This invention relates to bedding, and in particular to mattress covers.
Mattress covers or protectors are removable items of bedding that are placed on or attached to a mattress.
Mattress covers are used for various reasons. For example, mattress covers may be used to protect mattresses from spills or other contaminants which may pass through the bed sheets. It is often difficult and/or expensive to clean mattresses.
In addition, mattress covers may be used to reduce exposure of the user to allergens or other irritants that may exist in the mattress. For the above reasons, the use of mattress covers has been increasing.
Traditionally, mattress covers have been made from a plastic or vinyl type material that is laid across the top of the mattress or that is fitted over the top and side surfaces. While such products are relatively efficient in protecting the mattress from spills or other contaminants, and also for reducing the exposure of the user to allergens or irritants that may exist in the mattress, they have a tendency to cause users to perspire and to trap excessive amounts of body heat and water vapour. Plastic or vinyl material from which such mattress covers have traditionally been manufactured also has a tendency to be slippery, making it difficult to maintain sheets and other bedding material in place upon the mattress. Plastic or vinyl material is also somewhat difficult to clean as it is not as conducive to washing in typical household washers and dryers. There is therefore the need for an improved form of mattress cover.
A selectively-configurable covering is disclosed. The selectively-configurable covering includes a first unit, a second unit and a fastener. The first unit includes a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers of the first unit includes: a first layer including an upper surface and a lower surface, a second layer including an upper surface and a lower surface, and a third layer including an upper surface and a lower surface. The first layer of the plurality of layers of the first unit is a first fabric layer. The second layer of the plurality of layers of the first unit is a plush layer. The third layer of the plurality of layers of the first unit is second fabric layer. The plush layer is disposed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The upper surface of the plush layer is disposed directly adjacent the lower surface of the first fabric layer. The lower surface of the plush layer is disposed directly adjacent the upper surface of the second fabric layer. The second unit includes a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers of the second unit includes: a first layer including an upper surface and a lower surface, and a second layer including an upper surface and a lower surface. The first layer of the plurality of layers of the second unit is a waterproof layer. The second layer of the plurality of layers of the second unit is a third fabric layer. The lower surface of the waterproof layer is disposed directly adjacent the upper surface of the third fabric layer. The fastener permits selective-attachment of the first unit to the second unit. The fastener includes a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion. The first fastener portion is attached to the lower surface of the second fabric layer of the first unit. The second fastener portion is attached to the upper surface of the waterproof layer of the second unit.
For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary embodiment and in which:
It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments claimed herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
Referring again to
Preferably, the fabric cover 40 is generally rectangular in shape and is capable of covering at least a portion of the top surface of the mattress. Cotton piping (not shown) may be provided around the edges of the fabric cover 40. The fabric cover 40 is preferably made up of an upper fabric layer 42 and a lower fabric layer 44. The lower fabric layer 44 may include a polypropylene backing and the upper fabric layer 42 may be treated using a suitable stain resistant treatment. Fabric cover 40 may also include a skirt (not shown) to assist in securing it to the mattress. Quilting material 60 may be positioned between layers 42 and 44 to enhance the plushness of the fabric cover.
Continuing to refer to
In operation of the mattress cover 10 according to a first embodiment, the waterproof cover 20 may be secured to the mattress 12 by stretching the side skirt 22 around the side panels 16. If adding the fabric cover 40 is desired, it may then be zipped or otherwise attached to the waterproof cover 20. The mattress cover 10 may be removed from the mattress 12 either by first unzipping the fabric cover 40 or by simply pulling the waterproof cover 40 off the mattress (with the fabric cover 40 attached).
The operation of the second embodiment will now be described with reference to
Though the mattress cover 10 is described with regards to adult mattresses of any size, the present invention may be used with any type of bed upon which there is a mattress-like element. For example, the mattress cover 10 may be used with a futon, crib, hospital bed, geriatric care bed, or waterbed. Further, while in
While the above description provides examples of particular embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
This application claims priority from, and incorporates by reference the contents of, U.S. provisional patent application 61/012,637, filed Dec. 10, 2007.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20090144900 A1 | Jun 2009 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61012637 | Dec 2007 | US |