This invention relates to a multifunctional mattress that converts to a chair or side-table or an ottoman with carry handle.
A cultural shift is occurring—more people are renting other people's second homes rather than staying in hotels. It's part of a rising movement called the sharing economy. At the same time, the average size of homes is trending downward. A home without a guest room is a home with a lighter footprint. Urban centers such as Boston, Mass., are now building Micro-Units, dwellings between 200-300 square feet. There is a demand for these small, more affordable dwellings in expensive urban centers. This invention provides a space-saving bedding solution for these small and shared spaces as well as for larger homes without dedicated guest rooms. It is also a bedding solution for travel. Until now, compact bedding options have been an Air Bed, Futon, Convertible Sofa-Bed, or Murphy Bed. Inflating an Airbed is difficult, noisy, and time-consuming. They provide no real support and often deflate over the course of a night spent sleeping on them. Futons are heavy and uncomfortable and laborious to move. Convertible Sofa Beds are heavy, they are not easily transportable, and their sharp corners and metal frames are dangerous. The Murphy Bed cannot be moved at all and must be built permanently into a wall. It is an expensive and inflexible bedding option. Conventional tri-fold gym mats are not a bedding option as they are no more than 2-3 inches in thickness and do not provide the cushioning or support of a mattress. They are not designed to be a mattress.
The invention relates to a noiseless, light-in-weight, transportable, affordable, comfortable, supportive space-saving bedding option that also can be transformed easily into furniture pieces.
By functioning as several individual pieces in one it is environmentally less wasteful and it saves the consumer money, since the manufacturing and purchase of the individual pieces that would have performed the same function is no longer necessary. It is also a safer and easier fold-away bed option than the fold-away beds commonly used in hotels which incorporate metal bed-frames on wheels that are heavy and awkward to move and have hard and sharp surfaces—making this invention a solution also for hotels.
One aspect of the invention relates to a multifunctional mattress, preferably a high-end multifunctional mattress. The tri-fold design enables the mattress to fold easily and quickly into three equally sized stacked and attached parts. The tri-folded mattress stack can be zippered into a fabric cover designed to enclose the mattress snugly and form an ottoman and/or side table. Preferably, one or more matching fabric handles stitched to one side of the ottoman cover enables easy transportation.
Preferably, the bedding material in the mattress sections can be contoured to provide extra support from the neck down the hips, which is the heaviest part of the body, or the mattress can be manufactured firm on one side and soft on the other. The mattress quilting and bedding material can be separated by zipper for cleaning and for changing the bedding material according to preference.
Alternatively, the tri-folded mattress stack can form a side-table when the stack of folded mattress sections is zippered into the ottoman cover and the top rectangular-shaped horizontal surface of cover comprises a flat, firm material forming a table-top. The uncovered mattress stack converts into a chair by opening the attached top mattress section approximately 90-degree to a vertical position to form the chair back. The two remaining attached stacked mattress sections form the chair cushion.
A reduced size of the mattress is offered as a multifunctional baby bed. Three reduced sizes of the mattress are offered as pet beds. The baby-sized and pet-sized foldable mattresses convert respectively to a baby ottoman and a pet ottoman by zipping the respective tri-folded mattress stacks into a fabric cover designed to enclose each mattress snugly. A matching fabric handle stitched to one side of the baby-sized and pet-sized ottoman cover enables easy transportation. The baby-sized furniture system also functions as a reversible bed. The top side is covered in quilting to form a bed top, and the underside and sides are covered in a soft, breathable, water-resistant, stain resistant, odor resistant fabric such that this reverse side can be used as a baby change bed.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a multifunctional mattress system that converts to a chair or side-table or an ottoman, preferably with carry handle.
According to one embodiment, the horizontal seams dividing the mattress into three equally sized, operatively connected sections enable the sections to tri-fold into a stack the shape of an ottoman. The tri-folded mattress stack can be zipped into a snug fabric enclosure to establish an ottoman. A fabric handle is stitched to the side of the encasement. The tri-folded mattress stack can form a side-table when the stack of folded mattress sections is zippered into the cover and the top rectangular-shaped horizontal surface of cover comprises a flat, firm material forming a table-top. The uncovered mattress stack forms a chair when the top mattress section is raised to a vertical position to create a chair-back and the remaining two stacked sections form the seat. The mattress can be contoured to a reclined body to provide extra support, and the quilting and bedding can be separated for cleaning.
The foregoing has outlined some of the aspects of the present invention. These aspects should be construed strictly as illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention, rather than as limitations on the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the embodiments within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, for other objects and a full understanding of the invention, refer to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims and the accompanying drawings. The unique features characteristic of this invention and operation will be understood more easily with the description and drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are for illustration and description only and do not define the limits of the invention.
The above-mentioned and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of different aspects of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features or embodiments herein described and may further include obvious modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein.
Referring to
(a) a multifunctional foldable mattress 10 having a trifold design including three separate, self-encased, coplanar square or rectangular equally sized mattress sections 11, 12, 13 operatively connected such that the mattress sections can be: (i) unfolded to form a horizontal plane on a floor surface to form a bed shape 10; (ii) folded into a stack of the mattress sections forming an ottoman or cube shape 40, (iii) partially unfolded forming a cross-sectional Z-shape when in an interim folded position between the bed shape 10 and the ottoman shape 40; and (iv) partially folded with two of the mattresses stacked and the third extended to form an h-shape or chair shape illustrated in
(b) an enclosure cover 72 adapted to enclose the mattress sections when folded into the ottoman shape,
wherein the thickness 15 of the mattress sections unfolded into the bed shape is between 3 and 7 inches high such that the furniture system is a mattress in its unfolded horizontal plane position 10 and not a conventional 2 to 3 inch-high tri-fold gym or camper mat design,
and preferably wherein bedding material within each mattress section is contoured to a reclined body, such that a higher-density foam in the middle mattress section 12 forms the mattress beneath the heaviest part of the reclined body, providing extra support from the neck down to the hips of the reclined body, and lighter foam forms the two end mattress sections 11 and 13 beneath the head and legs.
According to one embodiment, the design comprises no frames or mechanical parts, other than zippers or handles. Specifically, no metal frames typically found in foldable mattress systems.
According to another embodiment, the system further comprises a fabric handle 73 stitched horizontally on one side of the enclosure cover to facilitate a user carrying the furniture system.
According to another embodiment, the system further comprises a handle 73 attached to one side of at least the enclosure cover to facilitate a user carrying the furniture system. Preferably, the invention includes a handle on at least one mattress section and also on an external surface of the enclosure cover to facilitate moving whether or not enclosed in the cover.
According to another embodiment, the system further comprises a fabric handle 33 stitched horizontally on one side of one of the mattress sections to facilitate a user carrying the furniture system.
According to another embodiment, the system further comprises a handle 33 attached to one side of at least one of the mattress sections to facilitate a user carrying the furniture system.
According to another embodiment, the mattress sections comprise hidden zippers (not shown) configured around the mattress sections such that quilting covering the mattress sections and bedding material in the core of the mattress can be separated for washing and such that the bedding material in the core can to be changed according to preference for firmness or softness.
According to another embodiment, the mattress sections comprise zippers (not shown) configured around the mattress sections.
According to another embodiment, the seams 14 of the mattress sections comprise either tape edging or inverted stitch or other strengthening structures or elements.
According to another embodiment, each side of each mattress section (designated at 11, 12, and 13) is one third of either 74, 80, or 84 inches long.
According to another embodiment, the furniture system is capable for forming one of the following bed sizes when unfolded: Twin (38×74 inches), Twin XL (38×80 inches), Full (54×74 inches), Full XL (54×80 inches), Queen (60×80 inches), King (76×80 inches), California King (72×84), baby-size, or pet-size.
According to another embodiment, the baby-sized version of the furniture system (not shown) is reversible. The top of the unfolded baby-sized mattress is covered in quilting to form a bed top and the sides and bottom are covered in soft, breathable, water-resistant, stain-resistant, odor-resistant fabric so that this bottom or reverse side can be used as a baby change bed.
According to another embodiment, the baby-sized version folds into a stack of mattress sections the shape of an ottoman, and can be zippered into an enclosure cover to form a baby-sized ottoman.
According to another embodiment, the pet-sized version of the furniture system (not shown) can be made in three reduced sizes (small, medium, and large) for pets.
According to another embodiment, the pet-sized version can be covered entirely in soft, breathable, water-resistant, stain-resistant, odor-resistant fabric.
According to another embodiment, the pet-sized version folds into a stack of mattress sections the shape of an ottoman, and can be zippered into an enclosure cover to form a pet-sized ottoman.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover 72 is sized to enclose the mattress sections tri-folded from a bed shape having one of the following bed sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King, baby-size, or pet-sized in small, medium, or large.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover 72 fits snugly around the stack of folded mattress sections in the ottoman shape.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover 72 fits snugly around the stack of folded mattress sections in the ottoman shape 40 and zippers closed 71.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover comprises zippers 71 along the bottom four edges of the rectangular-shaped bottom horizontal surface of the ottoman shape.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover 72 comprises fabric selected from one or more of the following: Stretch Knit Fabric, 100% Cotton Fabric, 100% Polyester Fabric, 100% Nylon, Cotton/Poly/Nylon Blend Fabric, Water Repellent Fabric, Moisture Wicking fabric, Organic Cotton, Bamboo Fabric, Cashmere Fabric, Flannel Fabric, Jacquard Fabric, Linen, Canvas, Leather, Imitation Leather, Vinyl, Rubber, and/or silk.
According to another embodiment, the mattress sections 11, 12, and 13 and the enclosure cover 72 are capable of forming a side table when the enclosure cover fits snugly around the stack of folded mattress sections in the ottoman shape and zippers closed, the furniture system having a top rectangular-shaped horizontal surface of the enclosure cover comprising a flat, firm material (not shown).
Preferably, the top rectangular-shaped horizontal surface of the enclosure cover comprises material selected from one or more of the following: wood, wood veneer, particle board, plywood, plywood veneer, and/or heat-resistant plastic. Preferably, the top rectangular-shaped horizontal surface of the enclosure cover is permanently attached to the fabric sides of enclosure cover by stitching and/or glue.
Preferably, the top or lid provides a top surface with a chess board, backgammon or other game board.
According to another embodiment, the mattress sections comprise bedding material selected from one or more of the following: Polyurethane Foam, High Density Foam, Convoluted Foam, Soybean Foam, Water Repellent Foam Visco, Gel Visco, Natural Latex, Densified Polyester, Organic Wool, Shoddy Fiber, and/or Pocket Coils.
According to another embodiment, the mattress sections 11, 12, and 13 comprise quilting material selected from one or more of the following: Stretch Knit Fabric, 100% Cotton Fabric, 100% Polyester Fabric, 100% Nylon, Cotton/Poly/Nylon Blended Fabric, Water Repellent Fabric, Moisture Wicking Fabric, Organic Cotton, Bamboo Fabric, Cashmere Fabric, Flannel Fabric, and/or Jacquard Fabric.
According to another embodiment, the furniture system weighs between 15 and 100 pounds.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover 72 comprises an overlock stitch inside the seams (not shown) to prevent loose threads or tearing.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover comprises one or more strengthening structures or elements.
According to another embodiment, at least one of said mattress covers includes a pocket to hold the enclosure cover when not being used.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover includes one or more packets on an external surface.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover 72 comprises decorative buttons or seams (not shown) including baseball stitch seams on at least one outer surface when enclosing the folded mattress sections.
Another aspect of the invention relates to combination foldable mattress and ottoman furniture system comprising:
(a) a multifunctional foldable mattress having a trifold design including three separate, self-encased, coplanar equally sized circular mattress sections operatively connected (designated in
According to another embodiment, the thickness of the mattress sections unfolded into the bed shape illustrated in
According to another embodiment, the bedding material within each mattress section is contoured to a reclined body, such that a higher-density foam in the middle mattress section forms the mattress beneath the heaviest part of the reclined body, providing extra support from the neck down to the hips of the reclined body, and lighter foam forms the two end mattress sections beneath the head and legs.
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover illustrated in
According to another embodiment, the enclosure cover illustrated in
According to another embodiment, the system further comprises a top circular surface lid illustrated in
Although the invention has been described relative to specific embodiments thereof, there are numerous variations and modifications that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
With respect to the appended claims, unless stated otherwise, the term “first” does not, by itself, require that there also be a “second”. While the particular compositions, formulations, products and methods described herein and described in detail are fully capable of attaining the above-described objects and advantages of the invention, it is to be understood that these are the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and are thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular means “one or more” and not “one and only one”, unless otherwise so recited in the claim.
It will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the invention are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62055021 | Sep 2014 | US |