes a plurality of sections 114, 116, 118 and 120 which are
movable
about the various axes 122, 124 and 126. Various mechanical drives (not shown)
are
located beneath the platform 108 that enable the various sections to be
adjusted by way
of a controller (not shown). Fig. 31c illustrates the adjustable platform 398
in a sleep
position in which all of the adjustable sections 114, 116, 118 and 120 are
flat defining a
sleep position.
[00117] Fig. 32 illustrates the application of the single cover embodiment
to a bed
with an adjustable platform 398 (Fig. 31c). The cover 100 functions on an
adjustable
platform 398 in the same manner as a fixed platform 106 (Fig.25). In
particular, the
cover 100 is attached to the adjustable platform 109 with the adjustable
platform in a
sleep position. In a rotate mode of operation, as generally illustrated in
Fig. 32, the
cover 100 is attached so that the slick side 109 faces upwardly and contacts
the
underside of the mattress 112. The mattress 112 is rotated, for example, in
the direction
of the arrow 114, relatively easily. Once the mattress 112 is in position, as
shown in Fig.
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30, the cover 100 is attached to the mattress 112, as shown in Figs. 29a, 29b
and 30a,
30b, defining a normal mode of operation. Fig. 33 is similar to Fig. 32 except
an
additional cover with a relatively slick surface is embedded in the underside
of the
mattress 112. The slick surface on the embedded cover (not shown) co-operates
with a
slick surface on the cover 109 when the cover 109 is attached to the
foundation 104.
Once the mattress is rotated, the cover 109 is detached from the foundation
and
attached to the underside of the mattress 112, so that a non-slick surface of
the cover
109 is in contact with the foundation.
[00118] Fig. 42 illustrates a conventional foam mattress 366 that includes
a
mattress cover 370 with a zip-in bottom panel 374 and a foundation 368 that
are known
in the prior art. Fig. 43 illustrates the mattress 366 and the foundation 368,
with the
conventional mattress 366 shown in an exploded view. Referring to Fig. 43, the
mattress 366 includes a mattress shell 370, a foam rubber mattress support 372
and a
bottom panel 374, attached to the mattress shell 370 by way of a zipper (not
shown). A
plurality of friction strips 376 is located on the underside of the panel 374.
The friction
strips 376 help prevent the mattress assembly 366 from sliding with respect to
the
foundation 368. The foundation 368 consists of fixed platform, for example,
box springs.
[00119] Alternatively, the mattress shell 370 and zip-out panel 367 may be
provided as an aftermarket encasement item to be installed over a different
type of
conventional mattress conventional mattress in the same sense as the
encasements
illustrated in Figs. 21,22 and 72,73.
[00120] Figs. 44 and 45 illustrate various embodiments of the cover in
accordance
with the present invention incorporated into a fixed platform bed as
illustrated in Figs. 42
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and 43. In a first embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 44, a zip out panel 367
(Fig. 42) may
be zipped out and replaced with a zippered panel 381 that has a slick surface
facing
downwardly. Fig. 45 is similar and additionally includes a cover 383. The
cover 383 is
formed with a non- slick side 387 and a slick side (not shown). In a non-
rotate mode, the
cover is attached to the mattress 366 so that the non-slick side 387 is facing
downwardly. In a rotate mode, the cover 383 is attached to the foundation to
cause the
slick side of the cover 383 to be in contact with an optional embedded slick
cover 381.
Optionally, the slick surfaces in contact with each other facilitate rotation.
Moreover, the
cover 383 can be used to hold the bed skirt down as well as facilitate removal
of the bed
skirt, as discussed above. In a configuration in which the two optional slick
surfaces are
in contact with each other, bed making is also facilitated. Alternatively, the
inherent
surface of the underside of the mattress, encasement, or zip-in bottom panel
(Fig. 42
and 43), may be placed in contact with a slick side of the cover to facilitate
rotation.
[00121] Figs. 46-48 illustrate other single cover embodiments which
include a first
embodiment of an attachment mechanism for securely attaching the cover 600 to
a
mattress 601. As shown, the cover 600 and the mattress 601 have cooperating
attachment members 604 and 602. In a first position the cover is attached to
the
foundation 603 over the bed skirt 605. Side panels 606 on the cover 600 hold
the bed
skirt 605 down. When the cover 600 is flipped up, the side panels 606 are
attached to
the mattress 601 or encasement and the cooperating attachment members 602 and
604
are attached together to secure the cover 605 to the mattress 601.
[00122] Fig. 47 is similar to Fig. 46 but for a mattress as illustrated in
Figs. 42 and
43. Fig. 48 is also similar to Fig. 46 but illustrates a mattress encased by
an
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encasement as illustrated in Figs. 21,22 or 72,73. Figs. 49 and 50 are partial
side
elevation views illustrating a single cover being attached to an encasement,
as
illustrated in Figs. 21,22 or 72,73 and secured thereto by way of vertical
attachment
method, illustrated in Fig. 46.
[00123] Figs. 53-55 are similar to Figs. 46,49 and 50, respectively. Fig.
53
illustrates a cover 610 with no side panels. In this embodiment, the mattress
is encased
in an encasement, as illustrated in Figs. 21,22 or 72,73, and the cooperating
attachment
member 602, 604 is attached to an edge of the cover 610. Figs. 56 and 57 are
similar to
to Fig. 53 but shown with the upper cooperating attachment members attached to
a
mattress cover, or aftermarket encasement as illustrated in Figs. 42 and 43.
Fig. 57 is
also similar to Fig. 53 but shown with the upper cooperating attachment
members
attached to a mattress as illustrated in Figs, 42 and 43. Figs 58 and 59 are
similar to
Figs. 49 and 50 but are shown without an encasement and for the cover
illustrated in
Fig. 56 and 57.
[00124] Figs. 60-63, 67 and 68 illustrate an alternate attachment method
of
securing a cover to a mattress for various embodiments of a mattress. Figs. 64-
66 are
similar but illustrate a mattress coverd with an aftermarket encasement. Figs.
69-71
illustrate another alternate attachment method of securing a cover to a
mattress with a
zip-out bottom panel as illustrated in Figs. 42 and 43.
Two Cover Embodiment
[00125] In a two cover embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in
Figs. 3-11, the
slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the
mattress
and one cover for the box spring or platform. One cover is provided with a
slick and
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non-slick side. The other cover is provided with at least one slick side and
may have two
slick sides. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in Figs. 21 and 22, one
cover may be
a protective cover, such as an encasement, that encapsulates the entire
mattress and
permanently exposes a slick surface relative to the box spring or platform. In
another
alternate embodiment, one cover may be provided that cooperates with a slick
surface
that is integrally provided on one or the other of the mattress or box spring
or platform.
In yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figs 12-20,
slick
surfaces may be provided on both the mattress and the box spring or platform.
In this
embodiment, in order to prevent movement of the mattress with respect to the
box
spring or platform, the mattress is secured relative to the box spring or
platform by
removable fasteners in a normal mode of operation.
[00126] In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 3-11 and 21-22, two (2)
covers are
provided which enable slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring
or
platform to be selectively placed in contact with each other to reduce the
normal friction
therebetween to enable the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane
without lifting
the mattress. Alternate embodiments, operate on the same principle but require
only
one separate cover that cooperates with a slick surface integrated into one or
the other
of the mattress or box spring or platform. In yet other embodiments of the
invention, as
illustrated in Figs. 13-20, the slick surfaces on the mattress and box spring
or platform
are constantly in engagement with each other when the mattress is placed on
top of the
box spring or platform. In these embodiments, one or more fasteners, as
discussed
below, are used to secure the mattress to the box spring or platform to
prevent
unintended movement therebetween in a normal mode of operation.
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[00127] Referring first to Figs. 3-5, the invention comprises a first
cover 20 and a
second cover 22. The covers 20 and 22 each include a rectangular panel 24 and
26,
respectively, configured to the size of a mattress 28 and a box spring 30.
Each of the
covers 20, 22 includes a band 32, 34, attached to the periphery of the panels
24, 26
respectively. The bands or side panels 32, 34, allow the covers 20, 22 be
removably
secured to the mattress 28 and the box spring 30, as generally shown in Fig.
4.
[00128] The bands or side panels 32, 34 can also be formed from an elastic
material, for example, spandex and other stretchable materials, such as mesh
or an
elastic band and attached to the panels 24, 26 respectively, for example, by
sewing.
Alternatively, the bands 32, 34 can be formed from a mesh or stretchable
fabric. The
bands 32, 34 can also be formed from the same material as the panels 24, 26 or
same
materials as sides of the mattress, mattress encasement, or box spring and
secured to
the mattress 28 and box spring or platform 30 by way of the vertical
attachments
methods, as discussed below. Horizontal attachments methods may also be used
to
tighten the grip of the cover with respect to the mattress, box spring, or
foundation. The
single cover and coverless embodiments, including aftermarket encasements and
mattress covers with zip-out bottom panels as discussed above may also include
the
attachment methods described in conjunction with the two cover embodiment.
[00129] The bands 32 and 34 may also be formed by less labor-intensive
methods, as illustrated in Figs. 23a-23b and Figs. 24a-24c. The methods
illustrated in
these figures, reduce the amount of sewing and thus the labor involved. For
simplicity,
only one cover 20 is described and illustrated. Referring first to Figs 23a
and 23b, one
corner of a cover blank, generally identified with the reference numeral 21,
is illustrated
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for simplicity. The cover blank is formed as a generally rectangular piece of
material
with fold lines, generally identified with the reference numeral 23, adjacent
to each edge
of the rectangular piece of material. As shown in Fig. 23a, a piece of
material is cut out
of each corner defining, for example, an obtuse angle. The cut-out is
identified with the
reference numeral 25. The bands 32' are folded down as shown in Fig. 23b. A
piece of
flexible material, such as elastic, identified with the reference number 27,
is used to
bridge the cut-out 25. The flexible material 27 is secured to the ends of the
contiguous
bands 32'. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the
embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 23a and 23b significantly reduces the labor costs.
[00130] A second technique to reduce labor costs is illustrated in Figs.
24a-24c. In
this embodiment, the corners of the material blank 21' are cut to form a cut-
out 25' that
is not an obtuse angle. The exemplary cut-out 25' is shown at roughly a 90
degree
angle. In this embodiment, a fastener strip 29 is affixed to each end of the
band 32",
adjacent the cut-out 25'. A cooperating removable fastener strip 31 may be
attached to
the fastener strips 29 to secure the adjacent bands 32" together. The fastener
strips 29
and 31 may be Velcro or other type of fastener. The embodiment illustrated in
Figs 24a
- 24c allows the material blank 21' to be juxtaposed over the mattress 28 or
box spring
30 with the removable fastener strips 31, as least partially removed, for
example, as
shown in Fig. 24b. and secured to the exposed cooperating fastener strip 29,
or any of
the attachment methods discussed below.
[00131] Figs. 24e-24j illustrate various techniques to tighten the grip of
the cover,
for example, the one cover mattress management system described herein, with
respect to a mattress or foundation. Other attachment methods are discussed
below. As
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shown in Figs. 24d and 24e, conventional fasteners, such as snaps, Velcro or
buttons,
generally identified with the reference numeral 504 are rigidly affixed to the
mattress
500 and/or the foundation 502. Mating fasteners 506 may be provided on the
cover 503.
As shown in Fig. 24d, the cover 503 is attached to the foundation 502. As the
cover 503
is attached to the mattress 500, the mating fasteners 500 and 506 are joined
together to
secure the cover 503 relative to the mattress, as illustrated in Fig. 24e. It
is also
contemplated to dispose additional mating fasteners on the cover 503 and the
foundation to secure the cover 503 to the foundation 502. Figs. 24m and Fig.
24n are
similar to Figs 24d and 24e but illustrate the mattress encased in an
encasement
illustrated in Figs. 21,22 or 72, 73.
[00132] Figs. 24f and 24g are similar to Figs. 24d and 24e. In this
embodiment, the
cover 503 is not provided with full side panels 505, as illustrated in Figs
24d and 24e,
but rather corner flaps, generally identified with the reference numeral 507.
[00133] Figs 24h and 241 illustrate different exemplary techniques for
providing a
tight grip between the cover 503. In these embodiments, at least two of the
side panels
509, 510 are not attached together, as shown. In fig. 29h, the end of one side
panel 509
includes a loop 512. The adjacent side panel 509 includes a plurality of
buttons,
generally identified with the reference numeral 514, for receiving the loop
512.The grip
of the cover 503 is adjusted depending on the particular button selected to
catch the
loop. Fig. 291 is similar but utilizes a drawstring 514, or other attachment
method as
discussed below, to tighten the grip of the cover 503 with respect to a
mattress or
foundation.
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[00134] Figs. 24k and 241 are similar to Fig. 24h but illustrate the use
of the
buttons 514 with one or more cooperating buttonholes 515.
[00135] Fig. 24j illustrates a cover 503 in which all of the side panels
are
connected forming a fitted sheet. In this embodiment, each side panel may
include a
strap and Velcro, as generally indicated by the reference numeral 516. In this
embodiment the strap can be tightened and attached to the Velcro in the
tightened
position to tighten the grip of the cover 503 relative to the mattress 518 or
foundation
(not shown.
[00136] In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, one cover
20, 22
has a "slick" side having a relatively low co-efficient of friction and a non-
slick side
having a relatively higher co-efficient of friction. The other cover 20, 22
has at least one
slick side and may have two slick sides. As such, when the slick surfaces of
the two
covers 20, 22 are selectively placed in contact with each other, the mattress
28 can be
rotated in a horizontal plane with minimal effort by one person in a
configuration defining
a rotate mode of operation, as discussed in more detail below. The non-slick
side is
used to selectively be placed in contact with an uncovered surface of the
mattress 28 or
an uncovered surface of the box spring 30 or platform or bed skirt. The non-
slick side
provides a relatively high co-efficient of friction when in contact with
either an uncovered
surface of the box spring 30 or an uncovered surface of the mattress 28 or bed
skirt
(Fig. 6) or platform (Figs. 12 and 76) in order to reduce if not prevent
unintended
rotation of the mattress in a normal configuration.
[00137] Referring to Fig. 4, a first cover 20 is attached to the underside
mattress
28 so that its non-slick side is in contact with the mattress 28 and its slick
side is facing
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downwardly. Similarly, the cover 22 is attached to the box spring 30 so that
its non-slick
side is in contact with the box spring 30 and its slick side is facing
upwardly.
Alternatively, the covers 20, 22 may be provided with two slick sides. In such
an
embodiment, one slick side is in contact with the mattress 28, box spring 30,
respectively, and the other slick side is facing downwardly or upwardly,
respectively.
[00138] When the mattress 28 is then brought into contact with the box
spring 30,
as generally illustrated in Fig. 5, the slick sides of the covers 20 and 22
will be in contact
with each other, enabling the mattress 28 to be rotated in a horizontal
position with
reduced effort by a single person defining a rotate mode of operation.
[00139] Once the mattress 28 has been rotated and is in the desired
position, the
top cover 20 may be detached from the mattress 28 and attached to the box
spring 30
over the cover 22. This places the non-slick side of the cover 20 in contact
with an
uncovered surface of the mattress 28, thereby reducing unintended rotation of
the
mattress 28 with respect to the box spring 30. In this configuration, both
covers 20 and
22 are attached to the box spring 30. Alternatively, in embodiments in which
each of the
covers has a slick side and a non-slick side, once the mattress 28 is in the
desired
position, the bottom cover 22 can be detached from the box spring 30 and
attached to
the mattress 28 over the cover 20, exposing the non-slick side of the cover 22
to the
box spring 30. In this configuration, both covers 20 and 22 are attached to
the mattress
30.
[00140] Figs 6-8 illustrate operation of the covers 20 and 22 in an
application in
which a bed skirt 36 is draped over the box spring 30, as generally shown in
Fig. 6.
Heretofore rotation of a mattress 28 with a bed skirt 36 draped over the box
spring 30
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was a relatively cumbersome task. The present invention greatly simplifies
rotation of
the mattress 28 in such an application while keeping the bed skirt 36 in
place.
[00141] More specifically, in this application, the first cover 20 is
attached to the
underside of the mattress 28 so that its slick side is facing downward and its
non-slick
side (or alternatively its second slick side) is in contact with the mattress
28. The second
cover 22 is attached to the box spring 30 over the bed skirt 36 so that its
non-slick side
is in contact with the bed skirt 36 and its slick side is facing upward,
thereby placing the
slick sides of the covers 20 and 22 in contact with each other, as shown in
Figs. 7 and
74. The mattress 28 can then be rotated with reduced effort, as generally
illustrated in
Figs. 12 and 76.
[00142] After the mattress 28 is rotated to the desired position, the
cover 22 is
detached from the box spring 30 and attached to the mattress 28 over the cover
20, as
shown in Fig.8. This places the non-slick side of the cover 22 in contact with
the bed
skirt 36 to reduce if not prevent unintended rotation of the mattress 28. As
shown in
Figs. 8 and 75, the bed skirt 36 is uncovered and undisturbed since the cover
22 holds
the bed skirt 36 in place during the rotation of the mattress 28.
[00143] Figs 9-11 are similar to Figs. 6-8 and illustrate another
application in which
the bed skirt is used to hide the first and second covers 20 and 22 in a
normal
configuration. Referring to Fig. 9, the bed skirt 36 is disposed around the
mattress 28 so
that its finished side is in contact with the mattress 28 and its unfinished
side is facing
outwardly. The first cover 20 is attached to the mattress 28 over the bed
skirt 36 so that
its non-slick side is in contact with the bed skirt 36 and its slick side is
facing
downwardly. The second cover 22 is attached to the box spring 30 so that its
non-slick
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side is in contact with the box spring 30 and its slick side is facing
upwardly, thus
placing the slick sides of the first and second covers 20 and 22 in contact
with each
other. The mattress 28 can then be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually
effortlessly by
one person. Once the mattress 28 is in the desired position, the first cover
20 is
detached from the mattress 28 and attached to the box spring 30, over the
second
cover 22, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. This places the non-slick side of the
first cover
20 in contact with the bed skirt 28, in contact with the mattress, thereby
reducing
unintended rotation of the mattress 28. Once the first cover 20 is attached to
the box
spring 30, the bed skirt 36 is folded down over the box spring 30, thereby
hiding both
the first and second covers 20 and 22, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11.
[00144] Figs. 21, 22 and 72, 73 illustrate an embodiment in which the
first cover is
replaced with a protective cover 40, such as a protective cover, that
encapsulates the
mattress 28. The protective cover 40 is to size and shape of the mattress 28
to provide
a relatively snug fit. An opening 42 is provided along one edge of the
protective cover
40 to enable the mattress 28 to be placed inside the protective cover 40. A
conventional
fastener, such as a zipper 44 may be used to close the opening 42. In this
embodiment,
one surface 46 of the cover 40 may be provided with a slick surface 46. The
mattress
28 and cover 40 is configured so that the slick surface 46 faces the box
spring 30. The
slick surface 46 of the cover 40 cooperates with the cover (Figs. 72, 73)
attached to the
box spring 30 to facilitate rotation of the covered mattress 28 in a rotate
mode. The
cover 22 is as described above with a slick surface and a non-slick surface.
More
particularly, in a rotate mode of operation, the cover 22 is attached to the
box spring 30
so that its non-slick surface is in contact with the box spring 30 and the
slick surface
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faces upwardly in order to contact the slick surface of the protective cover
40. In this
mode, the mattress 28 can be rotated with reduced effort in a horizontal
plane. Once the
mattress 28 has been rotated to the desired position, the cover 22 is attached
to the
mattress 28 causing its non-slick surface to be in contact with the box spring
30.
=
Coverless Embodiment
[00145] The embodiments discussed above are based on the use of one or
more
covers which can be selectively configured in a rotate mode of operation or
alternatively
a normal mode of operation. In the embodiments illustrated in Figs 13-20,
there are no
covers. In these embodiments, slick surfaces 50 and 52 are integrally provided
on the
mattress 28 and box spring 30, respectively, or aftermarket encasement, as
illustrated
in Figs. 21 and 22, or the zip-out bottom panel 367, as illustrated in Figs.
42 and 43. In
particular, as best shown in Fig. 13, the mattress 28 is formed with an
integral slick
surface 50 on it is underside. Similarly, the box spring 30 can be formed with
integral
slick surface 52 facing upwardly. As such, when the mattress 28 is properly
placed on
the box spring 30, the slick surfaces 50 and 52 are in contact with each
other. In such a
configuration, the mattress 28 can be freely rotated with respect to the box
spring 30.
[00146] In order to prevent movement of the mattress 28 with respect to
the box
spring 30 in a normal mode of operation, fastener systems, for example, Velcro
fasteners, may be provided on the corners of both the mattress 28 and the box
spring
30. In particular, permanent fastener strips 54 are provided on the corners of
the
mattress 28, as shown in Figs. 13, 14 and 16. Similarly, permanent fastener
strips 56
are provided on the corners of the box spring 30. As shown in Figs. 13, 14 and
16,
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when the mattress 28 is correctly aligned with the box spring 30, the
permanent
fastener strips 54 are aligned with the permanent fastener strips 56. In order
to secure
the mattress 28 relative to the box spring 30, removable cooperating fastener
strips 58
are selectively attached to the permanent fastener strips 54 and 56 as shown
in Figs. 15
and 17 defining a normal mode of operation. The removable fastener strips 58
are
simply removed in order to rotate the mattress 28 and replaced once the
mattress 28
has been rotated.
[00147] Figs. 51 and 52 illustrate are similar to Figs. 13-15 but
illustrate a method
of securing the foundation 30 to the mattress using the vertical attachment
method as
illustrated in Fig. 46.
[00148] Two alternate embodiments are illustrated in Figs. 18-20. In the
embodiment illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19, permanent fastener strips 60 and 62
are
located around the peripheries of the mattress 28 and the box spring 30,
adjacent to the
edges where the mattress 28 and the box spring 30 come together, as shown in
Fig. 18.
As shown in Fig. 19, a cooperating removable fastener strip 64 is attached to
the
permanent fastener strips 60 and 62 on the mattress 28 and box spring 30,
respectively.
In yet another alternate embodiment as shown in Fig. 20, the cooperating
removable
fastener strip 64 may be affixed to the inside of a bed skirt 66. With such a
configuration, not only are the mattress 28 and box spring 30 secured
together, the
configuration also allows a bed skirt 66 to be easily installed.
Cover Materials
[00149] In addition to the above, various other materials, such as cloth,
and other
materials that are bendable and amenable to being folded and are suitable for
the
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various covers, slick surfaces, as well as the panels 24, 26 for the covers
20, 22,
mentioned above. The material for one cover 20, 22 need only have a slick side
and a
non-slick side. The non-slick side can be created on one side of a slick
material by way
of .a coating or sewing or fusing a non-slick backing to one side of the non-
slick material.
Various conventionally available materials are suitable for the cover having a
slick side
and a non-slick side. For example, "70 Denier Heat Sealable (backside) 100%
Nylon
Rip Stop" material is suitable for use with the present invention or other
materials with
similar coefficients of friction on the slick and non-slick sides. Such
material may be
nylon, for example, 100 % nylon with a coating on one side, for example,
urethane or
other thermal plastic or heat sealable coating Such nylon rip stop material is
known to
come in widths of 58-86" inches wide and weighs about 1.9 to 4.4 ounces per
square
yard. Such material can easily be pieced together to accommodate various
mattress
widths if necessary.
[00150] Nylon rip stop material suitable for use with the ¨present
invention is
available from various sources, such as, Quest Ouffitters of Sarasota, Florida
(http:/questoutfitters.com). Their nylon taffeta material is described in
detail at
http:/questouffitters.com/coated.html#HEAT SEALABLE, hereby incorporated by
reference. Suitable nylon taffeta material is also available from Rockywoods
in
Loveland, Colorado (http:/www.rockywoods.com). Their nylon taffeta material is
described in detail at http:/www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Hardware-Patterns-
Kits/Medium-Weight-Nylon-Fabrics/Heat-Sealable-70-Denier-Nylon-Taffeta, hereby
incorporated by reference.
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[00151] Non-woven materials may also be used for the cover 20, 22 having a
slick
side and a non-slick side. For example, Tyveke polyethylene non-woven fabric,
as
manufactured by the DuPont Corporation and described in detail at
http:/www2.dupont.com/Products and Services/en VN/nwn.html may be used. Other
materials having two slick sides can also be used, such as, silicone
impregnated nylon
rip stop, for example, as available from Seattle Fabrics, Inc.,
http:/www.seattlefabrics.com/nylons.html. Other materials can also be used
with a
coating applied to one side. Moreover, different materials can be used for
each cover in
an application.
[00152] Various embodiments discussed herein require one or two covers with a
slick
side and a non-slick side. The following materials are suitable for this
purpose and are
described below. For example, the following exemplary materials may be used:
= warp-knit fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone
coating.
= a non-woven material with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone
coating.
= Tricot fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone coating.
= a stitch bond fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone
coating.
= Nylon or polyester ripstop with a silicone coating on one side and a
polyurethane
coating on the other side
= a stitch bond fabric, available from Tietex, item no 944164, style no.
C243,
wherein the fabric is 32% rayon, 22% polyester, 6% twaron and 40% coat.
[00153] Materials having a similar co-efficient of friction and porosity
characteristics may also be used. All such materials are considered to be
within the
broad scope of the invention.
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[00154] The following textile materials may be also be used for the various
surfaces
discussed above. These textile materials can be used uncoated or coated on one
side
as indicated below to control the co-efficient of friction to create a slick
surface or a non-
slick surface relative to the co-efficient of friction on the uncoated side.
70 DENIER X 70 DENIER NYLON RIPSTOP
70 DENIER X 70 DENIER POLYESTER RIPSTOP
70 DENIER NYLON & POLYESTER BLEND
70 DENIER NYLON TAFFETA
70 DENIER POLYESTER TAFFETA
30 DENIER POLYESTER OR NYLON RIPSTOP OR TAFFETA
210 DENIER OXFORD NYLON
210 DENIER OXFORM POLYESTER
210 DENIER NYLON & POLYESTER BLEND
WARP-KNIT FABRIC
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
POLYETHELENE SHEETING
POLYPROPOLENE SHEETING
NON-WOVEN FABRIC
OLEFIN (a.k.a. polyethylene & polypropylene)
STITCH-BOND FABRIC
COTTON BLEND
TERRY MATERIAL
TRICOT
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HIGH DENSITY & MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHELYNE FILM
[00155] The following coatings have a relatively high co-efficient of
friction. These
coatings may be used to provide a rough or non-slick surface.
POLYURETHANE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
POLYVINYL CHOLRIDE (PVC) coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
THERMO PLASTIC coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
RUBBER coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
HEAT SEALABLE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
WATER REPELENT coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
ACRYLIC coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
ADHESIVE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE
UNCOATED (inherent COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF uncoated fabric)
[00156] The following coatings may be coated on a side of the materials
provide a
relatively low co-efficient of friction and thus may be used to provide a
slick surface:
SILICONE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
TEFLON coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
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PETROLEUM BASE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing
BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE
SLICK FIBER WOVEN INTO FABRIC
UNCOATED (inherent COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF uncoated fabric)
Attachment Means
[00157] Various vertical and horizontal attachments are disclosed herein.
Horizontal attachments are used to secure side panels together, for example as
illustrated in Figs. 23a-24c, 24h, 24i, 24k, and 241. Other attachment means
such as
illustrated in Fig. 24j may be used as well. Such horizontal attachments may
also be
used to tighten the grip of the side panels of the cover, or optionally the
encasement, to
a mattress or a foundation.
[00158] Vertical attachments are used to secure a cover to a mattress
(Figs. 46,
56, 60, and 67); a cover to a mattress with a zip out bottom panel (Figs. 47,
58, 61, and
69); and an aftermarket encasement (Figs. 48, 53, 62, and 68). Various other
vertical
attachments are illustrated for attaching a cover to a mattress (Figs. 24m,
24n) and a
mattress covered with an aftermarket encasement (Figs. 24o and 24p).
[00159] In addition, a flip panel, straps, or other members (not shown)
can either
be attached to a mattress, mattress cover, encasement, or foundation. A
fastener
system can be imbedded in the flip panel, straps, or other members that
cooperates
with a mating fastener such as a zipper, buttons, buckles, or other fasteners
to a cover
or the foundation to secure the mattress to the foundation or to secure a
cover to the
mattress, mattress cover, or encasement, or foundation.
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[00160] All fastener systems described and illustrated herein are suitable
for both
the vertical and horizontal attachments for all embodiments of the invention
and can be
used interchangeably or in combination with each other.
[00161] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are
possible in light of the above teachings. For example, materials for the
covers and slick
surfaces other than those mentioned above can be which have similar co-
efficient of
friction characteristics. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope
of the
appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described above.
[00162] What is claimed and desired to be secured by a Letters Patent of
the
United States is:
