1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to covers for mattresses, and more specifically, to a generally impermeable mattress cover with expandable sidewalls to fit mattresses of different thicknesses.
2. Related Art
Allergens and other irritants such as spores and dust mites can freely exist in mattresses, and can be the cause of allergic reactions to certain individuals. As such, it is often desirable to cover a mattress to protect same from allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spoils. It is also desirable to protect mattresses from spills and other fluids, such as urine and blood. In locations where mattresses are frequently used, such covers are beneficial in preserving the life of the mattress and providing added comfort for users. Even at home, one can use such a cover to protect a mattress and extend its life. Indeed, by using a mattress cover to keep a mattress free of stains, one can assure that they comply with the warranty provided by the mattress manufacturers which are voided when mattresses are stained.
It is known in the art to provide covers for mattresses to protect same from the aforementioned fluids and allergens existing in the mattress. However, there do not exist any covers with expandable sidewalls that completely cover a mattress and allow the cover to be used on mattresses of different thicknesses. Rather, such covers must be made in numerous sizes or must be custom-manufactured to fit beds and/or mattresses of different thicknesses.
Accordingly, what is desirable, but has not heretofore been provided, is a generally impermeable mattress cover that completely surrounds a mattress and has expandable sidewalls to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses.
The present invention relates to a generally impermeable mattress cover that completely surrounds a mattress and has expandable sidewalls to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The cover includes generally impermeable top and bottom walls that are attached at edges thereof to sidewalls. The sidewalls include inner and outer walls that are joined at edges thereof. The inner walls are generally impermeable and have a fixed height, and the outer walls are made of an elastic material. The inner walls have a height greater than the elastic outer wall when the outer wall is in a relaxed condition. When positioned on a mattress, the outer wall retains the inner wall against the mattress. The elastic outer walls can stretch to a height equal to the height of the inner wall to accommodate the thickness of the mattress. Importantly, the sidewalls, in conjunction with the top and bottom walls, provide a generally impermeable shield that completely surrounds the mattress, while accommodating mattresses of different thicknesses. The bottom wall includes an aperture for allowing insertion and removal of the mattress from the cover, and a fastener for opening and closing the aperture.
The present invention can be fabricated in a simple manufacturing process, wherein the top and bottom walls are cut to desired dimensions, the sidewalls are fabricated from an inner impervious wall and a stretchable outer wall that are joined at top and bottom edges, and the sidewalls are joined to edges of the top and bottom walls to form an expandable cover having an impervious shield that completely surrounds a mattress.
These and other important objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following Detailed Description of the Invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention relates to a generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The cover of the present invention can be used on any type of mattress. By the terms “generally impermeable” or “impermeable” it is meant that the material is waterproof or water resistant, as well as resistant to other fluids and resistant to solids such as allergens and dust mites. The cover of the present invention comprises a generally impermeable top wall, a generally impermeable bottom wall, and sidewalls attached to the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls comprise a generally impermeable inner wall and an elastic outer wall joined at edges thereof to the top and bottom walls. The inner wall has a height greater than the outer wall when the outer wall is in a relaxed condition. The outer wall can be stretched to the height of the inner wall. The outer wall retains the inner wall neatly against the mattress to provide a uniform fit.
Importantly, top and bottom walls 18 and 19, and sidewalls 12 of the present invention are made of a generally impermeable material. Sidewalls 12 and 14 are preferably formed from a two-part construction, as will hereinafter be described in greater detail, and are joined at edges thereof to top wall 18 and bottom wall 19 to provide a generally impermeable barrier that completely surrounds mattress 20. Sidewalls 12 and 14 can be joined to top wall 18 and bottom wall 19 using any technique known in the art, such as stitching, ultrasonic welding, gluing, etc.
An aperture is provided on cover 10 to allow insertion and removal of mattress 20 from cover 10. A fastener, such as zipper 22, is used to close the cover. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, zipper 22 is positioned proximal to a portion of the perimeter of bottom wall 19, and preferably near one end of the cover 10 in a C-shaped configuration. However, it is to be expressly understood that zipper 22 could be positioned at any desired location on cover 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that zipper 22 is preferably manufactured to maintain a generally impermeable seal to allergens and fluids when closed. Any other fastener means for allowing access to the internal cavity defined by cover 10 and may be utilized with the present invention.
Importantly, sidewalls 12 are expandable in height along the direction indicated generally by arrows C to allow the cover 10 to fit on mattresses of different thicknesses. When the outer walls 15 are stretched, inner walls 16 extend vertically to also accommodate the mattress thickness while providing a generally impermeable enclosure around the mattress.
Thus, as illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, top wall 18, bottom wall 19 and the inner wall 16 of side wall 12 are manufactured from a generally impermeable material, such as PROPORE, a water resistant, breathable polypropylene material manufactured by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (“3M”). PROPORE and 3M are registered trademarks of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Of course, any other generally impermeable material known in the art can be utilized to form these walls.
The cover of the present invention can be fabricated in a simple manufacturing process. First, the top and bottom walls of the cover can be cut to desired dimensions from a sheet or roll of generally impermeable material. Then, the inner walls of the sidewalls can be cut to desired height, and the outer walls cut from a sheet or roll of elastic material. Next, the inner walls and outer walls can be joined at edges thereof, such as by stitching, to form the sidewalls of the cover. Finally, the sidewalls can then be attached to the edges of the top and bottom walls by stitching or other process.
Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit and scope thereof. What is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/183,305 filed Jun. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,880, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20040088790 A1 | May 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10183305 | Jun 2002 | US |
Child | 10600313 | US |